Pseudo Courtesan
Chapter 4
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Warnings: Mature content, lemons in future chapters; this story is rated MA for a reason. Please, if you are under the age of 18 proceed with caution. Thank you!
A/N: I am so sorry that I have been taking so long to update this story. I have been working on my other story 'Shiro Inu' and completing another chapter of 'Amber'. I have my hands full, along with packing. I am moving and my time to write is sporadic. Usually, when I write it takes me about 7 hours total to complete a chapter on my good days. I write off and on and then edit the best I can. My stories are not beta read, so if you find a mistake here and there, remember I tried my best to skim through and correct them to the best of my ability. I understand there will be mistakes, so I am apologizing in advance. If you can look past that minor detail, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It took me a while to complete this bad boy. Extra-long for the extra-long wait!
Happy Reading!
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Miu gripped the silken material wrapped around the mid-section of the young courtesan standing steadily before her. Yanking the strands, she tightened it near the kimono's mid-section just tight enough to show off her small waist. Kagome let out a grunt of displeasure, feeling a tight pinch upon the flesh around her stomach. The material was becoming dangerously tight, creating discomfort. Glancing over her shoulder, she gripped her raven, black hair and allowed it to cascade over her shoulder.
"Is this necessary?" Kagome asked the girl, glancing over her shoulder meeting the other courtesan's eyes.
"You don't want it to loosen, right? I wouldn't look good if I didn't tighten it," Miu said softly, placing her hands upon her own waist, "Are you feeling faint?"
Kagome shook her head, "Not at the moment. I cannot guarantee anything later," She smiled softly.
Miu shook her head, "Just keep your mind on something positive."
"That would be?" The raven haired girl asked.
"The evening when we ready for bed and we have only our mind to contend with," A sad smile formed upon her lips.
Miu had been acting quite normal even though so much had happened to her since her arrival. Izayoi had kept the girl close, allowed her to heal from her ordeal, but that was about all the sympathy she received from the cold woman. Kagome was so happy to see a smile back on her lips. She knew that sticking close to her new friend would only allow her to heal that much quicker, giving her a sense of security, which she knew she needed. Miu needed to mend her mind most of all. She prayed to god that the sweet hearted girl could break through this cloud of darkness someday in the future.
The very thought of one male's decision to scar her forever, made her blood boil with anger. How could someone be so damn cruel? Daichi. That was what was being whispered among the women. Some had experienced the demon themselves, which didn't ease Kagome's mind in the slightest. Honestly, the very name tested on her tongue sent chills down her spine. Never had she seen this demon, nor did she have the desire to meet him. It would most likely mean something along those lines happening to her as well. Respect didn't seem to register for that particular male.
The sliding door was open, allowing the soft breeze to drift in, cooling her off. Miu had just finished putting up her hearty hair, combing it and clipping it in an extravagant design. She had to hand it to the girl; she was fabulous with the comb. Sora had been in and out, providing her choices for her hair pieces, which she accepted graciously. Sora was a demoness with grace and much respect, barely offering her advice. Even though Kagome enjoyed the fact that her attendant didn't always speak her mind, she didn't wish her opinions to be candy coated either. That was where Miu came in, thank gods.
Leaning in she shifted her curious blue eyes, just as Miu slipped away, putting away all the cosmetics. Kagome glanced up in the trees, sifting her eyes through the spanning canopies. A frown formed on her perfectly painted lips before she turned her attention back to the younger girl now seating upon a small cushioned bench. Without a word, the raven haired woman slowly stood and stepped closer to the open door, to make a better assessment of their surroundings.
"What are you doing?" Miu asked, tilting her head to the side, allowing her confused gaze to glide in the same direction. The hazel orbs scanned the dangling branches, a little taken back by her friend's odd behavior. No, she wasn't losing her mind.
"I am just checking," Kagome crossed her arms over her chest and pursed her lips, stepping back inside.
There was a small pause on Miu's behalf, but then her eyes widened and then she began to nod her head with a smile on her face. She then began to chuckle softly, placing a hand over her mouth. With a quick nod she responded, "I see now, you are looking for the young lord."
Kagome sucked in a deep breath and popped out her hip, glaring directly at Miu, "This isn't funny. I truly feel bombarded. I know he comes at this time of the day. I don't know what, god awful, trouble he is getting into all other hours of the day," The young girl muttered under her breath.
Miu chuckled again, "I think you have an admirer." Her lashes batted obnoxiously.
"Admirer? He is a stalker, Miu. I don't understand it. I met him once. All the other 'meetings' consist of him spying on me from the tree tops, I mean honestly?" Allowing her arms to drop at her side, Kagome moved from view and threw up her arms.
"How did he come to meet you again?" Miu asked, folding her arms over her stomach and curling her legs up to her chest.
"I was taking a walk around the gardens and he happened to come out of nowhere, really." Kagome explained, reaching up to touch her perfectly placed hair, which lay in intricate designs upon her head. A soft blush came to her cheeks thinking about that particular event. That moment that water licked a path over the rippling rocks and she realized she wasn't the only one present nearly sent shivers down her spine. The silver haired lord that had emerged had been extremely nude, and caught her trying to sneak away. She felt silly, completely silly. No wonder he didn't wish to give her the time of day. She acted like a young child. But that wasn't the point was it? The man called 'Inuyasha' was the topic being discussed and here she was drifting her thoughts to the man she was supposedly sharing a bed with.
With a sigh, Kagome reached up and touched a soft puff of raven hair upon her head, realizing she had no ornaments to display in her lovely locks.
Miu watched her with sudden curiosity, glancing around upon the vanity in search for the box that Sora had brought earlier. Beside the powder, Miu opened the cherry wood box and gripped a few pins that were the color of pure amber. With beautiful tips, each one looked like a lovely bloomed flower. Standing up, the young woman stepped closer to her new friend and helped her slip the pins deep in the shiny locks, accenting her beauty even further.
"You blush," a pair of hazel eyes watched her curiously as she traced her raven haired friend's jaw line to lift her chin, "You have an interest in this man?"
Kagome's red lips parted and a soft grunt of displease instantly escaped as she dropped back upon her rear end shaking her head without another thought, "Oh gosh, Miu, no I have absolutely no interest in that … that demon-man," her perfectly manicured nails glided over her reddening cheeks as she pursed her lips absolutely horrified that her thoughts, which were actually lingering on the naked son of the Daimyo, had been mistaken for the wrong male.
"You are so silly," Miu began to laugh; "You act like a little virgin blushing like that, Kagome. You are so shy."
"I am no virgin," She instantly came to her defense, suddenly feeling silly for being so quick to react.
Kagome turned her head away, pretending to look for her shoes. She knew full well that they were just outside the door, but the conversation was becoming too uncomfortable. Yes, she was still a virgin. She was the virgin concubine of the Lord Sesshomaru. Only once had his claw nearly touched her bare privates, and even then it wasn't truly wanted. The man was as cold as ice. No, he was no man, he was a demon. Demons seemed to act differently. They acted, usually, on their own personal gain. The only demon in which showed any sort of normal human emotion was the Daimyo himself, and that assessment was based on the few occasions she had met the man. She was but a silly human female, with nothing of interest to the young lord. He barely spoke two words to her, let alone provided her enough attention to want anything but a platonic relationship with him. There was nothing that angered her more in this situation than being ignored.
Most days she sat, played games, or dined with the ladies. There were so many in the house. Many were new, some were experienced. Speaking with ladies grew tiresome, not that she had many conversations because most didn't care to get to know her because of her rank and how quickly she obtained it. So now she was bored, bored with everything this fortress had to offer her. It wasn't a life she wished to live. She wished for stimulation. Ever since her encounter with Sesshomaru, Kagome had been keeping away from the gardens, fearful that she would run into him once again. Then there was a small part of her that wished that he would come into her rooms at night and put her out of her misery, by stripping her of her kimono and deflowering her. It would at least add some spice to her life, right, or would she come to regret it. Her mind grew tired of this guessing game.
Kagome's eyes narrowed as she opened a sliding door on the opposite side of the room, gripping her wooden sandals and placing them at the other entrance, slipping each dainty foot into place. What did that Sesshomaru do every day? Did he have other women that he kept here? She was too nervous to ask. Most of the women knew the men who called on them like the back of their hand. She didn't wish to make a fool of herself, nor did she feel as comfortable to ask such a question about his sex life. Gods only knew she barely saw the guy. He was like the wind. She lifted her chin and closed her eyes, allowing the soft breeze to brush over her small frame. Taking a deep breath, Kagome tried to release her tension.
The girl stood silently upon the deck, completely unaware of the figure climbing the thick branches of the trees. His clawed hands gripped the bark, readying to leap down toward the deck in her direction. Two sharp clawed bare feet landed almost silently upon the wooden deck spanning the length of the courtesan house. The figure leaned down and sat quietly upon the steps, glancing over his shoulder as the raven haired courtesan stood with her eyes closed. Not one tremor to alert her. A grin formed on his lips as his white ears twitched with interest.
Stupid Human…
"You are a terrible liar," The white haired man said from the steps. Her wide blue eyes snapped open and zeroed in on the twitching ears of the hanyou. Narrowing them, Kagome crossed her arms over her chest. So, he finally decided to come down from his perch and actually show himself. Spying in the high tree tops was becoming tiring.
"Wh-what?" She asked with attitude, placing her hands upon her hips.
Inuyasha craned his neck, allowing his golden eyes to skim the darkness within the house. He took note of the small courtesan seated not far from the duo, most likely listening to everything being said at that moment. He wasn't here to cause trouble for her amongst the other women. He knew how it was for the females. One moment they could be friends, the next moment enemies, especially when it came to attention and gifts. There was something different about Kagome. He saw it in her eyes the moment he saw her. She had dignity, self-respect. Most of the females he had been around majority of his life allowed that to wash away, being replaced by eye-liner, rouge, and jewels. Money was important to most whores, spreading their legs to the most important man in the fortress to obtain their deepest desires to fill their miserable voids. This one, he could grow to respect, plus it was too much fun to mess with her. She reacted perfectly. He then changed directions, forming a sneer upon his face to continue his part.
"You are better than them," The man said, pulling a pouch of sweet treats from his kimono and popped a few in his mouth, chewing as he allowed his bold eyes to skim over her once more.
"You are an odd, demon, you know that? First you are god awful, then offering compliments? You know, I don't like what you have been doing. Jumping around like a wild beast," Kagome leaned in and pointed a finger at him, glancing over her shoulder making sure Miu wasn't listening, "Plus, that topic is none of your concern. Keep your nose out of it." She snapped in a soft whisper.
Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder once again, flicked his eyes over her small, angry figure and grunted, "I suppose I shouldn't be blatantly honest when there are eyes and ears all over. Keep one thing in mind, female, the demon nose can tell a lot about a female." He warned, standing as he popped a few sweetened candies into his awaiting mouth.
Kagome swallowed hard and glanced nervously over her shoulder, "Soon that won't be a problem,"
The white haired male before her chuckled as he scratched the top of his head, "No, Sesshomaru isn't interested in silly human females," A smirk formed on his lips and once again those sharp canines were visible, "Your current physical 'statues' will forever be the same." Inuyasha then paused as he licked his teeth, "Of course, this is a way…," He stepped up upon the highest step and approached her, stroking his chin with his clawed hands. Those amber eyes were filled with interest as if a light bulb had went off on his brain.
Kagome pursed her lips and took a small step back, "A way?" Her blue eyes slid back inside the home, taking note that Miu had yet to come outside to make sure everything was, indeed, just fine.
"Yes," he said, dropping his fists to his sides as he took a step closer, lifting a hand and wiggling an index finger in her direction, trying to get her to creep forward.
The young girl's dark brows knitted with confusion, not entirely such if she should approach him. If he knew a way to charm this cold demon lord, she was honestly curious about this idea. Sliding one of her feet back, she leaned in just slightly as he moved in. His lips parted and as she drew even closer. Inuyasha slipped in close as he reached out his clawed hand to grip the material of her kimono and yanked her in. Kagome gasped, stumbled forward and swallowed hard as he drew in closer. Inuyasha cupped the back of her neck, yanking her close as he whispered into her ear. The soft tickle of his breath upon the shell of her ear caused her small frame to shutter, yet stand as still as a statue.
"I…," He paused, placing a palm to her shoulder, "I could fix this issue. That way, no one would even know who was there first… I am sure Sesshomaru wouldn't mind, ne?" He grinned, allowing his tongue to escape between his lips and dart out to drag a trail up the shell of her ear.
Kagome nearly shouted out with anger, raising a hand to slap the male across his smug face, "Are you insane? I should have known better." With that she turned upon her heel and marched into the sitting room, picking up a stone statue, most likely the first thing to come in her line of vision. Her small hand gripped the neck of the figure as she approached the chuckling demon.
His amber eyes opened just as he calmed his erratic laughter to see this female steadying her arm to thrust this heavy object, no doubt, at his face. Inuyasha's laughter ceased entirely. With a loud grunt on the raven haired females behave; the stone was tossed in the air with force, flying directly at the hanyou.
"Get out of here, you foul demon." She screamed, causing Miu to throw up her hands and rush to her aid. Her friend's soft, yet frantic words didn't even reach her ears. The white haired male jumped high into the air, flipping as he did so and fell directly upon the balls of his feet without even an unturned hair. A grin settled back upon his lips as he crouched.
"What is going on?" Miu asked, placing her hands into her hair.
With wide hazel eyes, she called to Kagome over and over, trying to get her attention, which all her curses and shouts drowned out Miu's pleads as the raven haired girl chased after the hanyou. She was also oblivious to the fact that she had gained an audience.
Many of the court courtesans slipped from their rooms, opened the windows and doors watching as the small girl chased after this white haired demon. It was no used of course. The male was obviously were adapt for this type of thing and the human didn't have the training, nor stamina to keep up. Nearly out of breath and unable to curse any more, Kagome tripped over the hem of her new kimono, falling upon her stomach. Glancing up, a pair of clawed feet landed directly in front of her, wiggling his toes in the process.
"Inuyasha," A bombarding feminine voice echoed across the yard without fail.
His tightened fist eased as those entertained, golden eyes slipped up to answer to who had called him out among the spectators. Kagome wiped her hand across his face, brushing aside her beaded pins as she sat upon her rear end and glanced in his direction, just as curious as the young male.
"What in god's name are you doing?" Izayoi asked, stepping with intent down the stair case and followed the stones placed along to path toward the two fighting youths.
"Mother," He merely stated as he crossed his arms over his tight chest, assuming a defensive stance.
Mother?
Kagome's blue eyes widened in shock as she scanned back toward the man called Inuyasha. This man had no point in her life, but insisted on causing her nothing but trouble and irritation these past few days. None of that mattered at the moment. What she was most curious about was why she didn't realize that this terrible creature was the beautiful Izayoi's son.
"Are you going to answer me?" Izayoi asked, glaring down at the heap-of-a-mess named Kagome, with her mouth open in shock, "Close your mouth, girl, you look like a fool."
"I just let her out of her cage, giving her a little exercise. Your whores are becoming awfully fat these days, mother." Inuyasha chuckled; enjoying the pitiful deer-in-headlights look on the girl's confused face. Within moments a look of pure hatred formed in those lovely eyes, a flame he enjoyed immensely.
"Your father will hear about your tormenting. It will stop now, or so help me…"
"What, you will lock me in my rooms. I must say, mother that became a tiring game when I was about nine and hasn't worked since. I was having some fun is all. They are all for use, yes?" His palms extended as he glanced down in the direction of the fiery tart forcing herself off the ground, looking as if she wished to slam her fist into his face.
"Not this one, find another." His mother's dark eyes challenged him once again, "You know very well that she belongs to your brother," the woman said, pointing in the direction of the baffled girl.
Inuyasha chuckled and placed a hand upon his stomach, "Yes, she belongs to him. The virgin lord with no interest at all in the soft pleasures this house has to offer," His eyes darted to the feminine girl, now crossing her arms across her chest as if to hide herself from his intrusive stare.
"I hate to ruin things for you, but I am not interested in you what so ever." Kagome sneered.
"Don't kid yourself, female. I am only interested in what is between those pretty thighs," Kagome gasped and lashed out to strike, yet was snatched by the collar by the older woman.
"Leave now, before I call upon your father to deal with you. I will not have you continuing on this way while we have many eyes and ears on us. She is for your brother to deal with, until he casts her off you will not so much as place a finger upon her." Izayoi warned, shooing him off. With one quick growl, the white haired Hanyou slipped off into the trees making himself visible no longer.
Izayoi keep her eyes on the soft brush of the tree scape and once she knew they were alone, she glanced in Kagome's direction, narrowing those dark eyes upon her, "I don't know what you have done to get him to act this way, but it needs to stop. You must remember who you belong to. My son is off limits to you. You cannot have both."
Kagome's lips parted, dropping her arms at her side, "You are referring to me, honestly? You did not just hear what he said, yes? Your son is a pig, apparently." Her blue eyes widened with distain. Skin slapped with skin as the older woman's hand collided with the soft flesh of the girl's cheek. Kagome's neck snapped to the side upon impact. A hand cupped the injured cheek. She didn't even have to look up to know that everyone had just witnessed this pathetic fight. Her ears instantly picked up on the soft whispers coming from the sliding doors and open windows of the house. Miu was front and center with a hand covering her mouth, completely appalled with how Lady Izayoi had handled the entire situation.
"I should not be the one targeted for this, my lady," Kagome whispered against her hand, still hiding her teary blue eyes from her. She didn't want to give her the satisfaction.
"Give him no attention. He will lose interest and soon leave you be. I shall inform Lord Sesshomaru that he has a hussy on his hands." With that the woman made her way back along the stepping stones toward the crowd of women, shooing them off.
Miu, however, did not leave. Instead she rushed out toward the still form of the young girl, still clutching her face. The cheek was aflame and reddened from the impact. Lady Izayoi did not falter in her swing, what so ever.
"Kagome, this wasn't your fault. You know this, right?" She asked, placing a hand upon her friends shoulder.
Kagome glanced up, but then glared in the direction of the staring eyes of the other courtesans, "You know I know that," she merely stated without an ounce of emotion, "I am not scared of that silver haired demon lord. I do not care if she goes and tells him how I truly feel. This was not my fault. I do not understand her hatred of me, but it is getting tiresome."
Miu pursed her lips, allowing them to part as a soft breath escaped, "She is obviously jealous. Can you not see that?"
Kagome chuckled softly, allowing her hand to slip from her cheek, "She has everything handed to her. What could she possibly be jealous about? I may have the status, but I have no power."
"The Daimyo had purchased you, that's the reason for her actions. I didn't tell you, but I heard the others talking about it." Miu's hazel eyes brightened slightly with amusement, "You see, they say the Lady has been uneasy since the war broke out. The Daimyo hasn't been himself since he had gone away from war. He has been very doting to Lady Izayoi for many years, giving her a son and everything. This time when he was away for months, apparently it was lonely for him. They say that a lovely maiden had captured his attention when he went, but the affair stopped after he returned. Seeing there was no one brought back with him. My guess is he was afraid of her reaction to the affair and didn't wish to cause an issue. We all know Lady Izayoi is very high strong."
"She is but a courtesan, high ranking or not, but a whore." She said bluntly, not caring at this moment, " He is the Daimyo of the Western lands. Their actions can honestly be questioned by a mere Courtesan?" Kagome countered, glancing back up at the house to see that many disappeared and the windows were now drawn shut.
"That is true, but she has a son with him. He treats her like more than a courtesan," Miu said softly, "Like a wife,"
Kagome let out a quick chuckle, running a hand over her destroyed hair, "I just met that bastard son of hers," She said aloud, shifting back to the topic of Izayoi's son.
"It was him?" Miu asked, not knowing much either, since she had arrived not long after she had. Gossip was all they could go on here at court. Kagome grunted her reply and placed her hands upon her hips.
"So, she is projecting this jealousy upon me?" Kagome asked, "I am just…I don't even care. What threat is a mere girl? She is a beautiful woman…look at me!" She glanced down at her wrecked appearance.
"Stop, Kagome," Miu scolded, "It is quite obvious to me, especially with the way she leers at you. The Daimyo has never voiced an interest in you, right? The purpose was for his son, yet she still is uneasy about you. You are a pretty girl, Kagome, and young. Izayoi apparently found out it was a younger girl, one so young that she could be the girl's mother."
"But what I don't understand is our Daimyo visits the Okiya. They are performers, yes, but I have seen a lot in the short time I stayed with them after my family sold me," Her jaw tightened, thinking, for the first time in weeks, about her family. Pushing it from her mind the girl focused on the topic being discussed, "How could she possibly allow him to visit such a place and feel comfortable? Sexual favors happen even there."
Miu shrugged, reaching out and gripping the sleeve of Kagome's kimono. Pulling softly, she nodded back to the house. Everyone was gone so, there wouldn't be prying eyes, or so she hoped, "It could be possible that Lady Izayoi doesn't know about every visit. Also, he is our Lord, who is she to tell him he cannot go and get a drink? They are preforming women, women with the upmost respect, or so it is said. And…she didn't have to worry about that before. It has just come to pass recently, so obviously it really touched on her insecurities." Miu's lips pursed tightly, forcing herself to speak quickly before they drew closer to sliding door, "They also say that the Daimyo hasn't visited her bed in a very long time, I heard months." The raven haired woman nodded, understanding now why she was so self-conscious.
Kagome began to follow, watching her dirty feet as they took tiny steps. Some days she wished she could burn the silly wooden platform shoes and cut the bottom part of her kimono completely off. Why did she have to constantly prep herself as if she were attending a party with millions of guests? Her life suddenly felt dull and all she could think about was running toward that stone wall with Miu, climbing it and heading for the hills.
Stepping inside, Izayoi was barking orders at the small girls running around. They unfortunately did majority of the tasks. Young women of the fortress usually did hard labor with the other servants. Some of the pretty girls would become courtesans as they grew, being trained by the other terrible women within the fortress. Some of the unlucky ones were stuck at a low status, beaten, barely given enough food to fill their bellies, and preformed hard labor around the grounds with the rest. Izayoi turned, flipping her long black hair over her shoulder, looked over Kagome's dirty form once, and clicked her tongue repeatedly.
Izayoi…
Kagome couldn't feel sorry for the woman who had such ties to a power war lord such as their Daimyo. When one was a courtesan, anything could happen to the relationship formed with the men they served. Kagome had come to realize that guarding ones heart in this game was very important. He was a demon, with many years ahead of him and with the gift of staying young physically for years to come. He was bound to allow his eyes to stray as years added up for Lady Izayoi. She may be pretty still, but her young shine had waned over the years. Kagome herself could see it in those tired brown eyes. Most young women would do anything for money, if it would get them somewhere.
Many Geisha or Courtesans owed their houses a debt after being purchased, being provided clothing, and cosmetics. It added up. Many women spoke about their dreams of finding an Emperor or a rich lord who would sweep them off their feet and take them away. Their Lord Daimyo was a handsome demon, with many servants and plenty of money. He was a package that most young women would take a chance on. She had seen it plenty of times at the Okiya, even if her visit was short lived. Women threw themselves at rich and handsome lords. These high ranking lords would travel long distances and stop in for a decanter of sake and possibly a warm meal to share among his men. Women fought constantly over who would be the first to bat their eyes at them, or who he would choose for a personal visit. Some would discuss it as if it were their ticket out of their own personal hell. She couldn't blame any of the women sold into such a life.
"Coin spent on you is pointless," Her voice was dripping with venom, "You have ruined another kimono. You are not courtesan material. I do not understand what my lord was thinking." She shook her head, taking a pipe and placing it between her lips as she lit it. Her red rose petal lips, pressed against the golden piece at the tip, allowing only a soft wisp of smoke to escape as her dark eyes took in the pathetic form of the young female before her.
"I'll get her cleaned up, my lady," Miu said softly, reaching for Kagome's hand.
"I assume so," Izayoi placed the tip of her pipe back in her mouth briefly before speaking once again, "Miu, you must better prepare yourself. I wish to get you back out to attending dinners when we have guests. You are a pretty girl, whose youth cannot be wasted sulking around in the house all day and night. What was the point of your purchase if you don't do your job?" Those brown eyes filled with hatred as they slithered back to Kagome. Up turning her nose she opened the sliding door and slammed it shut.
Miu bit her lower lip and looked down at her plain Kimono. It was true; she had no desire to show her face. She was terrified. The young girl didn't wish to have another experience as she did with that cruel male. The act was painful, unappealing, and made her feel self-conscious about herself. The very thought of laying on her back and accepting another man so intimately like that again nearly brought bile up her throat.
"I'm sorry, Miu. She is just angry with me," Kagome whispered, tightening her hold on her hand, "Let's go. I think we can both use a bath. I will do your hair and make-up." She smiled, wrapping her arms around her and heading to their rooms to obtain oils, and cloth for the bathhouse.
…oOoOoOo…
Chirping birds fluttered across the stone terrain just outside the young lord's chambers. With his chin propped upon the lowly placed table, he looked out, bored with the day's events. His amber eyes flickered across the ridges racked into the pebbles, and then to the grounds men who worked night and day to keep the lands clean and presentable. It was too calm, too quiet in the fortress. Why must they continue staying here? When would the Emperor call them to battle once again? It had been far too long since his sword had felt the flesh of his foe. His inner demonic aura wished, no, craved the scent of blood.
"Are you listening to me?" The Daimyo's gruff voice sliced through the silence.
"No, I am not," His silver haired son responded, shifting his eyes toward his old man and raised a brow, "Why must we continue on here, waiting for orders? If you were to just send word to the Emperor, he would understand completely. It is far too quiet. That pathetic excuse for a demon lord is scheming. I know this." Sesshomaru said blandly, reaching up to comb his sharp claws through his shining locks of hair.
"I will not. The Emperor has already made it clear that we were to pull out. Until he needs my assistance again, I will not intervene." The demon lord responded, swiping up his sake bowl and taking a sip.
"You know just as well as I that Lord Naraku isn't one to just pull back, roll over, and surrender. He is scheming. When someone makes his life goal to obtain the title of 'Emperor', one doesn't give up easily and disappear unless he is regrouping, nor would he give up so easily. I am willing to bet that before the end of the month there will be an attack, but closer to home, either that, or on our front door. Naraku despises you. " Sesshomaru sneered, crossing his arms over his chest and resumed his sulking stare out upon the terrain.
"I dare that hanyou to try something so asinine." Inutaisho bared his teeth, pouring yet another for himself, "But that is not why I have brought you here. You keep dodging my question, why is that?" Reaching his arm across the table, he poured warm sake into his son's empty bowl, nodding toward the perfectly crafted item.
Sesshomaru sucked in a deep breath and rested his chin back into his palm, drumming his claws upon his cheek. Shifting his golden eyes toward his father, he remained silent for only a moment more, "Why are you so curious?"
The Daimyo began to grin, tilting his head back and swallowing the warm substance quickly. His tongue dipped out, wetting his lips before he spoke, "You have never shown interest in females before. I wish to know if she is pleasing you. I am curious of your preference," His sharp nail tapped upon the edge of his sake bowl.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed ever so slightly before he responded, "Why exactly do you wish to know, father? Do you wish to know that, I sneak into her rooms in the middle of the night and throw her over a dresser, taking her from behind? She is a female. Aren't they good for one thing? Why is this topic so interesting to you? You have had plenty, and experienced different types. What can I say, she is a human. There isn't anything interesting about her."
An image of her flashed into his mind. Those expressive, almond shaped eyes, her soft parting lips, and the sight of her trembling figure under his claws as he had backed her into a corner and scared her nearly to death. Her blue eyes brush through his mind, remembering how they had widened in shock. She was innocent, just as innocent as he in the ways of physical pleasure. That soft scent continued to tantalize his mind without physically being present, egging his demonic aura, but still he did not budging even though the scent had tempted his darker side.
"You haven't had her, haven't you?" Inutaisho asked, looking up at his son through his thick lashes.
Sesshomaru glared directly at his father, "She is innocent. Plus, her human stank is too much for me to handle."
"Oh, that is a load of shit," Inutaisho nearly shouted, taking another shot for himself. His brows rose together in shock, "I cannot believe you are my son, still as innocent as a day old pup. When are you going to stop acting like a female and claim something, for god sakes?" His father made a rude noise and shook his head.
"It is none of your concern." Sesshomaru snapped.
"I spent money on the girl, hoping that my intuition was right. You were looking that night. It was different." He chuckled, reaching out and slapping his son's shoulder, causing his chin to fall from his propped up palm. Sesshomaru bared his teeth and flared his nostrils.
"Well, I am sorry to burst your bubble, but your intuition is way off, father. The girl was merely a tool. You money was terribly spent." His glared at the Daimyo with a look of distaste, "Never have I once even pondered the thought of what lie under her kimono."
"She is your pawn? Is that why you insist on carrying this out?" His father's matching amber eyes narrowed in anger.
"It has nothing to do with her, father. I do not wish to discuss it."
"Then I shall sell her, either that or release her from you pathetic torment. Her innocents should not be wasted on you," He pointed his clawed index finger directly at his son's cold feature.
"You will take away a gift? She is mine to do with as I see fit. I will pay you for her, if that will ease your mind." Sesshomaru lifted his palm, inspecting his claws.
"Why go through that much trouble, if you don't intend on being with her? She is a courtesan, not a piece of clothing. She needs attention, time… if you cannot provide it, then you should not even call her your own. It is pointless. There is someone you do not wish to have her then?"
His son's amber eyes flashed up to meet the identical pair, but lowered almost instantly. He didn't wish to respond. That wasn't his business. Plus, his father would only further protect Jiro even if he were to find out his little game.
"You're really pathetic," The Daimyo leaned back and crossed his arms over his strong, muscular chest.
"Stop acting like you have never pursued something with the intent of having it so the other could not."
Inutaisho closed his lips instantly, knowing well that he had, indeed, taken beautiful woman before any other man could have her, and he did so selfishly, "How long will this game last before you release her from this? I am assuming she knows you want nothing to do with her."
"Hn," He grunted, finally leaning toward the table and pressing the rim of his sake bowl to his lips, "As long as it takes. Jiro doesn't seem to be letting up," a rare smirk formed on his lips, "After that, I will sell her to the pleasure district." He said without being fazed.
Inutaisho should have known. Sesshomaru despised one of his many high ranking advisors, and with Jiro's actions and words about the young woman that very night it should have stuck out more to him in the end. Of course he had dismissed it because the one thing that was important to him was seeing his son act like a normal young man, proving he could interact normally. He had hoped that his son would inherit some of his outgoing personality, but as he continued on it seemed he had not. Instead he had remained secluded and preferred this solitude over social gatherings. It truly bothered the Daimyo.
"Jiro, huh?" Inutaisho grunted in response, "Well, you aren't being convincing with this courtesan. Sooner or later, Jiro will realize you aren't sleeping with her and he will make you a laughing stock." He warned.
"How could he possibly find that out?" Sesshomaru glanced up, now curious.
"The girl spends all her time in the courtesan courters. The other females must know you are absent. If anything, you had her once and grew bored with her. It has to be obvious on her end as well. Courtesans talk to their suitors. The word will spread. You should purse the girl, or rid of her. Your childish need to dominant him is rather unbecoming in a future daimyo. Give him his favorite toy back and be done with it. The only thing you have going for you is the fact that he is human and cannot scent her innocence. All it takes is for one person to scent it and open their mouth." His father spoke freely, knowing how unhealthy his son's thinking process was.
Sesshomaru quickly stood, stepping out upon the wooden deck. The Daimyo watched as his son slipped on his shoes and quickly departed without another word. Their conversation was over. There was no reasoning with Sesshomaru when he had established where he stood in the conversation. He didn't wish to speak about the courtesan or Jiro. His goal was simply to put Jiro in his place, he understood that, but it was over a female. It would be one thing if Sesshomaru was, indeed, fucking the girl, but the fact of the matter was he wasn't. His son was just as innocent as she. If his men found out this out, Sesshomaru wasn't going to be pleased with the shock wave that would hit his social standing.
…oOoOoOo…
"Lord Toshi was most pleasant."
"Pleasant? He constantly talked about himself, nearly bored me to death," Another spoke, soft giggles echoed through the bath house.
"The man barely spoke. There wasn't time for words. He had my kimono ripped from my body before I could greet him," the women began to giggle obnoxiously, splashing around in their basins of water.
"The Daimyo sent this old man to me the other day. Apparently he was an advisor to the Daimyo of the East. Cane and all, the man came in looking for 'women and sake', is how he put it."
"And?" one giggled, asking none too quietly.
"It was surprisingly pleasant," The young woman said.
All the women gasped, or groaned in disgust. How could someone admit to that?
"Oh my goodness and you admit it!"
"Well, he was good with his tongue. All I had to do was pretend it was the Daimyo himself, took me less than thirty seconds." A belt of laughter echoed once again throughout the bath house.
Kagome gripped her washing cloth and swiped it under each arm pit. Her cheeks were bright red, not just from the steam but from the terrible gossip burning her ears. How could women be this open about their sexual experiences? Miu leaned in and took a sponge to her back, rubbing it in a circular motion and applying scented oils.
"Will you do the same to my back? I have lavender scent on you, is that alright?" Kagome's eyes were focused on the stones under her feet as she listened to a woman explain how she brought someone to climax with her own tongue and mouth.
"Kagome?" Miu leaned in, glancing over her shoulder, taking notice that all the women in the bath house were the courtesans of their household, and they weren't being quiet.
Kagome lifted her blue eyes, her lips parted as she finally realized Miu had been trying to obtain her attention for a while, "I'm sorry, I must have been spacing out," she smiled softly.
"Will you apply the lavender oil to my back?" The blonde asked again softly, holding out a fresh sponge.
"Of course," Kagome said, dropping her hands from her exposed breasts and applied oil to her sponge, rubbing it into Miu's flesh.
"They do not seem to mind who hears them," Miu said softly over her damp shoulder and into her ear, giggling like a child.
"No, it doesn't seem so," The raven haired girl nodded in agreement, glancing over her shoulder to get a look at the group.
Each woman was many years older than the duo. They were all beautiful, none the less, even when they were stripped of their make-up. Nude and unfazed by the numerous eyes on them, each woman stood or sat as they washed. Voluptuous and fully breasted, each one had their differences. Kagome even took note that some had the evidence of childbirth, which she supposed was the consequence of their job title. One of the younger, yet possibly a few years older than Kagome, with plenty of spice to back her up, was staring directly upon her. Her cat eyes zone in, grinning with pleasure upon seeing her among those near the massive group.
"It is Lord Sesshomaru's courtesan," She finally said, dabbing a warm cloth to her neck.
All the women ceased to speak and turned their attention to the two girls in the opposite corner. Kagome felt very nude, literally. Almost instantly she covered her breasts from their wandering eyes and sat up straight. Her stomach went sour and within a second she just wished she could disappear.
"Girl, what is your name again?" She asked.
"Kagome," Her blue eyes widened as she forced herself to speak. Surprisingly she spoke quicker than she originally thought she would, and loud enough to hear.
"I'm Chiyo," She said softly, placing her perfectly manicured hand between her breasts for emphasis. With that, Kagome merely nodded, offering her a small smile. Chiyo then smiled, flashing her perfectly straight pearly whites, covered her lips with her hand and leaned in to speak to the woman beside her. Her hand covered her mouth, yet her eyes remained upon the small form of Kagome. It was obvious who the two were speaking about. The woman called 'Chiyo' was also intentionally being obvious.
Allowing her hand to drop, Chiyo chuckled softly as did the other woman. Lifting her chin high in the air and keeping her dark, almond shaped eyes on her; she leaned in as if she were going to speak. Allowing her fingertips to drum on her lips she finally spoke, "How does the young lord fair these days, Kagome?"
All the women kept quiet, staring directly at the one being questioned, "He… he is busy. He is the son of the Daimyo, of course." Kagome shrugged her shoulders, feeling as if she had a magnifying glass overtop of her. With that, her cheeks began to redden deeper, along with the tips of her ears. She was embarrassed. Miu placed her chin upon her own shoulder, sticking close to Kagome for support.
"Yes, indeed he is," Chiyo acted surprised, winking at one of the other women. She was making fun of her. That much was apparent, "As you have heard, many of us like to share how men fair in bed. I am sure you have had your fair share of experiences with Lord Sesshomaru, yes?"
Kagome felt her mouth go dry, as her lips parted. She felt like the very air was being thrust from her lungs, without her control. They weren't going there, were they? She knew nothing on how to please a man. She supposed she could lie, and repeat some of the stories, but switching up where they took place. Her face turned redder than usual, and with that Chiyo seemed even more interested.
"Tell me, Kagome, how big is Lord Sesshomaru's cock?" She placed an index finger upon her lips and grinned almost evilly.
Kagome's lips dropped open a little further. A nervous hand went up, brushing a few wet strands of hair away from her face, "Um, you want me…to show you, or…?" She asked meekly.
The woman all burst out into laughter. Many doubled over, holding their stomachs. Chiyo merely stared with an enthused expression and shrugged, "Whatever you wish, my dear." She then chuckled.
What did they actually look like? Kagome thought back to a time when she had walked down to the lake to bathe, and found boys from the village nude and bathing in the water. Their small, limp penises weren't a sight to behold. Honestly, it had nearly had her in tears. To compare that to a grown man was completely idiotic. They would most likely grow, right. She had often heard that when a man was prepared to use a woman, they hardened, which would mean they would grow, right? She hadn't once seen a grown man's penis. Her finger trembled as her brain began to spin. Kagome licked her lips and held out her hands, hoping it wasn't too small or too big of a guess. She didn't wish to make a fool out of a man's private parts without even seeing them.
Each woman tilted their head to the side, yet stayed quiet. Chiyo tapped her fingers upon her lips, but then grinned, "Well, he isn't small now is he?" She chuckled, "I wonder if he is thick?"
Kagome sucked in a breath, allowing her hands to drop back into her lap, "Well?" Chiyo asked. The blue eyed courtesan offered a soft grin and nodded.
"He is blessed…Chiyo." Kagome said almost softly.
The entire group of women nodded in agreement, some giggled speaking amongst themselves. Kagome honestly hope that Chiyo wasn't playing a sad game with her, which ended in her already having slept with the son of the Daimyo and hold out to destroy her in front of all these women.
"I would say so," She licked her teeth, "So, what do you do to keep a young lord? You must have a secret?"
"She is a small girl, she must know how to do acrobatics," One woman said loudly, drawing out a roar of laughter.
"I…I don't know. I am sure anyone could do it." Kagome said softly, smoothing her hands over her naked thigh, yet turning to hide her small breasts from view, "There must be something," She shrugged, suddenly feeling she was drowning.
"Yes, Kagome, we honestly want to know what it is you do to keep him coming back. What you did to get such a title? You were at that Okiya, right? They must have taught you something?"
"Um," She swallowed hard, and then forced herself to speak, "I would say he taught me a thing or two. I was a virgin when Lord Sesshomaru came to my bed." Kagome lowered her eyes, suddenly nervous as all the women stared without even a word or noise.
"I see, what would the young lord think about the love triangle you have going on?" Chiyo reached up and twisted her hair, forcing water droplets out of the ends. Her almond eyes lifted to look over the young woman.
Miu's brown knitted, glancing toward Kagome. Kagome's blue eyes widened as what was just said finally penetrated her ears.
"Love triangle?" She asked, blinking her lashes rapidly.
"Yes, aren't you sleeping with Inuyasha, the hanyou?" Chiyo nodded, trying to keep her laughter within her, "Isn't that what the big fuss was about today? What did Izayoi think about you having your way with both sons? I wonder if she has a plans to seduce the Daimyo himself next." Her lips pursed, as all the women surrounding her chuckled, covering their mouths and whispering like silly school aged girls.
Kagome thrust her hand in a basket, gripping a drying cloth and slipped it around her petite frame and stood abruptly, "I think we are done here." She snapped.
"What?" Chiyo opened her hands and shrugged, "It was just a question. You did get into a fight with him right outside for everyone to see. We figured it was because you have been spending more time with the hanyou in the tree, creating feelings of jealousy within the poor boy's heart that you are Lord Sesshomaru's ultimately. Lovers quarrel?" She chuckled.
"No, I am not sleeping with Inuyasha. I am only Lord Sesshomaru's. Do not spread such foul lies." She scolded; flashing her angry blue eyes in Chiyo's direction, "Good-bye," leaning down; Kagome gripped her basket and stormed off.
Miu pulled a cloth around her small frame, picked up her own equipment and rushed off, calling for her to slow her pace.
"Kagome, slow down!" Miu shouted looking around frantically hoping no one would see them with barely anything covering their bodies.
"Kagome," She whisper-shouted harshly, nearly shaking her basket, "Please,"
Kagome rushed up the steps of the courtesan house, slammed open the sliding door and stepped inside, not stopping for anyone.
She threw her basket across the room and forced herself into the first seat she could find, wanting nothing more than to give into her extreme anger and embarrassment and scream at the top of her lungs. Her breathing was heavy, making her lungs feel aflame. Scrubbing her hands against her face, Kagome was trying desperately to keep her breathing under control as well as her cool.
Miu burst into Kagome's room and dropped the basket, shifting her flimsy cloth on her body as droplets of water pooled around her feet, "Kagome, we tracked water the entire way in here, even down the hallway," She said breathlessly, closing her hazel eyes for a moment before stepping closer, "Don't worry about that woman, Kagome. We know the truth. Lord Sesshomaru will believe you. Not to mention, demons have heightened senses, their nose can tell right away," She assured.
Kagome nodded, knowing full well that Sesshomaru would know, but he could care less anyway. There wasn't anything to hide. She hadn't been touched by anyone, so it wouldn't be hard to figure out. She wasn't worried about that silly lie. What she was worried about was the reaction the other women were having to her presence among the group. She hated being gossiped about, and she hated this attention. This false title was a terrible thing to have. She wasn't strong enough to handle it, especially when she belonged to a man who could care less about her statues among the others and didn't back her up.
"They are courtesans, wishing to have a man of their own instead of having to spread their legs for just about…anyone," Miu forced herself to say, know she was in the same position.
"Yes," Kagome merely said, "Miu, I just cannot deal with this. It is me against…everyone." Her hands were lost in her hair, feeling completely lost and completely pushed over the edge. Biting her lower lip, she forced herself to speak, "I have never been, and don't wish to be, with that pathetic jerk, Inuyasha." She nearly shouted.
Miu heard a soft creek from behind her. Turning, her wet hair flipped over her shoulder. Her ears drowned out the loud rants coming from Kagome. A shadow began to approach the room, once they closed in on the open door, Miu noticed the gleam of silver hair as it tumbled across a beautifully crafted kimono. Her arms instantly went over her breasts, even if they were already covered by a cloth. Her wide hazel eyes shifted in Kagome's direction, hearing her switch between topics so rapidly.
"Kagome," Miu said softly and with a nervous smile.
"Who could honestly believe such a pathetic thing? Did you see the look on her face, Miu?" Kagome grunted, yet still hadn't noticed the figure. She gripped her towel and tore it from her body. It tumbled to a heap at her feet. Miu lunged forward, and stuttered over her words. The raven haired female then turned to her trunk, flipping it open and sifting through the silken materials, "How many Kimonos does one girl need, honestly?" She screeched.
"Kagome," Miu grew louder, gripping the towel and nearly tossing it upon Kagome, who kept swatting it away and giving her an odd look. Still the figure stood in silence and Kagome had yet to look up or acknowledge Miu at all.
"Aren't you listening…Miu, I need a kimono, stop." Kagome tossed the towel aside, looking directly into Miu's eyes with a look of confusion and then saw the fear almost instantly. Her soft lips parted as she stood to full, naked height.
"Kagome," Miu said softly one last time, placing herself in front of her very nude body to somewhat hide her from the amber eyes watching with their odd coldness.
"What!?"
"Lord Sesshomaru is here," Miu nodded over her shoulder, which Kagome slowly allowed her blue eyes to slide across the floor boards, lifting and finally meeting a pair of curious amber eyes staring directly at her and sliding the entire length of her naked form.
Kagome gasped, "My Lord," She whispered, covering herself with her hands, standing as still as a statue.
"So," He stated in a bored tone, "My brother has decided to amuse himself with you?"
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Thank you for taking the time to read!
-Aiko-san