Blood Tastes So Much Sweeter
By: The Gifted Ten & DerrangedBlonde
Part Six: Torn
Sesshoumaru's peaceful slumber was abruptly put to an end as Naraku's blood- curdling scream broke through the silence--and his ears. His eyes shot open and he tried to sit up, but found that the kumo was still lying on top of him. Sesshoumaru studied him, 'Is he...dreaming?' Naraku winced and rolled off of him onto the floor beside him as if he was trying to get away from some unseen enemy. Sesshoumaru didn't know what to do; he'd never had to deal with someone who was having a nightmare, and he himself didn't dream--a true demon isn't capable of such a thing. Which also made him wonder why Naraku was experiencing one. The kumo screamed again as if in pain and fear, and this time Sesshoumaru sat up and reached over towards him.
"Nooo...Don't touch me!"
At first he thought Naraku was awake and was talking to him, but has the kumo turned over, Sesshoumaru saw that he was still dreaming. He pulled Naraku in his arms and held him. The kumo instantly began to writhe in his grasp; still trying to escape whatever it was that plagued him. Not knowing what else he could do, Sesshoumaru only tightened his hold around him, hoping he would wake up soon.
He'd thought he'd escaped.... The monster had let him go but was only toying with him. Once more, a monstrous hand closed over Naraku's trembling form. He thrashed violently. "Let me go!" But his cries only urged the monster to grip tighter, stealing his energy and life from him with each passing second. The monster's smug laughter filled the darkness.... Naraku couldn't beat him... of all the enemies.... "Prepare to die" The grip tightened even more as he thrashed to save his own life and then.... he opened his eyes. His chest heavily rose and fell as a quick pace as if he'd been running. His forehead was slick with cold sweat and his disheveled hair marred his view. "Where... am I? What... what happened?" He felt so much weaker, as if the monster had in fact stolen his power. A familiar scent reached his nose. "Sesshou...maru?" He looked up slightly, a gentle hand brushed the hair from his face.
Sesshoumaru lowered his head to where he could see Naraku's face. It was coated with sweat, and the amethyst eyes that looked up at him were glazed and wide with recent terror as they stared at him unblinking. "I'm here, Naraku." He unfurled one of his hands and pressed it to the kumo's forehead, "You're skin is like ice; are you alright?" He was genuinely worried. "What happened?"
He took in a few shuddering breaths, slowly letting the cold air of dawn seep into his lungs to drag him back to reality. "Nothing..." he said coolly. "It was... only a dream..." He closed his eyes, just breathing.... He put his hand to his chest, over the location of the Jewel... 'Wasn't it...?' he thought.
The youkai raised an eyebrow, remembering the screams and the thrashing; "Nothing...?" He held Naraku a little further away so he could look him straight in the eye, "Is that all you're going to tell me?"
Naraku narrowed his eyes in a determined look. "That was all it was.... Why should I tell you any more if there is nothing to tell?" He scanned over Sesshoumaru's thoughts; he swallowed hard and was going to stick with his story. Bracing himself on Sesshoumaru's shoulder, he rose on shaky legs. "It was only a dream." Now he was trying to reassure himself more than trying to convince Sesshoumaru.
Still eyeing him suspiciously, and a little hurt, Sesshoumaru decided to drop the matter--for now. He watched Naraku cross the room to his favorite spot by the window. With the kumo's back to him, Sesshoumaru could clearly see the intricate scar that covered a good portion of his back. It was in the shape of a spider. So that's what it was... He'd felt the strange design on the youkai's back last night after Naraku had fallen asleep on him. But then, it was dark, and the kumo had never really been in a position for him to see it--until now. Silently, he stood up and walked over the pile of discarded clothes. As he gathered up his own garments, he noticed Naraku's shredded kimono and grinned. Sighing, he put on his outer blood-stained kimono, just lightly fastening it in place and then walked over to Naraku-who it seemed hadn't moved the whole time. "Here," he tossed his own undergarment to him, "The morning air is quite cool here."
Naraku glanced back at Sesshoumaru. "Thanks." he said quietly before putting on the undergarment. He sighed bitterly, looking out his window at nothing in particular. 'It feels like the monster is so close.... but there's no evil aura for miles....' He didn't like the venerable feeling that welled up in his chest. His scar, the spider on his back, was beginning to feel most uncomfortable. He shifted his weight, crossing his legs again, in an attempt to ignore it.
"So..." Sesshoumaru said, trying to make light of things with a different subject, "How did you get that scar?"
Naraku's shoulders tensed and he glared at the floor. It happened fifty years ago but he remembered it as if it happened not even yesterday. "My scar..." He said icily... "Before I became who you see in front of you, I was Onigumo.... a thief and a con artist." He sighed, unclenching his jaw. "I traveled with fellows like myself; it's easier to pull off a con in numbers and even easier if they all go by the same story. I remember.... We were staying at a nobleman's home under the claims I had been bitten by a kumo youkai and I could die from the venom at anytime." He smirked at the own absurd sounding lies he had told so many years ago. "And so, amongst my 'friends', I was nicknamed the Kumo-among other ridiculous names... but it wasn't only because of my 'illness'; it was because of how well I could weave the lies I told, fabricating entire histories without a second thought. But they grew tired of me. I wished to stay in the nobleman's home... they wanted to leave but they couldn't without their meal ticket." Naraku's fist tightened. "And so that night after they 'left', I went to sleep in my room, only to be reawakened by shouting and fire and smoke..." He closed his eyes. "I was burnt alive.... but miraculously, I survived and was taken to a priestess...." he swallowed hard, "named Kikyo... She tended my wounds, got underneath the barriers I had set around my heart." His voice was cold and bitter, not dripping with loving nostalgia as it should have been. "I knew she could never love me as a burnt wreck. So I sacrificed my body to demons... I wanted to purge myself of Onigumo and all of his misfortunes and ridiculous emotions. But no one, no matter how powerful, can be purged of themselves completely.... I acquired a new body... but the burn mark remained... in the shape of a kumo no less.... a reminder of who I was.... and it won't go away." His shoulder muscles tightened once more. He'd barely noticed the wetness filling his hands as his fingernails dug deep into the skin.
Sesshoumaru sat still for a few moments, tranced by the story. 'So much for lightening the mood,' he thought bitterly. The smell of Naraku's thick blood, however, pulled at his senses and he looked down at the Kumo's bleeding hand. Reaching over, he took the clenched fist in his own hands and gently unfurled Naraku's fingers. "You shouldn't let these things get to you, Naraku." He'd decided that from now on, he wouldn't call the youkai "kumo" anymore. "However," he reached to the floor to pick up a scrap of cloth from Naraku's pile of shredded garment, "I do apologize for bringing up such a painful memory." He finished tying a hap-hazard bandage over the kumo's wound.
Naraku blinked, shaking his head and in turn, breaking the hold the memories had over him. "I'm stronger than this..." He said, not caring about his injuries while he caught Sesshoumaru's hand. "All of my memories... these nightmares.... you'd think I was human! I'm not supposed to be feeling this." He squeezed subconsciously. "What's happened to me....?" he whispered under his breath. As he looked back up into Sesshoumaru's amber eyes, something in his head clicked into place but he shoved it away. The phantom ache was back again, his chest welled with agony and sorrow this time... not love.
Looking at the other youkai, Sesshoumaru guessed that he was feeling about as bad as he'd felt when he'd told him the meaning for his hatred of Inuyasha. Taking a deep breath, he stood, bringing Naraku up with him by his hand, and put his other hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "Don't worry about what you're feeling; for you are not alone either. If you need me...I'll be there for you." He tried to smile.
His eyes widened slightly.... 'You're not alone...' Those words echoed in his ears for a reason beyond his comprehension. He'd said that to Sesshoumaru before.... and Sesshoumaru finally said it back. He wanted to hug him, to feel like he wasn't as alone as the ache inside made him feel... but his body would not move. He looked down and away. "Thank you..." he muttered softly.
Sesshoumaru studied him for a moment before suddenly pulling Naraku in his arms. Resting his head over the youkai's shoulder, he said softly, "My pleasure."
Naraku stiffened for a moment because of Sesshoumaru's unexpected gesture. It was like he'd read his mind. He chuckled softly, realizing a bit of irony as he relaxed in Sesshoumaru's arms. He could destroy him at any given moment, and yet Sesshoumaru was handling him like a child. His grin widened. "Maybe.... we should..." he sighed, not wanting to finish the sentence because it meant he'd have to move.... and so, he didn't.
Sesshoumaru held him for a little while longer before he eased back just enough to claim Naraku's mouth for a short-lived kiss. "I know you lied about the dream, and I forgive you. If there is truly something happening to you then I will find out what it is. I care about you too much to just sit around while you grow weaker," Naraku's eyes widened slightly. "Yes...," he continued, "I know of your power's deterioration; I sensed it after you'd woken up but I chose not to say anything--hoping you could fill me in." He raised his eyebrow, "But it seems you yourself do not know the answer."
Naraku smirked, closing his eyes and turning his head. "No, I don't. In my dream... an unknown monster was gripping me like I was no more than a child's doll and crushing me, draining my power at the same time." He became rigid. "That was all, I woke up and the effects were still there." He grimaced. 'Who can help me?!' He thought in desperation. A single word floated to mind. "Maybe we should leave the palace for a while..." He opened his eyes, but the grimace didn't leave. 'Kikyo.... you'd better be worth my time....'
The inu let his arms slowly fall away as he backed up. "Yes.we should begin looking for answers; perhaps we should split up to cover more distance. I know an old acquaintance that might be of use. And if you have your own idea of where to search.?"
Naraku glared icily at the floor. "Yeah I have a hunch as to who can help me." He looked back up at Sesshoumaru, the coldness melting almost instantly.
He nodded. "Very well. Shall we go then?"
Naraku nodded and turned to leave, but he noticed that their attire might.... turn a few heads. Naraku half smiled and took of the clothing Sesshoumaru had given him. "Might want to get properly dressed. I doubt you want the extra unwanted attention." Yes, he was standing quite naked in front of Sesshoumaru, but that soon changed. A new outfit-matching the one torn into shreds on the floor-appeared in one hand, while his baboon suit was in the other. He smirked, showing off, as both outfits disappeared from his hands and reappeared on him. "Like I said, possessing the Shikon Jewel allows me to do neat little tricks."
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and cocked an eyebrow at the saru standing before him. "You mean you could have done that all along and yet you still wore my clothing?"
Naraku chuckled. "Believe me," he stepped closer, making sure his lips brushed the inu's as he spoke, "the less clothing you wear...." He chuckled. "The better." He ran his fingers through the silvery hair and turned before he allowed himself to get carried away.
Sesshoumaru tried earnestly to suppress the giddy feeling Naraku gave him as he looked down and saw that he suddenly wasn't wearing anything. He blushed.
Naraku chuckled. "Very neat tricks..." He turned to face Sesshoumaru, his grin widening. "Seems to me, you could use new clothes." Naraku held out his hand and folded clothes appeared. They were lacking in design and dark in color. "Dark suits you better." He said quietly. Sesshoumaru put on the offered clothing and then watched him as the kumo looked him over intently. Like a predator, Naraku began to circle Sesshoumaru. He stopped behind him, running his fingers through the inu's silken hair that never tangled. He gathered the hair and used a cloth tie (that appeared from no where) to tie it into place atop the youkai's head. Naraku moved to stand in front of him, one hand resting on Sesshoumaru's left side, the other cupping his cheek. "Now I can see your beautiful face." He snickered a little and pulled away. Sesshoumaru's side would be a little weighted down. "Your blades, I picked them up." He nodded and folded his arms. "I figured you'd want them back. After all, trouble always seems to come whenever one leaves the palace grounds." He raised a finger and moved it over. A door somewhere towards the back swung open. "There...." he looked down at the ground. "You may leave through there."
Sesshoumaru placed a hand on the youkai's shoulder before he made a small bow and exited the room. Shortly after, the palace was a small speck that dotted the land beneath him as he set out to talk with his father's old acquaintance-the wise tree demon that dwelled deep in the northern forests.
"This had better be worth it." He looked at the open door and put on his baboon suit hood. He left through the door and shut it behind him. With a snap of his fingers he was standing before an empty tree, soul catchers lurked about. "Kikyo... Show yourself I already know you're there."
She appeared, legs draped lazily over the branches. In her hands she held a soul. She looked down and over her shoulder at Naraku and glared icily. "What do you want now Naraku? I'd thought you'd be content with killing Inuyasha off before I got to. Isn't that misery enough for you?" She sneered at him.
A low growl was forming in Naraku's throat. "He's dead... move on." He snickered as he thought, 'Advice you should take as well Kikyo.' He folded his arms and narrowed his eyes into a glare. "I need information from you."
"And what makes you think I'll have it, Kumo?" She looked back at the soul she was toying with.
Naraku was on the verge of killing her. "Do not EVER call me that again. And I know you'll have the information I need because you were once the keeper of the jewel."
She let go of the soul and it fell into her chest. "Oh, did I touch a rough spot? Would you prefer I call you Onigumo? Because that is the source of your problem. "I can sense the jewel isn't as blackened as it once was. Someone else has affected your heart.... even breeched your soul. And since the jewel is corrupt and evil, and now that love fills the empty hole that was your heart instead of your old blackness... Well...Heh. I think even a dunce like you can see that the evil and good inside of you are fighting for control. Such a silly boy you are."
Naraku had acquired all the information he needed, but apparently Kikyo wasn't through with him. He turned to leave and she snickered, "Heh... tell me... whose life are you going to ruin this time, Kumo?" She folded her arms, grinning arrogantly.
Naraku turned back to face her. He raised a clawed hand and moved to bring it down. He'd expected Onigumo's feeble heart to stop him from killing her.... but it didn't. He could kill her! He smiled as he felt her warm blood dripping off his claws. She looked up at him from the ground. He stood over her, smirking. "You still bleed as heavily as you did 50 years ago on the day I attacked you disguised as Inuyasha. I wish you a slow and painful death." He grinned. Her soul catchers came to her aid but Naraku slashed them to bits as if they were nothing. Once they were all gone he put out his hand, filling the surroundings with poison that would fulfill his wish as he vanished.
He reappeared in his silent palace. He should be feeling satisfied but instead... the lonely castle only seemed to fuel the ache in his chest. He removed his baboon suit and sat in his spot. Naraku tried to ignore the stale smell of dried blood.... of Sesshoumaru's blood. Kikyo's words echoed in his ears as loudly as if she said them herself: 'Whose life are you going to ruin this time, Kumo?' He closed his eyes and bowed his head. There was only one person close to him now... "No..." He whispered.
The sun was beginning to set by the time Sesshoumaru set off back to the palace. And as the wind whipped over his face and body, he was reminded again of his new 'look.' It felt so strange to be wearing different clothes...and with his hair tied up on his head, too. It was very strange, yet...pleasant in way. He looked down at the midnight blue kimono that faded into black and dark grays; he liked his new outfit. He reached a hand up to the ponytail on the top of his head. 'This is going to take some getting used to, though,' he thought as he put his hand back down to his side.
As the palace drew near, Sesshoumaru felt his chest get heavy. He had been unsuccessful in finding out anything from the tree demon. Clenching his fist, he cursed his failure and when the castle was finally in sight, he sincerely hoped Naraku had had some luck in finding out what was happening.
Naraku's head snapped up. He caught Sesshoumaru's scent and the ache turned into something else. "I'll never understand these emotions," he whispered to himself. It didn't matter... Sesshoumaru was back.
Navigating his way back to the room, the inu youkai's chest began to feel like lead. When he finally came to the door, he took a deep breath, pushed the door aside, and stepped into the room. His gaze roamed over the room until it settled on Naraku's slumped form sitting at the base of the window. Not wanting to break the silence just yet, Sesshoumaru walked over to the other youkai and slid against the wall until he was sitting beside him.
Suddenly, the fluttering feeling turned back into the ache. 'I shouldn't be aching...' He looked over at Sesshoumaru. "You came back..." He smiled slightly and bowed his head again. "Find out anything?"
This time it was Sesshoumaru's turn to bow his head. "...No." He raised his head and looked over at Naraku, who still had his head down. "But I will keep searching, Naraku. We'll--"
Naraku half smiled and raised his hand. "It's alright." He took in a heavy breath. "I know what's wrong with me. You needn't search anymore." He put his hand down.
The inu's eyes widened slightly. "Then...what is it? What have you found out?"
Naraku looked down and away, not able to bear being under the amber gaze. "It's nothing serious... I can handle it." One of his fists involuntarily clenched as once again, the former miko's words once again entered his mind: 'Whose life will you ruin this time, Kumo?' His shoulders stiffened.
Sesshoumaru studied him. "You're lying..." He reached out and turned Naraku to face him, but the youkai averted his gaze. "Why won't you look me in the eye? What did you find out?!" He didn't mean to raise his voice as noted Naraku flinch at his tone. "I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean to..." he trailed off, releasing his hold on the youkai's shoulders. He stared at the wall, "I do not wish to see you in such a state..." He turned back to face him, "I want you to tell me what you learned; if not for your sake, then do it for mine."
Naraku sighed. "Look, you don't need to apologize. I will tell you what information I've acquired... It's the jewel embedded in my flesh." For the second time in his life, he chewed on his lip nervously. "You... gave me a heart again... and the jewel cannot coexist with love... And so it is tearing me apart." He glanced at Sesshoumaru's eyes before looking away again.
He stared at Naraku for a long minute before he let his eyes aimlessly wonder about the room, looking at nothing in particular as he pieced together the youkai's words. "I gave him a heart?...And the Shikon Jewel will not share it's space inside him...' It is tearing me apart. 'No!' He would not let that happen! He finally turned back to Naraku, "If that damn jewel is the cause of all this, then remove it from your body!" His thoughts still racing, he hadn't even considered the consequences of the action.
"How can you say that? Just remove it?!" He grit his teeth, fists clenched, fingernails digging into his skin. "I can't... remove it!" He tore his eyes from the floor and locked them with Sesshoumaru's. "This jewel... it makes me a demon! Without it, I will be little more than Inuyasha was... a weak pathetic half breed! Who wants a half breed...?" He tore his eyes away. 'I know you won't,' He thought bitterly. The ache was getting worse. No matter how badly he wanted to cover it with his hand, his bloody (and still bleeding) fists remained at his sides. He pretended he didn't ache, that his chest wasn't tearing itself in half. "I cannot remove the jewel because of what I will become...."
"Don't be such a fool, Naraku."
"Fool? I am not a fool." He said coldly.
His eyes softened as he leaned close, "You think I will not have you if you return to your half demon self....don't you.." It wasn't really a question. His lips brushed against Naraku's as he whispered, "Why do you think I made love to you in the first place?" The kumo started to open his mouth but Sesshoumaru placed a finger over it as he continued, "It's because I have chosen you...as my mate." He removed his finger to place his mouth where it had been. He looked into Naraku's eyes as he added, "You belong to me now...I will have no other."
Naraku's eyes widened in disbelief. His hands were no longer balled into bloody fists. 'I...belong to him....' He smiled slightly, trying to take it all in. Maybe he was dreaming.... but if so, he never wanted to wake up. The pain was gone.... He didn't hurt in that moment.
Sesshoumaru leaned into Naraku and gripped his auburn hair in one fist while the other reached up and untied the twist that held his hair, which then fell in long silvery locks spilling down his shoulders. He embraced his partner and drew him nearer, and felt that there was still a mild tension. "Relax," he kissed his throat, "Do not think of the future.." he moved to his lips and then kissed his forehead as he crooned, "Be with me now.."
Everywhere Sesshoumaru's skin touched his, it burned delightfully. He craved that touch; ached for it. The words were lost; all Naraku had been listening to was the sound of his voice. Their clothes, (and Sesshoumaru's weapons), were becoming a nuisance. So, with a flick of his wrist, they both no longer had to deal with that hassle. He claimed Sesshoumaru's lips for his own in a vicious kiss. He put his hands on either side of the youkai's throat, fingernails threatening to cut away as his hands moved from his neck to his shoulders.
Sesshoumaru smiled against Naraku's lips as he brought his hands up to the kumo's face. "Now..." he said as he paired up the fingernails on each hand, "..I'll mark you as my own," and with that, he drug his claws over Naraku's cheekbones, letting some of his venom seep into the cuts.
He grimaced and refused to cry out from pain. "Sesshoumaru..." he sad quietly just for the sake of hearing his name.
"Shhh..." He covered Naraku's mouth with his own, closing his eyes so that he couldn't see the burning flesh on the youkai's fair face. 'Do not try to heal it,' he thought at him, 'it will only make it burn hotter.'
He winced as his body tried to heal it. He had to tell himself to stop.
'It's almost finished,' his mind told him, and he yanked his hands away from the youkai's face and then buried them in his long, wavy locks. "It's complete now," he sighed against his partner's neck, "You are now mine and no other's; and those marks prove it."
Naraku sighed; his face still burned a little. He waved his hand behind him and a large mirror appeared. Reluctantly he pulled away from Sesshoumaru. He wanted to see what the youkai had done. He rose and turned, wincing at the sudden pain that filled his chest. He gazed into the mirror, his hands rising and touching the marks. He closed his eyes and smiled slightly.
Sesshoumaru came up behind Naraku and put his arms around him. Glancing at their reflection and then back at Naraku, he asked in a light tone, "Do you object to my claims on you?"
Naraku shook his head slowly, opening his eyes to look at their reflection. He turned around in Sesshoumaru's arms, kissing him lightly. "You ask the strangest things." He chuckled, his fingernails danced lightly over the youkai's skin.
The inu shivered involuntarily as Naraku continued the motion of his nails over his back, making his hair stand on end. 'If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're doing this on purpose,' Sesshoumaru thought out at him as he tried to reach behind him and still the youkai's hands.
"Me? Do this," he raked his nails down the inu's back, "on purpose?" He chuckled, kissing Sesshoumaru lightly, pulling away only far enough so he could speak. "Now why would I do a thing like that?"
Sesshoumaru arched his back as another wave of chills traveled down his spine. He shivered again and gave Naraku a mocking glare as he got out his own claws and ran them over the kumo's ribs and back. He grinned devilishly as he taunted, "Let's see how you like it!"
He winced and cocked an eyebrow, putting his clawed forefinger right behind the bone in Sesshoumaru's chin, his finger puncturing the skin as he pulled the youkai's lips to his own for a brief second before pulling away. The scent of blood hung lightly in the air. Naraku smirked. "That give you any inkling?" he said quietly.
Sesshoumaru had had just about enough games. Acting on a sudden impulse, the inu smirked and quickly wrapped a leg around both of Naraku's and then drew it back, causing the youkai's knees to buckle. He was sure of his victory in bringing down the mighty Naraku until he felt a tug on his head as he saw the kumo's tight grip on a good portion of his hair. 'Uh-oh.' They both came crashing down but somehow, Sesshoumaru ended up on the floor first--cushioning Naraku's fall with his ribs. "Ugh..." He reached up to push the youkai off of him but the kumo grabbed both of his hands.
Naraku put both of Sesshoumaru's hands above his head. "I don't think so. You've claimed me..." he made it so their lips brushed as he spoke, "without knowing what you got yourself into." He grinned then kissed him hard on the lips.
Sesshoumaru moaned and explored Naraku's mouth with his tongue, his body leaning into Naraku's as he thought, 'I think I can handle it.'
Naraku broke the kiss and whispered into Sesshoumaru's ear, "Oh really? What if I kissed you everywhere except where you wanted me to? Hmm?" He nibbled on his ear lobe. "Could you handle that?"
Sesshoumaru turned his head and kissed Naraku. He playfully added, "Well if that's the case, then there can be no winner," he lightly bit the youkai's lower lip and whispered, "Because there is not a single part of my body that doesn't burn for your touch." He bit down on Naraku's lip again, and this time drew blood.
Naraku licked away at his own blood, smiling slightly. "Really?" he said in his low velvety voice. His fingernails traced over the markings on the inu's face. "Does your body burn for me here?" he kissed the youkai's throat, nipping lightly. "What about here?" he trailed kisses to Sesshoumaru's shoulder.
Lying there helplessly as Naraku trailed kisses over his body, Sesshoumaru didn't know how much more he could take--until he realized that his hands were no longer bound above his head. He lunged for the youkai's hands as they began to slide down his abdomen. Gripping the kumo's wrists firmly, he moved them behind Naraku's back and then rolled over on top of him. As he glowered down on him, he thought, 'You see.I can handle a pup like you.' Naraku's eyes glared at him, raising an eyebrow as a low growl rumbled in his throat. "Hahahaha...You know," he leaned closer, "you can be quite adorable when you're pinned to the floor and immobilized." He chuckled and licked the blood from the kumo's lips before it dried.
Naraku saw his chance and bit down on Sesshoumaru's tongue. 'Take that' He thought triumphantly.
His eyes crossed before he blinked. "OWW!" 'WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!' his thoughts screamed at him. He tried to pull away but Naraku only clamped down harder, an odd triumphant look in his eye. "Aaahnnn!" He narrowed his eyes in accusation, 'What do you think you're doing?!' His tongue was beginning to bleed into his mouth.
'How could I pass up that delightful tongue of yours when it was right in front of my mouth, on my lips even?' He projected his thoughts into his koi's head. 'Oh my.... you're bleeding.' He bit harder, making more blood flow before he let up a little and sucked on his tongue, relishing in the taste of Sesshoumaru's blood.
'You little impudent bas--! I CAN'T FEEL MY TONGUE ANYMORE!!!' He jerked his hands from behind Naraku's back and pried open the kumo's mouth by force. When his tongue was finally released he scrambled backwards, blood dripping down his chin the whole time. He tried to somehow cradle his aching mouth as he shot death glares at Naraku, who was now a safe four feet away, grinning at him as his lips were coated with Sesshoumaru's blood.
Naraku sat up, stretching and smirking. "Not so cute pinned down am I?" He rose, licking the blood away with immense delight. He sat down next to the Inu's legs, leaning forward. "You should know that's when I fight dirty." He cupped Sesshoumaru's face with his hand and pulled him forward into a rough kiss, his tongue exploring the inu's mouth. After a few second he pulled away, his chest ached so badly this time, Naraku winced.
Even though his tongue felt like it was full of needles, Sesshoumaru had allowed Naraku to kiss him. Because right before he was going to give the kumo a taste of his own medicine, Naraku had pulled away as if in pain and pleasure at the same time. He watched the youkai put a hand to his chest as if to suppress the feeling. "Ishhumtingduhmaherr?" Sesshoumaru's eyes widened and he clamped a hand over his mouth as re realized what had just come out of it.
Naraku's chest felt it was going to tear itself in half at any given moment, but then Sesshoumaru spoke. 'Perfect... I can hide it now.' He burst into forced laughter. "What's the matter? Did I bite too hard? Kumo got your tongue?" He snickered. 'That's it... make him forget what he just saw...'
Sesshoumaru glared at him with hellfire in his eyes. 'Prick.'
"Oh you know you love me anyways..." He smirked in playfulness, hoping Sesshoumaru wouldn't notice the pain in his eyes. He folded his arms. "What are you going to do about it anyways? Hmm?"
Sesshoumaru tore his gaze away and looked at the wall as he sighed, 'So this is the thanks I get for being concerned about my mate.'
As if the pain in his chest wasn't enough, Sesshoumaru's words made it worse. He gasped sharply. "It's... the jewel..." He took in heavy breaths, trying to remain sitting and not falling over from being so dizzy. 'Feels like it's going to tear me in two....' He thought at him because he couldn't form the words.
Sesshoumaru quickly turned around and saw Naraku grip his chest as he started to sway. Rushing over to him, he braced him and his thoughts raced as he asked, 'What can I do??' He brushed the auburn hair from the youkai's face--which was beginning to glisten with a cold sweat--and frantically searched his eyes for an answer.
Naraku bit back his pain, grinding his teeth as he took in heavy breaths. He felt Sesshoumaru stroking his hair and it helped a little. 'I don't... know what to do...' He closed his eyes painfully wanting nothing more than Sesshoumaru's touch at the moment.
Not knowing what he could do to ease his mate's pain, the inu simply offered himself as he wrapped his arms around Naraku protectively and buried his face in the wavy locks, gently rocking him back and forth.
Naraku's mind was racing. 'When did it start hurting?!' he thought frantically.... He didn't hurt until he was mean to Sesshoumaru, even though he was only playing. And before that... the pain stopped when the inu kissed him.... "Sesshoumaru..." he said softly, determined to test his theory out. "Kiss me..."
He stopped rocking and opened his eyes, not sure of what he'd just heard. "What? Kiss you?" his brows slightly furrowed in confusion, "I don't see how--"
"Just do it..." Naraku cut him off. He cried out as another wave of pain came crashing down on him. "Please!"
"Alright!" The inu cupped Naraku's face in his hands and covered his mouth with his own as he kissed the youkai passionately; putting all he could into that one request he didn't yet understand.
Naraku sighed happily... the pain was gone... In that instant, he didn't ache at all! He happily kissed back, then broke the kiss smiling, "It doesn't hurt..." But as soon as the words left his mouth, he clutched at his chest again. "It...didn't hurt..." he corrected himself. "When you kissed me..." He gasped in pain. "Kiss me again..."
Not needing to be goaded any further, Sesshoumaru immediately kissed him again and his hands began to roam over the kumo's back and through his silken hair. 'You know I would do anything for you...' Sesshoumaru thought to him, "..So tell me...is this all I can do?'
Naraku grinned. "No... By all means... please do more." He ran his fingers across Sesshoumaru's scalp and through his silver hair. He was glad at this point they weren't wearing clothes...
"Heh...As you wish," he then took the liberty to brace the youkai's back as he gently lowered him to the padded floor, kissing him all the while. As his hands continued to roam over Naraku's body, he felt relieved as he sensed the tension in his mate gradually get smaller. When they were both finally ready, he kissed Naraku deeply and carefully folded himself into the youkai's lean frame. And as he moved in him, he couldn't sense the "wrongness" inside his partner anymore; by the time their love reached the climax, there was no trace of pain on Naraku's face at all. When it was over, Sesshoumaru still continued to kiss and embrace him--he didn't want to give the jewel another chance to cause his mate anymore pain. Eventually, though, his body couldn't stay awake anymore and he found himself slipping into a dreamless slumber...his love still wrapped in his arms.
He didn't hurt as badly after Sesshoumaru fell asleep. The phantom ache was just that... a ghost amongst all else. 'How long will it last.... this peace cannot remain with a heart torn in two like mine.' He sighed softly and stroked the sleeping inu's face tenderly. "I don't want to hurt you..." He whispered and forced himself to go to sleep.
A/N: *falls to the floor exhausted*. MAN, was that a looooong
chapter.. I hope you guys are satisfied for awhile until part
seven is written. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading our ficcy!
God bless! (Oh, and a happy new year, etc, etc..)
By: The Gifted Ten & DerrangedBlonde
Part Six: Torn
Sesshoumaru's peaceful slumber was abruptly put to an end as Naraku's blood- curdling scream broke through the silence--and his ears. His eyes shot open and he tried to sit up, but found that the kumo was still lying on top of him. Sesshoumaru studied him, 'Is he...dreaming?' Naraku winced and rolled off of him onto the floor beside him as if he was trying to get away from some unseen enemy. Sesshoumaru didn't know what to do; he'd never had to deal with someone who was having a nightmare, and he himself didn't dream--a true demon isn't capable of such a thing. Which also made him wonder why Naraku was experiencing one. The kumo screamed again as if in pain and fear, and this time Sesshoumaru sat up and reached over towards him.
"Nooo...Don't touch me!"
At first he thought Naraku was awake and was talking to him, but has the kumo turned over, Sesshoumaru saw that he was still dreaming. He pulled Naraku in his arms and held him. The kumo instantly began to writhe in his grasp; still trying to escape whatever it was that plagued him. Not knowing what else he could do, Sesshoumaru only tightened his hold around him, hoping he would wake up soon.
He'd thought he'd escaped.... The monster had let him go but was only toying with him. Once more, a monstrous hand closed over Naraku's trembling form. He thrashed violently. "Let me go!" But his cries only urged the monster to grip tighter, stealing his energy and life from him with each passing second. The monster's smug laughter filled the darkness.... Naraku couldn't beat him... of all the enemies.... "Prepare to die" The grip tightened even more as he thrashed to save his own life and then.... he opened his eyes. His chest heavily rose and fell as a quick pace as if he'd been running. His forehead was slick with cold sweat and his disheveled hair marred his view. "Where... am I? What... what happened?" He felt so much weaker, as if the monster had in fact stolen his power. A familiar scent reached his nose. "Sesshou...maru?" He looked up slightly, a gentle hand brushed the hair from his face.
Sesshoumaru lowered his head to where he could see Naraku's face. It was coated with sweat, and the amethyst eyes that looked up at him were glazed and wide with recent terror as they stared at him unblinking. "I'm here, Naraku." He unfurled one of his hands and pressed it to the kumo's forehead, "You're skin is like ice; are you alright?" He was genuinely worried. "What happened?"
He took in a few shuddering breaths, slowly letting the cold air of dawn seep into his lungs to drag him back to reality. "Nothing..." he said coolly. "It was... only a dream..." He closed his eyes, just breathing.... He put his hand to his chest, over the location of the Jewel... 'Wasn't it...?' he thought.
The youkai raised an eyebrow, remembering the screams and the thrashing; "Nothing...?" He held Naraku a little further away so he could look him straight in the eye, "Is that all you're going to tell me?"
Naraku narrowed his eyes in a determined look. "That was all it was.... Why should I tell you any more if there is nothing to tell?" He scanned over Sesshoumaru's thoughts; he swallowed hard and was going to stick with his story. Bracing himself on Sesshoumaru's shoulder, he rose on shaky legs. "It was only a dream." Now he was trying to reassure himself more than trying to convince Sesshoumaru.
Still eyeing him suspiciously, and a little hurt, Sesshoumaru decided to drop the matter--for now. He watched Naraku cross the room to his favorite spot by the window. With the kumo's back to him, Sesshoumaru could clearly see the intricate scar that covered a good portion of his back. It was in the shape of a spider. So that's what it was... He'd felt the strange design on the youkai's back last night after Naraku had fallen asleep on him. But then, it was dark, and the kumo had never really been in a position for him to see it--until now. Silently, he stood up and walked over the pile of discarded clothes. As he gathered up his own garments, he noticed Naraku's shredded kimono and grinned. Sighing, he put on his outer blood-stained kimono, just lightly fastening it in place and then walked over to Naraku-who it seemed hadn't moved the whole time. "Here," he tossed his own undergarment to him, "The morning air is quite cool here."
Naraku glanced back at Sesshoumaru. "Thanks." he said quietly before putting on the undergarment. He sighed bitterly, looking out his window at nothing in particular. 'It feels like the monster is so close.... but there's no evil aura for miles....' He didn't like the venerable feeling that welled up in his chest. His scar, the spider on his back, was beginning to feel most uncomfortable. He shifted his weight, crossing his legs again, in an attempt to ignore it.
"So..." Sesshoumaru said, trying to make light of things with a different subject, "How did you get that scar?"
Naraku's shoulders tensed and he glared at the floor. It happened fifty years ago but he remembered it as if it happened not even yesterday. "My scar..." He said icily... "Before I became who you see in front of you, I was Onigumo.... a thief and a con artist." He sighed, unclenching his jaw. "I traveled with fellows like myself; it's easier to pull off a con in numbers and even easier if they all go by the same story. I remember.... We were staying at a nobleman's home under the claims I had been bitten by a kumo youkai and I could die from the venom at anytime." He smirked at the own absurd sounding lies he had told so many years ago. "And so, amongst my 'friends', I was nicknamed the Kumo-among other ridiculous names... but it wasn't only because of my 'illness'; it was because of how well I could weave the lies I told, fabricating entire histories without a second thought. But they grew tired of me. I wished to stay in the nobleman's home... they wanted to leave but they couldn't without their meal ticket." Naraku's fist tightened. "And so that night after they 'left', I went to sleep in my room, only to be reawakened by shouting and fire and smoke..." He closed his eyes. "I was burnt alive.... but miraculously, I survived and was taken to a priestess...." he swallowed hard, "named Kikyo... She tended my wounds, got underneath the barriers I had set around my heart." His voice was cold and bitter, not dripping with loving nostalgia as it should have been. "I knew she could never love me as a burnt wreck. So I sacrificed my body to demons... I wanted to purge myself of Onigumo and all of his misfortunes and ridiculous emotions. But no one, no matter how powerful, can be purged of themselves completely.... I acquired a new body... but the burn mark remained... in the shape of a kumo no less.... a reminder of who I was.... and it won't go away." His shoulder muscles tightened once more. He'd barely noticed the wetness filling his hands as his fingernails dug deep into the skin.
Sesshoumaru sat still for a few moments, tranced by the story. 'So much for lightening the mood,' he thought bitterly. The smell of Naraku's thick blood, however, pulled at his senses and he looked down at the Kumo's bleeding hand. Reaching over, he took the clenched fist in his own hands and gently unfurled Naraku's fingers. "You shouldn't let these things get to you, Naraku." He'd decided that from now on, he wouldn't call the youkai "kumo" anymore. "However," he reached to the floor to pick up a scrap of cloth from Naraku's pile of shredded garment, "I do apologize for bringing up such a painful memory." He finished tying a hap-hazard bandage over the kumo's wound.
Naraku blinked, shaking his head and in turn, breaking the hold the memories had over him. "I'm stronger than this..." He said, not caring about his injuries while he caught Sesshoumaru's hand. "All of my memories... these nightmares.... you'd think I was human! I'm not supposed to be feeling this." He squeezed subconsciously. "What's happened to me....?" he whispered under his breath. As he looked back up into Sesshoumaru's amber eyes, something in his head clicked into place but he shoved it away. The phantom ache was back again, his chest welled with agony and sorrow this time... not love.
Looking at the other youkai, Sesshoumaru guessed that he was feeling about as bad as he'd felt when he'd told him the meaning for his hatred of Inuyasha. Taking a deep breath, he stood, bringing Naraku up with him by his hand, and put his other hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "Don't worry about what you're feeling; for you are not alone either. If you need me...I'll be there for you." He tried to smile.
His eyes widened slightly.... 'You're not alone...' Those words echoed in his ears for a reason beyond his comprehension. He'd said that to Sesshoumaru before.... and Sesshoumaru finally said it back. He wanted to hug him, to feel like he wasn't as alone as the ache inside made him feel... but his body would not move. He looked down and away. "Thank you..." he muttered softly.
Sesshoumaru studied him for a moment before suddenly pulling Naraku in his arms. Resting his head over the youkai's shoulder, he said softly, "My pleasure."
Naraku stiffened for a moment because of Sesshoumaru's unexpected gesture. It was like he'd read his mind. He chuckled softly, realizing a bit of irony as he relaxed in Sesshoumaru's arms. He could destroy him at any given moment, and yet Sesshoumaru was handling him like a child. His grin widened. "Maybe.... we should..." he sighed, not wanting to finish the sentence because it meant he'd have to move.... and so, he didn't.
Sesshoumaru held him for a little while longer before he eased back just enough to claim Naraku's mouth for a short-lived kiss. "I know you lied about the dream, and I forgive you. If there is truly something happening to you then I will find out what it is. I care about you too much to just sit around while you grow weaker," Naraku's eyes widened slightly. "Yes...," he continued, "I know of your power's deterioration; I sensed it after you'd woken up but I chose not to say anything--hoping you could fill me in." He raised his eyebrow, "But it seems you yourself do not know the answer."
Naraku smirked, closing his eyes and turning his head. "No, I don't. In my dream... an unknown monster was gripping me like I was no more than a child's doll and crushing me, draining my power at the same time." He became rigid. "That was all, I woke up and the effects were still there." He grimaced. 'Who can help me?!' He thought in desperation. A single word floated to mind. "Maybe we should leave the palace for a while..." He opened his eyes, but the grimace didn't leave. 'Kikyo.... you'd better be worth my time....'
The inu let his arms slowly fall away as he backed up. "Yes.we should begin looking for answers; perhaps we should split up to cover more distance. I know an old acquaintance that might be of use. And if you have your own idea of where to search.?"
Naraku glared icily at the floor. "Yeah I have a hunch as to who can help me." He looked back up at Sesshoumaru, the coldness melting almost instantly.
He nodded. "Very well. Shall we go then?"
Naraku nodded and turned to leave, but he noticed that their attire might.... turn a few heads. Naraku half smiled and took of the clothing Sesshoumaru had given him. "Might want to get properly dressed. I doubt you want the extra unwanted attention." Yes, he was standing quite naked in front of Sesshoumaru, but that soon changed. A new outfit-matching the one torn into shreds on the floor-appeared in one hand, while his baboon suit was in the other. He smirked, showing off, as both outfits disappeared from his hands and reappeared on him. "Like I said, possessing the Shikon Jewel allows me to do neat little tricks."
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and cocked an eyebrow at the saru standing before him. "You mean you could have done that all along and yet you still wore my clothing?"
Naraku chuckled. "Believe me," he stepped closer, making sure his lips brushed the inu's as he spoke, "the less clothing you wear...." He chuckled. "The better." He ran his fingers through the silvery hair and turned before he allowed himself to get carried away.
Sesshoumaru tried earnestly to suppress the giddy feeling Naraku gave him as he looked down and saw that he suddenly wasn't wearing anything. He blushed.
Naraku chuckled. "Very neat tricks..." He turned to face Sesshoumaru, his grin widening. "Seems to me, you could use new clothes." Naraku held out his hand and folded clothes appeared. They were lacking in design and dark in color. "Dark suits you better." He said quietly. Sesshoumaru put on the offered clothing and then watched him as the kumo looked him over intently. Like a predator, Naraku began to circle Sesshoumaru. He stopped behind him, running his fingers through the inu's silken hair that never tangled. He gathered the hair and used a cloth tie (that appeared from no where) to tie it into place atop the youkai's head. Naraku moved to stand in front of him, one hand resting on Sesshoumaru's left side, the other cupping his cheek. "Now I can see your beautiful face." He snickered a little and pulled away. Sesshoumaru's side would be a little weighted down. "Your blades, I picked them up." He nodded and folded his arms. "I figured you'd want them back. After all, trouble always seems to come whenever one leaves the palace grounds." He raised a finger and moved it over. A door somewhere towards the back swung open. "There...." he looked down at the ground. "You may leave through there."
Sesshoumaru placed a hand on the youkai's shoulder before he made a small bow and exited the room. Shortly after, the palace was a small speck that dotted the land beneath him as he set out to talk with his father's old acquaintance-the wise tree demon that dwelled deep in the northern forests.
"This had better be worth it." He looked at the open door and put on his baboon suit hood. He left through the door and shut it behind him. With a snap of his fingers he was standing before an empty tree, soul catchers lurked about. "Kikyo... Show yourself I already know you're there."
She appeared, legs draped lazily over the branches. In her hands she held a soul. She looked down and over her shoulder at Naraku and glared icily. "What do you want now Naraku? I'd thought you'd be content with killing Inuyasha off before I got to. Isn't that misery enough for you?" She sneered at him.
A low growl was forming in Naraku's throat. "He's dead... move on." He snickered as he thought, 'Advice you should take as well Kikyo.' He folded his arms and narrowed his eyes into a glare. "I need information from you."
"And what makes you think I'll have it, Kumo?" She looked back at the soul she was toying with.
Naraku was on the verge of killing her. "Do not EVER call me that again. And I know you'll have the information I need because you were once the keeper of the jewel."
She let go of the soul and it fell into her chest. "Oh, did I touch a rough spot? Would you prefer I call you Onigumo? Because that is the source of your problem. "I can sense the jewel isn't as blackened as it once was. Someone else has affected your heart.... even breeched your soul. And since the jewel is corrupt and evil, and now that love fills the empty hole that was your heart instead of your old blackness... Well...Heh. I think even a dunce like you can see that the evil and good inside of you are fighting for control. Such a silly boy you are."
Naraku had acquired all the information he needed, but apparently Kikyo wasn't through with him. He turned to leave and she snickered, "Heh... tell me... whose life are you going to ruin this time, Kumo?" She folded her arms, grinning arrogantly.
Naraku turned back to face her. He raised a clawed hand and moved to bring it down. He'd expected Onigumo's feeble heart to stop him from killing her.... but it didn't. He could kill her! He smiled as he felt her warm blood dripping off his claws. She looked up at him from the ground. He stood over her, smirking. "You still bleed as heavily as you did 50 years ago on the day I attacked you disguised as Inuyasha. I wish you a slow and painful death." He grinned. Her soul catchers came to her aid but Naraku slashed them to bits as if they were nothing. Once they were all gone he put out his hand, filling the surroundings with poison that would fulfill his wish as he vanished.
He reappeared in his silent palace. He should be feeling satisfied but instead... the lonely castle only seemed to fuel the ache in his chest. He removed his baboon suit and sat in his spot. Naraku tried to ignore the stale smell of dried blood.... of Sesshoumaru's blood. Kikyo's words echoed in his ears as loudly as if she said them herself: 'Whose life are you going to ruin this time, Kumo?' He closed his eyes and bowed his head. There was only one person close to him now... "No..." He whispered.
The sun was beginning to set by the time Sesshoumaru set off back to the palace. And as the wind whipped over his face and body, he was reminded again of his new 'look.' It felt so strange to be wearing different clothes...and with his hair tied up on his head, too. It was very strange, yet...pleasant in way. He looked down at the midnight blue kimono that faded into black and dark grays; he liked his new outfit. He reached a hand up to the ponytail on the top of his head. 'This is going to take some getting used to, though,' he thought as he put his hand back down to his side.
As the palace drew near, Sesshoumaru felt his chest get heavy. He had been unsuccessful in finding out anything from the tree demon. Clenching his fist, he cursed his failure and when the castle was finally in sight, he sincerely hoped Naraku had had some luck in finding out what was happening.
Naraku's head snapped up. He caught Sesshoumaru's scent and the ache turned into something else. "I'll never understand these emotions," he whispered to himself. It didn't matter... Sesshoumaru was back.
Navigating his way back to the room, the inu youkai's chest began to feel like lead. When he finally came to the door, he took a deep breath, pushed the door aside, and stepped into the room. His gaze roamed over the room until it settled on Naraku's slumped form sitting at the base of the window. Not wanting to break the silence just yet, Sesshoumaru walked over to the other youkai and slid against the wall until he was sitting beside him.
Suddenly, the fluttering feeling turned back into the ache. 'I shouldn't be aching...' He looked over at Sesshoumaru. "You came back..." He smiled slightly and bowed his head again. "Find out anything?"
This time it was Sesshoumaru's turn to bow his head. "...No." He raised his head and looked over at Naraku, who still had his head down. "But I will keep searching, Naraku. We'll--"
Naraku half smiled and raised his hand. "It's alright." He took in a heavy breath. "I know what's wrong with me. You needn't search anymore." He put his hand down.
The inu's eyes widened slightly. "Then...what is it? What have you found out?"
Naraku looked down and away, not able to bear being under the amber gaze. "It's nothing serious... I can handle it." One of his fists involuntarily clenched as once again, the former miko's words once again entered his mind: 'Whose life will you ruin this time, Kumo?' His shoulders stiffened.
Sesshoumaru studied him. "You're lying..." He reached out and turned Naraku to face him, but the youkai averted his gaze. "Why won't you look me in the eye? What did you find out?!" He didn't mean to raise his voice as noted Naraku flinch at his tone. "I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean to..." he trailed off, releasing his hold on the youkai's shoulders. He stared at the wall, "I do not wish to see you in such a state..." He turned back to face him, "I want you to tell me what you learned; if not for your sake, then do it for mine."
Naraku sighed. "Look, you don't need to apologize. I will tell you what information I've acquired... It's the jewel embedded in my flesh." For the second time in his life, he chewed on his lip nervously. "You... gave me a heart again... and the jewel cannot coexist with love... And so it is tearing me apart." He glanced at Sesshoumaru's eyes before looking away again.
He stared at Naraku for a long minute before he let his eyes aimlessly wonder about the room, looking at nothing in particular as he pieced together the youkai's words. "I gave him a heart?...And the Shikon Jewel will not share it's space inside him...' It is tearing me apart. 'No!' He would not let that happen! He finally turned back to Naraku, "If that damn jewel is the cause of all this, then remove it from your body!" His thoughts still racing, he hadn't even considered the consequences of the action.
"How can you say that? Just remove it?!" He grit his teeth, fists clenched, fingernails digging into his skin. "I can't... remove it!" He tore his eyes from the floor and locked them with Sesshoumaru's. "This jewel... it makes me a demon! Without it, I will be little more than Inuyasha was... a weak pathetic half breed! Who wants a half breed...?" He tore his eyes away. 'I know you won't,' He thought bitterly. The ache was getting worse. No matter how badly he wanted to cover it with his hand, his bloody (and still bleeding) fists remained at his sides. He pretended he didn't ache, that his chest wasn't tearing itself in half. "I cannot remove the jewel because of what I will become...."
"Don't be such a fool, Naraku."
"Fool? I am not a fool." He said coldly.
His eyes softened as he leaned close, "You think I will not have you if you return to your half demon self....don't you.." It wasn't really a question. His lips brushed against Naraku's as he whispered, "Why do you think I made love to you in the first place?" The kumo started to open his mouth but Sesshoumaru placed a finger over it as he continued, "It's because I have chosen you...as my mate." He removed his finger to place his mouth where it had been. He looked into Naraku's eyes as he added, "You belong to me now...I will have no other."
Naraku's eyes widened in disbelief. His hands were no longer balled into bloody fists. 'I...belong to him....' He smiled slightly, trying to take it all in. Maybe he was dreaming.... but if so, he never wanted to wake up. The pain was gone.... He didn't hurt in that moment.
Sesshoumaru leaned into Naraku and gripped his auburn hair in one fist while the other reached up and untied the twist that held his hair, which then fell in long silvery locks spilling down his shoulders. He embraced his partner and drew him nearer, and felt that there was still a mild tension. "Relax," he kissed his throat, "Do not think of the future.." he moved to his lips and then kissed his forehead as he crooned, "Be with me now.."
Everywhere Sesshoumaru's skin touched his, it burned delightfully. He craved that touch; ached for it. The words were lost; all Naraku had been listening to was the sound of his voice. Their clothes, (and Sesshoumaru's weapons), were becoming a nuisance. So, with a flick of his wrist, they both no longer had to deal with that hassle. He claimed Sesshoumaru's lips for his own in a vicious kiss. He put his hands on either side of the youkai's throat, fingernails threatening to cut away as his hands moved from his neck to his shoulders.
Sesshoumaru smiled against Naraku's lips as he brought his hands up to the kumo's face. "Now..." he said as he paired up the fingernails on each hand, "..I'll mark you as my own," and with that, he drug his claws over Naraku's cheekbones, letting some of his venom seep into the cuts.
He grimaced and refused to cry out from pain. "Sesshoumaru..." he sad quietly just for the sake of hearing his name.
"Shhh..." He covered Naraku's mouth with his own, closing his eyes so that he couldn't see the burning flesh on the youkai's fair face. 'Do not try to heal it,' he thought at him, 'it will only make it burn hotter.'
He winced as his body tried to heal it. He had to tell himself to stop.
'It's almost finished,' his mind told him, and he yanked his hands away from the youkai's face and then buried them in his long, wavy locks. "It's complete now," he sighed against his partner's neck, "You are now mine and no other's; and those marks prove it."
Naraku sighed; his face still burned a little. He waved his hand behind him and a large mirror appeared. Reluctantly he pulled away from Sesshoumaru. He wanted to see what the youkai had done. He rose and turned, wincing at the sudden pain that filled his chest. He gazed into the mirror, his hands rising and touching the marks. He closed his eyes and smiled slightly.
Sesshoumaru came up behind Naraku and put his arms around him. Glancing at their reflection and then back at Naraku, he asked in a light tone, "Do you object to my claims on you?"
Naraku shook his head slowly, opening his eyes to look at their reflection. He turned around in Sesshoumaru's arms, kissing him lightly. "You ask the strangest things." He chuckled, his fingernails danced lightly over the youkai's skin.
The inu shivered involuntarily as Naraku continued the motion of his nails over his back, making his hair stand on end. 'If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're doing this on purpose,' Sesshoumaru thought out at him as he tried to reach behind him and still the youkai's hands.
"Me? Do this," he raked his nails down the inu's back, "on purpose?" He chuckled, kissing Sesshoumaru lightly, pulling away only far enough so he could speak. "Now why would I do a thing like that?"
Sesshoumaru arched his back as another wave of chills traveled down his spine. He shivered again and gave Naraku a mocking glare as he got out his own claws and ran them over the kumo's ribs and back. He grinned devilishly as he taunted, "Let's see how you like it!"
He winced and cocked an eyebrow, putting his clawed forefinger right behind the bone in Sesshoumaru's chin, his finger puncturing the skin as he pulled the youkai's lips to his own for a brief second before pulling away. The scent of blood hung lightly in the air. Naraku smirked. "That give you any inkling?" he said quietly.
Sesshoumaru had had just about enough games. Acting on a sudden impulse, the inu smirked and quickly wrapped a leg around both of Naraku's and then drew it back, causing the youkai's knees to buckle. He was sure of his victory in bringing down the mighty Naraku until he felt a tug on his head as he saw the kumo's tight grip on a good portion of his hair. 'Uh-oh.' They both came crashing down but somehow, Sesshoumaru ended up on the floor first--cushioning Naraku's fall with his ribs. "Ugh..." He reached up to push the youkai off of him but the kumo grabbed both of his hands.
Naraku put both of Sesshoumaru's hands above his head. "I don't think so. You've claimed me..." he made it so their lips brushed as he spoke, "without knowing what you got yourself into." He grinned then kissed him hard on the lips.
Sesshoumaru moaned and explored Naraku's mouth with his tongue, his body leaning into Naraku's as he thought, 'I think I can handle it.'
Naraku broke the kiss and whispered into Sesshoumaru's ear, "Oh really? What if I kissed you everywhere except where you wanted me to? Hmm?" He nibbled on his ear lobe. "Could you handle that?"
Sesshoumaru turned his head and kissed Naraku. He playfully added, "Well if that's the case, then there can be no winner," he lightly bit the youkai's lower lip and whispered, "Because there is not a single part of my body that doesn't burn for your touch." He bit down on Naraku's lip again, and this time drew blood.
Naraku licked away at his own blood, smiling slightly. "Really?" he said in his low velvety voice. His fingernails traced over the markings on the inu's face. "Does your body burn for me here?" he kissed the youkai's throat, nipping lightly. "What about here?" he trailed kisses to Sesshoumaru's shoulder.
Lying there helplessly as Naraku trailed kisses over his body, Sesshoumaru didn't know how much more he could take--until he realized that his hands were no longer bound above his head. He lunged for the youkai's hands as they began to slide down his abdomen. Gripping the kumo's wrists firmly, he moved them behind Naraku's back and then rolled over on top of him. As he glowered down on him, he thought, 'You see.I can handle a pup like you.' Naraku's eyes glared at him, raising an eyebrow as a low growl rumbled in his throat. "Hahahaha...You know," he leaned closer, "you can be quite adorable when you're pinned to the floor and immobilized." He chuckled and licked the blood from the kumo's lips before it dried.
Naraku saw his chance and bit down on Sesshoumaru's tongue. 'Take that' He thought triumphantly.
His eyes crossed before he blinked. "OWW!" 'WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!' his thoughts screamed at him. He tried to pull away but Naraku only clamped down harder, an odd triumphant look in his eye. "Aaahnnn!" He narrowed his eyes in accusation, 'What do you think you're doing?!' His tongue was beginning to bleed into his mouth.
'How could I pass up that delightful tongue of yours when it was right in front of my mouth, on my lips even?' He projected his thoughts into his koi's head. 'Oh my.... you're bleeding.' He bit harder, making more blood flow before he let up a little and sucked on his tongue, relishing in the taste of Sesshoumaru's blood.
'You little impudent bas--! I CAN'T FEEL MY TONGUE ANYMORE!!!' He jerked his hands from behind Naraku's back and pried open the kumo's mouth by force. When his tongue was finally released he scrambled backwards, blood dripping down his chin the whole time. He tried to somehow cradle his aching mouth as he shot death glares at Naraku, who was now a safe four feet away, grinning at him as his lips were coated with Sesshoumaru's blood.
Naraku sat up, stretching and smirking. "Not so cute pinned down am I?" He rose, licking the blood away with immense delight. He sat down next to the Inu's legs, leaning forward. "You should know that's when I fight dirty." He cupped Sesshoumaru's face with his hand and pulled him forward into a rough kiss, his tongue exploring the inu's mouth. After a few second he pulled away, his chest ached so badly this time, Naraku winced.
Even though his tongue felt like it was full of needles, Sesshoumaru had allowed Naraku to kiss him. Because right before he was going to give the kumo a taste of his own medicine, Naraku had pulled away as if in pain and pleasure at the same time. He watched the youkai put a hand to his chest as if to suppress the feeling. "Ishhumtingduhmaherr?" Sesshoumaru's eyes widened and he clamped a hand over his mouth as re realized what had just come out of it.
Naraku's chest felt it was going to tear itself in half at any given moment, but then Sesshoumaru spoke. 'Perfect... I can hide it now.' He burst into forced laughter. "What's the matter? Did I bite too hard? Kumo got your tongue?" He snickered. 'That's it... make him forget what he just saw...'
Sesshoumaru glared at him with hellfire in his eyes. 'Prick.'
"Oh you know you love me anyways..." He smirked in playfulness, hoping Sesshoumaru wouldn't notice the pain in his eyes. He folded his arms. "What are you going to do about it anyways? Hmm?"
Sesshoumaru tore his gaze away and looked at the wall as he sighed, 'So this is the thanks I get for being concerned about my mate.'
As if the pain in his chest wasn't enough, Sesshoumaru's words made it worse. He gasped sharply. "It's... the jewel..." He took in heavy breaths, trying to remain sitting and not falling over from being so dizzy. 'Feels like it's going to tear me in two....' He thought at him because he couldn't form the words.
Sesshoumaru quickly turned around and saw Naraku grip his chest as he started to sway. Rushing over to him, he braced him and his thoughts raced as he asked, 'What can I do??' He brushed the auburn hair from the youkai's face--which was beginning to glisten with a cold sweat--and frantically searched his eyes for an answer.
Naraku bit back his pain, grinding his teeth as he took in heavy breaths. He felt Sesshoumaru stroking his hair and it helped a little. 'I don't... know what to do...' He closed his eyes painfully wanting nothing more than Sesshoumaru's touch at the moment.
Not knowing what he could do to ease his mate's pain, the inu simply offered himself as he wrapped his arms around Naraku protectively and buried his face in the wavy locks, gently rocking him back and forth.
Naraku's mind was racing. 'When did it start hurting?!' he thought frantically.... He didn't hurt until he was mean to Sesshoumaru, even though he was only playing. And before that... the pain stopped when the inu kissed him.... "Sesshoumaru..." he said softly, determined to test his theory out. "Kiss me..."
He stopped rocking and opened his eyes, not sure of what he'd just heard. "What? Kiss you?" his brows slightly furrowed in confusion, "I don't see how--"
"Just do it..." Naraku cut him off. He cried out as another wave of pain came crashing down on him. "Please!"
"Alright!" The inu cupped Naraku's face in his hands and covered his mouth with his own as he kissed the youkai passionately; putting all he could into that one request he didn't yet understand.
Naraku sighed happily... the pain was gone... In that instant, he didn't ache at all! He happily kissed back, then broke the kiss smiling, "It doesn't hurt..." But as soon as the words left his mouth, he clutched at his chest again. "It...didn't hurt..." he corrected himself. "When you kissed me..." He gasped in pain. "Kiss me again..."
Not needing to be goaded any further, Sesshoumaru immediately kissed him again and his hands began to roam over the kumo's back and through his silken hair. 'You know I would do anything for you...' Sesshoumaru thought to him, "..So tell me...is this all I can do?'
Naraku grinned. "No... By all means... please do more." He ran his fingers across Sesshoumaru's scalp and through his silver hair. He was glad at this point they weren't wearing clothes...
"Heh...As you wish," he then took the liberty to brace the youkai's back as he gently lowered him to the padded floor, kissing him all the while. As his hands continued to roam over Naraku's body, he felt relieved as he sensed the tension in his mate gradually get smaller. When they were both finally ready, he kissed Naraku deeply and carefully folded himself into the youkai's lean frame. And as he moved in him, he couldn't sense the "wrongness" inside his partner anymore; by the time their love reached the climax, there was no trace of pain on Naraku's face at all. When it was over, Sesshoumaru still continued to kiss and embrace him--he didn't want to give the jewel another chance to cause his mate anymore pain. Eventually, though, his body couldn't stay awake anymore and he found himself slipping into a dreamless slumber...his love still wrapped in his arms.
He didn't hurt as badly after Sesshoumaru fell asleep. The phantom ache was just that... a ghost amongst all else. 'How long will it last.... this peace cannot remain with a heart torn in two like mine.' He sighed softly and stroked the sleeping inu's face tenderly. "I don't want to hurt you..." He whispered and forced himself to go to sleep.
A/N: *falls to the floor exhausted*. MAN, was that a looooong
chapter.. I hope you guys are satisfied for awhile until part
seven is written. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading our ficcy!
God bless! (Oh, and a happy new year, etc, etc..)