Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and company or InuYasha and company, I'm just playing with the characters.

AN: Dokuga's 3rd anniversary challenge Prompt 'Leather', Min 500, Actual 900

AN: The hanyous/youkais from InuYasha are not youkais/bijuus in this cross; they have kekkai genkais (bloodline limits) that mimic their youkai powers.

Summary: A newly wed Kagome watches her husband spar.

AN: After 'A Blooming Relationship' (Flowers). Warnings for sexual innuendo.

~ooO Connections: Sparring Practice (Leather) Ooo~

Kagome carefully wrapped a forearm length of buttercream coloured wool around one finger before resuming her crocheting. She'd taken up her old hobby after the Court Physician had confirmed she was pregnant. Sure she could afford to buy anything she wanted for the baby but she wanted to make something with her own two hands for her unborn son or daughter.

"Ketaro-san is so handsome!"

"No, Kenji-sama is more handsome!"

"You are both wrong, Sesshoumaru-dono is the most handsome!"

"You know, you're right."

"Kagome-dono is so lucky!"

"She is." It was the one who had first brought up Sesshoumaru.

Kagome carefully fiddled with the skeins of wool. Yuki was a nice girl, a little silly but generally good-natured. She hoped the girl wouldn't make a fool out of herself chasing Sesshoumaru, and destroying her chances of a good match in the future.

"I just wish there were more of him." Yuki heaved a deep sigh.

Kagome relaxed a fraction. She trusted Sess but scandal mongers had no problems with creating something out of nothing. And if Sesshoumaru's protective instincts were aroused blood would flow freely.

"Well he does have a brother."

"InuYasha-sama is cool. A bit rough around the edges though."

Satisfied their focus was now directed at InuYasha Kagome put her crochet needle and current project down in her lap and looked up and across the courtyard.

It was a large open space covered in fire-hardened dense red clay lined with trees and benches along the edges. Several members of the court, male and female, young and old, were seated on the benches watching the males run through various weapons-based katas and practice drills. All of them wore loose cotton hakamas dyed in all colours of the rainbow from neutrals to jewel tones. Some were bare from the waist-up though a few wore practice gis. The one exception to this was Sesshoumaru: He wore leather.

Tight black faintly pebbled hide pants stretched over his legs, hiding nothing as large powerful muscles shifted underneath. The top was a leather vest cut in a deep vee over his pectorals and laced down the front. His arms were bare from shoulder to wrist revealing the maroon markings wrapped around his wrists and biceps. Heat pooled in her belly as she remembered exploring those same markings and more with her fingertips and tongue.

She watched as he cleaned his practice glaive before passing it to an attendant. After a practice session or duel, Sesshoumaru always cleaned and inspected his weapons with his own two hands. The only times he did not were when he had to engage in several duels in quick succession.

Kagome sat up straighter when he turned in her direction. He did not smile but she could see it in his eyes. He was coming over to join her. Deliberately she put her crocheting away and cleared a space in the bench next to her before turning her attention towards the sight making his way towards her. His deliberately loose-limbed stride, the long curtain of silvery hair swinging from side to side… Kagome had to admit Yuki was right. He was gorgeous… Gorgeous and all hers!

He raised a brow as he sat next to her, pressing one leather clad leg against her thigh. She could feel the solid strength and was tempted to crawl into his lap. Not in public, she scolded herself.

"You are sporting an odd expression," he murmured softly. Not that it really mattered since several courtiers had kekkai genkai that gave them very sharp senses.

"Oh really?" she asked teasingly.

He caught onto her game. "Yes, really."

She couldn't stop herself from reaching out and placing her hand on his leather-clad thigh. He felt as solid and hard as stone but Kagome knew he was anything but.

"I'm just pleased," she admitted.

He raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

They fell into silence while one of Kagome's attendants came over and poured cups of lime flavoured water for the two of them. He drank deeply to replenish his fluids while Kagome contented herself with little sips. He took note of her speculative looks and wondered just what was going through his little mate's mind.

"You look like you want to ask me something."

"Yes," she admitted.

"Then do so."

She hesitated for a few seconds before complying. "Why do you wear leather during your practice sessions?"

A faint smile curved his lips. "I usually don't," he confessed. "I wear leather for you."

Brown eyes widened. "What?"

"I have little lee-way regarding my everyday and court wardrobe but on the practice field I am not so constrained." He leaned forward and traced her full lower lip with one finger. "I like the way you look at me when I am not dressed so formally little miko… on the practice field, in private…" Gold eyes flared.

Kagome knew at least five people present could smell her desire, the moisture between her thighs. She leaned forward and spoke softly. "Would you like me to… demonstrate my appreciation?"

He grinned. "I most certainly would."

She placed her hand in his and allowed him to help her rise from the bench. She was not so ungainly as yet to need assistance but she enjoyed his touch. She ignored the increasing volume of not quite discreet conversations as they made their way to their private wing. Everyone knew the Daimyo reserved an hour after every practice session for a bath and meditation. So what if everyone knew this time the Daimyo's wife would be helping her mate… meditate… in a very carnal manner.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

The End.

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