InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Water ( Chapter 26 )

His words hung in the air, then sank to the ground. They had weight, substance. Kagome waited, heart pounding, afraid he would say something to lighten them, diminish them. He said nothing, only rested his forehead against hers and tightened his arms around her. She didn't think she would ever hear him utter those words, that they were an admission of weakness, but he said them as a source of strength, and the remaining ramparts around her heart crumbled.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” she breathed hesitantly, “I…love you.” She said the words carefully, trying them on. They fit like second skin, and she knew it was true. She moaned softly, hiding her face in his shoulder. “I do. I love you,” she whispered.

 

“Little fool. Of course you do.” Her laughter sparkled, and as she clung to him, he memorized her in his arms, knowing they had crossed a point and would never go back again. “Kagome, it will start raining soon. Let's go inside the cave.” With reluctance, she let go of him.

 

As they walked back, she asked, “Did you find anything? You said you smelled Youkai.”

 

“Just some local hunters. Nothing of concern.”

 

Sesshoumaru helped her into the cave, added more charcoal fuel to the brazier, and began to take off dampened clothes. Kagome recalled the first time she saw him undress. They had just arrived at the manor, and she was torn by her hatred of him and her gratitude that he hadn't beaten and raped her. Though so much had changed since then, her appreciation of his physical beauty had not.

 

She went to him and stood behind, pressing her body against his back, laying her hands on his hips. He tensed when she touched him, suddenly fearful of the return of her apprehensions. Sliding up his sides, she reveled in the warm smoothness of his skin, then encircled his torso, palms caressing, fingers tracing. He stayed absolutely still, as she explored the ridged muscles in his abdomen and his taut, firm chest. She put the side of her face to his back, the silk of his hair beneath her cheek, and listened to his breath and heartbeat, even and steady, feeling anchored to him and his strength.

 

As she relaxed against him, Sesshoumaru perceived her confusion was gone, replaced by trust and confidence. He placed his hands over hers and gently loosened her grip around him, then turned toward her and lifted her face to look at him, claws trailing along her jaw line. Even in the dim light thrown by the single candle, Kagome could see his smug satisfaction. “Bathe with me.”

 

The statement charted territory between request and demand, raising Kagome's ire. Love does not necessarily breed submission, she thought. She kissed the thumb stroking her lower lip, then bit down sharply. “You are a mind reader,” she smirked at his surprised expression.

 

He growled, a soft thread of menace woven in. “Miko, what god did I so enrage to be burdened with you.” His lips found the pulse point on her neck, and he scraped the tips of his fangs along the slender column, settling on the hollow at the base, nipping gently.

 

“Burden, am I?” she managed to ask, before a throaty, low moan escaped.

 

“An infuriating, delightful burden.” He kissed slowly up the other side, feeling the blood drum under her tender skin. He straightened slightly, and their eyes locked. “I wouldn't change a thing about you.”

 

Slipping her hands up his chest and around his neck, she challenged, “I think you're lying. You wouldn't wish subservience on me?”

 

“Not on you. Never on you.” He took hold of her arms and brought them down. He picked up the candle, then led her through the passage to the cavern with the pool.

 

They entered the dark chamber, air damp and heavy with the odor of minerals. Sesshoumaru knelt in front of her and untied the belt of her shirt, reaching up and pushing it off her shoulders. Her skin glowed like alabaster in the pale light, shadows playing in the valley between her breasts, the depression of her navel. He slid his hands down her back, carefully grazing the raised, angry scars with the edges of his claws. Their eyes connected, acknowledging the presence of the marks and way she had received them. The ministrations spoke of mutual acceptance. Acceptance of their differences, their history. Kagome's eyes filled with tears, and she dropped to her knees, leaning her weight on him.

 

“I've been such an idiot. It took me so long to realize I was allowed happiness, I didn't recognize it when it's been in front of me.”

 

“You're not an idiot, Kagome,” he said gently, enjoying the twin mounds of her breasts heavy against his chest. “What spurred this epiphany anyway?”

 

A shade of a smile played on her lips. “I'll show you later.” She grinned at him. “I'm getting chilly. Finish undressing me or I'll do it myself.”

 

His laugh was deep and steady as he sliced away at her pants. “Take care what you ask for, miko,” he chuckled over her protests. She quickly unknotted the ties of his pants, sliding them over his narrow hips, running her hands along his tightly muscled backside. He growled and stood, pulling her after him, drawing her into the water.

 

Kagome put one foot in, then balked. “It's hot!” she yelled with surprise.

 

Turning toward her, one graceful brow arched, “Hot is the informative word in hot spring, I believe. You said you were chilly. Now come here.” He tugged her hand, and she, unresisting, followed.

 

They walked together, deeper, and when the water reached mid-thigh, she felt something tickling her legs. With a start she looked down and saw his hair, silver strands floating against the black depths. After a few more steps the water was to her hips and Kagome, acclimating to the temperature, was beginning to feel the familiar ease and tranquility only warm water could provide. The liquid heat enveloped more and more of her body as they went further, and, as the water licked at her breasts and her own hair drifted on the surface, Sesshoumaru stopped and grabbed her around the waist, settling her against him. They stood still a moment, the slick lengths of their bodies touching, her soft curves a sharp contrast to his arousal, pressing hard and impossibly hot into her belly. His nearness was incredibly sensuous, and waves of burning pleasure coursed through her limbs and centered at her core, making her light-headed and breathless.

 

“Put your arms around my neck. It's about to get deep.” She complied, and soon her feet no longer were in contact with the floor of the spring. They were now far from the candle, and she was, in effect, blind. She could only trust him.

 

The high mineral content of the water made her buoyant. “I feel like I'll float away,” she whispered, tightening her hold.

 

“You're not going anywhere.” The water was at their necks, eyes level. “Ready?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

She nodded. “I trust you.” He sank, taking them both under for a moment. When they broke the surface, Kagome felt renewed. Water danced down her face, cleansing, and she wished she could see him. Laying a hand to the side of his face, she closed the distance that remained between them and kissed him, tasting his mouth, the water of the spring, his essence. Her wet lips were smooth and insistent, making him fevered with desire. He kissed her in return, then broke away, determined to take his time, and licked the drops the clung to her lashes. “Sesshoumaru…” she moaned urgently.

 

Apparently not the instance for restraint, he thought. Their mouths met again, fervently, unable to take in enough of each other. Their tongues battled, giving and taking, trying desperately to win and surrender at once.

 

Their feelings of familiarity and newness were contradictory. They had certainly been naked, kissing many times, but this was different. “How can I feel,” she asked, voicing their confusion and want, “I've never been with you til now, at the same knowing we've never been apart?” Instead of answering, he fisted her hair, pulling her head back, caressing her throat with his demanding tongue.

 

Kagome felt her need for him throbbing and wrapped her legs around his waist, pushing her sex, ready and open, against his hardness. Her obvious desire after its absence, reddened his eyes. Bringing his hands under her smooth bottom, he raised her so the tip of his erection prodded her entrance. Kagome gasped and scratched at his scalp, circling her hips, and taking him in deeper. “Please…I want you. I need you.” He shifted his grip and slowly brought her down, reacquainting himself with her tight heat, inch by inch. When he was entirely inside, Kagome sighed raggedly, loving the feeling of fullness, the sense of completion. She rotated her hips, grinding her swollen pearl against him, all the while biting and licking his neck.

 

Sesshoumaru lightly dug his claws into her flesh and lifted and lowered her, marveling that her core was even wetter and hotter than the water in which they were immersed. Beginning with shallow, patient strokes, he kept only a few inches sheathed within. But spurred on by her pleas and bites and moans, he increased in speed and force, impaling her on his length. She circled her hips every time he drove her down, rubbing her nerve center against him as he filled her inside. The rhythm created by her arching back and his thrusts was an intimate dance, choreographed by longing and the necessity to consume each other.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” she panted, “gods, I'm so close. Don't stop.” Tightening her legs around his waist, Kagome bit back a scream. Sesshoumaru noted the extreme concentration on her face and knew her end was near. Moving a hand to cup her whole backside, he slid the other up to her chest, first gently palming her full breast, playing with the weight, then kneading, pinching and rolling her nipple in his fingers. Her scream could not be contained as she crashed past her peak, tensing sporadically in waves, then relaxing with heaving breaths. She lifted her head lazily and planted a kiss on his jaw. “I do love you so.”

 

Satisfied that he had pleased her, the pace was renewed and quickened. He slammed her down on him with such force she was amazed he could still stand. Licking up along his neck, enjoying his complete control of her body, she settled at an ear, sucking softly. “Kagome…” he moaned. She nipped him lightly at first, increasing the pressure of her teeth, until she was biting hard. It was enough. He groaned and lost himself, and she felt him stiffen and shudder under her and his claws pierced the skin of her breast. Finally he stopped. He slid out of her depths, but continued to hold her against him as his racing heart slowed.

 

They submerged again, washing away sweat. Sesshoumaru tenderly kissed her dripping face and neck as he walked back to the stony edge. Nearing the candle, Kagome could see again, his beautiful face, markings dark and bold against his pale skin. She shivered. The air outside the water seemed cold, and they quickly gathered their clothes, Kagome taking special care to protect the letter in the folds of her shirt, keeping the water from it.

 

Once back inside the main cavern, Sesshoumaru added as much fuel to the brazier as he dared. It would not do to create too much smoke in the confines of the cave. Kagome laid down blankets and furs, pleased to find the ones that had been left were still in good shape. A comfortable place to spend the night, she thought. They lay together, quietly touching. His fingers burrowed in her hair, as hers traversed his broad chest.

 

“Did you mean it, what you said before?” she asked peacefully.

 

“I meant it then, and I mean it now. I love you, Kagome.”

 

Never, will I ever tire of those words, she thought. “When did you know?” she asked, absentmindedly walking her fingers up and down his shoulder.

 

He thought briefly. “At the temple in Shiga. When we were married in that Ningen ceremony.”

 

She scowled. “Now I know you're lying. We'd barely met. And I can recall several specific times when I thought you were about to kill me.”

 

He laughed. “It's true, you are lucky to be alive, but I think I can love you and want to throttle you simultaneously. And I'm sure my feelings of wanting to slay you aren't over. You are singularly maddening.” He kissed her with passion and tenderness. “It is also true, I started loving you when I first saw your fascinating blue, blue eyes.”

 

Eyes narrowed skeptically, but she kissed him anyway. “Blue eyes, my ass.”

 

“Mmm, beautiful ass as well, but I wouldn't learn that for a few days,” he said with a smirk. She giggled happily and attempted to tickle him, but he grabbed her wrist and pinned it back. The rosy peaks of her breasts stood out in contrast to her white skin, begging attention. He bent and circled a nipple with his tongue, teasing, making her arch her back. Pleased with her reaction he covered it with his mouth, sucking and nibbling. He released her arm and cupped the other mound, gently squeezing. She twined her fingers in his hair, engrossed in the sensations his mouth was eliciting. He noticed the small marks where he had punctured her skin during his climax. “It seems I need to be more careful with you,” he said, licking the small wounds.

 

“Don't you dare,” she objected. “I'm not made of glass. And what's a few more scars anyway?”

 

He became serious suddenly, haunted by a vision of her torn back. Propping himself up on an elbow he studied at her. “Kagome. You may not be made of glass, but you are flesh. I don't want to cause you pain. No more hurt. No more scars.”

 

Kagome was disappointed that his amorous teasing had turned melancholy, but she didn't make light of his concerns. “No more hurt,” she reassured gently. “I love you, Sesshoumaru.”

 

“And when was it that you decided this?” His mood was lightening already. “You referred to something earlier.”

 

Kagome reached over to her pile of discarded clothes and fished out the letter. She gave it to him.

 

Sesshoumaru looked at it quizzically. After a moment he recognized it. He had seen his foster brother with the letter many times over the years before he and Sumiko died. Kintaro always carried it with him and reread it whenever he had to be separated from her. “Reading private correspondence?” he accused, mock-serious.

 

She made to take it back, but he evaded her. “I found it and looked at it. I wasn't trying to be nosy. Are you going to read it or not?”

 

Sesshoumaru knew it was a love letter written by his sister. He wasn't privilege to the contents, however, and had always respected the privacy of others. But he was overcome by curiosity, wondering what his sister could have penned that would so influence Kagome. He unfolded it and turned toward the small fire's illumination. Reading in silence, a hint of a smile threatened his stoic mask occasionally. When he finished, he refolded the paper and gathered his mate in his arms, holding her close.

 

“I was so sad after I read it, when I realized they'd died. But they had been happy, hadn't they?” She needed to know.

 

“Yes, Kagome, they were very happy,” he said quietly, remembering.

 

“I finished reading and just wanted to be with you so much. I wanted to see if we could have that. As I waited I became more sure and more afraid. Then I saw you.” She paused. “I'm not certain I could pick a moment when I began to love you. I think it simply happened without my awareness. But when I saw you walk toward me, I knew it was possible.” She smiled softly at him.

 

He laid her back and kissed her chastely. “It was always possible.” She pulled him toward her for a less-than-chaste kiss. They explored the warm, silken interiors of mouths and the velvet of tongues. He captured her lower lip between his fangs, piercing skin. “Definitely not made of glass, are you?” he whispered, licking her blood. “Glass doesn't bleed.”

 

She gasped at the hot itch present between her thighs, which flared at the brief pain and pleasure. “I want fangs,” she said greedily.

 

He laughed at her audacity. Summoning her strength, she pushed him on his back and immediately latched onto his neck, biting and sucking. “What do you think you are doing, miko?”

 

“I'm marking you, silly. Now be quiet.”

 

The indignity was appalling. He tried to remove her, but she, giggling, grabbed his hair and clung to his neck. “Goddam it, miko, let go. Inuyoukai males don't get marked.”

 

“Well, I'm not a Youkai. Now don't make me use my powers on you,” she threatened impishly.

 

“I can't show up at the manor like—”

 

She silenced him by laying a pink-tinged finger over his mouth. He responded to the shock with a snarl, but she was undeterred. “Stop fussing. It's just a little bruise; I'll heal you tomorrow.”

 

She redoubled her efforts on his neck, satisfied only when she was able to see darkness against his pale skin in the weak light. Forcing himself not to move, he plotted revenge, ignoring how good her mouth felt against his throat. When she finished, she kissed up to his jaw and licked to his still-sore earlobe. “I can't wait to see in full daylight,” voice taunting.

 

Self-control broken, eyes red and feral, he flipped her on her back pinning both wrists above her head with one hand, hoisting a leg roughly over his shoulder with the other. “Since I won't really kill you, I'll just make you beg instead.”

 

His harsh treatment caused her arousal to spike. She knew he wouldn't hurt her. And I'll be damned to hell before he hears me beg, she thought. “Do your worst, demon.”

 

XXXXX

 

They traveled without incident to the stronghold the next day. When they were within shouting distance, he took the beads back out. “I'm sorry, Kagome. It can't be helped.”

 

“I know,” she replied sadly, bracing for the painful suffocation. He lowered them over her head, then held her body as she struggled to breathe, sorely tempted to fling them away forever.

 

They entered the gated walls, greeted by all who saw them. “I'm going to track down my father to give him the report. I'm sure as soon as my mother hears we've returned she'll want to see you and be persuaded that the primitive conditions at Nantai didn't spoil you forever.”

 

“Perhaps we could all dine together tonight. I'd love to see Gina. And I promise I'll mind my manners,” she said coyly.

 

They had stopped several times during the day's journey, unable to keep their hands off each other and their clothes on. “I'm not sure I can make the same assurances.” He looked down at her and caressed the side of her face. “Meet me in bed an hour before dinner.”

 

They parted ways, but instead of going to their section of the manor, Kagome walked to the hill with three gravestones. She sat and tried not to be sorrowful. Mumbling a small prayer of thanks to Sesshoumaru's sister, she wished they could have met and wondered what they would have thought of each other. She turned to the stone on the right and pulled out her knife, using it to dig a hole. When she thought it was deep enough, she withdrew the letter from her shirt, dropping it in the hole, and covering it with the loose earth. “Here's your letter, Kintaro,” she whispered. A she walked back down the hill toward the manor, she felt serenity.

 

Then she remembered they had both forgotten to have her heal the large red and purple discoloration on Sesshoumaru's neck.