"My Lord, there's been talk among the ranks."
Ryuu turned his head, his cruelly curved horns glittering faintly. "Oh?"
The dragon servant hesitated, nervously. " My Lord, they are worried about facing The Lord of the West in battle , after his little performance with the cat's forces."
The dragon eyes her, thoughtfully. His long silver hair was tied up in a ponytail between his horns, and his red eyes gleamed. Patterns of silver scales that matched the tone of his tail glittered around his temple and the base of his neck.
"He was only able to pull that off thanks to his brother's sword. Now that Inuyasha is no threat, and Sesshomaru's mate is soon to be taken care of, we will be assured a victory. Have those points been made clear among the ranks? I suppose I'll have to be clearer to them, next time I speak."
He said, moodily, crossing one leg over the other and tapping a few clawed toes on the floor.
"I will reiterate those points myself, my Lord, if that is your will." She said, softly. She was a dragon yokai of lower rank- her scales were a shade of lavender, and her eyes were a deep blue.
"No need. I'll make a note of it." He muttered, picking up a quill and ink and adding softly, " Yuu, do you know why we're going after the Foo-Dog Palace first? Why we're going after the strongest of the four Zodiac rulers of these lands?"
She paused, and admitted, " I do not, my Lord." Cowering just a little. Sometimes her Lord's temper could be terrible.
"In order to kill any animal, you have to take away the thing that poses the most threat to you. If you want to kill a snake, you wouldn't start by chopping off it's tail, now, would you?" He murmured as his eyes went dark.
"Besides. That family has stood against us for too long. Against father. They are responsible for his death. It's about time they paid the blood price."
The rest of the Dragon Tribe was against the move, but they had no choice in the matter. Ryuu was the one on the throne, and the commander of their armies. The dragon yokai who wanted no part of this had already fled to other territories.
Those who remained, and were old enough to fight, were drafted. He needed a good mix of real soldiers, and puppets, if this little scheme of his was going to work.
If it succeeded, he would make sure there were no 'four main rulers' of the zodiac. The whole idea was ludicrous- some yokai blood was simply stronger than others. He and Sesshomaru were the peak of their kind. And once he took care of the Foo-Dogs, he would recreate the entire system.
Of course, he hadn't told that part to his soldiers. There was no need for them to know.
Their deaths would not be in vain.
"No, I suppose not. Shall I bring you some refreshments, my Lord?" She asked, standing and straightening her outfit. She was rather pretty… perhaps, he'd leave her here, rather than take her to the battlefield.
He wouldn't want to scar that pretty face of hers.
"Yes, I should like that very much. And Yuu?"
She met his eyes, letting him know she was paying attention.
"If there are any usurpers, make my guards dispose of them in the quickest, and cleanest way possible." His voice was cold, and steely. She nodded and left. And when he thought of Sesshomaru, his hand clenched into a fist, and blue blood ran down from it as his own claws pierced the flesh of his hand.
Real fear. That was what Sesshomaru had made him feel. It was absolutely unacceptable.
He would return the favor, tenfold. He would use the new swords he'd forged to render Bakusaiga useless. And after that, he'd make Sesshomaru watch as he killed every single one of those disgusting Daiyokai pups, right in front of him.
That would be a fitting end to his filthy line.
And then, perhaps, give the hanyou her life if she agreed to be his concubine. Inuyasha had been rather handsome- he was sure he'd be quite devastating as a female.
No one had the right to make the son of the Dragon Tribe feel inferior. His whole life he'd been assured of his superiority by everyone around him- friend and enemy.
Sesshomaru was the first Daiyokai to shatter his ego with a single glance. Dismiss him as if he were some common peasant. As if the Foo-Dog were his superior.
As if his rightful place was at Sesshomaru's feet.
He wouldn't get away with it. He would pay.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Diaozuan sat at the meeting.
One kit, the one with the opalescent markings, hung from his fangs contentedly, fast asleep. The other, an albino, mewled softly in his lap. Sesshomaru's kits. They were getting so big already. He would be proud to show the Foo-Dog how much they'd grown.
The female fox yokai at his right cooed over them as quietly as she could.
A representative of the rat tribe finally spoke." My Lord, you must call for aid. The Fox Tribe cannot withstand the forces of the Dragon Tribe, our own branched- off rebellion, and whatever other forces the Dragons manage to collect."
Sadao, flame of the south-east, snarled. " And who will come? Tigers? Roosters? We are not so fortunate in our friends as you." He got quieter, " I do not understand this. The Dragons and the Foxes have always been allied, since as far back as I can remember. Something must have pricked that young dragon's pride."
But who could possibly cause the dragon to wage war like this?
An insult? A woman? A feud? The dragon was risking so much, and Sadao could not fathom the payoff. The Fox Tribe was a secure Palace, and had a good stretch of land, but they were not nearly as wealthy as the Tiger or Foo-Dogs.
Diaozuan was thinking of Sesshomaru. He knew the Foo-Dog had had a meeting with the young dragon some time ago that hadn't exactly gone over smoothly.
Sesshomaru had also told him about Toshi's vision, and the imminent attack on the Foo-Dog Palace.
Diaozuan settled the black kit in his lap and turned to his father. " I think it may have been a meeting with Sesshomaru. My mate isn't exactly known for his… welcoming demeanor. Perhaps this is a backhanded way of getting revenge on both of us."
Sadao sighed. He could see that as a factor. The young Dragon's arrogance and ego was pretty much known throughout the kingdoms.
" The catalyst matters not, I suppose. We must get accurate numbers of how many yokai the Dragon has managed to collect before they start marching for our borders. We assume they are going to strike us first, and the Foo-Dog Palace if they have strength left."
Diaozuan had a bad feeling about that assumption, though. Somehow it didn't ring right. They hadn't been able to prove that the poisoner of his brother was related to Ryuu's attack, but the timing was too good. The Dragon had forced Diaozuan to the Fox Tribe for a reason- to get him away from the Foo-Dog Palace for a while. So why on earth would he go for them first?
The white kit started to whine, and he groomed its ears gently.
"Shall I go, father?" Diaozuan asked.
Sadao shook his head. " I want you and the kits here, safe. I don't want you playing into his hands." The fox was a little frustrated with the answer, but he did understand. No one's safety could be secured beyond their shield- not even his own.
Diaozuan looked down at the babies. Daiki's eyes were his own- a soft greyish color that was turning to purple. The other had Sesshomaru's gaze- a glittering, piercing yellow.
When he made eye contact with them they gave him happy little chirps and mewls.
He heard his father giving directions as to who was going where, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Something is wrong. But I promise, I will protect you. And all the other Foo-Dogs. I will protect my family no matter what.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Sesshomaru's golden eye squinted. He was as silent as a shadow, perched just outside of Inyasha's village in one of the tall tree.
His long tail wrapped around the thick branch, perfectly balanced. Sunlight dappled his clothes. He was a vision of perfection: from the long silver length of hair, to the glittering claws that lightly gripped the bark of the tree as he sniffed.
He could still smell her.
Kaori had not left the human village.
His hand clenched angrily. Stubborn ningen woman. As long as she was here, Inuyasha was not safe. Even in her female form Sesshomaru knew Inuyasha would feel some kind of obligation to protect her if the village was attacked by demons.
Her presence was a threat to Inuyasha's safety. And that would not be tolerated.
Still. I suppose I should be courteous and let Inuyasha know before making her return to her own time.
That, or killing her. Sesshomaru absolutely would not endure any lure for Inuyasha to leave the Palace until she'd finished training that woman's body to the best of her ability. Turning into a tiny dot of light, Sesshomaru returned to the Palace in record time.
"Inuyasha."
Sesshomaru peeked in on the hanyou. She was currently playing with a few of the pups- Rin and Inukezi were off to the side, laughing at the hanyou's antics.
The hanyou paused when Sesshomaru called her name. "Yeah what?"
Toshi was in her arms, and his fluffy black tail gave a wag seeing her 'mother'. Katsu went to Sesshomaru's side in his human form and nuzzled on his leg. Clearly wanting affection. The Daiyokai set a hand gently in his silver hair and smoothed it with his claws. Unconsciously grooming out the mats and impurities as he spoke to Inuyasha.
"That ningen woman has not left the village. Apparently, she must be… encouraged to remove herself from this era. You will not prevent me from doing this." His voice was low and cold and Inuyasha was surprised at its venom.
She set Toshi in Inukezi's arms and ruffled his fur before saying carefully, " Sesshomaru. You're not exactly… kind when it comes to delivering bad news. Would you at least let me try to get her to go first? I think she'll listen to me better even though I'm like this." She muttered, giving an irritated flick of her hand to indicate her female form.
A delicate brow raised for a moment. For some reason, the idea of Inuyasha being outside the Palace for any reason chafed his yokai the wrong way, and he could feel it grumbling under his porcelain skin.
I am being protective.
Sesshomaru realized suddenly, and sighed. "Very well. You get an attempt. But you must not leave my sight Inuyasha. Not once."
Inuyasha's soft silver ears slicked back against her skull with anger and resentment. But she knew in her heart he was right to worry. This body was still much weaker than she would like and … considering what had happened last time at the village, she couldn't blame Sesshomaru for being a bit overprotective.
"Fine, fine, whatever." She ganced over at Rin and Inukezi, "You two cool with looking after the pups for a bit?" and Rin nodded, answering for both of them. "For sure! They're super cute. Especially Toshi." Toshi bathed under the praise while Katsu huffed, "What? What about me?" Transforming and hopping into her lap as well, begging for attention.
Inukezi held the sleeping Ame and petted her little silver head, tucking her paws so she wouldn't fall off of his lap. "Yeah. We'll watch 'em. No worries. Besides, Tiao-Wen and Wumei are both here too."
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru nodded and together, they took their leave.
It was easy enough getting over the gigantic red walls of the Palace, but Sesshomaru found Inuyasha couldn't keep up as well as she used to.
She was slower- and a bit more clumsy. Tripping over branches or undergrowth in the forest more than once. As he observed her though, he realized it wasn't clumsiness- it was simply that her legs were shorter than before. She still wasn't used to this new body's proportions, especially when moving fast.
The second time it happened, Sesshomaru made an irritated noise in his throat, scooping her into his arms bridal-style and heading off.
"Oi! Put me down, asshole! I can do it!" She hissed, squirming in his grip. He stopped for a moment and snarled, " If you contest me on this, I will talk to the ningen myself." his yellow eyes assuring her that was a promise, not a suggestion.
He waited in silence for her answer.
Birds chirped softly overhead and the smell of many low-level demons reached Sesshomaru's nose. They avoided his scent… however, he noted to his dismay that Inuyasha's scent was causing some to linger. To wait for an opportunity to attack should Inuyasha be left alone. Inuyasha's ears perked towards the noise, and she seemed to notice the same thing.
Her heart sank.
Sesshomaru was right. Her scent was attracting demons, lured by the Foo-Dog blood running through her veins and the fact that she was trapped in this body.
Unknown to her, Sesshomaru increased the heaviness of his own aura all around her to conceal her scent. Today was not a day for accidents, after all.
"Fine." She muttered, and they moved on.
In no time at all they were in the human village. It looked the same as always- wooden structures, rooflines weighed down by rocks. Peaceful rice fields blooming with crops. Dirt roads and wooden bridges littered the landscape. Sesshomaru set Inuyasha down gently and let the hanyou take the lead. The Daiyokai crossing his arms and ignoring the reaction that his presence brought to the village.
Understandably, they were not quite friendly. They were used to seeing the hanyou but certainly not to seeing Sesshomaru. He followed Inuyasha in silence and ignored the wary glares from the humans, and the awed stares of the children who had never seen a Daiyokai like him before, and were not likely to see his sort again.
Soon enough Sango emerged from a hut near the end of the village, waving and carrying what looked like yet another one of Miroku's offspring. Miroku seemed to be catching up to Sesshomaru when it came to creating an army of children.
" Inuyasha! I'm so glad you're all right. I-"She paused, noting her gender change. Sesshomaru had let her and the others know the hanyou was all right, but Inuyasha hadn't come to visit since being poisoned. The gender change was a little more subtle than Sesshomaru's thanks to her small bust, but her facial features and the way the fire rat robe fell along her hips betrayed her.
" Oh,my goodness, what happened to you?" She said, and couldn't help but cup the hanyou's face in surprise. Inuyasha let out an irritated huff, while Sesshomaru clarified, " An effect of the poison drunk at this location."
Sango felt extremely guilty. She was supposed to escort him back to the castle, and she'd failed.
" I am sorry beyond words. There were so many of them, by the time I got to you… " She trained off and murmured, " It's not permanent is it?" looking into Inuyasha's yellow orbs. She shrugged uncomfortably and Sango's gaze drifted to Sesshomaru.
" Perhaps. We will see." Was the Daiyokai's answer, and Sango weakly joked, " Well, at least you're just as striking, male or female." Before adding with some seriousness,
"Inuyasha-"
The hanyou could tell she was about to launch into a big apology and cut her off, " Look, it's not big deal, and that's not the reason I'm here anyway. I need to talk to Kaori." She noted Miroku leaving the hut as well, and watching the two Foo-Dog's with interest.
Miroku said softly, " She's down collecting herbs by the river. I can go get her for you?" and Inuyasha waved a hand, clicking her tongue in irritation.
" No worries. I'll go talk to her. And maybe I'll come visit you guys when all this girl nonsense is over. It's about time we caught up. I just gotta take care of this first."
The monk nodded, and Sango joined his side as they watched the two Foo-Dogs head off towards the river near the edge of the other side of the village. The monk watched the way Sesshomaru followed Inuyasha and is eyes widened in surprise.
" Sango. Look. Sesshomaru's shielding Inuyasha."
"What? No, don't be ridiculous." She murmured, squinting, looking for the demonic aura. Sure enough though, her husband was correct- even though most humans couldn't see it, Sesshomaru was projecting his demonic aura all around the hanyou, shielding her scent from other demons. It was a common trick among demons to protect their young, siblings or mates, but only worked when they were very close.
Hence, why Sesshomaru had instructed that the hanyou remain within eyeshot.
She didn't know what to say-she was pretty speechless. It seemed so out of character for Sesshomaru to do such a thing, especially for Inuyasha.
"He's protecting her." She whispered under her breath. " I can't believe it."
Miroku muttered " I can. You should've seen him when he went after Kaori." He still remembered it clear as day: Sesshomaru's eyes huge pits of blue ice and hellfire, his teeth doglike, his demonic aura so heavy that the air around them seemed to turn to water. Inuyasha had been tucked tight to his chest, pale as death and barely visible under those red and white sleeves.
If he dies, you die, wench.
" Sango. What I saw that day wasn't the fury of a sibling protecting another sibling. That was the fury of a yokai protecting his mate." Miroku muttered under his breath and his hand tightened on the staff.
Her soft brown eyes stared at him in shock before turning back to the two Foo-Dogs, watching them disappearing into the forest.
" It cannot be." She whispered, leaning into her husband as she watched them go.
The birdsong stopped when Sesshomaru entered the woods. The local flora and fauna were more than aware of his hunting patterns and wanting to stay well clear of him. He followed behind Inuyasha and let the hanyou lead the way.
Indeed, the ningen girl was pulling up some herbs that grew near the shoreline when she saw Inuyasha. She nearly fell in her haste to get to him, chuckling her basket off to one side and enveloping the hanyou in a tight hug which seemed to surprise Inuyasha.
"Oh, thank God. Inuyasha, I am so, so sorry, I didn't mean to-" She paused then, feeling the smaller frame and suddenly aware of the changes to Inuyasha's facial features. Inuyasha was taken aback for a moment too, seeing five long scratches on her face.
From Sesshomaru, no doubt. She recognized the nails- she'd treated many scratches on her own hide from those claws.
"Inuyasha…" he trailed off, looking at the hanyou in amazement. Her gaze shifted to the Daiyokai behind Inuyasha nervously.
She sighed, tucking little puppy ears back. " Oi! Can you give us a bit more room?" Sesshomaru sneered a bit but backed off, going back to the long line of trees and leaning against one of them.
"Yeah, um. Look, this isn't even about this-" Inuyasha gestured to herself dismissively, " This is about something else. Would you sit with me?"
She nodded, still amazed by the hanyou's change. She was happy to see Inuyasha alive and felt extremely guilty knowing that this change of gender must have been her fault. She sat down beside the Foo-Dog, and for a while, their talk was quiet and respectful. However, things changed when Inuyasha got to the subject of her leaving.
" I need you to leave, Kaori. And until all of this is fixed, I… you can't come back. It'll be too dangerous." Inuyasha explained nervously, her claws kneading a bit in her red pants. She shrugged off the fire rat robe with a huff. Too damn hot for the armor, just then.
Kaori murmured, " I'm not just going to leave like that. I can help you and your family with my purification powers."
" Look, the people we're up against are way outta your league. Hell, they're nearly out of Sesshomaru's. That's why they did this to me- and I'm pretty sure they meant to kill me, if Sesshomaru hadn't gotten in the way. And I don't… " Inuyasha hesitated, then murmured,
" I don't think… I feel the same way about you than you feel about me."
She stared in amazement, and then started to get a little heated. " You… What? You were the one who kissed me first! You were the one always hanging around the well, waiting for me to come back!"
Her ears pinned back- knowing that Kaori was right. " That's true. But you look exactly like someone I used to know and love dearly. And… I realized after spending some time away from you that I was projecting that onto you. And forcing something that isn't really there. I am so sorry."
Kaori took her arm, and Inuyasha winced slightly.
"Look… are you letting that-" She chanced another look at Sesshomaru before lowering her voice, unaware that of course the demon could still hear her. " Are you letting that monster push you around? Is that what this is? He's making some move on you because you're female, and now he's forcing you to say this?"
Her grip hurt. Inuyasha's ears pinned back. " No! I was going to tell you the day I got poisoned. And he's not a monster, so you can shut up about that." She said, her hackles raising a little.
"Not a- Inuyasha. He is a monster, and worse. Look what he did to my face! I'm going to have this for the rest of my life! And now, it turns out you don't feel the same way, even though you were the one leading me on all this time- you bastard…" She whispered as tears began to stream down her face.
Inuyasha tried to wriggle out of her grip, only to gasp in surprise and pain when she was yanked closer.
"Kaori, if you hurt me, Sesshomaru will-" She tried to warn, but the girl was too far gone.
"Will what? I honestly- how the hell could you feel anything for that man, and only feel friendship for me?" She said in disbelief. " There is no feeling in him, Inuyasha. No love. No emotions. You know what I saw, when I looked into his eyes? Hell, and darkness."
Inuyasha was distinctly uncomfortable, at this point. This was supposed to be her leaving, not her interrogating the hanyou about her feelings for Sesshomaru.
" You don't know the other sides of him Kaori. He's selfless, and as loving as anyone I've ever met, including you. And this isn't even about him, this is about you, leaving. So can we-"
She interrupted him." Look me in the eyes and say that you never loved me." Kaori whispered, searching yellow orbs.
Inuyasha's ears slicked against her head, and her gaze became hard, and a little sad.
" I never loved you, Kaori. I wish that I- ouch!" Inuyasha yelped as her nails bit through to the hanyou's caramel skin.
There was a flash of bright light.
Shit.
Inuyasha thought, covering her eyes and yelling out, " Sesshomaru, no!" well before she could see. She felt a lot of movement though, and heard Kaori's cry of pain as well as an inhuman snarl from Sesshomaru.
He had her pinned to the ground with one black-leather shoe. One foot was on her shoulder while the other was on her hand, pinning it down to prevent her from trying to move. His long hair hung in a glittering curtain to one side of his head, framing his terrifying gaze. The whites of his eyes were pale pink and the golden color was starting to slip as well. His lips drawn back in a horrid silent snarl. A long line of poisonous drool dripped gracefully from his lip to her exposed collarbone, hissing, the skin blistering as she cried in pain.
"She hurt you. This is the second time." Sesshomaru hissed at Inuyasha, not at all understanding the hanyou's logic. His claws dripping their poison, right next to her head. A little round patch of grass withering and dying with a sad hiss.
"I know. just- send her down the well. Please. Do this for me." Inuyasha whispered, looking down into her terrified eyes.
This is all my fault.
Kaori was right in that regard. Inuyasha shouldn't have led her on. And she also should have recognized how protective of her Sesshomaru was becoming, and warned her well before they had this little chat.
Sesshomaru straightened up after a moment. From his hand a long whip appeared. He wrapped it carefully around his hand before snapping it out at her ankles.
Inuyasha's breath caught in her throat. "Sesshomaru-"
The long whip lifted Kaori high into the air, and Inuyasha saw her disappear down the well with a scream as the whip suddenly let go. A painful trip back home to be sure. But she was alive, and that was the important thing.
Sesshomaru's gaze went to the well, then to Inuyasha.
"You will not prevent the destruction of this artifact. You have suffered enough." Sesshomaru snarled. And through their connection the hanyou could tell exactly what he meant.
Inuyasha sighed and her shoulders drooped.
He's not wrong. I'm so… so tired. I don't want to be hurt anymore.
I want to stay here, in this era. No more girls from another time, please. I couldn't take even one more.
After a moment, she nodded.
The Daiyokai drew his sword and whispered, " Bakusaiga." Pointing the blade at the Bone-Eater's well. Green electricity shot from the end and curled all around the Bone-Eater's well, encircling it in corrosive light. The rocks soon disintegrated, some exploding while others turned into a kind of slippery horrid lava. The smell was incredible and Inuyasha coughed a few times, fanning the air in front of her.
Gazing wistfully at what was left and clutching the beads that were always in her right pocket . The beads of subjugation. It felt bad destroying the well but… there was something terribly freeing about it as well.
"Sesshomaru, what the hell was all the other stuff-" She began, startling a bit to find him a little too close, moving the sleeve up to inspect the injury.
It wasn't too bad- four little red welts, two with spots of blood. Nothing major.
"See? It wasn't anything worth throwing a fit over. Honestly." She chided, then yelped as she felt his tongue swipe across the little marks deftly.
"What the actual hell, you mangy-" She paused when she inspected the arm. Watching in surprise and amazement as the little wounds closed, leaving strong scabs in their wake.
"No need to thank me." Sesshomaru said dryly, fixing her sleeve and folding it just so, his tail giving a few irritated flicks.
"Thank you." She murmured anyway. Her gaze lowering to the ground as she glanced over at the well one last time. Feeling the weight of Sesshomaru's hand on her shoulder and his warmth next to her.
" I do not understand why you let her hurt you." Sesshomaru murmured. Inuyasha had claws of her own after all, and her sword was still at her hip.
Inuyasha's gaze was glazed, almost thoughtful. " I thought that if she did, it'd make her feel better. Maybe hurting me would get all her anger out and she could leave happy. Or at least with closure."
She was reminded painfully of all the times she'd been 'sat' by Kagome in their youth. And again, of the imbalance in their relationship.
"Ridiculous." He murmured as he smoothed a strand of her hair with his claws. A light blush sprang to her face and she huffed, ignoring it.
" Also.. you know, for not killing her. That was good. So, thanks for that too I suppose."
Sesshomaru's tail moved to the ground and wrapped around her bare feet. Keeping them warm. How was his fur always so white and free of debris and dirt? That was his real magical talent. She looked back to the ground, her emotions in turmoil. Inuyasha hadn't meant for it to end like this between them.
Sesshomaru noted her expression, and pulled her into his arms. And this time she didn't bother yanking away or barking how she was all right.
No.
Instead, she stayed in his arms for some time. Her cheek pressed to his chest plate and her ears tucked tight against her head. Listening to his heartbeat and drawing strength from him.
Eventually, Sesshomaru broke the silence, gently letting her go.
"You defended me when she described me as a monster." His tone was observant and light but his expression slightly serious.
"Of course I did, you ass. She just saw the nastier side of you, and I'm sorry she didn't get to know you the way that I do, but that didn't give her a right to insult you like that. You were just angry I was poisoned, for crying out loud." Inuyasha muttered, shrugging on the outside of her fire rat robes with his help.
"Do you think of me as selfless and loving?" He murmured, again, voice soft and distant.
Inuyasha faltered a bit before deflecting, "What? You mad or something? Would you rather I launch into all of your bad traits first?"
Thank you Inuyasha.
She looked up in surprise when she felt a hand on her cheek again. Inuyasha caught the look in his gaze, recognizing that tiny change in expression by now. Butterflies fluttered suddenly in her stomach.
And this time when he leaned down for a kiss, she got up on her tiptoes. Meeting him halfway.
It was a wonderful kiss- gentle, but with just enough teeth sucking on lip to keep it interesting. His flavor was wonderful too… citrus with just a hint of sweetness, like… that one drink Kagome brought …lemonade. Her hands slipped around his shoulders and her body scooted gently closer. More butterflies when she felt the sinful way his shoulders tapered down to a very muscled and taunt torso and hips.
What the hell am I even doing? Hello? Anyone in there? This is goddamn Sesshomaru you're making out with!
A voice in her head protested, but she shoved it away. It was a beautiful day and... just for a moment, she wanted to flirt.
Fuck, Sesshomaru was beautiful in this light.
Her fingers played with his hair, wrapping around the strands like string until she had a nice fistful of it. It was funny… she didn't really notice when her legs started to snake around him so that he had to sit down. Or even, the fact that she was pulled gently into his lap. No… she was busy concentrating on those lips, and those beautiful pointed ears. Busy placing kisses on his stripes, and the shell of that ear, and the line of his jaw. Giggling and pinching her shoulder and head together, trying to block him from nipping at her neck even though she was clearly enjoying it.
Fuck. We're flirting, and I'm enjoying it.
Her skin broke out in shivers at his playful growl as he shoved past her little barrier, scraping the skin so gently with his fangs. Leaving long pink tingling marks that she felt heal almost instantly.
She growled in return and pushed him down into the long grass, feeling it ticking along her elbows and back. "Don't-not fair." She huffed and nipped at his skin in revenge, pulling down his stupid kimono and leaving little pink marks carefully all along his collar and neck, just around Diaozuan's mark. In a bout if insanity,her mind wandered and though:
I wish I could mark him.
"As if you could tell me what to do, Inuyasha." He teased her, and her growl deepened. She sucked carefully at each spot, making sure each mark stayed put. He was huffing and chuckling softly as she did so and she could feel the heaviness of his arm around her shoulders. He let her do as she pleased, his tail swishing lowly in the grass as a pretty pink dusted his pale cheeks.
Then she pressed another rough kiss to his lips for good measure. "There. That's your punishment." This produced another soft sweet laugh from him, which tugged at her heartstrings. But as she pulled away, their eyes met.
His eyes were the best part of every sunrise, every sunset. Of flames and gold and glittering jewels. Of the most beautiful shades of summer, and the sweet beginnings of autumn. Framed in pure white, feathery lashes. They were half-lowered as well in a… well.
He had an expression that made something hot clench inside her. Her breath caught in her throat.
His hair was spread among the grass like a spilled jug of pure mercury. Poking through were the occasional tiny wild daises, sweetly pink. A lovely compliment to those double stripes on each cheek, so dark and masculine like red wine. Begging to be kissed and stroked and complimented.
He was warm underneath her, around her. Warm and alive.
And if she wanted, he would be there with her.
Forever.
A feeling in her chest was close to bursting, rushing through her veins. All the way to her core.
The worst part was, it wasn't just physical attraction. She was attracted to his aloofness, his ability to restrain himself. His unending amounts of love towards Inukezi and Ame. His willingness to give Inuyasha the space she needed rather than to force her into being his mate.
And most recently… his support and protection. Never in his life had Inuyasha had the luxury of feeling safe. A gift that only Sesshomaru provided.
Her hand went to his cheek, the tan skin such a contrast to his perfect porcelain. Sesshomaru could feel the slight tremble in her hand.
"Inuyasha?" He asked very softly, sitting up just a little and lacing her hand with his, sensing distress.
"Oh God, Sesshomaru. I really am starting to fall for you." She whispered in quiet wonder. It was really happening.
Saying it out loud was the best, and worst thing. The best because she had to stop denying, now. The worst because it was so painful admitting it was happening. Sesshomaru's expression softened, and he sat up a bit more. Pulling her gently into his lap and comforting her.
As am I for you, Inuyasha.
It is a little frightening for me, too.
She gripped tight to his form,and felt a kiss being pressed to her folded ear. And through their connection she knew his words rang true.
She could feel his hesitation, his stubborn layers. But underneath, she could feel that affection burning in his veins, too. Bright and beautiful and pure.
He carried her in quiet contentment back to the Palace.
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EatEmUp- Yeah, I actually based Diaozuan's personality off of a character I really like, so I'm glad you like him too. He and Inuyasha offer Sesshomaru different things as mates, so I'm trying really hard to have them fall in love differently, if that makes sense lol xD
No Fan of Kikyo- Well, I'm thinking of keeping it to body only( with only one or 2 exceptions). As silly as it sounds I don't want Sesshomaru too overpowered because that'd be boring. But he's gonna get an upgrade for his final boss, so no worries
Smiles- No, sorry xD Sesshomaru is 100% done with that nonsense. However, you will be getting lots of Inuyasha, so hopefully that will sate your thirst for fem characters for a while xD