DISCLAIMER: All Inuyasha goodness belongs to the amazing Takahashi-san!

The Sword Smith's Secret

By MissKatt

Chapter Fifty-Four: Reunited

Elation coursed through Kagome's body. She had been scared that it hadn't worked when he grabbed the back of her neck like Naraku had, but she was so happy that that wasn't the case. He was back; and she knew it as soon as their lips touched. She lifted her hands and cupped his angled face, her hands shaking slightly, before taking the initiative to deepen the kiss.

A growl rumbled in his chest as her lips parted against his. He dipped his tongue in, but withdrew it almost immediately after when someone cleared their throat. He pulled his face back from his beta's hands as he looked at the several others looking at them. He then released the back of her neck and helped her to her feet.

"Well, it seems your back." Inuyasha commented, scowling as he clutched his still burning flesh.

The miko's eyes widened when she remembered the wound she inflicted on him. "Ah! Inu-kun, I am so sorry I hurt you! I just had to make him think that he was controlling me. Here, let me heal you!" She said as she hurried over to him.

"Make him think…?" He repeated as he parted his haori for her so she could see the wound on his chest. "Wait! You were acting that whole time?! You burned me on purpose! You could have purified my ass!"

She scoffed at him as she lit up her hands to heal the cut and burn. "I have more control than that, Inu-kun. And I am sorry, but I had to make it convincing."

He snorted, but instantly found relief as the burning disappeared. "Yeah, well, I guess I'll let it slide."

She smiled at him as she finished and then turned to the other five people. "Is anyone else hurt badly?"

Kouga crossed his arms over his chest. "Just a few bruises and minor cuts. Nothing that can't heal on its own."

"Nee-san! I have a cut on my arm!" Ginta wailed dramatically.

"Me too!" Hakkaku added with a deep frown.

The wolf tribe's leader's brow twitched before he smacked them each on the head. "I said you're fine!"

Kagome let out a laugh before turning to Ryura and Kagura. She blinked in surprise when she saw the guard cupping the woman's face, his thumb brushing over her very swollen cheek. She gave a little smile when the wind witch blushed and smacked his hand away, scolding him and telling him she was fine.

"When did this occur?" Sesshoumaru asked, standing next to her as he sheathed Bakusaiga and handed her the sword she discarded.

She gratefully took her sword and sheathed it. "Hm, I'm not sure," She replied and leaned slightly towards him so that their arms were touching. "When I came back they seemed to have grown close. I think they are cute together."

"She is Naraku's incarnate." He reminded her with a scowl.

She frowned up at him. "But she helped us, Sesshoumaru. She warned us about what was going to happen and then she helped fight against Naraku. She earned her respect."

He lifted a brow down at her. Why was she always so quick to trust people? "You believe she has changed?"

She looked back over at the pair as they stood up and looked away from each other. She smiled and nodded while saying, "I think she has a reason to now."

His golden eyes stared down at her for a moment as he studied her. She was still such an enigma to him. Her trusting and caring nature was so different from his, her strength and determination so rare for any female. How had he been so blind to it at first?

"Let us head back." He stated as she released a yawn and leaned more into his side. When she nodded, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to secure her to his side as his cloud wisped up around their feet.

She blinked as she realized they were levitating into the air. She instantly wrapped her arms around the armor of his waist as they started flying through the sky. She glanced behind her, her hair whipping around her face, and saw Ryura in his dragon form flying behind them, Inuyasha perched on his shoulders as Kagura flew on her feather next to him. From the corner of her eye, she saw the wolves run off towards their own lands.

She smiled and looked back up at Sesshoumaru. She couldn't believe he was finally back with her. True, he wasn't gone for more than a day, but it felt like an eternity. The deepest part of her felt warm and fuzzy knowing that he was back with her. Her smile grew as he glanced down at her and tightened his hold around her shoulders.

Yes, she was very happy that he was back.

*~~~SSS~~~*

After they landed on his private patio, he released Kagome so they could walk into his personal chambers. He lifted a brow when he noticed her heading towards the exit. "Where are you going?"

Kagome stopped on her trek to Sesshoumaru's shoji door. She turned back and watched as he unbuckled his armor and set it on the floor. "Well, now that we are back, I thought I would go to my room and sleep. I'm sure your mother wants to see you and I don't want to keep you from anything." She explained softly. Honestly, she didn't want to leave after she just got him back; her soul ached at the idea of separating from him, but she was dead tired after the long day.

"Then you will sleep here." He stated as he removed his outer haori and dropped it next to his armor. He then walked towards her and gave a little smirk when she blushed at him. "Something wrong, Miko?"

Her cheeks warmed as he grabbed the tie of her sash. "A-are you sure? Don't you have important things to do now that we are back in the West? Your mother, Rin-"

"You are important," He pointed out as he removed the obi from her armor. He loosened the shoulder ties and then lifted it up and over her head. He listened to her soft hiss of pain and saw her touching her throat. He dropped the armor onto the ground and moved her hand away, revealing the thin, bloody cut there. "Where did this come from?"

"N-Naraku used Bakusaiga to do it. It happened when I broke the orb on him." She replied shakily, her stomach still fluttering with butterflies when he stated that she was important.

He cupped the underside of her jaw and tilted her head back. He glared when the wound parted open, more blood seeping from her soft flesh. He dipped his head down and ran his tongue along the cut, lapping up her blood as he cleaned it. His pointed ears heard her gasp as he felt her small hands clutch the fabric on his chest.

The slight stinging disappeared as his skilled tongue continued to run along her neck. Heat pooled in her stomach before flooding down to between her legs, an uncomfortable ache forming there. "S-Sessh…" She breathed as his mouth trailed down her throat, leaving open mouthed kisses in his wake.

Her skin was the most tempting thing he had ever encountered. It was the sweetest addiction he had ever had the pleasure of tasting. Another moan from her made him growl in appreciation. She was so expressive. She was so receptive and sensitive to everything he did to her, even something as simple as a kiss. It further fueled his desire for her and he loosened the obi around her yukata.

Long-lashed lids fluttered shut when he lightly scraped his fangs across her throat. She fisted the fabric of his inner haori tightly as she felt her dress loosen around her and slip down one of her shoulders. She instantly tilted her head to the side when his mouth moved to the junction of her shoulder and bit down slightly. Chills ran down her body as his hands crept into her parted yukata and settled on her bare waist, his claws pricking at her skin.

Sesshoumaru pushed the fabric off her body and ran his hands down her naked, curvy sides until he decided to pursue more. He lifted her up slightly before taking her down to the tatami mat with him. He watched as her hair fanned out around her head, creating a black halo around her head. She was the perfect image of the pure angel that he had every intention of tainting.

She bit down on her lip as he tore off her chest bindings, his hungry amber pools looking over her body. She squirmed in self-consciousness, her arms coming up to cover her chest. Butterflies danced in her stomach when he immediately met her eyes and let out a deep growl. The ache between her legs grew when he grabbed her wrists in one hand and pinned them above her head. She was too racked with a deep need to pay attention to the slight pain from her wounds.

"Do not hide yourself from me." He growled, lowering his head to bite down on one of her hard peaks as punishment.

She gasped and arched her back, pressing her full mounds closer to his face. She let out a breathy sigh when released her wrists and cupped her breast, his tongue toying with the swollen bud. "S-Sesshoumaru!" She cried when he bit down on it once more.

He flicked his tongue over the abused flesh before pulling back enough to gaze at her flushed face. "You are never to hide your body from me." He said seriously. "Do you understand?"

She swallowed thickly as she stared up into his honey orbs. "But my body-"

"Is mine," He growled. "It is perfect so you need not shield it from me because it is what I want."

Kagome's face burned hot from his words, her eyes prickling with unshed tears. Living with a male youkai for the majority of her life had not been easy at first, but she eventually fell into the flow of it. Wearing men's clothing never fazed her because they were easier to work and travel in. She often tied her hair up because it was smothering and got in her way when fabricating.

She never thought much about her wardrobe choices until she ventured out for deliveries or to pick up supplies. Most people assumed she was a boy, like Sesshoumaru had at first, and those who picked up on the fact that she was a girl either turned their noses up at her in disgust or ridiculed her on countless things. She was traveling alone with no male escort or husband, she delivered weapons instead of staying home and cooking, she wore men's clothing instead of a feminine yukata, had her hair up instead of a loose tied back ponytail or an elegant bun. They would call her the feminine boy.

The talk didn't change much from village to village, only her reactions to it. Despite her tuning it out and ignoring them, it still affected herself self-esteem more than she cared to admit.

But, hearing Sesshoumaru say that to her meant more than she could ever convey to him.

She gave him a watery smile and reached up to cup his cheeks, thumbs brushing over the magenta stripes. "Then it is yours to see," She murmured, smiling further when he turned slightly to nuzzle her palm. "Thank you."

He lifted his hand and rested it on hers, his eyes staring down into her watery ones. He grabbed her wrist, but loosened his hold on it when she gave a slight wince. He shifted his weight so he was more straddling her thighs and removed the bandages from her arm. Using the bandage, he wiped off the paste-like herb mixture and frowned at the sore that went from her forearm to her palm.

She had these wounds because of him.

She suffered for him; to get his soul back.

When had any other being done that for him?

As lightly as he could, he ran his tongue over the wound, healing it shut like he did her neck. His father used to do it for his mother when she got injured in battle, saying that it was the alpha's job to tend to his mate's wounds. Sesshoumaru had never done it to any female before, refusing to lower himself in such a degrading way.

But, he found no shame in healing the miko who risked who risked her life for him.

Kagome stared up at him with mild fascination as he lapped at her wound. Her eyes widened slightly when she realized her wound wasn't hurting as badly. Butterflies suddenly exploded in her stomach when his eyes met hers as his tongue traced along her palm and to the tip of her middle finger. When he released her hand and reached for the other, she pulled it back. "You don't have to, Sesshoumaru."

He gave her a slight glare and reached for it again, but stopped when she fisted his haori and pulled him down to her. He put his hands on either side of her head to brace himself from falling against her. He stopped the motion of pulling back when she lifted her head and captured his lips. He closed his eyes and deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing her bottom lip.

She eagerly gave him access, her arousal still heavy between her legs. A muffled moan escaped her when he braced himself on one elbow and ran his hand back down to firmly squeeze one of her globes. Her stomach tightened in need when his claws traced down her torso to her groin and to the tuft of soft curls. She broke the kiss as her breath hitched when the pad of his finger ran along her slit.

Knock knock

"Sesshoumaru." Came his mother's voice.

"Kagome!" Totosai's wail came soon after.

Sesshoumaru pulled back from her and snarled at the intrusions. "Leave!"

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin's voice called.

His anger diminished upon hearing his youngest pack make, irritation filling him instead. He removed his hand from the tempting apex of her thighs and removed himself from her person. He grabbed the discarded yukata and helped her to her feet before helping into the yukata. As she tied her obi in place, he straightened his outer haori and then moved to his receiving room door, sliding it open to reveal the three people. Instantly, Totosai moved in to glomp his granddaughter in a tight hug.

Rin's chocolate brown eyes widened in joy and she quickly darted forward to hug him tightly around the waist. "Sesshoumaru-sama! Rin has missed you!"

He blinked once at the warm welcome before placing his hand on her head to smooth out her hair. "I have returned," He stated as he stroked her hair. "The sun will be up in a few hours, Rin, it is improper for a hime to be up so late."

She pouted up at him. "Rin has not been able to sleep since you have been gone. Then Inukimi-baasama said you were back and Rin had to see you."

The inuyoukai female flushed in embarrassment. "I told you not to call me that."

He glanced at his mother before back at Rin. "Go to sleep, Rin, and we will have breakfast in the morning."

She pursed her lips together. "But, Rin wants to stay with Sesshoumaru-sama."

"I must speak to Sesshoumaru, Rin-chan." Inukimi started. "So perhaps bed is the best choice for you."

"B-but you just got back!" She cried, tightening her grip around his waist.

"Why doesn't she stay with me while you two talk? We can wait for you to return and then be off to bed afterwards. How does that sound, Rin-chan?" Kagome offered, smiling at the girl as she peeked around Sesshoumaru to look at her.

She gasped upon seeing the girl. "Kagome-nee! Rin did not know you were here!" She chimed in and released her father's waist to go and hug the fellow human. She grinned up at her as she pulled away. "And yes! Rin wants to stay with Kagome-nee until Sesshoumaru-sama gets back," She turned towards Sesshoumaru with a puppy pout. "Is that okay, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

The Western lord had to tear his eyes away from her. He still could not understand how she managed to sway him with that sad pout. "That is acceptable," He agreed and then stepped out of his receiving room. He turned back to look at Kagome and Rin. "I will not be long." He promised before leaving the room with his mother.

Kagome watched them leave before looking at her suddenly too quiet grandfather. Knowing when he wanted to talk to her in private, she turned to the little girl. "Ne, Rin-chan? Why don't you go into Sesshoumaru's sleeping chambers and make yourself comfortable? When I come in I'll braid your hair and tell you all about our travels."

The girl beamed at the mention of a good story. "Okay!" She agreed before running over to the side shoji door and slipping inside to flop down on her father's futon.

She smiled at the girl's enthusiasm before turning to the swordsmith. "What's wrong, Toto-ji?"

"I wanted to return these," He pulled out the vile of shards from his hakama pocket. "And, I could not help but notice the, uh, scent in the air." At her confused look, he coughed in embarrassment. "A certain scent when two people are being intimate."

She immediately blushed, her whole face bright red. "T-T-Toto-ji! T-that is rather personal, you know!"

He couldn't help but flush as well. "I know! But, I just thought that I would warn you as to not give in to your temptations."

She blinked before furrowing her brow. "What do you mean? Why not?"

He sighed heavily. "Because miko's are known for their purity, Kagome. It had been noted that some miko lose their reiki after becoming intimate."

Her jaw fell open a little. Why didn't she now about this? "B-but, that's just ridiculous," At his serious look, she frowned. "You are saying that if I become physical with Sesshoumaru, that I will lose my reiki?"

"I am unsure, Kagome. I know it has happened though. Many miko do not ever marry and simply live a life of holiness so there are not many who married to account for," He replied. "But, if you lose your reiki, you will no longer be a miko."

She clutched the glass container in her hand. "And I will not be able to purify the shards, or complete the jewel. And," She sighed heavily. "I won't be able to be burned with it."

He gave a single nod. "It will remain in this world until the next Shikon Miko arrives."

"One hundred years." She murmured, staring down at the shards.

"It is a long time to keep one item out of other being's hands." He commented. At her disdain, he frowned and put his hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry, Kagome, that you were forced to bear this burden."

She closed her eyes. "It's unfair," She breathed. "I feel like my life is no longer my own. Everything seems to be predetermined for me, doesn't it?"

"I suppose that is how fate works." Totosai suggested.

"Fate is cruel." She stated bitterly with a glare.

"Kagome-neeee! Rin wants to hear your story!" The Western hime called.

Snapping out of her self-pity, she lifted her head and took a deep breath to calm her anger. Slipping the chain around her neck, she tucked the shards into her yukata. Giving Totosai a fake smile, she bid him goodnight. "I will see you later for breakfast, Totosai. Good night."

He watched her walk into Sesshoumaru's sleeping quarters before letting out a soft sigh and heading to the exit of the receiving room. As he slid the door shut and walked down the hall, he couldn't help but feel that he had seriously let down the only person he could call family.

A/N: Hehe a little tease for you guys. But I also suspect that you're going to be quite mad at me (; -puts on goggles- Bring on the rotten fruit.