InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART SIXTEEN ( Chapter 16 )

DISCLAIMER - The ownership and general brilliance that is the original Feudal Fairy Tale remains the property of its honored and rightfully revered creator Rumiko Takahashi without whose brilliance,we would not have fodder.

Edited By: Meara

Mature: Sexual content, you have been warned.

 

Reviews are fuel.

 

EP

 

Japanese Phrases/Words Used In Part Sixteen

O-fuda - In Japanese folklore and works of fiction such as in modern manga and anime, an o-fuda has a more specific appearance and meaning. In this context an o-fuda is a small piece of paper that has holy or magical spells, symbols or writing written on it, either by a powerful priest, sorcerer, or miko. An o-fuda is usually a talisman or even an outright weapon against those with evil or harmful intent such as demons or oni.

Guji- The highest rank of shinshoku is the guji (chief priest). In large shrines he generally has serving under him the gon-guji (associate chief priest), negi (priest, or senior priest), and gon-negi (junior priest).

Koi-no-bori - (May 5th) is the boys festival, over the years and with all due political correctness it has since been renamed Children's Day. Large cloth carp blow in the wind outside homes where there are boys/children. The carp is admired because of its ability to swim against the stream, and is a fitting model for youth to emulate. The household decoration for boys is the model of the helmet of an ancient samurai. Originally, the streamers were used by samurai warriors on the battlefield. Whenever the ancient warriors were on the battlefield, they wore full yoroi armor and flew streamers. The streamers were painted in various colors and shapes. Some of them had carp pictures on them.

Magomusume - granddaughter

Danna - Husband (affectionate form, not merely denoting position in household)

Omamori - a talisman

Reishoan - Tea House

Shitsumon kite mo ii desu ka - May I ask a question? (formal, polite form)

 

Part Sixteen - This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

Sesshoumaru slowly rose from his crouched position to his full imposing height. His eyes slithering menacingly over the elderly male who continued to bob and chant, oblivious to the imminent danger he was in. The Taiyoukai snarled in the direction of the gesticulating elder then turned his regal head to look at the Miko as though an oblong parchment did not obstruct his vision ,or for that matter, his dignity.

“Far gone with senility, perhaps?” he ground out between clenched teeth as he flexed his fingers, which glowed with a foreboding green tinge.

Sesshoumaru exercised great patience trying desperately to remember his promise and his reasons for being there with the Miko. One of her wishes had been he not dismember, or otherwise find a means of destruction for the tiresome octogenarian she called grandfather.

Kagome gave a lopsided apologetic smile to her demon Lord, and tried casually to remove the offending o-fuda, only to have her wrist caught firmly between twitching clawed fingers. The contact elicited a sudden unexpected spark. Her own Miko powers resurfaced in defense, nullifying what otherwise would have been an un-intentioned burn to her wrist.

The Taiyoukai removed his hand judiciously and looked at the priestess' wrist for possible damage.

“No worries, Koi,” she said softly, herself equally surprised at her body's reaction time to his unusually defensive move at being touched by her. Sesshoumaru was tense. He had been thrown into a situation he was unprepared for, having to fight his usual instincts. It was all proving rather much for the usually tightly wound dog demon.

“Sorry Sesshou, I mean … I did warn you,” said the contrite Miko. She sniffed the air with disgust before making another stab at removing the offending kanji covered parchment, this time very slowly, so he could process her movements.

“There,” she said standing back and looking at her handy work in the dim light. “All gone. As magnificent as ever,” she beamed up at the thoroughly discombobulated demon Lord.

She turned swiftly to face her grandfather with arms akimbo, “Jii-Chan, that smells disgusting. Is that a way to treat your guest, and your magomusume future husband?” said Kagome. She watched with horror as the elderly male grabbed his naginata and rushed towards them both shrieking an ancient dialect only moments from his own impending destruction.

“Step away child. That demon followed you through the well and he has you under his spell.”

Sesshoumaru snarled and lunged, thinking to protect the Miko from the errant staff, which the elderly male wielded without any evident skills. Kagome, on the other hand, thought her grandfather was about to visit death's door. She flung herself in the path of the dog demon and her well-intentioned elder by instinct alone.

It took a moment for all concerned to realize what had transpired. For beneath the Lord, a familiar, soft, curvaceous female was staring up at him breathing rapidly with a less than pleased expression. What was more, there was a franticly flailing male, who was bludgeoning his back with the curved wooden weapon while chanting breathlessly.

The chanting, the pummeling, and the pervading stench mattered not to the Western Lord. He was mesmerized by the female beneath him. Even in the dark she was exquisite, her every curve invitingly sensual, her scent arousing.

`What this Sesshoumaru would not give for privacy at this moment.' Sesshoumaru would not have minded arriving and perhaps engaging in a little coital bliss even with the stench that surrounded them. The female below him began to smile, perfectly aware of his less than innocent thoughts, despite the circumstances. He could see she was blushing furiously as she began to push at his shoulders.

“Sesshou, behave,” she said softly. Writhing subtly under him with a decidedly wicked teasing smile, she knew full well her grandfather would not detect her movement. Gramps could be very single minded at times and at the moment he was far too busy with the little black pouch at his side mumbling oaths to himself, as he attempted to untie the knot.

The demon Lord purred in answer as he lowered his cheek to hers, being careful not to squeeze her with his armor, and pressed his hardened length into her groin suggestively. She gasped softly as he whispered in her delicate shell like ear.

“Later, Miko,” he whispered sensually.

“I've missed you,” she moaned softly in turn. She playfully nipped his lobe, eliciting a predatory snarl of ownership, as he gently nipped the juncture between the base of her neck and shoulder.

A swift clout to the back of his silver head brought Sesshoumaru back to reality and out of his sensual reverie. He contemplated, with renewed malevolent glee, all the ways he could - if only in his mind - tear the male in question, limb from limb despite his venerable age, and best of intentions towards defending his grand-daughter's honor.

Jii-Chan heard the purr and thinking the worst, began to sprinkle the offensive smelling substance once more over the broad back of the Taiyoukai. Some of it missed its intended target and getting into Kagome's mouth. She began to cough.

“Kagome, I will save you!” the Priest rasped as he bent to retrieve his staff, which he had lost in the general melee. He continued the impotent pummeling of his grand-son in law to be.

Sesshoumaru was about to snarl at the shrine priest, wondering if just this once he would be allowed to at least present his fangs in a threatening manner to the irksome male without ruining his prospects for the night with his Miko. And then it happened, Tensaiga began to pulse.

Even the Miko felt it and stopped in mid gasp, looking to her Lord for an answer.

At first, she thought the pulsing might just have been, well… But from his expression and the shift of his body, it could only be one of his two katana.

Just as night follows day, the doors to the well house opened, revealing light to the Taiyoukai's dark accustomed eyes. A faint scent of ylang-ylang and patchouli quashed the loathsome scent in these formerly close, dark, unwelcoming quarters.

A small delicate ningen female stood at the doors in a formal kimono of saffron colored rinzu silk. Her visage was in shadow but her presence remained serene, despite what she saw.

Kagome began to chuckle softly at the ridiculousness of the situation. She leaned back in the moist earth of the well-house, calming her breathing and began to press once more against Sesshoumaru's shoulders for release.

“Lord Sesshoumaru, I presume?” said a musical feminine voice from the doorway.

Higurashi Aiko had entered. She was ostensibly unperturbed by the sight in front of her.

Now, most mothers under the circumstances would not take well the fact that there was a demonic male - however gloriously stunning and delectable - hovering over her eldest child - a female - in a somewhat suggestive manner. Equally she would find amiss the near hysterical laughter of said offspring. To top it off, there was a near apoplectic with rage elderly, male who was spreading some foul smelling unguent about the place - just missing her most precious kimono which was only worn on very special occasions.

No, Higurashi Aiko, Descendant of the Bow, took it all in stride with a deceptively serene expression. The wait was over.

“Jii-Chan, put that down!” the soft voice said firmly. A delicate hand reached out to the Taiyoukai. Sesshoumaru looked up at the small hand, smaller than Kagome's he noted, before elegantly pulling himself up along with his Priestess to a standing position, never taking the proffered hand.

Instead of being irked at the obvious snub, the hand offered remained outstretched and now began to wiggle its delicate tapered fingers with the shell pink nails in invitation. Her informal manner of welcome entirely was out of keeping with her current demeanor and attire.

Now upright, he knew with certainty this female was Kagome's mother. Her very manner, beyond her obvious features, told him as much and something more. He need not have attempted to extend his youki to feel it. Her presence, though peaceful was in no way to be ignored. She was not an ordinary ningen onna. Kagome's mother's aura felt familiar, and perhaps this is what Tensaiga was currently responding to in this strange world. Her aura was unnaturally strong, and if he scented it right, she was amused at his diffidence.

“Hi Mom,” said the Miko in shock, “You look beautiful. Why are you so dolled up?”

Dutifully, Kagome dusted off her jeans and adjusted the Taiyoukai's haori, what of it she could behind the armor, before retrieving a much folded clean tissue from one pocket to attack the sticky goo that remained on the Taiyoukai's crescent. `Best foot forward and all that,' she thought.

Pulling the bemused Taiyoukai forward into the light, ignoring the hovering elderly male with a lady-like application of a little mint flavored spittle, she began her work in earnest. It never stood a chance.

Her mother smiled, taking in the loving, possessive motions of her daughter with maternal satisfaction and something more. Noting the Taiyoukai's discomfiture with the entire proceedings, Aiko decided she would step in. `Perhaps this is a bit all too much for the noble dog demon.'

“Lord Sesshoumaru, if you would be so kind as to accompany me to the tea house? We are gratified you have granted us your presence in the humble Higurashi household. We have long waited to meet you,” said Mrs. Higurashi, bowing reverently a full forty-five degrees.

Kagome furrowed her brow. Something in her mother's speech and manner reminded her of something, but what exactly?

“Okay, give us a few minutes to get cleaned up and we will come in. Where is Souta?” said Kagome, feeling decidedly under-dressed now. She wondered what she had in the way of a formal Kimono that still fit. She would do her Taiyoukai proud at the formal tea ceremony. It was with shock when she heard her mother's next words.

“That will not be necessary Kagome. You have some catching up to do with your Jii-Jii, do you not? I would like to have a moment or two privately with my future son-in-law,” Mrs. Higurashi said with a benign tone. Everyone in the family knew it was a direct order.

Sesshoumaru turned to the Miko and inclined his head before returning his gaze to the head female of the household, tilted his head in acquiescence. Then with a near glacially stare at the small male looking up at him and a quick flash of fangs in a silent threat, the Taiyoukai braced himself. A first, Kagome noted suspiciously.

The Taiyoukai squared his shoulders and brushed past both Miko and Elder, following a few paces behind the tiny female ahead of him. Only once did Kagome note hesitancy in his step and smiled softly. His bark was far worse than his bite…or so she hoped. She suddenly remembered their previous evening's conversation, as she touched the pinked flesh at her neck, shuddering in a mixture of fear and anticipation.

Sensing his Miko's change in scent, the Lord turned. He looked directly at her with one, elegantly raised brow and just a hint of an insolent quirk of sensual lips before being ushered forward once more towards the main house by the petite Mrs. Higurashi.

Kagome began to blush furiously her heart tripping over, as she smiled coyly at the Taiyoukai. `Damn, but just a smile from that male just gives me the shivers.'

This, of course, elicited a disparaging tut-tut and general clicking of tongue from Gramps who had been watching the intimate exchange while standing beside his grandchild.

With a quirked, grey, supercilious brow, Jii-jii began stroking his sparse goatee speculatively. He looked over the demon Lord's retreating figure with renewed suspicion and some trepidation.

Waving at the Taiyoukai, Kagome sighed and turned to her Grandfather with a serious expression.

“We need to talk, Jii-Chan,” she said softly as she hugged him ` He is so precious, though one can ever tell him so,' she thought as she squeezed him tightly. `It really will not do to have him be hurt, however accidentally.'

With all due bluster he extricated himself from her embrace, asserting rather loudly his dominance as eldest Higurashi male and Guji of the shrine.

“Ahh, not to burst your bubble or anything Gramps but you're the only priest of this shrine,” Kagome intoned dryly.

“Higurashi Kagome, you will show respect to your elders, and not be rude like that Taishou. You have never been rude. I am sure he has caused this.”

“That he is and short tempered. You would do well to remember that. So promise me, no more spells, o-fuda or incantations okay, Jii-Jii? He isn't like his baby brother and he doesn't have a sense of humor either. Well, not one that is easily readable anyway. As it is, I had to beg him not to hurt you.”

The elderly male huffed as he retrieved his naginata and stamped it into the ground forcefully, causing him to wince in pain. His joints weren't as forgiving as in the past, he thought regretfully.

“Let him try! These bones maybe old, but I am the Guji of the Higurashi shrine, and nothing will harm it or my family. It is my sworn responsibility to protect the sacred relics we hold in trust,” he said indignantly before continuing.

“Lord Sesshoumaru is nothing like his father. Inu-no-Taishou did not have his eldest son's arrogance.” said the elderly male. He squinted at the back of the retreating figures, while stroking his negligible white goatee again lost in thought.

The chimes and Koi-no-bori within the Goshinboku's branches gently swayed in the wind, as another sound, similar to the buzzing of bees was growing louder in the background.

Kagome froze. Her eyes became large brown pools, as she felt a shiver course through her spine at his words.

“WHAT did you say?! Are you telling me you knew who it was? Even better, you knew his father?!!”

The buzzing sound grew louder still.

Kagome looked around expecting to see Souta any moment, he was, she thought, undoubtedly celebrating Boy's Day. Mom had finally broke down and bought him the carp shaped RC Plane he so coveted. Kagome smiled, imagining her brother's joy.

Shaking her head, she returned to glowering at her grandpa.

The older male suddenly lost his confident air and began to look sheepish. “Well, no, not until your mother introduced herself, but it was dark. All I saw was a glowing, crimson light that accompanied your white, and I knew a demon had followed you through the well. Inuyasha's aura is not quite of that color, perhaps as he is not full demon, so I knew it was a demon at least. And yes, I knew of his father, in a manner of speaking,” he said petulantly, before beginning to walk towards the house. He might not be allowed to join their private tea ceremony, but he would certainly stand guard outside. He detested the arrogance of the young male Taishou.

Kagome stepped forward slightly in his path, looking down at the little old man.

The buzzing became almost unbearable, as she lifted her voice to be heard.

“Back the truck up Grandfather. What do you mean exactly?!”

“Kagome, you watch far too much of that foreign television. It is affecting your speech,” he groused. “The young of today have no respect for tradition and…”

“Grrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaamps!” said the Miko. She now planted herself in front of him with her arms folded across her chest and began tapping her sneakered foot with impatience. Little did she know she looked like a certain, red clad hanyou in disposition and stance.

Absently she noted, if she was on the other side of the well, she would have sworn Naraku's poisonous minions the Saimyoushou were about. Her current thought was cut short, as in the distance towards the back of the main house she heard a fearsome feral growl.

“Oh Kami, I shouldn't have left him with her alone,” she said as she turned to run in the direction of the teahouse.

It all happened at once. The sudden appearance of the rapidly descending buzzing silken carp, the familiar white blur hurtling towards her at the same time with Toukijin unsheathed, and the frantic screaming of Souta. He came running with the remote control gripped so tightly his knuckles were white. There was a sudden flash of red silk just beyond her peripheral vision.

The buzzing stopped instantly, replaced by an anemic sputtering. The Miko found herself once more beneath the Taiyoukai, whose breath softly caressed her face. He held himself above her with one arm, the other remained aloft.

Following the long limb to its elegantly stripped wrist, past the hilt of the katana, up its shaft, and at its very tip, said RC had been impaled. Its silken covering was shredded, revealing the little plane that had come to an ignominious end.

“Kagome! Why did you let him do that!?!” screamed Souta indignantly, glaring down at the Taiyoukai, whose ears twitched, from the sheer volume of the screeching ningen pup.

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes stared down at the Miko, turning his head in question, before levering himself up. He reached for her to follow. Once she had regained her footing, the Taiyoukai flicked his wrist, which released the skewered beast which fell in one piece at Souta's feet. With a look of satisfaction, he lifted his head and re-sheathed the katana, glaring at the young male.

Kagome covered her face with her hands. `Kami, this is turning into a disaster. First Gramps, now Souta. They hate him and it's all my fault.' she thought.

Finally opening her eyes the Miko found all eyes were on her, including her mother's. Her mother's? `How did she get here that fast?'

“Souta, meet Lord Sesshoumaru. He doesn't know about toys or the Boy's Day celebration,” she began, taking a breath to ease her nerves. She felt his youki rising to the surface, the moment she said those ill chosen words.

“Far be it for this Sesshoumaru to correct you Miko, but this festival is not unfamiliar. These toys you speak of are unfamiliar. A disguised hell bee was approaching you. It is this Sesshoumaru's right to protect his Mate,” he said with an indignant hiss, glaring at her. The Miko dishonored him publicly by believing him unfamiliar with rituals that began in his own epoch, he thought resentfully.

Kagome sighed, and simply bowed to her Lord in deference. She stood corrected, and showed him as much in front of her entire family, allowing him to regain face.

A small smile graced her Oka-saan face. `He is the right choice, beloved danna,' she thought in affirmation, as she pulled the now cowering Souta from behind her kimono to face the Taiyoukai.

“Souta, where are your manners? Greet Sesshoumaru-sama properly,” said her mother softly, pushing her son forward with the usual benign smile that brooked no argument.

Large, brown pools looked up at the rather tall Taiyoukai with fear. Now that his initial anger at his loss was over, Souta realized that this being, though similar to Inuyasha, was nothing like him and could prove dangerous.

Though the dog demon made no moves towards the rather small male, he scented his fear. He had two choices; continue to stare at him with his usual cold impassive mask, or offer him an out of sorts, without losing his dominant status as the new self appointed alpha male in this annexed tachi that was his Priestess' small family.

Growling softly, he lowered himself to one knee and continued to glare at the ningen pup, who gulped audible, but admirably the Taiyoukai thought. `He did not retreat.'

Kagome crossed her arms and watched, hiding her smile behind one delicate hand. `Sesshoumaru was trying. He was actually trying to be approachable…well something akin to approachable anyway.'

Jii-Jii began to move forward, having composed himself, but Kagome's outstretched hand stopped him, as the two other males she loved more than her life itself, stared at one another.

Souta decided to be the brave little warrior. He squared his small shoulders and took a deep audible breath before stepping forward, wearing, he hoped, a fearless stony expression.

“This Sesshoumaru regrets the destruction of your carp, Souta-kun. In my time, fish do not fly through the air,” he answered, as he noted the expressive face that was a miniature copy of his Miko's, only masculine.

Stubbing his toe in the dirt, Souta's expression markedly softened. “It's cool and everything, but it flew weird anyway. The controller stopped working. I'm sure it can be fixed and stuff,” he said in a matter-of-fact voice, then bowed quickly, feeling suddenly rather shy.

“Hn.”

“Huh?”

“Hai”

“Oh… okay,” said the small male, dressed in pressed jeans with seams so sharp, you could cut yourself and a pristine white linen shirt. His best shirt, Kagome suddenly realized. Something was entirely wrong with this picture.

Sesshoumaru felt the Miko's puzzlement before she voiced it and turned to look up at her querulous and vaguely annoyed. `Ah yes, she is going to have one of her own famous outbursts,' he thought regretfully. His ears would suffer unless he did something quickly.

“We must retrieve your satchel, Miko,” the Taiyoukai said meaningfully, willing her to calm by the subtle release of his youki.

Kagome blinked as sudden familiar heat surrounded her, cosseting her. A pleasing sensation she thought, as she looked up at the Taiyoukai and smiled. For whatever reason, as yet unexplained, she could feel his youki fully enveloping her warmly. This had never happened before. `Oh no you don't big boy,' she smiled up at him sweetly.

`Too sweetly,' he thought suspiciously and then he felt it, another spike of energy, other than his own, rising to nullify his own demonic aura.

“Impossible!” hissed the Taiyoukai, now staring at her fully. He was incensed. She had done so intentionally - and successfully.

“Yes Lord Sesshoumaru, we will retrieve the backpack, but not before someone here tells me why EVERYONE in this family is dressed to the nines and why Jii-Jii was in the well house when we came through the portal ready for battle?” she said with her fists on her hips as she glared at all concerned. She selected to ignore the Taiyoukai's egotistical outburst - it being par for the course.

“See, I knew she would ask!” protested Souta in annoyance. He knew it was a bad idea from the start. Kagome hated surprises. Mom had forced him into the shower early and went nuts cleaning an already clean house, then disappeared into the teahouse preparing for the lord's arrival.

“We knew to expect you, Aijou,” said her mother as casual as can be.

“How exactly? It's not like I phoned ahead saying “Hi Mom, expect the Western Lord for sake and sashimi around three?!?”

Grandfather frowned at his Magomusume, particularly her tone of voice.

“It is not fitting to speak to your Oka-saan in that manner, Miko,” intoned the Taiyoukai. He swiftly turned, heading back into the decrepit well house. Returning instantly with the offending satchel and handed it to her expectantly.

The Miko's mouth had not closed in his absence, he observed. Taking on clawed digit, he raised her lower jaw gently, effectively closing her mouth with an amused twinkle in his citrine eyes at her apparent consternation. His bitch was certainly mercurial. Time with her would prove quite interesting, and at times agonizingly aggravating. What would she be like once pupped? he mused, as an unbidden shiver crept down his spine.

Grandfather cleared his throat and stood beside the Taiyoukai, craning his withered neck looking up at the demon Lord suspiciously. He had not expected his gentle reprimand; very perplexing and yes, gratifying. `Perhaps, he had some manners and breeding after all, unlike the other one. Still, he bears watching. One could never let one's guard down with demons about, regardless of the scroll.'

sks

SMACK!!!

Inuyasha lowered his hand from his neck to look fiercely at a tiny youkai currently seeing stars before his own small eyes.

“Myoga, you bastard! Where have you been?!”

“Good Afternoon, Lord Inuyasha. It is very nice to see you too,” intoned Myoga, finally regaining his senses.

A set of large, golden eyes glared at the little flea malevolently. He raised one claw in a not so veiled threat to flick him painfully across his tiny head, if he continued being snarky.

“So what are ya doin' here anyway, chicken shit!?”

“Lord Inuyasha, I have some news for Sesshoumaru-sama. Where is he? I felt his presence in this vicinity but cannot find him.

Inuyasha glowered at the flea, somewhat undecided what to say in response. “He is with Kagome in her time. They are coming back in a day or so. Why?”

Thank you, Lord Inuyasha. I will simply wait until Sesshoumaru-sama returns from the Miko's time,” said the tiny being, folding his multiple arms across his tiny barrel chest, with a pre-occupied expression.

“You have two seconds to live,” the hanyou said with a disgruntled tone. “I'm in charge till Lord Stick-Up-His-Ass returns.

Myoga's brows lifted in surprise. “Lord Sesshoumaru left you in charge?” he said, disbelief evident in his voice. `This was news.'

“Myoga! Spit it out! ”

“Oh, yes, yes, well, I suppose, if Sesshoumaru-sama is not around, you will have to do.”

Before Inuyasha could raise his clawed finger to flick the offensive little flea, Myoga developed instant verbal diarrhea at the sight of the poised sharp tipped digit.

“Well you see, have you noted odd things happening at the palace?” said the youkai, nervousness evident in his voice.

“Yeah, what of it? We found Commander Daichi's body, weighted down by rocks in the moat. He had been missing for over a day, maybe two, not sure. Sesshoumaru and Kagome left before I could tell them. So, fuck yeah! Weird shit is going on there. What of it?” said the hanyou, growing nervous in anticipation of Myoga's next query.

“What of the Lord's ward?”

“Myoga! You know something. What's goin' on? Does this have anything to do with Naraku?”

“The hanyou is watching the Western Shiro. Someone has infiltrated the palace. You need to find them and soon. Naraku is devious by nature, and will not always choose the obvious. In fact, it is entirely possible that it is someone well trusted whose soul he has taken. I suspect he has access to their sight and the body is now an empty vessel,” whispered the nervous flee conspiratorially.

Decision made, Inuyasha placed Myoga on his shoulder and began to move like the wind back to the palace.

“Not on my fucking watch!” ground out the hanyou. He covered ground effortlessly with the nervous flea holding on for dear life.

“Lord Inuyasha! Lord Inuyasha! Slow down! They will still be there when you return,” said the flea. Eyeing the pulsing vein at the hanyou's neck, he licked his lips. “Perhaps, if I could be of service, you could part with…”

“Go ahead, but stop when I tell you, and you are damn right you are going to help. We are going to find that fuck and kill it. Enough of this Kami damn waiting and planning.”

Myoga had lost interest in the rest of the conversation. He had been granted permission to feed, and feed he would.

Inuyasha felt the pinch, but ignored it. He had bigger issues now. There was an infiltrator in the family seat. He would not allow the filthy hanyou to play his chichi for a fool, and possibly destroying the last vestiges of the family. And yes, that did include Sesshoumaru and his ward, but more importantly Kagome. Good, bad, or indifferently, the family's honor was also his to protect.

sks

Sesshoumaru sat in the garden shelter peaceable with one leg raised, arm extended over his knee at rest. Both Toukijin and Tensaiga had been placed, as was customary, over his head on the ancient pine rack built for said purpose. No weapons were allowed in the reishoan.

Pleasingly fragrant air bore the scent of the last vestiges of sakura blossoms on the two white cherry trees just beyond the teahouse. The musical sound of the chimes in the sacred tree provided a serene accompaniment to the fountain's gentle trickle into the hidden basin below.

The fountain served more than one purpose. It was a focal point for restful contemplation, but most importantly, it stood just outside the small entrance that lead into the unassuming six tatami reishoan, and was for the ritual cleansing of hands and mouth before entering the sacred space.

A low bow from Higurashi Aiko at the other end of the roji, tacitly requested him to gracefully uncoil his youkai and approach the basin at the lip of the fountain, before bowing formally to his hostess. After washing, he took the short path on silent feet meditatively, removing his shoes, as he entered the teahouse through the small door, and approached the tokonama alcove where a scroll resided on the low table. It looked ancient and the brush stroke of the kanji familiar. Next to it sat a single unfinished cedar shaft.

One elegant brow quirked questioningly at Higurashi-sama, “Shitsumon kite mo ii desu ka?” said the deep sensual baritone of the Lord.

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama, you may ask your question. Though, the answer should be self-evident,” said Mrs. Higurashi. She unhurriedly organized the iron pot inside the hearth and prepared the sweets on the kaishi paper for their private consumption, should the Western Lord wish to partake.

“What of the scroll and the un-finished bow?” said Sesshoumaru as he turned, having bowed to the both objects reverently, before adjusting his hakama for sitting seiza-style on the well worn tatami.

“Do call me Aiko, or for that matter Oka-saan, Lord Sesshoumaru. In this way, please do not stand on formality. You are to be my honored son-in-law,” she said, smiling up at the demon Lord, “Or, as you might prefer, Kagome's honored Mate,” her eyes twinkled as she noticed his citrine eyes flickered in sudden acknowledgement.

Sesshoumaru watched her graceful movements as she lovingly and ritualistically cleaned and prepared the tea bowl, whisk and scoop, before readying the green tea.

“Aiko-sama?”

A soft apologetic hand went to her lips delicately as she bowed. “Yes, you did ask a question Sesshoumaru-sama, my apologies. The scroll is the Goshinboku Scroll found centuries ago, buried beneath the sacred tree, and has been under our family's protection ever since. It tells the tale of the Seven Treasures and the birth of the Higurashi shrine keepers. I believe it was meant for you to read, in due time.”

Then gauging the Taiyoukai's tense silence she added, “Tensaiga undoubtedly had a reaction that you have judiciously selected not to speak of, since you are circumspect by nature and not given to rash assumptions without all due facts to hand?” she said softly.

Sesshoumaru watched her as she poured a measure of green tea in the bowl, then folded her arms and looked at the Taiyoukai blandly with just a hint of a knowing smile.

The Western Lord's expression became frigid, as he looked back into her eyes. All was not as it seemed with this deceptively simple onna, he thought as he prepared to release his jyaki.

“That won't be necessary Sesshoumaru-sama. We are here to talk. It is our task to help you with the second part of your journey.”

“Our?”

“Yes, our. This battle, Sesshoumaru-sama, affects both worlds and has been coming for a great many eons. It manifests itself in differing forms each time, but with the same end goal. We are keepers of the sacred spaces between the worlds.”

Saying nothing more, Mrs. Higurashi looked to the steaming iron pot and placed the bamboo ladle next to it on a delicate linen cloth that bore, in silken thread, the Higurashi family crest.

Sesshoumaru sat motionless, processing the little information he was given, before asking the key question.

“Kagome is a direct descendent of Midoriko, but how?” If he was correct in his surmise, then the cedar shaft and the feather they carried through the time portal were for the Miko in the coming battle.

“With all due respect, Lord Sesshoumaru, some things I am not to answer. You ask the questions, and when I can, I will answer. Time must not be altered beyond what has already been done. Balance must be maintained. What I will say is this; our family and that of Midoriko's are intimately connected. This connection applies to all within your brother's tachi. It is for you to aid Kagome in discovering the connection. In that lay … ultimate power and conquest.”

Sesshoumaru stood abruptly, his stare became icy once more, as he sought something to vent his frustrations on. Her words caused him a measure of frustration due to their familiarity.

The Miko's mother did not move, merely followed him with her eyes. He had already seemingly dishonored the ritual with his sudden, aggressive movement. She knew he was frustrated, but nearly six hundred years of waiting, had taught Aiko of the Bow how to have patience.

“The universe, Lord Sesshoumaru, is neither black nor white, but shades of gray. This is part of the lesson you will learn as your being continues to integrate into one.” said Aiko-sama in a sibilant, deep register. The sudden shift in her aura caught the youkai as he swiveled on one tabi clad foot to face a radiant being of light, the color of violet.

“YOU!” snarled the Taiyoukai, lunging towards her, in sudden recognition of the pulsing aura in the honmaru. A barrier stopped his motion forward instantly, as a warm non- malevolent force touched him briefly, calming his jyaki.

“Yes my Lord. We had to safeguard the Seven Treasures and Kirara. They were in danger, but rest assured, they cannot be harmed now.

“Seven Treasures?” said the Taiyoukai. He disliked not having control. Something in the self-possession of the Miko's mother made him feel ill at ease.

Smiling softly within the light, the Miko's mother, who still glowed, said, “Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru. Sometimes, you need to look below the surface of a name. Shippou means `Seven Treasures.' Inuyasha-sama has his first task in the battle. Naraku has something you value more than you will ever admit. Your brother's immense courage and giving heart will prove victorious in the retrieval of this most precious of things. Without it, you would be broken, which is the intent. What is more, Inuyasha knows this, and though he too will never admit it, seeks to win your approval and respect. He will risk everything for this.”

“He is a wastrel, an uncouth mongrel devoid of intellect, without direction and promise, a disappointment to our clan. Inuyasha allowed said heart you speak of to lead him to his own near destruction,” hissed the Taiyoukai, as he towered over the small being surrounded in violet light.

“Please sit Lord Sesshoumaru, and tell me of Miroku.”

“Unlike my sibling, he is intelligent, full of chicanery, takes existence indifferently, and is incapable of controlling his libidinous nature. His one goal is vengeance for the curse upon his male line. He undoubtedly will be consumed in the end,” said the Taiyoukai seemingly indifferently. He attempted to calm himself once more sitting, as requested, across from Mrs. Higurashi, whose own aura began to calm in keeping with his. The Western Lord recognized something. His sudden aggression had fueled her defensiveness.

Aiko smiled softly, as she uncoiled her fingers and reached for the ladle, dipping it into the boiling water, pouring a measured amount in the cup, as the light she radiated faded.

“Tea, Lord Sesshoumaru?” she said as she whisked the delicately scented liquid ritually as it was done for a thousand years with absolute concentration on the singular task.

Sesshoumaru watched her motions in wonder. `Though the elderly, incompetent Priest labored under the impression he protected the Higurashi Shrine, it becomes obvious to this Sesshoumaru, who actually does. The Miko's mother was the Keeper, not the Head Priest, though for appearances and pride, she allows him to believe so.'

“Yes, my Lord, I am mortal; a `ningen' in your terms. My life has merely been extended for one task, which will not be discussed. I have shown myself, solely to garner your attention and respect. To be a warrior, is not always to be on the front lines of battle. Sometimes it is about enabling, fostering, and protecting that which is sacred.”

“The Miko does not know this?” he said, more in the form of an answer than the questioning tone he used. She had understood his epiphany wordlessly.

Aiko simply smiled and bowed as she took the bowl in both hands raising it to her honored guest for him to take.

Though frustrated, Sesshoumaru took it and bowed in turn, being mindful once more of his claws possibly grazing her delicate fingers. Rotating the bowl so as not to drink from the front, he stopped mid rotation. Something had caught his attention. Again defying ritual, the Lord rotated the bowl once more to its original position. Emblazoned on the bowl was the crescent moon. His gilded eyes grew cool and meditative as he looked over its rim at the deceptively bland expression on Mrs. Higurashi's face, before rotating the bowl once more taking three long slow sips in approval.

Bowing, he returned the now empty bowl to his hostess.

Tactically he mused, `If the ritual held, this would be his final opportunity to ask this quietly extraordinary ningen questions beyond the way of tea.'

Higurashi Aiko began cleaning the utensils in preparation to put them away.

“May I examine the ancient bowl once more, Aiko-sama?” he said politely.

“Of course, Lord Sesshoumaru. I trust you find it familiar? It belonged to the Inu-no-Taishou. There should be one other like it at your shiro, yes? You will have need of it on your return.”

“You answer questions with questions,” the Taishou's eldest son said with a hint of frustration. He examined the bowl, rolling his finger tips across its ancient surface, almost lovingly.

“Really? You now have more information than you need. It is for your intelligent, well honed mind to put all in order. I would be honored if you would read the scroll at your earliest convenience; preferably alone and tomorrow. You may return to the teahouse when Kagome is otherwise engaged and read. The information contained is in Inu, written by your father. You may not, however, take it back with you. It is for your eyes alone. Never wonder what your purpose is in this battle. You are intrinsic to the victory. You have a place by Kagome's side. Without you, none of this will be and then there is the little matter of my grand daughter,” she finished mischievously with a smirk.

Sesshoumaru bowed, avoiding her eyes and returning the bowl, moderately flushed with embarrassment by her final words.

“Thank you, Aiko-sama.”

The tea ceremony was over.

sks

Sweat poured from the red-clad hanyou as the guards moved apart on his approach as he hurtled through the sannomaru towards the honmaru looking for Miroku. As expected, he was in the teahouse, having formal tea with Jaken of all beings.

“Okay you two, break it up. We have a problem!” he said breathlessly. He had run full out, and made it back in record time.

“Someone, meaning some shit minion of Naraku, has infiltrated the palace and is watching us,” he said before slumping to the tatami beside the kappa. Jaken shifted nervously out of the hanyou's way, squeaking as he reached for his staff of two heads.

“Not me, idiot! Do I need to knock some sense into you?” said the hanyou, before pouring himself some tea, nearly burning his tongue and making a face, “This tastes like crap! How can you drink this stuff? Where is the sake?”

Myoga hopped off his shoulder wobbling on the low table trying to stabilize his footing. Replete with blood, he looked like an overstuffed toy.

“Myoga,” said Miroku, passively, sipping quietly as though nothing extraordinary was said. There was a time and place for everything.

Inhaling the fragrant liquid with a blissful expression in his violet eyes, the priest adjusted his seated position.

“Houshi?” said the tiny, now rotund flea youkai, sensing Miroku already knew this information.

“It is Rin. Something is amiss with her. Shippou brought it to my attention that she was not her usual, playful self. Rather listless and so I took the liberty to read her aura. It is not that of a mortal child. In fact, she has no aura at all. It is as though she is null and devoid of life,” said the Priest, placing his cup delicately on the low table sighing with satisfaction.

“Now look here, you lecherous Monk. Don't say things you know nothing about. Lord Sesshoumaru would have your head for such a statement. Yes, the child is tiresome and sometimes verging on diabolical, but she is Lord Sesshoumaru's ward. Though somewhat simple when it comes to flora, she is not intentionally evil, merely stupid. I will not sit here and have her spoken ill of. She has undoubtedly eaten something that has not agreed with her!” Jaken shouted as he stood glaring at the houshi menacingly. Well, as menacingly as a small, tubby, green being with protruding eyes can be.

Jaken's unusual outburst pretty much floored his little audience of three. Inuyasha, for one, was speechless. His amber eyes blinked in open amazement and begrudging respect that yes, it was possible the kappa did have balls - all be they a putrid green.

“I thought you hated her?” said Inuyasha, still dumb struck. He did not even have the urge to pummel the pompous, little toad demon for all the bravery and loyalty he was showing to both Sesshoumaru and Rin.

Jaken turned to Inuyasha. “Hate is such a strong word. I find her repellant at the best of times, but she is fundamentally harmless. She is a ningen pup. This makes her tiresome by nature. This is not her fault.”

“Jaken-sama, I meant no offense. In fact, I requested tea with you for the express purpose of discussing this disturbing new development,” said Miroku seriously, his eyes devoid of there usually amusement. He was serious, the kappa realized suddenly.

The Hanyou, looked from one to the other, then at Myoga, who shrugged his shoulders.

Inuyasha huffed, “As usual, you bring the damn news and prove useless shortly thereafter. Why don't you flee now, you coward? We will find a way to handle this before Sesshoumaru returns. I don't honestly think he could handle this.”

The kappa now rounded on the hanyou, “How dare you impugn the skills of the mighty Taiyoukai, you insolent whelp!? Lord Sesshoumaru can do anything!” Jaken said as he flourished his staff to point in the direction of the offensive half-breed.

The staff always responded to the jyaki of the demon who possessed it, and the anger Jaken felt towards the importunate Hanyou, expressed itself in that moment as flames. They flared from the gaping maw of one of the repugnant heads. But for Inuyasha's agility, his hair and quite a few other things would have been singed.

“Watch where you're pointing that thing,” Inuyasha said.

He lunged for the fleeing toad youkai, who screamed in terror as he waddled through the low door and down the wooden hallway. He was followed closely by a very violently angry and somewhat embarrassed Hanyou, looking to wreck vengeance in the form of a thorough beating. He hadn't bludgeoned the little, pulp eyed bastard in weeks. It was waaaaaaaaaay overdue.

Miroku merely glanced at the open shoji screen door, and sighed, returning his attention to Myoga.

“So you believe this is Naraku's doing, of course?”

“Yes, Houshi, it is. He has been sequestered somewhere as yet undetected, but he has been fully aware of the…ahhh, affections the Western Lord holds for the Miko. He does not fear Inuyasha; few do. You can always see him coming, if I might speak freely. On the other hand, the pending mating of the Miko and the eldest son of the Inu-no-Taishou is a different matter. If his ward has been used in the manner you speak of, she is thankfully unaware. I very much suspect Kan'na takes her body at times. We must find a means of blocking that access, so he can no longer remove her soul at will,” said the flea, stroking his chin hairs.

Miroku's brows furrowed. “There is one draw back. If we find a way to do this, Naraku will know it and then move on to something we have even less control over. Whatever we do, must remain between those that were in this room. The fewer who know the better, then he will remain uncertain of how it was achieved.”

“I agree Miroku. The Taiyoukai must never know. All would be lost if he ventured forth to take on Naraku alone. That, I believe, was the intent, to divert the Taiyoukai's attention. This also tells me Naraku is frightened of an, as of yet, unnamed outcome.”

Miroku's usual deceptively amused smile took on a wholly malevolent quality. “Such a shame,” he said as he made to rise with the aid of his staff.

“Where are you going Priest?”

“Remain here. I will find those two and request Lady Kaede's presence. I believe she might have a solution now that she has recovered. She knows more of this intrigue than she is actually saying. It is time for her to divulge fully.”

Myoga, never one to turn up his nose at a ready repast, bowed in acquiescence. There was tea, sweets and a light meal that had been pushed aside that he could partake of while he waited.

Yes, he would see just how far his skin could stretch.

sks

Kagome stood in front of her full-length mirror with a pillow stuffed under her tank, turning herself to the side, seemingly oblivious to the slowly opening door of her bedroom.

One amber eye looked on in amusement at her facial expression. `It would not do to embarrass her in so private a moment,' thought the Taiyoukai. He scanned what he could through the door, before he began to gently close it.

“Get in here, Sexy Lips,” said the Miko in a sultry enticing tone. “I want to know what you two talked about for an hour while I was banished to the shrine's reliquary with Jii-Jii and a thoroughly miserable Souta.” She never once moved her eyes to the door, or the white clad being standing there. The Miko was still contemplating coming events with a speculative pout as she smoothed her hands over the protruding pillow lovingly.

A little nonplussed at being so easily found out, the Taiyoukai tried, as best as possible, to walk in with as much dignity as he could muster under the circumstances.

Opening the door fully, he looked about him with his usual bland expression. He noted her room, though filled with paraphernalia of all description remained neat and ordered.

There were myriad strange looking objects he would question her about later, but what drew his eye most was a floor to ceiling shelving unit filled with what he recognized to be scrolls. Ignoring the Miko, he walked to it purposefully, and began to reach up to touch the oddly bound scrolls.

“Ahhh… excuse me, Sesshoumaru?” said the Miko, now just behind him, the pillow long discarded, and a less than pleased expression once more on her beautiful face.

He merely glanced over his shoulder at the lithe female, stopping at her midsection and noted the pillow's absence.

“You will carry our pup well,” he said, re-assuring her. He had wrongly assumed that she needed his approval of her future appearance. This of course was not exactly top of mind for the Miko. Her Western Lord had just had a secret meeting with `her' mother and she was put out, to say the least. It appeared that he had no intentions of telling a damn thing!

After a few more minutes of standing and pouting, boring rather large holes in the back of is silk clad being, Kagome stomped to her en suite bathroom and slammed the door. She then opened it a crack, to see if there had been any effect - none. Slamming it once more for good measure, she locked it with satisfaction, then thinking better of that final move, she quietly unlocked it. `He might need to go after all,' she thought practically.

Kagome busied herself with the taps, enjoying the feel of the hot and cold metal under her palms as she opened the medicine cabinet. She tapped her chin with a blissful expression as she looked through her unguents, her other guilty pleasure.

Swishing her hands about in the warm water, releasing the scent, she smiled as she felt his now familiar approach. “So much for books,” she snorted, half under her breath. She had chosen rightly selecting a sandalwood based bath essence. `Gender neutral,' she had thought before pouring it in generously.

“Do you remember a conversation we had at a hot spring, about hot and cold running water?” she said without turning around. She felt his warmth directly behind her stooping form. The Taiyoukai bent and reached to touch her one hand that remained on the warm tap briefly, as her other swooshed the warm scented liquid.

“Sandalwood,” he murmured sensually in her ear. His clothing rustled and she felt herself lifted to a standing position, his warm, naked form pressed to her back suggestively. His arms came around her waist and his hands rested on the flat of her stomach.

Kagome's eyes closed surrendering to the heady sensation created by the feel of a very masculine form pressing into her back suggestively.

The demon Lord nuzzled her neck playfully, nipping softly in the same spot he had favored earlier in the well-house. Kagome relaxed in his body's embrace as she felt his hands drift towards the snap of her jeans. The Taiyoukai continued to suckle and nibble her throat, purring softly.

It was but the work of a moment for the mighty Lord to undo the snap and ease the zipper down very slowly. She felt an answering warm trickle of moisture and a dull throbbing in her loins in anticipation of his touch. One tapered digit caressed her nub, causing the Miko to hiss and ease her legs apart to allow him more access. She pressed one hand to the wall for balance, while he teased her clit unmercifully.

Kagome continued to hiss and moan in pleasure as she began to writhe against his hardened length, eliciting a low lusty growl of approval as his nibbling became more intense…a mixture of pain and pleasure.

Her legs began to tremble under the strain of remaining upright, as with each stroke, he delved into her womanly depths, bringing forth more of her arousing scent and juices.

Both her hands now strained against the wall. His strokes became more demanding as she bucked with each slick withdrawal. She closed her eyes blissfully, enjoying the feel and scent of him, and just as suddenly he stopped. She groaned in annoyed frustration, about to turn around, but was forestalled, as firm callused hands gripped her arms.

“Do not move,” he whispered sensually in her ear, as he bit her lobe almost painfully hard, his fangs grazing her neck. She shivered as moisture continued to pool between her legs.

“Please don't rip these, they cost a fortune. Just take them off, okay?” she pleaded, and received a light smack to her bottom as she tried to help him with the task.

“This Sesshoumaru does not repeat himself, Miko,” he said as he eased her legs out of the jeans, taking her g-string with it before unceremoniously removing her tank top. She bit her lower lip, as she felt his warmth return, but in an unanticipated fashion.

A hot rough tongue traced expertly the curve of her buttocks, eliciting a soft gasp from the Miko. The Taiyoukai caressed her now naked form with his own as he slithered up her nubile body, which now bore a slight sheen of sweat and mist. His claws gently grazing her thighs as he rose, eliciting a wanton moan.

“Please Sesshou…,” she mewled, leaning back into him. She needed to be quiet. They were in her home and quite possible, her family was downstairs.

“No, Miko. You made me wait…and now you will too,” he whispered, as one hand returned to his previous task of stroking her moist heat. The other rose to pinch one hardened nipple, as his fangs grazed her neck once more.

“Mmmmm…yes, please…' she whispered as her walls clenched with each delicious stroke of his finger within her core. Shifting his position, the Western Lord lifted the Miko by her hips swinging her lithe body to face the mirror above her vanity.

“Hold on,” he said between clenched teeth, as he quickly placed her hands on either side of the vanity for security. With a wickedly debauched gleam in his ruby, almond shaped eyes, he bent her forward forcefully, and pulled her hips towards his girth, teasing her entrance as he slid between her soaking folds, but did not enter her slick inviting warmth - which was his alone.

“Ooooh, Kami,” the Miko groaned. She tried desperately to lean into him, forcing him in, but to no avail.

The steam from the bath obscured the vision of masculine perfection in the mirror that stood behind her rhythmically rocking his hips with her own answering impotent thrusts of need.

“Sesshoumaru, please…we could be interrupted any moment,' she moaned in frustration.

Though he maintained the slow torture of her sensitive nub, he realized she did have a salient point. Without any further preamble, sheathed himself within her depths in one smooth motion, closing his eyes in bliss.

“Ooooooooooooh, GOD!” Kagome screamed, despite her best efforts, before Sesshoumaru could clasp his only free hand over her mouth.

`Thankfully there are two closed doors,' she thought. Her voice would not carry to the lower floor.

The Miko was, of course, quite wrong.

Though both Souta and Jii-Chan were summarily dismissed from the house back to the reliquary for no good reason, both males thought, Higurashi Aiko remained.

Kagome's mom smiled, as she busied herself cutting fresh salmon, and other delicacies for dinner, humming loudly. Rinsing and drying her hands, Mrs. Higurashi reached for the radio dial. `Yes, volume, might prove useful for the next twenty minutes,” she thought absently. Her cheeks glowed in memory of her husband and their private, sacred moments. She too had been rather loud at times.

The Miko nipped her Taiyoukai's sword callused palm in ecstasy. His response? A low, carnal growl, as his next thrust made her see stars. He had found her spot. Having found it, the Taiyoukai smirked and increased the speed and force of his hips undulations as Kagome tried desperately to control her now muffled mewls of rapture.

`Now,' the Taiyoukai thought. His fangs extended and he clamped down on the juncture between her neck and shoulder, simultaneously as he pinched her engorged nub. Her walls tightened deliciously, painfully about his length in answer.

Kagome floated as she milked her Mate of his essence - that was hers alone. Drifting in and out of conscious thought, Kagome saw differing cadences of spectral light dance behind her tightly closed eyes. His rhythmic thrusts slowed as he continued to release his life giving fluids within her welcoming womanhood.

Her legs trembled from the effort of remaining somewhat upright, as he leaned over her bathed in sweat.

“Thank you, Kagome. You have accepted this Sesshoumaru,” said a soft sated sensual baritone. Warm, soft lips kissed the curve of her ear. Slackening his grip and easing his hips away from her, she moaned at his loss before turning to face him.

They faced each other for the first time since he entered her private domain. His eyes still red with lust, his markings remained pronounced, matching his feral expression as he lifted her and impaled her once more on his still turgid length.

Kagome closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against his.

“No, my beloved Mate, thank you for giving me joy, love and undying pleasure, that I could not have imagine existed.” she said softly, mesmerized by the glow of his eyes. She raised her hand to his elegantly marked cheeks, before lowering the pads of her fingers to outline his sensual lips.

“Do you trust me, Higurashi Kagome of the Bow?” he said as his hips surged upward, causing Kagome to hiss, her walls quivered in response.

“With my family, my life, my tachi and our unborn child,” she said softly, caressing his lips once more.

Sesshoumaru stared into her eyes, as he lowered his head and kissed her softly; their first kiss in her world. Kagome gasped as he buried himself even more deeply into her scorching, slick depths. She gripped him instinctively, refusing to release him, staking her claim.

Adjusting his grip briefly and with demonic speed, he raised his index finger and made a gash across the juncture of his neck and shoulder, and dark blood trickled down his pale flesh.

“Drink, Kagome. You are my Mate eternal,” he said as he leaned his head in submission, allowing her full access to his throat in supplication to his chosen bitch.

Kagome had thought the very act would have repulsed her, but instead she found she licked her lips in anticipation, her tongue retrieving the droplets that coursed to his pale nipple. He shivered as her blunt teeth nipped his areola. Her tongue retrieved the droplets of blood before she sucked the open wound until there was no more. Once more she felt as though she was floating in a pleasurable, dark void of peace as a bright red light enveloped her, giving her body renewed warmth before a final flash of white light threw her back into conscious thought. She felt warm liquid gush from his member as her eyes opened.

Blinking, Kagome looked down at his feet and realized they were wet.

“Oh shit! We didn't turn off the water!” she said as she attempted to pull away from her Mate's internal embrace of her tight feminine core.

The tub had overflowed, but fortunately, after reasoning with a still hardened male - determined to go for round two, he relented and allowed her to grab every towel in the cupboard. She pulled the stopper, lowering the warm scented liquid in the tub.

“Your mother is interesting. We will remain for another day. There is much to do on this side,” the naked Taiyoukai said, with an attempt at dignity. He sat on the commode with a regal air, surreptitiously watching his bitch's backside with renewed interest, her thighs still wet with evidence of their recent activities.

Ten bath towels later, and no sign of leakage, the Miko snickered as she wrapped herself in the one of three remaining towels, and extended a soft hand to her Mate.

“Get in. I will wash all that sweaty hair and delicious body of yours, and then quickly shower,” she said with a big glowing smile at quite possibly the most perfect being in existence.

Perfect, not because of anything physical, she suddenly realized, but how he made her feel when he looked at her.

When she looked at him, her knees felt weak with want of contact and her heart thrummed uncontrollably, not because of his obvious beauty, but the singular fact of what remained unsaid by both.

He loved her passionately, unconditionally to her very soul. Though unsaid, she felt it in the moment she joined with him.

“Get in, Sexy Lips! Mom is a stickler about dinner time,” she said, pulling him to his feet and ushered him into the tub.

“So Decadent One, shampoo first?” she said as she removed the towel about her body. Then thinking better of it, based on his facial expression, she rewrapped herself hurriedly, receiving a glower for her efforts at decorum.

“I am hungry. I need to eat something,” she said, answering his annoyed expression. She received a lascivious smirk and a quick glance at a bobbing Ruru, who was demanding her attention once more.

“Oh don't you worry, big boy. This Kagome will have dessert later, I promise.” she said in a sultry whisper as she nipped one of his ever so sexy, delicately pointed ears, “My tastes have always run to savory rather than sweet,” she intoned suggestively waggling her well tended brows.

“Hhhhnnnnn,” he said in an almost purr. Sesshomaru leaned against the formed, waterproof neck pillow of `Hello Kitty' design. Kagome reached for the shampoo of choice, noting he had managed to look rather dignified at that, with the smiling kitten head just so about his neck, not to mention the pink bow.

`The Taiyoukai had élan,' she thought as she set to shampooing his hair. Her tall Head Slut purred contentedly with his eyes closed.

sks

Author's Note

And with that, we leave the Taishou and the Higurashi about to go to dinner…a very revealing dinner in more ways than one.

Ja Ne

EP