InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Tasting Amber ❯ Complications ( Chapter 5 )

A/N: Many thanks to each of you who have taken the time to review-it always gets me psyched to do more writing after reading them (so keep it up-I may still be able to eek out two chapters a day this way!).  This chapter took a lot out of me, but I tried to fit in as much plot and smut as possible.   Also, many thanks to YoukaiFate, who reminded me to throw in an orgasm or two for lil' Miss Kagome (I didn't forget, but thanks for pointing it out-I made sure to have big juicy lemons in here for you).  There's something in here for Inu/Kag and Sess/Kag fans alike, and the big battle is slated for next chapter after I've a chance to sharpen the brothers' hatred and make things very confusing for little Miss Kagome.  Please let me know what you think and whether I should continue-it was torture trying to get this to you guys in a timely manner.  As always, I am your humble writing servant…Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: Rumiko Takahashi broke my heart and owns Inuyasha.  Lucky duck…Chpt 5 Complications

Sango watched Inuyasha as he lead the way across the Western Lands.  She was a little worried-he wasn't paying much attention to where he was going, very narrowly averting disaster in the form of hulking tree trunks a few times now.  But she guessed it was understandable.  He was worried about Kagome, after all.  

I wish I had someone like that…  

Inwardly she sighed about this.  With no family and no village to call her own,Sango missed the feeling of having someone worry about her, scold her with concern when they thought she was in trouble.  If her family had been alive, her father would now be parading her within the village to find a suitable mate, a male who could stand up to the honor that his daughter had brought to his name.  She doubted he would every be satisfied with anyone, but she would have smiled with delight-her age having come to bring forth a family of her own.  Her grip on the great fire cat tightened a bit as she thought of all of the possibilities she had once had…all now dashed by a despicable hanyou named Naraku who had seen to her own personal misery.   Kirara roared slightly, always in tune with her mistress' feelings, and Miroku's hands tightened around her waist.  

Oh, Sango.  If you only knew that you weren't alone…  

Sango felt Miroku tighten his grip slightly, not enough for her to reprimand him, but enough for her to feel his warmth.  He pressed his advantage, gently resting his head on her shoulder as her leaned in to speak with her in a soothing voice.

"Do not look so forlorn, Sango.  You are not alone."

Sango jumped at the monk's words.  Am I that transparent?

"I did not say anything about being alone."

"You don't have to.  I can sense it in you."  Miroku paused, screwing up his courage to move forward with what je wanted to tell her.  What he had wanted to say to her for almost three years.  "You should know, Sango, that you are loved.  You are loved very much."

Sango flinched at his words, letting go a derisive snort.  Loved by who, monk?  By you?

"You laugh, but it is true Sango.  I would not lie to you."  Miroku gently placed his hands atop hers, turning his head to look her in the eyes with his full heart and passion.  "I could never lie to you…"

Miroku's hands made clasped her delicate fingers in a warm grip, making slow circles in her skin.  Sango felt herself begin to blush-What he could do with those fingers!-as he turned each had over in his and stroked the palms, gazing at them as if he could tell the future.  He traced the small lines in her flesh, hovering just above them to tickle and bring an incredible warming sensation that traveled up her arm and down her spine.  Sango could feel herself melting, relaxing in his grip as he worked her reflexes with patience and practiced calm, her heart skipping a beat as he moved imperceptibly closer and she could fully inhale his tantalizing scent-the deep intoxicating aroma of sacred incense.  Miroku's intense gaze moved back to her own, burning with feelings that Sango could not name, this time the chill in her body warming and settling into a molten pool of heat between her legs.  His hands were working each of her digits slowly-she gasped as he made a tight seal between two of his fingers and snugly slid them up and down each finger of her own, popping joints with the firm friction and pressure.  He was so close she could almost taste him…almost lick his impossibly perfect lips…

"Ewwwwwwww!  Could you guys get a room?!" Shippou bounded between them, giving both Sango and Miroku a face full of furry tail.

Oh, gods what did I nearly do?

The moment over, Sango stiffened in her position, turning a resolute back to the monk behind her.  He sighed slightly at the lost opportunity, but did not release his tightened grip from her waist-or her hands.

Sango was just going to have to get used to him.  He planned on being around her for a long, long time...

***

The Western Lands were beautiful, vast and untamed.  Inuyasha relished the crisp air as he leapt at top speed from tree to tree, speeding to the fortified palace that held his heart.

I'm coming, Kagome…just hold on…

He tried to focus on her face as he leapt, searching for the connection that he had shared before to send her his love and passion.

Kagome…

***

Kagome threw an ornate pillow at the open window. Gods it's boring here…

She had spent an entire week in Sesshomaru's room, and save for the night with the bath, she had barely seen him.  Which was kind of good, because at least she did not have to be torn with emotion over him…Did she love him?  Did she hate him?  He disgusted her either way, but still…

Kagome stretched, stifling a yawn as she inspected her body.  She was fully healed and rested as she lay in the vast expanse of Sesshomaru's bed.  She was so rested that she was dying to go outside-being up in Fluffy's room wasn't her idea of a good time.  Still, it beats seeing nothing but the ceiling all the time…

Kagome blushed at her own naughty thought.  Gods, where did that come from?  She hadn't even had sex with the demon since the very first night (I guess oral doesn't count, does it?) but that hadn't stopped her from fantasizing about it…nearly every night.

She had contemplated leaving the room to sneak out for some air for just a little while, but decided that having one close encounter with his inner demon was enough for her for awhile.  She'd stay there for now, though she wondered why she was still there-she wondered about her love…

Inuyasha, where are you?   I miss you so much.

Kagome closed her eyes and rubbed her temples slightly.  She was starting to get a mild headache.

Great.  Just great.

Kagome?

What the--? Inuyasha?!…

The darkness of Kagome's eyelids began to lighten, brightening almost painfully into something akin to sunlight.  The brightness wavered she was back under the Goshinbu tree, staring out at a beautiful field the way she normally did, taking in the breeze flowing off of Inuyasha's forest.

Kagome turned to the soft rustling at her side and gasped.  Inuyasha was there, staring at her intently with longing and love, his silver hair rustling in the slight breeze.  He looked exactly as she had remembered him the night under the Goshinbu tree.  Proud and beautiful, achingly handsome.Kagome…

Shhh, Inuyasha.  Let's just enjoy the moment.

His hair blew behind him as he looked out on the peaceful meadow for a moment.  An etched statue of unearthly perfection-his jaw fine and chiseled, his eyes a deep golden shine.  Kagome could feel her heart breaking at the sight of him.  She ached for him, breathed for him.  She had waited so long and wanted to be in his arms, for him to hold her tight and never let go…

Kagome…I saw.

Kagome blinked.  What was he talking about?  Saw what?You saw…saw what?  When?

I saw you and Sesshomaru…after the bath…

Kagome's heart stopped.  Ohmygodohmygodohmygod…How could he see that?  Her body felt cold, clammy, dirty.  As if she would never be clean again.  She looked down at her hands in shame, unable to meet his haunting gaze.

Are you in love with him?Inuyasha…I…

Was she in love with him?  She didn't really know.  Did she like him?  Yes.  No.  He disgusted her.  Just not as much as she thought he would.  But did she love him?  Well, she'd only known him for two days.  Could she tell already?  She had seen glimpses of a being that she could love, but was that enough?

You have his mark, Kagome.  I know…I know I was rough.  That I transformed into my demon self after that night.  I'm not sure what happened-I just remember falling asleep next to you and then waking up with you gone..,but believe me when I say I love you.  I love you with all of my heart and all of my soul.  I could never tell you all these years.  Not even that night under the tree.  But if you remember nothing else about me, remember that-I love you more than life itself.  If you want to be with him, I will not stop you.  I only…Inuyasha's voice broke…I only want to protect you.  I want you to be happy…

 Kagome felt tears burning down her face at seeing her beautiful hanyou twisted in such agony-agony brought on by her own foolishness.  If she could have sold her soul and turned back the hands of time to undo all her stupidity, to never have called Sesshomaru, never had slid under Inuyasha's red haori, she would have done it all within that singular moment when she saw the man of her life cry.

Inu…yasha…Please, please don't cry…I love you…so much…It was all a mistake... It shouldn't have happened…I'm not in love with Sesshomaru…I'm in love with you…I don't know about the mark, but…can't we undo it?  Can't I still be with you?

Inuyasha regarded her sadly, never wanting to be away from her, hoping his legs could carry him to his beloved faster.

Are you sure, Kagome?  If you don't want me, I won't be upset.  I won't interfere.  Because if what you say is true…then I have to kill Sesshomaru.  I want to make sure you know what…who you want before I do this…

Something inside Kagome whimpered, screamed-No! No, don't say it!  Don't lie to him-but Kagome ignored it.  She loved Inuyasha.  She was in love with Inuyasha.  She was Inuyasha's mate, not Sesshomaru's.  And whatever she and Sesshomaru had briefly shared was just that-brief.No, Inuyasha.  I want you.  And only you.  It's been you all along…

For the first time in a week, the light of hope shone in the hanyou's eyes.  He took in her beauty.  Even with his brother's mark on her forehead, Kagome was still breathtaking.  Her ebony hair flowed on a light breeze to surround her face in a gentle kiss, and the light blue yukata that she wore accentuated her delicate features, making her look like a fallen angel in a sea of calm.

He leaned in towards her, stretching out a tentative hand to gently caress the face of the only woman who he realized ever truly mattered to him since his mother.  She felt so warm, so soft…as if she were truly there with him in this picture of perfection.

He reached out a tentative hand and stroked her cheek.Warm…so warm…

Kagome swooned into his caress, nuzzling her face gently against his digits.  If only this could last forever…

He wanted to taste the pale perfection of her lips, see if they were as he remembered-soft and lush, like just ripened peaches after a spring rain.  His heart sped out of his chest.  Just feeling her, touching her was doing things to him…

Inuyasha's lips brushed hers, softening into a gentle, loving kiss that sent chills down his spine.  Gods, please make this real…His hand moved down her neck gently, drawing smooth circles across her clavicle to cusp one breast lightly.  Kagome jumped in surprise-she hadn't been touched in a week-and then melted into his embrace. 

Inuyasha suckled Kagome's lower lip hesitantly at first, then pulled insistently as his passion grew and plunged his tongue deep in her mouth to taste her wet cavern.  Kagome allowed him, shyly tasting his tongue as it wrestled her own for dominance, to feel and taste their combined passion.  A low growl came from the hanyou and he possessively pulled her body to his, crushing her small form beneath his heavy weight as his tongue trailed searing warmth down her cheek and jawbone, nibbling on the smooth skin of her neck before joining the hand gently massaging her right mound.  Her body was on fire, lit by the electricity of his touch, ready to short circuit without the completion she knew that he could provide.

Oh, gods…

Kagome's back arched into Inuyasha's hot mouth as he licked and kissed the erect nipple of her breast, toying with it to increase her passion.  He wanted her to enjoy this, to enjoy him and know that it was him and no one else who could make her feel this way.  He nuzzled and kissed across her chest to imprison the other nipple in a searing movement, lightly nipping it with his fangs as he possessively twisted the mound he left with his free hand.  His legs crawled over her as if they had a mind of their own, pinning her beneath him and holding her steady in their iron grip.  Kagome's passion was beginning to release into a soft pool of honey between her legs, and she instinctively slipped a digit between her legs to quell the ache that began to form, begging for something hard to stretch her cavern. 

"Oh, no you don't…" Inuyasha growled, snatching her probing hand away and pinning it an its companion in an immovable position above Kagome's head. 

NO! Kagome's eyes widened and she growled a little herself-angry that he had spoiled her fun and that the painful need was growing in her again.  She lifted her hips to the pelvis straddling her, shifting to hook a leg at his waist and rub her hot core against his thigh in a tortuous rhythm.  Inuyasha jumped as if burned, his trembling with growing desire as he tried to ignore the lengthening steel in his haori.  Kami, this is torture…

"Inuyashsa…please…"

The pressure building in Kagome's body was unbearable, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't rub her pearl of pleasure properly-the near misses were killing her.  The scent of her arousal was making his blood boil as the youkai in him demanded satisfaction.  Her thighs gripped his, moving up and down forcefully, and he yanked them from his waist to the ground in front of him as he crushed her upper body with his own.

"Yes" she panted, but Inuyasha wasn't done yet.  Still keeping her hands pinned above her head with his left hand, he thrust his thighs between hers to open her wide as his right hand reached down to rest on the tiny pearl that stood at attention between her legs.

Kagome moaned, her body convulsing at the touch.  She was already so hot, and the light circles that Inuyasha was playing between her legs threatened to push her past her breaking point.  With two fingers, Inuyasha massaged the engorged folds of her woman eliciting a hiss from deep within Kagome's throat.  One long finger slipped into her hot cavern, pushing in to the hilt, her hips following the movement. 

"Aaaaa! INUYASHA!"Oh, heaven, earth, moon, and stars…

Keeping firm circles on her throbbing clitoris with his thumb, Inuyasha's finger curled up in a single movement and Kagome's entire body convulsed, bursting into stars and sunlight that trailed down the tears in her cheeks.  Inuyasha's eyes had never left hers and she stared up in awe of the man who could make her feel such things…such completeness…

Her breath caught as he gently removed his digit and licked it clean.  She was dripping freely now, dampening her yukata with her juices and sweat.  Inuyasha tugged his haori over his head, exposing his bare chest and sucked on her skin, leaving an agonizing trail of nipped flesh before sinking between her legs.  His hot breath tickled her nether regions, and Kagome squirmed downwards, moving to get closer to that delicious heat.  Inuyasha smirked.

And everyone says I'm the impatient one.

Releasing her arms, he used his hands to grasp each of her trembling thighs, pulling them wide as his tongue lapped against the pulsing folds of her inner sanctum and enjoying the shrieks of pleasure that emanated over and over again from her throat. He was lapping up her juices greedily, intoxicated on her scent and the sweet nectar that seemed to flow without end from her willing body. 

"KUSO Inyuasha!"

Inuyasha stopped dead before breaking into gales of laughter.  He had never heard Kagome curse before, and the thought of her turning into a sailor because of him not-quite-fucking her was absolutely hilarious.  The reverberations from his throat traveled deep into her center, and Kagome's breath hitched as she came another time, harder than the first from the simple soundwaves that bounced from his body. Damn, I have that effect on her?

Inuyasha was bold now.  He plunged his tongue deep into Kagome's hot core, enjoying the feel of her inner walls tightening as he lapped greedily in and out.  She was writhing underneath him, nearly knocking him out of position as her hips twisted to get away from the unbearable pleasure of his hunger.

"God, Inuyasha, no more.  Please…you're killing me…"

But he had found his rhythm and bobbed his head in concert with his tongue to plunge deeper and move faster into her musky wetness.  Unsatisfied with his access, the hanyou pinned her thighs firmly to the ground, opening her to him like a ripe watermelon at a family picnic.  Kagome's breath stopped as she felt completely bare and exposed, offering her very essence to the being causing her torturous pleasure.

"A...a…a…a…a…"

Complete sentences were lost to Kagome, her head thrashing uncontrollably against Inuyasha's assault.  She was coming again-not a third time!-and she hadn't even felt his manhood yet…she laced her screams of pleasure with frustration as tears streaked down the corners of her eyes from the intensity of his sucking and needling mouth.I can't take this for much longer…I'm going numb…

Inuyasha broke his rhythm to come up for air, allowing Kagome to grab him by the hair and yank hard.  He yelped as she pulled him towards her, muting his cry with her mouth and flipped him over with her glaring at him on top.  Pink miko light cracked ominously for a brief moment before she reigned it back into control.  With the light of their mind session behind her, Kagome looked like an avenging angel, a devastating goddess of war poised to strike and kill all before her in the rage of her pleasure.  Inuyasha gulped.

"INUYASHA.  I WILL KILL YOU IN YOUR OWN HEAD IF YOU DO NOT FUCK ME RIGHT NOW." 

"Eh...heh…"Damn, she's beautiful when she's angry…

But she just gave him the excuse that he needed.

"Yes, ma'am…" He smirked.

Flipping her underneath him with his left hand, Inuyasha ripped off the last of his garments with his right and settled directly above Kagome's hot center before plunging deep inside of her with his youkai force.  She gasped from the intrusion-he felt even larger than she remembered-but began lifting her hips to match his thrusts, slow and deep with passion and tenderness. 

"Kagome…"

Inuyasha breathed deep onto her neck, kissing her, caressing, fondling her with lavish nibbles and small bites.  He felt so wonderful inside of her…

"…don't ever leave me…"

No…never…I won't…Kagome lifted her hips with greater urgency to show him, prove to him that she would never leave him…never let him go…

"…I love you too much…"

His pace was picking up as be pushed further into the recesses of her molten cave, grunting with each thrust.  Kagome's back was chafing against the friction of the forest floor, the ebony river of her hair tangling in the roots of the Goshinbu tree.

"…it would kill me…"

Inuyasha was pumping in a frenzy now, battering her body against his heat as she mewled and groaned against him.  Her cries were sending him over the edge and hooking his right arm beneath her left leg, he swung into a sitting position, bringing her to bounce directly on top of him-one leg in midair, the other pinned beneath his arm.

"O…o…o…o…o..."

One finger circled and then slipped deep between her buttocks, and her body bucked at pleasure at the feeling of the double penetration of his member and digit.  A gush of searing arousal pooled from Kagome's center as she screamed his name high into the heavens.

"INUYASHA!!!"

Inuyasha tried to maintain control, but the screams and the flood of arousal that gushed from between Kagome's legs was shattering his rhythm.  He surged forward, growling with a possessive roar as he sunk his fangs deep into the heated flesh of Kagome's mating wound, his manhood claiming her innermost recesses.  Triple penetration was too much.  Heat, fire, explosions hit her at once. 

"GYAAAA!!!"

Kagome released with such force that it lifted both she and Inuyasha off of the ground, her form convulsing with the power of a full-out orgasm. He joined her in a simultaneous fall into the abyss, the forest ringing with their screams.  The dreamland they inhabited shimmered fiercely from the release of energy between them, the fabric of the world ripped apart before settling back to its peaceful state, the state where they were most comfortable, most intimate. 

Kagome turned back to her loving hanyou, wanting to stay there, to keep that moment of perfection with her forever.  She breathed out the only thing that she could…

I love you, Inuyasha.

Inuyasha smiled, cupping her face with gentle fingers to place a longing kiss on her lips.  He was fading already, his energy spent physically as his body raced towards her across the Western lands and now spiritually as his essence finished satisfying her.  He didn't want to go, but life never seemed to give him a break when he needed it most…

Kagome, remember this.  Remember me. 

His legs were evaporating slowly into the growing mist of her mind.

I'll always be here.  I'm coming to get you and I don't care what Sesshomaru does-I'm not leaving until I take you home where you belong.

The air was redolent with warmed acorns and sage…amber flashed with one final plea before blending into oblivion…

Wait for me, Kagome…wait for me…

***

Sesshomaru felt the connection in his mind when Inuyasha reached out to Kagome for a second time.  He could see the garden and the scene of wanting and desire that played out for him as if her were a spectator in the field.Let my brother have his fun.  There will be plenty of time to deal with him after…and the miko…well, I will deal with her tonight…

Returning his impassive gaze to the skittish owl demon before him, he resumed his line of questioning.

"What is the meaning of this, healer?"

A second crescent mark was growing on Kagome's brow.  He had noticed it the morning after his mark appeared.  At first it was faint, only an outline of a dot, and Sesshomaru ignored it thinking to be part of her healing process around his own mark.  But it was becoming darker, more defined.  Though still imperceptible to most humans and even most demons, Sesshomaru could see a second crescent slowly appearing to overlap his own, infuriating him and further…complicating his plans.

"Well, sire.  It seems as if the youkai mating cycle may have been complete when you took Lady Kagome as a mate.  Hence the double crescent on her temple.  One signifying your claim, and the other signifying your brother's."

"But why was my brother's mark not there before?"

"Your brother is a hanyou-half of his blood is human, and thus will not mark.  I believe that once the life force of the child within her grew stronger and the amount of demon blood in Lady Kagome increased, the original mating mark finally presented itself.  It may also mean that Inuyasha is calling to his mate, searching for her and his unborn child."

"Exactly whose child does the miko carry?  Are you saying that it is that of my half-brother?"

"I cannot tell for certain, my lord.  We will not know until the child is born."

"What happens if this child is his?"

"Well…uh…according to youkai law, the woman belongs to your brother unless she conceives a child of yours within two weeks of giving birth to the first pup."

"Two weeks is not enough time for a human to recover from whelping."

"Well…er…that is true, my Lord…"

"So my bond with the woman will be broken?"

"Well…um…"

"Speak, healer!"

"Y-yes, sire.  That is correct."

"But if a way were to be found to have her heal and conceive within two weeks, she would remain double-bonded.  Is that so?"

"Well, yes sire, that is correct if such a method were to exist."

"Very well, find it.  And once you do, return to me immediately.  I may have use of it."

***

A brimming Kagome twirled around the room, hugging herself in sheer delight. Helovesmehelovesmekelovesme!  And I love him back!

Her face shone with the soulful completion of requited love and post-coital bliss.  There couldn't be a feeling like it anywhere else in the world, she thought.  Nowhere else…

Dancing like a twisted ballerina on an acid binge, Kagome whirled circles around the room and right into a wall.Owww…I don't remember there being a wall here…

Kagome opened up her eyes to see exactly what wall she had bumped into just to stare back at the ice prince himself.

"Oh, hi Sesshomaru.  What are you doing here?"

Sesshomaru regarded her with his normal iciness, venom lacing his words.

"Did you forget, wench?  I live here."

Kagome blinked.  She forgot.

"Oh…um, yeah.  Sorry."

Setting herself back down from twirling on her tiptoes, Kagome backed up and stared at the floor. He was doing that thing again-staring into her as if he could see through her, see all of her inner turmoil and shame.

"So…when can I go outside?"

A stone face ignored her request.

"I mean, really Sesshomaru.  I've been cooped up all week.  Can't I get a little time outside?"

Sesshomaru regarded her coldly for a moment before nodding his head once in curt agreement. Looking at the childishly pleading look she gave him, his mind returned to the tryst she shared with his brother moments before, the conflicted emotions that had clouded her when considering her feelings for him.Conflicted emotions…Could this miko be seriously considering me as a mate?  Her doubt will be delicious when I see it etched across Inuyasha's heart.  Perhaps a jaunt outside will be most beneficial…

"Very well.  I will escort you outside."

Kagome nearly screamed in delight with the prospect of being freed for at least a little while to breathe fresh air and see the stars once more.  She slipped on the shoes provided for her at the foot of the bed and ran back to face Sesshomaru, face beaming.

"OK, ready!"

For a second, she reminded him of Rin-all light and laughter and smiles.  She is truly beautiful, he thought musing lightly as he proceeded down the wooden steps to the outer gates.  My half brother has actually chosen wisely.

They walked outside to capture a setting sun, a mosaic of reds, blues, and purples painted across a sunkissed orange backdrop.  Stars peeked out of the far east, and in one of those rare twists of nature, the moon was visible along with the sun, creating magnificently breathtaking scene.

Sesshomaru steered her towards his personal gardens, the section replete with pale irises and cherry blossoms, where rare ivory moonflowers blossomed well into the winter.  Kagome followed silently, drinking in the darkening air that was heavily laden with sweet flower nectar.

"Oh, it is so beautiful here.  Wow, Sesshomaru, this is your garden?  It's really…nice."

Nice, magnificent, incredible…all fits…

Sesshomaru smirked slightly at the comment.  "Nice"is for humans. "No, the gardens are exquisite.  They were my mother's when she was alive.  The moonflowers planted here are for her.  They were her favorite."

Kagome inhaled this new knowledge.  Sesshomaru had never mentioned his mother before, and knowing that these gardens were preserved in her memory seemed to humanize him a bit.  He was opening up and showing a side that she had not really known he had.  Not that he'd ever own up to it…

She continued walking with him in silence, following deeper within the garden.  The moonflowers glowed with increasing beauty, throwing off their own brilliance into the darkening sky and lighting their way in the garden's dark recesses.  The air seemed to shimmer, and she watched in wonder as fireflies began to flicker in the still air, adding to the vision's majesty.

Sesshomaru led the young miko deeper within his garden, intent on one place-the small spring that graced the deepest part, kissing the marbled stones that had stood in the area since the beginning of time.

It would be the perfect place to deal with his miko…appropriately.

"How long has this place been here, Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru's alabaster face gazed heavensward as he pondered for a moment, trying to remember.  "Several centuries now.  Since before I was born.  It was a wedding gift from my father.  He had the flowers specially brought from her northern homeland and meticulously prepared for their mating night.  This-" He swept his hand around him expansively, "is where I was conceived."

Kagome thought on this.  Sesshomaru was being very open with her-she could almost feel…close…to him.

Maybe he's not such a bad guy after all…

Stop! What are you saying?!  You love Inuyasha, remember?

Yeah, but that doesn't mean that Sesshomaru isn't nice.  He's nice, that's all...or at least, not as nasty as he lets everybody think…

When they got to the tiny spring in the farthest point of the garden she stopped and gasped at its beauty.

Crystal clear water bubbled from the top of silvery white marble that glowed with supernatural shine in the pale moonlight.  A pool of luminescent opal koi swam in the stone basin erected directly below the spring, turning it into a natural renewing fountain of water and light rimmed with a thick braid of delicate moonflower blossoms as lush and beautiful as the stars above.  Mist covered the heart of the spring, making it seem as if the water were alive-as it were singing in contentment as its long lost son came to visit it once more and conceive a new heir to the Western lands under its gentle guidance. 

Two benches, the same milky white and silver as the stones of spring, graced the miniature waterfall.  Sesshomaru sat down with and extended a gracious wave of invitation towards his guest.  Kagome obliged, staring at the glory of the moonlit enclave.  She was in awe of the garden, in awe of the spring,…in awe of the fact that he would share so much with her.

The sound of the water was all that could be heard for a time as demon and miko enjoed the silky silence of the tiny enclave.  Sesshomaru watched her intently, gauging his words and pausing for dramatic effect before he spoke.

"Kagome, if things were different, do you think it would please you to stay here?"

Kagome sucked in her breath.  That was the last question she had ever expected from the taiyoukai, particularly since he had in no uncertain terms demanded her compliance since setting foot on his terrain.  Now he wants my opinion? 

"Well, I don't know Sesshomaru," She played with her fingers as her mind whirled with a response.  "You've been a gracious host (yeah, right) and the garden is spectacular, but I love Inuyasha.  If I had known you at a different time, or met you in a different way, then maybe.  But Inuyasha is the one for me.  And neither you nor I can help that."

Sesshomaru sat silently, allowing her to believe that he was considering her words.  He knew that she thrived on independence, on individuality, and he could give her that respect…or at least feign as if he was.  After an appropriate amount of time had passed, Sesshomaru spoke to her again, nearing her imperceptibly as he connected with her mating mark to make his words live in her ears.

"You are pleasing to me, miko.  Though I have dealt with you rather…harshly, you should know that your company is…most enjoyable."

His lips found her forehead and placed a chaste kiss on her mating mark.  Kagome felt a shudder of pleasure fill her, the light tingling from the mark on her forehead flaring into a full-out fire as Seshomaru's lips grazed it lightly.  My brother is not the only one you shall crave this night…

Kagome's heart skipped a beat as her blood began to heat, damning herself for her body's betrayal when everything was so simple and so clear now…she loved Inuyasha...she would not betray her Inuyasha…

Sensing her internal struggle, Sesshomaru pressed his advantage further, leaning fully into her personal space to envelop her in the scent of his essence-dark, piquant, and incredibly alluring.  He modulated his voice to a low whisper so that it would carry only to the confused beauty before him.

"I do not know what you do to me.  It has been…difficult dealing with my affairs while you have been here…"

Sesshomaru's hand seemed to move in slow motion, resting on Kagome's shoulders as he brought her in for a kiss, tasting her lips in their delicate fullness.  She jumped backwards-I am NOT doing this, NOT AGAIN-but only met with a steel arm that had move to encase her in a slow and torturous kiss that caused her womanly parts to burn in anticipation.

She was aroused, but not willing to give into her primal lust.  Kagome belonged to someone else-loved someone else.  She would not give in to her baser instincts.  Not this time, not today.

I will NOT be a slave to my body!  I will NOT do this again!  I will fight this!

Kagome pushed back forcibly, not making a dent in the immovable being that surrounded her.  She punched his chest wildly and swung her legs to connect with something, anything that would force him to let her go.

Sesshomaru smirked at her antics.  The amount of amusement that the miko brought him was truly endless.

"Is there something wrong, miko?"

"YES, there is something-AND MY NAME IS KAGOME!"

His ears rang at her yelling, but his amusement only increased further.

"Of that I am well aware."  Releasing her body, Sesshomaru grasped her chin with his claw, bringing it within inches of his own.  "Is there something wrong…Ka…Go…Me…?"

Kagome opened her mouth to respond but no words would come out.  The demon lord was so close, his scent so near that anything that she would have said seemed to disappear in the brief moments that she saw herself mirrored in amber orbs of desire.  Her heart was beating an uneven tattoo against her chest, but what was worse was that she could hear the slow and steady rhythm that beat in his-an island of calm in the sudden storm of righteous indignation that she had been ready to unleash and now found herself searching desperately for.

"I cannot hear you, Ka…Go…Me…"

A silvery tail wrapped gently around the miko's waist, closing her to the taiyoukai's waiting form.  Kagome's mouth worked as she desperately sought to reconnect with her lost trail of thought-to undo the stupor she now found herself in.  Do something Kagome!

"Yeah…I…um…"  Kagome knew what to do.  She would get up, tell Sesshomaru to get a life and stop stealing his brother's, and walk right out of the garden paradise that she was in right now…away the garden paradise with flowers she had never seen before or would ever see since…away from the incredibly sculpted body that held her fast to his…away from the most haunting face of beauty she had ever seen…Yeah, that's what I'm gonna do!

But Kagome always had a vivid imagination.

"Kami…help me…"

Sesshomaru smirked in victory as he closed the short distance between his lips and hers, touching them ever so softly with his own.  His tongue sought permission, outlining the delicate bow of her lips, tasting their cherry fullness before plunging deep within her mouth to claim his treasure.  A purr of contentment escaped his chest, reverberating to her as she melted into his embrace.  She was falling-no, being lifted and gently placed on the soft grass, her hair pooling underneath her as the demon lord followed on top, never disconnecting from his searching kiss.

Sweet…so sweet…

Sesshomaru found himself clouding over with lust.  The miko was delectable, tasting of spring and ripened fruit.  He had forgotten how addictive she was-why he had forcibly banished himself from his bedchambers while she was injured to prevent taking her in the middle of the night.  His tongue snaked down her jawbone and neck, lapping roughly at the expanse of pearlescent skin over her heart before capturing a single nipple in soft, wet heat.

Kagome arched into his waiting orifice and wrapped her legs around his waist to position her chest more fully to his attentions.  Sesshomaru's lower body worked in concert with his mouth, grinding against her pelvis slowly, causing the pool of warmth between her legs to spill down her thigh

His claw snaked around her leg and began the gentle circles that had tortured Kagome before, playing with the fold just pressing into the soft expanse between her legs hard enough for her to feel his presence, but light enough to frustrate.  Kagome was pinned by his burning mouth that pulled her nipple gently into the back of his cavern, whipping the sensitive tip to a stiff peak.  She shuddered at as another wave of pleasure racked her form-Sesshomaru's head found the other mound and tugged at it greedily, his tail arching her back higher and pouring her form into his waiting hand, a single digit angled and sliding into her tight core.

"Ah!"

Kagome gasped at the feeling of filling and began to buck, riding the finger that Sesshomaru had buried deep into her folds as he continued the magic on her nipples.  The areola, stiff and swollen stood at attention in the garden air as he pulled back to observe the face of satisfaction that painted the young miko's face. His tail lifted her slightly as he slipped another finger into her passage, his own passion increasing as it tightened in a vise-like grip.  Kagome's face shone bright red as strangled speech caught in her throat.

"For the love of Kami…"

Kagome was sliding up and down freely now, emotions be damned as she pistoned up and down on Sesshomaru's fingers.  The universe was red and hazy-all she could see and feel was the river that threatened to explode inside of her…

KUSO-not again…

Kagome's breathing was growing labored and she could feel that delicious current that ripped through her body with the force of an electric current, obliterating everything in its path.  Tiny pinpricks of light marred her vision, and then all went dark as she slipped into oblivion.

***

She woke to incandescent fire, the tiny night creatures that pollinated the moonflowers glowing brightly and then fading in an eternal dance of life and death.  Her eyes felt so heavy…Kagome was tired and wanted nothing more than to turn over and pull the silkiness of royal purple sheets to her chin, but she didn't recognize this place.  She wasn't in her bed-or more correctly, she wasn't in Sesshomaru's bed.

"What just happened?"

A deep voice answered in response, causing her to jump slightly since she had forgotten that he was there.

"You fainted.  It is common when overwhelmed."  

Kagome's eyes widened as she remembered and Sesshomaru lightly kissed her forehead inwardly amazed by the marvel she showed on her face from that new information.  She shifted and looked around her to discover that she was quite naked…and so was the demon lord.  Covering her breasts with her hands, Kagome made to sit up and turn away from the mess that she had made of things once again.

"I should go…"

"Soon.  But now it is time for us to finish what we started…"

Sesshomaru caught her waist, bringing her back to the garden ground where she had awoken. 

You will not escape so easily from me, miko…

Turning her over slowly, he positioned himself on top, keeping a hand on her chin to keep her eyes locked to his own.  She was lost in his gaze, a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck.  She could sense and feel what was going on, what was going to happen, but she could not prevent it-could not act on her own.  It was as if the moon had caught her in a dangerous web and she was unable to get out…

Sesshomaru slipped a digit into her gently, removing his finger and then spreading her lips wide to accommodate his engorged flesh.  She was already well prepared-her body adjusted from the earlier tryst in her mind, and for once he actually secretly thanked his brother.  Kagome had to come to him willingly for his plan to work, and tearing her womanly parts would not encourage the girl to bond to him further.  Sesshomaru positioned himself at her entrance, dipping his hips slightly to steady himself in front of her dripping sanctum.  Kagome whimpered as he readied himself.

"Miko…Kagome…do you want me to stop?"

Kagome hated herself, hated him.  Hated him for being so gentle.  Hated him for making her feel different things from her love, new things she didn't know about.  Hated him for filling her in new ways

"…no…onegai…" 

His soft whisper was harsh in her ear, heightened by the pleasure he was ripping from her, tearing from her to leave her bare…

"onegai who?"

"…no…please…"

"onegai who, ka…go…me…?" He punctuated by dipping his hips a fraction, sending shooting stars of lust through her body and the top of her head.  Kagome's mouth twisted in raw desire, unable to utter sounds as her chest heaved under the heavy weight of the Demon Lord.

"onegai…sess…sesshomaru…"

"again." 

" …sesshomaru…"

"AGAIN!" Sesshomaru roared, grabbing a handful of thick hair at the base of her head and yanking her head back into his snarling command.

"SESSHOMARU!!!" Kagome screamed with all of her might as the Demon lord thrust into directly to the center of her core, nailing her to the wet softness of the garden ground.  Her body jerked in reflex, fingers and toes curling into tight balls.  His legs jerked spread eagle around her, his thighs pressing hers together to create the greatest amount of friction against his member as he ground in and out of her, reveling in her whimpers and screams.

Kagome was burning from desire, her own legs curling up against the demon lord's brutal punishment even as she thrust her hips backwards to encase more of him.  His pelvis slapped mercilessly against her buttocks as he bore down to bury the hilt of his shaft, still exposed to the outside air, in the soft recesses of her flesh.  Kagome groaned as he pressed against her cervix, the pressure spiraling her out of control as it combined with his hard thrusts.

Kami, this is gooood…

Sesshomaru hovered above her, eyes misted over in the throes of passion, face contorted with pleasure.  He was grunting with each thrust, still controlled despite the pleasure and enjoying the sight of the writhing woman beneath him.  He wanted more of that, more of her voice, more of her screams…One clawed hand brought her face back to his attention as he commanded her again.

"…scream for me…"

A muscled hand snaked down underneath Kagome's trembling form and found her clitoris, rubbing it in soft, gentle circles that contrasted from the incessant pounding she took from above.  Three fingers laid flat against her womb and pressed inwards ever so slightly, changing the trajectory of his member to fill the innermost recess of her core-the secret cave he knew was there.  Kagome was bursting, melting, dying all at once, and her small whimpers became outright shrieks of pleasure that rang blissfully in Sesshomaru's ears.

For hours his body undulated above her in the pale moonlight, shoulders and hips dipping in concert with the waves of his passion.  She felt hot and then cold, chills and fevers running alternately through her as his member sought her out gently, asking and receiving permission with each tantalizing thrust to increase with demonic intensity, demanding satisfaction.

At some time lost to her, Sesshomaru roared in release as Kagome's body exploded for a final time, casting her essence in a thousand tiny parts flowing in the juices down her legs to dampen the garden floor beneath her.  The couple collapsed on the soft garden floor, still joined at the waist as they caught their breath.  Kagome was wafting into a dreamless sleep, exhausted from the emotions and inner turmoil from the entire day.  She was warm and comfortable underneath the towering form above her and couldn't help the feeling of peacefulness that was spreading throughout her limp body even while she cried with the fragmented pieces of her broken heart.

Kami, why…I don't understand…things were supposed to be simple…

The tears in her eyes slipped silently down her cheeks as she passed out once more.

Forgive me…Inuyasha…

***

The soul stealers slid through the door, slinking their way to the fire that they could not feel, entranced by the burning flames.  Kaede did not bother to look up."So he has taken her as a mate?"  

"How did ye know?"

"You forget that we share a soul.  Though I cannot see or connect with the intensity that the girl does, I can feel enough.  I can feel her bonded to him.""Aye, sister, they are indeed bonded.  And I fear that his brother Sesshomaru may be plotting to harm him again, as Inuyasha believes him to have taken Kagome to the Western Lands.  I know not what the Demon Lord has planned, but it does not bode well in my heart."

Kikyo regarded her sister in silence.  Not much had changed in fifty years.  Though hshe was older and a strong miko in her own right, her true power lay within her ability to see through people and understand their inner demons.  Ironic.  Kikyo coul purify mighty youkai demons, but only Kaede could purify the human ones.  She would have made a fine mother, she thought briefly.

"Very well then, I will go and get my reincarnation before he has a chance to harm him.  Inuyasha must not be harmed.  He is central to my plans."

"Ye will not harm her, will ye?"  "I have no intention of harming my reincarnation either, sister.  I merely seek to remind Inuyasha of his oath, for his promise to follow me into Hell where he belongs."  

She turned wistfully to the sky, watching the stars sparkle as she spoke.

"Besides, the girl also shares a bond with Sesshomaru.  She is his mate as well.  It would be best for Inuyasha to forget about her."Kaede sat silently watching the embers of the fire.  Glow.  Burn.  Die.  Just what her sister had done fifty years ago.  How she wished that could have been the end of it, the end of her.  What was reawakened in this vessel of clay and bones was something else, someone else.  Someone she did not recognize and who gave her chills each time she looked into its flat, haunting eyes…   "This is merely a complication, nothing more.  I will rescue Kagome and return her here, where we will both wait to greet Inuyasha and have him make his final choice-the only choice.  Once he has released her, then nothing will stop his oath to me.  Nothing."  

Kikyo's eyes flashed burning anger, the gates of hell peering from under her dark bangs before calling to the milky snakes of her existence and turning to leave her former home.

"Do not be mistaken, dear sister.  This is not nearly over.  I will NOT be denied."