InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Healing a TaiYoukai ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Ah yes, myself and Akira have decided to name our daughter Oka. Tamada Oka [Oka Tamada in English]. How do you all approve of it? It is such a beautiful name for our surely to be beautiful daughter [I am such a proud mother].

On another note, please read this carefully my email muteshadow@hotmail.com has been cancelled due to inactivity. My new email is tamada_akiko@hotmail.com

Ah how will Kouga survive Sesshoumaru's wrath? I am excited to see. Enjoy the chapter- I look forward to all your reviews.

Read, Rate and Review;

-MuteShadow

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Chapter Six
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"Sesshoumar u! Wait! You're not healed!" Kagome yelled, her hands waving in front of her madly.

Those amber eyes glared at her icily before they turned their attention to the beckoning woods before the pair. Slowly, Sesshoumaru turned his back to her and began walking forward, leaving her in the midst of the woods. The miko watched as the taiyoukai turned on his heel, walking into the shadows of the forest, intending to leave her where she stood.

Stepping forward to follow him, she winced when she heard him state frostily,

"Leave this Sesshoumaru alone human. You have lost your use."

Kagome felt a numbness enter her as the white figure of the demon Lord faded from view, leaving only his harsh words echoing in her ears, a sense of emptiness entering her being and a painful ache in her heart growing in her chest...

"Kagome get up! Wench, did you hear me?!"

An annoying voice sounding very much like a troublesome hanyou startled said miko awake. Her large blue eyes snapping open, Kagome inhaled a quick breath. Her body still feeling numb, Kagome looked around at her surroundings, surprised to see herself not running after Sesshoumaru in the dark woods of Japan but lying in her sleeping bag, InuYasha scowling at her a few feet from her.

Her brow furrowing impatiently, Kagome glared at InuYasha. So he wanted to wake her? The miko snorted. He could try yelling at her all he wanted. She was tired and she deserved to sleep in for the first time in almost three years. She didn't see him cooking, giving blood and healing a taiyoukai. Instead the jerk ran off at every moment he could and left her with everything except the pleasure of fighting with Sesshoumaru. InuYasha claimed the responsibility of irking the demon Lord for his own.

Rebellious and angry, Kagome flipped onto her stomach, gathering her blankets around her tightly and hid underneath her pillow.

InuYasha watched Kagome turn her back to him. "Get up, Kagome! We need to start looking for Naraku!" The half-breed yelled at her impatiently.

Growling, the girl shut her eyes close and pulled the pillow more closely to her head.

'I don't want to wake up. Can't he just go punch another tree or something for a good few hours?' Kagome thought to herself.

Glaring at the figure in her bed, InuYasha stomped towards Kagome, his few strands of patience severed. On the other side of the camp, Miroku and Sango winced as they watched InuYasha make his suicidal trip to Kagome's side. They knew how this was going to end and it was obvious that a certain dog-eared fool was going to be the recipient of the miko's fury. Golden eyes followed the red figure, mockery lighting the liquid amber depths. Sesshoumaru watched as his half brother passed him to stand by the miko. Seeing the hanyou bend down and begin to shake the girl roughly, the taiyoukai decided it would be an attempt to be somewhat decent to the hanyou and help the idiot prevent his death.

"It would be wise not to do so, hanyou." Sesshoumaru warned InuYasha, noticing the angry flare in the miko's aura.

InuYasha scowled at Sesshoumaru, his amber eyes heating with disdain. "Don't fucking tell me what to do you one armed freak! This is between and Kagome and me! Butt out!" the boy snapped and turned to continue his rude wakening of Kagome.

Sesshoumaru glared at the hanyou in silent fury, his amber eyes slanting with dangerous intentions.

'If only this Sesshoumaru could wield Tokijin. The hanyou would then be the no-limb freak once I had finished with him.'

Underneath her sheets, Kagome heard InuYasha's remark to Sesshoumaru. Feeling her fury ten-fold, she threw back her comforters and screamed, "Osuwari osuwari osuwari!"

Screaming in surprise, InuYasha felt his body meet the cold, unyielding earth in a flat second. Rising from her sleeping bag in a rush of blankets and a pillow, Kagome stomped towards InuYasha's inept body, her eyes almost black with her rage. Glaring down at the cursing InuYasha, Kagome clenched her fists tightly, her body shaking.

"First things first, InuYasha - you should never wake me up so rudely! For that, you get an osuwari!"

The hanyou yelped as his body rose and crashed into the ground again. Her sapphire eyes narrowed dangerously, the girl continued with vehemence.

"Second of all, you do not make fun of Sesshoumaru's injuries! For that, you get another osuwari!" she gritted out, her clenched fists shaking.

Another yelp was heard from the poor, victimized boy. Growling, Kagome began to imagine steam coming from her ears because she felt so enraged. Hissing as she stomped towards the shaking half-breed, the miko's shadow cast over the frightened boy, her eyes blazing red.

"And thirdly, InuYasha, what have I told you about swearing?! OSUWARI!" she screamed, done with her punishment.

Rising and smacking into the ground again, he screamed as his back made a rather loud 'cracking' sound. The entire camp turned and stared at InuYasha in horror, except for a certain smirking Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru smirked smugly as the hanyou's back snapped, the sound of his bone splitting under the force of the miko's rage amusing the youkai efficiently. Staring at the immobile half-breed, Sesshoumaru glanced at the pale-faced girl who in turn stared at InuYasha in horror, her guilt evident on her white-washed features.

'This Sesshoumaru has found one good use for a mortal.'

Kagome stared down at InuYasha, her mouth agape. Glancing at the equally horrified Miroku and Sango, the priestess hesitantly stepped towards the silent half-breed.

"InuYasha...I...Gomen nasai..." she stammered pathetically, tears gathering in her eyes.

InuYasha glared at Kagome as he lay on the ground limp. "Keh. Fucking wench." he muttered out loud, more to himself then to anyone else.

Kagome felt the tears make their path down the sides of her face, leaving a wet trail of guilt on her skin. She had just disabled InuYasha for the rest of his life. He would never stand, walk or wield Tetsusaiga. Tears continuing to spill from her blue eyes, the miko felt her body shaking from her turmoil emotions.

"InuYasha..." Kagome burst out sobbing, her hands covering her face to hide her shame.

Sesshoumaru watched the miko sobbed pitifully before the snarling hanyou.

"Kagome…what the fuck did I say about crying?" InuYasha demanded gruffly.

Taking the miko's anguish as his cue to intervene, Sesshoumaru stood and walked towards the girl. Sesshoumaru looked down at her, his angelic face blank.

"Kagome." he commanded, his voice calm and deep.

Sniffling, Kagome raised her tear-sodden face to the youkai's gaze. "The half-breed will be healed in two days at the least. His youkai blood will make sure of it." Sesshoumaru glanced at InuYasha with disgust. "Despite how little there is of it."

"Fuck you Sesshoumaru!" the disabled InuYasha screamed from the forest floor.

Kagome felt her heart lighten at the news. InuYasha would walk again and be his perfectly grouchy and violent self in no time. Wiping her face shyly with her sleeve, she sniffled and gave Sesshoumaru a grateful smile. The taiyoukai stared at her blankly and raised a thin silver brow. The two stared at each other, their gazes attached to one another. Kagome felt an annoying, tell-tale blush begin to appear on her cheeks. Embarrassed, she hastily lowered her gaze to the ground, trying to ignore the charismatic youkai Lord before her whom continued to assess her silently.

Miroku watched the priestess and demon quietly, his violet eyes never leaving the pair. Frowning thoughtfully, he glanced at the growling InuYasha, a smile forming on his lips. Stepping towards the tachi, the monk coughed to gain all their attention, a solemn expression on his handsome face.

"Since we have such a dire situation on hand, I think perhaps we should take a break to watch over InuYasha's health. He is an important asset to this group and with him unable to do anything, it would dangerous to try and continue our searching for Naraku." he stated.

InuYasha scowled, his golden eyes glaring at the monk. "Ya right bouzo. Don't lie I can smell that shit you just said! I know you're just trying to fucking get a break - not caring about my fucking well being." he snarled contemptuously.

Miroku managed to look hurt. "InuYasha are we not all friends here? How could you possibly accuse me of such a heinous deed?"

InuYasha's glare increased. "Because bouzo… it's you."

Miroku sniffed and restrained the smile trying to force itself on his lips. Looking up at the sky, a finger on his chin, Miroku nodded. "Since you did not argue about the idea of a day off, I will assume you agreed!" Smiling, Miroku rubbed his hands together and turned to Sango. "Perhaps Sango would wish to take a break with me in a nearby bush?" The hentai asked, winking at the taijya lecherously.

Her left eye twitching, the taijya smacked the bouzo with her Hirakitsou. "In your dreams, hentai!" she snapped.

Miroku groaned as he rubbed the side of his head. "In my dreams you do not attack me instead you love my-"

Wham.

"Kagome-chan, it seems we have two medically disabled idiots on our hands." Sango muttered as she glared down at her fiancée.

Kagome sweat dropped as she looked down at the twitching, groaning Miroku and growling, unmoving InuYasha.

'Mou but are we all really so violent?' she thought as she looked around her.

Sesshoumaru stared at the ridiculous group in a bored fashion, obviously not amused by their antics. Glancing at the exasperated Kagome, the demon Lord walked to her side and murmured, “Is it not time for this Sesshoumaru's changing?”

Blinking as she extracted herself from her thoughts, Kagome turned and smiled at the emotionless taiyoukai. She then looked down at her watch and nodded.

"Yes, it is. Gomen nasai. It is fortunate you are so punctual, Sesshoumaru."

InuYasha listened to the pair's conversation from the ground, his ears twitching atop of his head fast. Growling when Kagome agreed it was time for another changing [did that bastard really need to be changed three times a day?] the half-breed found his fury rising when the image of Kagome drooling over Sesshoumaru's naked beauty entered his mind.

His growl becoming more violent, InuYasha glared at Sesshoumaru's black silk shoes, wishing he could shoot fire out of his eyes and scald the asshole. He was sick and tired of seeing Kagome practically fall on top of his half-brother because the prick had some muscles. He had muscles too! If anything, InuYasha found himself better looking. Sesshoumaru was too pretty; it'd be like screwing another girl for Kami's sake. And he knew for sure Kagome wasn't into girls.

"Kagome! What the fuck about me?!" he barked when he noticed she was leaving with Sesshoumaru.

Kagome turned and looked down at the furious InuYasha. Sighing, she glanced at the stony-face Sesshoumaru and immediately felt like a bone in between two dogs. Giving InuYasha a pacifying smile, she attempted to calm the boy.

"InuYasha I will be back soon. Sesshoumaru needs to be tended-“

“No! Get me the fuck outta here!” InuYasha snapped.

His usual thin-lined patience was thrown to the wind. He wanted Kagome to tend to him first. He was sick and tired of Sesshoumaru being fretted over. What happened to Kagome's love for him? Did her love for him not make him top priority? Growling, he watched Kagome frown at him disapprovingly. He didn't care how much she disapproved of him yelling and cursing. He wouldn't do it so much if she stopped pissing him off.

Rolling her eyes Kagome knew she had to take care of InuYasha first. The jerk was being a possessive jerk [again]. Her glare intense on the boy, Kagome grabbed InuYasha's arms and began dragging him across the ground to his selected tree. InuYasha yelped as rocks dug into his stomach and dust entered his mouth. Spitting and swearing loudly, he snarled at Kagome.

“What the fuck are you doing wench?!”

Kagome gave InuYasha a sweet smile. “I'm taking care of you first InuYasha.” She bit out tightly from the forced grin.

“You're finishing me off that's what you're doing!” he shouted, yelping occasionally as a random rock or pebble dug into his skin.

Kagome suddenly released InuYasha's wrists and began walking away from the boy. “That's it! You can stay there and rot for all I care! I was going to take care of you first but you just made me mad InuYasha!” the girl snapped from behind her shoulder.

InuYasha bared his teeth to the girl's back and snarled, “Whatever! Go back to your fucking pretty boy! Maybe he will put up with your horrible stench!”

Miroku watched in amusement as Kagome stomped to her bag and withdrew her medical kit and continued her path to Sesshoumaru's tree. Sesshoumaru silently followed the girl. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully with a hand, Miroku stared at the pair.

"Do you think perhaps something is happening here, Sango-koi?" He asked the quiet taijya.

Sango glared down at him. "When did you awaken, houshi-sama?" she demanded.

Miroku sighed. "I could never sleep knowing my beautiful love was upset with me!" he declared as he brought her into a hug.

Her face going red, Sango started pushing Miroku away, blushing madly. "Houshi-sama, please..."

The taijya suddenly stiffened. She abruptly began to see red as a familiar hand groped her backside. Her face flushing a dangerous red, the girl smacked the pervert with all her might. Watching Miroku fall back to the ground, a perverted smile on his face, she screamed,

"Hentai!"

Falling to the ground, the monk looked up into Sango's furious face. "Would you believe me if I said this hand was cursed as well?" he stammered, his violet eyes large with fear.

Growling, Sango picked up a nearby boulder, a death promise gleaming in her black eyes. Miroku gulped at the ferocity and anger in his fiancée's glare.

"S-Sango… pl-please…think of what you are do-"

Sango growled and threw the boulder at the monk, her left eye twitching. Miroku felt the boulder smash him into the ground, his body crushed. His only leg not under the rock twitched painfully, his hands groping from the sides to try and push the boulder off of him.

"-oing." he finished his sentence in a small, pained mumble.

On the other side of the camp, Sesshoumaru watched the monk and slayer from underneath the cool shade of his ume tree. Observing their odd, ridiculous antics, the taiyoukai mentally sneered at their absurd relationship. Surely if the slayer was intelligent, she would understand that the houshi would continue his perverted advances despite the repercussions of doing so. While on the other hand, the monk was as annoyingly stupid as the taijya. It could be assumed that any creature who valued their life or had any sense of respect would understand the female's declination of his advancements yet it was apparent the priest held neither moral in his puny human body.

Listening to the groans from the monk and the screams from the taijya helped the demon Lord come to his conclusion that humans were the oddest creature made by the Kami's. Continuing his observation of the humorous pair, the demon felt his attention begin to wander from the comical pair as the scent of sakura teased his nose and the feel of warm, soft flesh brushed his skin.

His eyes slanting to hide his direction of focus, Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome from the corner of his eye. Observing her careful ministrations to his wounds, Sesshoumaru found himself perplexed about the miko and her growing importance to him. There was something forming between he and the girl Kagome. What it was he was neither pleased nor certain about. He had become painfully aware of this unifying relationship between them after the night InuYasha had pointed out his obvious interest in the priestess to him. It had continued to disturb and anger him for the next few days. This harassing fact had festered in his mind for too long. The knowledge he was attracted to this girl of all creatures angered and confused him and would continue to do so until he figured out why he was attracted to her at all.

Sesshoumaru prided himself for his ability to severe any emotional ties to any creature he came into contact with. He had managed to keep an icy barrier around himself for all his life - well over eight centuries. The rare exceptions being Rin and some other unnamed youkai he would still not name out of loyalty to them. It had taken these rare, honored beings years to have any sort of relationship with him. But it took this mortal but over a week?

Frowning, Sesshoumaru returned his gaze to the sky, intending to ignore the miko. Inhaling her scent, he felt his senses calm under her painful yet tender ministrations.

Oblivious to Sesshoumaru's inner-conflict, Kagome stood up, her medical kit in her hand. Smiling down at the silent demon, she nodded.

"There you go, Sesshoumaru. All fixed up for the rest of the day."

Sesshoumaru noted the girl's informality with his name. When had they come to first name basis? 'It would be better to ignore it. To offend the girl would not appease my distress nor benefit me.' Nodding to Kagome, Sesshoumaru looked at his wounds, impressed with the rapid healing rate due to her careful ministrations.

“They look well, Kagome.” he stated smoothly.

Kagome flushed with happiness. Finally some sort of recognition from him. "By the rate you are healing, you might be gone by the end of this week." she said, her blue eyes becoming slightly dimmer at the thought of his absence.

Sesshoumaru looked at the girl thoughtfully. She was thinner and much paler then she had been when he first appeared to the group. His eyes slanting thoughtfully, the taiyoukai's eyes slid to the inside of her arm, his mind hinting to the reason for the sudden changes in both of them. Could it be that this girl managed to perform it?

Noticing the girl's long sleeve obstructing his view, the demon returned his gaze to her gentle features. He instantly noted the nervous gleam to her eyes.

“Why do you not remove your over-shirt? It is a hot day.” he asked smoothly.

Kagome evidently stiffened. Giving him a tight smile, she shook her head. “No, I am fine. Actually it's a bit cold to me.” she said hesitantly.

Sesshoumaru's emotionless face continued to intimidate her. His golden eyes were frigid, his face smooth and expressionless and his voice cool as the winter's breath. Grasping her collar, she began to loosen it. It was suddenly very hot now. Sesshoumaru raised a brow at her, his eyes mocking.

“You are perspiring Kagome. You are over-heating and can become ill.” he stated dryly.

Kagome coughed and began to back away. “Well… I'll go change…”

“Remove your shirt priestess.” Sesshoumaru snapped icily, his eyes slanting dangerously.

Kagome froze, her hand instantly moving to her arm and grasping it. 'He knows. He must know. How will he react if his assumptions are proven true? Will he hate me? What do I do?' Her mind demanded frantically.

“Since when do you care for my health? It's none of your business!” she retorted defensively.

Sesshoumaru glared at her, his upper lip curling in anger. “You will do what you have been told, girl.”

“No.”

A tense silence entered the scene. Kagome stared down at the evidently angered Sesshoumaru who in turn glared at her. Her hand tightening around the bruises caused by her needle, Kagome suddenly heard a noise to her left, distracting her. A gust of air caused her hair to fly in her face. Yelping, she began to push the silken onyx strands from her eyes only to see Sesshoumaru hovering over here, her sleeve cut from her arm. Her eyes widening in horror, she looked at her bruised arm.

It was clear by the marks on her flesh she had been drawing blood. Knowing Sesshoumaru for the intelligent being he was and his earlier suspicions, there was no use trying to deny the truth… it was plainly displayed in the form of bruises and marks on her smooth flesh.

Sesshoumaru stared at the tell-tale signs of the real meaning of his rapid healing. The miko had been placing her own blood in his food to aid his healing process. He had suspected after the first night, he could taste a high amount of iron in the food but had not commented on it. He had known he would discover the truth on his own. Staring at the dark blue and black marks, Sesshoumaru felt himself become confused and angry again.

He was angry because he was confused by the girl's show of loyalty and caring. He was angry that she would do this in a clandestine practice. He was angry that he felt a sickening sense of approval. What further enraged him, was his lack of response. He should have been disgusted that her blood was now in his body. He should have decapitated her right there for marring his perfect blood with her inferior life essence.

Hearing her heavy breathing, he smelt her anxiety and fear. Looking up into her worried blue eyes, he stared at her calmly. His lips parting, he murmured,

“Domo arigatou, Kagome.”

Kagome froze. His appreciation echoing her ears, the miko gawked at the demon in shock. He was thanking her? Staring into those amber-gold eyes, she found herself suddenly lost in those metallic jewels. They were so cold and emotionless but… she could see a flicker of appreciation in them, making those foreign eyes appear to be not as hostile as they had once been.

Smiling shyly, she gave a small nod and whispered, “Your welcome.”

The two looked at one another, lost in the moment. One curious and confused while the other finding herself slowly beginning to appreciate and like the being before her much more then she cared for. Kagome finally looked away, blushing. Whispering she needed to tend to InuYasha, she walked away from the demon to the hanyou's side, her heart racing.

"You okay, InuYasha?" she managed to ask him shakily.

InuYasha merely glared at her. "Keh." he muttered, his gaze averted to a nearby rock.

Sighing, Kagome kneeled in front of the hanyou and settled her medicine kit beside her knees. Sensing Sesshoumaru approaching, the girl hurriedly began to try and tame the boy. "InuYasha… about the osuwari's and for leaving you here... gomen nasai. But you honestly should understand Sesshoumaru's wounds need immediate attention or else he wont leave by next week."

InuYasha glared at her from the corner of his golden eye, his upper lip curling in contempt. "Whatever. Go back to your fucking pretty boy." he growled.

Glaring at InuYasha, Kagome's hand clenched her green skirt tightly, her attempt to stay calm and compassionate failing.

“Why do you have to be like that? Can't you approve of anything I do?" she demanded.

InuYasha's snort made her tightly clench her teeth and begin gritting them. "Stop being a jealous baka InuYasha.”

InuYasha sneered. “You saying I'm lying 'bout you and Sesshoumaru? Fuck sakes Kagome I saw you two over there with fucking stars in your eyes. You still have some drool on your chin damnit.” he snarled. His handsome face twisted in a furious mask, the half-breed hissed, “I'm not the baka here! You're the one falling over your ass for a prick that could care less if you died tomorrow!”

Kagome felt her heart twist. Swallowing over the lump forming in her throat, she spat, “You don't know what you're talking about! You speak of falling for someone obviously you shouldn't? Look at you and Kikyou! She is gone but you continue to linger for her! She is dead for good, InuYasha! You held her and watched her die yourself didn't you? So stop grasping at something you can't have!”

Panting, the pair glared at each other. InuYasha stared at her with hatred and whispered, “Leave me the fuck alone.”

Kagome raised her head high, tear swelling in her eyes. “Gladly.” she hissed then turned and walked to the forest path.

Her hands tightly fisted at her sides, tears splattering down her face, the miko made her way into the forest, leaving the stunned group behind. Sesshoumaru watched the girl leave, his youki snarling in blood lust. Turning furious eyes on the silent hanyou, Sesshoumaru stepped towards the boy and stopped an inch from his face.

“Apologize to the miko, hanyou.” he ordered frostily.

InuYasha snarled. “Go fuck yourself Sesshoumaru. This is between Kagome and me! So go-”

Sesshoumaru's foot shot out and landed on the hanyou's face, efficiently silencing him. Sango stood to intervene only to have Miroku pull her back, his face revealing his awareness of the dangerous situation. Shaking his head, Miroku whispered,

“This is between them. Do not interrupt.”

Sango watched Sesshoumaru growl down at InuYasha, his golden eyes reddening at the edges. Feeling the demon Lord's youkai energy rise to a dangerous peek, she shuddered as she felt the animosity and blood-lust in the dark energy. Miroku panted under the youkai energy, his pure aura unable to withstand the power in Sesshoumaru's aura. Holding Sango tightly, he glanced around to ensure himself Kirara and Shippou were not present and in danger. Noting both were absent [probably in the flower fields playing some sort of game] he turned his attention back to InuYasha and Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru glared at the growling InuYasha. This was why he despised emotions. Emotions were weaknesses and aided in your downfall. The boy had allowed his feelings for the miko to over-come his little bit of mind and create mayhem in the group. Sesshoumaru glanced at the forest path, the scent trail of sakura and salt pricking at his conscience. Turning his icy gaze on the silent hanyou whom in turn stared at him furiously, Sesshoumaru gave the hanyou a small sneer of contempt.

"You waste of flesh." He murmured his golden eyes frigid. "You bring dishonor to your inheritance with your lack of morals and honor, hanyou."

Sesshoumaru sneered, his pale upper lip twisting in contempt. "You disgrace the miko with your stupidity and make me question your existence further."

Beginning to follow the girl Sesshoumaru paused, his back to the boy. "If you ever dishonor the miko again, I will rectify your words by cutting out that polluted tongue of yours." He threatened softly and then walked into the woods.

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'Ja-ku! Ja-ku! Ja-ku!' her mind screamed.

Her vision blinded by tears, Kagome continued to stomp down the muddy path through the forest, occasionally tripping over some sort of root or rock. Stumbling to the hot spring site, she threw herself down onto the ground, her back resting on the large boulder by the hot spring, her knees drawn up to her chest. Her blue eyes sparkling with anger and her tears, Kagome viciously swiped away the annoying tears that continued to fall down her reddening cheeks.

Listening to the singing birds over top of her in the trees, Kagome stared at the bubbles emerging from the warm water pool. Her mind's wheels were whirling quickly. Hurt, shock and confusion twisted and turned in her heart, causing the ache in her chest.

'How could InuYasha say all those things to me? Are we not friends? Where does he get off thinking I'm throwing myself at Sesshoumaru? I'm healing him for Kami sakes.'

Sniffling, she dabbed at her wet cheeks with her white sleeve again. This was beyond unfair. She was only trying to help Sesshoumaru; not seduce him. Yet InuYasha seemed to believe she was drooling all over Sesshoumaru because she paid attention to him. Sure she paid a bit more attention to Sesshoumaru then she did InuYasha but the demon Lord actually spoke to her about things other then fighting, Ramen and Naraku. Could she help it if she was attracted-

Kagome froze instantly. No. She did not mean that. She was not… attracted… to Sesshoumaru. She was intrigued, confused… interested in him intellectually. This relationship did not go beyond allies.

Kagome shuffled her feet nervously. She was starting to feel very insecure about InuYasha's words more then previously. Lost in her thoughts, Kagome was oblivious to Sesshoumaru's entrance in the clearing.

“Kagome." his deep voice said her name smoothly.

Turning in shock, Kagome saw Sesshoumaru standing at the forest path, staring at her blankly. Flushing, she felt her heart give a little leap. Did he follow her here? Biting on her bottom lip, she hesitantly stood and wiped her green fuku of dirt subconsciously.

“W-what are you doing here, Sesshoumaru?” she asked softly, her eyes dropping in embarrassment.

Sesshoumaru continued to look at her emotionlessly. "This Sesshoumaru needs to speak with you."

Kagome raised her head, her eyes wide with shock. "About what?"

Turning his head slightly, the youkai pinned the girl with his amber eyes. "This Sesshoumaru owes you his life." He began smoothly, his angelic face a mask of impeccable formality. "You have kept your promise, a trait I have not witnessed both humans and most youkai to possess. It is a commendable attribute to your person." Sesshoumaru paused, absorbing the girl's stunned appearance. "I have a debt to repay you, priestess. I am in your debt until I have saved your life as you have done mine."

Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru in shocked silence. She knew her eyes were probably as large as plates and her mouth hanging open rudely. She quickly closed her mouth but her eyes remained their shocked size. Had she heard Sesshoumaru correctly? Was this top mortal-hater of Japan actually proposing to repay a debt to her- a human?

Sesshoumaru began to feel angry as the miko continued to stare at him in silence. Annoyed she continued to give a lack of response to his generous offer; he raised his head higher, his nose in the air and glared at her.

"Why are you playing deaf and dumb, girl? This Sesshoumaru does know when a debt is to be paid." He demanded coldly.

Remembering her manners [and knowing she had offended Sesshoumaru who had obviously taken a large step to say a compliment about her and offer an I.O.U] Kagome bowed deeply to Sesshoumaru and offered him a small smile.

"Arigatou, Sesshoumaru. I accept your offer but..." she stared at him softly, "you really don't have to."

Sesshoumaru stared at her blankly. "My honor and pride demands me to exact the debt." he retorted dryly, his voice making it clear she was to leave the subject now.

Kagome smiled. She knew this was Sesshoumaru's way of trying to seem he didn't care or even want to even the debt. Yet she knew, somewhere inside him, Sesshoumaru was starting to feel the bond of friendship growing between them. Feeling light-hearted at this thought, Kagome gave him a brilliant smile, her face lighting up with the beautiful smile.

"Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru stared boldly at Kagome, caught off guard at the innocence and beauty in that smile she gave him. His eyes slowly scanning her gentle, small features, Sesshoumaru found himself realizing something stunning and confusing. This girl who had once seemed plain and boring now seemed beautiful. Her beauty was not one he had seen before for he had surely had seen many more majestic and ravishing creatures before then her. The women he had lay conquest on had inspired artists and been mistaken as tenshi.

But none of them had held his interest for longer then the primal urge to relieve his sexual frustration. No longer then a week had he interacted with those youkai women and even when he did interact with them, it was only in his bed; he had never attempted to know them. The only true female he had come to know on a personal level was his ward, Rin. Staring at the smiling, blushing miko who now lowered her gaze to the ground, Sesshoumaru pondered her sudden attractiveness. Her beauty was one of innocence and purity. Sesshoumaru paused. He was not seeing the miko's outer beauty but her inner. While she was attractive on the outside; her blue eyes, onyx hair and gentle features pleasing, Sesshoumaru found himself becoming aware of the girl as an individual- something he had never experienced with a woman.

Glancing at her in slight shock, his confusion hidden behind a stoic mask, Sesshoumaru assessed this turn of events. How could he accept and be attracted to this wench? Had he not any pride of honor? Frowning, Sesshoumaru turned and began to walk away, leaving the girl on her own. Kagome watched Sesshoumaru leave quietly, his white form glowing in the sun that managed to break through the dense leaves of the hovering trees. She had wanted to stop him and continue talking to him- actually... she just wanted to be near him at this moment as frightening and crazy as it sounded. But she had sensed he wanted to be alone and because of that, she had accepted his exit and now began to return to camp by herself, contemplating the turn in their quiet bond.

Entering the camp, Kagome heard InuYasha growl, "What were you two doing in there?"

Kagome glared at InuYasha icily, causing him to freeze at the sudden alikeness to Sesshoumaru that glare possessed. "We were just talking about his wounds." she said smoothly.

InuYasha scowled at that. "Privately? You need to talk about that away from me and the others?" he demanded.

Kagome shrugged her shoulders in a careless fashion. "Sesshoumaru likes privacy, InuYasha. He wanted to know how long it would be until he could leave." She gave him a stony look. "Besides didn't you want me to leave?"

InuYasha stared at Kagome in silence, his heart twisting. Seeing the pain he had placed on her, the half-breed felt guilt begin to fester in his heart. His ears lowering and hiding in his silver hair, he stared down at the ground, strangely quiet.

"Kagome..." he started slowly. Glancing up at her almost shyly, he muttered,

"Gomen."

Kagome stared down at the hanyou, feeling the regret and guilt in his aura. Smiling a bit to herself, she kneeled beside him and began running her hands through his hair, knowing he enjoyed the scraping of her nails on his scalp. Hearing him start to purr, she sat fully on the ground, allowing him to rest his head on her thighs and look up at her with sad golden eyes. Giggling at the puppy look, she gave him a wink.

"It's fine InuYasha. You're a jealous brat. I've grown used to it." She stuck her tongue out at him and laughed at the scowl he gave her in return.

Huffing, InuYasha hid his smile. "Keh. Be quiet wench, you're putting me to sleep. I haven't slept much listening to you snore for the last few years."

Kagome rolled her eyes. She knew InuYasha was attempting to ruin this rare moment by pretending to be gruff but she could tell with the little half smile on his lips he was content and happy. Continuing to run her hands through his soft, shiny hair, she looked up to see Sesshoumaru glaring at the pair of them, his golden eyes frozen pools of amber. Almost stopping her attention on InuYasha, Kagome felt herself begin to feel wrong for touching InuYasha.

Frowning, she looked down at the sleeping boy. What was happening to her? What were these feelings for Sesshoumaru? Surely they were nothing more then friendly ones? Sighing, she pushed those thoughts away. She was over-thinking this entire situation. Telling herself everything was going to be fine, she continued to ignore Sesshoumaru's glare and paid attention to her much-neglected friend.

_________________________________________


Ka gome groaned as her feet complained against all the walking. It was only two days ago the entire group had been resting in camp only to have a healed and energetic hanyou begin barking orders to move out. Reluctantly, the tachi had packed their things and began the march to find Naraku's trail.

'We've been walking for over two days and we haven't detected Naraku anywhere.' She thought grumpily.

Casting a glance to beside her, Kagome noted Sesshoumaru was still by her side. The demon had surprised her when he immediately took his place beside her, despite the growls and glares InuYasha had given him. Honoring his word to protect her, the demon Lord had traveled with her every day so far, warily watching the forest for signs of threats. Glancing at him from the corner of her right eye, Kagome secretly felt her heart begin to quicken its pace. The sun's light shone on his heavenly features, lighting his flawless skin and shinny, long silver strands of hair in a heavenly light. His amber eyes were gold in the sun, his pupils much alike to a cat's.

Kagome found herself questioning herself as she must have a million times how could someone be so perfect? Sesshoumaru felt the miko's stare on him again and mentally smirked. He found himself pleased with the girl's attraction to him. Where the thought of a mortal looking on him with anything other then fear once had repulsed him, Sesshoumaru now relished the miko's obvious appreciation for his appearance. Sesshoumaru had many things to be arrogant about and thus where his power and confidence came.

He knew he was perhaps one of the most attractive youkai [and creature] in Japan. He had smelt many women's desire for him wherever he traveled. He knew he was powerful; the most powerful taiyoukai he could state with pride. It did not surprise him in the least the miko would look upon him with desire after being exposed to his inferior half-brother.

In the very back of the pack, four pairs of eyes watched the youkai and miko carefully. Shippou poked his head up from Miroku's shoulder, his emerald eyes wide with shock.

"How long has this been going on?" he whispered.

"Since the second day of his healing." Miroku replied.

Shippou 'tsked', shaking his red-hair head slowly. "And InuYasha hasn't sliced and diced him yet?" the kitsune asked in shock.

Miroku nodded, his violet eyes carefully watching the two. "Correct. It is surprising indeed. But then again, Kagome-sama has intervened numerous times between Sesshoumaru and InuYasha, ceasing any possibility of injury to either from one another. Besides when Sesshoumaru kicked InuYasha; Kagome-sama was not present at that time." The houshi explained.

Sango blinked as Sesshoumaru moved a bit closer to Kagome now only, at most, two inches of space between them. The taijya poked at Miroku to catch his attention and then pointed at the pair quickly.

"Did you see that?" she whispered.

Shippou and Miroku nodded firmly. "Yes. There is something happening between Sesshoumaru-sama and Kagome that might not be the best for InuYasha." Miroku muttered thoughtfully.

Sango sighed. "This will not end well, houshi-sama. InuYasha truly does care for Kagome but if Sesshoumaru starts to like her and as it appears, she is starting to as well..."

Miroku clapped his hand on her mouth fast, shutting the slayer up efficiently. Seeing Sesshoumaru turn his head slightly to them and pin them with his left golden eye, the icy orb promising a painful death to the next person to speak of him or Kagome again, the group instantaneously fell silent.

His attention focused on the annoying group behind him [did they really think it a myth that youkai had superior hearing?], Sesshoumaru was not prepared for the sudden change of events. Even a split second of ignorance of the miko caused the disaster. Glaring at the houshi in particular, Sesshoumaru felt his senses begin to tingle when he felt his aura sense another youkai aura coming towards him at an astonishing speed.

Turning quickly to the left when he noticed the youkai aura was coming from where she stood, Sesshoumaru watched Kagome turn to the incoming aura with a confused expression. One moment he was watching the miko turn and then the next she had vanished; only her odd bag on the ground the only evidence of her ever being there.

His eyes scanning the area, Sesshoumaru ignored his brother's infernal growling. Confusion and worry instantly started the rise in his youki, adrenaline pumping in his blood as his anger began to rise dangerously. Sniffing the air, Sesshoumaru growled as he smelt something that made his blood heat feverishly.

Wolf.

"That ookami!" InuYasha yelled as he unsheathed Tetsusaiga.

Sesshoumaru ceased all movement when he heard his idiot brother give a name to the bastard who had taken the miko. Turning frozen eyes to the half-breed, Sesshoumaru pinned him with a furious, glacial stare. "You know the youkai who kidnapped the miko?" He asked icily.

InuYasha ignored the deadly glare of the taiyoukai and in turn snorted. "The fucking bastard always comes here for Kagome. The baka thinks she is his mate-to-be no matter how many fucking times I tell the bastard she's not!" he snarled.

Miroku watched carefully as Sesshoumaru's pale face remained impassive but his eyes narrowed an alarming fraction. "Does Kagome agree to his proposal?" The youkai asked in a deadly, low voice.

InuYasha growled. "Fuck no! The bastard always kidnaps her! Did you not listen to me baka?" the half-breed snapped.

"You are the worst protector I have seen yet, brother. It is ridiculous that you have grown accustomed to the ookami kidnapping the miko on a regular basis against her wishes." Sesshoumaru snapped angrily, surprising everyone with this rare show of emotion.

Growling at the barbed insult cast at him [it efficiently pricked his nerves and pride] InuYasha turned in the direction Kouga had headed, trying to ignore the urge to run Sesshoumaru through with Tetsusaiga. "I don't have time for this! I'm her protector so back off freak! I can take care of this!" He yelled before he took off after the pair.

Glaring at the humans, Sesshoumaru murmured. "Do not follow." And then took off in less then a blink of an eye.

Left on their own, the group stared at each other numbly. Sango finally found her voice and managed to stammer, "Houshi-sama... I actually pity Kouga right now."

Miroku nodded his own violet eyes wide with shock. "I do believe we will be preparing two graves tonight- one for Kouga and another for InuYasha."

_________________________________________

Hous hi: Monk
Kitsune: Fox
Bouzo: Rude term for monk
Ookami: Wolf prince/leader
Gomen nasai: I am sorry [formal]
Osuwari: Kagome's 'sit' command
Ume: Known as a Japanese plum tree, it is actually more closely related to the apricot tree. Another species commonly referred to as the `Japanese plum tree' is the sumomo.
Ja-ku: Jerk