Disclaimer: Inuyasha is Copyright of Takahashi Rumiko

Nothing Without The Other

Chapter 30

Sesshoumaru mentally strained his eyes as he read over the final scroll. He had been essentially locked in the great hall with the three Lords since noon as they finished any and all business during this last meeting. He had not realized how much the world had progressed until he saw the list of items the other Lords wished to trade. Most of those things were so new to him that he had to summon his vassals and attendants in order to determine what was necessary and what was not. Words could not express how grateful he was now that it was all coming to an end.

"So, Lord Inuyasha," Iida turned to him as he spoke. "Will we be seeing you at our meetings from now on?"

Inuyasha searched for an appropriate response, trying to be polite as both Sesshoumaru and Kagome had demanded. "I cannot say for sure. Though I have been acknowledged as Chichi-ue's heir, Sesshoumaru ultimately holds all the rights as ruler of the Western Lands. I am only here to lend a hand, should he ever need it."

"Which will probably be never," Iida added, rolling his eyes.

"Exactly," Inuyasha said.

"Inuyasha and the miko have obligations to their village," Sesshoumaru pointed out. "If anything will prevent him from participating, those obligations will be to blame."

"And there is that," he admitted. "I will play as big of a part as I can and will attend meetings when possible."

Sesshoumaru set the new trade agreement to the side so the ink could dry. "Is there anything else we need to address?"

"There is the matter of the growing youkai population between our territories," Shunsuke reminded him.

Sesshoumaru looked at him. "From what you've told me, their primary interest is in you, or Yoko, specifically."

"Now that you foolishly have taken a hanyou for a mate," he spat. "That could all very well change."

Unaffected, Sesshoumaru rested his hands on the table. "Meaning?"

"As I've told you before, they were already interested in your lands because of your blatant neglect. Once they learn your mate is a hanyou, it will only be one more reason for them to detest you."

"I still fail to see why this Sesshoumaru should be concerned."

"You will not be so cocky if they attack you," Shunsuke scoffed. "You would risk losing your kingdom for a worthless hanyou girl?"

"Lord Shunsuke, this Sesshoumaru will tolerate your opinion about my decision to take Lady Rin as my mate. However, I refuse to allow you to insult her in my presence," Sesshoumaru warned.

"Well I believe you are making a horrible decision," Shunsuke said. "You could have had a beautiful and respected demoness of class, but instead you chose some insignificant hanyou."

Sesshoumaru placed his hands on his legs and leaned forward, sensing that the old tanuki was finally going to reveal the real cause of his anger. "Is that so, Lord Shunsuke? Do you know of any specific demonesses that would desire to have such a foolish and cocky inu-youkai as her mate?"

Shunsuke started for a moment, realizing his near slip. "I am sure they are out there."

"I can name at least one demoness that would have been an equally foolish choice," Inuyasha said with a mischievous grin. "But what would be the point in mentioning names?"

Sesshoumaru sent Inuyasha a glare before turning his attention back to Shunsuke. "I am prepared to handle the situation, if there should be one. There is no need to be concerned right now. "

Lord Tsutomu pressed a hand to Shunsuke's shoulder. "If those youkai are foolish enough to attack, our alliances demand that our troops assist Lord Sesshoumaru should ne need it. Neither of you have reason to be concerned."

"He is correct, Lord Shunsuke," Iida agreed. "You have nothing to worry about."

Shunsuke rose to his feet, barely able to contain his anger. "Fine. I will accept your advice, but my warning still stands Lord Sesshoumaru. It is not to late to reverse your situation."

"There is nothing to change, Lord Shunsuke," he said, rising to his feet as well. "I believe that concludes business then. Please rest well before your journey home tomorrow morning."

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Rin covered her mouth as a light laugh escaped her lips. "She sounds lovely, Lord Tsutomu. I cannot wait to meet her."

Tsutomu smiled at the young woman, liking her more and more each passing moment. "I am sure Sachiko would enjoy your company. Perhaps she may be interesting in arranging a gathering of some sort before our next meeting. She always enjoys entertaining people."

She smiled. "It would be an honor. I would love to become acquainted with Lady Sachiko ahead of time."

"Then it is settled. We will stay in contact," he said, bowing to her.

"Arigatou, Lord Tsutomu," she bowed in return. "Have a safe trip."

Tsutomu said his goodbyes to Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, and Kagome before mounting his horse and disappearing into the forest. He was the last guest to go, and though things were going well, Rin was glad to see him leave. All she wanted now was a chance to relax and spend some time with Sesshoumaru. She certainly felt she deserved it.

"Keh, its about time," Inuyasha said, picking up Kagome and tossing her over his shoulder.

"Inuyasha! What are you doing?" She demanded. "Put me down."

"Oi, Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha called. "You mind getting someone to watch the pups?"

"Inuyasha! Put me down!"

Rin followed after him as he carried Kagome through the estate as though she were a sack of rice. "I could watch them for you, Inuyasha. I don't mind."

"Put me down or I'll say it!"

Inuyasha stopped, ignoring Kagome's obvious threat to 'sit' him, and looked at Rin, then at Sesshoumaru for confirmation. "I'm pretty sure Sesshoumaru would kill me if I agreed to that."

She blinked in confusion. "Demo, wakaranai. Why-"

"I will have Kimiko and Yumiko look after them," Sesshoumaru interrupted.

"Thanks," he said before taking Kagome into their room.

"What just happened here?" Rin asked.

Sesshoumaru let a small smile touch his lips, enjoying her evident confusion and innocence. "Wait for me in our room while I make the arrangements. Do you want something to eat?"

"Iie," she said, obeying him without voicing the dozens of questions that raced through her head.

Rin let herself into their room and immediately stripped her many outer kimonos, leaving on only one thin inner kimono. She set them neatly aside, knowing Fumiko would probably come to wash them in the morning. Then she sat at a small table and began pulling out combs, allowing the rest of her hair to tumble down her back. Taking her earrings out, she began combing her hair absently, wondering what was taking Sesshoumaru so long.

She rose from the table, realizing how hungry she really was since Sesshoumaru had mentioned food. She was about to call for a servant to bring her something when she remembered she had stashed away the chocolate Kagome had brought with her. During her return to the Western Lands weeks before, Rin had selfishly eaten all the chocolate Kagome had given her, not bothering to ask Sesshoumaru why he had been so interested in it.

Wanting to share it this time, Rin sat on the futon with the box in her lap and decided to taste one before Sesshoumaru returned.

"Rin," Sesshoumaru called to her, lightly sniffing the air as he shed his outer layers.

"Hai. Mmm, this is just as good as I remembered."

He sniffed again, trying to discern why he recognized the scent. "What are you eating?"

"Chocolate. Kagome-chan brought me more."

Sesshoumaru stepped from the sitting area into the sleeping area. "Chocolate?"

"Hai," she said, smiling up at him and gesturing for him to sit next to her. "You really should taste it. Its absolutely delicious."

He sat beside her and leaned forward, pleased when she fed him a piece. "Hnn, it is delicious...demo, it is missing something."

She looked at him in confusion. "Nani?"

"You."

He pulled her into him and captured her mouth with his, sucking nonexistent chocolate residue from her lips. It was the aftertaste he sought as it mixed with her own unique flavor. It was sweet and bitter all at once. The taste-buds danced on his tongue as it slid between her lips, delving into the cavern of her mouth and cleaning it until he could taste no more.

Rin held on to his shoulders as the room spun around her. "Sugoi.."

Sesshoumaru pushed her on her back and set the box aside. He untied her sash and parted her kimono. He leaned over her and pressed his mouth to her neck, coating her skin with his tongue. Unsatisfied, he took a piece of chocolate and slid it between her breast, watching in fascination as the substance seemed to melt from the heat of her skin. He licked the brown trail and growled in satisfaction with what he tasted.

He stripped her completely and coated her entire body with chocolate. He started at her feet and worked his way up, slowly nibbling and licking her legs clean. She sighed in content and watched him in fascination as he ate from her body. Satisfied that both her legs were cleaned, he settled between her legs and ate of her body. She tangled her hands in his hair and shuddered in pleasure, releasing him only when she reached her peak.

He slid his hands up her sides and licked her navel clean. He kissed her stomach and licked his lips. He sucked her breasts into his mouth. When she was wet, sticky, and trembling beneath him, he began to shed his clothing, eager to be inside her. She ate another piece of chocolate and pulled him to her until their lips were locked in a passionate kiss.

So when she reminded him of the contraceptive, he did not bother to complain. She put it on for him and wrapped her legs around his waist. He slipped gently inside her and moved quickly. She cried out for him, begging for more. Harder and faster. Her claws dug into his back, she moaned at the top of her lungs. Then she was tumbling over the edge, and he right along with her.

Rin rubbed his back gently as he took a moment to rest. They had not mated the entire time his guests were here and it had taken some effort to keep their hands to themselves. Now it all became clear to her why Inuyasha needed someone to watch the kids and why she could not do it. When Sesshoumaru breathed something in her ear that made her tremble, she knew it was going to be a sleepless night for them all.

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--/-- Wakaranai: I don't understand --/-- Hai: Yes --/-- Iie: No --/-- Demo: But --/-- Nani:What --/-- Sugoi:Wow --/--

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