InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ Sleepless Night ( Chapter 34 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Sianna 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.12.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 301 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.12.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 301 | Status: Work In Progress
Remnants of the Spider
Sleepless Night
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The cool, night air whipped across Kagome’s cheeks as she hastily made her way back to the village. It was probably a good thing as it served to cool her down from her most recent encounter with a certain dog demon. Her heart was still racing as the vivid memory refused to leave her mind. She just couldn’t get over it! Had she not been there personally, she would never have believed something like that could really happen.
‘He kissed me! I can’t believe he actually kissed me!!! On the lips!!! TWICE!!!’ her frantic mind repeated over and over again.
Perhaps it was the fact that she continued to pick up speed each time the thought raced through her brain, or maybe it was the fact that she wasn’t actually looking where she was going, but what normally would have been considered a very prominent tree root went entirely unnoticed as the miko neared the boundary which separated the forest from the edge of town. Her foot caught and Kagome went plummeting to the unforgiving earth. The wind was instantly knocked from her lungs, and just for good measure, her left palm (which together with her right) had been meant to break her fall, had landed on a particularly pointy rock.
The miko’s less than gracious landing was marked with a short agonized cry. Reflexes quickened from years of chasing and being chased by demons asserted themselves and she quickly rolled over and sat up, her sharp eyes instinctively scanning her surroundings. Relieved that she was still alone she did not move to stand; instead she cradled her injured hand against her chest willing the pain to abate so that she could inspect the damage.
‘A fantastic ending to a fantastic day!’ she grumbled mentally. A part of her mind pointed out that it wasn’t all bad and took the opportunity to again remind her of a silver-haired daiyoukai, who apparently liked her; and quite a bit if that kiss was anything to go by.
Kagome told that part of her brain to shut up, insisting that she had more important things to think about now, like umm…. like her poor throbbing hand!
‘Right’ she thought, quickly grabbing onto the distraction like a lifeline. Carefully shifting a bit to her right, she moved away from the shade provided by yet another tree so that she could see the wound in the unobstructed moonlight.
She moaned quietly when her seeking eyes were met with a pool of blood which was already about to drip off the side of her hand. The wound remained hidden beneath so she still was not sure how bad it was.
The miko closed her hand around the wound in an effort to staunch the bleeding. This of course resulted in blood seeping beneath her fingernails. “Ugh.” she murmured mildly disgusted with the notion of having to clean blood from beneath her nails.
“You are injured.” the cool calm statement caused the miko to start almost violently. Looking up, she saw the easily recognizable silhouette of Sesshoumaru.
“Oh” she gasped, as he ventured into the delicate streams of moonlight, the soft rays bathing his hair and face in ethereal radiance. “N-no!” she said automatically, then looking down at her injured hand she corrected, “Well, yes, but… but it’s fine!”
She quickly held up her remaining hand waving it back and forth as if to ward him away. “It’ll be fine!” she tried again as he continued to make his way toward her. “No need to…”
“Let me see.” he ordered quietly as he kneeled to one knee before her.
She again cradled her wounded appendage against her chest, her right hand attempting to cover any visible traces of blood even though she knew he could smell it. “I’ll take care of it.” she assured though her voice was much softer this time.
The demon lord ignored her words and reached forward wrapping his fingers around her left wrist. She offered little resistance as he slowly pulled her hand into the light. Without thinking to do so, she uncurled her fingers revealing her bloodstained palm. He looked at it and though his expression was classically blank, she noted that he did not look quite as bored as he usually did. His golden amber eyes strayed away from the wound locking with her own across the meager space that separated them.
An unstoppable blush made its way to Kagome’s cheeks as she ineffectually tried to pull her hand away. “It doesn’t even hurt anymore.” she admitted quietly.
The demon lord said nothing and turned his attention to her hand again. Kagome watched as his remaining hand drifted ever closer to her bloodstained palm. “Don’t!” she said quickly, seeing what he was about to do. “You’ll get blood on your hands!”
Predictably, he ignored her warning again and gently wrapped his hand around hers. Being mindful of his sharp claws he used his unblemished thumb to carefully smear away much of the blood revealing a small jagged cut.
Kagome looked down at the hand which rested so harmlessly in the cradle of his larger clawed appendage. She could hardly wrap her mind around the fact that this was Sesshoumaru who was treating her with such gentleness. It was out of place, but endearing at the same time.
She licked her suddenly dry lips. The warmth that emanated from where his skin came in contact with hers was starting to do bad, bad things to her. It was spreading from her hand to rush through her veins making her feel very, very odd, and just a little dizzy. Seconds later, it would pool low in her belly inspiring a feeling that was not entirely innocent. She bit her lower lip and shut her eyes tightly attempting to escape vague suggestions of what would most likely have manifested into impure thoughts had she given them time to solidify.
‘Don’t do it!’ she told herself frantically, ‘Just don’t think right now! Don’t acknowledge the fact that he’s still holding your hand. Don’t feel how warm and deliciously masculine his skin is, and definitely, definitely don’t remember that he kissed you not five minutes ago!’
Her cheeks flooded with color, but somehow she just couldn’t stop herself from continuing. ‘And especially don’t think about the fact that he definitely did it on purpose, as evidenced by the fact that he did it twice!!’
“It is already starting to heal.” the demon lord intoned offhandedly, though there was an undercurrent of… something in his voice.
That something, Kagome realized with a tidal wave of mortification may very well have had something to do with the perilous train of thought she had been entertaining just seconds ago.
She suppressed the urge to fidget. Thinking very slowly, and deliberately she told herself not to make a connection between what may or may not have been faintly arousing thoughts, and the slight rasp she may or may not have heard in his voice just now. She could have just imagined it after all! Sure he was a dog demon with an incredible sense of smell, but… she trailed off, her embarrassment threatening to reach new heights if she continued this line of thinking. She could feel him looking at her, but she refused to meet his eyes. It was probably best to think of something else all together.
Scrambling for a distraction, the miko was saved when she remembered what he had just said.
“Wait, what…? What do you mean it’s already starting to heal?” she asked as she eyed him with mild suspicion.
He released her then, and she drew her palm close to her so that she could see the wound. He was right! Through the smeared blood she could see a jagged dark pink line which, not only had stopped bleeding, but was already beginning to seal over. She touched it lightly with the index finger of her right hand and was amazed that the skin had actually started knitting back together.
“How…?” she asked quietly before she looked up to see a pair of glowing amber eyes staring back at her. The implications of his actions coupled with her rapidly healing wound were as clear as the nose on her face, but still Kagome could hardly believe it. She stared at him almost wanting him to give something away, to deny the feelings he apparently had for her, but all he did was return her stare with one of his own.
The demon lord found that he could not look away from her. In her eyes he could see a strange concoction of emotions which was disturbingly similar to what he felt within himself. It was as if they both were seeing something they had seen a thousand times before, but now a veil had been removed and they could see clearly for the first time. There was both confusion, and understanding. There was trust, yet uncertainty, apprehension and curiosity.
They each seemed to share a general sense of wariness but also a great reluctance to turn back from the paths that had been chosen for them. The entire situation was unnerving, yet there was an unquestionable appeal to it as well. Being together with the miko like this… it seemed almost natural, almost… right. It was as if it was meant to be this way all along. But that wasn’t right, was it? How could it be?
“I thought you didn’t like humans.” the miko’s quiet statement sliced through his meandering thoughts.
“I do not.” he responded mechanically.
To his surprise, she blushed prettily, a coy little smile tilting the edges of her lips. “But you… you kissed me.” she refuted softly.
His eyes lidded slightly. He had kissed her hadn’t he? She had been flustered and had begun rambling frantically. The decision had not been a conscious one, but his intention had simply been to silence her.
No, it had been more than that. Yes he had wanted to silence her, but he had also wanted to calm her. She had expressed fear that he would leave her, and he wanted her to know that he would not. He… would not leave her, he couldn’t. The very thought of doing so… it stirred something dark and unpleasant inside him. Were these normal feelings for one involved in friendship, or did they indicate something more substantial? He couldn’t tell.
At that moment he simply knew that she was afraid, and he wanted nothing more than to drive the fear away from her. And so, he had embraced her and pressed his lips against hers. He was uncertain as to whether or not such behavior was acceptable among friends, but for him at least, it had been surprisingly pleasant.
Kagome was becoming increasingly aware of their close proximity as the warmth of his body caressed the exposed skin of her face and neck. His eyes were no longer fixed on hers, but instead had lowered to focus on her lips. She was beginning to feel a pleasant sort of warmth throughout her body as the memory of their shared kiss flooded her mind again. His lips had been warm and soft and slightly damp as they pressed against hers. He had tasted beautiful, fresh, slightly forbidden, and entirely male.
“Yes.” he breathed in answer to her statement. “I did…”
The abrupt declaration startled her a bit and she looked up, only now realizing that she had been staring at his lips just as he had been staring at hers. He seemed closer now than he had been moments ago, and in the darkest corner of her mind she found herself wishing that he would kiss her again.
Their eyes locked and a shuddering breath escaped her. She swallowed thickly before asking, “Why?” the single word whispered almost soundlessly from her lips.
‘Why?’ he repeated the question mentally. He considered many possible answers, but really, there was only one.
He had kissed her, because he’d wanted to.
Sesshoumaru thought this over for a moment. He was fairly certain that it was the correct answer, but it also just stirred more questions.
The miko watched him and a slow smile spread across her face. She could tell that he was thinking, but the faint furrow of his brows suggested that he was almost as confused about the situation as she was. Somehow knowing that made it easier. Sesshoumaru always seemed so confident, so unflappable. It was nice to know that he was subject to the same emotions as everyone else. Her smile widened slightly.
“Confusing, isn’t it?” she asked with a light chuckle.
The corner of his lips tilted just a little bit. “It is.” he agreed with a tiny but genuine smile.
Kagome marveled over the little smile and thought it was possibly the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. But, as all beautiful things are, the slight tilt of lips was only fleeting and the rare display of emotion was quickly dashed beneath a stoic façade.
“So… what’s going to happen now?” the miko wanted to know.
He stared at her for a long time. “I do not know.” he said at last, and he noted the slight disappointment in her eyes as she gave a small nod. Then, recalling how she had attempted to end their friendship he spoke again.
“I do not know what the future will bring,” he admitted delicately. Lifting his right hand he reached toward her. The miko did not flinch when the tips of deadly claws brushed her cheek before careful fingers tucked a lock of hair neatly behind her ear. “However,” he continued once her errant strands were secured to his liking, “If you promise not to fight against it, then neither will I.”
She didn’t know why, but his words were tremendously reassuring to her. Smiling, she gave him her answer. “I’ll do my best.”
His response was given with a curt nod. “I can ask for nothing more.”
Shifting his weight, he rose to his full height before extending a hand to her. Kagome lifted her right hand in offering and he easily pulled her to her feet.
“Come.” he commanded airily, “We should get cleaned up.”
Kagome looked startled and Sesshoumaru raised a questioning brow. “Oh right!” she said as she looked down at the now dried blood on her left hand.
She looked up at him with a bashful smile before turning back to her previous path toward the village. The demon lord walked casually beside her and in comfortable silence they made their way to Kagome’s little hut.
Like Sesshoumaru, Kagome did not know what the future held for them, but she realized that things had changed between them. Normally such a development would have filled her with uncertainty, but this was different because they each had decided to just allow things to progress as they would. There was nothing to be afraid of because no promises had been made. They were friends right now, and whether their relationship continued as that or… developed into something more still remained to be seen. It was remarkably easy!
Soon the familiar little hut came into view and the demon and the miko ventured inside. Collecting a small basin, a bottle of water, soap and a couple of fairly clean squares of cloth from the storage room, the miko brought them to the main living area so that they could wash their hands. Kagome washed hers first. With the absence of blood she was better able to see the healing wound on her palm. It was rather amazing! Not much time had passed, but in the scant moonlight that shone through a nearby window she could see that it looked even better now than it had when they were in the forest. By morning, there would be little if any evidence of a wound at all.
When she was finished with her little examination, she looked up in time to see Sesshoumaru drying his hands on the square of cloth she had provided. He then folded the damp piece of material neatly before placing it near the basin.
Before an awkward silence could set in, Kagome decided to busy herself with tidying up. She took both pieces of cloth to the storage room where there was a medium sized pail she had come to use as a laundry hamper. She tossed the rags inside before heading back to the main room and retrieving the basin. Excusing herself politely, she went outside and dumped the water into a small patch of grass on the side of the hut.
When Kagome went back inside, she immediately froze where she stood and came very close to dropping the basin. Her eyes as big as platters, Kagome took in the sight before her with nothing short of mind shattering astonishment.
Absently, she wondered what it felt like to go into shock. No, this wasn’t your ordinary everyday shock; this was the kind of shock that sent people to the old rubber room. Unable to move, or even think adequately, Kagome stared in disbelief as Sesshoumaru, who had already removed his shoes and oversized pelt, was now carefully untying the leather straps that secured his armor.
“Um…!!! W-what are you doing??!!” she managed to ask when her brain finally decided to start working again.
He looked at her with a raised brow, his movements never ceasing. “Removing my armor.” he answered as if it was completely obvious.
Kagome’s mouth went dry. “Yes…” she said very slowly. “I can see that, but um… why?”
The look he gave her stated rather clearly: “Hmm…There is a distinct possibility that I have overestimated the miko’s intelligence.”
But out loud he said, “Because it is uncomfortable to sleep in?”
The wheels of Kagome’s mind began to turn very slowly and methodically. ‘Removing armor… because it is uncomfortable to sleep in… here in my hut… where I also sleep…’
By the time she figured it all out, he had already finished removing all the pieces of his armor, had seated himself against a wall, and was looking up at her expectantly.
“So…” she began carefully, “You’re planning on sleeping here…? With me? In the same building? Together…?”
The demon was becoming amused. “Is there a reason I should not? Are we not leaving in the morning?”
“Leaving… in the…morning?” she asked cleverly.
“To locate the first key?”
Oh right!!! That whole thing! Kagome suddenly recalled.
“I didn’t… I didn’t realize you were going.” she said as she avoided looking at the lapels of his haori which were now slightly ajar.
“There may be dangers” he told her after a short pause. “I cannot entrust your safety to the half-breed.”
Kagome frowned. “You don’t have to call him that you know. It’s not like it’s his fault the way he was born. Besides, I can take care of myself, I don’t need protection anymore.”
“Do not argue.” he ordered sternly. “The decision has already been made.”
Kagome just barely suppressed the urge to lick her tongue at him. ‘Stubborn!’ she groused mentally. ‘Must be a dog thing, or maybe it’s a family trait?’
“Traveling can be rather tiresome and it is growing later by the moment.” the demon lord’s words interrupted her train of thought. “It is advisable that you get some rest.”
The miko’s nervousness resurfaced. “Oh… right.” she said before sending him a wary glance. Feeling a bit awkward, she took the basin back to the storage room. It was then that she was struck with the terrifying realization that she needed to change into her sleeping kimono.
‘Oh Kami!’ she thought with mild panic. Sure, Sesshoumaru was in the other room, but the only thing that separated them was a thin straw panel!! She nearly bit a hole in her lower lip. ‘I wonder if dog demons can smell partial nudity.’
Okay, so she was being ridiculous, but that straw door was really, really thin!! Not to mention the fact that she could feel his youki as if they were in the same room!!!
‘Oh Kami!!!’ she thought again. Clutching protectively at the lapels of her haori, Kagome peeked out the door. She was mildly relieved to see that Sesshoumaru was not even looking in her direction.
‘Okay,’ she told herself, ‘let’s make this quick!!’
That night, the miko probably broke some sort of speed record as she stripped out of her miko attire and changed into her sleeping kimono. The daiyoukai had seen her in it before, but tonight was completely different. They were going to sleep in the same room!!! Suddenly feeling obscenely exposed, she dug into her yellow back pack and found a mercifully clean pair of shorts which she put on beneath her kimono. Satisfied with her state of dress, she collected two bedrolls, took a deep breath, and made her way back into the main room.
He was still sitting where she had left him. “I have an extra umm…W-where where do you want me to umm…”
“It is unnecessary.” he said cutting off her flustered rambling.
Kagome frowned in confusion. “So… you’re not going to sleep?”
His expression turned thoughtful. “I do not wish to lie down.” he corrected.
“Ooookaaaay.” she said as she tossed one of the bedrolls in a corner. She then took the other one to the corner on the opposite side of the room and unrolled it. She made another trip to the storage room to collect a pillow and a thin coverlet which had probably seen better days. Once she had arranged her sleeping apparel to her satisfaction, she seated herself on the center of her futon and looked at him.
“You know,” she began almost casually; “I don’t really think I’ll be able to sleep with you just sitting there like that.”
The demon lord did not know what it was about the way he was sitting that would prevent her from going to sleep. He gave her an odd look. “You have fallen asleep in my presence before.” he pointed out.
Oh right! She had hadn’t she?! “Yeah,” she conceded, “But that was different.”
He raised a brow. “How so?”
Kagome thought it over. “I’m… not sure.” she said very, very slowly. She was squinting up at some indistinct point on an adjacent wall and rubbing her chin pensively.
Realizing this conversation was going nowhere fast; the daiyoukai rose from his place near the door and made his way to the side of her bed that was not pressed against the wall. Her startled eyes landed on his face, and he managed to suppress an amused smirk before asking, “Do you trust me?”
The question confused her but her answer was resolute, “Yes.”
“Then move over.”
Kagome mindlessly complied with his order, and he seated himself on the edge of her futon, his back resting against the wall.
Her eyes widened in disbelief and she instinctively clutched the lapels of her kimono. “I’m not sure this is better.” she told him, incredulity coating every word. “Maybe we should just…”
“Come here.”
Kagome eeped and backed away.
This time the daiyoukai did smirk. “I was under the impression that you trusted this Sesshoumaru.”
Her shoulders relaxed slightly. “I--I do but--”
“Then come here.”
Moving with the speed of an ancient tortoise, Kagome made her way to his side. She gasped in surprise when he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her snuggly against him. Lacing his fingers through her thick mane of hair, he drew her in until her head came to rest against his chest. His hard sculpted chest which was covered with nothing but a couple of layers of silk… with no armor. And no undershirt.
Kagome tried not to think of that even though the steady beat of his heart was a constant reminder. Initially she kept her muscles very ridged and tried her best not to accidentally touch him; well, not to touch him anymore than she already was.
Eventually, the heat of his body, and the rhythmic drum of his heartbeat managed to sooth her. Her eyelids began to grow heavy.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the dark silken strands of hair as they splayed over his chest. When this idea had first struck him, it had seemed innocent enough. Inu, particularly pups often found comfort in sleeping together in this way. It seemed reasonable that a human miko might find comfort in it as well, but now he was reconsidering the intelligence of his decision. Kagome was not just a human miko; she was an attractive human miko. Not that sleeping together with an attractive human miko was a bad thing, in fact it could probably be a very good thing, if in fact there was less sleeping and more…
Sesshoumaru’s eyes widened slightly when he realized where his thoughts were heading. ‘Yes…’ he concluded as the miko’s tempting feminine aroma caressed his sensitive nose. ‘This may not have been the wisest decision.’
“Sesshoumaru?” she suddenly asked, her voice sounding tired. The daiyoukai was thankful for the distraction.
“Yes?” he answered, mentally congratulating himself on his even tone.
“W-when you said you wouldn’t leave me… did you… did you mean it?”
There was a short pause, then, “Yes.”
Kagome smiled against his chest. “I’m glad.” she half yawned.
Sesshoumaru drew in a deep breath and attempted to ignore the dangerous but titillating knowledge that he could feel Kagome’s breasts as they were pressed softly against the harder planes of his body. His fingers twitched with repressed movement.
It was going to be a long night.
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WOOT, and WOOT again!! The first being for Sess/Kag fluff, and the second for an early update!!!
I’ll be out of town this weekend, so it was either update early or update late. I love you guys so much I decided to update early!! Hope you all enjoyed, and remember, reviews make this Sianna smile, so please take a moment to tell me what you thought of the chapter! ^_~*
Sleepless Night
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The cool, night air whipped across Kagome’s cheeks as she hastily made her way back to the village. It was probably a good thing as it served to cool her down from her most recent encounter with a certain dog demon. Her heart was still racing as the vivid memory refused to leave her mind. She just couldn’t get over it! Had she not been there personally, she would never have believed something like that could really happen.
‘He kissed me! I can’t believe he actually kissed me!!! On the lips!!! TWICE!!!’ her frantic mind repeated over and over again.
Perhaps it was the fact that she continued to pick up speed each time the thought raced through her brain, or maybe it was the fact that she wasn’t actually looking where she was going, but what normally would have been considered a very prominent tree root went entirely unnoticed as the miko neared the boundary which separated the forest from the edge of town. Her foot caught and Kagome went plummeting to the unforgiving earth. The wind was instantly knocked from her lungs, and just for good measure, her left palm (which together with her right) had been meant to break her fall, had landed on a particularly pointy rock.
The miko’s less than gracious landing was marked with a short agonized cry. Reflexes quickened from years of chasing and being chased by demons asserted themselves and she quickly rolled over and sat up, her sharp eyes instinctively scanning her surroundings. Relieved that she was still alone she did not move to stand; instead she cradled her injured hand against her chest willing the pain to abate so that she could inspect the damage.
‘A fantastic ending to a fantastic day!’ she grumbled mentally. A part of her mind pointed out that it wasn’t all bad and took the opportunity to again remind her of a silver-haired daiyoukai, who apparently liked her; and quite a bit if that kiss was anything to go by.
Kagome told that part of her brain to shut up, insisting that she had more important things to think about now, like umm…. like her poor throbbing hand!
‘Right’ she thought, quickly grabbing onto the distraction like a lifeline. Carefully shifting a bit to her right, she moved away from the shade provided by yet another tree so that she could see the wound in the unobstructed moonlight.
She moaned quietly when her seeking eyes were met with a pool of blood which was already about to drip off the side of her hand. The wound remained hidden beneath so she still was not sure how bad it was.
The miko closed her hand around the wound in an effort to staunch the bleeding. This of course resulted in blood seeping beneath her fingernails. “Ugh.” she murmured mildly disgusted with the notion of having to clean blood from beneath her nails.
“You are injured.” the cool calm statement caused the miko to start almost violently. Looking up, she saw the easily recognizable silhouette of Sesshoumaru.
“Oh” she gasped, as he ventured into the delicate streams of moonlight, the soft rays bathing his hair and face in ethereal radiance. “N-no!” she said automatically, then looking down at her injured hand she corrected, “Well, yes, but… but it’s fine!”
She quickly held up her remaining hand waving it back and forth as if to ward him away. “It’ll be fine!” she tried again as he continued to make his way toward her. “No need to…”
“Let me see.” he ordered quietly as he kneeled to one knee before her.
She again cradled her wounded appendage against her chest, her right hand attempting to cover any visible traces of blood even though she knew he could smell it. “I’ll take care of it.” she assured though her voice was much softer this time.
The demon lord ignored her words and reached forward wrapping his fingers around her left wrist. She offered little resistance as he slowly pulled her hand into the light. Without thinking to do so, she uncurled her fingers revealing her bloodstained palm. He looked at it and though his expression was classically blank, she noted that he did not look quite as bored as he usually did. His golden amber eyes strayed away from the wound locking with her own across the meager space that separated them.
An unstoppable blush made its way to Kagome’s cheeks as she ineffectually tried to pull her hand away. “It doesn’t even hurt anymore.” she admitted quietly.
The demon lord said nothing and turned his attention to her hand again. Kagome watched as his remaining hand drifted ever closer to her bloodstained palm. “Don’t!” she said quickly, seeing what he was about to do. “You’ll get blood on your hands!”
Predictably, he ignored her warning again and gently wrapped his hand around hers. Being mindful of his sharp claws he used his unblemished thumb to carefully smear away much of the blood revealing a small jagged cut.
Kagome looked down at the hand which rested so harmlessly in the cradle of his larger clawed appendage. She could hardly wrap her mind around the fact that this was Sesshoumaru who was treating her with such gentleness. It was out of place, but endearing at the same time.
She licked her suddenly dry lips. The warmth that emanated from where his skin came in contact with hers was starting to do bad, bad things to her. It was spreading from her hand to rush through her veins making her feel very, very odd, and just a little dizzy. Seconds later, it would pool low in her belly inspiring a feeling that was not entirely innocent. She bit her lower lip and shut her eyes tightly attempting to escape vague suggestions of what would most likely have manifested into impure thoughts had she given them time to solidify.
‘Don’t do it!’ she told herself frantically, ‘Just don’t think right now! Don’t acknowledge the fact that he’s still holding your hand. Don’t feel how warm and deliciously masculine his skin is, and definitely, definitely don’t remember that he kissed you not five minutes ago!’
Her cheeks flooded with color, but somehow she just couldn’t stop herself from continuing. ‘And especially don’t think about the fact that he definitely did it on purpose, as evidenced by the fact that he did it twice!!’
“It is already starting to heal.” the demon lord intoned offhandedly, though there was an undercurrent of… something in his voice.
That something, Kagome realized with a tidal wave of mortification may very well have had something to do with the perilous train of thought she had been entertaining just seconds ago.
She suppressed the urge to fidget. Thinking very slowly, and deliberately she told herself not to make a connection between what may or may not have been faintly arousing thoughts, and the slight rasp she may or may not have heard in his voice just now. She could have just imagined it after all! Sure he was a dog demon with an incredible sense of smell, but… she trailed off, her embarrassment threatening to reach new heights if she continued this line of thinking. She could feel him looking at her, but she refused to meet his eyes. It was probably best to think of something else all together.
Scrambling for a distraction, the miko was saved when she remembered what he had just said.
“Wait, what…? What do you mean it’s already starting to heal?” she asked as she eyed him with mild suspicion.
He released her then, and she drew her palm close to her so that she could see the wound. He was right! Through the smeared blood she could see a jagged dark pink line which, not only had stopped bleeding, but was already beginning to seal over. She touched it lightly with the index finger of her right hand and was amazed that the skin had actually started knitting back together.
“How…?” she asked quietly before she looked up to see a pair of glowing amber eyes staring back at her. The implications of his actions coupled with her rapidly healing wound were as clear as the nose on her face, but still Kagome could hardly believe it. She stared at him almost wanting him to give something away, to deny the feelings he apparently had for her, but all he did was return her stare with one of his own.
The demon lord found that he could not look away from her. In her eyes he could see a strange concoction of emotions which was disturbingly similar to what he felt within himself. It was as if they both were seeing something they had seen a thousand times before, but now a veil had been removed and they could see clearly for the first time. There was both confusion, and understanding. There was trust, yet uncertainty, apprehension and curiosity.
They each seemed to share a general sense of wariness but also a great reluctance to turn back from the paths that had been chosen for them. The entire situation was unnerving, yet there was an unquestionable appeal to it as well. Being together with the miko like this… it seemed almost natural, almost… right. It was as if it was meant to be this way all along. But that wasn’t right, was it? How could it be?
“I thought you didn’t like humans.” the miko’s quiet statement sliced through his meandering thoughts.
“I do not.” he responded mechanically.
To his surprise, she blushed prettily, a coy little smile tilting the edges of her lips. “But you… you kissed me.” she refuted softly.
His eyes lidded slightly. He had kissed her hadn’t he? She had been flustered and had begun rambling frantically. The decision had not been a conscious one, but his intention had simply been to silence her.
No, it had been more than that. Yes he had wanted to silence her, but he had also wanted to calm her. She had expressed fear that he would leave her, and he wanted her to know that he would not. He… would not leave her, he couldn’t. The very thought of doing so… it stirred something dark and unpleasant inside him. Were these normal feelings for one involved in friendship, or did they indicate something more substantial? He couldn’t tell.
At that moment he simply knew that she was afraid, and he wanted nothing more than to drive the fear away from her. And so, he had embraced her and pressed his lips against hers. He was uncertain as to whether or not such behavior was acceptable among friends, but for him at least, it had been surprisingly pleasant.
Kagome was becoming increasingly aware of their close proximity as the warmth of his body caressed the exposed skin of her face and neck. His eyes were no longer fixed on hers, but instead had lowered to focus on her lips. She was beginning to feel a pleasant sort of warmth throughout her body as the memory of their shared kiss flooded her mind again. His lips had been warm and soft and slightly damp as they pressed against hers. He had tasted beautiful, fresh, slightly forbidden, and entirely male.
“Yes.” he breathed in answer to her statement. “I did…”
The abrupt declaration startled her a bit and she looked up, only now realizing that she had been staring at his lips just as he had been staring at hers. He seemed closer now than he had been moments ago, and in the darkest corner of her mind she found herself wishing that he would kiss her again.
Their eyes locked and a shuddering breath escaped her. She swallowed thickly before asking, “Why?” the single word whispered almost soundlessly from her lips.
‘Why?’ he repeated the question mentally. He considered many possible answers, but really, there was only one.
He had kissed her, because he’d wanted to.
Sesshoumaru thought this over for a moment. He was fairly certain that it was the correct answer, but it also just stirred more questions.
The miko watched him and a slow smile spread across her face. She could tell that he was thinking, but the faint furrow of his brows suggested that he was almost as confused about the situation as she was. Somehow knowing that made it easier. Sesshoumaru always seemed so confident, so unflappable. It was nice to know that he was subject to the same emotions as everyone else. Her smile widened slightly.
“Confusing, isn’t it?” she asked with a light chuckle.
The corner of his lips tilted just a little bit. “It is.” he agreed with a tiny but genuine smile.
Kagome marveled over the little smile and thought it was possibly the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. But, as all beautiful things are, the slight tilt of lips was only fleeting and the rare display of emotion was quickly dashed beneath a stoic façade.
“So… what’s going to happen now?” the miko wanted to know.
He stared at her for a long time. “I do not know.” he said at last, and he noted the slight disappointment in her eyes as she gave a small nod. Then, recalling how she had attempted to end their friendship he spoke again.
“I do not know what the future will bring,” he admitted delicately. Lifting his right hand he reached toward her. The miko did not flinch when the tips of deadly claws brushed her cheek before careful fingers tucked a lock of hair neatly behind her ear. “However,” he continued once her errant strands were secured to his liking, “If you promise not to fight against it, then neither will I.”
She didn’t know why, but his words were tremendously reassuring to her. Smiling, she gave him her answer. “I’ll do my best.”
His response was given with a curt nod. “I can ask for nothing more.”
Shifting his weight, he rose to his full height before extending a hand to her. Kagome lifted her right hand in offering and he easily pulled her to her feet.
“Come.” he commanded airily, “We should get cleaned up.”
Kagome looked startled and Sesshoumaru raised a questioning brow. “Oh right!” she said as she looked down at the now dried blood on her left hand.
She looked up at him with a bashful smile before turning back to her previous path toward the village. The demon lord walked casually beside her and in comfortable silence they made their way to Kagome’s little hut.
Like Sesshoumaru, Kagome did not know what the future held for them, but she realized that things had changed between them. Normally such a development would have filled her with uncertainty, but this was different because they each had decided to just allow things to progress as they would. There was nothing to be afraid of because no promises had been made. They were friends right now, and whether their relationship continued as that or… developed into something more still remained to be seen. It was remarkably easy!
Soon the familiar little hut came into view and the demon and the miko ventured inside. Collecting a small basin, a bottle of water, soap and a couple of fairly clean squares of cloth from the storage room, the miko brought them to the main living area so that they could wash their hands. Kagome washed hers first. With the absence of blood she was better able to see the healing wound on her palm. It was rather amazing! Not much time had passed, but in the scant moonlight that shone through a nearby window she could see that it looked even better now than it had when they were in the forest. By morning, there would be little if any evidence of a wound at all.
When she was finished with her little examination, she looked up in time to see Sesshoumaru drying his hands on the square of cloth she had provided. He then folded the damp piece of material neatly before placing it near the basin.
Before an awkward silence could set in, Kagome decided to busy herself with tidying up. She took both pieces of cloth to the storage room where there was a medium sized pail she had come to use as a laundry hamper. She tossed the rags inside before heading back to the main room and retrieving the basin. Excusing herself politely, she went outside and dumped the water into a small patch of grass on the side of the hut.
When Kagome went back inside, she immediately froze where she stood and came very close to dropping the basin. Her eyes as big as platters, Kagome took in the sight before her with nothing short of mind shattering astonishment.
Absently, she wondered what it felt like to go into shock. No, this wasn’t your ordinary everyday shock; this was the kind of shock that sent people to the old rubber room. Unable to move, or even think adequately, Kagome stared in disbelief as Sesshoumaru, who had already removed his shoes and oversized pelt, was now carefully untying the leather straps that secured his armor.
“Um…!!! W-what are you doing??!!” she managed to ask when her brain finally decided to start working again.
He looked at her with a raised brow, his movements never ceasing. “Removing my armor.” he answered as if it was completely obvious.
Kagome’s mouth went dry. “Yes…” she said very slowly. “I can see that, but um… why?”
The look he gave her stated rather clearly: “Hmm…There is a distinct possibility that I have overestimated the miko’s intelligence.”
But out loud he said, “Because it is uncomfortable to sleep in?”
The wheels of Kagome’s mind began to turn very slowly and methodically. ‘Removing armor… because it is uncomfortable to sleep in… here in my hut… where I also sleep…’
By the time she figured it all out, he had already finished removing all the pieces of his armor, had seated himself against a wall, and was looking up at her expectantly.
“So…” she began carefully, “You’re planning on sleeping here…? With me? In the same building? Together…?”
The demon was becoming amused. “Is there a reason I should not? Are we not leaving in the morning?”
“Leaving… in the…morning?” she asked cleverly.
“To locate the first key?”
Oh right!!! That whole thing! Kagome suddenly recalled.
“I didn’t… I didn’t realize you were going.” she said as she avoided looking at the lapels of his haori which were now slightly ajar.
“There may be dangers” he told her after a short pause. “I cannot entrust your safety to the half-breed.”
Kagome frowned. “You don’t have to call him that you know. It’s not like it’s his fault the way he was born. Besides, I can take care of myself, I don’t need protection anymore.”
“Do not argue.” he ordered sternly. “The decision has already been made.”
Kagome just barely suppressed the urge to lick her tongue at him. ‘Stubborn!’ she groused mentally. ‘Must be a dog thing, or maybe it’s a family trait?’
“Traveling can be rather tiresome and it is growing later by the moment.” the demon lord’s words interrupted her train of thought. “It is advisable that you get some rest.”
The miko’s nervousness resurfaced. “Oh… right.” she said before sending him a wary glance. Feeling a bit awkward, she took the basin back to the storage room. It was then that she was struck with the terrifying realization that she needed to change into her sleeping kimono.
‘Oh Kami!’ she thought with mild panic. Sure, Sesshoumaru was in the other room, but the only thing that separated them was a thin straw panel!! She nearly bit a hole in her lower lip. ‘I wonder if dog demons can smell partial nudity.’
Okay, so she was being ridiculous, but that straw door was really, really thin!! Not to mention the fact that she could feel his youki as if they were in the same room!!!
‘Oh Kami!!!’ she thought again. Clutching protectively at the lapels of her haori, Kagome peeked out the door. She was mildly relieved to see that Sesshoumaru was not even looking in her direction.
‘Okay,’ she told herself, ‘let’s make this quick!!’
That night, the miko probably broke some sort of speed record as she stripped out of her miko attire and changed into her sleeping kimono. The daiyoukai had seen her in it before, but tonight was completely different. They were going to sleep in the same room!!! Suddenly feeling obscenely exposed, she dug into her yellow back pack and found a mercifully clean pair of shorts which she put on beneath her kimono. Satisfied with her state of dress, she collected two bedrolls, took a deep breath, and made her way back into the main room.
He was still sitting where she had left him. “I have an extra umm…W-where where do you want me to umm…”
“It is unnecessary.” he said cutting off her flustered rambling.
Kagome frowned in confusion. “So… you’re not going to sleep?”
His expression turned thoughtful. “I do not wish to lie down.” he corrected.
“Ooookaaaay.” she said as she tossed one of the bedrolls in a corner. She then took the other one to the corner on the opposite side of the room and unrolled it. She made another trip to the storage room to collect a pillow and a thin coverlet which had probably seen better days. Once she had arranged her sleeping apparel to her satisfaction, she seated herself on the center of her futon and looked at him.
“You know,” she began almost casually; “I don’t really think I’ll be able to sleep with you just sitting there like that.”
The demon lord did not know what it was about the way he was sitting that would prevent her from going to sleep. He gave her an odd look. “You have fallen asleep in my presence before.” he pointed out.
Oh right! She had hadn’t she?! “Yeah,” she conceded, “But that was different.”
He raised a brow. “How so?”
Kagome thought it over. “I’m… not sure.” she said very, very slowly. She was squinting up at some indistinct point on an adjacent wall and rubbing her chin pensively.
Realizing this conversation was going nowhere fast; the daiyoukai rose from his place near the door and made his way to the side of her bed that was not pressed against the wall. Her startled eyes landed on his face, and he managed to suppress an amused smirk before asking, “Do you trust me?”
The question confused her but her answer was resolute, “Yes.”
“Then move over.”
Kagome mindlessly complied with his order, and he seated himself on the edge of her futon, his back resting against the wall.
Her eyes widened in disbelief and she instinctively clutched the lapels of her kimono. “I’m not sure this is better.” she told him, incredulity coating every word. “Maybe we should just…”
“Come here.”
Kagome eeped and backed away.
This time the daiyoukai did smirk. “I was under the impression that you trusted this Sesshoumaru.”
Her shoulders relaxed slightly. “I--I do but--”
“Then come here.”
Moving with the speed of an ancient tortoise, Kagome made her way to his side. She gasped in surprise when he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her snuggly against him. Lacing his fingers through her thick mane of hair, he drew her in until her head came to rest against his chest. His hard sculpted chest which was covered with nothing but a couple of layers of silk… with no armor. And no undershirt.
Kagome tried not to think of that even though the steady beat of his heart was a constant reminder. Initially she kept her muscles very ridged and tried her best not to accidentally touch him; well, not to touch him anymore than she already was.
Eventually, the heat of his body, and the rhythmic drum of his heartbeat managed to sooth her. Her eyelids began to grow heavy.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the dark silken strands of hair as they splayed over his chest. When this idea had first struck him, it had seemed innocent enough. Inu, particularly pups often found comfort in sleeping together in this way. It seemed reasonable that a human miko might find comfort in it as well, but now he was reconsidering the intelligence of his decision. Kagome was not just a human miko; she was an attractive human miko. Not that sleeping together with an attractive human miko was a bad thing, in fact it could probably be a very good thing, if in fact there was less sleeping and more…
Sesshoumaru’s eyes widened slightly when he realized where his thoughts were heading. ‘Yes…’ he concluded as the miko’s tempting feminine aroma caressed his sensitive nose. ‘This may not have been the wisest decision.’
“Sesshoumaru?” she suddenly asked, her voice sounding tired. The daiyoukai was thankful for the distraction.
“Yes?” he answered, mentally congratulating himself on his even tone.
“W-when you said you wouldn’t leave me… did you… did you mean it?”
There was a short pause, then, “Yes.”
Kagome smiled against his chest. “I’m glad.” she half yawned.
Sesshoumaru drew in a deep breath and attempted to ignore the dangerous but titillating knowledge that he could feel Kagome’s breasts as they were pressed softly against the harder planes of his body. His fingers twitched with repressed movement.
It was going to be a long night.
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WOOT, and WOOT again!! The first being for Sess/Kag fluff, and the second for an early update!!!
I’ll be out of town this weekend, so it was either update early or update late. I love you guys so much I decided to update early!! Hope you all enjoyed, and remember, reviews make this Sianna smile, so please take a moment to tell me what you thought of the chapter! ^_~*