A/N: A few answers to anonymous reviews:
Kat: Hahaha, I would have been insulted if you told me you liked that lady!
Jj: I'm glad you loved their evil plan, let's see now if Sesshomaru will lose his icy mask in this one (evil laughs)
Guest: With a bit of luck, she will have a little reassurance in this one.
Guest (the 2nd one!): I'm glad you liked that chapter, I was afraid the length might deter a few people but I'm glad it's not your case. Will Sess man up? Hmmm… ;)
Rinyuki2014: I know…it was an evil place to end. Thank you for the compliment, I hope you will like this chapter :)
Gingersnaps: Ahh I know the feeling when you just find a story you like and the last update was conveniently left with a terrible cliffhanger…sorry for that! I'm happy you love this story! Hopefully the waiting wasn't too torturing! Thanks for the review :)
Warning! M rated content starts in this chapter! Oh but I'm sure so many of you are sooo soooo happy *smirk*
Oh well…enjoy!
Chapter 10: Heated Night
…
"Do you think it is a possibility, Lady Sasori?", inquired Amane with a thoughtful frown.
"I'd be amazed the cat tribes ever become so belligerent again, I wouldn't trouble myself over this matter…", replied the Lady of the West, while glancing at her aloof son.
Completely oblivious to their conversation, Sesshomaru was sitting next to them, still and silent as a statue, a cup of warm sake in hand, staring at a vase of white flowers in front of him, suddenly remembering the red one lying on his desk, in the study.
He had been staring at flowers more than usual lately, and not just because his ward covered the whole place with gracious petals.
Each time he would get outside, he would surprise himself staring at some cherry blossoms, some red roses in his gardens, or even daisies.
He truthfully wasn't sure why he even glanced at these insignificant ornamental plants. He just couldn't help it. He had to stare at the shape of the petals, pistils, or notice the different shade a simple flower can have, and observe where they would grow, or wither.
His intense observations led him to conclude flower arrangements around the castle weren't a simple matter and he developed some sort of respect for the gardeners, which he had considered a waste of coins in the past. He knew his ward loved flowers, so he had decided against getting rid of them, and it was a good thing, because he now felt this place could become Rin's home as well…
He drank his sake in one long sip, and emptied was what left inside the tokkuri in his cup, trying to ignore the tiny droplets of sweat pearling on his temples, which was a very rare phenomenon, he was usually never bothered by hot temperatures. They must probably be located at the most suffocating spot in the ballroom…
He then stared absently at the woman next to him. Talking…talking…talking…
His ward was very bubbly, but she has such a quiet nature compared to the Lady of the Heartlands… At first, he had been concerned that seeing this witch-demon again would awake old wounds he had forgotten and locked away centuries ago, but in fact, it hadn't. He wasn't even sure why he had developed such an intense interest in the woman long ago…He supposed that was because he was still a child back then, and his tastes in women must have been unrefined.
All the loath he felt for centuries directed at Lord Sakuza now seemed pointless. What a terrible mistake it would have been to unite with this woman. She might have her charms and a powerful aura… the blue colour of her eyes and soft voice hadn't changed a bit and he was briefly concerned when he glimpsed at her earlier in the entrance that he might fall for her again…but Sesshomaru was amazed how, in the end, he felt absolutely nothing at the sight of her. Her only truly prominent trait was her eyes…and even those eyes didn't have the same gleam as in his memories…He had remembered a passionate maiden, with fire in her azure irises when she spoke of empires and conquests…Whatever passion he remembered must have been the fruit of his imagination, or the woman had become an empty shell dulled by an easy life…
She had become untrusting and condescending, dodging every significant question, thinking she could just behave like a normal pretender, hold his arm and dance, thinking he wouldn't bring up all the havoc she could be blamed for. He had a hard time believing this same woman was the same enchanting tactician he had remembered from long ago. He thought it was quite fascinating how perceptions can change over time.
…Lord Sakuza wanted his father to give up the Western Lands for her…Sesshomaru might have scoffed at this memory, if he hadn't been watched so intently by this lady and his mother. This Lady Amane…fruit of many torments was in fact, just a plain stranger that didn't deserve his attention…
Her arrogance was by far what he hated the most about this…self proclaimed empress…who implied he should show up at her court –like any vassals of hers– to claim what was due to him by right. During that particular moment, at the diner table, it had taken him every ounce of self-control he had, not to chase her away of his mansion and lands, along with all her guards, heralds and servants, but he knew it is not right to display hostility at guests. He had to stay quiet a few more hours to avoid ruining this mundane torture that was this wedding. That was a real challenge: he was used to behave like he see fit with his own court, but with so many vassals and foreign emissaries around, he had to behave accordingly… However, now that all the significant parts of the celebration were over, his salvation was close…so close…
He glanced nonchalantly at his own mother and escort, before darting his eyes back to the immaculate flowers.
How entertaining…even her mother seemed a little annoyed with Lady Amane. He almost wanted to thank her for inviting this lady. He will finally to get her out of his mind forever, as he did with all the other prospective consorts. He was sure his mother will do so as well. He was affirmative she didn't like Lady Amane's superiority complex.
He had always despised social considerations, but they were mandatory in such a delicate diplomatic exercises, and quite frankly, they were the only ones that kept him next to this woman until this very moment. But now, considering that she only proposed some chitchat with her own tribes, shrugging off his concerns as if she were too important to consider him anything else than a possible consort… He might need to remind this blue-eyed woman who he was, his patience for a pure stranger now completely depleted.
He glanced at another direction this time…his ward apparently quarrelling with his cousin. He found that curious, Tenmaru had many flaws, but he rarely displayed impatience…especially towards Rin…Her hazel eyes expressed some sort of worry…
The time was now ripe… Enough self control…
He drank the last remnant of sake and put his cup down on the marble table a bit roughly, the loud sound of porcelain hitting the marble startled the blue woman next to him. Then he just stood up and walked slowly towards the vase, examining from a different perspective all the different kinds of flowers.
"Sesshomaru…", whispered the misty voice of Lady Amane.
He turned absently towards her, a white tulip in hand, staring at some fixed point behind the woman. She didn't deserve his entire attention anyway.
"You look so distracted since diner… What are you doing?", she asked worriedly.
"I must keep a promise", he said nonchalantly, already walking away.
Lady Amane's blue eyes blinked a few times. "What?"
"He is going to dance with his ward. He promised her", explained Lady Sasori stoically.
Lady Amane frowned. "Wait, Sesshomaru!"
He stopped, not glancing back.
"Shouldn't a man ask his escort before dancing with another woman?", she asked boldly.
"Why would I do that?", he shot back indifferently.
"I demand this last dance with you", she replied, with a mysterious smile.
Then he looked at her over his shoulder, amber meeting her aquamarines.
"I do not take orders from anyone", he replied stoically.
And then he left.
Lady Amane stared at his departing silhouette, unbelieving, before turning towards Lady Sasori, visibly angered.
"What is the meaning of this?", she asked in a hiss. "Is he truly reserving the last dance for his human pet?"
Sasori sincerely hoped her son hadn't heard, or things would get even worse. Of course, she knew that moment would happen…she had known…from the moment her son had informed her of his inane idea to dance with his ward the night of this wedding…she knew her attempt at making things right was doomed.
She knew what he son just did was wrong…dropping the Lady of the Heartlands like that for his human. Many demons would consider this outrageous…This was probably one of the most powerful female demon alive…He should have been more polite about it…but then again, if he would have asked, it seems Lady Amane wouldn't have granted him permission. Lady Amane wasn't some …open minded woman like the bride Kishiko, she had no notion of sharing…which would have been mandatory with her son at this point…and there was also the fact humans were as low as insects to her…That might have worked with Sesshomaru long ago, alas, people change…and her son, like his father, was no exception.
The Lady of the West did what she rarely did: she sighed, and sipped at her sake, silently waiting for the darkest hours to come.
…
"Oh come on, it's pointless!", protested Rin.
"Just a final touch…and there!", exclaimed Kishiko with a smile. "Much prettier with a refreshment of red. After the dance, he will be able to admire your pretty lips… even under the dimmed lights of the fireworks."
"Don't be silly, he will not want to see fireworks", retorted Rin with embarrassment.
"Ah I disagree…he will bring you to the fireworks I am sure", responded the bride with a smile. "…and I bet he will have at least a wandering hands syndrome"
"I bet he will bring her to some special spot, like on top of a tree or to a higher floor of the mansion, so they can watch privately and kiss passionately", added Nozomi mischievously.
"You are all crazy…", protested Rin, a bit annoyed. Why were they so convinced something like this was about to happen?
"What's your bet, Tenmaru-honey?", asked Kishiko with a playful smile.
"They will not watch the fireworks. They will just get laid", he retorted matter-of-factly.
His wife just laughed out loud, while Nozomi placed a hand on her mouth in bewilderment and Rin felt the white powder melt bit a more on her face.
"You are insane Tenmaru!", whispered Rin, half offended, half scared.
"No. I am realist", he answered back, now a bit annoyed at Rin's eternal denial. "I don't know how it works with humans, but demons are impatient, sweet Rin. When they feel attraction, they just do their thing and get this over with. You've been teasing him for weeks now…"
"And he is undressing you with his eyes all the time", added Kishiko. "Even tonight, I caught him once or twice. His expression even became a little haunted when Tenmaru mentioned your delicate neck…"
"I didn't see that…", whispered Rin, a little troubled.
"You didn't see because you didn't look", retorted Tenmaru. "And yesterday, he wasn't just undressing you with his eyes…"
Rin looked at him with red cheeks, powder finally giving up its eternal attempt at protecting the girl. Never had she thought this night could be that eventful …she was only supposed to dance with him! She stared back at Nozomi, in hopes to have another view, but the kitsune's amused expression told her otherwise.
"They are both right. But I feel like he is oblivious to his own blatant feelings. You should at least…you know…have a talk…or something…"
"Yeah, the tension between you both is just ridiculous", commented Tenmaru. "You have to do something about it, male demons are losing interest when they stay frustrated like that for too long…Damn, I feel frustrated for him right now!", he exclaimed with indignation.
"And what do you think I should do?", Rin asked worriedly.
"Oh please, don't ask him!", exclaimed Nozomi.
"No need to be scared, kitsune-girl", he retorted, with annoyance. "He might be a bit socially retarded, he's not completely stupid: just do something, anything that would let him know you are ready: a quick peck, strategically located caresses or even a simple "take me" order if you don't care about formalities, I swear whatever you do, the result will be the same", he explained mischievously.
"And-and what if I am not ready for…this?", Rin asked worriedly. The whole new prospect that he might want to get intimate so quickly was terrifying her. They hadn't even kissed before! All their speculations seemed so unreal!
"Nonsense, how can you NOT be ready? You've been undressing him with your eyes too, you now…", retorted Tenmaru.
"I-I did that?!", asked Rin with panic.
"Hell yes you do! All the time! Kami those virgins are so hard to manage…", protested Tenmaru…he stared at his wife. "…Never a maiden in our love family"
"Nah, never", Kishiko agreed with an amused smile.
"So your little story earlier was really just part of your masquerade then?", asked Rin with a pout, absently brushing her hair with her fingers.
"Don't get mistaken. We both think you are hot, but just not ready for us", he replied with a grin.
"Yes…get a chaste man first, like Sesshomaru-sama, to learn the basics, and we could help you with the rest after, if it doesn't work out with him", added Kishiko with a wink.
Then Nozomi gasped and clapped her hands.
"There he comes!", she announced.
"Okay, you are ready little Rin. Brace yourself now, be pretty", ordered Kishiko, hiding her cosmetics in her obi.
Then Rin saw they were right…He was truly coming for her. He hadn't forgotten her because of the blue lady. His walk was slow, making the wait all the more suffering, and he looked a little distracted. Then it was too much for her and she just stared at the ground, forgetting everybody and everything else, until a shadow loomed over her. A familiar hand extended in front of her. She stared up.
"Sesshomaru-sama…you have come…", she observed in a whisper.
"You doubted my word?", he inquired, raising his eyebrow like he did all the time.
"But…but…", Rin protested, she stared behind him and gasped briefly, troubled by the blue lady spying on them from afar.
"Shouldn't you be with Lady Amane?"
Rin swore she heard someone curse behind her, but she just shrugged off the distraction.
"…I was with her all day", Sesshomaru replied stoically, with a hint of annoyance.
"But…she looks upset!", exclaimed Rin in a panicked murmur.
Sesshomaru frowned slightly. Was she trying to push him away? Now that didn't make any sense. He knew she wanted this…And he had been waiting for this moment…all day…
He supposed she might be upset because of Lady Amane's presence. He had expected this event could sadden her and he wasn't wrong…her wide hazel eyes had been staring at him longingly, screaming at him to come back to her…all day…
So, he just executed the plan he had thought about, while staring at the vase, a little imperceptible curve at the corner of his lip as he took something tied at his sash, like some lethal weapon.
Rin gasped in bewilderment, as she saw him held out a while tulip in front of her.
"A…a flower? But…"
He had never given her a flower before…Was it because he had heard her talk of Kohaku and his flowers during dinner? She extended her hand and took the tulip from his warm fingers, contemplating it with adoration.
Did he care for her so much? He wanted to please her like Kohaku did before? And the white tulip…did he chose that flower on purpose?
White tulip was a way of seeking forgiveness…Was it just random gift, or he felt bad for leaving her alone all day? She felt her eyes water.
"Why are you crying so often when I make you gifts?", he asked.
She looked up at him and noticed he looked vexed, even, a little upset? She felt one tear fall out, and wiped it quickly.
"Don't take it badly my lord. I am simply…very…very pleased", she tried to explain with a grin.
He extended his hand once more, but this time, she took it. She placed the flower in her hair, as they walked towards the dancers, all waiting between two songs. Rin thought it was odd because the orchestra hadn't taken a single break from entire the night. Why would they take one just before the last song?
"Were…were they waiting for us?", she asked, as they chose some quiet spot.
She saw a glint of amusement in his amber eyes. "Does it matter?"
"N-no…I was just curious, like you would say", she replied playfully.
She intertwined the fingers of her left hand with his and placed the other one on his back, and she had the impression his skin was a little hotter than the day before, or maybe the fabric of his clothing was thinner? Then Rin glanced in front of her, and saw from afar, two threatening blue dots staring at her…at them…she felt unwell.
"What is it?", he asked, feeling her discomfort.
"She is looking at us! Kami…lord Sesshomaru…I think she is angry!", Rin observed.
"And?"
"Sh-shouldn't you do something?", she asked, sheepishly.
Then he stared at her with some indecipherable, yet intense look. "Didn't you figure it out already?", he asked.
Rin blinked. "Figure what out?", she asked back.
Then he leaned a little, very slowly, and Rin's heart suddenly started beating faster and faster in anticipation, thinking he might kiss her. But in the end, his final destination was her ear.
"I…don't…like…her", he stated very slowly in a murmur, as if to make sure she knew he meant every little syllable of this sentence.
Rin felt like her heart was going to blow up. This whisper was even better than a kiss. She felt a hot tear fall down from her cheek again. His hand briefly slid from her back to capture the tear, a bit upset she was crying again…all of this because of the woman he had to entertain all day. He saw her wet eyes were troubled and still looking at the crowd. He forced her to rotate with him, so he could face the blue banshee on his own.
"Don't look at her", he ordered. "Look at me."
Rin nodded, than smiled. "I'm sorry my lord, I think I am overly sensitive tonight."
"Hmph…"
She stared at his eyes, trying not to blush too much, amber as hot as coals tonight. She glanced absently at his lips, remembering how close they were the day before, wondering if he would get again at the closest distance possible before brushing them against hers. She examined the shape a moment, liking that they were neither pouty, nor very narrow, lower lip a bit prominent...probably warm… She blinked and stared back at his eyes, suddenly remembering how Kizuisen has said he had already stared at the blue lady's lips before…she felt a bit embarrassed, wondering if centuries from now, someone will tell the tale of human hazel eyes on the great taiyoukai's lips…
Then she heard the sad complaint of a single shamizen and a drum starting a slow and deep rumble, becoming louder as every second went by. They started to move, slowly. She felt his hot fingers hold her a tiny bit more tightly, as if afraid she might try to run away.
On the contrary of the day before, she didn't even bother trying to concentrate on her steps, she basically just had to follow him anyway. She had a sight of the blue lady from afar, while they circled around the room in their gracious dance…she was still staring…
"I am here", he reminded.
"You shouldn't have left a gorgeous woman like that", replied Rin with a small smile, glancing back at him. "She has such alluring eyes and immaculate hair and distinct features, don't you think?", asked Rin in a nervous babble. "I mean, you were so beautiful in each other's arms earlier, she fitted perfectly in your…"
"I find her bland, boring, and big-headed", he snapped a bit harshly. "Now just stop looking. Forget she exists", he ordered.
Rin refrained a gasp and just nodded. Bland and boring…big headed…so he really didn't like her…
There were many instruments, but the drum had a dominant rhythm, regular, loud, resonant…in synch with her own heartbeat. He made her twirl, she obliged willingly, and recognized some familiar tactic of his –lowering his arm a tad too quickly, effectively forcing her to draw in just a little too closely to respect social conventions, but she didn't bother fighting him back, and accidentally put her hand on his shoulder instead of his back, and brushed her fingers against his chest to sneak it under his arm, putting it back where it belongs.
Sesshomaru absently looked up for a short moment and noticed yellow eyes next to the blue ones now, his mother staring at them with exasperation, he refrained a smirk, concluding they must be even more scandalous than the day before.
"Is there something wrong?", wondered Rin worriedly, noticing his distraction and suddenly wanting to see what attracted his attention.
"No. Keep looking at me", he answered, hiding his amusement to perfection, focusing back on her big hazel eyes. He stopped bothering with the environment, effectively following the advice he had given his ward earlier.
Rin's eyes were wide, but not as much as Amane's, they were drawing his soul, not drowning it. Though he liked their warm shade, the colour wasn't particularly rare, what he loved the most was how she let him see through her so easily, her genuineness and vulnerability displayed so shamelessly had something fascinating and alluring about it, much more interesting than a peculiar colour. He thought that showing off so many emotions like this was some sort of indecency of her soul…but he liked it.
Scared of what she might see if she looked away, she just stared as well, examining him. She rarely had the chance to gawk so intently at his eyes, so she started examining some captivating details to keep her mind occupied…like their unique upturned shape. She had noticed it before. She had previously thought that must be some demon feature, but Inu-Yasha had very round shaped eyes compared to his brother. Also, she hadn't seen anyone around the castle with similar eyes, except Sesshomaru's mother, but hers were a little narrower, and they were more lemony than gold. She then focused at his irises, noticing for the first time some coppery pigmentation at the outer end of his orbs, and the palest tint –golden looking– around his narrow pupils…though for some reason his pupils were not very narrow that night, she wondered what that meant…she didn't mind it, she found he was a little less intimidating with his eyes like that.
He placed his hands on her waist, and she tried not to gasp at the tickling feeling, suddenly fearful she might be even more ticklish than the night before. She let herself being lifted –satisfied he had kept this little treat for her only, he hadn't brought Lady Amane up a single time that afternoon. Both Kishiko and Nozomi had confirmed.
Even though she was in a very good mood, Rin didn't try to make a show like the day before, she was far too spellbound with his eyes to bother with anything else. He didn't look anywhere else either, she found out he apparently didn't need to blink much, or maybe he only bothered closing his eyes when she was closing her own, to make sure he would miss as little time staring at her as possible. She smiled silently at that thought.
She was a little disappointed when he brought her down, not bringing her as close to him as the day before, but she had the impression it was because he wanted to keep looking at her, or maybe he just wanted to make sure she didn't lose her focus on him. However, her curiosity triumphed and she stared behind him.
"Don't", he whispered.
"I'm sorry…", she replied in a whisper, glancing back at him.
"She's still watching?", he couldn't help but ask.
"Hm-hmmm", she replied with a pale smirk.
Rin with a smirk. That turned him on more than he would have thought. And he really had enough of that Amane woman, who seemed to think he was some sort of vassal of hers…
"Make her jealous.", he ordered stoically.
"What?", she asked, baffled, with a healthy blush.
"You want it", he teased, amber warming up again.
He took her thin waist and made her spin in the air again. This time she completely extended one of her arm, deploying a graceful wing, the other one never leaving the nape of his neck. This time when he brought her down, she pulled on his shoulders, to go down spinning in a complete embrace, making her lips so darn close from his, she swore she saw a twitch on them…
As soon as her feet landed gracefully on the ground, the song ended with ridiculously accurate synchronism, Rin never leaving his arms, Sesshomaru not pulling away, not ready to remove his hands from her perfect waist. When she heard a few enthusiastic "WooOOooo" shouts around them, Rin knew they may have gone too far, people were entertained to say the least. She felt Sesshomaru grow a little stiffer in her arms and he broke the embrace. She saw him frown, apparently not liking this excess of attention. He turned his attention back to her.
"Do you like fireworks, Rin?", he inquired with his usual composure.
She thought she was going to die, as she realized the prophecy of her friends was actually happening. She felt febrile.
"Yes!", she replied with a grin.
"Then let's get out of here", he suggested, going towards the first balcony he could spot.
She nodded, catching up with him, with a childish –but some would say victorious– grin on her face. She felt a cool breeze blow through the silk of her dress, making her shiver as the sweat on her body was being blown away. It was so unbelievably hot inside.
So close…from the escape…Rin was so happy she outpaced her lord and ran the few last steps, waiting for him on the balcony, still with a grin on her pretty face.
Alas…
"Sesshomaru!", called a feminine voice, not so misty and entrancing anymore.
Rin saw very visible exasperation cross his features before he glanced over his shoulder, at Lady Amane.
"Where are you going?", the empress asked.
"Elsewhere", he retorted dryly.
Rin tried not to smirk, but she was then slightly troubled by a pair of arctic blue eyes, glaring directly at her. Rin stayed impassive and didn't look down, as requested by her lord. She wouldn't show weakness to her. The blue woman then glanced back at Sesshomaru.
"I would like to talk to you", she stated coldly.
"Then state your business", he replied nonchalantly.
"It is private", she added, brushing her hair away from her shoulder with annoyance.
Sesshomaru frowned a little: he had expected she would be wise enough to avoid confrontations. He glanced back at Rin, with a softer gaze.
"Wait for me here", he requested, before getting back inside.
Rin nodded, slightly worried. She sat down on the stairs of the balcony, but glanced over her shoulder, stretching her neck in hopes to see what was going on.
But then some guard closed the door. She cursed.
…
"I don't want her around", stated Lady Amane, not wanting to spill a minute more without expressing her concerns.
Sesshomaru frowned. "What are you talking about?", he asked, with a hint of irritation.
"Don't play the fool, Sesshomaru. I am talking about your ward…"
"What about her?"
"Please! You can't expect me to agree to a marriage if you are openly fooling around with a filthy human!", she dropped, wide blue eyes now narrow slits.
"Hmph."
"What is so funny?", she asked impatiently.
"What makes you think there was question of a marriage?", he snapped back.
She frowned. "What-what are you talking about? Wasn't this the whole point? My late father is not ruling anymore. You could be my champion and my consort, and I could rule over our unified empire…" She smiled. "Like it was meant to be".
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, trying to digest the craziness the woman in front of him had just expressed, and trying to find a way of getting out of this without a bloodbath.
He couldn't believe she had spoken of unified empire and her ruling over it…all in one sentence. Was she an absolute lunatic?
"So you assumed you were invited today, under my roof, so I could propose to you so I could…give away my lands…to you", he supposed out loud, with a low voice, and then his eyes became piercing. "Because you wish that, I, Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands, become a trophy consort and father to your child, without recognition of power or brains?", he asked a bit slowly, with a dangerously monotone voice.
Her lips became a thin line, as she approached him, putting her cold hands on his chest. He stayed still, not going to acknowledge his great horror at her closeness.
"You didn't want to rule…you just wanted to fight…and you wanted me in your bed…This is what you wanted", she whispered with her misty voice.
He used his last remnants of stoicism, before the storm. "I loathed responsibilities linked to lordship…when I was a child. You are aware I've been ruling over my lands for more than a century since then?", he asked with a wisp of mockery.
"But you wouldn't have to pretend anymore…You could finally do what you want…take me all you want…and your child, your own blood, would be the heir to the vastest demon empire in the world. What else could you hope for?", she asked, in a seducing manner, clashing with her immaculate appearance.
He took a step back, her cold hands like acid on his clothes. And then, he knew, the last string keeping his cold demeanour intact had just broken. The boiling anger was about to erupt.
"Repulsive twaddle again…Didn't you get the message the first time?", he snapped, clenching his teeth.
"It was a story between our fathers", she protested.
"You think I am a some submissive weakling who will make your fights during the day, and impregnate you at night, all the while you call yourself empress and pretend you are worthy of ruling?!", he asked, openly angered...
"You have been taunting me for a while, Sesshomaru…putting your hands on southern territories like you did last summer… It would be easier if we were on the same side…", she shot back with annoyance.
"How frustrating it must be for you not to possess monopoly on power and conquests…", he spat back with irony. "I have bad news for you. The Western Lands are not yours and will never be"
"You are wrong to provoke me Sesshomaru. You are more vulnerable than you think", she threatened coldly. "I conquered the Northern and Eastern lands already…"
He paused a moment, impassive. "Both decentralized and weak for decades ", he retorted.
"And how long do you think you would last, alone, against me?", she hissed.
"Long enough to neutralize all of your booby traps and dirty tricks until you give up. The Western Lands have never been so prosperous", he responded, with cold confidence.
"…You will see how wrong you are. You have one last chance, Sesshomaru. If you do not withdraw your insults and accept my offer, you will taste defeat, weakness and humiliation... Your people will suffer. Your bloodline will disappear. Your empire and sturdy looking mansion will shatter in a thousand pieces like a castle of glass…", she whispered threateningly.
Sesshomaru sneered, and approached her delicate face, now only at an inch from hers, narrowing his eyes.
"You will never get my lands… not even if you bat your eyelashes, or assault me again with your empty threats", he got closer, whispering to her ear "not even if you open your legs."
She slapped him hard.
"You will regret this", she whispered angrily, eyes watering.
The empress of the Heartlands stormed off.
The Lord watched the commotion she made, as she left the ballroom, to go who knows where. He turned on his heel and closed his eyes a moment, trying to get rid of the crimson taking over. He was felt conflicted: so relieved he struck a nerve, yet so infuriated at her offensive, insane arrogance. He walked slowly toward the balcony, and opened the door, appreciating the breeze. Yet he realized he must not have succeeded chasing all the red away, as he got out, his ward's eyes widening at the sight of him.
…
Rin watched him in disbelief, as Sesshomaru got outside, looking murderous. She hadn't seen what happened, but she could only guess it went very badly.
"My lord?"
"Come", he ordered with a husky voice.
"What is it? What happened", she asked worriedly.
He didn't answer and continued walking, the wind blowing fiercely around them. His steps were so wide Rin had to run to catch up with him. She gulped.
He was mad, so mad…She wasn't even sure she had already seen him so openly angry before. She could see the shade of his eyes getting redder and redder as they moved forward, now so far away in the courtyard, between lilacs, that she couldn't hear anyone else around them. She felt she had to do something. This Lady of the Heartlands might be wealthy and powerful, but what happened couldn't be that bad…right?
So she took his hand in hers, and squeezed it, forcing him to stop and look at her. He turned abruptly.
"My lord…", she whispered, unmoved by the crimson, trying to search his eyes for answers.
He didn't respond, but she did notice red markings in the shape of a hand on his face. Her eyes widened. The Lady of the Heartlands had slapped him. She felt a wave of guilt.
"Is it because of the stupid dance?", she asked with hints of sadness. She hoped she wasn't responsible for something very serious.
He calmed down a bit, his eyes retrieving his golden hue. "No", he replied.
"I am supposed to believe that?", she replied with knowing eyes. "I saw how angry she looked…"
"This has nothing to do with you. This talk was going to happen", he replied, looking suddenly a lot calmer. That discussion may have occurred earlier and with harsher words than he anticipated because of Rin's presence, but she didn't need to know that. In fact, he was even a bit glad her presence contributed to a satisfying vengeance.
She smiled sadly. "And that's a good thing?"
"Yes", he replied. He resumed their walking, his hand still in hers. "She also dropped relevant information she wouldn't have brought up otherwise"
"Oh…Is it good or…bad news?", Rin inquired with curiosity.
Sesshomaru darted a sideways glance at her. He certainly wasn't going to tell her the Heartlands had conquered much more than he had previously thought, or that he might very well be on the verge of war. No, she didn't needed to know that, and he strongly needed to take his mind off things. Then he noticed she seemed to have a hard time following him, her steps looking a bit miserable.
"Isn't this supposed to be the moment you remove your zoris and run on the grass?", he inquired suddenly.
She grinned widely. "You are absolutely right!"
She removed her zoris and dropped them unceremoniously on the ground. She let a huge sigh of bliss escape her lips as she felt the cool dewdrops on her pained feet.
"Oh it feels so good!", she whispered in glee, closing her eyes, then she frowned.
"There is also something else I must do…". She looked at him sheepishly. "Would you mind if I removed…"
"What?"
"The damned white powder is turning into glue…right on my face!", she exploded, removing a handkerchief from her obi. "I swear if I keep this thick white clay a minute more I…"
He didn't even bother with an answer, as he took the fabric from her fingers and started scrubbing her face delicately, revealing her beautiful blushing skin she had been forced to hide all day. After a while, she did take the fabric back to finish the job, much too embarrassed at the prospect of leaving him the tedious task of removing her terrible makeups.
"Should I remove the red on my lips too?", she asked shyly. Quite truthfully, she hated the red, and she had the impression he wasn't too fond of it either.
"You can remove everything you dislike", he said, as he suddenly decided to untie his own hair, shaking them a little to make sure they get back into their silky shape.
She saw him and decided to do the same, suddenly feeling how painful her scalp was. However, her half updo hairstyle being sophisticated and intricate, she was soon into deep struggle. Her lord looked at her, with a glint of amusement. Oh how clumsy she could become when she was nervous…She had decorative strings keeping her hair in place, and it was making her life a living hell, her pulling the thing in every direction, unable to get it out of her mane.
"Need a hand?", he asked.
She sighed. "I suppose it could help…"
She saw him look at the ornament with some sort of annoyance, and decided to break it with a claw, tugged at it and dropped it nonchalantly into the grass, and then slid a hand through her scalp, trying to discipline her wild locks, she tried to mentally minimize the nice feeling of his hand in her hair.
"I think it was worth a lot", she commented, looking at the shiny decoration with a twitch of disappointment.
Not as much as their time, he thought, as he saw her pick up the white tulip that had fallen and slid the stem under her obi.
"Let's go", he announced, walking in the direction of what Rin recognized as her own chambers.
"Where are we going?", she asked.
"Somewhere nice", he retorted.
She blinked and followed silently, intrigued, previous febricity invading her senses again. They came to a halt when they were right in front of her balcony door.
"Hold me", he ordered.
She blushed but obliged, but squeaked when he jumped, effectively bringing them on the roof in one leap.
He took her hand and led her with a few delicate steps in a secluded area, under a gable, where the ground was perfectly flat, with dry crunchy leaves from the previous fall lying around, the full moon majestically looming over them. Rin suddenly felt her heart beat faster, remembering her friends' silly bets. She looked at him sit down, lay his back against the wall, discard his pelt –it was indeed a smothering night– and discreetly let a sigh escape his lips, displaying some sort of relief.
She innocently passed by her lord and sat next to him, and yawned a little.
"How long before they start?", she asked innocently.
"… Half an hour…or so", he said, crossing his arms behind his neck in a relaxed fashion.
She looked deterred. "Kami…it will be dawn, right?"
"The darkest part of the night…just before sunrise", he specified.
She pouted.
"You can rest a little, if you like", he suggested.
The limited space not leaving many possibilities, she didn't wait for further invitation and just turned towards him, to snuggle up against his chest. One of his arm left the back of his neck, so he could hold her waist protectively. She closed her eyes, so satisfied to have him hold her again, without even needing to ask. She had thought she would never feel his arms over her again, at some point during that day...
"What was that scene with Tenmaru earlier?", he suddenly asked.
"What scene?"
"The show during dinner", he said, glancing at her reproachfully.
"Oh that…", she whispered, looking away.
"Was this some sort of conspiracy to anger me?", he asked inquisitively.
She smiled sheepishly. "It wasn't my idea!", she replied in a falsely defensive manner.
"I assumed so…I was wondering why you agreed to this in the first place"
"Ahh…I was bored and a little angered because you've never left Lady Amane's side", she admitted, staring at the reflection of the moonlight on his blue clothes, starting to follow unconsciously the delicate branch patterns on his chest with her finger, the fabric was so soft…
He frowned. "You know I didn't have much of a choice…"
"I know…", she whispered. "I'm sorry…it was silly, but Tenmaru and his bride were so persuasive…"
"It may have shocked a few people", Sesshomaru commented nonchalantly, all the while gazing at her delicate fingers…now unequivocally caressing the fabric over his chest. His jaw tensed a little.
"Oh I'm sure your mother is very angry at me right now", Rin replied sheepishly, now thinking of her provocative behaviour during the dance.
"Are you worried?"
"No…I still have you", she replied with a grin.
He glanced at her. "What do you mean?"
She stared up at his eyes, and looked panicked a moment. "J-just that I am still in your good graces, my lord…"
He raised an eyebrow. "You meant nothing else?", he insisted, capturing her wandering hand with his.
She blushed hard, as he inspected it with great attention, while stroking her palm slightly with his thumb…She had just realized she had caressed his chest for at least 5 minutes straight! She thought about what Tenmaru had said. Was that a sign obvious enough for Sesshomaru? Was it why he confronted her so directly…all of a sudden?
His hand was so hot…and she was too. How could a simple thumb on her palm make her feel this way…
"I-I…", she stammered.
He didn't even listen to her stammering anymore. Still caressing her hand, he then brought his thumb to her wrist, and then his fingers went up under her wide sleeve, stroking the skin of her entire arm, until he reached her shoulder. She stood still, briefly closing her eyes, appreciating the feel of his warm hand on her skin, it wasn't just like when he was caressing her cheek or even her neck…there was something very intimate about this…
After some times, she felt his hand go down, only to take her sleeve and slide it up again, to glance at her pale skin with fascination.
She felt all air escape her lungs and a new powerful wave of heat reach her cheeks as he got closer to her, to press a few soft kisses on her shoulder, and then brushed her hair away, looking briefly at her neck, as if he wanted to kiss it too, but decided instead to retreat a little, looking intently at her eyes, very curious of her reaction. She stared at him, frozen into space, mouth half open, unbelieving.
"Should I stop this?", he asked, frowning a little. His face was so…close…
She looked down, cheeks deep crimson.
"N-no…", she responded hesitantly.
"Are you scared?", he insisted, raising an suspicious eyebrow, clearly unsatisfied with her stammering. He felt her heart beat so fast he thought her fear had outpaced excitement…he was a little worried for her health.
"N-no, my lord! I am just a little agitated, but…in a good way…", she finally admitted, looking back at him, yet not able to look at him in the eyes, so she just stared at his mouth. He noticed, he hesitated a moment, not really knowing how he should proceed…but then again, straightforward strategy had worked well in past situations…
"Should I kiss you?", he asked, out of the blue.
Her eyes widened. Was he really asking her this question? And now…that meant she had to answer?
"Um…I…I don't know". She bit her lip. "If you ask…I-I suppose that…you want to do this?"
"I have been holding back for a while", he admitted, so seriously while staring at her…she blushed furiously. Of course she had noticed! How could he be so calm about it?!
"Well…then…yes…you…can", she whispered shyly. She looked down, very self-conscious. The fact that he had announced his intention made it even more unsettling! She felt a finger push her chin up.
"I was expecting some sort of…smile", he commented, with wisps of questioning.
She looked at the ground again. "I'm-I'm sorry…it must be this powerful stare of yours again…"
"Hmph…"
"Oh I know…Why don't you smile a little?", she asked, staring back at him with a grin, suddenly forgetting her embarrassment.
He frowned, not expecting that bold request. "I won't do that", he replied curtly.
"Why?", she asked, with a pout. "I am sure you have the most beautiful smile!"
"How do you know?", he retorted, with a deeper frown.
"Oh I'm sure you do! Smile to me, lord Sesshomaru and please don't hide yourself for once! If you can bring me a flower, you can smile too! Please, please!", she begged with such innocence.
Then she saw his frown reduce a little and his lip turn up, ever so lightly, apparently amused by her pleas, amber eyes trying to look away. She was so happy she caught his face in her hands to force him to look at her, but he displayed a little resistance, not wanting to face her directly.
"What are you doing?", he asked with annoyance.
"Oh come on! You do that to me all the time! Now it's my turn!", she exclaimed.
His smile went a little wider on one side of his lips, and dared a sideways glance at her.
"That's a smirk", she observed, matter-of-factly.
"That's the best you will get", he retorted, still smiling.
"…You look uneasy", she commented, only at a few inches from his face.
"I feel…exposed", he complained, not liking at all her obsessional curiosity over his facial expressions.
She giggled a little, apparently entertained by his reaction. That made his expression a bit more genuine, smile a bit wider and softer gaze, almost all the mock gone from his feature. She noticed, gasping a little, and blushed in happiness.
"You are so handsome", she admitted in a whisper, with awe all over her feature.
He didn't wait a minute more to dive in, capturing her lips with his for just a short while, in a warm and soft kiss, just to tease her, making her heart flutter, before pulling back, examining her reaction.
Her cheeks obviously red, lips slightly open, she glanced up to meet his eyes…her own, half closed, expressing total disorientation, while his displayed curiosity and…longing.
The taunting tickling still lingering on her lips, a wild urge repressed for so long inside of Rin made her clutch at his fine clothes a bit roughly, pulling him towards her.
He didn't wait for another sign of approval and dove in again, more confidently this time, his lips crashing on hers, locking her to him, overwhelming her with his hotness and hunger, quenching his yearnings repressed for too long. She felt his arms surround her in a strong embrace, making sure she doesn't get away,
She responded eagerly, embracing him back and pressing her lips more firmly against his, feeling electric delight kicking in. She felt his hand grab the back of her head, and his tongue brush against her lower lip, requesting permission for more. She opened her mouth so willingly, wanting more of him, but it was even more intense than anything she had experienced before, intense tickling feeling violently entering in her entire being. He invaded her mouth, tongue stroking dominantly, bewitching her with his intoxicating seduction parade. She didn't stand a chance against him, his lips and tongue forcing her to subdue to his needs, overwhelming her so much…his lips felt heavier and heavier against hers. She started to feel dizzy, and foreign feels inside of unexplored parts of her being.
She let herself be pushed and her back fall on the crunchy leaves, but his protective hold took the blow for her, never breaking lips contact. He was now over her, and all traces left of coherent thoughts in her mind were fading away, now panting, as he kept taunting her lips, governing her in every possible way.
A sudden crack broke their trance, Rin was startled as the first fireworks exploded in the dark night, deep crimson and golden sparkling over them. She looked at them absently, still panting.
"You really want to watch this?", he hissed to her ear, offended by her distraction.
She frankly never had the chance to express her views as his lips nipped teasingly at her neck, while his hands grabbed her obi firmly. She felt like a prey, but she liked it so much. He went up to titillate her just under her ear, making her shiver as bolts consumed her body. She closed her eyes and surprised herself with a powerful moan…realizing it must be the first time in her life such an animalistic sound left her lips.
He didn't let her whimper any further and ravished her lips, forcing her to a blissful submission again. Drunk with deep desire, she teased him with her hands, as they started roaming over his body, one of them boldly tugging at his sash, effectively undoing it, getting easy access to his hot chiselled chest she had been wanting to see again for weeks... He had to break the kiss a moment, now panting because of the feeling of her butterfly touch and the refreshing breeze on his burning body, to get the upper part of his garbs out of the way hurriedly. Her simple and innocent touch brought a foreign and delicious feeling, no one before made him appreciate so much innocent touching; he concluded this must have been far too long since his last time with a woman. He stared back at her, with burning eyes, admiring the lust in hers.
"Untie me", she requested.
He frowned a little, sobering up ever so slightly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Please…I'm so…hot", she begged, closing her eyes, expressing a mix of aching and delight.
He wasn't begged twice, his impulse taking control as he reached for her intricate knot behind her back, ruining the fine work with hungry hands, removing her beautiful red obi nonchalantly and untying the soft tie holding everything in place. She looked intently at him as he opened slowly the furisode, as if unwrapping a precious treasure, observing her silhouette only concealed with a thin white hadajuban. She felt overwhelmed by the situation, wondering if he liked what he could see, thinking her human body must be a bit bland to his tastes…but his stare lingering on her made her think she could be wrong. She wondered if he was going to remove the rest…
She gazed unconsciously at the illuminated sky, wondering if it was how it was going to happen, virginity taken under neglected fireworks, her hair full of dried leaves, taken by her lord under a damp summer breeze.
She thought back about what she was told…how demons were demanding and impatient, her uneasiness intensified as she was startled by the sound of many cracking fireworks to her left, but Sesshomaru came quickly to the rescue, lowering himself, cuddling her in a comforting manner. She felt the warmth of his chest against the thin cotton covering her, while he whispered sweet nothings she barely heard, soft and warm breathing against her ear enough to lull her back to oblivion. She then turned her face towards his, hungry for more kisses. He obliged very willingly, his body becoming heavier on hers, the situation warming up again, her hands exploring his torso, and his caressing the sides of her waist and her hips and stomach, sometimes accidently brushing against the lower part of her breasts. She wouldn't have minded if he wandered more directly over there…
She opened her eyes, saw more blinding lights, and gasped deeply in ecstasy as she suddenly felt the friction of his body against hers, his chest brushing against her breasts while he kept torturing her, his hands tightly holding her hips against his, kissing indecently at some sweet spot under her ear again, her neck and red cheek. One of his hands suddenly covered her mouth, as more moans not so discreet escaped and anyone could hear them…
And then she realized she was all melting, blatantly stating her arousal, lancinating feel between her legs, forcing her to realize her body had long since outpaced her mind in readiness…All of this was so overwhelming, but she couldn't stop it, lust commanding her every move. He was already all over her, but her mature body wanted more of him, closer, deeper. She wrapped her legs tentatively around his waist, her thin clothing going up her legs, exposing her creamy-coloured skin, pulling him even closer against her need. She was quite sure she felt his too, and realized it only aroused her more. Her legs holding him now firmly made him pant against her neck, as he kept making her feel very suggestively what would ensue if she took all her clothes off, making her shiver in excitement. He freed her mouth of his hand to kiss her more, intense friction of their bodies driving them both mad.
She felt a hot hand on her leg, going up her inner thigh, the electrifying chill becoming more intense as he was going up, toward some forbidden and untouched place, still panting, intoxicated with her arousal and unspoken want.
…Just before ravishing one of the last bit of innocence left…he stopped…breathing against her neck…
"Rin…", he whispered.
She turned her head a little, her cheek brushing against his, not wanting to speak.
"If I go further…there is no turning back. Is this want you want?", he whispered between raged breaths, his hand still on the soft skin of her tight.
Only answered with silence, Sesshomaru lay on his elbows, and examined her face, staring at the sky: mix of arousal and confusion and…dread. Then he knew…
"It's okay", he whispered softly to her ear, his voice shrouding her fears, caressing her hair reassuringly. "You don't have to".
She stared back at him, now with a bit of puzzlement on her features. "But…I thought…I thought demons weren't…"
"What silliness did you hear now?", he whispered back, now caressing her cheek, gazing softly at her.
She just blushed and looked away.
"I-I might want to", she stammered shyly.
"But you aren't certain", he insisted.
"…No", she admitted.
"Then it is wrong to force yourself", he confirmed in a low voice, staring at her intently with his amber eyes. "You need to be sure…"
She smiled with a bit of disappointment, and also a bit moved at his unexpected gentleness. "O-okay"
She should have known he would have stopped the minute doubts crossed her mind, it was so like him to do so.
He laid his forehead against hers, savouring the closeness a bit longer before freeing her delicate body of his presence. They silently dressed up under the first rays of dawn, while the commotion of the celebrations got closer.
They disappeared into the last shadows of the night, not ready yet to witness their first daylight as new lovers.
…End of chapter…
A/N: Phew…
…
…I better get reviews for this!