InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Healing a TaiYoukai ❯ Chapter Three ( Chapter 3 )

Healing a Taiyoukai
-By: MuteShadow
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Disclaime r: I, MuteShadow, do not own InuYasha. Any InuYasha related items are strictly owned by Rumiko Takahashi and her producers/lawyers.

Author's Note: This fanfiction was originally written by SilentAngel [Selena Bervaidous]. The plot, ideas and story belong to her.

WARNING: Sexual Situations (Lemons, Lime etc..), Language, Gore/Violence and angst.

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I look eagerly forward to soaking in my bath after this chapter. I thank everyone for their lovely reviews and kind ratings. I hope I continue to earn them. I am looking forward to writing the lemon. Yet I will wait. I will not rush this story and throw it together, It takes times and creativity to place these two characters together realistically which I plan to do.

As for those who are impressed with my ability in the English language, English is a required class in Japan. We must take it. Some can choose after school to continue learning it [which I have done]. I have taken two university courses on English and it aids that I have a wonderful online spellchecker and an old fashioned dictionary to aid me in my writing.

Thank you to all for your reviews/ratings. I look forward to reading more of them.

Read, Rate and Review;

-MuteShadow

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Chapter Three
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Pain - absolute and utter pain. A moan broke from her dry lips, the whispery sound breaking the tense silence. Kagome raised her cool, soft fingers to her temples, massaging the sides of her cranium in an attempt to soften or perhaps miraculously cure herself of the migraine plaguing her over-wrought mind. Fixing her attention to the text book beneath her, the priestess scowled.

Algebra, trigonometry and all the mathematical wonders of the world lay spread out before her, the foolscap papers, text book and a random calculator proof of her three hour attempt to complete her homework. Sighing, Kagome closed the text book and propped herself on her elbows, her tired sapphire eyes scanning the make-shift camp site for any sort of amusement.

Shippou and Kirara were chewing on treats she had given them earlier this morning for helping her with the breakfast dishes, their tiny faces bright as they nibbled on the tasty delights. Sango was sitting beside Miroku, yet again, arguing over their wedding that would occur after Naraku was destroyed and Japan set free of all evil. Kagome flinched when Sango smacked Miroku who had obviously used the argument to sneak a fondle of his love's pert derriere.

Shaking her head, the girl sighed. She was tired, bored and stressed. Her exam was in only several days and yet she had found no time to relaxe and study as was her plan a week ago. Sesshoumaru continued to be an icy thorn in her foot, InuYasha constantly complaining about Sesshoumaru and the fact she had not peacefully slept in three nights did not settle well with the distraught girl.

As she chewed on the end of her H2 pencil, the miko turned her attention to said inu brothers. A frown instantly placed itself on her lush, pink lips when she viewed the two brothers doing what they did best; showing their animosity for one another. InuYasha sat rigidly on the ground, a good fifteen meters away from Sesshoumaru's chosen tree, his golden eyes fixed on his older brother's frigid amber pair. Sesshoumaru's face remained stoic as he returned the stare, his amber eyes bland, his face neutral.

Gold met gold as the two half brothers tried to stare one another down, never blinking.

Kagome watched the ridiculous silent battle and shook her head sadly. 'And they say they're not related.' she thought wistfully.

"Hentai!" Sango screamed, making Kagome jump in surprise.

Slap.

The ear-splitting, ringing sound of the taijya's fist meeting the lecherous monk's face did not disturb the two brothers. Neither brother left each other's gaze as Miroku fell on the ground, a happy grin plastered on his handsome face. Kagome blinked in surprise. It seemed InuYasha and Sesshoumaru were in their own world, both trying to out-stare the other to be able to claim victory.

Frowning, Kagome turned her attention to Miroku and Sango. They were much more amusing then watching InuYasha grimace as if he were highly uncomfortable and Sesshoumaru appear as he always did; stoically perfect.

Watching the monk prop himself on his back by his elbows, his hand fondly rubbing his bruised, red cheek, she heard him sigh,

"Ah Sango-koi! How soft your palm is! Is it possibly as soft as your-"

Smack.

The echoing sound made Kagome wince. Seeing Miroku smile dizzily as he fell to the ground again, Kagome could only stare at the monk in bewilderment. Did Miroku derive some sort of physical pleasure from being beaten by Sango? Was it a perverse physical pleasure he enjoyed by Sango's hand? Kagome shuddered. She could never imagine a person being aroused by being beaten. Sango stomped away from the innocently smiling monk, her pretty face swollen and red from her anger. Kagome couldn't help but smile and softly giggle at the comical scene.

'I could make lots of money by videotaping these two.'

Shaking her head and intending to leave Miroku and Sango to their private affairs, the miko placed down her pencil. Yawning, Kagome stood up and stretched lazily, raising her arms in the air and cracking her small back to try and relive some of the pressure on it. Her body loose after the stretch, she walked towards Sesshoumaru and InuYasha, determined to stop their annoying silent battle. Stepping over her books, the miko glanced down at the kanji and math problems.

'Mou but I have been at this homework for forever! It should be illegal for giving out math homework for the weekends.' she thought to herself wryly.

Sighing, she continued her stride to the brothers. Entering the staring space between them, catching both their attention, she glared at both of them, her sapphire eyes narrowing. InuYasha scowled at the girl, his golden eyes flashing as he yelled at her to move. Sesshoumaru however coolly dismissed her and looked to his side at a nearby ladybug that had happen started to crawl upon his fury tail.

Frowning at Sesshoumaru's cold disregard of her [she was still annoyed by his constant ignorance of her even after three days of her caring for him], the miko turned to the biggest problem in the camp in the form of a jealous half-breed. Stepping towards him, easily crossing the space with her long legs, Kagome stood before him sentinel-like, and her beautiful face set into a grim expression.

"InuYasha will you stop trying to rouse a fight with Sesshoumaru?" she demanded firmly.

InuYasha looked up at the girl, a snarl on his lips. For three fucking days he had watched Kagome lavish Sesshoumaru with her undivided attention. For three days she had changed his bandages, attempted to hold a conversation with him [which didn't work at all since the demon only gave small 'yes' 'no' answers and all together ignored her] and practically worshipped him. During these few days, InuYasha would feel his stomach lurch, his heart twist and his blood boil heatedly. His patience was at its end, his anger at its tip and his claws trembling with the need to tear apart a certain taiyoukai.

What truly sent his fury to its peek was when Sesshoumaru would sense his fury and the bastard would only look up at him, raise a silver brow or cast an arrogant, haughty look to him then murmur something to Kagome.

He deliberately went out of his way to rile InuYasha. InuYasha knew this and it only made his blood lust stronger.

InuYasha was beyond trying to fight Sesshoumaru. If that bastard made one move towards Kagome or continued to act as if he owned the place, the hanyou was going to kill his high-almighty ass half-brother and wouldn't give two rat asses what Kagome had to say about it after.

"InuYasha did you hear me?" Kagome demanded impatiently.

"Keh. How couldn't I hear your annoying voice?" The hanyou muttered as he glared at a seemingly interesting rock by his foot.

Kagome felt her heart twist at the cruel comment. Her left fist clenching angrily, the girl scowled at the hanyou. "You don't have to be mean to me, InuYasha! I haven't done anything wrong!" she snapped.

InuYasha glowered up at the girl. "You fucking brought the living ice man here didn't you? You're fucking healing the prick that always fucking attacks me, aren't you?" he hissed.

Kagome went silent. She did not have a retort for any of this. The anger and hurt in InuYasha's eyes struck her heart like a barbed spear, causing her to tremble physically from emotional distress. Her look softening, her fist unclenching, she kneeled on the ground before him. Staring into his expressive golden eyes, Kagome sighed.

"InuYasha, I can't help it. I need to help Sesshoumaru. He is an ally to us and link to Naraku's defeat. We have already lost Kikyou. We don't need to lose anyone else." The girl whispered.

InuYasha visibly stiffened at the mention of Kikyou. Kagome noticed the swift reaction to the dead miko's name and instantly regretted mentioning her. Her blue eyes showing her regret, she reached out her hand towards InuYasha's claw, intending to grasp it comfortingly. InuYasha yanked his claw away from her, giving the girl a furious glance. Standing up, he turned his back to her, ignoring the scent of her tears. His heart aching, InuYasha knew he needed some time alone. Bunching the muscles in his legs, he leapt off the ground and continued to make his way away from the priestess, jumping from tree branch to tree branch, setting much distance between him, the camp and its annoying occupants.

Kagome watched InuYasha speed away from her. A tear trickling down her cheek, she wiped the small water droplet away, her watery blue eyes watching the crimson figure disappear into the shadows of the forest. Standing up, she turned to see Sesshoumaru looking at her, his amber eyes cool. Kagome met those amber gems and could not help but feel a bit comforted. It was odd to feel comforted by a taiyoukai whom apparently regarded you as a menial creature and on occasion voiced his opinion of your race with venom.

It was even odder to derive any sort of pleasure from his icy company. He never made an attempt to be kind or even polite to her. Yet Kagome found herself growing accustomed to Sesshoumaru's indifferent disposition. Tilting her head to the side, Kagome continued to stare at the taiyoukai who in turn did so to her, pondering him and his less then exemplarily personality and, admittedly, admiring his beauty.

Sesshoumaru had pretended to not notice the argument between the hanyou and the miko yet his curiosity had persuaded him to watch when he had been mentioned. He had seen InuYasha leave the priestess who had attempted to breach the boy only to fail. He had smelt the salty tinge to her sakura scent, marking her distress that had outwardly made itself known in the form of her tears. Sesshoumaru had felt a curious twinge of anger directed towards the half-breed at the moment. Not that he was surprised at the negative emotion being directed from him towards his half-brother. He was always angry and venomous towards the hanyou but this time, he was angry at the half-breed over the human.

Sesshoumaru had felt the want to hit his brother over the ningen; not because he was a hanyou, not because he was a pile of filth marring Sesshoumaru's status and a disgrace to the family.

No. He had felt the uncomfortable moment of anger because of the hanyou's treatment of the girl and the rise of sorrow he had caused out of the miko. A small frown forming on his pale lips, Sesshoumaru's eyes slanted angrily. How could he even consider being concerned over the wench? She was InuYasha's bitch; her worth already bellow that of a maggot by being affiliated to the half-breed. If she was not already at the status of a maggot by having a relation with the abomination [his half-brother] then she truly met the worth of dirt due to her human ancestry.

Sesshoumaru felt himself growing annoyed. He did not like dwelling on the miko for more then a nano-second. It was disturbing to him that he would even consider her status in life when she was apparently beneath his feet. He did not find himself accepting with the fact he was questioning her relationship with the half-breed. Removing the frown from his lips, he effortlessly placed a neutral mask upon his face. He could not help, however, the tightness around the corners of his mouth, the slight furrowing of his slim silver brows or the slanting of his golden-flecked eyes. All outward hints to his growing annoyance.

Kagome finally stepped forward, tired of the staring match and her mind wandering around on the taiyoukai. Standing before him, she noticed the slight hints of Sesshoumaru's anger. Cautiously, she said, "It is time to change your bandages, Sesshoumaru-sama. There will only be one more change after dinner before night time."

Sesshoumaru looked at the human wench impassively, his golden eyes harder than any artic glacier. "If you insist." he stated in his velvet-smooth voice, his bored expression staying in place.

Exhaling in relief that her head wasn't being bitten off by the demon Lord, she took out her medical kit and kneeled beside him. Taking his hoari off carefully, Kagome was met with the smooth expanse of perfection again.

'Mou! I will never get this picture out of my mind!' she sighed within, blushing at her thoughts.

Sesshoumaru looked from the corner of his eye at the blushing miko. Humans were such modest creatures. Though it disgusted him to know the priestess was thinking of himself and his body, he found it entertaining to watch her face turn different shades of reds that could only be found in the eastern sky.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, are you cold?" Kagome asked in concern as she shivered.

The moisture in the air was chilly and the miko was shocked that Sesshoumaru could sit in one place without growing icicles.

Sesshoumaru glared at the ningen, annoyed with her question. Did she truly think he was weak enough to be affected by a trivial thing such as the weather? "I, Sesshoumaru, do not get cold." he declared monotonously.

Kagome nodded, hiding her doubt of his words. 'And the sun isn't hot.' She thought chewing the inside of her cheek.

Folding the shirt neatly beside her, she placed the two different shirts to the side, intending to wash them later. She had luckily brought a stain remover that rid of blood stains quite well. Over the years she had been injured, her clothes had sadly been affected by her wounds as well. It had taken a year to find a decent blood-stain remover but she had found one. She would use it on Sesshoumaru's hoari and clean it for him later.

"Well then, since you can't get cold, Sesshoumaru-sama, you will have to go bare chest for the rest of the day until I wash your hoari and rid of the blood stains." The girl said as she slowly peeled the bloodied bandages off of his chest.

Ignoring the flaming pain at the feeling of his scabs being torn off, Sesshoumaru watched her cleanse his wound. The girl worked tenderly on him, confusing the silent demon with her soft, tender treatment. His eyes hardening, Sesshoumaru sneered at the thought of the priestess being tender with him.

"You do not have to be so careful with me, miko. I am not weak like the hanyou." he stated calmly as he continued staring up into the sky, watching the clouds roll by lazily.

Shocked, Kagome stilled her hand and looked up from her work at the taiyoukai. Her blue eyes softening to a beautiful ocean blue, Kagome gave the demon a small smile.

"I do not want to hurt you, Sesshoumaru-sama. I wish to heal you swiftly so you can get back to Rin, the little girl who follows you around. Besides, we don't need Naraku getting anymore powerful and have a missing taiyoukai, ne?" she explained softly as she carefully applied a cool, skin healing poultice on the large wound on his chest.

His eyes widening in surprise only by a miniscule of a fraction, then returning to their narrowed look, Sesshoumaru glanced at the girl from the corner of his eye. "Why would you think this Sesshoumaru wants to see a ningen child?" He asked in a monotonous tone in his deep voice, the tone holding a cool edge.

The girl looked up at the youkai, her blue eyes pinning his amber pair efficiently with the innocence and faith in the stunning orbs.
"She needs you." The miko stated simply before she then turned her attention to his abdominal injury, re-applying new medicine and bandages.

Silence deafened the space between the two different individuals, both lost in their thoughts of each other. One curious of the other's true self, the other questioning the other's worth. Blushing, Kagome kept bent her head down, her ebony tresses falling around her face as she began working on bandaging his abdomen. Turning his eyes away from the girl, Sesshoumaru scowled.

The girl was right. He knew Rin needed his attention and aid. It's not like he cared for the human child, he merely was amused by her and her odd antics. She was a pet of sorts. Looking down at the ningen currently caring for him, the demon Lord frowned imperceptibly, the small down turning of his sensuous, pale lips the only clue to his inner thoughts. How did this girl see Rin's need for him? How did she even know of the child? Sesshoumaru grew uncomfortable. If this girl could see Rin's need for him, what else could her eyes see?

The demon Lord felt annoyance creep into him again. This girl was doing it again. She was making him curious of her. He was growing aggravated with his constant questions of this miko. She had appeared simplistic; annoying, talkative and dull. A common human. Yet her small bit of intelligence and wisdom was causing the taiyoukai to linger over her in his mind. It was something he did not enjoy in the least.

Hearing her cough, he watched the miko stand up, nervously spreading her short green kimono.

"There. I will see you later, Sesshoumaru." She said pleasantly, a bright smile appearing on her, shockingly, somewhat attractive face.

Nodding, Sesshoumaru closed his eyes amber eyes. He would take a rest now. He did not feel the need to rest it was simply basic knowledge rest would aid the body to heal faster. Kagome watched the youkai's chest fall and rise contently. Smiling softly as she watched in awe at his beauty as he slept, Kagome felt her heart twist at the still lingering grey hue to his skin. He was not healing fast enough. Kagome felt her stomach drop. She had never failed at healing someone. But now that she saw Sesshoumaru was still in need of the blood despite her best efforts, the miko felt failure make itself known to her in a painful state of remorse.

Sighing, she turned and slowly walked to Sango. Sitting beside the concerned slayer, she whispered,

"He's not healing completely. It seems he still needs the blood."

Sango sent an apologetic glance to her sister-figure. She knew Kagome had been hopeful of aiding Sesshoumaru and had watched the girl for three days dedicate herself to healing him. Yet the girl was unable to heal him completely. It was sad to see Kagome faced with her first time small failure in medicine. Rubbing Kagome's back sympathetically, Sango nodded.

"Hai. I could tell from my distance he did. Kagome-chan, how dedicated are you towards healing Sesshoumaru?" The tajiya asked hesitantly.

Kagome looked at the older girl. "I would do anything to help him, Sango." she stated honestly.

Sango was taken back by the honesty in Kagome's sapphire eyes, the ring of truth in her soft voice. The taijya was stunned to say so in the least.

"Doushite?" she could not help but ask.

Kagome looked down at her ugly brown shoes. "He is needed by many, Sango. He is a Lord of the Western lands; many youkai live on his land and depend on him for protection and living. The ningen child, Rin, idolizes him. Then there is the whole matter with Naraku. Sesshoumaru is one of the strongest allies we can have."

Kagome paused, thinking over what she had said.

"I know if Sesshoumaru's died, many lives would be changed for the worse."

Sango weighed Kagome's reasons mentally and nodded. The miko was right. Sesshoumaru was an important figure for many lives in Japan - including theirs. Glancing at Kagome, the taijya fidgeted nervously.

"Kagome I remembered an old healing practice taijya and ally youkai used to perform to help a youkai in Sesshoumaru's position." she began slowly.

Kagome blinked and pinned Sango with a hopeful stare. "Really? I will do whatever I can, Sango!" she declared passionately.

Sango sighed. "I feared as such." The older girl said wistfully.

Looking into the hopeful blue eyes Sango couldn't help but pity Kagome. The girl was cursed with an innocence so rare, a plaguing kindness that always resulted in her downfall. The taijya knew being a kind soul was good but Kagome was painfully sweet. She always was hurt in the end. Sango knew it would be no different this time. Sesshoumaru could care less about Kagome then he would InuYasha. The healing method she was about to refer to Kagome could very much endanger the girl's life. Shaking her head, the slayer exhaled sadly. She knew Kagome would accept the healing method with out a second thought.

"Kagome... You may give Sesshoumaru your own blood." Sango stated.

Kagome gaped in shock. Her blood? Frowning, the miko shook her head. "But I'm a priestess-"

"Exactly." Sango interrupted.

Kagome's brow furrowed. "I don't quite understand..." She trailed off.

Sango nodded. "Back in times when taijya had youkai allies, it was a very short period of time, they would bring a miko to the village and have her give their blood. The poison in Sesshoumaru's arm can be purified by your blood and due to the healing powers in it; it will heal his arm and possibly re-grow his other in a matter of a week." Sango glanced at Kagome. "However it is a very dangerous method. Priestesses have been known to die from this technique."

"Why?" Kagome asked.

"Every time a miko draws blood, she places a bit of her spirit into it to protect the demon's ki from being purified." Sango answered softly, her brown eyes shinning with concern.

Kagome sat quietly, considering Sango's words. Sango placed her hand on Kagome's and quickly said,

"You do not have to, Kagome! We can speak to InuYasha and-"

"No, it's okay. I have to do this. It will not work any other way." Kagome whispered. Bringing her pained gaze to the distraught slayer's she shook her head. "He will not help Sesshoumaru. I will have to do this if I wish to save Sesshoumaru's life."

Sango felt regret hit her conscience. She wished she had never told Kagome of this method. She should have known the miko would take it up if it meant helping another. Looking into the girl's earnest face, Sango whispered,

"Fine, Kagome. I will not stop you but will aid you in it. But please...." Sango raised tortured eyes to Kagome. "If you begin to die, promise me you will stop."

Kagome stared into those soft chocolate eyes and gave a small smile to reassure her. "Hai, Sango-nee-san. I promise."

Sango smiled and exhaled, appeased for now. She had Kagome's word. It was the best she could do. Standing, the taijya frowned.

"How will we get Sesshoumaru to drink your blood? He would not do so willingly." Sango said.

Kagome looked thoughtful for a moment then smiled. "I will put it in his food and mask the taste and scent of it with a simple masking spell Kaede taught me a year ago. I've mastered it pretty well so I should be able to do it." The miko explained.

Sango nodded thoughtfully. "That would be fine, Kagome. We can only hope that Sesshoumaru will trust you enough to not use his powers to try and break the spell. He will be furious if he thinks you were trying to poison him." The slayer cautioned slowly.

Kagome agreed. "He does not like me, Sango, but I believe he trusts me a bit. I will just have to continue doing what I am to help keep that bit of trust I have with him."

The girls looked at one another and smiled. Standing, they walked to the middle of the camp, making preparations. They would meet at night, Sango rousing Kagome [Sango was a light sleeper where as Kagome had a bit of trouble waking up]. They would use one of Kagome needles to extract half a cup of blood [Kagome paled at hearing the quantity] and water it down with some water so it would not be thick and visibly detectable in the food.


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As the sun began to set, InuYasha finally tumbled into the camp, disheveled and still angry. His bad temperament was becoming contagious through the camp. Shippou was moody and withdrawing from everyone, his emerald eyes snapping angrily for no apparent reason. Kirara was testy as well, having already distanced herself from Shippou and planting herself comfortably beside Sango. Sango and Miroku were arguing, a rare occurrence, and no longer on speaking terms.

Kagome stared at her comrades in shock, hurt at their revolving personalities. Malice and anger were contagious negativity and now currently prohibited any life and happiness in their small clearing. Glancing at InuYasha, Kagome could not help but feel angry herself towards him. He had caused the sour mood for everyone with his constant swearing, badgering, complaining, snotty remarks and threats. He was a thorn in their sides and kept pricking them. She knew he would continue to dig into their flesh until somebody put the half-breed in his place.

Sesshoumaru surveyed the group silently, noting their swift change. They had always appeared to be an organized unit; cheerful, a tad bit too much for his taste, but pleasant to one another. However, he had witnessed a drastic change in their manor and he could already place the blame on his half-brother idiot, InuYasha. Glaring at the half-breed, the taiyoukai mentally visualized having both of his arms to disembowel the fool with. A small, tiny smirk graced his lips. Yes. That was quite calming that vision.

Her nerves shot, fatigue causing her to become grouchy, Kagome watched as InuYasha continued to sharpen his claws on a nearby tree, his black brows furrowed over his slanted golden eyes. Her stomach suddenly rumbling, she groaned. She had not eaten all day. She had been busy with homework, studying and caring for Sesshoumaru. Blinking in surprise, a smile bloomed on her pretty face. Everyone was probably grouchy because they hadn't eaten!

Feeling enlightened, the miko made her way to her knapsack, ignoring the curious glances sent her way.

'Perhaps some Ramen will make InuYasha a bit more approachable.' She thought as she looked at the scowling hanyou who continued to glare at his brother.

Said hanyou currently scowled at the calm faced taiyoukai, thinking to himself,

'If only looks could kill.'

Kagome had been paying attention to Sesshomaru all day. The bastard acted as if he had a katana stuck up his ass but she was still nice to him. If he had been half as mean to Kagome as Sesshoumaru had been he would have been 'Osuwari-ed' to death. But, o-no, let everyone pity the stuck up asshole. Scowling, the hanyou viciously scraped his nails against a rock. It wasn't fair.

'She's nicer to him than me.' he snarled to himself mentally, jealousy over-riding his mind.

Sango glared at Miroku who in turn tried to give her a placating smile. The taijya snorted and turned her back to him. She would not talk to him. He had been such a bastard talking about one of his old flings. Her chocolate eyes almost black with fury and pain, she viciously wiped her Hiraikotsu with a cotton cloth, occasionally dipping it in her self-made wax. Miroku sighed. Sango was still angry with him and his small comment. He had mistakenly brought up a very memorable woman he had once been affiliated with, Rena, and now Sango treated him as a leper, her eyes burning with a dangerous hatred.

Cautiously, the houshi sat beside her on a nearby log. Holding his brass Shakujou tightly with his cursed hand, Miroku calmly stated,

"Perhaps Kagome-sama should be more careful with her attentions." Miroku said thoughtfully.

Sango glared at the priest. So he wished to talk did he? Turning to look at Kagome currently digging through her knapsack which happened to be beside Sesshoumaru, being glared at by InuYasha jealously, the taijya snorted.

"InuYasha is spoiled. He needs to learn that she has other people to tend to other then him." she muttered.

Miroku shrugged as he glanced at the palm that held his Kazanna. Sneaking a look from the bottom of his black bangs at the silent Sango, the houshi sighed. How could she not see it? He loved her with all his heart yet she was to oblivious to notice his heart was set on a platter before her. Looking down at his palm again, the monk frowned. He did not have long. He felt the hole become slightly larger everyday. Naraku was behind the enlargement. He knew it.

Sango snuck a glance at the serious looking houshi, momentarily drawn from her cleaning of her favored weapon. Sighing, she reluctantly turned back to her Hiraikotsu. If only he knew how much she loved him. But she couldn't trust the bouzo. Every time she tried to softened up to him, he did something stupid like grope her or stare at her chest. Glaring at the dirt before her, Sango scowled. She couldn't' trust Miroku. Yes they were engaged. But she still feared everyday he would run off after a beautiful hime or village girl.

Sighing, the houshi murmured, "Gomen nasai, Sango. I did not mean to hurt you earlier."

Sango turned and saw the honest regret in those beautiful violet eyes. Blushing, Sango nodded.

"I accept your apology, Houshi-sama." she whispered, her eyes downcast. Feeling a bit happier to the point she couldn't help smiling a bit, Sango turned to work on her katana when suddenly she became a beet red.

Grope, grope.

"Hentai!" she screamed as she fisted her hand and smacked the smiling lecher in the eye.

Miroku fell in a heap, his face full of fright from the enraged onna. "S-Sango...Onegai...I-!"

Sesshoumaru watched the two humans in amusement. What odd creatures humans were. But then again, they were dirt compared to a demon Lord like himself. He had awakened from hearing the girl, Sango wasn't it?, scream at the houshi. Looking around, Sesshoumaru found himself looking for the miko. His eyes slanting dangerously in self disgust, Sesshoumaru turned his eyes away and decided that a nearby ant was more appealing then the human wench.

Kagome looked up to see Sesshoumaru awake and well. Calming herself, she smiled and asked,

"Feeling better?"

Sesshoumaru glanced at her. His lips refused to part and form words. Did this girl not understand the meaning of inferior? Seeing her blue eyes lose their sparkle, the taiyoukai watched the girl sigh heavily and pick up six strange brightly colored boxes and walk to the camp fire. The youkai Lord frowned. Why was she upset with his lack of conversation? It was not his fault he was not interested in mindless chatter.

Opening the Ramen boxes and pouring in the hot water that had been boiling on the fire, Kagome hurriedly took out six different bowls and pairs of chop sticks. Waiting a few moments, she added the seasoning and poured the noodles in the containers. Grabbing two, she walked to Miroku and Sango. Her eyes connecting with Sango, she gave a slight nod. She had added her blood to Sesshoumaru's Ramen and had done the spell.

Miroku happily thanked Kagome and slowly, politely ate his meal beside the curiously nervous Sango who in turn lightly ate hers.

Shippou and Kirara devoured theirs, suddenly in much better moods, the two friends once again. Picking up InuYasha's red bowl, Kagome walked to the tree he sat in and called up to him. InuYasha looked down to see Kagome at the base of the tree and smelt the Ramen from where he sat. His stomach growling, he leapt to the ground and offered out his claws.

An excited smile on his face, his dog ears perky and in the air, InuYasha's eyes devoured the bowl greedily.

"Ramen?" he asked, drooling.

The miko sighed and smiled. Finally, a trace of the old InuYasha. Nodding, she giggled. "Of course." She then handed the bowl to the eager hanyou who in turn grabbed it.

Watching Kagome walk to the fire again and pick up two more bowls, InuYasha's smile faded and a scowl settled on his handsome face. Walking up to her side, the hanyou demanded coldly,

"Who is the sixth bowl for."

Turning to see InuYasha's glare, Kagome sighed. "It's for Sesshoumaru." She replied somewhat defiantly, her eyes gazing into his.

Turning away from the girl, InuYasha hid his anger. Not only did Sesshoumaru get Kagome's attention but now his damn Ramen. Glaring at the quiet Lord, InuYasha bared his fangs at the mocking Sesshoumaru and leapt into a nearby tree to eat his Ramen in his quiet, no-Sesshoumaru zone.

Kagome exhaled loudly. Would InuYasha ever forgive her for helping Sesshoumaru? She highly doubted it. Picking up her bowl and Sesshoumaru's, the miko hesitantly sat beside the silent taiyoukai, her hands shaking. She was scared. What if he found out her blood was in the Ramen? What if he didn't eat? Kami she was horrible with two sided situations.

Looking into his golden eyes, Kagome gave a shaky smile to the demon. "It's time for you to eat, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru's upper lip curled, his disdain of human food evident. Glaring at her and then the odd, shiny bowl, the demon's face became stony. "I do not need to eat." The youkai lord curtly, his golden eyes hard like chipped ice.

Sighing, Kagome mentally prayed to the Kami. Sesshoumaru was not going to make this easy for her. Hoping to appeal to his rational mind, Kagome continued. "You haven't eaten for almost three days now and it would be better for your healing to eat." Seeing his unmoved countenance, she shyly added, "Besides, it would make me feel better knowing you were fed."

Looking at the girl frostily, Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed. "Why would you need assurance over this Sesshoumaru's eating habits?" He demanded in his soft, cool voice.

Blinking, Kagome looked away. "You're my patient. I need to make sure you won't endanger the healing process." She stammered, her blush covering her high cheeks.

His eyes narrowing, Sesshoumaru continued to lean against the tree. Though his face stayed impassive, inside he was confused. Was this ningen miko unwell? Did she not notice that he was Sesshoumaru, taiyoukai of the West and most feared Lord in all of Japan?

Her hand shaking slightly, Kagome held out the bowl to him. Her eyes raised to his cool, deadly ones, Kagome gave a small smile. "Please. I promise I won't bother you for the rest of the day until your next bandaging." she promised in hope to bribe him.

Glaring at the priestess, his eyes looked down the steaming bowl of what seemed to be filled with noodles. Nodding slightly, he heard the girl sigh in relief.

"Miko, how am I supposed to eat?" He asked coldly, anger now making him lash out.

Kagome blinked then gasped. "Mou! I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama! That was very cruel of me!" Kagome stammered.

Sesshoumaru glowered at the girl. Kagome then coughed, her eyes showing a hint of fear. "Ano...I will...Feed you...if you want...Sesshoumaru-sama." She choked out, her fear now tangible in the air.

Sesshoumaru repressed the urge to snarl. To be fed by this miko was beyond disgraceful. It would almost be as low as being killed by Naraku or worse yet, InuYasha. His nose twitching slightly, Sesshoumaru smelt the delicious scent of the food. Growling, he tried to contemplate this situation. Though he was hungry, he was reluctant to be fed by this wench as a pup would be.

Kagome sighed. She knew this was the entire pride and honor scenario all over again with him. Looking him directly in the eyes, Kagome held his gaze bravely. "Sesshoumaru I promise secrecy about this. No one will ever know about this." The girl promised seriously, her blue eyes shinning with honesty.

His eyes slanting dangerously, Sesshoumaru glared at the ningen. "I will take your word, ningen. But if this matter is ever heard of by another your life will be my rectifying of my honor." He promised in a cool, threatening voice, his eyes hard and promising a painful death.

Blinking and nodding, Kagome used the chop sticks and picked up some noodles. Resisting the urge to blow on them, knowing this would enrage the taiyoukai, Kagome brought the utensil to his lips. His eyes on hers all the while, the youkai opened his mouth. Carefully placing the noodles in his mouth, Kagome blushed under his intense stare. Watching his jaw begin to move, Kagome felt her heart pounding.

'Please don't be able to tell there is blood in there! Please please!' She screamed to the gods.

Chewing slowly, Sesshoumaru decided to try and decide whether or not the food was edible. A blast of different tastes and spicy tangs exploded in his mouth. Finally after five painful minutes, Sesshoumaru nodded to the miko who then smiled radiantly. Her heart calming, the need to vomit pushed aside and the bright prospect of living for another day all hers, Kagome thanked the gods and scooped up another load of noodles. Sango and Miroku ate in silence, staring in awe.

Sesshoumaru was allowing Kagome to feed him?

"Is it just me...or is...what I see..." Sango stammered, her eyes wide.
The taijya had been equally nervous of the possibility of Sesshoumaru tasting the blood add to his noodles. Yet seeing him eat it silently, allowing a smiling Kagome to feed him while talking a bit of her miko studies, pleased and shocked the girl.

Miroku nodded, his face showing his surprise with his wide-eyed look. "Hai. I believe so Sango." He whispered in complete awe and shock.

Feeling their stares, Sesshoumaru glared at the monk and taijya. If they found this so amusing, they would find it even more amusing when he was healed and his claws ripping through their innards, slowly melting their intestines into nothing as they screamed in pain. His eyes narrowing furiously, Sesshoumaru snarled at the ningens. Blinking in fear, the two dug their faces in their bowls and ate their own Ramen, trying not to watch the seemingly tender scene between Sesshoumaru and Kagome.

InuYasha stared on from the branches, rage making his claws shake. Throwing his unfinished bowl of Ramen from him, the half-breed walked into the forest, trying to resist the urge to tear Kagome away from his brother and killing the bastard. Sesshoumaru noticed the hanyou's quick stride from the camp. He sensed his fury and jealousy. Opening his mouth to accept another chopstick full of noodles, the demon looked up into the priestess' smiling face and back to where his half-brother had stormed out of the camp.

'Perhaps there is some gratification about this situation.' He thought sardonically as he noticed the hanyou's jealousy. Turning his attention back to the shyly smiling miko, he ate in silence, not voicing his thoughts.

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Translations:

Miko: Priestess
Onegai: Please
Youkai: Demon
TaiYoukai: Demon Lord
Houshi: Monk
Bouzo: rude term for monk
Taijya: Demon Exterminator
Hanyou: Half-breed
Youjin: Child
Ningen: Human