Chapter Sixty
'What the fuck is going on?!'
Sesshoumaru's brow twitched, blocking out everyone else's voices as Mother made her typical dramatic entrance, Kisho and Kagome left to question her.
'I was gonna hurt Kagome- shit- is that Sesshoumaru's blood still in my mouth? And why am I covered in fur?!'
Shifting into a crouch, Sesshoumaru slowly stood while Kagome fussed, golden eyes sliding away. He had better things to do than speak with his idiotic brother. He could figure things out for himself.
'I can't believe I lost control again.' Inuyasha whimpered, drawing into himself. 'Fuck, it would've been better if I'd ended up dead. I should've just committed to going with Kikyo.'
Barring sharp teeth, a snarl bellowed out of his throat- hissing free the second he gripped Inuyasha by the hackles and tugged- yanking the inuyoukai upright from his drooped position.
"Be silent, you fool," his damaged arm shook, straining from the weight. "You dare dishonor the efforts of those who fought to keep you alive? Miserable wretch. You are no inuyoukai, nothing more than a feeble mutt."
Inuyasha lifted his head, ears perking. 'Inu...youkai?'
Sneering, Sesshoumaru tightened his grip, lifting the oversized pup over to a water trough- front paws splashing into it. "See for yourself."
His brother stiffened, gazing at his wobbly reflection with astonishment. 'I-it can't be. I'm a full demon?'
Releasing him, sweat beaded on Sesshoumaru's brow. His wound flared, sending sharp stabs of pain shooting up his arm.
A gentle, sweet scent brushed his senses, Kagome suddenly against his side.
"Sesshoumaru-" her voice rang clear. "Let's get out of here and clean your arm. Inuyasha," she addressed the dazed inuyoukai, who dimly met her gaze. "We'll talk later. Or uh- you talk and someone will translate for me," she winced. "Kisho says he'll watch over you for now. Please do as he says and try to stay nice and calm."
Inuyasha's nose twitched, turning his attention back to his changed reflection, nodding slightly.
Sesshoumaru allowed Kagome to lead him outside the stables, secretly enjoying her soft body against his side, the faintest guiding touch on the base of his spine.
He barked orders at his men to replace the stationed guards, irritation marring his brow the second he realised Mother trailed after them.
Amusement coloured her scent, which meant a headache was on the horizon.
Sitting in the wet room adjoining his private springs, Sesshoumaru sat bare-chested on the cool tiled floor, knees folded. He gazed off into the distance beyond curling steam rising from his hot-springs outside, some heat wafting in through the open double doors, trying to ignore Kagome's gentle ministrations as she cleaned the blood off his arm. Mother leaned against the threshold of the hallway behind them.
"So you're Sesshoumaru's mother? It's nice to meet you," the miko forced a smile, guilt and worry lingering in her scent. Sesshoumaru wished to wipe them away- the emotions only worsening the more she tended to his wound.
"Hm," Inukimi fanned herself, smiling mysteriously.
He stifled a sigh, "why are you here?"
"I heard tell of you picking up some pets, so I decided to come for a visit to meet them. This is a far cry from hatching that dragon egg as a pup, is it not?"
"The miko is my weapon," he dismissed, before experiencing something strange. His chest tightened, tongue feeling heavy in his mouth from the lie. "And...companion," he reluctantly amended, sensing Kagome's aura glow. "The rest are part of my pack, all of this is nothing noteworthy. You truly must have little else to occupy you, Mother- if you saw fit to come here for such a flimsy reason."
A tinkling giggle swallowed the room, setting his teeth on edge.
"You remain adorably petulant, son. How amusing," sharp eyes smiled at him from above her fan. "These pets must mean a great deal to you if you're biting this easily."
Kagome looked between them, obviously sensing the undercurrent of tension in the air.
If the Western Stronghold was a viper's nest, then Mother would be classed as the snake charmer. She could detect weakness easily. Sesshoumaru had learned to craft a blank expression from her example, and from necessity.
"U-um," the miko cut in, palm resting absentmindedly on his elbow. His skin sang. "If you'd like, we can all have a meal together or something. Get to know each other?"
Inukimi gave a condescending giggle, dropping her fan to hide her mouth behind her perfect, deadly nails. Golden eyes danced. "A splendid idea- but I have no need for the others. You and I may converse over tea."
Kagome straightened, an assessing look entering her gaze. She nodded slowly, not backing down from the silent challenge, "sure, that would be nice."
Sesshoumaru's lips lifted in a silent sneer, mokomoko bristling.
"I'll grab you some fresh clothes," Kagome stood, catching his eye and smiling- clearly trying to reassure him. She slipped past his mother in the doorway made a hasty retreat down the hallway.
Mother turned smiling eyes upon him.
"There is no need for your meddling here, Mother. Leave us be."
"No thank you, I am much too curious," she tilted her head with a considering air, humming. "Has she guessed your True Name?"
Sesshoumaru started, blood freezing. The idea of such a thing ever happening was impossible, like trying to locate an individual tear dropped into the ocean. He tsked elegantly. "Do not be foolish."
"I was just wondering- since only something grievous or important would make you sentimental enough to start ferrying around a mortal. Something as farfetched as True Names would fit~"
"She knows nothing of our fairy tales. Putting that aside, no prospective mate speaks True Names anymore."
"Ah, so she is a prospective mate?"
"I did not say that," he fought to keep himself cool and detached, the exposed, burned flesh of his arm making things difficult. "I spoke truth to you, she is a companion."
"That is a strange word for a lover," Inukimi tapped her chin, adjusting her furs. "And yet, despite what that flea told me, it appears she remains a virgin, and I see no mark on her. However," red lips curved upwards, "witnessing your display of fierce protectiveness towards her earlier throws everything into question. I will remain, and observe your bond further before passing judgment."
"Do what you wish. You should know better than to listen to the gossip of vermin," he grunted dismissively. "This Sesshoumaru has no plans to heed any judgment you pass."
Inukimi smiled indulgently, snapping her fan shut. "Very well. I have to say though, putting her presence here aside, I am equally as curious about you allowing that puppy into our midst. You despised his mother so vehemently."
Sesshoumaru did not answer, falling into a pensive silence.
When Kagome peered into the room once more, Mother had left.
The miko glanced around, cradling a folded hankimono, obi and hakama pants.
"She is gone, you needn't tarry."
"Right," she cleared her throat, walking in and resting his fine clothes on the side.
"She seems…like a lot to handle."
He smiled, reading her face. "Hn. Very."
"Powerful too, but I guess that's to be expected since she's your Mom," Kagome shrugged, tucking some stray wisps of dark hair behind her ear. "Do you… need any assistance?" she winced gesturing to his remaining hakama pants. Blood marred the creamy colour.
He arched a brow, "you wish to strip me? I suppose it has been some time since you assisted me to disrobe."
"No! I just figured your arm might make dressing and undressing painful, and it's my fault you got the injury in the first place."
Sesshoumaru stood, golden eyes narrowing as he crooked a finger. "Very well, miko. Come here."
Kagome stiffened, blushing. Carefully drawing closer, she visibly steeled herself, grasping his obi as blue eyes avoided his bare abdomen.
"Speaking of my injuries: What happened?" he quietly demanded as she loosened the knot.
Kagome sighed, fanning hot breath over his skin. "I tried using my reiki to wake Inuyasha. It was stupid-"
"Indeed," he sneered, leaning down and invading her personal space. "Why did you attempt such a thing during my absence?"
"I wasn't thinking!" Kagome threw up her hands, obi dropping to the floor.
"Clearly," white teeth flashed.
"He'd been sleeping so long that I was starting to go mad with worry! I wanted to try something- anything! How was I supposed to know it would work?" she snipped, grabbing his hakama pants and tugging them down.
Sesshoumaru's simmering growl abruptly cut off. It was difficult to argue when she bent over in such a position, patting his leg to prompt him to step out of the pants.
Kagome pressed full, tempting lips together, face blazing crimson as she hurriedly straightened. She grabbed the fresh set of pants, gaze avoiding his fundoshi like the plague.
Air from the open doors leading out into the humid springs brushed teasingly over his flesh. Sesshoumaru suddenly felt keenly aware of his exposed stripes. They ached, thrumming- calling out for touch.
"I will do the rest," he grit out, reaching out and taking the pants, spreading them accordingly on the floor. His arm screamed from the use, face contorting with irritation.
"It's fine, don't be stubborn," Kagome growled, wrestling the pants up his firm thighs, hands accidentally smoothing over his ass to settle the material at his hips.
Sesshoumaru jerked and hissed as she touched a hip stripe. He grabbed her petite hand, exhaling shakily.
Blue eyes rounded, the miko looking at him.
"Are you okay?"
Taking a few measured breaths, Sesshoumaru gave into temptation slightly. Burying his nose in dark hair, he filled his lungs with the scent of holy powers. He exhaled shakily, feeling her shudder in response, as though attuned to his every move.
Kagome's hands met his chest gently, her fingers slightly scarred with marks from training.
They fell silent for a while, ensuring their world stabilized. They couldn't afford to tip the balance too heavily, or they'd careen off the edge of 'friendship.' Plummet from the heights of what they had built so carefully and tenderly.
Kagome touched his ribs, giving a pat. "Ready to keep going?"
"Hn."
She dressed him in an expensive hankimono and obi wordlessly, guiding his damaged arm through the sleeve and tying the knot at his front expertly.
Her cheeks remained stained with rouge. After finishing, she stepped back and smiled, looking him up and down.
"What is it?"
"Nothing- it's just-" Kagome met his gaze, speaking with endearment. "You look good in pink."
He hummed, golden eyes straying away as he brushed his hand over the hankimono. What a silly thing to say. Of course he did. And yet for some unfathomable reason, his face heated slightly.
"Next time; you will stop to assess situations more thoroughly."
She nodded in agreement, guilt briefly curling in her scent. "For what it's worth; I'm really sorry. I feel...really awful about it."
Sesshoumaru tilted his head down, voice lowering into silken, clandestine tones as silver hair fanned around her. "You know how to apologize to me, miko."
Kagome's entrancing blue eyes searched his face, and she frowned. "Inuyoukai language? I thought we agreed we weren't doing that anymore."
"If you can handle stripping and dressing me, or sleeping beside this one, a mere press of the mouth on the jaw will make no difference," he scoffed. "Or would you prefer I deliver a punishing bite? You are due a hard one, considering your lack of foresight earlier."
Kagome stepped back, huffing with dismissal and busying herself with picking up his clothes.
"...This one has come to learn of a human term while in the future," Sesshoumaru mused, fixing his collar and wiping imaginary lint off one shoulder. Time for a different tactic.
"Hm?"
"I believe we should engage in casual dating," he said offhandedly, noticing her back stiffen. There it was again- the edge of the bond. Shapeless, formless, and yet both felt it keenly; the worry that change brought. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat, stupidly continuing to speak when she did not answer. "You said only a 'boyfriend' may take such liberties with your person," he clarified, "and dating would-"
Kagome shifted to look at him over one shoulder, eyes narrowed into an offended glare. She dropped his clothes, hands curling into loose fists. "Oh. Oh, I see how it is," she growled, causing him to blink. Kagome jabbed a finger in his direction, "you just want an excuse. Any 'human term' will do if you can get your way, right? Well I hate to break it to you bucko-"
Bucko?
"-but being offered a chance to date the illustrious lord Sesshoumaru in order to be his chew toy isn't as flattering as you might think it is. And you're all outta luck!- because I don't 'casually' date. Sorry, buddy."
Sesshoumaru could only stare uncomprehendingly as she stormed to the doorway.
"I'm going to check on Inuyasha," Kagome paused. "Did Souta give you a reply letter?"
"Indeed."
"Then you should give it to Rin," she grunted, gaze becoming conflicted. "Get something for your arm. It still looked sore," Kagome added, before leaving without another word.
"Hn."
Golden eyes blinked, then blinked again. What had happened in the space of a few seconds to change things so swiftly? And, more importantly...
Did she just reject this Sesshoumaru?