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Chapter 11: In the Dog House

Note to self: never joke about Rin's love life to Sesshomaru…EVER. To say the man was blindsided was putting it lightly. It had been funny…for a minute or two.

It was like three years ago all over again, when Rin had decided her place was with me.

Except this time I didn't have a jug of sake stashed away for us to drown our sorrows into. Plus…this time he was actually mad at me. It was in his stone cold gaze, the way he refused to look at me, or maybe the fact that he had kept us walking long within the night.

I had betrayed something sacred. I had let our precious daughter walk the path of darkness. Where only pain and insecurity probably awaited her. Sesshomaru wasn't just mad. He was furious.

Somehow, I had the sneaking suspicion sex was not happening tonight. For the first time in what suddenly felt like forever, there would be no seductive teasing. No burning passion. No Sesshomaru.

It was an incredibly lonely thought.

A part of me screamed to explain to him that I had no choice but to let her go, to not say anything. She was a grown woman and perfectly capable of making her own decisions. I knew he wouldn't see it that way though. I decided it would probably be best to let his temper die down, however long that may take.

The only reason he hadn't chased after them was because he was held back by our debt. Another thing he probably wasn't happy about. Deciding that sleep was not in the cards tonight, I relieved one of the other girls from guard duty, needing something to take my mind off of everything.

Miroku would be patrolling the left side of the camp. I had the right. Rika, who was showing promise in her archery skills, would be center guard.

It was nice to finally have some men in the camp. There was a noticeable relief in the tension for everyone. At the same time though, it felt as if somewhere the balance had shifted. The women, who once tended fields and young babes, now had the eyes of warriors who had seen too much.

The men weren't much better. Their faces had become hardened from war. Even Miroku's cheery disposition had dimmed a bit. Now there was a quiet that permeated throughout the camp. Everyone was trying to fit the pieces back together, as if trying to get to know each other once more.

Chiori's husband, who had been left behind when his wife needed to be transported to the village, was currently taking on the role of mother for his two year old, Kaori. Thankfully, the women had been more than supportive, and he was slowly adjusting.

As I made my rounds around the camp, I took in the way the men clung to their young wives and children, as if even in sleep they feared parting from their beloved.

Why did I have to go and say something stupid to Sesshomaru? I couldn't help but burn with envy. I could be in his arms right now too if I hadn't been so foolish. If I hadn't found the situation funny, why on earth did I think he would?

I never wanted to hurt him. Never wanted to make him sad. And yet I had done just that. For what reason? There was none. I had opened my big fat mouth and stupidity had tumbled out of it. A large snap in the woods had me instantly on guard, my self pity pushed to the way side.

My arrow glinted in the moonlight, waiting with barely suppressed tension to be released into whatever was stupid enough to prowl near my camp. Sesshomaru had left less than an hour ago for his nightly hunt. I wasn't sure how far he had ventured off, but there was no way I was gonna sit on my hands like some scared little mouse, waiting for him to save the day.

I sent a pulse of my aura out to the woods, noting from the corner of my eye, that Miroku instantly shifted his attention to me from his post on the other side of camp. My shoulders sagged slightly with relief when a familiar demonic pulse answered mine.

It was just Sesshomaru returning from his hunt. Nodding at Miroku, letting him know it was nothing to be concerned about, I began walking toward the demonic energy, stopping just past the treeline as I did not want to abandon my post. He would not look kindly on that.

I waited for his approach, tentatively wondering if he even wanted to talk to me right now. More snapping could be heard from the direction of his aura. I couldn't stop my head from tilting to the side, my eyes narrowing as I tried to see in the darkness. What on earth was he doing out there making all that noise?

It wasn't until a large white dog head poked through the tree tops, a bloody buck hanging from slobbery jowls that I got my answer. I couldn't help but stand there, stunned, as enormous crimson eyes with tiny emerald pupils stared back at me.

Should I be…worried? I mean, this was Sesshomaru right? He was still in there somewhere…right? In all these years, he had never approached me in this form. Sure Rin mentioned it from time to time. The last time I remembered even seeing it however was during the battle with Naraku.

Yet there he was, chowing down on some venison in all his slobbery glory, his gaze never leaving mine as his teeth chewed through his meal like it was some type rice crispy treat. Snap, crackle, and pop.

"That…is disgusting." He only tilted his head slightly, before swiftly disappearing back into the darkness of the trees. Feeling a little out of sorts, I waited to see if he would reappear.

'Food…good.' Jumping at the raspy voice, I looked around, trying to find the owner of the sound. It hadn't come from a specific direction, yet at the same time, it felt as if it was everywhere.

Finally, my blue orbs locked onto his crimson. He was laying on the ground now, draped in shadows of the night, his large paws holding the deer skull in place as he used it's antler as a a makeshift toothpick.

"Did you just…talk?" It felt almost silly asking him this question. Dogs couldn't talk. Then again, he wasn't exactly your average Clifford. More like a dog/t-rex hybrid. That liked sex…a lot.

My question was left unanswered, Sesshomaru apparently found his current chew toy to be far more interesting. Perhaps that was a good thing. I could only imagine everyone's reactions in seeing the large demon dog up close and personal.

Oh the screams…

'The horror.' I jumped again at the unexpected voice. This time I was certain it came from the beast in front of me. Yet it hadn't sounded like Sesshomaru. Well…maybe if Sesshomaru's voice was really raspy, and deep, and…beastly.

"Did you just read my mind?" Blood red eyes slit in an almost laughing manner. Perhaps I was mistaken. Maybe this wasn't Sesshomaru after all. Perhaps it was his long lost twin brother who just happened to look like him.

'Only one Sesshomaru.' Well, that answered that question. This time, I knew for sure who the owner of the voice was, even if his mouth never so much as made a sound. That didn't explain the odd behavior.

Eyeing his bloody treat, I couldn't help but wonder if maybe he just ate something strange. He was a dog after all. Didn't they just put things in their mouths, ask questions later? Perhaps he had got his paws on a hallucinogenic plant. Anything was possible at this point.

Glancing around, I took in the quiet of the night. Everyone was still sleeping, our camp remained undisturbed. Not wanting to slack off, but at the same time, wanting to take advantage of the time I had with Sesshomaru, I took a tentative step forward.

He stopped chewing for a moment, his face becoming alert as he stared at me.

"So…um… are you still mad at me?" Smooth Kagome. He's finally talking to you…sort of… and you are just gonna bring that back up. Red eyes blinked slowly, as if the movement took far more effort than necessary.

'Not angry. Eating.' It was becoming quite clear that the beast in front of me, and the man I had known for the last 10 years, were not completely one being. Though they both seemed to share a love for using the least amount of words possible, Sesshomaru's was always…well…eloquent in a way.

His dog form however, almost seemed…childish? No, that didn't seem to be the right word for it. It was as if the intelligence level had gone down several notches however. Perhaps he had found some sake after all…

"Do you know who I am?" Why did I feel like I was asking him a dumb question? The large white beast only seemed to lick his bloody front paw, coating it with poison that seemed to bleach the red from his fur, giving it a pristine shine. That was so completely unfair on so many levels.

'You are my bitch.' It took everything in me to fight down the feministic tirade I wanted to throw at him. I was NO ONE'S bitch! Who the hell did he think he was?! I took a deep calming breath, trying to be rational. He was a dog. I was his woman…so in dog language, I was considered his bitch. No need to get offended.

"Do you know my name?" At this, he cocked his head. I couldn't stop my aura from flaring, my temper getting the best of me. Sesshomaru had said my name before. Twice! There was no way in hell this…dog version of himself didn't know my name.

'Priestessssssss.' I'm going to kill him. He was mocking me! I was certain of it. Yet somehow, I couldn't seem to stay angry at the slobbery mongrel. Not that my anger would have amounted to much. One bite of those sharp teeth and I would be a goner. The priestess that never was. Not to mention…this side of Sesshomaru was …interesting. New. A part of himself I had never met before.

Curious, despite myself, I began to move closer to him, taking in how incredible the sheer size of him was. I stopped moving when he began growling, his hackles raising at my approach. Surprised at his anger, I took a few steps back, my heart beating a frantic rhythm in my chest as I took in bloody fangs, bared and snarling at me.

Thankfully, he seemed to relax now that I was no longer right in his face.

'Bitch foolish. I will not share.' Blinking, I could only stare as he once more set his teeth upon the tough antler he had been chomping on. Did he think…I wanted his bone? Suddenly feeling nervous, I began getting the distinct feeling that I might actually be in danger after all.

The dog before me might be a part of Sesshomaru, but that did not make him the same as the man I had come to spend my nights with. He had bared his fangs in warning, his threat clear. He would hurt me if I took what was his. The fact that an over chewed deer rack was more important to him than me stung.

This demon viewed me as a possession. A thing that he owned. There were no feelings involved. If I stepped out of line, there was no doubt in my mind that he would kill me without remorse. I was no different than the bones underneath his paw. Just another pleasurable past time.

"So…are you guys…talking to each other in there?" Perhaps distracting the demon would be best. Who knew how long it would be before the silver haired, gold eyed demon-man I knew so well made his reappearance.

'Pup upset. He sleeping' Somehow, I knew in some way this was my fault. There was only one thing that had upset Sesshomaru today, and that had been me. Biting my lip, I lowered my gaze to my feet, taking in the way mud was caked over my hakama. It had rained earlier today, and yet still we had traveled.

Not one child complained as they slipped in the slick filth. Not one woman asked for a break even as the winds howled. None of the men had even hummed so much as a discomfort. Thankfully, we had long since left the rains behind.

In the end, we could only walk, hoping eventually his temper would be appeased. The fact that he had been upset enough to let his beast completely take over had to say something. My insecurity gripped me tightly, the dark whispers of my mind incasing my heart in ice.

What if that stupid little joke destroyed us? What if I had just ruined everything? Shivers ran up and down my body at the thought. Everything had been fine! We had been doing so well. I was finally… finally letting someone in. And just like that, I messed it all up.

'Priestess?' His voice rumbled in my mind, forcing my eyes to meet his. Suddenly, I felt vulnerable. He could read my thoughts. It was as if he was picking me apart, leaving me exposed.

I couldn't stop the flinch I made as he stood up to his full height, no longer paying attention to the bones at his feet.

Anxiously I watched him approach me, unsure if I should run, or stay still. I didn't know how deep his instincts ran, and felt no need to test my luck either. The last thing we needed was a giant dog demon crashing through camp. Decision made, I stood firm, fear fluttering in my belly the closer he got.

'Would never hurt Priestess. Priestess safe.' I let his words seep through my pores, my eyes never leaving his as he slowly knelt in front of me, my hand reaching out to him without my permission.

My first thought was that his nose was cold, which shouldn't have been surprising considering how chilly the night had become. I couldn't help but jump slightly as he took a big inhale of my scent, his tiny emerald pupil becoming slightly wider.

Staring back at him with wide eyes, I took in the dark markings that graced each cheek, and the large indigo crescent moon that shone when touched by starlight.

He was beautiful, yet oh so deadly. It seemed no matter what form he took, Sesshomaru always seemed perfect, not a hair out of place, and yet, even with that pretty face, danger seemed to pulse in the air around him.

'Bitch smell nice.' What does one say to that? Thank you for the compliment, no thank you for the language? Personally I didn't think I smelled nice at all. I smelled like mud, musty clothes and body odor.

'Priestess smell better naked.' I couldn't stop the snort I made, nor the laughter that followed. Leave it to Sesshomaru's beastly side to get a little perverted when the opportunity arose.

The sight of him sitting there, his eyes glittering with mirth as a lazy tongue hung out the side of his mouth only made me laugh harder. Was this the real Sesshomaru? Could my big bad demon lord truly just be a big fluffy pervert deep deep down?

'Happy. Priestess laughed. Priestess always sad. I made priestess laugh. Pup jealous.' Blinking for a moment, I thought over his words. His beast knew I was sad? Biting my lip, I felt some of my previous mirth die down a little.

"Sesshomaru was really mad at me earlier. I guess I just…don't know what to do." Soft silky fur suddenly brushed against my skin, and with a start I realized I had a cheekful of dog demon on my hands. Pushing away my nerves, I leaned into him, taking in how warm he felt underneath all the cool silky fur.

'Pup not angry. Pup never angry at pretty priestess. Pup stupid.' Giggling at what could only be considered a pep talk, I finally felt some of my earlier apprehension melt away. He sounded so sure, how could I not trust him? After all, Sesshomaru never said anything he didn't mean. And if he said he wasn't angry, then maybe I should let myself believe that everything would be okay.

"Can you tell him I'm sorry anyways. About the whole thing with Rin?" A rumble suddenly sounded deep into his chest, before it began vibrating through his whole body.

'Girl-pup foolish. Half breed not wooooorthy.' Chuckling, I nodded, not willing to fight him on that account.

"Silly demon. No one is worthy of her. She's our little girl. If Inuyasha even looks at her wrong he knows he will die a bloody death when we are through with him." As if my words themselves had sparked a change in him, a flash of light filled the forest, before dying down as quickly as it came.

Sesshomaru now stood in place of the giant beast, his eyes taking on a liquid gold, that silver hair so fine and perfect, not a single strand out of place. With a start, I realized my fingers were now clutching onto the sleeve of his kimono.

Unsure, I took a step back, my arms wrapping around my stomach in an odd urge to keep all the butterflies I suddenly felt inside. How was it that it took years for me to get used to Sesshomaru, and yet somehow, I had become completely enamored by his dog beast within minutes?

As the silence filled the clearing, I became more awkward. As much as I wanted to believe Sesshomaru wasn't as mad as I had suspected, I couldn't forget how he had acted earlier. How he was acting right now. Unable to read his expression, and not wanting to make things worse, I took another step back.

Still he said nothing. Knowing this was going no where, I turned around, determined to go back to camp, uncomfortable with the fact I had already spent far too much time away from my post, even if technically I was only a few feet away.

"This Sesshomaru is not angry." With a gasp, I stopped, my back still facing him as I comprehended what he said. He wasn't angry? We were okay? Just like that?

"I wasn't trying to hide it from you. I mean… I just, I didn't want to push her away. I didn't want you to get all crazy and kill Inuyasha just because Rin discovered what hormones were for five freaking seconds." Oh god I was blubbering. I could feel my cheeks flush with mortification as my voice became watery, and my eyes suddenly couldn't seem to stop blinking away that dratted moisture.

Great, he's finally talking to you and you sound like a crazy person. I wanted to roar at the world about how unfair it was. I wanted to hit something or maybe I just wanted to curl under a rock and be alone until I found that strong, confident person that jumped off a cliff last night and had sex on a magic cloud.

Warm muscular arms wrapped around me, enveloping my body with heat that had my very soul relaxing as a familiar scent of cardamom and spicy vanilla filled my nostrils.

Unable to resist, I turned in his arms, finding that perfect spot that aloud me to curl into his chest without being poked by steel spikes. My fingers slowly found their way up his sleeves, searching until I discovered the warm muscle of his biceps to hold onto.

There was something relaxing about the way he nuzzled my hair, or the way he kept his clawed hands on my waist. It was as if I suddenly had a break from everything I didn't want to deal with. Here it was safe, warm, and no one could take it away from me.

"So…can you hear my thoughts right now…or is that only something you do when you're big and slobbery?" I felt his sigh more than heard it, and I couldn't stop myself from humming in contentment.

"It is a …developing skill." Blinking, I pulled away, trying to look into his eyes to determine if what he just said was true or not.

"Is that a yes?" The thought made me uneasy. My thoughts were my own, not something I wanted to just share, not even with him. Especially not him.

"I can not hear words. It is more like a sense of your emotions, and only when we are…" at this he grabbed my hand in his, bringing my fingers to his lips with a wry smirk, his golden eyes darkening into a sultry color that had my knees melting, "touching."

Oh….OH. If my cheeks were red before, they were practically glowing now. Somehow, the idea that Sesshomaru was feeling my emotions when we…yeah… something about the thought had my thighs clenching.

Powerless to his seduction, I felt myself stand on tip toes, begging him with my eyes for a kiss. His lips were warm, hungry, and had just enough bite to make me flustered. Any tension left in my body zapped away, everything finally okay now.

Somehow, someway, we had worked things out. It had been our first real fight, and I had been completely unprepared for it. With Inuyasha, in some ways it had been easier. He would curse, yell, and make it aware to anyone who listened that he was upset.

Sesshomaru wasn't like that at all. He hid his anger behind a mask, and refused to lower himself to arguing with someone. It made him so difficult to read, and it made me feel clueless at how to approach the situation. I couldn't just yell at him to talk to me. To listen and let me apologize.

Maybe he didn't know how to approach me either? Could it be possible we were both just as emotionally awkward as the other? The thought had me smiling into his lips, loving the way his devilish hands found themselves traveling south.

I was starting to think he was definitely worse than Miroku in that aspect. Or perhaps it truly was a guy thing. Did men have some strange obsession with butt fat? Was it in their DNA, man and demons alike? As long as his hands never wandered towards anyone else, I guess I was perfectly content with all his perverted tendencies.

"You smell good." He murmured, his teeth slowly grazing their way down my neck. Smirking at the compliment, I couldn't resist teasing him slightly.

"I hear I smell even better naked." I whispered, my teeth nipping gently at his ear lobe, enjoying the way he trembled just enough for me to notice. Clawed fingers squeezed my cheeks in retaliation to my words, a husky rumble filling the air.

"Oh?" Giggling at his amusement, I stepped away from what was turning into a familiar pattern. If I wasn't careful, he would take me up on that offer, and as tempting as that would be, I couldn't. I had promised to guard, and at the moment, I was slacking off.

"You know…your beast is a real charmer. You should let him out more often." I couldn't hide my smirk as he raised an eyebrow, obviously not finding the subject humorous.

"Refrain yourself from encouraging him." I couldn't help but wonder at his dry reply. It had been on my mind since the moment I realized his beast could talk. Did they talk to each other? I couldn't imagine that voice in my head all day. It had to drive Sesshomaru absolutely nuts.

"No promises big guy." I teased, before finally walking back to the camp, nodding quickly at Miroku, who seemed amused at my long disappearance. It didn't help that Sesshomaru followed my lead. The twinkle in the former monk's eyes had my face blushing, despite the fact I had done nothing to be embarrassed over…at least not yet.

It was still dark, and it seemed the moonlight was now trying to fight its way through the clouds…and losing. For just a moment, I relaxed in the silence, listening to huffs of slumber around me. Everything felt so peaceful…until the wind shifted.

Then all chaos broke out.

I watched from the corner of my eye as Sesshomaru stiffened, his nose twitching in the air before he jumped into action.

"Priestess, wake everyone up. Fire is approaching." There was no time for questions. Suddenly everything was a cacophony of noise. Everyone was grabbing children, supplies, readying the horses. Looking into the skies and seeing large plumes of smoke, I knew there was no way we would all make it out carrying everything.

Taking only a moment to decide, I started unhinging the horses, demanding anyone who was able to climb on to them. Anyone else needed to grab what they could carry and run. It was a mess trying to keep track of everyone. The darkness made everything confusing, and before I knew it, I had little Fuuko in my arms, a baby on my back next to my bow and quiver.

"Follow Sesshomaru! Move NOW!" Giving out that final order, I tried to keep track of as many women and children as possible, occasionally stopping to help someone who fell, or to grasp a tiny hand and force them to pick up the pace.

I could hear branches breaking, trees falling, people screaming. Smoke seemed to be traveling faster than the fire, and it was becoming hard to breathe. I could only pray that everyone was going to make it through this okay.

As flames started glowing closer and closer, I began to realize we were in a really bad spot. I could just barely see my hand in front of my face. I didn't even know whose kid I was holding. Only that we had to keep moving forward.

I bit back a scream as my foot found a raised tree root, my eyes tearing up from the smoke and the pain of falling. Thankfully the children seemed okay, somehow managing to stay unhurt despite my clumsiness.

Urging them forward, I ignored the throbbing sensation in my ankle, begging it to hold out till we made it to safety. I practically jumped five feet when a loud roar filled the forest, a familiar demonic aura pulsing to life. Even in the darkness, I could see Sesshomaru's demonic form, his pristine white fur glistening red and orange with the light of flickering flames as he laid down on the dirt.

Frightened gasps and screams vibrated around us, the women and children terrified, as the men stood in horror and awe.

'Bitch! Bring the humans on my fur or they buuuuurn.' I couldn't help but stumble again as that voice filled my mind. We didn't have time to be gawking at the big doggie with the even scarier teeth.

"Everyone calm down! We need to get out of here and Lord Sesshomaru is offering us a ride. Get the children on first! Men and women on the outside. Go! NOW!" My voice seemed to break through their fear.

Deciding to take the lead, Sango and Miroku started grabbing children before swiftly running up silky white fur. They were far too used to demons than the others, and easily led by example. Taking heart by their bravery, the men stood at the base of Sesshomaru's tale, helping the women climb the formidable beast.

I don't know who took Fuuko or the other child I held, but I couldn't help but be grateful, though I kept the wailing babe on my back, not willing to separate from him. Looking around, I saw several terrified children clinging to nearby trees, completely frozen at the sight of Sesshomaru's might.

"It's okay. I promise he won't hurt you. He promised each of your mothers that he would keep you safe. Trust him okay?" One of the girls, who couldn't have been older than four, slowly stood up from her hiding place, her eyes filled with tears as she slowly walked to me.

Picking her up and giving her to Rika, who instantly began rushing her to the others, I worked my way to the remaining three I had found. Two I ended up having to just grab kicking and screaming, giving them to anyone nearby, before turning to the final one, who had somehow managed to hide themselves in a thick bush of thorns.

This one was a boy, Hideki. He was eight, and always known as the cry baby of the group. As the flames grew closer, I began begging frantically for him to come out, only to be ignored.

"We won't leave you here. Come out now or I'm coming to get you!" The child only shook his head, his body unmoving. Growing nervous as heat and smoke started to fill our portion of the forest, I looked behind me. Everyone was screaming for me to move, that it was becoming too late.

'Priestess! Climb…NOW!' His roaring bark echoed inside my mind, but I could only shake my head stubbornly. I would not leave him. He was just scared. His mother was probably worried sick about him.

"I'M NOT LEAVING HIM!" Within seconds, I realized that I was flying, it took another moment to compute that Sesshomaru had just thrown me…with his teeth. I landed with an oomph on silken fur, Sango holding me back as I screeched my fury, desperately trying to return to the child I had promised we wouldn't leave behind.

It was hard to see, but it soon became apparent the dog demon was easily tearing apart the prickly bush with his large claws, before a screaming child found himself picked up by his clothes, and then we were moving.

We got just enough warning to grab on as tightly as possible, before it suddenly felt as if we were flying. I could feel my heart in my throat as Sesshomaru began bound over tree tops, his paws landing with enough force to cause mini earthquakes before the world sparked with demonic energy, and this time, we really were flying.

'Fire! Flee!' I could feel his thoughts reverberate in my mind. It was a scary thought to realize Sesshomaru might not actually be controlling this thing. Holding tightly to silver strands, I buried my face into his fur and away from the chilly wind currents, taking deep breaths of his scent and praying that the dog demon didn't take us too far off track.

I'm pretty sure this isn't what you guys meant when you said you wanted to hear Sesshomaru's thoughts lol! I thought of different ways of how this chapter should go, but when I thought, hey why not, his doggy self just flowed out. I decided to take a note from Jaken's book, and imagine his dog form as more of a beast, full of doggy instincts and lacking any real intelligent thought.

Besides, who doesn't like a story with a perverted Rover? And before any of your crazy mofos suggest it, there will be no beastiality. Just...no. (Only hot humanoid sex!). I have to admit, this chapter was a lot of fun, and I loved the excitement towards the ending. Already have an exciting idea for the next chapter, so please stay tuned. As always, I am open to suggestions for future chapters (or sex positions ;) lol). Hoping that we can keep the snowball rolling with the awesome reviews, even though I didn't throw in any smut this time (you sluts)! Look forward to hearing from you! Remember to #follow, #favorite, and #REVIEW!