A/N: Hello my lovely readers , this is a stand-alone short story that I had in my head for a long time. Recent venture into Inuyasha sequel (Hanyou no Yashahime) kind of rekindled my interest in writing this scene that supposedly haunted me for a very long time. I just love the characters of Touga and Izayoi and I wish we had a chance to know them more in the manga or anime. So, here's a scene of Touga and Izayoi falling in love - because I'm a sucker for romance =DD. Hopefully you enjoy.

Au Clair de Lune

Act 1. Izayoi

A dream. She gazed up at the familiar creature that stood before her — they've met a few weeks ago, if only for a few moments, within the gardens of her family's estate. And yet, the tall, proud man — no he wasn't a man. He was a youkai, of great power and prestige. The way he carried himself oozed charisma and charm and she found herself drawn to him every passing second. And here she was completely enchanted by his presence, even within her own dreams.

His lengthy silver hair, tied in a high ponytail, glittered as the sun shined on him. She remembered his features, the thick jagged blue stripe on each cheek, the molten gold eyes that penetrated into the depth of her own soul.

How was it that this regal youkai — with whom she barely exchanged a word before — was currently in front of her, with such an obvious hunger in his eyes.

She realized then as her gaze ventured lower, that his skin was exposed — her eyes fell onto the chiseled body, noting another pair of blue jagged stripes resting on his hips. The youkai lord did not need to say anything.

He was gentle. His hands, exposing her own kimono with care as he pressed a soft kiss against her collarbone. Izayoi gasped as she felt the gentle grace of his fangs against her skin, sending a slight sensation through her body.

"Oh gods," she gasped for air as she enjoyed the succulent touch of his skin against hers.

Her legs exposed, his clawed hands gently squeezing her thighs in a tender movement – it was not enough to slake their thirst.

"Oh gods," she moaned once more as the dangerous youkai lord descended lower.

'Twas late at night. The waxing moon stood at guard, softly illuminating the dark sky. Deep within the heart of the lands, there stood a large estate, surrounded by a lush green forest. It was protected by tall stone walls, with human guardsmen standing at the ready to deter any potential unwanted visitors from its lands. The lamps within the various pavilions were doused, ensuring that its royal residents slept without interruption. The only light present were the ones in the inner garden, illuminating the stony path towards the young lady's pavilion. Within the confines of her quarters, the young lady of only eighteen summers old laid on her futon in silence.

She was awake, thrust out of her rather pleasurable dream all bothered and downright flushed. Her eyes were fixated on the wooden ceiling in her room, her heartbeat steadying as she contemplated her situation.

This dilemma — it haunted her as she thought back to the majestic youkai lord. Their meeting was so brief. A small exchange between the two of them, while the youkai lord waited for an audience with her father. And yet, in that small exchange she learned that he was a well-known youkai lord who governed over the western lands. He was respected and respectful. A blush formed on her cheeks as she recalled his golden eyes gazing at her so intensely. She knew his name — Tōga, the great general. She knew his voice — the deep and warm tones of his baritone played in her memories.

She sat up on her futon, her hand resting on her chest as she tried to steady her racy heart. This man, this youkai, left such a deep imprint on her, invading her dreams. And the questioned remained — would she see him again?

Decided, the young lady rose to her feet. She reached for her kimono, ensuring her proper appearance as she redressed at once.

Then, with soft steps she made her way out of her quarters, eager to slip out of the wooden confines of the large estate. Her intentions were clear — make her way out of the estate and wander through the nearby lands. Although Izayoi had no idea where to look for the youkai lord — she knew one thing. She needed to see him once more, if only to ease her mind and brewing emotions. And if fate was willing, they would meet. And so, she walked forth.

Act 2. Tōga

Within the comforts of the western palace in the sky, Tōga, the youkai lord remained awake, looking towards the night sky. He was sitting comfortably on the wooden engawa, his golden eyes fixated on the patterns of stars that illuminated the dark of the sky. His palace was quiet — its residents asleep as he stayed alone with only his thoughts.

For a lord of his standing, the days seemed to carry on, filled with endless issues around his lands, possible attacks from other provinces, keeping him busy day in and day out. His teenage son was a handful, eager to fight and search for power at every given turn — no doubt caused by his mother's strict upbringing. Tōga had a lot on his plate. And yet, in a moment of solitude and peace his busy mind ventured often to the young woman he met but a moon cycle ago. Her name — he remembered her name, Izayoi. The way her name rolled off his lips excited him, and he found himself wanting to know more about her — this intriguing human that seemed to captivate his attention. He found her to be respectful, polite, and welcoming. He was not blind to her beauty either — if he were a simpler youkai, he would assume that the young lady bewitched him with the help of a shaman or a priestess. But he knew that this was a folly. For Tōga, this was something new. Never in his two thousand years had a woman quickened his heart with such ease, come aflutter with such fascination and eagerness. And she was a human.

He rose to his feet with determination. As he began to walk towards the bridge, ready to descend below, he felt a slight speck land on his shoulder.

"Master, where are you going?" the flea asked.

"Patrol. I will return by morning," Tōga answered with a calm voice.

The flea bounced off his master's shoulder and the tall youkai lord began to shift. His body elongated, transforming beautifully into a large silver dog. Then, without any delay he descended below, eager to see the young human lady once more — even from the distance.

Act 3. Moonlight

She breathed hard as she took step after step, farther away from the castle. It was not her intention to wander off permanently. No, she simply had the urge to seek out It was as if her own legs were carrying her towards her goal without giving it any thought. The moon was her guide, leading her west. As she reached the beginning of her favourite meadow, filled with wildflowers, she gazed ahead. Then, as she reached the lengthy meadow, her eyes fell onto the large youkai dog. It was standing in the middle of the meadow, its silver fur appeared nearly lit with the light of the moon. The beast turned its head towards the young lady, its red eyes deeply penetrating the young human who could easily become its prey. And yet, the young human did not dare to run. She took another step closer, wanting to examine the moonlit youkai.

"So beautiful," she nearly whispered, almost as if she hypnotized by the sight.

The beast then became aglow, its body slowly shifting into a humanoid form. Then, as he stood proudly in front her, she recognized the youkai lord that continuously occupied her thoughts. She felt nearly ecstatic at the sight and a small smile appeared on her lips.

"Do you not fear me?" Tōga questioned.

"No, I do not. How could I?" Izayoi replied, as she took a daring step forward.

Tōga remained still, simply observing the young human that dared to wander the lands at night.

"What is a young lady of noble birth doing outside without the safety of her estate?" Tōga asked with a playful tone, intrigued by the woman before him even more — surely, she wasn't foolish enough to wander the lands on her own, knowing there are many who would take her as prey with ease.

"I... I couldn't help myself. I wished to find someone," Izayoi answered, her gaze set to the ground, as if she were too shy to meet his molten gaze.

The youkai lord stepped forward, finding himself right in front of the young human. His clawed hand gently touched her chin, lifting it upwards to make her meet his line of sight. Izayoi breathed deeply as she found herself nearly drowning in his golden gaze. Her heart became racy at the sudden closeness between them.

"Who?" Tōga asked softly.

"You," she admitted boldly.

A small chuckle escaped the youkai lord's lips.

"Me? What have I done to deserve the pleasure of your company?" Tōga questioned, entertained by the lady's suddenly flushed cheeks.

"I wish to know more about you. Ever since we met, I often find myself wondering about you. I wish to know more," Izayoi admitted, her hand reaching to her face, eagerly tucking a strand of her black hair behind her ear.

Tōga smiled softly as he reached to touch her dark tresses, letting it glide through his hand.

"Perhaps, I will disappoint you," he said with a playful grin on his lips, just enough to flash his fangs.

Izayoi blushed at the sight, as if she was remembering her earlier dream, and how she dreamt about his fangs gliding against her skin.

"I sincerely doubt that," she managed to utter.

"You're a very beautiful woman," Tōga said.

"For a human?" Izayoi asked.

He took note of the doubt in her words, and already he found himself eager to ease her mind.

"Your humanity does not make you less appealing. If anything, it makes you more beautiful in my eyes. I have lived for more than two millennia, and yet I have never found myself drawn to another as I do to you," Tōga admitted.

"Then, I thank you for your kind words," Izayoi answered.

"My Lady, I must insist that I escort you back to the safety of your estate. The dawn is nearly upon us and I think it prudent for you to be within your walls unless you wish to cause an alarm," Tōga said, extending his arm towards her.

For a moment, she hesitated, unsure whether she wanted to end their little moonlit meeting in the meadow.

"Will I see you again?" Izayoi asked.

"If you wish it so," Tōga answered sincerely.

"I do," Izayoi said.

A smile appeared on the youkai lord's lips as the young lady took hold of his extended arm. He felt calm wash over him, basking in her gentle presence, his mind finally at ease. He glanced at the young woman and finally offered her an answer she seemed eager to hear.

"Then you will."

A/N: Thank you for reading my story! =DD