AN: Thank you for making me feel incredibly valued as a fanfic writer. It makes me so happy to know that this story hits such feeling. And a special thanks to my dear friend VS* this story owes a lot of its life to her.
Chapter 22: Scratches
"Councillor Taisho condems rival over step-sibling's elopement."
"He likes to rile the media..." Sesshomaru murmured while they watched and listened to his dad go on and on.
"He needs a muzzle." Kagome had never wanted to duct tape someone's mouth shut so badly.
Biting her lip, she turned her head. "It's so personal," she whispered. Every word caused a painful thwang in her chest, "I don't want to listen to this anymore."
The similarly circumstanced couple were canon fodder.
Even if Daichi-san didn't really feel the way he pretended to for the media, it hurt to hear him react so negatively about the relationship.
Kagome gently rocked Mai as the blood pounded in her ears. She listened to the soft pat pat of her hand on the infant's back. Her eyes locked on Sesshomaru's face as it tensed.
The baby began to fuss.
As she stood to leave the room, he stopped her with a warm hand.
He tugged her arm.
The world disappeared with his embrace. "Hn."
Even upset, his arms around her made everything more tolerable. She tilted her chin and pressed her mouth against his jaw. The end of the day stubble tickled her lips.
As he hugged her, she wondered if everything would work out for them.
Reality rarely brought with it a happy ending.
He clicked the TV off, and tossed the remote to the couch. His palm held the side of her face. He smelled of popcorn and chocolate again.
She thought of waking with him on the couch. The feel of his arm draped protectively over her as they slept.
Gravitating to the touch, Kagome softly questioned, "Sesshomaru...?"
Like a cold glass of water, his thoughts spilled, "We can't tell our parents after he has shamed this other couple."
Her eyes widened and her throat became dry. "I don't agree." Her heart felt like a rock bottoming in the pit of her stomach.
Fingers ran through her hair as he attempted to persuade her. "While a loss over this would be his own fault, I will not interfere with his re-election."
He paused, and she thought that he'd pull her close and say he didn't mean it, instead he kept going, "Neither of us expected him to speak on it so soon." His hands were warm. "I'm sorry."
Her brows pinched.
"It's not like we are going public. This shouldn't even matter." Her lungs felt tight. She swallowed hard, "I still want to tell them."
"My Father may seem strong and sturdy, but If we tell him, he will fuck up his entire campaign. It's not just his win we could ruin, there is an entire team of people behind him."
Kagome bit her lip, "I don't agree." It felt painful to breathe. "Let's just get it over with. He can keep it to himself, maybe he'd even stop going after this other couple."
His words were cold. "It's not a risk I'm willing to take." Tense and stiff, she tried not to enjoy the kneading of his fingers as they eased over her back. "They may be in the dark, however we are together. Nothing else matters."
Her frown didn't disappear with his kiss.
With a deep sigh, he pressed his forehead against her own, and wrapped her in warmth. "Don't worry." His cell began to go off, "I need to take this, I'll meet you upstairs." His lips pacified her pout.
She tugged his sleeve as he tried to pull away, "Don't take too long." After the drama of the night, snuggling up together felt like the perfect balm to soothe her nerves.
Mai slept on as Kagome laid her in the crib.
After a few minutes of waiting and no sign of Sesshomaru, she grabbed a towel and snuck into the bathroom.
Passing time, she grinned at the drawer full of hair ties and brushes. The sight of her toothbrush in the holder beside his own sobered.
Her heart gave a little patter. Cheeks hurt from her smile.
She could hear the faint rising of his voice from downstairs.
Sesshomaru ran his hands over his face and hair, and held the back of his neck.
The long call with the professor left him even more frustrated. The emotion didn't change the fact that he'd need to correct her mistake.
His research position interrupted his plans for the night.
He had to keep priorities in mind. His goals.
The things that mattered were in his hands. He just had to keep his head straight. Keep focused.
Stars gleamed bright through the window. The cloudless sky glittered. A sliver of a moon hung high.
Kagome would love it.
There had been a time when he would have loathed another person lingering in his thoughts.
He pressed his lips together, closed his eyes, and inhaled.
The room still smelled of buttery popcorn, but closer he could smell the comforting scent of her. Wrapping her arms around him.
He dropped his hands to the window sill. His nails dug into the wood as he leaned forward.
..."He can keep it to himself, maybe he'd even stop going after this other couple."
The firm tone of her voice bade him to continue with their plan, but he had his doubts.
If they caused his father to lose, many people would forfeit hard earned reputations.
They would be the reason those people would no longer find jobs. Could he in good conscience reveal their relationship at a time when it could likely result in the suffering of others?
Could the idiot keep it to himself if they told them?
He inhaled another deep breath.
Did he want to spend the summer sneaking around his father's house? It could be kind of alluring, a secret tryst or two, but the novelty would quickly wear off.
Just as the summer would be gone too soon.
His phone vibrated where he'd tossed it, beside the remote on the couch.
Stepping away from the serene view, he grabbed it and his jaw tensed.
The text told him exactly which data sets were missing from the digital file. More than he'd been told. "Damn."
It'd take all night.
He took the stairs two at a time. The crack of the bathroom door and the running water felt like an invitation, one he regretfully had no time to indulge in.
He pulled his laptop from it's bag. Cold porcelain touched his skin and he spotted the little stuffed dog in the mug he'd bought for her months ago.
"Ahh."
Surprised, he glanced up at the bathroom door.
"Ah, Ah, mmnn," Unmistakable, the sound of her biting her bottom lip through a moan barely reached him over the sound of the running water.
A few short months before, he'd heard the same sound. Unknown to the expression that had went along with it. He'd restrained himself, sat against the wall and ignored longing to know the shape of her mouth as she moaned.
Soon there would be no opportunity for late night encounters.
In a few short months work and study would have every moment of his time. His hands would be empty of her warmth.
He tossed the laptop to the bed.
Clothes missed the hamper.
At the door he stilled.
Fingers ran up the humidity dampened molding. He had been here before. In her room. Listening to the catches in her breath.
He could not go to her then.
His heartbeat quickened as his hand slowly opened the door to his desire.
Steam fogged up the clear plastic curtain, but he could see Kagome through it. Naked and perfect.
Poorly muffled moans escaped her lovely throat as her fingers slipped between her thighs. She was trying her best to keep quiet. Eyes closed, forehead against the cool white tile.
The sight alone had precum dripping from the tip of his cock. Stroking, his thumb rolled through the slippery fluid.
Careful not to disturb the rhythm she had built. He pulled the curtain back just enough to gain access.
Water met his feverish skin. He dragged his fingers over the side of her arm. Full lashes rose over possessive blue eyes. Her smile felt like he'd been hunted.
All too willing prey.
"I was just imagining this very thing."
"Were you?" There were times when he couldn't recognize his own voice. Deep and rich with desire. A voice solely reserved for her. Full of lust and love.
"I don't think I can get in the shower without thinking of you these days." He could just make out the corner of her coy smile.
He touched her shoulder and neck with greedy lips.
She trembled.
Hot breath teased, "I thought you'd still be sore?"
"I am, a little." Her neck tilted and he continued his lavishing.
Almost forbidden, her skin met the touch of his body. First fingers and palms, until his chest held her back and no water could get between them.
Tongue rolling over her pulse.
His erection pressed against the top of her ass. With one hand he held her hip while the other forced her opposite leg onto the bathtub's thin ledge.
Tight. Hot. The head of his penis slowly dipped inside her. Perfect, her pussy contoured around him with slick firm heat. He took her wrists and forced them up over her head.
Fingers slid over her hip and between her legs, teasing her slippery clit. "Allow me to give you what you desire most, My Love."
Her foot came up off the ground as he filled her in one thrust.
The red flush of her cheeks accentuated a gasped open mouthed moan.
He pulled back against the constriction of her inner walls and repeated the action. Tears lined her eyes and a sharp cry made him pause.
"Please..." She whimpered with a rock of her hips, "keep going."
He kissed the shell of her ear, biting back a groan, "We can switch positions if this is uncomfortable."
"No." Dark blue, her eyes felt catching. Hot breath met his jaw as she spoke over her shoulder, "You can be a bit rougher, if you want to."
Aching to continue, he forced himself to think of her first, "I don't want to hurt you."
Back arched a little deeper, the resulting slide making them both hiss. "I'll enjoy the reminder throughout the day tomorrow."
His grasp became firmer, teeth raked over her neck. He nipped the lobe of her ear, "You'll be feeling this until Monday at least."
Her breasts compressed against the wall and she sighed.
Unyielding thrusts kept her flush with the tile. With each connection the constriction became tighter. His hand moved to her lower stomach. Holding her closer. Keeping her anchored.
A cacophony of moans and pleas spilled from her wide open mouth until her walls contracted around his cock and the sounds broke apart.
He licked up her neck as his penis jerked. Cum spilled as he continued to hit the sweet spots that kept her wordlessly trembling.
Strong arms captured her waist, keeping her with him and supported as he slipped out.
Her hands slid down the tile.
She turned, catching his chest with the side of her face. They were both panting. Lips met hot skin. Arms wrapped around his back. Nails bit.
He held her with careful hands, as if she could simply vanish from his grasp. Firm fingers moved up her spine. He kissed the top of her wet head. The scent of his shampoo smelled better on her.
Water cascaded down their sides. Her nails scratched his back and she ran her fingers through the hair at the base of his neck.
She tilted her chin up, so he could see her clearly. The chemicals binding them wrapped tighter every time he looked at her. Dopamine. Serotonin. Norepinephrine. When he thought he couldn't possibly love her any more than he already did, feelings grew. Deepened.
Heart pounding, his thumb caressed her flushed cheek.
A smile teased back at him, and he wondered if she knew all the sappy things he'd just held in.
Fingers caught the knots of his sopping messy bun. "You look like a dog left in the rain. Your hair is going to be so tangled after this."
"Hn," He taunted, "Perhaps I should cut it."
Feigning anger, she narrowed her eyes at him, "Don't you dare." Her scowl slipped into a grin, "I'll brush it for you."
"Will you?" Her butt met the tile as his grin found her own. "I'll be working for the rest of the night. Will you attend to my needs?"
Fingers teased his scalp. Noses brushed. They spoke between light kisses. "Of course." Warm breath met his lips. Lashes fluttered up, eyes sparkling with adoration. "I'm very fond of you after all."
Firm fingers moved down her shoulders. Blood rushed to her cheeks from the look he settled her with. "Sesshomaru?"
He couldn't help himself.
Caressing through the streams of water, her heart beat faster with every touch. His eyes closed and he clung to her like she were an anchor.
Her thumb brushed his cheek, and her brows pinched. "Sess-" Cut off by a deep kiss, she held his face in her hands as her heart bottomed out with emotion.
"I'm looking forward to being able to kiss you like this in front of everyone."
Flushed, grinning once again, "Maybe not exactly like this." She brushed over his lips with her thumb, "Will you still be able to go with me in the morning?"
The serious expression she'd grown to love replaced his smirk, "Even if the job is incomplete, we will go. It's more important to me." His amber eyes seemed to glow as he left soft kisses on her lips, "You matter more. And," a worried breath escaped, "we will have to see if my father is capable of keeping it out of his campaign."
Kagome combed his hair as he worked at the desk. The damp strands of her own hair tickled his neck and shoulders.
She forced him to relax, just by being near. As she finished combing his hair, he let out a sigh. Her fingers worked over tense shoulders.
Comforting, plush warmth pressed into his back. She leaned over his shoulder. Soft kisses ran over his cheek and jaw, to his mouth.
Forcing him to surrender to her peaceful nature.
She pulled back just enough for him to catch her loving gaze beneath heavy black lashes, "Come to bed, bring the laptop."
Smile thinned to a grim line, he grunted, "That will be far less efficient."
"So?" Splayed fingers eased over his chest, pulling up, kneading his tight shoulders once again. He bit back a groan. "Does it really matter? I see the size of that folder, this is going to take all night anyway, you might as well be comfortable."
Comfort was for the weak. He said it in his head, and yet, he let her sway his habits.
Quickly he found himself laying on his stomach, on the bed, typing. The weight of his lover at his side.
Studying his face, her nails scratched his back, and she talked about little things.
The sound of her voice lulled his anxieties throughout the long night, and when she fell asleep the soft breathing beside him did the same.
They were sprawled on his bed naked, he transcribing while she slumbered. Her fingers tangled in his freshly combed hair.
"Sesshomaru..."
He didn't realize he'd fallen asleep until she shook him awake. Body pinned by one slender leg and the weight of her chest draped over his own. "Mmm," his fingertips swept up her ribs.
She hissed through her teeth, "Sess..." His bicep shook, "Babe, your phone is going off."
"Babe?" He answered groggily as he grabbed both her and his phone at the same time, rolling her over as she giggled.
"What? I can use pet names."
"You can. Babe isn't much of one." He kissed her, winked, and answered his cell, "Hello?"
Suddenly his expression slipped into a serious mask. Lips thinned. His gaze went to the dead and open laptop at the end of the bed.
"No, it will be complete in less than an hour."
He sounded confident, but Kagome could see the amount of files left in the folder.
His warmth left her skin as he got up and grabbed his power cord. "I've never neglected an assignment, do not presume I will now." The edged tone of his voice gave Kagome chills.
The call ended and he tossed his phone to the side. "Do you mind if we leave a little later than planned?" She could see the frustration in the rigid structure of his face and the thin line of his lips.
Standing to slip her arms around his waist. She held her wrists low on his back and leaned into the warm heat of his body. Her gaze held a smile, "I don't mind. Is everything okay?"
He relaxed around her. The pressure eased and his face softened. The power cord felt like cold loops against her naked back. A hot sigh hit the side of her face, "I dislike having to repeat work due to someone else's ignorance." His hand eased down her arms as he caressed her skin with his lips, "I'd like to observe each second with you, and yet the option has been stolen."
"I'm not going anywhere," She released her wrists to bring her hands to the side and back of his head, holding him as she whispered into his ear, "And, if it's my feelings you are worried about, I really don't mind. The dedication you've shown for your work is very attractive." The feather touch of her lips tickled.
"Is it?" He breathed, voice heavier than it had been a moment before.
In an instant the warmth between them became hotter and thick. Pressing.
"It is."
Lips and teeth found her neck, lavishing the sensitive column. Kagome's gasp teased his skin. "There is so much I appreciate about you." He nipped her skin before pressing a firm kiss in the same spot.
"There better be." Before he could continue, and she ran out of resolve, she gently pressed a hand to his chest and pushed him away.
The cool air of the room separated them. Even still, her heart continued to pound.
The heat of his gaze kept her skin tingling. Her throat dry. "I'll go check on the baby and make breakfast." She pulled on his shirt from the day before, "Your mom and Kagura should be back by now."
He caught her before she could rush out the door, "Your shirt is on inside out."
"It's fine, who cares." If she stayed any longer he'd be too distracted to finish his work. She'd be too worked up not to continue to distract him. "See you in a bit."
It was afternoon before they had managed to leave.
Nervous and excited, the entire ride, Kagome fought the thoughts running through her mind. The questions.
"You ready?" While she was the one trembling, her palm sweaty against his, she had to ask.
Her lashes drew up as her stare moved from her hands to the man beside her.
A small smile answered back. He stroked her cheek, and took her left hand, "You are so beautiful."
The sunset made her skin glow.
She swatted his hand away, "Stop it, this is serious."
"I am serious." He squeezed her palm before bringing it up to his lips.
Her heart hammered as warmth whispered against each finger.
"You're making me nervous for an entirely different reason." Her breaths were shallow. Delving into feelings in the privacy of his bedroom felt like one thing, but bringing them out into the world felt like a big step. Sitting in their parent's driveway, ready to reveal their relationship, him kissing the tips of her fingers. She swallowed the sudden urge to cry.
The closer he moved the stronger the beat of her heart.
The heat of his body stretched across the middle barrier of the seats. The sleeve of his shirt tickled. I love you. Her mouth wouldn't let go of the words as emotion bubbled up in her chest.
Their noses brushed. Her seatbelt clicked.
"Good. Soon you will become accustomed to it, and I will miss the flush of your cheeks," So easily, he made her tremble. The fullness of her heart nearly to bursting. Hair teased the back of her hand as she reached out to touch him. "Worrying will not change the outcome of what we are about to do."
"I know." Her lungs ached as he pulled away.
One final kiss to her palm, before he let her hand go. "Come on."
Air felt heavy as she walked. It'd been her insistence, but now that they were there, she stopped him before he unlocked the door. "We can wait if you are still unsure."
Flushed with an air of panic. Her blue eyes were wide and her fingers bunched his sleeve.
"Kagome," The way he said her name always managed to make her heart ache. Reassurance took her waist. "I'm not going to force you to go through with this."
A long minute passed as they took into each other's solid unyielding gaze.
Wind kissed them with warmth, tossing black and silver hair together.
Her fingers relaxed over his forearm. She leaned into his touch. Panic slipped into a soft smile as she hugged his waist, "I'm not backing out of it."
Grinning, touching noses. Fingers splayed over her spine. "There will be no turning back."
She could feel herself sinking into him. The world invisible. Skin caressed. Warmth. Lashes closed. She breathed him in, and whispered, "I'll never want to."
"I'll never want you to." The words caressed her lips.
Suddenly the door swung open and a blur of white shoved between them.
"Get outta my way!"
Suddenly the door swung open and a blur of white shoved between them.
They broke apart quickly.
"Inuyashaaa!" Souta shouted as he knocked over some of the bricks that lined the garden, trying to get to his step brother.
"Woah there!" Kagome gasped, nearly knocked off her feet as she grabbed his collar. "What are you doing?"
A wooden sword dug into her side.
Inuyasha laughed on the front lawn, "Good thing your sister is here to save you!"
"Oh yeah?" Souta swung his wooden sword and lunged, "I'm going to get you!" As he escaped Kagome, Inuyasha charged forward.
Sesshomaru grabbed both boys by an arm. Not a word left his mouth. His glare had them quivering.
Souta looked away, "Sorry, Sesshomaru."
"Yeah." Inuyasha sulked, "We're sorry."
"As you should be." He snapped, "The two of you are no better than lumberjacks, Inuyasha especially."
Kagome snickered.
"Oh yeah?!" Inuyasha scrunched his nose, "What do you know about it? You're just a nerd."
Both Kagome's brows went to her hairline. "Woah there, Inuyasha."
"Souta," Sesshomaru released her brother and held a hand out toward him, "Give me your sword. I must teach my brother a lesson."
Gleefully, Souta handed the wooden toy over.
"He's just a kid Sesshomaru, he has no idea."
"Can it Kagome, quit acting like I'm in some sort of trouble. My brother doesn't do anything but stick his nose in books."
Kagome caught a laugh behind her fingers. "If you think you can handle him, by all means, go for it Inuyasha."
"Kick his butt, Sesshomaru!"
The breeze faltered. Trees became still.
Thwack!
"Ahh-ouch!" Inuyasha grabbed his backside with a squeal.
After beating Inuyasha and giving both boys pointers, Sesshomaru decided to show off the sword in his trunk.
As they ate a late dinner, they gushed about the weapon lying down the length of the table.
Souta reached out a hand to touch the hilt. "Ouch! What was that for?!" He rubbed the back of his fingers.
Sesshomaru held back a grin, clearly enjoying how excited they were about something he too cared a great deal about, "The rules are to look, and not touch."
"I forgot." He pouted.
Kagome squeezed Sesshomaru's hand beneath the table. Fingers twined. A secret glance just between the two of them.
The front door creaked, "Sounds like Kira-san and Dad are back." Inuyasha shoved an overflowing fork into his mouth.
They were dressed in matching plaid.
Kagome's brows rose at the short pleated skirt that her mother wore. Daichi-san's hands had definitely not been above the fabric. He looked a bit off balance as he hung off her mom. "What a horn dog." She muttered under her breath.
Sesshomaru pressed his lips together to keep from letting out a laugh.
"Oh! Sesshomaru, Kagome, what a pleasant surprise." Kira swatted Daichi-san's hands away. "Wait for me upstairs!" She hissed before turning back to the children, "We didn't know you'd be visiting tonight. Both no less, is there a holiday I've forgotten about?"
Glancing at Sesshomaru and back at her mom, Kagome's grin hurt as it filled her face, "No, no holiday. We were wanting to talk to you and Daichi-san." He gave her hand another squeeze.
"Oh, well," A sudden yawn broke through, "Excuse me. Do you think we could chat in the morning, Dears? Your Father apologized to today and it turned into hours of 18 holes and bad jokes." She closed the door and zeroed in.
"He apologized?" Kagome's brows were up near her hairline. After all the anxiety Daichi-san's bullshit had caused, suddenly he apologised. She couldn't help the slight frown.
"Only after my insistence."
Sesshomaru scoffed. "Of course."
She relaxed.
Her mother came up to the dining table, smelling strongly of wine, "It's good to see our oldest children from time to time." She patted both of them on the head, "You're good kids."
"Hey! What about us?!" Inuyasha shouted.
Souta sighed. "That isn't going to change her mind, stupid."
Kira chuckled, "Of course you two as well. All my children are good. Her eyes narrowed, "Is that a sword on the table?"
"Don't look at me." Souta pouted, "It was the one you brag about all the time."
Kira's eyes moved to Sesshomaru's stolid face, "I brag about all my children."
"I will put it back in the trunk of my vehicle."
"Good idea." She patted his head, "You're such a good boy."
As she disappeared from the room, Kagome and the younger boys snickered. "Ever feel like a dog?"
"Possibly the same kind as my Father." He winked at her, smirking.
"What's with you two?" Inuyasha raised one brow, "Why's she blushing?"
Souta squinted at them, "Yeah, you're always together."
Kagome pressed her lips together, second guessing choices.
"We are good friends at the moment. What's the deal with the pair of you? Always together?" She let go of a breath as Sesshomaru stroked her knuckles.
"You're so weird, Souta ain't a girl ya know."
Sesshomaru shrugged, "Some boys are attracted to other boys."
He puffed out his chest, "Well not me, I like girls. And So does Souta."
All eyes went to Souta's instantly flushed face, "I guess? Maybe? I don't really know." He half shrugged.
"You know it'd be fine, right Souta?" Kagome reached across the table and patted his hand, "If you did like boys, that's perfectly normal. Preferences can be different from person to person."
His face flushed redder and his gaze shifted to the side, "Gah, that's so personal. I said I don't know."
"It's okay to not know, too."
Sesshomaru leaned back in his chair. His eyes on the exchange, though his attention mostly remained on the hand he held atop his thigh. Soft fingers, smooth skin. Small in his much larger one.
As he touched her knuckles, he watched her visibly relax.
He quelled the urge to hold her close. To kiss her temple every time she said something adorable. Her open heart pulled him deeper. Every moment together he could find another thing he admired, loved.
"It's time for bed." He whispered, wanting nothing more than to carry her up the stairs and lay with her in bed again.
"Aw!" Inuyasha groaned, "Come on! It ain't that late!"
"Guys, it's midnight. Go get ready for bed."
"But Kagome!" Souta joined in.
"If you'd like to do the dishes, you can stay up." Sesshomaru smirked as they both groaned a goodnight.
Taking the bowls off the table, Kagome brought them to the kitchen sink. The large basin quickly filled with sudsy water.
Sesshomaru brought in the cups. He set them to the side before taking her by the waist.
Her back pressed warmly to his front. Her soft laugh relaxed. He held her securely with both arms, nuzzling.
He kissed her ear. "I could just hold you like this forever."
"Mmm, I'd let you." Her head turned as she grinned, "But you still need to put away the sword."
Lips found her cheek, "Hurry with the dishes. We will need to be up early tomorrow to get you to class on time."
"You're so considerate." Her smile softened, "Will we be telling them before we go?"
"Briefly." His thumb dragged across her cheek, and he grinned against her lips, teeth tickling as he spoke, "I can't stand this secret any longer."
She dropped the soapy cloth into the water. Back strained as she twisted to kiss him deeper. "I can't wait."
Sesshomaru woke to soft yet frantic knocking. He blinked through the darkness. The familiar weight of Kagome draped over his chest. His hand moved up her back and he gently shook her shoulder, "Kagome."
"Hmm?" She mumbled, "five more minutes."
The knocking intensified, "Sesshomaru!" The sharp whisper sounded like Souta.
Careful and quick didn't work well together, as he moved Kagome off his chest, she yawned and sat up. "W-what's going on?"
"I don't know." He grabbed the comforter and gently covered up to her chin, a soft kiss, "Stay hidden."
She pulled the blanket over her head and waited.
The door creaked. Footsteps slapped against the wood floor. Souta stressed, "Sesshomaru, help! Inuyasha is out of control!"
"Slow down. Explain."
Hot breath puffed against the blanket. She held her hands to her pounding chest. Lips hard pressed together.
"No time! The baka has your sword!"
She sucked in a breath through clenched teeth.
"My sword is locked up." Outside, in the trunk of his SUV. Kagome remembered him leaving to put it up
"Not anymore. We got your keys."
Those brats! Kagome frowned.
"I'm sorry. We both wanted to touch it! But Inuyasha is testing it out now, and he cut down all the roses!"
Their parents were going to kill them. Her mom loved those roses, and Daichi-san loved the curb appeal.
Sesshomaru sounded like his jaw was tense, "Why would he do that? It's a sword not a hedge trimmer."
"He's an idiot."
Agreed.
"Fair point." She could hear Sesshomaru rushing into a pair of jeans. He took off, "Come."
Steps came closer and she held her breath. The weight of a hand met her foot, "Kagome, we might need you too."
"How did you know?" She folded the blanket down to her chin.
Souta shrugged, "We notice things about each other I guess." He bent down to grab shorts off the floor and tossed them to her, "Hurry up, let's go before mom and Daichi-san wake up too!"
He didn't wait for her. Adrenaline rushed him down the stairs and out into the front yard. Even more bricks were strewn across the manicured lawn.
Sesshomaru stood near the entryway, glaring at his youngest brother.
Inuyasha swung the sword in a sweeping arc and took out the rest of the roses, laughing, "This is sooo cool!"
The moonlight gleamed off the silver blade. Bits of leaves and bark clung to it's sleek surface.
"Inuyasha. This is a weapon, not a toy. Put it down." His glare had Souta trembling and it wasn't even directed at him.
Inuyasha pointed the sword at Sesshomaru, "Oh yeah?! If you want it so bad, come get it."
Swallowing hard, Souta clenched his fists and shouted, "Inuyasha, just put it back! Quit acting like an idiot!"
Just as Inuyasha began to play charge Sesshomaru, Kagome came running through the threshold.
"Oh shit!" His foot caught a stray brick.
Wide blue eyes stared at the oncoming blade, "Inuya-oof!"
Sesshomaru tackled her to the ground so quickly Souta barely registered where the blade had gone. The deafening silence lasted seconds yet felt like forever.
Unable to blink, he stared at the pool of red beginning to form.
"Are you okay?" Sesshomaru had his sister by the shoulders. The pair of them were obscured by the sheer amount of his hair. It soaked up the red.
"Shit! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Inuyasha shouted as he scrambled off the grass.
The sword jutted into the air, seemingly suspended by nothing but Sesshomaru's stained lengths of hair. Inuyasha moved to pull it out when Kagome stopped him.
"Don't!" She shouted. Her arms came around Sesshomaru and her hands pushed his hair aside, revealing the extent of the damage. The reason for the pool of red around them. The sword protruded from his elbow, so deep that the hilt touched his skin. "Don't move." If she was speaking to Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, or the unstable sword, Souta couldn't tell.
The blade shifted and she caught the hilt with her hand before it could do any more damage.
Eyes clenched and jaw set, Sesshomaru groaned through his teeth as she kept it steady with firm pressure.
Blood spurted from the wound with every beat of his heart.
"Go! Call for help!" She sounded desperate. "Inuyasha! Go!"
Souta swallowed hard.
He hadn't realized he'd been frozen, staring. Inuyasha shoved past him, "Come on idiot! Get some towels!"
"Yeah." He glanced back at the pair on the lawn in a sea of blood.
On a strange auto pilot, he moved through the house quickly. He grabbed as many towels from the closet as he could carry.
Running back down the stairs, he noticed his parents come out into the hall in their pajamas and tying their robes, completely clueless.
"Souta? What's going on?" His mom called after them, but he didn't dare stop.
Inuyasha shouted, "...on their way!"
Souta brought the towels to his sister, but he didn't know what to do with them. She was focused on keeping the sword still. Muttering to Sesshomaru things he knew he shouldn't be overhearing. Kneeling, he muttered, "I've got the towels."
"Okay Souta, I need you to help me with this."
Carefully, he followed her instructions. Every hiss from Sesshomaru made him second guess himself.
"It's fine. It's going to hurt to stop the blood flow." She urged him on, "There, tighter."
He wrapped two towels around the sword and wound. Kagome moved her hands as he did. Once he added another, he realized the blood wasn't only coming from his step brother, but his sister as well.
"Kagome, you-"
She shook her head, "It's fine. Don't worry about it." Don't tell Sesshomaru.
Looking at Sesshomaru's greying face, he didn't press the issue, he did however press a towel to her side.
She grimaced, but kept her focus on the task at hand. Amber eyes met her stare. She held his gaze, "Everything is going to be okay. I can hear the ambulance coming."
"I don't know why you're so worried-," He winced, "It's just another scratch."
She laughed through a sob, pressing their foreheads together.