Third Time's A Charm- Chapter 12
The interior of Akari's hut was dim lit and just as he remembered it. This time however he had a clearer view, perception unmarred by medicine and hunger. Ayako's hair had been released and tumbled over her shoulders in a dark torrent. His hand was released as she moved to light one of the lamps that illuminated the hut. Inuyasha wasn't sure how to respond or even act so he remained standing for a moment, glancing around before he sat, quickly, unwilling to betray how nervous he felt.
"Relax Inuyasha." Akari's voice was soft and amused.
She walked towards the corner, a small tray having been prepared with food and a clay jar, matching a pair of cups. Akari sat down across from him and he was relieved when she settled the tray between them, lifting the jar to fill the cups. Her azure eyes, however, were lit with wicked mischief as she handed him one of the cups and Inuyasha searched for something, anything to distract her.
"Where's your family?"
That caught her by surprise because she started slightly, brow wrinkling slightly. "My family." She shook her head. "Far away from here. Well my mother is at least. My father died when I was very little." Her eyes softened. "I still remember his face though."
He slanted her a look. "And your mother doesn't have a problem with you consorting with demons and half breeds."
Akari sighed deeply. "Not everyone in the world is hateful, Inuyasha." Akari took a small sip from the cup then lowered it. "But if you must know, no, she doesn't. She's a very wise woman and she…she always knew how to guide me when I felt lost. Always in the most subtle ways too." She laughed, a gentle golden sound. "Even when I was a child and wanted to give up on something she always knew how to trick me into going on."
Akari's eyes lifted and she met his, and held them. The intensity in that gaze made him blush and he turned attention to his own cup to distract both him and her. He sniffed at it lightly, sake. A moment study of the drink before he took a small sip, sticking his tongue out in mild distaste.
"That's what love is about sometimes." Akari went on softly. "Giving more even when your heart's had enough. I want you to be able to talk to me." She didn't look at him now, her face turned away instead. "I know you don't enjoy reveling your weakness to people Inuyasha, but I wish you would." The heavy statement hung between them for a moment and then Akari laughed softly and turned back, flashing him a dazzling smile. "So go ahead and...feel free to cry infront of me."
"Cry?" He jumped to his feet and glowered at her. "As if I'd cry! I don't know who you think I-"
Akari had risen only moments after he did and closed the distance between him. Arms rested on his neck and lips captured his, silencing him. She pulled away, pressing her face against the front of his kimono, one hand fisting the crimson material, fingers of the opposite hand buried in her hair, tips resting near the base of his ears.
"Just for a little while, let me be selfish."
The fight faded from gold eyes and he tipped his head down towards her in acquiescence. She turned her lips back again and his arms rose to embrace her. Her. Mishima no Akari. The priestess who smelled of sakura and cinnamon; the girl who looked at him with the eyes of Kikyou and Kagome. Who invoked memories he'd long wished forgotten and yet could sooth away the pain of them with a touch. He heard the hiss of water on flame and the hut plunged into darkness, silver moonlight casting smoky shadows on alabaster flesh. Dark, ebon hair tangling with tresses of snowy white.
And then Inuyasha felt the stirrings of something he'd only known during those times when he'd been backed into a corner and did not have Tetsusaiga at his sides. The prick of something deep, carnal and beast like. The feeling of something not quite rage; softer, gentler, but no less ardent rose up before all coherent fled him.
And he was lost in a sea of sakura and cinnamon.