Title: The Letter L

Author: Priestess Skye

Rating: MA

Word count: 3,768

Genre: PWP, smut

Notes: wanted to do something simple, yet challenging. So simple plotline, and we all know lemons are my challenge :)

Universe: Alternate

Thanks: To Safire for challenging me with the storyline

Written for Ebony Silks Encyclopedia Theme

--

Pressing her lips together, Kagome scanned the apartment around her. It didn't belong to her, nor did it belong to Inuyasha, she mused. She had specifically called him looking for a place to crash, knowing his couch would be good enough for one night. She was merely passing through town on her way home and being travel weary, she had no desire to spend another four hours on the road. "Why?" she had asked him as he deposited her upon the door. She didn't feel right about this, especially seeing as the current owner was not home. Nor did he know that she would be staying there.

"Sango has an evening planned," he shrugged, though she didn't miss the gleam in his golden eyes. Forcing the image of her best friend and his girl doing the naked pretzel out of her head, she focused on the surroundings around her instead. "Sesshoumaru?"

"Won't even know you're here," Inuyasha replied as he pushed her lightly through the door. "Just make the bed in the bed in the morning, clean up any mess you make and he'll never be the wiser. He's not due home for another week. Father keeps him away endlessly for work." He slipped his long, silver hair over his shoulders before turning back to the doors. "I really have to go. Sango will kill me if I'm late but trust me, you'll be fine. It's just one night, what's it going to hurt?"

And he was out the door before she could protest. Fuming, she threw her bag down at her feet. She should have known he would have taken the easy way out of this. He always did. And though she could rely on Inuyasha in the direst of situations, minor ones like these he always seemed to flake out on her. When she had kicked Kouga out after a two-year relationship, he was at her door in an instant offering her his shoulder, and a distraction. The possessive wolf youkai had finally gotten on her last nerve when he interrogated her over a study session with her classmates, then proceeded to spy on her. She knew he meant well, but she was beginning to feel crowded in.

That didn't mean it didn't hurt when she made her decision, just that it needed to be done.

She felt freer than she had in a long time. This trip home was supposed to be the culmination of it all. Sort of like the prodigal daughter returning to the nest, she mused before picking her bag off the floor to carry it to the bedroom. She was tired of being on her own and proving herself to others. Now it was time to live for herself. And there was no place better to remind herself of who she was than home, around her family and her friends.

She missed them.

Taking a good look around her, she noticed the small touches that made it distinctly Sesshoumaru's. The artwork on the walls, the katanas behind the glass cases, the wall of books containing his prized encyclopedia collection, and the small antique Japanese knick knacks that she couldn't afford in any life time. Stopping at the bookshelf, she ran her finger along the spine of the 'C' volume, enjoying the feel of the soft leather cover against her fingertips. She could recall the work he put into collecting them, having stumbled upon him prowling the Internet whenever she would visit Inuyasha. The days he left her behind she would sit in the youkai's study, occupying herself with one of his books while he a) searched for a new volume, or b) read his latest acquisition with that self-satisfied smirk of his.

It was perhaps during those times she truly got to know him as the man he was, not the man Inuyasha portrayed him to be. Silent and deadly intelligent, Sesshoumaru was always on the constant quest for knowledge and had a memory like no other. She was sure that he could still today recite what he had read in these books years ago. He was disciplined, focused, and everything Inuyasha was not. Other than his physical features, Kagome wouldn't have thought he was remotely related to her best friend.

And though he always said he had better things to do than 'baby-sit the halfing's friends', he seemed to tolerate her, if only a little. She couldn't forget the scathing looks she would receive if she dared to interrupt his thought process. If looks could kill she'd have been dead at least a dozen times over. But it never stopped her from wanting to learn more.

Now she had the opportunity to do so without restriction as he was not there to keep her hands from prying into places it didn't belong. Her fascination with Inuyasha's brother over the years had grown, matured and evolved into something more. Her eyes would open just a little wider each time Inuyasha mentioned his name, as if he were going to appear before them any time shortly after, or the light flutter she'd feel in her stomach if she caught just a glimpse of him. Inuyasha's own silver hair, so reminiscent of Sesshoumaru's, quite often made her want to reach out to touch it, if only to know what his brother's felt like. It was quite pathetic in fact, the more she thought about it. But like all things, the more she thought of it, the more she wanted to know.

She wanted to know him on a deeper level, if just for one night. Sighing, Kagome knew it was wishful thinking. She was his brother's childhood friend, and an old nuisance, nothing more. And the point of this trip was to rediscover herself, not investigate old feelings she still harboured. Leaving the bookshelf alone for the night, Kagome stepped into the bedroom to change and get ready for bed. She was exhausted, and really, all she had wanted was a place to crash. Inuyasha's couch or Sesshoumaru's bed, in the end there wasn't really a difference. She would still sleep alone.

There were some things she could take comfort in, she considered as she slipped between the silk sheets. The bed was a lot more comfortable than Inuyasha's lumpy couch, and Sesshoumaru's pillow still smelled of him. Sharp, spicy and distinctly male, Kagome took another deep breath before closing her eyes. One night. She could have one night, and allowed herself to drift off in the safety and security of his home, his bed and his scent. Tomorrow, she would let reality intrude once more.

--

The crowded tin can of an airplane did nothing for his mood, Sesshoumaru thought as he crossed the threshold into his apartment. His only reprieve was that he was home, and hopefully for the foreseeable future. Everything else could be put on the backburner for the time being. Smelling of sweat and the cologne of the passenger next to him, he wrinkled his nose. A shower was a priority, then perhaps bed where he could sleep for the next ten to fifteen hours uninterrupted. These business trips of his father's were becoming increasingly tedious and mind numbing. The company was not his be all and end all like his father. Simply, his father needed a son to pass it down to and knowing Inuyasha as he did, the whelp would never be ready for it. Running one hand through his hair, he left the suitcase by the door. The clothing inside would need to be laundered anyhow before he wore them again.

A quick sniff of the room had told him his brother had been by recently, and with a friend too. Stifling the growl that threatened to rip through his throat, Sesshoumaru knew it was useless to waste the energy. Nothing was out of place so there was no real cause for concern. It was simply irritating, though he did regret missing the arrival of the girl. He had not seen her for quite some time, and though she could be as annoying as his half brother, she was a welcome presence in his otherwise dull monotonous life. He had to wonder when she came back to town again as last he heard she was currently studying abroad. Shaking the questions from his head, Sesshoumaru stumbled to the shower, discarding his clothing along the way. The socks on the rug in front of the large porcelain basin gave him pause for thought. He must be tired if he just dropped his clothing along the way. It was so out of character for him, but he simply didn't have the energy to bend down and pick them up. Limbs heavy, it felt as if his head was weighted down with the day's problems. The clothing could wait until tomorrow, much like the suitcase at the front door.

The water temperature was cold, making his movements brisk and efficient. The sooner he was finished, the sooner he could crawl into bed and sleep the exhaustion away. It was a rare day for him to feel this tired, he realized as he ran the towel through his hair, drying what he could. He could go days without sleep easily, but traveling in confined spaces made him weary. He missed the days when he could ride the wind and just fly on his own to wherever he needed to go. Or run. They were more relaxing than exhausting. Not bothering with a pair of pajama pants, he dropped the towel on the floor before making his way to the bedroom.

'Interesting.' Sesshoumaru's eyes widened as he took in the dark. The lump on his bed told him somebody was there fast asleep, and based on the scent, he knew who it was. Grinning, he stepped forward and took her in.

Inuyasha's friend.

Raising an eyebrow he had no idea she was in town, or even in his apartment for that matter. How could he have missed her scent otherwise? "Well, well, well," he murmured, his eyes tracing her raven tresses, as they lay strewn about on his pillow, a stark contrast to the red silk cover. Carefully sliding the sheets down to her knees, he watched her for a few moments, no longer concerned about his own lack of sleep. She slept like the dead as she remained motionless during his inspection. It has been years and she had changed. While she was never gangly or awkward, she had lost that childlike look she wore growing up and proved herself to be a full woman. Soft skin, rosy cheeks and curvy, she looked like she'd fit him like a glove, he thought regarding her. He remembered now why he was so relieved she had left for school.

She was temptation in its purest form.

Sighing, there was nothing he could do now. He would never take advantage of her fast asleep. However, he realized with a grin, it was his bed, and therefore why shouldn't he sleep in it? Slipping between the sheets, he drew the covers up and shifted close to her, though he had yet to touch her.

Growing up Kagome had never truly been afraid of him. She sat with him asking questions as he flipped through his collections. His growls of warning went ignored as she poked and prodded, and asked questions just so he could flip through a volume of one of his books with her.

Tomorrow, he promised, Kagome would learn just how dangerous he truly was.

--

'How could something so soft be so hard?' Kagome wondered as she woke, slowly allowing herself to regain her senses bit by bit. She had never slept so comfortably or deeply in as long as she could remember, and wanted to keep this feeling for along as she could. Stretching, she froze as the mattress beneath her shifted and turned, curling in toward her, wrapping itself around her. 'Since when does a mattress move like this?'

Opening her eyes wide, she turned her head to the side and took a good look now that the sun had lit the room. Still dark from the curtains, there was no mistaking what she saw. The heavy arm around her waist tightened and Kagome wasn't sure if she was dreaming or if this was real. And if it was real, should she be sick from embarrassment.

"She awakens," Sesshoumaru murmured, his head pressed into her neck as he inhaled.

"Good morning," she breathed, taking stock of the situation. Lifting her body from the bed in an attempt to salvage what dignity she had left, Kagome was immediately pulled back down as the arm tightened around her again, pulling her back against what she realized was a very naked body.

A very naked and aroused body.

"A very good morning," he chuckled, grinding his hips into her back, causing her to chew her lower lip to keep silent. She was dreaming, she realized. The location may be different than her standard fantasy, and the silk sheets were a nice added touch, but fantasy was all it was. A dream. Despite what she felt, she would never be so lucky.

"I didn't realize you'd be home," she nearly stuttered, then sighed as he loosened his grip just a touch.

"And here I thought Inuyasha had been so kind as to give me a welcome home gift." Turning over, Kagome stopped to look at him, to really see him. Sesshoumaru was something of an enigma to her and despite spending all that time with him years ago, he was still so mysterious in so many ways. She wanted to unravel the layers within him to see him as he saw her. She knew of his obsession with rare literature, his intellect, his lack of compassion in many areas, but she also knew of his loyalty and honest. All of them were just some of the reasons she hadn't run from his bed kicking and screaming yet. "You are at war with yourself," he murmured, pressing his lips in the hollow of her throat.

She couldn't think, she realized. And she needed to. "Why are you here?"

"I live here. I could ask the same of you seeing as you don't."

"I needed a place to stay, Inuyasha said you wouldn't be home for a week and I could crash here for a bit. I hope you don't mind, and if you do, I'm sorry I intruded."

Studying him, Kagome fought the blush rising to her cheeks. His gold eyes, so familiar, appeared to search her face before a smile settled on his lips. "You are no intrusion, you weren't then, and you aren't now." His voice lowered and octave and became huskier. Eyes that were once so cold suddenly seemed so hot now as they perused her, causing her mouth to dry.

"Are you going to let me go?"

"I think not, unless you wish to be let go of."

"Why?" The insane need to know was driving her mad as his lips set to work on her neck again, slowly nipping their way further up and behind her ear, causing her to shiver in both need and anticipation. "I refuse to be a conquest, unlike the others five years ago."

"And do you consider yourself to be a conquest?" A clawed finger trailed down her cheek before following the curve of her chin. "You sound almost jealous of past lovers from five years ago. Are you jealous, Kagome? Did you wish it was you in their place?" His tongue soon followed that of his finger before grabbing her lower lip in his mouth. Moaning, her hands fisted on sheet, accidentally pulling it tighter and forcing him closer to her. She couldn't answer her question. She was afraid to see the answer. "Because you know what?" he continued. "I did."

"Oh god!" she gasped as the hand around her waist slid lower and settled around the waistband of her pajama bottoms.

"Tell me Kagome, do you wish for this nearly as much as I do? Five years I've waited, knowing one day you would grow up and be ready for me."

"And if I didn't want this?" she asked, challenging him. She stiffened as he did, realizing that not only did she want his touch, she needed it. Five years of wanting, of waiting, of not realizing how necessary he was to her very being. His touch, like fire, was suddenly cold and she mourned its loss.

"Do you want me to stop? Do not toy with me," he bit out in a growl. "I've watched I read. I could see you watching me. Do not tell me you don't want this, don't want me."

Despite the outward appearance of anger, she could see the rejection deep within him, the vulnerability, and the ability to be hurt by her words. In those eyes that were so distant to everybody else, she could see every thing within their depths. It was humbling to know that she could mean so much to him, that he held so much trust in her to show her what others could only dream of seeing. Relaxing into him, she rolled so she was facing him and grabbed a lock of his hair, twirling it between her fingers. The act was so intimate, Kagome realized, and so completely natural.

If she were honest with herself, even if she hadn't wanted him before, she was already thoroughly seduced, and wanted more. Actions often spoke louder than words, and so in a moment of either sheer bravery, or sheer stupidity – she wasn't sure which – she dropped his hair and reached down to grab him, gasping at the heat that seeped through her palms.

A snarl echoed through the room as she found herself flat on her back and two hundred and fifty pounds of muscular youkai covered her as his fangs nipped on her lower slip seeking entrance. Opening her mouth and wrapping her legs around him tightly, Kagome obliged, trying to find ways to pull herself even closer. "Five years, Sesshoumaru," she murmured when he let her breath. "I was ready for you then. What took you so long?" Running her hand up and down his length, she was delighted to feel him buck, and see his eyes roll into the back of his head. It was a heady thing to see him so taken with her. She felt powerful. Strong.

Womanly.

The very idea that she could take him to such heights was both exciting and nerve wracking.

And they had barely begun.

"You were still a child."

"I was ready."

Gasping for air, a strangled cry escaped her lips as his hands reached down and found the spot he was looking for. Hot. White-hot pleasure shot through her in waves causing her to lift her hips so she could get closer to him. "I was patient. Anticipation does wonders. Did you dream of me Kagome?" he asked before taking a rosy peak into his mouth. "Did you ever dream of me like this with you? Touching you? Stroking you? Setting you on fire in the same way you do to me? I dreamed of you. Kami did I ever dream of you."

"Show me," Kagome begged, guiding him to her. "I need to know." Biting her lower lip, she struggled to remain still while he slid into her, stretching her and filling her. It had been a long time since she was last with anybody, she forgot the discomfort that came with the first few thrusts of a new partner. But the look on his face was exquisite. She watched as his eyes closed and one fang peeked over the bottom lip. She knew him like no other.

His control was hanging on by a thread.

Hers was non-existent as she raised her hips again, looking for the friction that she knew would send her wild. She latched her arms around his neck, bringing his head down again for another searing kiss, the combination of that and the quick, wild movement of his hips making her toes curl.

Oh yes, she was more than ready, she thought his hands slid under her, grabbing her ass to bring her even closer. It wasn't close enough. Kagome had never been particularly loud during sex but with each thrust she found it difficult not to moan or cry out. His name, a mantra on her tongue only seemed to fuel him on as he picked up his speed, pulling her closer, closer, closer. Clinging to him, Kagome began to sob, no longer able to control herself as she felt the heat pool in her, the pressure increasing as he began to growl her name.

Her name!

It was the final straw as the pressure snapped. Eyes closed, Kagome could swear she was surrounded by light as she splintered and shattered, a haze covering her mind as it emptied everything except for him.

Calming down she watched him as he fought to not to break apart. Too sated to do much than lay back and let him have his way with her, she peered at him through half-lidded eyes. He was a creature of magnificence, she thought before an unearthly howl interrupted it. Eyes red, his head was tossed back, the corded muscles of his neck twitching as he emptied himself into her, before collapsing.

And unable to move, she closed her eyes, enjoying the intimacy of the morning.

--

Sesshoumaru watched her from the doorway of the living room. Her bags were packed and waiting at the door. Sighing, he was reluctant to let her go so soon, despite knowing it would only be a matter of days before he would see her again. After waiting five years, one morning wasn't nearly enough.

"What are you reading?" he asked, approaching her at his desk. The blush that graced her cheeks was endearing and flattered her, giving her a look of innocence he knew from first hand experience was deceptive.

Slamming the book shut, she couldn't meet his eyes. "Nothing."

Moving quickly, he swiftly grabbed the book out of her hands and noted it was one of the earlier editions from one of his many encyclopedia collections. He had caught her reading this very same one seven years ago. Back then the innocence enshrouding her was very much real. 'L', he noted with a smirk.

Grabbing her hand in one of his, he placed the book back on the shelf with the other. The morning wasn't nearly done yet.