InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART TWENTY-THREE ( Chapter 23 )

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

 

Cultural Motifs Depicted In Part Twenty Three

 

`Genji Monogatari - The Tales of Genji' is attributed to the eleventh century noblewoman Shikibu Murasaki. This classic is sometimes referred to as the world's first novel by scholars of literary antiquity. It was written for the women of the aristocracy (the yokibito) and has many elements found in modern novels: a central character and a very large number of major and minor characters, well-developed characterizations of all the major players, a sequence of events happening over a period of time covering the central character's lifetime and beyond. One remarkable feature of the Genji, and of Mursasaki's skills as a writer, is the internal consistency, despite a dramatis personae of some four hundred characters.

 

Reviews are fuel.

 

Part Twenty-Three - This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

 

“See to the Ookami Prince, Tatsuo, and report when he is conscious and sufficiently coherent to meet with this Sesshoumaru,” intoned the Taiyoukai, before dismissing the healer from his private hot spring. The Miko was being impossible in refusing the healer's services.

 

Tatsuo bowed and left, sliding the fusuma closed after giving one more tentative glance to the stubborn female, the master called his Mate. Her arms folded and her bearing contained, but decidedly diffident, he noted, with hidden amusement. She was a suitable match for their Lord.

 

A low growl preceded the Taiyoukai's almost inaudible baritone.

 

“He touched you.”

 

“I gave as good as I got, Sesshoumaru. Believe me, my love, nothing you see is permanent and can't be cured with a little TLC from you,” replied the Miko softly, her smile cut short by the pain in her lower jaw, and the fact that her left eye still hurt to blink. She was quite the sight.

 

Approaching the Taiyoukai in the steamy mist, she removed most of his blood soaked wafuku gently, her own long removed and replaced with a clean white yukata, courtesy Tatsuo. Sesshoumaru had refused her request for them both to bathe until he was sure of her well-being and that of his pup.

 

His citrine eyes continued to trace her injuries. His face expressionless, as one callused palm traced the bruise on her lower jaw gently, then her swollen cracked lower lip, and then the darkened eye.

 

Her Mate continued to touch her lower jaw softly, the slight roughness of his fingertips made Kagome wince involuntarily, before touching his fingers to reassure him he had not hurt her, and his touch was welcomed.

 

“The healer…”

 

A sudden fury hit the Miko, “GOD DAMN IT! I don't wish to be seen to. I would know if anything was wrong. Please Sesshoumaru. Just this once…please. I don't want to argue. I just want to be here with you and have a bath,” she pleaded.

 

Only his ears twitched, as he looked at her with an expression of annoyed resignation.

 

`She is alive, and relatively unharmed.'

 

The Miko shivered, despite the warmth of her Mate's tender touch and the steaminess of the hot spring. She had an urge to heave. Sudden realizing how close she came to being possibly violated and murdered.

 

“TLC?” inquired the Western Lord in his deep baritone, continuing his methodical examination. A gentle arm came about her waist and the other under her legs, placing her on the granite bench.

 

She knew what was to come, and sighed, regardless of what she said, Sesshoumaru felt the need to look her over.

 

“Tender Love and Care, my Lord.” sighed Kagome, as he lay her on the warm granite surface. The taiyoukai steeled himself then continued down her neck, to her shoulders, down her arms, noting the bruise to her right breast, with a quiet growl. His delicate touch continued to her sternum (noting the discoloration there with pursed lips), then to her abdomen. Sesshoumaru carefully sniffed the area between her navel and her sex. Her stomach fluttered involuntarily.

 

“It tickles,” giggled the Miko, who began to squirm.

 

The Taiyoukai quirked a brow, his amber gaze softening, as he looked into her eyes with what he hoped was a reproving gaze. Her finding amusement in this simple act annoyed the Western Lord. He was communicating with his pup, requesting information on her general state of health.

 

Sesshoumaru had reached the soft, well-groomed curls of his Miko's sex. He stopped, and gently began parted her legs. Kagome inhaled with some annoyance, but did nothing. She knew this was coming. It had been the entire purpose of the examination, she knew, but chose, in this instance, to submit. It would be easier. For the second time in their relationship, she felt like she was visiting a gyno and sighed once more in resignation.

 

Gently, the Western Lord smoothed his callused palms over her silken thighs, noting the bruising there, where imprints of hands had been. He ground his teeth in anger and growled, looking to the miko for assurance.

 

“What are these, but claw marks on your skin. He has damaged you.”

 

“They don't even sting, Sesshou.” Kagome responded trying to lighten the mood. She could tell his jyaki was rising, and not in the way she was use to, with passion. Rather violent, in fact, was his aura. Something akin to that of an unthinking beast, barely caged, looking for vengeance. It had been wronged.

 

“Sesshoumaru, I would welcome this detailed examination some other time… let's say AFTER we both have freshened up a bit. And, well, not to be offensive or anything, I don't know where that blood has been that is on your face, and everywhere else for that matter. Somewhere in there is our daughter…and well…you know, hygiene and all that. A girl likes to be all nice and fresh when her partner…you know…indulges in …” she reasoned with an attempt at sidetracking the Taiyoukai. She knew perfectly well he had no such intentions at the moment, and was trying desperately to avoid him discovering the deep gashes, as his hands moved upward.

 

“Eating her out,” answered the Taiyoukai, as he continued to examine her thighs, with a less than pleased expression, she had begun to give him opposition, the higher he went.

 

Kagome sat up instantly, eyes blinking in astonishment. “Where on earth?!”

 

“I found your secret library under your palette, Miko. Apparently, this `Ayumi' also left copies of your hidden choice of reading matter there, with selected parchment marked for intended repeated perusal. Her scent is suspiciously like that of my Mate's,” intoned the taiyoukai knowingly, as his fingers traced the claw marks carefully, checking for non-superficial damage. She was healing already, he noted with relief.

 

“You SNOOP! Can a woman have no privacy?!” said the Miko, horrified, attempting to close her thighs once more, meeting resistance. There had been a particularly well hung male, who was so popular, he had appeared in three consecutive issues. Kagome had dog-eared the pages in perverse fascination more than lust. `Trust him to find them,' she thought with embarrassment. She had meant to throw those books out ages ago.

 

The Western Lord's lips twitched, as he looked at her rather flushed face with amusement. He felt no need to divulge her scent had been faint, and a light dust had accumulated on the three bound scrolls, indicating they were disused. Whether the Taiyoukai had wished to admit it or not, this single fact pleased him. He preferred her fantasies remain with her Mate. The concept of another male, rutting with her, and or having the privilege of causing her passionate cries in estrus disturbed him to the point of madness. Her body was his domain, as his hers.

 

“This Sesshoumaru was simply gathering knowledge of the sexual fantasies of the ningen, and particularly of the ningen female, and what she favored in coital matters,” he responded matter-of-factly.

 

Kagome smiled sheepishly, shook her head, and leaned back on the warm granite. Why bother. He was going to look anyway, despite her assurances.'

 

“He had nothing on you Sexy Lips…”

 

“Hnnnn…was there any doubt?” replied the smug male, who parted her thighs fully, his jaw muscles clenching. He stifled his rage. As he suspected, there were even deeper claw marks, and deeper gashes. `Her thighs had been forced open,' thought the Taiyoukai, barely maintaining the tenuous control he had on his beast. Naraku would die, by his hands, he vowed silently, but not until he removed his makeshift phallus, painfully.

 

Placing one hand over the flat of her stomach, Sesshoumaru roared. The sound echoed within the cavernous spring, and beyond.

 

This was rare in the shiro, a warning, meant, only for one.

 

sks

 

Many miles away, the rotting stew, that was currently the embodiment of Naraku, began to boil uncontrollably, as the hanyou screamed in pain. A purplish mist, with the head of a dragon, appeared over the oozing mass, its gaping maw issuing red tendrils of light into the slime below, as the viscous ooze moved apart in an effort to avoid the stinging touch of ancient magic.

 

Only Kohaku observed this impassively, while Kikyou lay in a corner, exhausted of her own healing powers, recently employed without her will.

sks

 

Sesshoumaru was silent as he watched Kagome carefully rise to peel the sticky remnants of his blood-saturated kosode gently from his body. She made to remove the amulet, and a gentle clawed hand stopped her.

 

“I wear this with honor, Miko. Now and always,” assured the taiyoukai.

 

Silently, he folded her into his arms, bridal style, and stepped into the spring.

 

“The water has healing properties,” said the Taiyoukai.

 

While she sat in his lap basking in the safety and warmth of his touch, sword-callused hands, used to violence, gently washed the Miko, from hair to baby toe, with equal deference and care.

 

Kagome sighed contentedly, awaiting her turn to do the same.

 

The blood that covered him had disappeared in the mist of the warm, life affirming waters of the spring, their soiled linens removed quietly by unknown hands, replaced by clean white yukata with the Taishou crest. They were to be twin that afternoon apparently. Both continued to luxuriate in the warmth and silence.

 

Kagome turned in the Taiyoukai's arms and smiled softly. When they left this oasis of peace, there would be explanations required, and questions asked. For now, she would tend her mate, lovingly and reverently. He was the antithesis of Naraku.

 

“Sesshou? I…could we see?” began the Miko, unsure of how to broach the subject of Kouga.

 

“This is not up for discussion Miko, listen well. We will return to our chambers, and you shall sleep, under the watchful eye of this Sesshoumaru. Nothing more.” said the taiyoukai firmly. “You have been damaged, and this Sesshoumaru regrets this. Had we not…”

 

Pressing her wet fingers to his lips, Kagome tried to smile again, and found it easier this time. Her jaw was not as painful and her eye did not feel as heavy. The spring did have healing properties, after all.

 

“Regret nothing! I was equally as responsible for our misunderstanding earlier. I let my temper get the better of me, forgetting the time, and my position as the Mate of the feared and revered Western Lord. Believe me, I don't like it, but…” she sighed, “ I get it.” acknowledged the priestess, smiling at those beautiful, pale, inviting lips, that would always be her undoing.

 

She began to lean forward, wanting to feel their warmth against hers, regardless of the bruises and cuts on her own.

 

“Stop, Miko. It is inadvisable to pursue this course of action your scent tells this Sesshoumaru you are bent on. You know not what you do to this Sesshoumaru,” groaned the Taiyoukai with a quiet pre-emptive growl. He would have to make time to explain, that shortly, he would be in rut. `Most inconvenient,' thought the Taiyoukai.

 

Kagome glared at the male holding her to his chest, her legs slung over each of his hips suggestively, twiddling her toes distractedly.

 

“Please, all this…baby? I've had cramps far worse than this,” she said dismissively, her forehead to his, as his silken lashes tickled her cheeks playfully.

 

“Explain these cramps you speak of?” said the Taiyoukai with renewed interest. Her presence gave him peace.

 

Kagome leveled the Taiyoukai with a look, and placed her index finger on his nose in warning. “Kouga first, cramps later. Deal?”

 

“Hnnnn…deal…” agreed the Western Lord. He lifted her from the waters, well pleased, her bruising had lessened considerably. If appearances were to be believed, she should be well by the evening meal.

 

sks

 

Kouga awoke suddenly, feeling watched. A decidedly feminine being sat on the edge of his palette, her familiar scent, giving him peace.

 

Ice blue eyes looked into pleasing deep brown, flecked with honey. Bruised lips smiled equally with him; a warm, soft hand gently touching his forehead in concern.

 

The only thing marring the beautiful, peaceful moment, a low, unpleasant growl and the scent of a dominant male, not well pleased, by this final pseudo filial act of kinship.

 

Kagome turned to the Taiyoukai with disapproval in her eyes, before returning their gaze to her friend, the Ookami Prince.

 

“Kouga?” said the Miko quietly, pulling the blanket of pale furs closer to his chin to stop the chattering of his teeth.

 

Having once again regained focus, the Wolf Prince weakly smiled up at the Priestess, one hand coming from under the fur, and instinctively touching the still bruised jaw, and slight gash over her left eye.

 

Kagome chuckled softly, carefully, yet gently, extricating herself from his touch, patently aware of her Mate, who now stood behind her, having left his position at the shoji. He glowered at the weakened male, if only for show - in theory.

 

“No offense Kago…I mean my Lady, you look like shit. I hope he looks worse…” said the Wolf Prince weakly, closing his eyes. The effort required to make light of the situation sapping his energy.

 

“Pot…Kettle, my friend,” intoned the Miko, taking in the work of Tatsuo, bowing to the quiet healer who kneeled in the corner with head bowed. Kouga had been near death, when Inuyasha had carried him to the healer. At least now, she felt his life force, weak, but equally she felt he would recover, and that had given her great solace.

 

Sesshoumaru despised the shared intimacy. The miko and her male friends, this was untenable. Aside from this unseen Ayumi and Sango, all she held dear, in friendship, were male. Was he to put up with this for eternity, thought the Taiyoukai, with some level of annoyance? All wanted her, he knew. What gave him comfort, was his bitch's aura and scent. She felt kinship to all the males in question, however, when she looked at her Mate, her aura changed into something almost primal, he thought smugly. Because of this, he would allow them life…even Kouga... for now.'

 

Before the Taiyoukai could ask…

 

“Metaphor, my lord,” said the Miko, as she continued to brush back the bangs of the Wolf.

 

“Hnnnn….your dialect Miko, is strange. I will study it, at a more convenient time,” responded the Lord, attempting to feign indifference, yet well pleased, she had responded to the question, sent to the ether within their bond.

 

Kagome's expression changed, as she watched her friend struggling with consciousness. This might be her only opportunity in the day to question Kouga on a small matter that had disturbed her.

 

“Kouga, I know you're not up to intense questioning, but it would help if you observed something. I need your help,” she said in an apologetic tone.

 

The Wolf Prince shifted, and opened his eyes with effort, smiling weakly, and nodding in assent. The pain, this simple act caused, was almost unbearable.

 

“Yes, My Lady. Ask what you will. You saved my life, Kagome.”

 

The Priestess smiled understandingly, ignoring the praise, and continued, leaning against her Taiyoukai's hip.

 

“When Naraku held you, and was about to…” she stopped, as the vision came to her once more. Strong hands held her shoulders in re-assurance, one soft feminine hand caressed that of the strong taiyoukai's before deciding to continue.

 

“I saw a bolt of white light, shoot from you, Kagome. You were nothing but light, and and…and I sensed several other beings.” answered the Prince, somewhat confused by his own words.

 

“Beings?” said the Priestess, suddenly fearful, grasping the Taiyoukai's hand for assurance.

 

Kouga shook his head, and pulled himself up. Tatsuo rushed to him, plumping pillows behind him for comfort, indirectly aided by the Taiyoukai, who held the Ookami by the furs at his neck, in a less than decorus fashion, Kagome noted. She would have to speak to him later about this.

 

“I don't know,” said the Wolf Prince, looking up into frigid citrine eyes, “I mean…I couldn't see you too clearly. You were moving so fast, but you were…more than one.”

 

sks

 

Miroku sat meditatively, recounting the events of earlier in his mind while worrying his beads. Kaede sat next to Sango, who selected to attend her Hiraikotsu, keeping Kaede as a buffer between the priest and herself emotionally.

 

Pleasurable squeals came from Rin and Shippou as they ran along the shoreline playing tag. Jaken admonishing them both, while buried up to his neck in sand, unable to move, as they ran around him. His Nintojo was to the right of his head, standing upright in the sand, revolving slowly, on guard.

 

Some distance away, ten strategically placed youkai guards of the shiro watched both land and sky for any clear and present danger to the seemingly happy, little group. Shippou's sensitive nose had detected the scent of blood earlier, and that had been sufficient for Kaede, Sango and Miroku to create an impromptu excursion to the shore, not far from the palace.

 

Kaede turned to the priest, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the early afternoon sea breeze.

 

“Priest, did ye see it?” asked the elder healer, fully aware, he had.

 

“See what, Kaede?” said Sango, looking up from her task, a hairline crack she had not previously noticed in her weapon of choice was proving difficult to repair, despite judicious applications of medicinal herbs to the living bone.

 

“She means, Sango, the merging of the Taiyoukai's demonic aura and that of Kagome's, forming a whole,” answered the Houshi, still watching with pleasure, the children's carefree play.

 

Sango dropped the Hiraikotsu with a dull thud, as she bent forward to face the priest.

 

“That's not possible, Miroku. You must be mistaken. Kagome is human, and can't absorb his energy, as such. The only way she could, is if…” rationalized the Demon-slayer, her words falling away in sudden realization.

 

“…she is not entirely human, but some part demon…” said Miroku finishing the slayer's unspoken thought.

 

Kaede adjusted her position, turning to both the Slayer and the Priest.

 

“I have long suspected this of the young Miko. It would explain Kikyou's apathy, beyond her obvious jealousy, with respect to Inuyasha. Kagome remains unaware of this fact. Obviously, it is not our place to inform her. Had those on the other side of the well meant for her to know, she would,” said Kaede with a pensive expression.

 

Miroku bowed in assent.

 

“Kaede, do you believe the Taiyoukai is aware of this bond?” said Miroku meditatively, his amethyst eyes looking at her seriously.

 

“Ye are right Priest. He is privy to much not yet revealed. His jyaki has changed. The emotional stability he once held, or lack of it, is proof enough that he is in the process of integrating another spirit which resides in the Omamori he wears. It is a benevolent spirit and its heritage is both demonic and human. In some ways it is far stronger than his own pure demon spirit. The Taiyoukai knows this. He simply has not revealed it to the Priestess. This too, tells me, it is not our place to reveal what we have seen,” said Kaede.

 

The Priest smiled softly and nodded, “Do you know the spirit that is binding with the Taiyoukai's essence?”

 

Kaede shook her head, “No, Priest, it is not binding exactly. It is communicating with him. The intuition he manifested is not natural to the Western Lord. He is a being of cold fury, one who calculates and reasons all his actions without empathy to ningen or youkai alike. His natural way is that of conquest, similar to Naraku, but for differing reasons. This being is attempting to augment his essence with compassion, subtly. The spirit we saw leaving the Western Lord, is strikingly similar to Kagome. When in her presence, Sesshoumaru-sama gains balance and humility.”

 

Miroku's usual smiling countenance changed, “I have seen it before. The talisman, that is. When I was a boy, my grandfather had taken in a young woman as lover, which we all now know was Naraku in one of his various disguises. She/He wore something similar, and probably still does, hence his ability to change forms at will.” said the Houshi, intertwining his fingers with Sango's tanned ones. She did not resist, but sat listening with her brows furrowed in thought.

 

“We have a legend, an ancient one, concerning the creation of two talismans, with the ability to alter the appearance of those with demonic spirit. The beings who embody these forces have to be sufficiently strong of jyaki, or spirit, to contain them without being destroyed themselves. If what you are saying is true, Miroku, then Sesshoumaru-sama and Naraku each possess one. If, and only if you are right, then the Western Lord possesses the spirit of the dragon Tatsu, who seeks possession of the jewel to the benefit of the living spirit of Kami, and Naraku that of Kami's opposite element, Araburu Kami, or raging deity, who seeks dominion over all that is living in the world of man. It is evil incarnate.”

 

“Ye, are right child,” said Kaede with a relieved expression. What she next said would not fall to deaf ears, after all.

 

“This is why I know Kagome cannot be fully human, though she believes she is. If Naraku knew this, he would use it to his own ends. Perhaps that is why she was not told. She is by nature guileless, and he would be able to see within her mind's eye the source of her power. Since she has no such knowledge, he would not have been able to identify the being or beings that reside within her. Though I suspect, he knows there is something beyond that of a normal shrine priestess within her aura. I felt it, upon her return, as did you, Miroku,” said Kaede, awaiting a response from the Priest.

 

“I concur, Kaede, but we must speak with Kagome at the first opportunity, before carrying this thought further, preferably without the Taiyoukai present. He is now both her Mate and guardian. It was more than anger I saw displayed in how he rent them both to shreds. Despite the talisman's best efforts, he overrode it to cater to his beast's need for vengeance, at the loss of his Mate. If not properly controlled, this side of the Western Lord could prove an even greater destructive force than Naraku.”

 

Sango, nudged Miroku, who had been so focused on his words, he didn't notice, that the playful squeals had stopped, and while Rin and Shippou busily created a sand version of the Western Shiro, Jaken was approaching with what he imagined was stealth, his staff at his side.

 

Whispering softly, Sango spoke.

 

“Part of what we witnessed might have been the Lord going into rut. Inuyoukai males go into heat once a year. They become somewhat difficult then, and their mates need to be near to stabilize them. Maybe, that has something to do with the ferocity of the attack?”

 

Miroku smiled with her then, Sango blushed prettily, removing her hand quickly from his. Jaken came to stand beside Kaede, looking from one human to another with veiled suspicion, his bulbous gaze resting on the shakujo resting across Miroku's lap.

 

“Houshi-sama?” said the Kappa in an imperious tone. He looked down his beak at the seated being in front of him…or an attempt at looking down, considering the Priest seated, still `stood' half a foot taller than the little imp.

 

Miroku's usual jovial smile looked down at the kappa with amusement. “Yes, Jaken-sama?”

 

“Your staff…where did you acquire it?” asked Jaken carefully, giving the priest what he hoped was a stern countenance. In truth it lent him a decidedly pop-eyed, watery, developmentally challenged expression.

 

Lifting his Shakujo, the Priest brandished it in front of the small toad youkai, who stepped back, at the sudden movement. He tripped on his robes, almost falling into the sand, but for his own staff.

 

“It was a gift from my Grandfather, who used it in battle against Naraku in his true form. He gave it to me when my familial curse manifested itself as a young man. Why?” inquired the Priest. He rubbed his silk covered palm, looking through his lashes at the kappa, with a veiled smile, that did not meet his violet eyes. The toad was up to something.

 

Jaken's eyes grew unbelievably large then, as a tiny claw tapped his beak. The kappa mumbled nonsensically while spinning in circles, before abruptly stopping.

 

Looking at Miroku from the side, Jaken planted his staff in a similar fashion to that of the monk's, and waited.

 

Miroku looked to Kaede for help in understanding, but it was Sango, who interrupted the attempt at a flashy display with sudden understanding on her face.

 

Getting up slowly, the taijya turned to Jaken and bowed deeply, before taking the Nintojo from the imp's grasp.

 

The little demon bowed in turn with gratitude in his large eyes. Jaken was unsure suddenly if it was his place to speak of the one bit of hidden knowledge he now knew without first consulting his Lord and Master, who might not take well to the revelation.

 

Sango, unlike either Kaede or Miroku understood, having heard the name Miyatsu, within the seeming incoherent ramblings of the Western Lord's retainer.

 

“Jaken, are you saying this staff was also made by Miyatsu-sama, Miroku's grandfather? If so, how do you know this?” said Sango, as a sudden inkling hit her with respect to the Hiraikotsu's maker and the possible benefactor of her now extinct village of taijya.

 

A distant cry alerted all concerned within the little group, now surrounded by Taishou warriors. Miroku stood abruptly, lending a hand to Kaede, who eased herself up with great difficulty.

 

“Further discussion will wait until we returned to the safety of the shiro. Gather the children Jaken-sama,” said Miroku, brooking no argument, as his eyes remained fixed to the distant threat and the red clad Hanyou brandishing Tessaiga in hot pursuit, bellowing threats to the Wind Sorceress and the saimyosho who flanked her.

 

sks

 

Kagura smiled down at the infuriated Hanyou. He was fit-to-be-tied, having his wanderings interrupted by her sudden appearance from nowhere, her heading the palace. Of course, he had to follow.

 

“Kagura, get your ass down here and face me!” screamed the incensed half-demo. He slowed his pace to match her own above, while the hell bee's continued in pursuit of the little party, beating a path back to the palace grounds.

 

“My business is not with you, half-breed. I wouldn't waste my time with the likes of you. You should be thanking me,” replied the Wind Sorceress dismissively, with a self-satisfied smirk. Kagura was speaking the truth, for once. Had she not intercepted him before Naraku detected his presence, things might have been thrown off course.

 

Looking down at him, her red eyes glowed with mischief.

 

“If it wasn't so obvious, I would seriously doubt you and the Western Lord, had the same sire. Anyway, when you return to the shiro, and I advise you do so with all due haste puppy, ask your Priestess about the feather. Do give Prince Wolfikins, my very best.” said Kagura, adjusting her own feather within her bun coquettishly.

 

“What the fuck?!” said the Hanyou between gritted teeth, as a sudden wind rose, and he became blinded by the sands of the shore.

 

She was gone without a trace.

 

Looking in the direction of the shiro confused, Inuyasha noted, that the saimyosho had turned north, away from the palace. The Inu-tachi had never been the target, he realized, as he loped back to the shiro.

 

sks

 

“You make a wonderful pillow, my Lord,” said the Miko absently. She read, with rapt attention, the scroll Sesshoumaru had given her a short while before when she could not sleep, as he had commanded.

 

The Western Lord felt the need for privacy with his Mate. There would be time enough at the late afternoon meal to have a confab with all within her tachi. Deciding to give her a respite, he had dismissed the guards who would dog the Western Lady's footsteps henceforth. He ordered them to assist the servants in the dojo, as heavy weaponry would have to be removed and cleaned in the process of righting his practice room.

 

Kagome read, from the vantage of her Mate's lap, his fingers gently massaging her scalp, while she worried her, now healed, bottom lip meditatively.

 

Beaming up at him sporadically in gratitude, she felt the sudden urge to thank Ruru too, and placed a gentle kiss near the taiyoukai's groin.

 

“This is fantastic Sesshoumaru. It's like an ancient romance, no an espionage novel, full of intrigue. Thank you. I have only read about `The Tale of the Genji' in history books. I never thought I would be honored to read it in the original.”

 

“Hn…, you are welcome, Miko. The Genji was my mother's. Shikibu-sama's work holds little interest for this Sesshoumaru. It is designed to appease females with overactive imaginations, like herself, who feel it obligatory to interfere with the lives of others, albeit, voyeuristically,” intoned the Taiyoukai with a quirked brow, and a twinkle in his eyes. He knew exactly what he was doing. All this peace and quiet was leaving him bored.

 

`She was paying far too much attention to the scroll and not enough to her Mate. There would be time enough to indulge her in this trifling missive, which numbered well over forty, this being only the first.'

 

The scroll moved a fraction, revealing one honey flecked brown eye, shooting daggers, before rising again, accompanied by mumbled obscenities which spoke of cocky know-it-all males who were only good for one thing.

 

Before the Western Lord could retort in kind about bitches and their uses, preferable silent, barefooted and pregnant. A familiar set of heavy footfalls echoed down the hall, along with that of tentative ones, being dragged somewhat. The Taiyoukai closed his eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. A migraine of epic proportions was coming on in the form of his younger sibling. There would be no respite after all.

 

“The honeymoon is over. Get your asses to the library pronto, and don't pretend you're doin' anything either. I CAN TELL you're not,” said the Hanyou, as his footfalls retreated once more, Kouga slung unceremoniously over his shoulder, groaning softly.

 

Kagome looked to her Mate with resignation, crawling into his lap, abandoning the scroll.

 

“Thanks for trying, Sesshou. I needed this quiet time with just you. He's right. We've been selfishly indulgent, my love.” said the Miko, softly kissing the Western Lord's lips. The Taiyoukai rolled onto the Priestess gently, and deepened the kiss.

 

“SESSHOUMARU! You horn dog! Get off her! Don't make me come in there! …” bellowed the Hanyou in the distance.

 

“Allow me to kill him, Miko. This Sesshoumaru will make it virtually painless,” growled the Western Lord under his breath, as he rose, pro-offering his large palm to his Lady, who chuckled.

 

“Nooooooooo,… I'll deck him later… I promise.”

 

“Hn… acceptable.”

 

EP