Disclaimer: Inuyasha isn't mine. Also, I just discovered that I'm not as creative with titles as I thought I was. Turns out there is another story called Beauty and the Hanyou, written by BlueMoonGoddess. Just to be clear, I haven't read it and I'm not going to until I finish my version, just to be safe :D

Thank you SO much to everyone that has followed and reviewed! I'm actually having a blast writing this story and I hope you enjoy these next few chapters 😉


Kagome slept in far later than she had ever been allowed to before. As a child, she'd been expected to be up bright and early to help her mother with the housework and care for Grandpa. Before she'd found Kaede, to sleep too soundly in the wilderness was to die. As a miko-in-training, her days had begun before the sun finished rising. She had to meditate, purify herself, make breakfast, do her chores, practice her archery, it went on and on.

Sango entered with a tray of food.

"Thanks for bringing my breakfast, I appreciate it." Kagome mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Sango made a soft noise, almost a laugh.

"Breakfast? Lunch, more like."

Kagome's eyes flew open in shock. Sango held up a hand to placate her, unable to hide her laugh this time.

"It's alright Lady Kagome, the Master instructed us not to wake you. But he said to tell you that you'll be having 'game night' this evening, if that's acceptable to you. He also says that Shogi is his specialty so, prepare to lose."

Kagome's face lit up.

"Please tell him that I look forward to proving him wrong." Sango bowed and turned to leave. "One more thing Sango, will you help me get ready for this evening? I want to look…nice." She blushed.

"Of course. Enjoy your breakfast, Kagome."


Sango took her time walking down the hallway. She had nowhere to be, but she couldn't be found hovering outside Kagome's room. A hand suddenly reached out and tugged her into a small annex, hidden by a sliding door. It was meant for storing cleaning supplies and had no light. But in the cramped, darkness, Sango felt no fear; there was only one person in this whole castle that would try something like this.

"I'm going to tell the Master that he needs to give you more work to do." She didn't have to see Miroku's face to know that his eyes were twinkling with amusement.

"You, my dearest love, are all talk." Miroku replied, pulling her close and nuzzling her neck. "Don't pretend you don't enjoy this." Sango grumbled, but sank into Miroku's embrace. Delighted by the encouragement, he dotted her neck with feather-light kisses, traveling his way down her jaw and finally landing on her lips. Sango sighed happily, deepening the kiss and curling her hands in the neckline of his robe. His hands wandered down to her hips and he ground himself against her. It was very clear what he was in the mood for. With a regretful groan, Sango broke the kiss and stepped back, as much as the tiny closet would allow.

"Not now, Kagome is expecting me soon; I'm going to help her get ready for tonight."

"Oh really?" Miroku asked interestedly. Sango smacked his arm, making him yelp.

"I'm helping with her makeup and clothes, you lecher." She clarified sternly. Miroku's arms came around her again, his lips brushing against her ear. Sango whimpered and clenched her hands into fists. If she didn't leave right now, she wouldn't be going anywhere for a while. Damn him, why did he have to know every single one of her weak spots? Fifty years of practice, she supposed. She pried herself from Miroku's hold and stepped outside the annex. He gave her a cheerful smile and a wave as she walked away. Apparently, he was completely fine with staying in there for a little longer. And thank God, if Shippo found him and started asking questions, Sango fully intended to make herself scarce. She was already the Head of House and Captain of Security, let Miroku take on another job!


"Are you alright, Sango?" Kagome asked when she entered, "You look red."

"I'm fine." Sango replied with all the dignity she could muster. She clapped her hands once. "Ok! Time for a bath!"

The beauty treatment lasted all afternoon. Sango washed her hair with cherry-blossom scented shampoo and rubbed her freshly scrubbed skin with cedarwood scented oil. Sango's fingers running through her raven hair made Kagome want to purr. Who knew being pampered and warm was so nice? After combing her hair, she tied it back in a loose knot at her neck.

"If only we had some flowers." Sango said mournfully, tapping her chin. They didn't speak at all while Sango applied Kagome's makeup. Eventually, the former slayer sat back with a satisfied look on her face. She handed Kagome a mirror and Kagome's jaw dropped. The kimono for tonight was a very light pink, almost white and patterned with deep pink flowers. Sango had accentuated her eyes again with pink eyeshadow to match her kimono, but had coloured her lips a deep red as well. Kagome lightly touched them, afraid of smudging Sango's handiwork.

"Thanks Sango." She whispered in awe, "It's beautiful."

Sango winked.

"Better get going!"


Inuyasha tucked his hands into his sleeves in an attempt to conceal his fidgeting. He hadn't seen Kagome all day and as the monk had so helpfully put it "he'd gone a bit nutty". Sure, he'd been acting a little anxious, but Sango ordering Miroku to babysit him all day had not been necessary. Miroku had enjoyed the afternoon far more than he had, helping himself to Inuyasha's high-quality sake and making suggestions for when they "sealed the deal". He now knew more about Sango and Miroku's relationship than he had ever wanted to. But he was here, wearing his best black robe and waiting patiently.

Kagome entered, and he couldn't stop his mouth from falling open. Her natural scent, that of a wildflower field on a sunny day, had quickly become his new favourite. But Sango had gone and added cherry blossom and cedarwood to the mix. The effect was positively intoxicating. He didn't realize that he was gaping at her like a fish until Kagome lightly cleared her throat.

"Do I look alright?" She asked hopefully. Inuyasha blinked. What would Miroku say? Something suave and romantic of course.

"Yeah." He answered, cringing the instant the word left his lips.

They didn't talk very much over dinner, they were far too busy eyeing each other.

The black robe and white hakama pants combined with his silver hair made his brilliant amber eyes stand out even more than usual. He'd even donned a necklace of black beads and ivory teeth. The effect was that of a scruffy man trying to appear elegant and Kagome absolutely loved it.

After dessert, Inuyasha coughed and asked Kagome if she was still up for this, knowing she was going to lose. Kagome arched an eyebrow and rested her elbows on the table.

"Not only am I ready to play, I think we should up the stakes."

Inuyasha leaned closer, she'd piqued his interest.

"We will play five games. If I win three out of five, I get to touch your ears."

Inuyasha barked a laugh. That, he had not been expecting. And, he decided there was no reason to tell her that he loved having his ears rubbed.

"Fine," He replied with a sly grin, "But if I win, I get to ask you a question and you have to answer honestly.

Kagome blushed, now feeling like she'd wasted her choice of prize. But, she couldn't back down now. She held out her hand for him to shake.

"Deal."

The first game passed in complete silence. The servants passed by a little more often than normal to make sure things were alright. Kagome won.

Emboldened by her success, the second game's silence was punctuated by the occasional teasing comment from Kagome. Inuyasha said nothing. Kagome won again.

The third game was over in a matter of minutes. Kagome gaped at the board in shock. Mind working frantically, she tried to discern where she'd gone wrong to be beaten so quickly. Inuyasha leaned back and smirked. Kagome gave him her best glare.

The fourth game caused Kagome to burst out what her mother had always referred to as 'flavour-words'. She clapped a hand over her mouth blushing hotly. Inuyasha stared at her in disbelief for a heartbeat before dissolving into shocked laughter. At this, Sango, Miroku and Shippo poked their heads in to make sure they weren't hallucinating. Kagome's glares did nothing to discourage the hanyou's giggles and snorts.

"Should we start the last game?" He asked innocently. Kagome muttered another flavour-word.

The fifth game lasted longer, but still ended with Kagome groaning and hiding her face in her hands. Inuyasha couldn't keep the arrogant smile from his face.

"I warned you," He taunted, packing up the board and setting it aside. "Shogi is my specialty."

"Oh, shut up," Kagome grumbled petulantly through her fingers. She'd always been a bit of a sore loser. "Go ahead and ask your question."

"Can I kiss you?" Kagome hands dropped. Silent as a cat, he was now on all fours and only inches away.

Face burning at his closeness, Kagome could only nod. He didn't hesitate for a second.

Taking her head in his hands, he pressed his lips against her in a shy, gentle kiss. Her first one, Kagome thought dumbly. Instinctively, she twisted her fingers in his sleeves and kissed him back with a small whimper. His tongue gently probed her lips and she obediently opened for him. His tongue entwined with hers, warm and wet. Without breaking contact, Kagome climbed onto Inuyasha's lap and ran her fingers through his hair. It didn't feel like a first kiss. It felt like they'd done this many times before and knew each other perfectly. Heat pooled in Kagome's belly and she moaned into his mouth. Inuyasha broke the kiss first, blushing and breathing heavily.

"I think we should leave it there." He mumbled, sounding embarrassed. Kagome tilted her head, confused at first. But, now that she was no longer distracted, she felt something pressing against her thigh. Inuyasha's hands were on her shoulders. Her lip colour was smeared on his lips and on his jaw as well.

"Oh," She said, blushing. "Yeah, ok." She pulled back from him, feeling light-headed. With a formal bow, he bade her good night.

Kagome watched him go, her head spinning. After remembering how her legs worked, she returned to her room, almost afraid to see what she looked like. Hands shaking, she lifted the mirror and looked into it. Her reflection shocked her. Her hair had come out of its neat hairdo and her lips were indeed smudged. Her eyes were wide, pupils dilated.

"Good thing he stopped it there." She muttered to herself, grabbing a cloth to clean her face.

Yes, a good thing. The way she'd acted had been promiscuous and shameful. That's what everyone at the village would have said. But she didn't feel the least bit ashamed. On the contrary, she felt desirable.

She felt alive.


Inuyasha slumped against the wall, trying to get a grip on himself. Not a literal one, but that would likely be the direction his night took.

If there had been any doubt in his mind that Kagome was his mate, it was gone now. The way her body and lips had molded against his perfectly, like they'd known each other for years, not days, there was no other explanation. Had he not stopped when he did, his inner demon would have demanded that he claim her, right there on the floor by the fire. He couldn't do that to her. Besides, lust wouldn't break the curse. He heard movement outside the door and almost snarled.

He was not in the mood to talk to Miroku right now. He slid the door open with more force than necessary, but the angry words died on his lips, replaced by amazement.

"Kagome…"

TBC