InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Allies with Benefits ❯ Savor it while you can ( Chapter 11 )

Allies with Benefits

Chapter 11: Savor it while you can.

“I can't believe I've been here a week.”

He `Hmmm'd' in response and Kagome sunk further into the spring, trying to determine what he was tracing on her back. Whatever it was, it felt lovely and she wished she could sit in the warm waters with him forever. She didn't know what she was going to do once they left. She'd gotten so used to life at the fortress, she didn't want to go back to traveling. It was nice to not have to worry for one's safety every five minutes and just be able to relax. I wonder how long it will take for him to get fed up with interruptions again and bring me back.

“I don't want to go back,” she whispered, admitting it to herself as much as to him.

“Hnnn,” His fingers drifted up into her hair and she promptly melted. She had never admitted it to anyone, but she loved having her hair played with. Sesshoumaru though, was far too observant for her own good and had discovered this little tidbit within a few weeks of the start to their little midnight rendezvous, and he definitely used it to his advantage. “While I am not sorry to see the end of the gathering, I too am reluctant to return to the forest.”

“Privacy,” Kagome said, nodding in agreement.

“Indeed.”

“I almost wish Inuyasha would find out about us. At least then we wouldn't have to hide. I just worry about his reaction.”

“We shall deal with that when the time comes.” His nimble fingers scratched lightly at her scalp, easing her tension as he nibbled lightly at her shoulder. She could tell he was trying to direct her thoughts elsewhere, but her brain refused to cooperate.

“He's such a pain sometimes. He acts like I'll die as soon as I leave his sight.” He snorted and the strange sound made her turn. “What?”

“Inuyasha is a fool,” he said simply. “He doesn't want to admit you have surpassed him.”

“Really?” She couldn't keep the excitement from her voice. She halfway wondered if he was teasing her, but his expression was matter of fact as usual. “Do you really think so?”

His expression turned to one of sheer boredom and Kagome was sure he was trying to restrain himself from scolding her. “Kagome, your arrow sent every visiting youkai fleeing home days earlier than planned.”

“Wow, really?” She'd wondered why the castle had emptied so quickly. She had thought the visiting lords would be here all week, but the last one had left two days earlier. She hadn't dwelt on it much though since it meant she got to spend more time with Sesshoumaru. Still, it was rather shocking to find so many youkai feared her. She knew she was strong, but she was alone. The youkai of the fortress could easily overwhelm her if they chose to. Then again, she was also here at Sesshoumaru's request and she knew none of them dared cross him.

“So,” she ventured, trailing her fingers along the muscles of his upper arm. “Basically they agreed to anything you said just to get away faster?”

“You're not wrong.”

She couldn't help the smile that consumed her face. “They were really scared of me?”

He nodded. “I meant to thank you actually. I loathe the tedium of the gatherings. To have it end early was exceptionally nice.”

She giggled. “Well, you're welcome.”

They sat in companionable silence for a while, Kagome's mind reeling with the massive compliment he'd just bestowed upon her. He took up his tracing of her back again and Kagome again wondered what he was doing. The gentle ghosting of his claws upon her skin was slowly putting her brain to sleep, but she shook it off. This was their last night together and there was no way she was going to sleep it away. “I can't wait to tell Kaede.”

“Tell her what?”

“She's been trying to get me caught up on my training since I technically never had any when I was learning the first time. I can't wait to tell her the leaders of the youkai world fled rather than stay in the same building with me!”

“You are self taught?” He paused in his ministrations and she could tell she'd surprised him, maybe even impressed him.

“For the most part,” she replied, nodding slightly, absentmindedly playing with the water surrounding them. “I mean, Kaede helped me whenever she could, but we weren't in the village much. And when we were, I usually went home to try and get caught up at school.”

“Sometimes that is better. You were able to learn what worked for you instead of using the techniques of others. Either way, your skills are very effective.”

Kagome blushed, unsure how to react to such a compliment. As far as she could tell, Sesshoumaru never complimented anyone and yet he'd complimented her twice in a matter of minutes. If she was honest with herself, the oddness of it made her a little uneasy. She'd never seen this side of him, and now that she had she wasn't sure what to think of it. He seemed to notice her unease, pulling her around to straddle his lap.

“Enough talk,” he rumbled, his lips descending once more to her neck. Kagome giggled at his deft change of topic, knowing he'd done it for her benefit. Sesshoumaru may be a man of few words, but he knew how to get his point across. She wondered what they would do now. They could hardly run back to the fortress every time they wanted to see each other. Inuyasha had already noticed Sesshoumaru was hanging around more than usual. Up till now, she'd been able to pass off his presence by reminding the hanyou that Rin was staying with Kaede now, but even Inuyasha's irrational mind could only be fooled for so long. Eventually he would find out. They would just have to be ready for his reaction, no matter how terrible it was.

Sesshoumaru nipped at her shoulder a little harder than usual, clearly noticing her mind was not focused on the task at hand. She felt a jolt of shock as she realized this might be their last moment alone for quite some time. Her body igniting with want, she pulled him up for a soul searing kiss, determined to make the most of the little time they had left together. Growling in approval, he wrapped his arm around her hips and pulled them from the spring. Kagome cupped her hands to his face, refusing to let go even as he laid them down on the cool stone floor. His eyes locked with hers and she felt his hand trail up her body slowly, taking his time to fondle her breasts almost reverently and Kagome wondered if he too realized this moment might be their last for who knows how long.

Hours later, when they finally made it to his futon, Kagome sat up wondering just when the taiyoukai sleeping so peacefully beside her had become more than just a fuck buddy. It was too late to try and deny it. She'd found herself seeking him out more and more merely for his company more and more as the week progressed. And given how many times he'd found reasons to pop in and check on her during the day, even if it was just to sit with her while she instructed Rin, she couldn't help but think he was beginning to think more of their relationship as well. He'd definitely gone out of his way to make sure she was comfortable and well cared for. Who would have thought Sesshoumaru would be such an attentive lover. He had never once left her unfulfilled and was quick to reassure her, in his own way, that she was not some simple plaything there for his amusement. Forcing herself to be honest with herself once again, she had to admit this development was not a recent one. She wondered how she ever could have thought they were only doing this for the sex.

“What's wrong?” he mumbled, making her jump slightly. She hadn't realized he was awake.

“Just thinking,” she replied, shrugging.

He sat up slightly, supporting himself on his elbow. His eyes were still half-closed with sleep, but she could tell he was completely focused on her. “What could possibly be so important you need to fight sleep to think about it?”

She shook her head dismissively, not wanting him to think anything was wrong, but just then a jaw popping yawn escaped her, revealing how tired she really was.

Suddenly he was completely awake, his expression one of concern as he sat up fully to face her. “I will deal with Inuyasha when the time comes,” he said softly, reaching to caress her face. Kagome reveled at how easily he'd guessed her thoughts.

“I know.” She turned her head into his touch, taking comfort in the gentle way he held her. “My brain is just silly I guess.”

He scoffed quietly, gently pulling her down to lay beside him. “Tell your brain you need sleep.”

She giggled, not missing this further proof the taiyoukai cared for more than just how she could make him feel. He knew she was worried, but in his own way he was telling her not to. His reassurance that he would stand by her when their relationship was discovered eased her mind and Kagome allowed herself to finally drift off to sleep, taking comfort in the safety she felt nestled against him.

~~~~~~

I should be enjoying this. Kagome thought to herself, unable to stop the frown that consumed her expression as they glided gently through the air on Sesshoumaru's youki cloud. It wouldn't be long now until they reached the village and Kagome could tell neither of them were looking forward to what was to come. Kagome kept snuggling further and further into his lap the closer they got, and she couldn't help but notice their speed dropped considerably with each moment even though they were still at least half an hour from the well. They were hoping to pass off suspicion of arriving at the same time by passing Sesshoumaru's presence off as being there only to drop off Rin - but Kagome had to admit, a tiny part of her was hoping someone would see them arrive. That way she'd be able to turn right back around and return to the fortress. This morning, she'd awoken to the feeling of his lips upon her neck and it had taken all of her willpower to force herself to get up.

She was at a loss about what she would do once he left. She'd grown so accustomed to his presence over the past week; it would feel weird to be without him. Plus, she had not been able to figure out how to make Sasune realize her life's dream was to follow Kagome around the country as her own personal chef. She giggled as she imagined the fire elemental carrying the entire kitchen around on her back.

“What are you thinking about?” he inquired, being sure not to wake the young girl sleeping beside them.

“That Sasune would have trouble getting the hibachi through the forest without snagging it on all the trees.” She spun in his arm, giggling at the confused look on his face. “Kaede's a decent cook sure enough, but she's got nothing on Sasune. I want to kidnap your cook.”

“Hnnn, her daughter might not like that arrangement.”

“Oh, right.” Kagome frowned again, momentarily thrown off by this statement. But the memory of the bubbly toddler Sasune had introduced her to made her next thought simple. “Well, she can come too! The more the merrier!”

“I will be sure to pass that along.” His eyes were twinkling again and Kagome's mood once more turned south.

“I don't want to go back,” she half-pleaded, unsure of what she wanted, but knowing she didn't want this moment to end.

His expression was unreadable as he brought their momentum to a complete stop and descended into a small clearing. He deposited Rin in a pile of leaves and then motioned Kagome towards the trees. She nodded and he picked her up, jumping high into the boughs of a nearby oak. The sight brought back memories of their first time together and Kagome giggled.

“A tree again? Well, I'm all for it, but Rin might hear us.”

He chuckled and for a moment she thought he was truly considering it, but then his expression grew serious. “Not today. Today we talk.”

“Oh, right,” she said, suddenly wishing they were back in the air with Rin.

“Hnnn, are you still worried about the halfwit?”

“Don't call him that!” she replied automatically. “And no, I just don't want to have to wait on him to leave every time we want some privacy. Now that I've disappeared for so long, he's not ever going to let me out of his sight. He's probably already suspicious.”

“Wouldn't he think you went home? Your scent will have ended at the well and that is where I am returning you.”

She shook her head, realizing he didn't know the portal worked for Inuyasha as well. “He can get through the well too. He'll know I didn't stay there.” His expression darkened slightly and she wondered if he was jealous of Inuyasha or merely wondering how they would get around this problem. Deciding to voice the thought that had been nagging at her all morning, she said “What if we had an accomplice?”

His eyebrow quirked in confusion as he considered her plan. She could almost see his brain working as he said, “One of your friends?”

She nodded. “I've been thinking about it. I'm pretty sure Sango would help us. She's been pestering me for a while now. I'm pretty sure she knows I've been seeing someone even if she doesn't know it's you.”

She stroked his wrist, her fingers trailing along his stripes. He growled his appreciation and she interlocked his fingers with her own, enjoying the rightness of the feeling. His claws gleamed white and deadly in the fading light and she found herself tracing one lightly. He was so deadly, his every being bred for destruction and yet he was nothing but gentle with her….unless she didn't want him to be.

“Do you think we can trust her?”

“Hmm?” She looked up, momentarily forgetting their conversation. “Oh yeah, Sango will understand. She's been telling me for years to ditch Inuyasha. I'm not saying it won't be a shock, but I think I can explain it well enough so she understands.”

“Very well, we can try.” His fingers tightened around hers and she laid her head on his shoulders, savoring the moment. She knew their relationship couldn't stay hidden much longer, but as he dipped his head down to kiss her, Kagome's found she didn't care. Who cared what the future held so long as they had more moments like this. No matter what the outcome their revelation caused, Sesshoumaru wasn't going to let it stop him. Of that she was certain.