InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Brotherly Love ❯ Chapter 8

Disclaimer: Not my characters, no matter how strangely I make them behave.

 

Author Note: Aww, poor Sesshy! That wasn't how things were supposed to go! Let's see if we can give him some relief.

 

Slight Spoiler Warning for Manga chapter 491, but if you don't know who Shishinki is, it doesn't matter. It came out while I was typing and I didn't know how to remove it!

 

 

Brotherly Love 08:

 

The sunlight in her eyes finally woke her. Creeping toward consciousness, Kagome looked around in confusion, the memory of last night's events still hazy in her mind, until she saw her white-haired companion slumbering peacefully on the futon. O my God! Kagome thought, flushing bright pink with embarrassment, I slept with Inuyasha!

 

It had been a spur of the moment decision, and she wasn't sure how she felt about the whole thing anymore. She loved Inuyasha, didn't she? Yes, of course. That had been the whole point of the endeavor - to demonstrate her devotion and help Inuyasha feel at home in his new form. And it hadn't been a bad experience… but it hadn't been exactly what she was expecting either. Sitting up, Kagome wrinkled her nose and shifted the covers carefully. Her nose was able to detect far more scents now that she was an inu-youkai, and waking up on a grubby, smelly futon was not one of her favorite things to do. A bath was in order.

 

Quietly sliding her uniform on, she tiptoed toward the door, wondering if she had made the right decision. Inuyasha had felt so alone in his new body, betrayed by his brother, and she had been trying to help him accept the changes, but what about long-term effects of her actions? In the morning light, she felt far less sure of herself than the night before.

 

As she stood there thinking, the screen door slid back swiftly and silently in front of her, and a striped hand dragged her into the hallway before she could breathe. Eyes wide, Kagome lost her balance and fell against the very hard chest of a very angry taiyoukai. “Sesshoumaru?” she gasped, too startled for words, “What…?”

 

The elder demon narrowed his eyes, and Kagome felt a stab of fear trickle down her spine like ice water. If she had been groggy seconds before, she was certainly awake and paying attention now. In fact, she hadn't seen him this angry since Naraku tried to kill Rin, or since the time Shishinki told him he was an unwanted, worthless son of the family… But there was no reason for him to be upset at the moment, right? No deaths, no life-threatening situations, no salt being rubbed in old-wounds…

 

Without an explanation, Sesshoumaru clamped his hand over her mouth and pulled her down the hallway until they were a suitable distance away from the sleeping quarters. Then, releasing her without a warning, he threw her against one wall. Kagome collapsed in a heap, breathing heavily to make up for lost time.

 

“So, you think you can best me, miko?” growled the taiyoukai, towering over her.

 

“Um…” At a loss, Kagome fumbled for the right answers to this sort of question. What to say? She could correct him and point out that her name was `Kagome' not `miko,' but this might have unsavory results. Or she use this opportunity to test out her nifty, new youkai powers… But again, it might be unhealthy to fight Sesshoumaru. Going with outright denial, she met his eyes squarely. “What in the world are you talking about?”

 

He replied in a low voice, still seething with fury. “Your… actions… last night were hardly in the spirit of our agreement.”

 

Her response was immediate. Face heating up, and she crossed her arms over her chest defensively, before shrinking back against the wall. Blushing so greatly that even the tips of her ears and her neck went red, the miko mumbled bashfully, “Oh… um… you heard that, did you?”

 

At his curt nod, Kagome averted her eyes and tried to think of something, anything to say. How could this have happened? He wasn't supposed to hear them! The only thing worse than this would have been having her mother walk in while… Well, actually perhaps having Sesshoumaru for a witness was worse than her mother. At least her mother harbored some small affection for her, and she wouldn't have stared death in the face the next morning, only mortal shame.

 

How could she have forgotten about his sensitive hearing? He was a dog-demon after all; she should have known better. And even if he hadn't heard them, he could have smelled the room this morning and… Ah! Dying of embarrassment here! Kagome thought frantically, looking anywhere but at the taiyoukai.

 

Interrupting her thoughts (and directing them back where they rightfully should be), the taiyoukai knelt down and placed a claw under her chin. Kagome flinched and stammered out a weak apology. “Er… I'm sorry for… I didn't think you could…”

 

Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru grew ever more puzzled as he watched his captive miko squirm, attempting to avoid his attention. Was it supposed to pacify him, to know that she hadn't even considered the possibility of being overheard? That was the entire problem - he had been overlooked, passed over, and totally disrespected in his own household. And at least until a few moments ago, he had been legitimately angry with her, for taunting and deceiving him in such a fashion. Yet it seemed she really had no clue how their behavior had affected him. His anger gradually drained away, to be replaced by frustration once more.

 

Perhaps it was his disposition that kept people away from him. His mother had always been a cold, calculating sort too, and look where it had gotten her with Father. Perhaps he simply had to spell things out more clearly for the miko and his brother. But then, she had agreed to come here, after he had stated an interest in her… what more could be said? Still, he had always been bad with words. Maybe she didn't understand. If there was one thing he would not have minded inheriting from his father, it would have been his way with women.

 

For several long moments, they both held perfectly still, regarding one another with intensity. With Sesshoumaru this close to her, Kagome discovered his eyes weren't nearly as cold or commanding as she remembered. They were like liquid gold, brilliantly reflective, and she realized with some surprise that she quite liked them. Most of the time, she saw him from afar, and when he was nearby, she stood at eye-level with his armor, never giving him a fair perusal. The armor made him seem imposing - all spiky angles and lethal grace. But here, dressed in only a kimono, he looked smaller and softer.

 

Blushing again (or had it been continual since his earlier comment?), Kagome turned her head, removing it from his grasp, and reprimanded herself for ogling Inuyasha's elder brother in such a fashion. For a girl with little or no experience with sex, she managed to get caught in the weirdest situations… What was this, a love-triangle? If they called in Miroku and Kouga would an all-out battle for booty ensue? Of course it was impossible to believe the white haired demon could like her in that way. Over the years, he had never shown a hint of interest in anything human; she had always been far below his radar. She was used to being unnoticed by him, and it was creepy to imagine anything might have changed between them.

 

“I was… going to take a bath, but I um… don't know where to go?” she mumbled, desperate to change the subject. Anything was better than discussing the compromising behavior she and Inuyasha had engaged in last night. It was highly embarrassing.

 

The taiyoukai snuffled slightly, silently agreeing with her resolve. That should definitely be the next plan of action - removing all traces of Inuyasha's scent from her nice, fresh smelling skin. Although the intermingling scents were enticing in some ways… but no. First things first. And afterward, he would find a replacement for the green and white kimono she wore, clothing her in something more decent. Although, again, the outfit she currently wore was rather inviting…

 

Firmly clamping down on his wayward thoughts, the taiyoukai gathered her into his arms. “This isn't necessary,” she protested, with wide eyes. “I can walk.”

 

Sesshoumaru merely ignored her and strolled leisurely toward the bathhouses. He was very good at ignoring people when he chose not to hear them. The dark green cloth of her skirt contrasted with her pale thighs as she wriggled, trying to draw away from his chest. Finally, she poked him with her forefinger, succeeding in drawing his attention away from her legs. “Really, just point me in the right direction, I can find the room.”

 

He arched one brow and looked at her askance. She blushed and continued, “Because… it wasn't an open-ended invitation.”

 

Instead of releasing her, he drew her closer. It disturbed her that he could hold her up with only one arm, and it distracted her how clearly she could feel his silk sleeve against the backs of her bare thighs. Of all the bull-headed, stubborn, annoying people in the world, Inuyasha and his family members were the worst! How dare he try to imply she was inviting him to bathe with her? And it was really aggravating the way he made her feel frightened, embarrassed, angry and sexy all in the space of only ten minutes. It was completely unfair for him to have so much power over her.

 

He studied her face, as she moved through a wide range of emotions. Obviously the adage “ignore something long enough and it goes away,” didn't apply here. Ignoring her discontent wasn't making her feel any more at ease. Strange - it always worked with Rin. The little girl assumed if he was not bothered by something, then it wasn't worth noticing.

 

Renewing her resistance, Kagome struggled ineffectually against his embrace, until at last he set her down at the edge of the bathhouses. Glaring at him again, she quickly moved away a few steps. “Why are you doing this?” she asked, elaborating nervously before he had the chance to reply. “You and Inuyasha had just started to get along, you defeated Naraku together, and now…. I don't understand why you did this to him. Midoriko may have granted your wish, but why would you ask for such a thing?”

 

The question was unexpected. She was still more concerned for others than herself, an unusual personality trait, and one that bothered the usually unflappable taiyoukai more than he was willing to admit. How was he to ascertain her interest or intent when she refused to consider herself as an integral part of their group?

 

Maybe that was part of the problem. The miko had been fully human until a week ago, and as such she would not know about youkai customs or habits. Magnanimously, he decided to explain.

 

Gracefully sliding open one of the screen doors to the bathhouse terrace, Sesshoumaru motioned for the miko to follow. She hesitated, of course, but he purposefully ignored her discomfort and settled himself on stones outdoors, as though he had not a care in the world. Inside, he planned his phrasing carefully. He knew why he had wished for Inuyasha to become a female demon, but the key was expressing this in such a way that his miko did not take offence. From what he knew of her, she did this very easily.

 

Kagome gradually made her way outside, watching the taiyoukai for any sign of movement. There was no way she was taking a bath in front of him! And she really had wanted a bath, too. Maybe there was some inconspicuous area, farther away from here? Glancing around the enclosure, she saw to her delight that the bathhouse was really a courtyard. She had envisioned a tiny room with a cramped tub, much like in the future, but this was magnificent! Before her, the building turned at a right angle, and two sides of it surrounded a natural hot spring. Prudently planted shrubbery concealed bathers from the outside world, while allowing the hot spring to flow into the area and outward again on the other side of the hill. A small overhang of the ceiling kept the elements at bay, allowing people to relax in peace, out of the sun or the rain, whatever the weather might be that day. It was really quite nice. The only problem was the smell. Wrinkling her nose in distaste, she tried to block out the strong scent of minerals in the natural hot water. Amazing, what her human nose had failed to detect for so many years. Ah well. At least the waters weren't sulfurous.

 

Resting on a small boulder by the water's edge, she wondered if or when Sesshoumaru was going to answer her question. But at last he spoke, quietly and thoughtfully, and Kagome listened, captivated by the sound of his voice. His tone was so rich that it mellowed her out just to hear him speak. She slipped her feet in the water, and paid attention.

 

“Years ago,” he began, “When the Inu no Taisho so carelessly took a human mate, the dog-demon clan was sundered. Many sought to follow my Father, some from loyalty, others for his strength. But many were appalled by his actions and chose to break with the clan, making their own way in the world…

 

“Divided, our people grew weak, and our numbers dwindled,” continued the taiyoukai, observing his guest to watch her reaction. He had used the word `our' people, to imply that she was a part of the group now too, yet she seemed oblivious to this detail and stared at him with wide eyes instead, hoping for him to continue. Obviously, she had never considered the effect his Father had on other people, only how the old demon had affected her own particular, close-knit group. “When I stated that there were no available female inuyoukai left in Japan, this was no lie. But even more importantly, by taking the action I did, Inuyasha is no longer my half-brother. This way, Inuyasha will be able to rejoin our clan, and any mistakes my Father might have made will now be erased.”

 

As painful as it was to admit that his Father might have been, occasionally, in the wrong, he knew it was true. And apparently, so did the miko. With her sharp intake of breath, he could see the pieces clicking together in her mind. “So...” she murmured, “There can only be one alpha male in each… family?”

 

Her terminology was strange, but Sesshoumaru was pleased to see she had grasped the basic concept. “Each pack has only one male leader,” he agreed. “Other males must be subordinate or leave the group.”

 

Kagome giggled slightly at this, unable to envision a subordinate Inuyasha. His attitude embodied anything but polite, deferential behavior. Overall, the wish had a rather of twisted sense of logic to it. Legend said nothing good could come of wishing on the Shikon no Tama, unless the heart's desire was pure. And so far, their results had been a spectacular failure. But if this wish really meant Sesshoumaru was making the first overture to accepting Inuyasha back into the family… well, that was really good news! Maybe it was a pure wish after all! She couldn't wait to explain it to her friends.

 

“But of course,” the white demon intoned insidiously, “There is no limit to how many ladies a pack leader may acquire.”

 

“Ah?”

 

There was that look again - the way Kouga looked at her, only a million times worse. As if he could eat her with his eyes alone. She could feel her face heating up, even as she pretended not to notice what he had implied. “But… I thought there could only be one alpha male and one alpha female in most wolf packs?”

 

“Are you comparing me to a filthy ookami?” he growled. “This Sesshoumaru is a dog-demon.”

 

“No!” Kagome backpedaled, “What I meant was, I agreed to help you train Inuyasha… so if it's Inuyasha you want then…” Trailing off, she realized with horror that her babbling had only made the situation worse. She had just implied she would assist him in seducing his own family. Eww! She was supposed to be HELPING her best friend, not offering him up as a sacrifice to an evil elder brother!

 

Although Sesshoumaru didn't seem so evil at the moment, and his figure did seem rather impressive… And his hair was so handsome. It wasn't fair that someone could have such long, silky hair and still represent the epitome of masculinity.

 

Wait! What am I thinking? Shaking her head, Kagome turned away from her companion and pulled her feet out of the hot spring, preparing to rise. The moment she lifted one foot though, a hand closed around her wrist, catching her off balance, and for the second time of the day, she found herself tumbling into the taiyoukai's embrace. Only this time, a huge splash accompanied her, as she had fallen right into the spring.

 

She whirled to face him, determined to give him a piece of her mind for getting her clothing wet (she only had one outfit after all!), but when she saw his expression she couldn't find the words. Sesshoumaru, the ever-icy and controlled picture of ruthless perfection, was smiling. It wasn't a big grin, yet it was there, a small upturn of his lips. He was teasing her.

 

Well, two can play at that game, Kagome thought, determined to bring out the happier side of Sesshoumaru, now that she had seen it. Nobody deserved to be grim and serious all day long. Her goal for the moment - getting an honest to goodness smile onto that poker face of his. With a cheeky grin, she splashed him with water from the spring.

 

Instantly she found herself almost submerged in the water, her back against a rock. He restrained her hands, and leaned forward, nearly touching her nose with his. “Then,” he uttered huskily, “You will assist Inuyasha in reaching the proper decision?”

 

In such close proximity to the taiyoukai, her mind seemed to shut down entirely, so it took her a moment to comprehend what he said. When she did, she numbly shook her head in the negative. “He doesn't want you.”

 

This wiped the smirk clean from his face. Releasing her hands, he reached out and twirled his fingers through her hair, watching absently as it swirled in the water. “Even so, there is no other way to align him with the inuyoukai clan.”

 

Pondering the intricacies of fate, Kagome prayed she could accomplish something to help both her friends and the man before her. Strangely enough, she wanted to help him. After he had explained a little about dog-demon behavior, she had been forced to re-evaluate his stance. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. And she had always hoped the two brothers would learn to get along, becoming one family again… Instead of bemoaning his misfortune and the fact he was related to Sesshoumaru, wouldn't it be better for Inuyasha to reconcile with his family? Maybe the gods had provided him the way to do just that. But still, she wouldn't allow a relationship between these two, if Inuyasha didn't want it. This sort of thing had to start off slowly.

 

“What exactly is it that you need from him?” she asked, blushing furiously because she already suspected the answer.

 

The taiyoukai viewed her impassively, then dropped the biggest bombshell yet. “An heir.”

 

“What?!” she shrieked, thoroughly scandalized. “You need… a… an…”

 

“This Sesshoumaru does not repeat himself,” growled the white demon, annoyed at the loud scream that his miko had produced, in such close quarters. His ears rang from the force of it.

 

Seeing his expression change, Kagome immediately sobered. This changed everything! Inuyasha would never agree to have babies with his brother. Not that her previous idea had been very feasible either, but still… She switched gears. “Do you need an heir in general, or specifically from Inuyasha?”

 

Her eyes were huge in her face, displaying a mix of apprehension and guilt, and he wondered not for the first time how she could be so open. And then, the perfect plan fell into place. Surely, it could not be so simple. He had spent years trying to best his brother, somehow always failing to get his way, and now he would have it all.

 

“Only one is necessary. This Sesshoumaru chose Inuyasha for the aforementioned reasons, but perhaps you have a different idea?”

 

Kagome gulped heavily, knowing he had seen right through her. Even worse, that subtle smile was back. He tilted his head, as his lips descended to meet hers, and she stiffened, trying to remember what she had learned about this sort of thing from living in the modern world. Unfortunately, she had never gotten much experience with boys. Hojo was too polite, she was too shy, Inuyasha too reticent and Kouga too dense. She realized with alarm that this was technically her first kiss with a boy… unless one counted Inuyasha in his female form last night… which was sort of still a confusing topic to her…

 

She shook her head slightly and forced her mind to clear. It would do no good to think about Inuyasha while she was here with Sesshoumaru. They were different people and had to be treated as such. Closing her eyes, she shivered at the light touch of his lips on hers, feeling his breath ghost over her cheek, before he pulled away.

 

It had been such a sweet gesture that Kagome blinked in confusion. There now! That hadn't been bad at all. Just like kissing Inuyasha. How odd that her friends in the future made a huge deal out of…

 

Sesshoumaru sealed their lips together again with more force this time, pleased to have the miko's full attention at last. She squeaked in surprise and shrank back, although the stones behind her allowed no room to move. A tingling sensation rippled down her spine, sending shivers to her toes, as her partner quickly grew bolder. Scraping his claws through her hair, he pulled her forward to meet him, as the tip of his tongue slipped smoothly along the corner of her mouth, asking for entrance.

 

Perhaps she had formed an opinion too soon - kissing Sesshoumaru was nothing like kissing Inuyasha at all. Just as their personalities were completely opposite, so was their handling of women. Inuyasha had prefaced each move, each touch with a silent plea for permission, politely showing his concern for her. His elder brother showed no such qualms, however, and he seemed to know exactly what he wanted. With Inuyasha, she had been constantly worried about his feelings, how he was taking the situation, but with Sesshoumaru she thought she could afford to be a little selfish.

 

Relaxing into his hold, she felt his claws scratch her skin through the fabric of her uniform, as he slid his hand down her side, grasping her hip and drawing her forward to meet him. Kagome whimpered as she came into contact with his body, feeling her skin light on fire. They were both warm from standing in the hot springs, and his flesh felt scalding to the touch as she placed her hands tentatively on his chest. His skin was firm and soft, and she pouted at the injustice of it. She was a demoness now too, but she hadn't become automatically beautiful or fabulously toned like all other youkai she knew. It wasn't fair!

 

Already, her water-logged clothing felt heavy and her knees felt weak from an onslaught of sensation, but when he growled, feeling of her hands on his chest, she thought it might be the end of her. Blushing brightly, she dropped her head, embarrassed again. Was that a happy growl, or one showing vexation? It had sounded rather seductive.

 

He could feel her shudder against him and renewed his efforts to please his little miko. Truly, she was enchanting. The more heated her thoughts, the more her spiritual aura and her newly granted demonic energy rose, battling in the air around them as swirls of color before harmonizing again in her. As her fingers slid along the silk of his collar, Sesshoumaru bit back a groan. His grip tightened momentarily, as he imagined the pleasure to come, and the feel of her heat as he lay ensconced inside her, moving roughly against her… There was no question that she had understood and acquiesced to his demands, this time. After all, she was right here, in his embrace. Memorizing the way she felt in his hold, he dipped his head to explore her anew.

 

Her fangs were dainty but not delicate, as his tongue tripped over them roughly, pricking his flesh on their points. He didn't mind though. The sharp taste of his blood aroused her - moaning, she entwined her arms around his neck, threading her fingers into his hair, as he probed her mouth more deeply, demanding all her attention.

 

Kagome's concentration was rapidly scattering to the winds. She could no longer think analytically about how this experience differed from the one last night. Instead, she could hardly think at all. Melting into his kiss, she trembled as his lower body pressed into her, feeling the corrugated muscles of his abdomen against hers. Where Inuyasha had been far more interested in her chest, Sesshoumaru seemed fascinated by her waist, tracing lines of fire over her lower back and stomach with his claws. His tongue filled her mouth, the kiss suddenly demonstrative and aggressive as he brushed aside her skirt. The green cloth was so short, it was hardly a barrier at all; he merely had to trail one hand up the side of her leg, and then the insignificant thing was a problem no more.

 

She whimpered again at the sensation of his hand touching the back of her thigh, lifting her left leg over his hips, encouraging her to wrap it around him. The world felt off balance, and her head seemed to be stuffed with cotton, completely useless as he tucked one hand below her and lifted her out of the water, placing her on the side of the springs. Only the relative cold of the stones underneath her woke Kagome from her stupor. They were… He was seriously going to… he wanted to impregnate her, right here and now?!

 

With a frown, Kagome pushed on Sesshoumaru's shoulders, forcing him back into the spring. “Um… wait… you see… I think maybe you didn't understand,” she gasped, trying to bring the necessary oxygen back to her brain.

 

His expression darkened slightly, and he reminded her of their agreement, unwilling to allow her to slither out of this one. The demoness was tricky; he knew this from experience. “You agreed to bear my son,” he stated slowly, “ And to assist Inuyasha in coming to terms with his place in the pack. Will you go back on your word now?”

 

“Hey! I didn't actually agree!” protested Kagome angrily, crossing her arms over her chest. Unfortunately for her, it was nearly impossible to look threatening, while soaking wet, with her legs on either side of his figure.

 

Considering her statement carefully, the taiyoukai wrinkled his brow. Usually, when one held a woman wearing a short kimono (which did fabulous things for her legs), and said woman responded eagerly to any proffered advances, this meant only one thing. Complete and utter acceptance. But technically speaking, she was correct. She had not agreed to this deal verbally. But why did that matter, when she was so obviously enjoying herself, and he was clearly interested, and…

 

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and growled in frustration. Placing his hand against the small of her back, he dragged her hips against him with such force that she squeaked in alarm and placed her hands on his shoulders to keep from falling in the spring. Her blue eyes were wide with surprise, and she bit her lower lip as she looked down at him, worried for a moment that he was going to ignore her wishes and go ahead with his plans.

 

But seeing her fearful expression, he released her gradually, allowing her to sink into the spring beside him. Blushing as she slid down his body, she tried to stay as far away from him as possible within such close quarters. “Er… it's just that… It's not that I don't want to help you, it's just that I've never done this before, so I might need some time to think about this, and all…” she stuttered nervously. Falling back into her natural habit of wanting everyone to be happy, and to avoid upsetting those around her, she smiled at him shyly. He stilled at her admission and turned his head to one side, watching her curiously.

 

“Besides, those rocks look really uncomfortable,” she continued lamely. “And hard.”

 

Hiding a small smile in her hair, he decided her request was reasonable. At least she trusted him enough to spend time with him - and the miko had not denied him outright. If time to think was all she needed, then she would have it. Of course, he might attempt to influence her decision in the meantime. And there could be no more unruly, disobedient behavior like last night.

 

“Certainly,” he agreed mildly, “a futon would be more accommodating.”

 

“Um… that's sort of…”

 

“Before you retire tonight, miko, report to me and we shall discuss your decision.”

 

“Um… decision? I might need more than one day, you know,” Kagome responded.

 

“You may have as much time as you need,” he replied, “I merely wish to be informed of your progress.”

 

My progress? she wondered. It sounded a little bit fishy, but it was better than nothing, she supposed. And she probably would need a respite from Inuyasha's angry yelling once she told him about this morning's events… So, nodding, Kagome signaled her assent and breathed a sigh of relief as he left her alone, allowing her the privacy to finish her bath in peace.

 

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

 

 

A/N: Ah, the imaginary indoor hot springs in Sesshoumaru's imaginary castle. How many times have you read about this scene in Inuyasha fanfiction?

Never! You're so original, aimdiscord!

Five or six times. Yawn. Where's the next story?

This makes 100+. Please stop or we will throw rotten tomatoes at your fanfiction.

As of February 2007, over 69,000 Inuyasha fanfics exist on this site. You do know the odds are against an original idea, right? Boo!