InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Youkai and the Exterminator ❯ Chapter Fourteen ( Chapter 14 )

Chapter Fourteen

 

 

Aiko hummed to herself as she walked down the corridor, a stack of freshly cleaned linens in her arms. She was on her way to the infirmary to drop them off and then she was going to head back up to the upper level and start tidying the rooms belonging to their human guests. Her eyes twinkled mischievously. There was no small benefit to being the younger sister of the household's head of staff.

 

It meant special duties now and then, important things that Makiko herself would like to take care of but due to time constraints couldn't.

 

Aiko didn't mind the extra work. If she didn't have those rooms to clean she'd be helping Zumi polish the floor of the main audience hall. It was rarely used and in fact, it hadn't been used in her lifetime. However, it was cleaned fastidiously as Makiko was zealous about her housekeeping and dust was not permitted to linger in her presence.

 

She reached the doorway that would take her down the main passage and found some difficulty in opening the door. The heavy stack of linen made it impossible for her to get her hand free to reach the latch and she struggled to hook her fingers around it. She leaned a little too far to the side and felt the load shift and linens slide to the floor.

 

“Damn!”

 

“Need some help, miss?” Aiko was startled, finding herself looking into a pair of deep blue eyes and a friendly smile. She blinked for a moment, caught off her guard by the human male. He neatly stacked her spilled burden and helped her to her feet. Aiko remembered her manners as he looked questioningly at her.

 

“Thank you, houshi-sama,” she said slowly, recalling that her sister had said this was a holy man. Aiko knew nothing of human religion but priests were to be treated with respect. “You are kind to help me.”

 

“Not at all, you're kind to allow me,” he said, still smiling at her in such a warm fashion she felt quite at ease. Aiko had actually never seen a human male up close; her first encounter with any human had been that morning with Sango. He reached down to stack the folded linens in her arms, moving slowing, placing them carefully one by one.

 

“Might I ask your name?”

 

She would have bowed politely if her arms hadn't already been full. Instead, she gave a nervous bob with her knees. “I am Aiko, houshi-sama.”

 

“Aiko, that's lovely,” he said lightly. “Quite suits you, being lovely yourself.”

 

Gods above, was he flirting with her? Aiko's eyes widened and she hesitantly stepped back. She blushed furiously; her sister would hardly consider it proper for her to be flirted with by one of the lord's guests. Still, she was a little pleased with the compliment, finding him not unattractive for a human. Just different.

 

Her nose twitched slightly. Definitely different. “Thank you, houshi-sama.”

 

The monk continued to smile at her as he reached out and opened the door so that she could pass. “I hope we meet again, lovely Aiko,” he said, a teasing tone for her shy flush. She nodded and turned to leave, her mind already turning back to her duties. As she moved away, something brushed lightly over her backside and she drew in a sharp, startled hiss. Her eyes darted back to him, the monk was openly grinning now, and she felt his fingers gently cup her bottom and squeeze.

 

Aiko didn't know what to say, it was extremely improper for him to take a liberty like that! Quickly, she pulled away and backed out of his reach. Her face turning a deep red and her mouth set in a firm line, she kicked the door shut in the pervert's face. Her sister would definitely hear about this. That human didn't dare grope her and think he was getting away with it.

 

Miroku felt a sad tinge of regret that he had been rebuffed, but he hadn't expected anything more. Such a pretty little thing, that burnished glossy hair, those huge dark eyes. The hint of fangs behind those rosy lips was definitely intriguing. He supposed it offended her to be touched by human hands.

 

Oh well, he'd have regretted not trying. Frustrated again, the monk decided to make his way back to find either Inuyasha or Sango. He hoped she and her brother had finally managed to put their ghosts to rest.

Once again, he found himself pondering the way he felt about her. They had become such close friends, he'd always expected that one day she'd stop resisting his advances and turn to him of her own will. He did regret that he'd never had a chance to taste those sweet looking lips.

 

Miroku wondered if Sesshomaru had any idea how lucky he was. The monk's eyes hardened when he then thought about how he'd find a way to make the demon pay if he really was just toying with her. Inuyasha certainly seemed to think so.

 

He shook off such vengeful ideas. Inuyasha inevitably thought the worst of everyone, of every situation. It was a character flaw that grated on the easy-going monk's nerves. He reflected that Inuyasha also hadn't had much opportunity to learn the kinder side of human nature.

 

If there was a kind side of youkai nature remained to be seen. It wasn't his call, he could make a pure ass of himself by nagging Sango about it, telling her what a fool she might be, but he didn't want to do that. He trusted Sango's judgment, always had, since the first moment he'd met her and come to admire her.

 

Her beauty, that body, her skill in battle, these were all part of a perfect package. But it was her vulnerability, her strong will, and her devotion to what she thought was right that made her something truly special.

 

Even a demon lord could be seduced by it.

 

He honestly didn't resent it if she had finally found some kind of happiness. Buddha knew she deserved it and the fact that she hadn't ever turned to him perhaps was proof that it was never meant to be. How could he ever resent what had made her happy? Sesshomaru had given her brother back to her. All Miroku could offer was his friendship and his steadfast support.

 

And he'd give it now, even if it went against his better judgment. Sango was a woman free to make her own choices.

 

His feet had taken him wandering down the corridor and he paused for a moment, sensing something. Miroku's eyes were drawn the end of the hallway where another young woman was moving along, carefully balancing a basin in her hands. She was dressed the same as the lovely Aiko, with dark hair instead of auburn and also held in a single plait down her back.

 

Miroku smiled, closed his eyes and said a word of thanks before he moved down the passage in pursuit. Buddha was generous today.

 

oOo

 

Inuyasha scowled to himself, in considerably foul temper after meeting his brother. Who did that son of a youkai bitch think he was anyway? He didn't know him, didn't understand a damn thing about him. Sesshomaru didn't know what his life had been like, growing up alone, struggling to keep himself alive without the benefit of any help.

 

He snorted to himself. Sesshomaru didn't care either, cold hearted frozen bastard. His claws flexed angrily and Inuyasha knew that it might be better for him to get outside and try to work off his anger before he did something violent. There were no trees to attack inside the fortress, but that courtyard was big and he figured he could occupy his time by running around.

 

Running was one of his favorite things to do anyway. He loved the feel of the wind in his hair and the way his speed made everything around him turn into a blur.

 

Inuyasha found his way outside and stopped for a moment, letting the warm sunshine wash over his face. He instantly felt calmer, his muscles started to unclench and the anger in his chest eased. Inuyasha leaned against the cool stone of the nearest wall and closed his eyes.

 

Everything was okay, he told himself, nobody was in danger and his humans were safe. There was no reason to explode. As he forced himself into a calmer state, his brother's face swam before his eyes again and Inuyasha growled hard before breaking into a run.

 

Minutes later, he was breathing hard, having exerted himself to rid his body of the unpredictable temper. The hanyou slowed, dust flying under his feet as he dropped into an easy trot and skidded to a halt. The exercise had done its job and he no longer felt the overwhelming need to hack his brother into the dirt. Tossing back his hair, he decided to see if he could find that Makiko and get her to feed him again.

 

Inuyasha froze when he heard a derisive laugh and slowly turned around. His eyes narrowed and his fingers twitched toward Tessaiga's hilt. A young youkai male was standing a few feet behind him, a contemptuous sneer plastered across his face. Two females were at his side, their eyes glittering with amusement and dislike. The male laughed again and Inuyasha felt anger start to burn in his blood again.

 

“So, you're the half-breed,” the male said finally, his dark eyes shining with pure contempt. “Never thought I'd see the day when humans and hanyou were allowed to wander freely in this fortress.”

 

His lip curled in a grimace. The young lord was richly dressed, as were his companions, and held himself with an easy, disdainful grace. His arms were folded across his chest and Inuyasha flushed under the scrutiny. “What's it to you?”

 

The male laughed and nodded to his females. “You're nothing to me, hanyou. Why don't you crawl back to the wilderness where you belong?”

 

One of the young women nudged the male. “He smells like an animal, Yasuke.”

 

“He is an animal,” Yasuke answered. “It's the dirty human blood in his veins that makes him reek like that.”

 

Oh, he was not in the mood to be insulted, not by a soft-faced little punk who'd never had to work for anything in his life. “Go back to your nurses, puppies,” he rumbled threateningly. “I don't feel like playing with you today.”

 

Yasuke's eyes glittered and his head came up in an angry flush. “How dare you presume to order me, half-breed? You should be more respectful of your betters.”

 

He snorted, this was getting old. Inbred snot didn't know whom he was dealing with. He waved his hand dismissively. “Better than what? Get out of here before I make you eat those words in front of your bitches.”

 

He turned away; he honestly didn't feel the need to stamp the bastard into the dirt. Sneers and insults he'd had his whole life, he was used to them from both humans and demons. Compared to Sesshomaru, this young punk was a rank amateur.

 

“Your lack of breeding explains your lack of manners,” Yasuke called after him. “Just what I'd expect from someone born of a dirty human whore.”

 

You did not insult his mother though. Not and expect to keep your teeth. Inuyasha turned around, his face beginning to flush with the heady intoxication of rage. “Fuck you.”

 

“Watch your mouth, filth,” Yasuke snapped, his hands tensing into fists.

 

“I'll say any damn thing I want,” Inuyasha snapped back. Someone needed a lesson; someone needed an old fashioned ass pounding. Yasuke was begging for it, he'd tried to walk away and keep his cool. He didn't pick this fight but it had sure as hell had picked him.

 

Yasuke drew closer, eyes full of hateful amusement. “You think you can take me, you want a fight?”

 

Inuyasha bared his fangs, itching to take this demon apart. “Oh yeah.”

 

“What are you waiting for?” Yasuke whispered. “Are you afraid, hanyou?”

 

Inuyasha moved so fast he was a blur; within seconds he'd already landed two hard, vicious punches in the demon's face, making his stagger backward. Inuyasha grabbed the youkai's long hair and drove his knee into Yasuke's face, breaking his nose and enjoying the sweet smell of blood. He dropped the snot to the ground, seized his hair again and wrenched his head back. His sharp claws dug into the demon's throat and he stopped.

 

“I believe you meant to say...are you afraid, hanyou-sama.”

 

Yasuke gurgled, blood pouring from his nose and dripping into the dirt and all over the half-breed's hand. Inuyasha shook him meaningfully, digging his claws a little deeper. One quick move and he'd tear the bastard's throat out.

 

“Say it,” he growled. “Say hanyou-sama.”

 

“H...hanyou-sama,” Yasuke said weakly.

 

Inuyasha rumbled with pleasure at the submission in the arrogant demon's tone. “Say I'm sorry hanyou-sama, please forgive me. Say it loud so I can hear that you mean it.”

 

“I'm sorry, hanyou-sama, please forgive me,” Yasuke cried. Between the broken bones, the claws in his throat, and the wrenching pain from the hand that was tearing his hair out, he had no choice. Half-breeds weren't supposed to move like full blood youkai, they weren't supposed to be this strong.

 

“Good boy,” Inuyasha hissed and threw Yasuke hard into the ground. He caught the eyes of the two stunned females and grinned, licking Yasuke's blood off his fingers. They both flinched.

 

“Something you want to say?” he asked insolently.

 

“N...no, hanyou-sama,” they said, eyes wide and staring at Yasuke, who was still moaning on the ground. This was good, they were afraid of him. As they damned well should be. He turned to leave, feeling like he'd finally driven his point across.

 

“Very impressive,” a voice drawled. He glared up the stairs to see Jano leaning against the wall, obviously having witnessed the entire incident. Inuyasha grinned and started to climb up to meet him.

 

“Impressive how? Didn't expect a lowly hanyou to take the inbred puppy down?”

 

“Impressive that you didn't kill him,” Jano answered quietly. “I assume that's Kagome's influence rubbing off on you.”

 

The hanyou scowled. “She's got nothing to do with it,” he said shortly, looking away. “I figured he'd be better left alive to live with his humiliation.”

 

Jano shouted a laugh, earning a startled glare from Inuyasha. “I guess the rumors about you are true after all.”

 

Eyes narrowing in suspicion, he scowled. “What rumors?” He didn't like people talking about him behind his back, but Jano only smiled.

 

“You're just like your father, and not just in looks.”

 

That caught Inuyasha completely off his guard and he followed Jano down the stairs. “I look like him?” He didn't know, he'd always assumed the bastard looked like Sesshomaru. Having never seen his father's face, it wasn't something he'd ever pondered on. Come to think of it, he'd never thought much about his father at all. Not since after his mother died and he'd been left all alone.

 

“I didn't know.”

 

Jano nodded easily. “Yes. You look just like him, except for the ears, of course. Sessh took after his mother, so I've been told anyway. She died before I was born.”

 

That was something else he'd never considered before. For some reason, he'd always felt a tight angry jealousy, assuming Sesshomaru had the benefit of being raised by two youkai parents. That was why he'd always been such a confident, condescending son of a bitch.

 

He'd been so young when his mother died he'd never even heard much about his father. But this place was full of memories of him, like Jano's, like Sesshomaru's. A shadow fell over his gaze as he thought about it and Inuyasha ducked his head so that his hair hid his eyes.

 

“Something wrong?” Jano asked, looking at him curiously.

 

Inuyasha shook off the ghosts, not wanting to think more about his father, or his mother, or anyone else who had left him. “I'm fine,” he snarled, glaring at Jano. “I'll be even fucking better once I get the hell out of here. Don't you get that I hate you full blood bastards? The last place I want to be is where that piece of shit brother of mine can get at me or the people I care about. He's already fucked with Sango's head, I'm not letting him fuck with mine too.”

 

Jano frankly stared at him, watching as the hanyou turned and stormed away, muttering something else about hating how being hanyou made other youkai think he was always their bitch.

 

“What the hell is that puppy's problem?” he wondered aloud. He scratched his head, perplexed by the hanyou's mercurial mood swings.

 

Vaguely, he remembered all the snide comments and cruelty Naota had endured growing up hanyou in this fortress. And that was with the protection of his powerful uncle. What must Inuyasha's life have been like, a half-demon orphan abandoned to the world of humans? No wonder he loathed Sesshomaru, couldn't stand being around inuyoukai. Kicked enough times, any dog would cower.

 

Jano contemplated that as he walked slowly down the stairs to the lower levels. A dark smile crossed his face, even if he hadn't done Inuyasha any favors by bringing him here, it was worth it to watch him pound Yasuke like that. Hisuni-sama's eldest son was one of the worst troublemakers among all the young nobles.

 

Personally, Jano thought Sessh should have had the youth banished back to his home territory years ago. Hisuni had considerable influence over the court and for the most part, Sesshomaru respected his opinions. Didn't agree with them most of the time, but he respected them.

 

The old Daimyo had been a lot more controlling of the clanlords, a lot more devious and ruthless too. If Inutaisho had ruled the West with an iron fist in a velvet glove, dominating everyone around him by the sheer force of his personality and temper, his son had grown into the complete opposite.

 

Instead of playing the game, Sesshomaru moved like a ghost across the political landscape, aloof and unreachable. Until he needed to act and then his influence would be felt like a lightning strike.

Jano rubbed his neck thoughtfully. Anyone could have predicted that someone like Yasuke would see Inuyasha as a target, an unknown variable suddenly brought into play. Not knowing where the hanyou stood in the social hierarchy, Yasuke had instinctively moved to push him out. And promptly gotten his tail handed to him on a fucking plate.

 

That wasn't a humiliation Yasuke or his father was going to forgive any time soon.

 

An idea began forming slowly in Jano's head, considering the young hanyou's conviction that all inuyoukai must loathe hanyou and think of them as worthless and weak. Something Inuyasha wasn't, but maybe proving that publicly would go a long way to ease the half-breed's contempt. It might even be fun.

 

oOo

 

Sango arched her back, gasping. Her thighs trembled; she couldn't lock her legs around Sesshomaru any tighter if she tried. He said nothing, just held her hard around her waist while he buried his face in her neck. Her arms wound around his shoulders, slipping through his hair and she relaxed, resting her cheek on his shoulder and closing her eyes in satisfaction.

 

It seemed like every time they were together it was more perfect than the last time.

 

His fingers traced up and down her spine lazily, his head tucked just under her jaw. She shifted in his lap; just enough that she could bend her head towards him and nuzzle her nose against his hair. He pulled away slowly, turning to look at her directly. His expression was remote as ever and his golden eyes were like shining jewels.

 

“What are you thinking?”

 

A small shy smile. “Just how much I enjoy being with you.”

 

His fingertips wandered up to stroke her hair. It looked amazingly black next to his. Sesshomaru nibbled lightly on her collarbone, it seemed like he just couldn't get enough of her. Each sensation, each scent, more intoxicating than the last. He rubbed his lips over her neck, his tongue moving in tiny licks and caresses.

 

She breathed a deep sigh, throwing her head back so he could reach all he wanted of her sensitive throat. “What are you thinking about?”

 

“I love the taste of you,” he growled softly. She was just sitting there and it was enough to completely distract him. Her lips were captivating and Sesshomaru devoured her mouth with his own, alternating his kisses between soft gentle pecks and urgent attacks on her tongue. He moved to bite gently on her earlobe.

 

Sango held his face against hers and moaned softly. “I love you, too.”

 

Slowly, he moved back, his grip shifting. Sango felt his lips leave her skin and opened her eyes. He looked so very serious, not expressionless or cold, but intent and a little...sad?

 

“Don't say that you love me.”

 

“Why?” she breathed. His shoulders had stiffened underneath her hands and she didn't know what to do. Something dark and distant was flickering in his eyes, some unreadable emotion. She tried not to let it hurt, the way he could put a distance between them even though she could still feel him hard inside her. His finger traced her lips, a faint sad smile echoed in his face.

 

“Just don't.”

 

He saw the confused hurt in her eyes and moved swiftly to kiss it away. “I'm sorry,” he murmured. “I know you don't understand.” It was just as he'd thought, he'd hurt her somehow, and he had never intended it to be like that.

 

Her arms were still around him and she pulled him tighter, surprising him with ferocity of her hold. Here was where she wanted to be, she'd take whatever he was willing to give her. Yes, she did love him, she knew it now.

 

“Why?” she asked him again.

 

Sesshomaru was silent, thinking of his brother's words for the hundredth time since he'd heard them. At least I don't have to trick a lonely human girl into falling in love with me. He hated to admit it, but that really bothered him. He didn't have to trick anyone, he knew it, but then why did he feel such a sense of loss when Sango said those words?

 

Delicately, he ran his fingertip over the scar on her back. “I do not want either of us to say something we might regret.”

 

Sango thought about it and grew very serious, matching the melancholy that was shrouding him. “I have no regrets about being here with you,” she said quietly. “It's all right if you don't love me, I can love enough for the both of us.”

 

He stared at her, caught completely off his guard. She astonished him. What woman would say such a thing? The total and complete trust it implied unnerved the demon lord. She meant it, he could read it all in the blush of her skin, the muskiness of her scent, the openness of her body language. All of them told him that she did truly mean what she said, she loved him and Sesshomaru found himself profoundly affected.

 

He who never trusted, he who refused to need, now found himself doing just that. She had become his so completely that it left him breathless.

 

He eased her back against the futon, slowly, deliberately. Sango sighed as his body covered hers, a curtain of pale hair framing them both and his lips busy on her skin. The heat between them built and intensified, his hand slipping down to caress between her thighs. Intense sensations caused her to gasp suddenly and thrash against him, over sensitized by his touch.

 

“Shhhh...” he soothed, his hand moving slower and gentler.

 

She twitched under his touch, her body defying her as it answered the gentle torment her was drawing from her. Sesshomaru rested his head on her chest, listening to the rising sound of her heartbeat. Sango was panting hard, sweating now and he ran the tip of his tongue in a lazy circle around her breast, teasing it with his fangs.

 

Sango couldn't stand it anymore, he was making her crazy, making her whimper when his fingers probed deeper and made her legs to shake. He moved to kiss her cheek, enjoying the sweetness of her arousal and the way her body seemed to have been made just for his touch.

 

He watched as she shuddered and cried out, calling to him. Sango reached up to take his face in her hands, meeting his rapt expression with an intensity that made the youki of his blood flare to life. Her lips seized his and drew him down to her, demanding and willful as any demon woman would be. Urgently, she thrust her body against his, insisting that he enter her.

 

“Now,” she whispered harshly. “I need you now.”

 

She could feel him hard inside her, rolling her gently back, tilting her pelvis to fit better against him. She accepted him, unresisting and moved with his body, setting herself to match his rhythm as he breathed hard into her ear. Pleasure engulfed her and she lost herself, grabbing his head and forcing his lips against hers as he rocked her harder into the futon.

 

Her tongue was frantic inside his mouth, desperately trying to claim him as he growled softly against her lips. He pulled himself away from her kiss so that he could stare into her eyes, feeling her body pulsing around his and the muscles in her arms starting to tremble.

 

“What have you done to me?” he whispered, closing his eyes as the pressure inside him begged for relief.

 

Sango could feel the energy building inside her lover's body. It was intense and her own body answered his, cupping herself against him, pulling at him with her hands and mouth. Some instinctive response was on her and she wanted to growl back at him, nip his flesh with her own teeth as he thrust into her harder and harder.

 

She cried out when he came, holding him tight against her, her legs clenching his hips like she was desperate to save him. He knew what he was doing, he knew he wasn't out of control; her body ached for him, pleasure and response joining them together as he buried himself even deeper inside her ready body.

 

Something was happening inside her, a flood of energy like she'd never known took hold of her, searing her skin and passing over her body like a firestorm. He gave her something beautiful, something of himself and Sango felt the intimate connection between them sharpen and strengthen and carry her away.

 

There were tears on Sango's face, he didn't know when that had happened but he tenderly held her close to lick the saltiness away. This moment was special and he wondered if she understood why. “Tell me how you feel right now,” he purred, nuzzling her affectionately.

 

Her hands slipped through his hair, brushing it away from his face. “I don't know,” she whispered. “That was unbelievable, I've never felt anything like it.”

 

He chuckled softly, rolling onto his back and taking her with him. Satisfaction was flooding his body, he felt possessive and protective and no one in the fortress would have recognized the demon lord at the moment. His eyes were tender, his mouth curved in a pleased and relaxed smile, a faint wistful turn of his mouth and a vulnerability that he'd never show the world. Sesshomaru's hand stroked her hair, teasing out the sweaty tangles that had formed from sex.

 

“I enjoy pleasing you,” he said softly. It was possible he'd never let anyone hear that tone of his voice; it was so gentle and unguarded.

 

Sango buried her nose in his chest, content. “I never thought to feel this safe again,” she whispered. How could he understand her, this demon who didn't allow himself vulnerability? Could he comprehend how he made her feel, a human who had already lost everything, finding peace and solace in the arms of a youkai. “

 

You are safe,” he answered. “You belong to me and I will never allow anything to harm you. Never.”

 

Maybe the human idea of love doesn't apply to youkai feelings, Sango thought. Could she ask for more than she had right now? Her heart filled with warm desire and her lips whispered over his skin. “Ever since my village was destroyed, I've felt like I'm drifting. I thought I'd feel that way forever, lost and searching. You make me feel found.”

 

It was good enough. Did she understand that she had a home again, did she comprehend that his youkai nature didn't allow him to discard what he considered to be his? He wasn't sure she really understood him, no, maybe just a bit. But he could show her how he felt, how he wanted her to feel.

 

Maybe it was just instinct, but he wanted something physical between them as a symbol. So his people and even his brother wouldn't have a doubt about his seriousness and take Sango every bit as seriously. So they thought she meant nothing to him, they thought him incapable of returning her feelings and he had thought so himself?

 

Now he had no doubts, human feelings and youkai instinct aside. He would make her his mate, his wife, in the simplest way to state such a thing to the world.

 

She would bear his child.