CotA: Hey people! I'm back with a new chappie! I've decided to continue this story thanks to the responses many of my reviewers sent me. I never, even in my wildest dreams, ever expected so many people to react so... vehemently towards the removal of this story. I've also decided to remove the bracelet from this story. I am, at the moment, going through each and every chappie and tweaking them. I haven't changed them too much. All you need to know is that Kagome has a spell on her instead of a bracelet.
Sigmund: Oooh. That's so original, CotA.
CotA: Oh, shut up, Sigmund. The spell makes her want to obey commands, and it makes her happy every time she does obey. Basically, she lives to serve. The only thing is, once she gains a new master, she can look back on the things she did with her old master with a clear mind. Needless to say, she isn't all that happy with herself or her old masters.
Sess-chan: Don't forget that the spell wasn't removed when Sesshoumaru freed her.
CotA: Thanks, Sess-chan. *pauses* Now that was freaky. Sess-chan talking about Sesshoumaru. Well, they are two different people so... *shrugs* Oh, on to the chappie!
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Kagome awoke to the sensation of being warm and safe. Something silky was intertwined with her fingers, and she could hear a heart beating near her head.
Her eyes fluttered open, revealing just where she was and who she was with. 'This is the second time I've woken up next to him,' she thought with some amusement. 'And truthfully, it's not so bad. Actually, it's pretty nice. I think the location makes all the difference. Since we're in the living room instead of the bedroom, it feels more innocent and natural.'
Yawning, the miko pulled her silk-filled hand up to her cheek, rubbing the softness against her skin. After a few seconds, she realized just what was so soft. 'Oh my... it's his tail!' She almost giggled like a child. 'I slept with his tail clutched in my hand.' She shrugged, the idea not really bothering her in the least.
'I wonder... is Sesshoumaru still asleep?' Releasing his tail, Kagome looked up at the inu youkai's face to find his golden eyes closed. He appeared to be asleep, and his slowing rising and falling chest made that appearance seem all the more likely. Bright sunlight streaming in through the living room window, highlighting his head like an angel and making his silver hair sparkle.
'He looks so perfect...' She moved her body back a few inches so she could look at him better. The instant she did that, a white-clad arm slid around her back to press her against him once more.
Kagome blinked in surprise. "Sesshoumaru, are you awake?" she asked softly.
"No, I'm dead asleep," he responded with a yawn, revealing a row of perfect pearly whites and a pink tongue, complete with fanged eyeteeth.
"Oh. Sorry," she replied. "So, what's with the arm?"
"I thought you were about to fall off the couch." The dog demon flicked Kagome's cheek with the tip of his tail. "I believe that you would have had an adverse reaction to being awoken by a plunge to the floor."
The raven-haired girl smiled sweetly at that. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru. That was very kind of you."
"You're very welcome," Sesshoumaru replied with a small smile. "It is nice to wake up to you without all the yelling."
Blushing from embarrassment, she adverted her eyes for a moment. "Ummm... I do apologize for that."
The dog demon chuckled, gently squeezing her with the one arm he had wrapped around her back. "That is the second time you have apologized," he commented. "Once was more than enough."
"If you say so, Sesshoumaru," Kagome responded, yawning softly. "So, what are we going to do today?"
"Well, I'm going to spend the morning and afternoon in my office," the inu youkai answered, instantly receiving a frown from the miko. "I will take a break after supper. We can play chess or something if you so desire."
"But you were sick," Kagome protested. "You should spend the rest of your day relaxing, not working!"
"I'm fine," Sesshoumaru insisted, smiling in amusement. "I feel perfectly healthy." He sighed at her continued frown. "Very well. I won't work today."
Finally smiling, the raven-haired girl wiggling out of his grasp and got off of the couch. "So, how do cinnamon rolls sound for breakfast?" she asked sweetly, blue-gray eyes sparkling happily.
"They sound excellent," the inu youkai answered simply. 'She's happy now, all because I promised not to work today. Amazing. The smallest things seem to please her.'
"Okay then. I'll go make some. You can stay here and watch TV or something," Kagome began to leave the living room. "I'll be back in a bit."
With that said, she was gone.
~*~
Kagome walked into the kitchen to find Telonomaru there, talking on the phone. She stayed near the doorway, out of sight, as he continued to converse with whoever was on the other side.
"Sorry, Tessa, honey, I've been trying to get Sesshoumaru and this girl together," the dog demon said. He was quiet for a few moments. "Yes, they're both being stubborn." He paused. "Yes, I've tried everything I could possibly think of." Another pause. "I see. Well, then I guess I'd better head home today. I'll just give one last-ditch effort to get them together and then I'll leave." He was quiet for a moment. "I'll see you tonight for supper. Love you... Bye."
Telonomaru hung up the phone and turned around, only to find the miko watching him with interest. "Oh, hello, Kagome. Good morning. How did you sleep?"
"Morning, Telonomaru-sama," she responded. "I slept very well. Thank you for asking." She began to pull ingredients out of cabinets. "So, who is Tessa?" She was very curious, especially since she had never heard the name before.
"My wife." The inu youkai smiled, his eyes filled with more love than Kagome had ever dreamt possible.
'He loves her with all his heart, much like my parents loved each other,' she mused. "What is she like?" the raven-haired girl asked as she poured the dry ingredients into a bowl.
"She's a sweetheart with spunk," he answered. "Tessa is a pretty good cook too." Sighing happily, he reached out with one finger and tried to stick it in the bowl.
Kagome smacked his hand with the spatula she was using to stir. "No touchy."
"I don't know what I'd do without her." He rubbed the hand she had hit, trying to look pathetic. He succeeded; however, the girl didn't care. She knew that he was just playing around.
"Does she let you stick your fingers in the food while she's fixing it?" the miko wanted to know, frowning slightly in annoyance. 'You'd think that he had learned his lesson the last time I hit him with a spoon.'
Telonomaru shook his head. "She doesn't even let me in the kitchen. That's HER domain, not mine."
Laughing softly, Kagome continued to prepare the cinnamon rolls. "I think I would like her. She sounds smart."
"I have a feeling that Tessa would like you too."
~*~
Half an hour later, Kagome left Telonomaru in the kitchen with two rolls as she went out into the living room with the rest. She gave Sesshoumaru two rolls as she ate the last two. They talked as they ate, enjoying themselves.
When they were almost done with their breakfast, Telonomaru came out into the living room, smiling devilishly.
"What do you want?" Sesshoumaru asked, sounding suspicious.
The older dog demon chuckled. "Well, I have to leave today. Tessa wants me to come home."
"Considering how little time you like to spend separated from her, I'm surprised that you spent as much time here as you did," the taiyoukai of the Western lands stated.
He nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's true; however, before I leave, I want you two to do something."
Kagome narrowed her eyes, not liking what he had just said. "And what exactly is that?"
"Kiss. I want you two to kiss," Telonomaru answered simply, the smile on his face growing.
Eyes wide, the miko could merely stare. 'He wants me to do WHAT? Is he off his rocker? There is no way that Sesshoumaru is going to kiss me.'
"And why is that?" Sesshoumaru asked, tone calm. 'I was expecting something like this eventually. I'm just surprised that it happened so soon.'
"You two would make the perfect couple, and I want to make sure that you two realize it before I leave." The older dog demon sat down in one of the chairs. "One of the best ways to do that is to have you guys kiss."
The other demon sighed and shook his head sadly. "You are pathetic, cousin."
"You want me to leave, don't you?" he countered.
Sesshoumaru nodded. "Yes, I do."
"Then you two need to kiss," Telonomaru insisted.
Turning to the miko, the younger inu youkai studied her face. She was in shock, which really didn't surprise him. His cousin had just dropped a bomb on her, figuratively speaking, of course. 'Poor girl. Telonomaru never has been the best at being subtle.' He mentally sighed as he tapped her on the shoulder. "Kagome..."
She jumped, startled by the sudden jolt back to reality. "Yes, Sesshoumaru?" She turned to look at him, her blue-gray eyes locked onto his golden ones.
"What do you want to do about him?" Sesshoumaru inquired, pointing at his cousin.
"Well, since you want him gone, we could just kiss," she suggested, voice soft and sweet. 'It's the least I can do since he's been so kind to me. He's freed me, taken care of me, and been a friend to me. Besides, I have a feeling that I'd enjoy it... a lot.'
"I won't kiss you if you don't want me to," the taiyoukai told her.
Telonomaru sighed in exasperation. "You're being stubborn."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Just kiss me, okay?" she stated. "I want you to."
"Are you sure?" Sesshoumaru didn't want to take advantage of her, especially since he had promised her that he wouldn't force himself on her.
The miko just briefly laughed in amusement and then pressed her lips to his, her eyes instantly closing. She had meant for the kiss to be short, but something about the inu youkai kept her there. Never before had she kissed a guy just because she had wanted to. It was a new experience for her.
His lips massaged hers, sending small waves of pleasure through her body, making her smile on the inside. She could taste the cinnamon on him and smell his intoxicating scent. One clawed hand automatically drew her closer while the other cupped her cheek. Her petite hands rested on his chest, enjoying the feeling of his muscles beneath her fingertips.
Telonomaru tried his best to keep silent for as long as possible. After a few moments, he couldn't help but whistle. "Go, Kagome!" he exclaimed, smiling.
Blushing a bright red, the miko pulled out of the kiss, unable to say a single word. 'Oh my dear Kami. That was... unbelievable.'
Sesshoumaru gave an almost inaudible growl, annoyed that his cousin had interrupted him and the girl. 'Couldn't he have remained quiet for just a little bit longer?' he mentally asked himself. Instead of verbally yelling at his cousin, the inu youkai smiled softly at the raven-haired girl. "Kagome, are you alright?" he inquired.
Kagome nodded her head, still blushing for all she was worth. "Yes, I do believe so, Sesshoumaru."
"You have no reason to be embarrassed. If anyone does, then it's Telonomaru for being so rude as to whistle," Sesshoumaru informed her comfortingly.
"Is he going to leave now?" she wanted to know. 'If he could just leave, then I might not feel so mortified.'
"Yes, he is."
Telonomaru raised his hands innocently. "I'll go pack now." Chuckling, he began to stroll off, an amused look in his eyes. "I'll check up on you two in a few days though. Tessa is most definitely going to want to know what's going on between you two." Then, he disappeared from view.
Groaning, Kagome buried her face in her hands. "Sorry, Sesshoumaru."
"For what?" the inu youkai inquired, surprise in his voice.
"For kissing you like that." She sounded ashamed of herself.
He laughed, amazed at how easily he could laugh around the girl. "Don't be sorry." Putting a comforting arm around her, he used a hand to lift her chin and raise her eyes to meet his. "It is fine. You did nothing wrong."
"Really?" Kagome asked. "Then why am I so embarrassed?"
"Because you were caught doing something intimate with another person," Sesshoumaru answered. "Most people would be embarrassed."
"You don't seem to be," she pointed out, her blush receding.
"That's because I was half-way prepared for him to do that," he told her. "I was expecting that whistle from him."
"Oh." Her skin color back to normal, she stood up and gathered up their dirty dishes. "After I take care of these, can we play chess?"
Sesshoumaru mentally breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't going to run and hide. "Yeah. Sure. I would love to play chess with you."
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~*~
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marioman: I'll keep this story here, and I'll even finish it. The original story can come later.
shanaka: I'll put this on fictionpress eventually. It'll take me a while to change and fix up. However, once it is on there, I really hope that everyone will love it as much as Bonds of Slavery.
Purple Witchy Angel: Relax. I ain't gonna remove it. I will change it a bit though. Not too much, so don't worry.
mkh2: I removed the bracelet, but don't worry. There will be a small plot twist later on, and I can promise you that Naraku is going to show up at least once more.
Inuchick16: Yes, I'm crazy, but let's not go there. I'd have to be insane to try and write so many stories at once. *sighs* And you don't need to threaten me, really you don't. I respond better to bribery.
sesshou&inufan: I thought about for a long time, and I obviously decided to keep it on. And I've read all of Striking Falcon's stories, even the ones on Mediaminer.
shadowcat: Sorry, but I highly doubt that you'll be able to find me and hurt me. If you do, then have fun dealing with Rajah, my pet tiger, and Sess-chan, my Sesshoumaru clone. Both of them will protect me.
Lyrlythe: It's okay. *pats Lyrlythe's head* Everything will be just fine. The story is staying, so there's no reason to cry.
Flowerblossom: Thanks for your support. It's nice to know that you would be there for me no matter I had decided. I really appreciate it. Bijin-chan: *huggles Bijin-chan back* You really don't need to check my story every day. I don't update that often. Once a week will probably be enough.
Holly: Awww... please don't cry. I'm not removing the story.
Namiko-Daughter of Sekhmet: You are one of the most easy-going people I have ever met. You just simply seemed to accept my decision no matter what. I do thank you for that. Oh, BTW, I would have been sad to see this story go to. I love it so much...
Kitten Siren: I remember Armageddon but not Into the Deep. I'm not a big movie person. Still, thanks for the supportive review. You made perfect sense to me. The advice was excellent, and I'll make sure to remember it for all time. *hugs Kitten Siren* Thanks so much. Oh, what is WEM?
Kira: Calm down. There's no need to get so defensive on my behalf. I appreciate it, though.
Ruu-chan: Telonomaru has silvery-white hair and golden eyes. He doesn't have the facial markings like Sesshoumaru. His hair isn't as long as Sesshoumaru's either. The hair and eye color is the end of the similarities between the dog demons. Well, thanks for the review. *hugs Ruu-chan*
Inu-Anime: Ummm... No offense, but I'm a girl, not a "dude." I know that my name can kinda be either gender, but I am most definitely a girl. And I am going to leave this story on here. BTW, I think that your uncle is pretty funny. I've never heard that little piece of "wisdom," but I found it hilarious.
Enchanted Faerie: Well, I'll eventually rewrite this story and hopefully publish it. I'm praying that I'll be able to. I've worked so hard on it. *sigh* If I don't get to, I won't worry too much about it. I have other stories that I might be able to publish later. Animegirl123: I'm a hopeless romantic too.
Nankinmai: I am going to remove the bracelet from the story; however, I agree with you 100%. I have to have some kind of restaint on Kagome, otherwise she would have run away a long time ago. She's a strong person, and something has to present to keep her from simply escaping or defying her master.
Raining Fire: You're laughing at poor Sesshoumaru? Awwww... *sniffles* Poor Sesshoumaru. I felt sorry for him b/c I made him sick.
Seiyo-san: I'm not gonna delete it, so just relax. It'll be okay.
Kagome: Kagome-chan, darling, it's okay. Really. *hugs Kagome-chan* I promise that I'll continue this story. There's no reason for you to cry. Please, please stop crying. I really didn't mean to make you cry. *hugs Kagome-chan again* Just calm down. I promise to update as soon as I can, okay? *smiles softly* C'mon. It'll be okay. Cross my heart.
Sam: I'm gonna finish this story before I change it to an original.
Matt Ikazou: Gran dios sobre. Okay. I'll continue. Just... calm down, please.
Inuyashachic515: I'm not taking this story away. It isn't going anywhere.
InvisibleRain: I thought the whole restraint idea was a common idea as well. *shrugs* Oh well. I'm just gonna use a different idea.
Kaoru-chan: I'm taking out the bracelet, although I didn't think it was too mean. It was just a fact of life for Kagome.
Trysh: It's covered under what copyright laws? I do need to finish this story though, and that's one of the things that's driving me at the moment. So, I'm going to keep going on with this story.
TheStrifeofChaos: I'll try my best to keep up the hard work. I'm sure that my two muses will do the same.
Raining Fire: *ahem* Well, that was an interesting review to read. But you can relax, I'm not taking the story down and I'm not going to stop writing.
Kittymui: I've already started re-writing it and such. The first... five chappies have already been changed and posted. Yeah for me!
Trekkie-54: I don't believe that Rasberries has ever read my story. She certainly has never reviewed or anything.
Ruu-chan: You got your kiss, so are you at least a little happier? And no, I did not steal the idea. I just went through a simple logic process. You have a slave; slave needs to be bound to master since said slave is too strong not to run away; binding needs to be magical since slave is a miko; binding needs to be removable. I figured that a physical binding would be the simpliest to see and the easiest to remove. However, since so many people have been accusing me of stealing Rasberries' idea, I changed it. Now, there is no physical binding. It might make the removal a little more difficult, but it should be okay.
Kang Lin: I know that you don't care, but other people who think I'm copying do care. I hate being accused of copying, and I like to be original, so I just decided to change the detail that I've been accused of stealing. So, all is better now.
Encourager: I have you all in a cell? Dang, I'm sorry. I didn't know. *blinks* Okay, well, the story is staying. BTW, that was an... interesting analogy.
Inulover: I'm not changing the storyline, just one small detail.
Rei Akita: Okay. I'll finish this story first.
Tom: Ummm... you lost me. Sorry, but you did.
Lightdestiny: It not being midnight is good.
Hera goddess: I'm not going to stop this one, so there's no reason to yell.
Fluffy's 1 girl: I'm not going to remove the story, promise.
Puppkid: No, I've never gone on Inuyasha.net; however, I think I'll do that today. It's probably pretty cool.
Galalorton: I won't remove this story or forget about it.
Nevheera: I will put a modified version of this story up on fictionpress eventually. Don't worry about that. It just might take me a while.
shorty40: I'm gonna do just that, so relax and enjoy.
Tennyo: I'm gonna change it just a little.
LadyPhoenix588: I'm not gonna remove it.
Nori Ryeko: *laughing* Copying may be the highest form of flattery, but no one wants to have their story copied. Besides, I have no desire to copy someone's story or even be accused of it. To prevent future accusations, I'm removing the bracelets.
Sukuri: Yep, last chappie was a filler chap. Sorry about that, but... oh, well. I kinda needed it as a transition chappie for this one!
BIG fan: I didn't change the story all THAT much, so you don't need to cry.
Tyrell: It's going to pretty much stay the way it is.
Junyortrakr: Yep. Defenses are going down...
Moondust: I wasn't too attached to the bracelet idea either, which is one reason I can change it.
LilAznAngel: Darling, I've been going through and editing my story since I started. It's one of the things I do. I've been constantly trying to improve this story.
Kuramasmate1: Uhhh... the address is www (dot) fictionpress (dot) com. I believe that there is a link to it on the ff.net homepage.
Clow Angel: I was serious, but that's not going to happen. The story is staying.
Sarah: You'll eventually find out what's gonna happen.
Playwrite-Chailyn: Story is staying.
Alia: I'm not that much of a feminist; however, when I change this over to an original, I won't be turning the girl into... some female version of Rambo or anything. If you like that kinda character, then you might wanna find a different story. No offense, but this story is not going to have a butt-kicking Kagome.
Pastamaker: Yes, YuYu Hakusho does rock. I love it soooo much.
Cherry-petals: Thank. I appreciate the compliment.