InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lady Kagome ❯ Chapter 22 ( Chapter 22 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

The sweat had formed recently on Kagome's brow as she practiced diligently in the dojo. She put her miko powers into it, practicing as fluidly as if in dance, something Sesshoumaru taught her. He had told her that if a lady were to fight, she was to be graceful.

"A warrior that dies by the graceful stroke of a woman is to take their death with pure respect and adoration," Sesshoumaru's voice echoed in her head.

She needed this practice. It was what kept her from letting the frigid arms of depression encompass her. It was her form of meditation. She assumed Naraku was behind the deaths of her family and imagined her opponent was there in front of her as she carried on her deadly dance. She had also heard from Jaken that Sesshoumaru had mentioned the lingering smell of Kikyo near the well.

‘Whoever it was will die by my hand. I promise!’

Sesshoumaru walked into the dojo, and observed her movements.

'Flawless. More fluid than my own routine. How can she be human and learn so quicky what I have been striving to achieve since I was a pup? Nevertheless, being a ningen, she will make a fine mate.'

She noticed Sesshoumaru's presence and said, "You know Sesshou, it is impolite to stare."

Sesshoumaru heard her nickname for him and quelled his growl. No one had ever butchered his name and preferred it to stay that way, however after hearing Kagome’s nickname for him, he decided he liked it.

She smiled, twirling the hilt of her sword as if it were nothing before jabbing her imaginary opponent.

"How long have you been training in here today?" he asked, stepping further into the dojo.

"Four hours, give or take. I know it is excessive, but it helps keep my mind off things at the moment," she replied, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"Indeed. Care to show me your improvement," Sesshoumaru said with amusement, drawing Tokijin.

"Sure," Kagome replied, grinning and then went into her battle stance.

Sesshoumaru attacked first. Kagome blocked and then parried, however Sesshoumaru had tripped her up with a leg sweep.

"Ow!" Kagome said, rubbing her butt.

"Ah, but you are better than this," Sesshoumaru slightly smiled, sitting by Kagome, and then pulling her onto his lap.

Kagome blushed, never having been on any man's lap, especially a youkai of extraordinary beauty.

"Hai, demo remember, I'm exhausted from training so it was easy to trip my already heavy laden legs," she said teasingly, leaning into Sesshoumaru's chest.

He put his arms around her, and nuzzled her hair.

"Kagome, I need to tell you something. I am not an emotional man, at least outwardly. Throughout your time here, I have fallen in love with you. I am aware that my brother also loves you, so you can put it out of your mind that he wants the clay doll. I know you still love him as well, yet I need to find out if you have any feelings for me. I do not want to play shy around you as both my brother and you have done in the past."

Kagome kind of knew from his previous behavior that he had some feelings, but was shocked to know that he was in love with her. It made her stomach all warm and fuzzy.

"I have to admit, this was not expected. At first, I found you cold, but as I got to see you, I found you to be filled with passion, whether for your land or for Rin as a father figure. I feel this undeniable attraction to you as I have to Inu Yasha. I guess I can say that I love both of you. My heart cannot decide at the moment, but I do not want to hurt either of you. I hope I do not sound selfish," Kagome replied, feeling Sesshoumaru lightly kiss her shoulders.

"As you know, I am the taiyoukai of the West and alpha male of the white inu youkai clan. Inu Yasha is my only direct family alive. We have an old youkai pack law that the alpha male may share his mate if he chooses. That mate would be marked by the alpha and the other he chooses. In other words, koi, your love for us would not be selfish. You would never be alone. We would protect you as your mates. We mate for life, Kagome," he informed her, while stroking her hair.

He was revealing a lot of himself to her and he could feel is control slipping. Her scent was tantalizing and her own confession was making him feel things he had not felt in his long life. He nuzzled her some more, as she snuggled closer.

"So, you did make amends with Inu Yasha. It is about time. I'm not sure if I am ready to be mated. I'm pretty scared of it," she admitted, her face flush from his intimate nuzzling.

"I did indeed make amends with my brother. As for mating, do not worry. We would be gentle for your first time. We will not rush you if you are not ready. However, I will warn you that anytime we smell your arousal, we will take it as your consent. Just know this. You are truly an amazing onna. Your courage and bravery command respect. Your beauty has developed over the last few years and that is why I could no long deny my feelings," he finished as Kagome turned and saw the very first geniune smile on Sesshoumaru's face.

Kagome blushed furiously from his response about mating her then gasped at his smile, 'He is even more gorgeous.'

She smiled as she hugged him. Sesshoumaru tilted her chin up and then leaned in, gently kissing her. He molded his lips to hers, deepening the kiss until Kagome parted her lips, allowing his tongue to taste hers. Kagome moaned against his lips.

'I better stop before I lose it,' he smirked to himself, feeling his youkai start to try to break loose from his control.

He slowly pulled away, watching Kagome's eyes flutter open. He lightly traced her swollen lips with his thumb and smiled once more.

"I have wanted to do that for some time," he said. "Inu Yasha, I know you were listening. Enter."

Kagome blushed as she saw Inu Yasha enter with an equally matching blush. She noted that he was dressed in black and thought he looked great in it, as equally as his red fire rat haori and hakamas. His hair even looked like it had been tended to, no longer unruly.

"I'm sorry your family died, Kagome. They had welcomed me in with open arms and it pained me when I saw the aftermath. Kikyo had been there. I smelled her graveyard scent. I had originally thought it was Naraku’s doing, but it was her scent all the way. I will kill her for what she has done. Please, let us be your family," Inu Yasha said, sitting indian style in front of her and Sesshoumaru.

"You have to understand. I'm not of this time era. I'd happily say yes, but we've still to face Naraku. Once the jewel is complete, a selfless wish must be made of it so the jewel's curse will disappear. After such a wish is made, I have no idea what will happen. If I'm forced back to my time, I have no idea if I'd ever see the both of you again. I hope to, however, I've never sensed a demon in my time. I'm afraid of losing you," Kagome said, the tears coming back.

Sesshoumaru stroked her hair gently as Inu Yasha kissed her tears away.

"We live a long time, Kagome. In the case that we would have to wait, we would, no matter how sorely it would be. Perhaps, in your time, youkai can suppress their presence. With certain herbs, it is possible for weaker youkai, and with stronger youkai, it is merely something that can be done on a whim," Sesshoumaru replied.

"Then yes, I will be your mate," she answered, her blue grey eyes sparkling with joy.

"Come let's get out of here. I'm sure Kagome would like a bath by now. She was always complaining about not being clean," Inu Yasha teased.

"Indeed. Definitely the cleanest ningen I know," Sesshoumaru agreed with a slight toothy grin.

"Shaddup! You really know how to embarrass a girl," Kagome laughed, her face quite red.