I'm back! No, I'm not dead, I've just been really busy. You can blame
the delay of this chapter on my teachers. They have given me sooo much
homework and I've had quiz after quiz and test after test. In fact, I had a
Chemistry test today, I have a Geometry test tomorrow, and an English and
History test on Friday. Yay, what a fun week....not! Anyways sorry times a
million for not being able to get this chapter out on time! Inu and the
gang will show up in this chapter. On to reviewer responses!
Ivan's Kitsune: Sorry I wasn't able to get this chapter out on time, according to my previously said schedule thingy. I hope it hasn't been too painful waiting for me to type this out. You take Spanish? Are you in begining Spanish or Advanced? I took begining Spanish last year, but didn't want to take the next level higher this year (one year was enough for me!). I've mostly forgotten how to say basically everything, but I remembered the basics, like hello, goodbye, how are you, and the ever important, where's the bathroom. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter!
Disclaimer: *Sesshoumaru walks into the dungeon and hears that the batteries in the tape player are running out and the recording is playing really slowly. He turns his attention to the sleeping form hanging from the wall. He then looks down at the laptop by her feet and reads what she has written* 'Aries doesn't own Inuyasha,' is written over and over again. At the very bottom, something else is written, 'Hanging all day and listening to tape over and over again makes Aries a dull girl.' *Thinking that she has had enough punishment, Sesshoumaru unchains her from the wall, then walks into Arie's room. He places her on the bed and hears her mumble "I don't own InuYasha." He then leaves.* (A/N Awww Sessy was actually nice to me (*feels all warm and fuzzy inside*.).
Chapter Ten: Brotherly Brawl
The next morning Ayame awoke quiet refreshed. The sun was up, birds were chirpping, and it was going to be a beautful day. Looking to her side, she noticed that a roll of clean bandages and a new kimono were once again placed neatly next to her. Holding up the kimono, she wasn't surprised to find that this one was just as exstravagent as the last. It was made from black silk and had pink stitchings of sakura blossoms on it. There was also a matching pink obi that went along with it. Standing up and straightening her sleeping yukata, she then gathered the bandages and kimono and headed off towards the hotspring. Upon arriving she undid the sleeping yukata and her breast wrappings then placed those, the fresh cloth for bandages and the black kimono off to the side. She surveyed her wounds and found that they were healed and no longer needed to be banadaged. She lightly touched the now healed wound on her side and brushed her fingertips over the newly grown pink and tender skin. Sighing to herself she then washed herself off and slid into the soothingly warm water.
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*In Sesshoumaru's study*
The previous day Sesshoumaru had mainly been held up in his study. He had not gone out and joined Ayame and Rin at lunch and dinner. Instead, he sat and went over some letters he had recieved from the other lords. They were going to hold a get together and desperatly wanted him to come.
'They probably just want to bother me about not having a mate again and will try and get me interested in one of the demonesses that will be there.' He mentally sighed.
Sesshoumaru now sat at his desk and was pondering on wether he would go or not. He could take Ayame with him, after all he had been thinking of asking her the ultimate question. But he wasn't sure if bringing her to the get together would be a wise choice. There would most likely be a fight because Karisou and Ryu and his mate Yumi would be there and knowing about what they had done to her, he had no doubt Ayame would attack them. He made a low growling sound from the back of his throat. He had somewhat been friends with Karisou, but after he had meet Ayame and learned of what Karisou and his family had done to hers, he found that he was now giving Karisou the cold shoulder. Sesshoumaru lightly shook his head, then went back to work.
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*Back at the hotspring*
Ayame had gotten out and dried off and instead of using the cloth bandages for her wounds, she used it to bind her breasts. She then dressed in the beauitful kimono and combed her hair. She then exited the hotspring and made her way to the dinning room. Upon arriving she noticed that Rin was already seated and eating, but Sesshoumaru was absent. She frowned from disappointment.
'Damnit, where is he? I need to ask him if I can go and tell InuYasha and everyone else that I'm alright.' She mentally cursed.
Ayame walked over to the table and sat in her usual seat. Rin smiled over at her, "Good morning Ayame-chan! Do you want to go play with Rin out in the gardens again?" Rin hopefuly asked.
Smiling over at the child Ayame nodded her head, "Sure Rin, but first I want to eat."
The child nodded her head vigorously and was filled with happiness. Ayame ate her meal and when she was done Rin ran over to her, took her hand and was dragging her outside when a toad youkai suddenly appeared in the doorway and was trampled by the two. Ayame stopped and went over to the now crushed youkai, laying face down on the floor.
"Sorry about that, are you okay?" She politely asked and extended her hand to him.
The toad youkai sat up and rubbed his large melon-shaped head. He then turned his two equally large eyes onto the demoness in front of him who was extending her hand to him in order to help him up. He slapped the hand away, then stood up.
"I don't need your help wench and watch where you're going!" He shouted, then stalked off.
Ayame glared at his back then turned to Rin and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Not too friendly is he?"
Rin looked up at Ayame and shook her head, "That's Jaken. He's Sesshoumaru's werd."
"Werd? You mean ward?" Ayame asked the little girl.
Rin nodded her head, "Yeah, ward. He doesn't let Rin play out in the gardens much. He says that he doesn't like to watch over Rin and that Rins a nuisance."
Ayame frowned at this, "Well that's not very nice." She softly spoke.
Rin then grabbed Ayame's hand and began leading her outside again. Once they were outside, Rin ran off towards the flowers. Ayame glanced around and spotted Keiko. She walked over to the kitsune and greeted her.
"Hi Keiko." She waved.
"Hello Ayame. How are you this morning?" Came Keiko's reply.
"I'm fine, just a little curious as to why Sesshoumaru hasn't been present lately." She admitted.
Keiko regarded the slightly depressed Ayame, "Lord Sesshoumaru has been in his study as of late."
Ayame slightly nodded her head, "Oh...I see." She whispered. "Can I ask you something Keiko?" Inquired Ayame.
"Sure."
"You've been serving Sesshoumaru for awhile now, right?" At this Keiko nodded her head in confirmation. "Well I was wondering. In the time you've spent here has Sesshoumaru ever, you know, shown interest in any women?" She curiously asked.
Keiko thought for a moment. She had been serving Sesshoumaru for a good many years now and was looking back on those years, trying to remember. She then shook her head no. "I can't say that he has. He mostly just focused on protecting his lands and tending to his work. The other lords would bother him about not finding a mate and they still do. I've never really seen him interested in anybody, that is, until you came here." Keiko calmly replied then smiled knowingly at Ayame.
Ayame's cheeks took on a faint pink tint and this caused Keiko to laugh. "I see." Said Ayame. She then remembered that she had some business to take care of with Sesshoumaru. "Do you think you could watch Rin for a moment? I need to go ask Sesshoumaru something." She asked Keiko.
"I will watch Rin." She stated.
"Thanks." Ayame called out as she ran back inside of the house.
Ayame sniffed the air, searching for Sessoumaru's scent to follow, considering she didn't know where his study was. She found his scent and followed it. It lead her down many hallways and she noted which ones she took, just in case she ever needed to come this way again. She reached Sesshoumaru's study. He was on the other side, she could feel him there. Ayame stood nervously in front of his door, she didn't know what she was going to say and her mind was being bombarded by the memories of the events that had occured the previous day. She was roused from her thoughts, however, when she heard his voice.
"Are just going to stand in front of the door all day?" Came his smooth voice from the other side of the door.
Ayame blinked, then slid the door open. She saw Sesshoumaru sitting at a black marble desk. The room was lit with candles that provided just the right amount of light. Stepping inside Ayame then closed the door and just stood there. Sesshoumaru looked up from the papers in front of him and his jaw almost hit the floor. He saw that Ayame was wearing the kimono and also noticed that it was very flattering on her, it accented all her curves. Snapping out of his daze, he motioned for her to sit. Ayame sat down in front of the desk. A noise from the corner drew her attention and she saw that that toad youkai was in there, glaring at her. She glared back.
"What is it you need?" Came Sesshoumaru's emotionless voice.
"Huh?" Ayame said, turning her attention away from the toad and onto Sesshoumaru.
"You came here for a reason correct?" Ayame nodded her head. "Then what is it?"
"Oh umm..well you see.." Ayame was having a hard time getting the words out. She didn't know how he was going to react to her request, especially since she knew Sesshoumaru wasn't exactly on friendly terms with InuYasha. Sighing, she gathered her courage and just asked. "Well, as I have told you, I was traveling with InuYasha for awhile. You also know that I left them for awhile. I had told them that I would be back soon, but obviously that didn't happen. I'm sure that they are worried about me, especially if they found the area where I fought one of Naraku's puppets and saw my blood. Which brings me to what I came here for. I wanted to know if I could leave so that I can tell them that I am fine and not to worry?"
Sesshoumaru turned her words over in his head. "No." He simply stated.
"What? Why not?" Asked Ayame confusidly.
"Because that hanyou is on his way here. He should be here within the hour."
"Oh..." Ayame said. She then recalled that Sesshoumaru had said that he had tried numerous times to kill his half-brother. "Your not going to fight him are you?" She blurted out.
"Why does that matter?"
"Because he will be with other people and they are my friends. I don't want them to get hurt." She stated, irritated with his cold attitude.
"If there were to be a fight, it will most likely be started by him and I plan to defend myself."
"Well could you at least try not start a fight between the two of you?"
"Wench!" Came the shriek of the toad in the corner. "You do not tell Lord Sesshoumaru what to do!"
"Jaken." Sesshoumaru threateningly said to his ward.
"Forgive this lowly Jaken, Lord Sesshoumaru." The toad said while bowing.
"We shall see what transpires." Sesshoumaru stated, obviously done with the conversation.
Ayame sighed then stood. She glared at the toad in the corner, then turned and slid the door open. "Thank you for your time Sesshoumaru." She spoke, then walked out and slid the door closed.
Ayame went to her room and was pacing back and forth.
'How did they know I was here?' She thought. She then noticed that her black outfit (A/N The black dress one) had been repaired and was laying on her bed, along with the small pouch she usually had at her waist. Just then she remembered.
'Of course! The jewel shard! Kagome must have sensed it and lead them here.' She mused. Ayame picked up the pouch and emptied the contents into her hand. She held the jewel shard between her fingers and smiled. She then closed her hand around it and ran out of her room and outside to the front gates, to await the arrival of her friends.
She had been waiting patiently for a half an hour and was now growing anxious. She noticed Sesshoumaru come out of the house and make his way towards the gates as well. Ayame, who was sitting in some shade under a nearby tree, now stood and readied herself, they would be here soon. No sooner had she thought that, she saw the group come running out of the forest and make their way towards the gate. Kagome was on InuYasha's back and Sango, Miroku, and Shippo were on Kirara's back. InuYasha leaped over the gate and landed on the other side, soon followed by Kirara. Kagome got off of InuYasha's back, as did Sango, Miroku, and Shippo did with Kirara. InuYasha unsheathed Tetseiga and it transformed.
"Sesshoumaru!" He barked out. "Give us back Ayame you bastard!" That said, InuYasha then charged at Sesshoumaru and the two began to fight.
Ayame rolled her eyes, 'Alright, so Sesshoumaru was right. InuYasha did start the fight.' Ayame watched the fight and saw that Sesshoumaru was dodging InuYasha's attacks, but he himself was not retaliating. Ayame smiled at this then ran over to the rest of the group.
Upon seeing her Kagome shouted, "Ayame! Your alright!" She then hugged Ayame.
"Yes Kagome I am fine." She withdrew from the embrace only to then be hugged by Sango.
"We were so worried about you Ayame. What happened?" Asked Sango.
Ayame patted Sango's back, "I'll tell you later." She withdrew from Sango's embrace but was then embraced by Miroku.
"It's nice to know your safe." Said Miroku, while inching his hand down to grope her.
Sango was ready though and hit him on the head with her boomerang. The monk hit the ground unconscious and the three girls shook their heads. There was a loud clang of metal to metal and Ayame turned around to look back at the fight. Sesshoumaru had drawn his sword and was now blocking with it. He still was not attacking however.
Ayame turned to Kagome, "Kagome please, we need to stop them. InuYasha has it all wrong. I came here on my own when I became injured. Sesshoumaru is not keeping me here against my will. You know what you need to do right?" She asked frantically.
Kagome nodded her head. "SIT!" She yelled at the top of her lungs.
Ayame turned around just in time to see InuYasha fall face first into the ground and create a six foot crater. Regarding Kagome once more, Ayame thanked her then made her way towards the two brothers, followed by Kagome, Sango, and the now awake Miroku. Ayame then stood by Sesshoumaru and watched as InuYasha climbed out of the hole in the ground, cursing and mumbling. InuYasha stood up and turned towards Kagome.
"What the hell did you do that for!?" He demanded.
"Because I told her to." Replied Ayame.
InuYasha turned his attention to Ayame. "Well then why the fuck did you tell her to do that? We came here to rescue you from this arrogant son of a bitch," he pointed to Sesshoumaru, "so why would you stop that?" He asked, anger laced within his words.
"That's why." Ayame calmly stated. "Because you have the wrong idea. I don't need to be rescued, I'm perfectly fine."
InuYasha wasn't the only one confused, Kagome and the others all had blank looks on their faces.
Ayame sighed, "Okay let me explain."
Ayame told them of how she had fought Naraku's puppet and without thinking, ran here. The group still could not understand why she went to Sesshoumaru instead of coming to them. So Ayame explained how she had meet Sesshoumaru and had taken care of him a year before. She also tried to put in hints of her feelings towards Sesshoumaru without actually saying it and hoped that now they understood why she had come here. Kagome and Sango both understood. They had made the connection and understood that this was the man that Ayame said she had loved when they had discussed her dreams. What they couldn't understand was how anyone could love the cold hearted youkai.
InuYasha had not made the connection and therefor was still clueless. "Feh, that's very touching and all, but it's time we go, so come on Ayame, we're leaving." InuYasha then turned around and started walking away. He was stopped, however, when Sesshoumaru spoke.
"She will not be going with you." He simply stated.
InuYasha turned around, "What did you say?"
"I will not repeat myself whelp."
"Well then what are we supposed to do? We came here for her." Pointed out InuYasha.
Ayame turned towards Sesshoumaru, "Please, can they stay here for a day so we can clear some things up?" She asked him, hope shining brightly in her eyes.
Sesshoumaru thought this over. He wasn't thrilled by the idea of having his half-brother stay with him, but he found himself giving in. She was giving him that look. The one he found that Rin would also give him when she wanted him to do something. He looked into Ayame's eyes. Those shining blue orbs that he found he could lose himself in, drown in the depths of their mystery and still beg for more.
"Very well. They may stay for tonight, but I expect to have matters cleared up by morning."
Ayame smiled and Sesshoumaru almost wanted to do the same. "I will have a servant show you to some rooms." Sesshoumaru added, then turned around, walked back into the house and to his study. Ayame watched him go, then turned around smiled at her friends.
"Shall we?" She gestured towards the house.
Upon entering the house, the group found Keiko waiting for them. She showed each of them their seperate rooms, then bowed and dismissed herself. InuYasha and Miroku stayed in their rooms, while Ayame, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, Kirara, and Rin all went out to the garden. Kagome and Shippo had taught Rin how play tag and they were now running around. Ayame observed the game and smiled. It was quite interesting. She laughed when Rin pounced on Shippo and he was declared 'it'. Ayame figured that she would worry about what they were going to do to clear matters up later. For now she just wanted to enjoy the company of her friends. The rest of the day was spent in the garden. They all chatted and were finally called inside for dinner. Ayame noted that Sesshoumaru was absent from this meal as well. After dinner, everyone said their goodnights and returned to their rooms. Ayame entered her room and found a clean sleeping yukata laying on her bed. She changed into it, but found that she was not tired. She walked over to the balcony that overlooked the gardens and stared out at the scenery, thinking. She needed to figure something out.
Her thoughts were interupted when she heard the door slide open then shut. She turned around and saw the silvery-white figure of Sesshoumaru. He approached her and Ayame found her heartbeat once again speeding up and her stomach getting tied into knots. In the pale moonlight he looked even more handsome. The moons rays seem to enhance his godliness.
"Have you thought of something yet?" He asked coming closer and his voice sending shivers down Ayame's spine.
Ayame shook her head, "No, not yet."
Sesshoumaru placed his fingers under her chin and lifted her face. He then leaned over and spoke. "Well, you better think of something before morning." He said, his lips brushing against hers. "And make sure that your plan does not involve leaving me. I do not wish to lose you again." He then closed the space between then and kissed her passionatly. He slid his tongue along her lower lip, begging for entrance. Ayame complied and parted her lips. Sesshoumaru plunged his tongue inside and explored every part of her mouth. He put one hand behind her head and tilted her head up to deepen the kiss. Ayame felt her knees weakening and was glad that he wrapped his other arm around her waist to steady her. Ayame felt him graze her lower lip with his fang and she shivered. Sesshoumaru broke the kiss after another minute. He then lowered his head down to her neck and nipped gently at the junction between her neck and shoulder. He then realized that he had removed his hand from behind her head and that it was slowly working its way into her kimono. He stopped his hand and then stood. He did not want to force this upon her. He turned and was about to leave when Ayame grapped his wrist.
He turned and looked at her. She was smiling, her eyes sparkling. "Please, stay with me tonight Sesshoumaru." She softly spoke. (A/N There is no lemon coming up. They aren't gonna sleep together. Well... they're gonna sleep together just not the way your thinking ^_^U, dirty dirty mind).
Sesshoumaru nodded his head, then scooped her up. He layed her down on the fouton and then began to remove his shirt. Ayame blushed and was thankful that it was dark enough to go unnoticed. She took in every detail of him. His lean, firm muscles and the way they stretched as he moved. She was almost drooling, almost. (A/N Raise your hand if you would have drooled. *Raises her hand*). Sesshoumaru slid onto the fouton next to Ayame and wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. Ayame placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She had a feeling that she was probably not going to get much sleep.
Yay chapter ten done! I figured that I would make this a long one since I have been neglecting to update as fast as I usually have been. Okay I'm thinking that maybe in the next chapter I'm gonna put a lemon, but I'm not sure cause doesn't ff.net not allow them? Also I've never written one and I don't wanna ruin the story with a bad lemon. Ughhh...I guess I could always do some lemony limeness. Okay well I'll have to think about it. Lemme know what you think I should do. The rating for this story will probably go to R for the next chapter, so if you don't find this story under PG-13, then look under R. Review time! Lemme know what you thought and please share your opinions on the whole lemon issue. Until next chapter...see ya!
~Aries
Ivan's Kitsune: Sorry I wasn't able to get this chapter out on time, according to my previously said schedule thingy. I hope it hasn't been too painful waiting for me to type this out. You take Spanish? Are you in begining Spanish or Advanced? I took begining Spanish last year, but didn't want to take the next level higher this year (one year was enough for me!). I've mostly forgotten how to say basically everything, but I remembered the basics, like hello, goodbye, how are you, and the ever important, where's the bathroom. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter!
Disclaimer: *Sesshoumaru walks into the dungeon and hears that the batteries in the tape player are running out and the recording is playing really slowly. He turns his attention to the sleeping form hanging from the wall. He then looks down at the laptop by her feet and reads what she has written* 'Aries doesn't own Inuyasha,' is written over and over again. At the very bottom, something else is written, 'Hanging all day and listening to tape over and over again makes Aries a dull girl.' *Thinking that she has had enough punishment, Sesshoumaru unchains her from the wall, then walks into Arie's room. He places her on the bed and hears her mumble "I don't own InuYasha." He then leaves.* (A/N Awww Sessy was actually nice to me (*feels all warm and fuzzy inside*.).
Chapter Ten: Brotherly Brawl
The next morning Ayame awoke quiet refreshed. The sun was up, birds were chirpping, and it was going to be a beautful day. Looking to her side, she noticed that a roll of clean bandages and a new kimono were once again placed neatly next to her. Holding up the kimono, she wasn't surprised to find that this one was just as exstravagent as the last. It was made from black silk and had pink stitchings of sakura blossoms on it. There was also a matching pink obi that went along with it. Standing up and straightening her sleeping yukata, she then gathered the bandages and kimono and headed off towards the hotspring. Upon arriving she undid the sleeping yukata and her breast wrappings then placed those, the fresh cloth for bandages and the black kimono off to the side. She surveyed her wounds and found that they were healed and no longer needed to be banadaged. She lightly touched the now healed wound on her side and brushed her fingertips over the newly grown pink and tender skin. Sighing to herself she then washed herself off and slid into the soothingly warm water.
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*In Sesshoumaru's study*
The previous day Sesshoumaru had mainly been held up in his study. He had not gone out and joined Ayame and Rin at lunch and dinner. Instead, he sat and went over some letters he had recieved from the other lords. They were going to hold a get together and desperatly wanted him to come.
'They probably just want to bother me about not having a mate again and will try and get me interested in one of the demonesses that will be there.' He mentally sighed.
Sesshoumaru now sat at his desk and was pondering on wether he would go or not. He could take Ayame with him, after all he had been thinking of asking her the ultimate question. But he wasn't sure if bringing her to the get together would be a wise choice. There would most likely be a fight because Karisou and Ryu and his mate Yumi would be there and knowing about what they had done to her, he had no doubt Ayame would attack them. He made a low growling sound from the back of his throat. He had somewhat been friends with Karisou, but after he had meet Ayame and learned of what Karisou and his family had done to hers, he found that he was now giving Karisou the cold shoulder. Sesshoumaru lightly shook his head, then went back to work.
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*Back at the hotspring*
Ayame had gotten out and dried off and instead of using the cloth bandages for her wounds, she used it to bind her breasts. She then dressed in the beauitful kimono and combed her hair. She then exited the hotspring and made her way to the dinning room. Upon arriving she noticed that Rin was already seated and eating, but Sesshoumaru was absent. She frowned from disappointment.
'Damnit, where is he? I need to ask him if I can go and tell InuYasha and everyone else that I'm alright.' She mentally cursed.
Ayame walked over to the table and sat in her usual seat. Rin smiled over at her, "Good morning Ayame-chan! Do you want to go play with Rin out in the gardens again?" Rin hopefuly asked.
Smiling over at the child Ayame nodded her head, "Sure Rin, but first I want to eat."
The child nodded her head vigorously and was filled with happiness. Ayame ate her meal and when she was done Rin ran over to her, took her hand and was dragging her outside when a toad youkai suddenly appeared in the doorway and was trampled by the two. Ayame stopped and went over to the now crushed youkai, laying face down on the floor.
"Sorry about that, are you okay?" She politely asked and extended her hand to him.
The toad youkai sat up and rubbed his large melon-shaped head. He then turned his two equally large eyes onto the demoness in front of him who was extending her hand to him in order to help him up. He slapped the hand away, then stood up.
"I don't need your help wench and watch where you're going!" He shouted, then stalked off.
Ayame glared at his back then turned to Rin and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Not too friendly is he?"
Rin looked up at Ayame and shook her head, "That's Jaken. He's Sesshoumaru's werd."
"Werd? You mean ward?" Ayame asked the little girl.
Rin nodded her head, "Yeah, ward. He doesn't let Rin play out in the gardens much. He says that he doesn't like to watch over Rin and that Rins a nuisance."
Ayame frowned at this, "Well that's not very nice." She softly spoke.
Rin then grabbed Ayame's hand and began leading her outside again. Once they were outside, Rin ran off towards the flowers. Ayame glanced around and spotted Keiko. She walked over to the kitsune and greeted her.
"Hi Keiko." She waved.
"Hello Ayame. How are you this morning?" Came Keiko's reply.
"I'm fine, just a little curious as to why Sesshoumaru hasn't been present lately." She admitted.
Keiko regarded the slightly depressed Ayame, "Lord Sesshoumaru has been in his study as of late."
Ayame slightly nodded her head, "Oh...I see." She whispered. "Can I ask you something Keiko?" Inquired Ayame.
"Sure."
"You've been serving Sesshoumaru for awhile now, right?" At this Keiko nodded her head in confirmation. "Well I was wondering. In the time you've spent here has Sesshoumaru ever, you know, shown interest in any women?" She curiously asked.
Keiko thought for a moment. She had been serving Sesshoumaru for a good many years now and was looking back on those years, trying to remember. She then shook her head no. "I can't say that he has. He mostly just focused on protecting his lands and tending to his work. The other lords would bother him about not finding a mate and they still do. I've never really seen him interested in anybody, that is, until you came here." Keiko calmly replied then smiled knowingly at Ayame.
Ayame's cheeks took on a faint pink tint and this caused Keiko to laugh. "I see." Said Ayame. She then remembered that she had some business to take care of with Sesshoumaru. "Do you think you could watch Rin for a moment? I need to go ask Sesshoumaru something." She asked Keiko.
"I will watch Rin." She stated.
"Thanks." Ayame called out as she ran back inside of the house.
Ayame sniffed the air, searching for Sessoumaru's scent to follow, considering she didn't know where his study was. She found his scent and followed it. It lead her down many hallways and she noted which ones she took, just in case she ever needed to come this way again. She reached Sesshoumaru's study. He was on the other side, she could feel him there. Ayame stood nervously in front of his door, she didn't know what she was going to say and her mind was being bombarded by the memories of the events that had occured the previous day. She was roused from her thoughts, however, when she heard his voice.
"Are just going to stand in front of the door all day?" Came his smooth voice from the other side of the door.
Ayame blinked, then slid the door open. She saw Sesshoumaru sitting at a black marble desk. The room was lit with candles that provided just the right amount of light. Stepping inside Ayame then closed the door and just stood there. Sesshoumaru looked up from the papers in front of him and his jaw almost hit the floor. He saw that Ayame was wearing the kimono and also noticed that it was very flattering on her, it accented all her curves. Snapping out of his daze, he motioned for her to sit. Ayame sat down in front of the desk. A noise from the corner drew her attention and she saw that that toad youkai was in there, glaring at her. She glared back.
"What is it you need?" Came Sesshoumaru's emotionless voice.
"Huh?" Ayame said, turning her attention away from the toad and onto Sesshoumaru.
"You came here for a reason correct?" Ayame nodded her head. "Then what is it?"
"Oh umm..well you see.." Ayame was having a hard time getting the words out. She didn't know how he was going to react to her request, especially since she knew Sesshoumaru wasn't exactly on friendly terms with InuYasha. Sighing, she gathered her courage and just asked. "Well, as I have told you, I was traveling with InuYasha for awhile. You also know that I left them for awhile. I had told them that I would be back soon, but obviously that didn't happen. I'm sure that they are worried about me, especially if they found the area where I fought one of Naraku's puppets and saw my blood. Which brings me to what I came here for. I wanted to know if I could leave so that I can tell them that I am fine and not to worry?"
Sesshoumaru turned her words over in his head. "No." He simply stated.
"What? Why not?" Asked Ayame confusidly.
"Because that hanyou is on his way here. He should be here within the hour."
"Oh..." Ayame said. She then recalled that Sesshoumaru had said that he had tried numerous times to kill his half-brother. "Your not going to fight him are you?" She blurted out.
"Why does that matter?"
"Because he will be with other people and they are my friends. I don't want them to get hurt." She stated, irritated with his cold attitude.
"If there were to be a fight, it will most likely be started by him and I plan to defend myself."
"Well could you at least try not start a fight between the two of you?"
"Wench!" Came the shriek of the toad in the corner. "You do not tell Lord Sesshoumaru what to do!"
"Jaken." Sesshoumaru threateningly said to his ward.
"Forgive this lowly Jaken, Lord Sesshoumaru." The toad said while bowing.
"We shall see what transpires." Sesshoumaru stated, obviously done with the conversation.
Ayame sighed then stood. She glared at the toad in the corner, then turned and slid the door open. "Thank you for your time Sesshoumaru." She spoke, then walked out and slid the door closed.
Ayame went to her room and was pacing back and forth.
'How did they know I was here?' She thought. She then noticed that her black outfit (A/N The black dress one) had been repaired and was laying on her bed, along with the small pouch she usually had at her waist. Just then she remembered.
'Of course! The jewel shard! Kagome must have sensed it and lead them here.' She mused. Ayame picked up the pouch and emptied the contents into her hand. She held the jewel shard between her fingers and smiled. She then closed her hand around it and ran out of her room and outside to the front gates, to await the arrival of her friends.
She had been waiting patiently for a half an hour and was now growing anxious. She noticed Sesshoumaru come out of the house and make his way towards the gates as well. Ayame, who was sitting in some shade under a nearby tree, now stood and readied herself, they would be here soon. No sooner had she thought that, she saw the group come running out of the forest and make their way towards the gate. Kagome was on InuYasha's back and Sango, Miroku, and Shippo were on Kirara's back. InuYasha leaped over the gate and landed on the other side, soon followed by Kirara. Kagome got off of InuYasha's back, as did Sango, Miroku, and Shippo did with Kirara. InuYasha unsheathed Tetseiga and it transformed.
"Sesshoumaru!" He barked out. "Give us back Ayame you bastard!" That said, InuYasha then charged at Sesshoumaru and the two began to fight.
Ayame rolled her eyes, 'Alright, so Sesshoumaru was right. InuYasha did start the fight.' Ayame watched the fight and saw that Sesshoumaru was dodging InuYasha's attacks, but he himself was not retaliating. Ayame smiled at this then ran over to the rest of the group.
Upon seeing her Kagome shouted, "Ayame! Your alright!" She then hugged Ayame.
"Yes Kagome I am fine." She withdrew from the embrace only to then be hugged by Sango.
"We were so worried about you Ayame. What happened?" Asked Sango.
Ayame patted Sango's back, "I'll tell you later." She withdrew from Sango's embrace but was then embraced by Miroku.
"It's nice to know your safe." Said Miroku, while inching his hand down to grope her.
Sango was ready though and hit him on the head with her boomerang. The monk hit the ground unconscious and the three girls shook their heads. There was a loud clang of metal to metal and Ayame turned around to look back at the fight. Sesshoumaru had drawn his sword and was now blocking with it. He still was not attacking however.
Ayame turned to Kagome, "Kagome please, we need to stop them. InuYasha has it all wrong. I came here on my own when I became injured. Sesshoumaru is not keeping me here against my will. You know what you need to do right?" She asked frantically.
Kagome nodded her head. "SIT!" She yelled at the top of her lungs.
Ayame turned around just in time to see InuYasha fall face first into the ground and create a six foot crater. Regarding Kagome once more, Ayame thanked her then made her way towards the two brothers, followed by Kagome, Sango, and the now awake Miroku. Ayame then stood by Sesshoumaru and watched as InuYasha climbed out of the hole in the ground, cursing and mumbling. InuYasha stood up and turned towards Kagome.
"What the hell did you do that for!?" He demanded.
"Because I told her to." Replied Ayame.
InuYasha turned his attention to Ayame. "Well then why the fuck did you tell her to do that? We came here to rescue you from this arrogant son of a bitch," he pointed to Sesshoumaru, "so why would you stop that?" He asked, anger laced within his words.
"That's why." Ayame calmly stated. "Because you have the wrong idea. I don't need to be rescued, I'm perfectly fine."
InuYasha wasn't the only one confused, Kagome and the others all had blank looks on their faces.
Ayame sighed, "Okay let me explain."
Ayame told them of how she had fought Naraku's puppet and without thinking, ran here. The group still could not understand why she went to Sesshoumaru instead of coming to them. So Ayame explained how she had meet Sesshoumaru and had taken care of him a year before. She also tried to put in hints of her feelings towards Sesshoumaru without actually saying it and hoped that now they understood why she had come here. Kagome and Sango both understood. They had made the connection and understood that this was the man that Ayame said she had loved when they had discussed her dreams. What they couldn't understand was how anyone could love the cold hearted youkai.
InuYasha had not made the connection and therefor was still clueless. "Feh, that's very touching and all, but it's time we go, so come on Ayame, we're leaving." InuYasha then turned around and started walking away. He was stopped, however, when Sesshoumaru spoke.
"She will not be going with you." He simply stated.
InuYasha turned around, "What did you say?"
"I will not repeat myself whelp."
"Well then what are we supposed to do? We came here for her." Pointed out InuYasha.
Ayame turned towards Sesshoumaru, "Please, can they stay here for a day so we can clear some things up?" She asked him, hope shining brightly in her eyes.
Sesshoumaru thought this over. He wasn't thrilled by the idea of having his half-brother stay with him, but he found himself giving in. She was giving him that look. The one he found that Rin would also give him when she wanted him to do something. He looked into Ayame's eyes. Those shining blue orbs that he found he could lose himself in, drown in the depths of their mystery and still beg for more.
"Very well. They may stay for tonight, but I expect to have matters cleared up by morning."
Ayame smiled and Sesshoumaru almost wanted to do the same. "I will have a servant show you to some rooms." Sesshoumaru added, then turned around, walked back into the house and to his study. Ayame watched him go, then turned around smiled at her friends.
"Shall we?" She gestured towards the house.
Upon entering the house, the group found Keiko waiting for them. She showed each of them their seperate rooms, then bowed and dismissed herself. InuYasha and Miroku stayed in their rooms, while Ayame, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, Kirara, and Rin all went out to the garden. Kagome and Shippo had taught Rin how play tag and they were now running around. Ayame observed the game and smiled. It was quite interesting. She laughed when Rin pounced on Shippo and he was declared 'it'. Ayame figured that she would worry about what they were going to do to clear matters up later. For now she just wanted to enjoy the company of her friends. The rest of the day was spent in the garden. They all chatted and were finally called inside for dinner. Ayame noted that Sesshoumaru was absent from this meal as well. After dinner, everyone said their goodnights and returned to their rooms. Ayame entered her room and found a clean sleeping yukata laying on her bed. She changed into it, but found that she was not tired. She walked over to the balcony that overlooked the gardens and stared out at the scenery, thinking. She needed to figure something out.
Her thoughts were interupted when she heard the door slide open then shut. She turned around and saw the silvery-white figure of Sesshoumaru. He approached her and Ayame found her heartbeat once again speeding up and her stomach getting tied into knots. In the pale moonlight he looked even more handsome. The moons rays seem to enhance his godliness.
"Have you thought of something yet?" He asked coming closer and his voice sending shivers down Ayame's spine.
Ayame shook her head, "No, not yet."
Sesshoumaru placed his fingers under her chin and lifted her face. He then leaned over and spoke. "Well, you better think of something before morning." He said, his lips brushing against hers. "And make sure that your plan does not involve leaving me. I do not wish to lose you again." He then closed the space between then and kissed her passionatly. He slid his tongue along her lower lip, begging for entrance. Ayame complied and parted her lips. Sesshoumaru plunged his tongue inside and explored every part of her mouth. He put one hand behind her head and tilted her head up to deepen the kiss. Ayame felt her knees weakening and was glad that he wrapped his other arm around her waist to steady her. Ayame felt him graze her lower lip with his fang and she shivered. Sesshoumaru broke the kiss after another minute. He then lowered his head down to her neck and nipped gently at the junction between her neck and shoulder. He then realized that he had removed his hand from behind her head and that it was slowly working its way into her kimono. He stopped his hand and then stood. He did not want to force this upon her. He turned and was about to leave when Ayame grapped his wrist.
He turned and looked at her. She was smiling, her eyes sparkling. "Please, stay with me tonight Sesshoumaru." She softly spoke. (A/N There is no lemon coming up. They aren't gonna sleep together. Well... they're gonna sleep together just not the way your thinking ^_^U, dirty dirty mind).
Sesshoumaru nodded his head, then scooped her up. He layed her down on the fouton and then began to remove his shirt. Ayame blushed and was thankful that it was dark enough to go unnoticed. She took in every detail of him. His lean, firm muscles and the way they stretched as he moved. She was almost drooling, almost. (A/N Raise your hand if you would have drooled. *Raises her hand*). Sesshoumaru slid onto the fouton next to Ayame and wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. Ayame placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She had a feeling that she was probably not going to get much sleep.
Yay chapter ten done! I figured that I would make this a long one since I have been neglecting to update as fast as I usually have been. Okay I'm thinking that maybe in the next chapter I'm gonna put a lemon, but I'm not sure cause doesn't ff.net not allow them? Also I've never written one and I don't wanna ruin the story with a bad lemon. Ughhh...I guess I could always do some lemony limeness. Okay well I'll have to think about it. Lemme know what you think I should do. The rating for this story will probably go to R for the next chapter, so if you don't find this story under PG-13, then look under R. Review time! Lemme know what you thought and please share your opinions on the whole lemon issue. Until next chapter...see ya!
~Aries