Disclaimer: See chapter 1.
Dragonsdaughter1 – Thanks for the review! I don't think Fluffy is a jerk either. He just needs somebody with a little patience.
Dark Ice Kitsune – OMFG, what a great review!
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And thanks to Kogome-cutie, animebook fan and everyone else who reviewed and sent their encouraging words. Every little bit does my heart good.
The Beginning And The End
Chapter 6
For the next three months, Sessho-maru came to visit Kagome during her early morning walks. They would sit down and talk, discussing whatever had been happening to them or Kagome might tell him about the world 500 years from now. They were becoming more and more comfortable with each other and whenever Kagome and Sessho-maru visited, they would sit very close and would always part with a lingering embrace.
One visit, Sessho-maru brought Kagome two of the last plums from his orchard. She held the fruit before her as if it were treasure. While staying at Sessho-maru's fortress, she'd tried the rare fruit and became addicted. They were some sort of white plum that from what Kagome could figure must have died out at some point because she'd never seen or heard of such a thing in her own time. They were just a little sweet and juicy and even had a wonderful aroma. She'd taken a few with her when she left, but they'd quickly been eaten. And now she had four all for herself.
She looked over at Sessho-maru and laughed, "I must look pretty stupid fawning over a piece of fruit, but I can't help it. I love these plums so much. Thank you."
"You're very welcome." He liked making her smile. Whenever that smiling face looked at him, he felt a warmness spread through him. "And I would never call you stupid. Stubborn, sarcastic and even silly, but not stupid."
"Silly?"
"I've seen you with Rin. You can't deny it."
She glared at him playfully and turned her attention back to the plums, storing them safely in her bag. "How is Rin?"
Sessho-maru looked up into the canopy, "She's met someone. A young man from a nearby village she frequents for supplies."
"Really? That's wonderful!" She saw the look on the demon's face and put a consoling hand on his shoulder, "She's not a child anymore. She's going to leave eventually." Kagome saw no change so she leaned in closer, whispering conspiratorially, "Besides, who would dare mistreat Sessho-maru's daughter?"
Sessho-maru turned to Kagome, forgetting himself and letting his shock show through. "My daughter?"
Kagome let her hand slide down his arm and come to rest in her lap, "Maybe not by blood, but you did raise her for most of her life. You are known as her guardian in the village, yes?"
He turned back to studying the trees, "Guardian is different from father."
Kagome noticed the tone in Sessho-maru's voice and dropped the subject. He obviously felt very strongly about the subject and didn't want to discuss it. "Agreed. But you get my point. And Rin is an excellent judge of character."
"She's too trusting."
"You are really upset about this, aren't you?"
"I'm just concerned for her well-being. Is there something wrong with that?"
"Absolutely not. And I think you getting your fur ruffled by this young man is adorable." She smiled as she saw his jaw tighten, "But don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
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Another visit produced a book for her to read, and they would discuss it during their time together. It was a book containing the folklore of the various youkai found in this time. Sessho-maru would tell her what parts were actually true and which were embellishments.
One day, as they sat together, discussing the legend of Peach Darling and his three companions who defeated the monster Akandoji it began to rain. "Oh no!" Kagome clutched the book to her, trying to protect the precious inked pages from the water droplets. Suddenly, she found herself picked up and deposited into Sessho-maru's lap and the rain stopped. She looked up to see that Sessho-maru was using his fur wrap to keep them dry. "Wow. This isn't just for decoration, is it?"
Sessho-maru carefully draped the wrap around them and let his arms wrap around the priestess's waist. Kagome blushed furiously as she felt warm breath on her neck. Then soft lips brushed against her cheeks. Sessho-maru gently nudged her, guiding her to turn her face towards him, as soft lips captured hers. Kagome's whole body melted at the contact, and Sessho-maru felt her lean back into him. He reluctantly broke the kiss but stayed close, letting his lips brush against hers as he spoke.
"You make me happy, nisou."
Kagome couldn't speak. Her heart was pounding and she was sure Sessho-maru could feel it. She had come to cherish her friendship with the inu youkai, but she had no idea that he would place the same importance on it. Kagome nestled into Sessho-maru, laying her head on his shoulder and nuzzling his neck, a smile on her face.
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It had been two weeks since Kagome last saw Sessho-maru. She thought about the kiss often and so she'd been in an especially good mood. However, now was not one of those times.
"Would you stay still please?"
Kagome ignored the low growl and continued to apply the antiseptic to the huge gash on Inu-yasha's upper arm. She'd sent Miroku and Sango off to gather a few plants that she could make into a pain medication. Kaede had taught her many natural remedies that she readily employed while traveling. She knew what plants could cure general aches and pains, or alleviate severe pain as in the case before her. He may not be saying anything, but she could tell by the clenched jaw and the intent stare aimed at her that the half-demon was in pain.
"There. Now I'll wrap it up good and tight and once Miroku and Sango get back with the moss, I'll give you some pain medication, ok?"
Inu-yasha just scoffed and turned away, looking into the dark forest. "Whatever."
"You know, a little thank you goes a long way, you ingrate."
Golden eyes flashed at her, but she ignored them and continued wrapping his upper arm. She'd already patched his stomach and stitched up the cut on his thigh. This demon had given him lots of trouble. It had three jewel shards powering its insanity and thirst for blood.
"Ingrate? How about a little sympathy for the one that saved your ass! Would it kill you to be gentle?"
"My---! I'm not the one who just stormed into the demon's lair without thinking. If you had just listened to us Inu-yasha, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if you even hear what I'm saying to you if it doesn't involve food."
Kagome cut the bandage, fastened it, and got up to leave when Inu-yasha grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down next to him, his face and voice suddenly very serious. "I listen to you, Kagome." He gazed into her eyes, wanting to tell her everything that was in his heart. "I..I don't see you as just a guide and a cook. I know that you're smart and funny and strong and brave and I…"
Inu-yasha pulled gently on Kagome's wrist and leaned in, kissing her. Kagome stiffened at the feel of Inu-yasha's lips against hers. This was wrong. All wrong. "No, stop." Kagome pulled away, looking away from the inu. "This isn't right, Inu-yasha. I don't…I'm sorry."
Inu-yasha sat there, stunned, embarrassed and…..angry. He saw Kagome sitting there, hugging herself as if being next to him was painful. "Why, Kagome? Why would it be so bad?"
She looked at the half-demon hearing the hurt in his voice, but seeing the anger in those golden eyes. She didn't want to tell him that she cared for someone else. And she especially didn't want to tell him it was his half brother. He would go ballistic. But she knew she had to tell him and the others sooner or later. It wasn't right keeping something like this from them. But now was not the time.
"It's not that I don't care for you. I just…I'm not attracted to you."
Kagome stood up and went to leave, but Inu-yasha was up and blocking her way. "Wait. I want to talk to you."
"Please get out of my way, Inu-yasha. There's nothing else to say. I'm sorry." She turned away from him and headed into the dark forest. She didn't know where she was going, she just needed to get away from those eyes. They broke her heart.
Inu-yasha watched Kagome walk away from him into the forest. He wanted to go after her, make her understand how much he cared for her and that this wasn't just some whim. But she seemed pretty upset and he knew better than to pressure her when she was upset. That's how fights started. Fights with drawn weapons. No, he'd let her go for now. Was he hurt? Yes. But he wasn't ready to give up just yet.
He sat there staring at the woods, willing Kagome to come back to him when Sango and Miroku returned with the moss Kagome had requested. "Here we go, Inu-yasha. Now you'll feel no pain." Miroku smiled down at the half demon, but it quickly turned to a frown when he saw the concerned face. "What's wrong? Where's Kagome?"
"S-she went to get some plant or other."
"Oh." Miroku sat down next to Inu-yasha and lowered his voice, "Is she ok? Does she seem rundown to you? Maybe we should take a break."
No! If we take a break, Kagome will go back home and then I'll risk losing this chance to make her understand my feelings. No, we have to keep going. "Actually, Kagome says she wants to keep going. She seems very determined to gather up these last shards. And you know how she gets when she's fixated on something. I think it best to let her tell us when she's ready to stop for some rest."
"Ok. Maybe you're right. After all, the only person I know who is as stubborn as you, is Kagome."
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The weather had turned chilly in the past month and Kagome had turned to wearing her miko clothes. The traditional clothes were perfect for the cooler weather. She pulled the bow back, her eyes trained on her target which was about thirty yards away. She had switched to a longer, straighter and heavier bow a year or so ago, and ever since then her archery skills had improved ten fold. Plus, she had learned to use the stronger bow as a staff in a pinch.
She let the arrow fly, her face not showing any of the elation she felt at hitting the bulls eye. Instead she pulled another arrow, waiting to see if she could split her own arrow. Once again she stood perfectly still, her eyes and body completely focused on the target. She charged the arrow and let it fly. This time, when she accomplished her goal she allowed a small smile to show.
Suddenly a flash of white caught her attention and she whirled to see Sessho-maru materialize before her. His face was passive, as always, and he looked from Kagome to the tree and back again.
"Impressive. But how are you with a sword?"
Kagome smiled at her friend, "Not very good I'm afraid. You have me at a disadvantage."
"Actually, I've never picked up a bow so we're even."
"Somehow I doubt we're even. You're a demon and I'm only a priestess. I wouldn't have a chance against you and you know it."
Sessho-maru put his hand on the bow and looked it up and down, studying the weapon, "How have you been?"
"Good actually. We've recovered four more shards making the jewel almost three-quarters complete." She watched Sessho-maru in a rare unguarded moment as he studied her bow. She found it funny to see this powerful demon looking at a bow as if he'd never seen one before.
"That means you'll be facing Naraku soon."
"Yeah." Kagome lost the smile on her face. Every time someone brought up facing Naraku, her stomach tied in knots and she caught this feeling of dread. She wanted to change topics quickly. "So how have you been?"
Sessho-maru's eyes suddenly fixed onto hers, "Lonely." He saw the blush on the priestess's cheeks and inwardly he smiled. "Rin is spending more and more time in the village and that just leaves Jaken."
"You need a hobby."
Sessho-maru lightly caressed her rosy cheek, "I need you." He pulled Kagome to him and wrapped her up in his arms, his breath tickling her ear as he spoke. "I've missed you. Don't you want to come home with me and rest?"
Kagome squeezed Sessho-maru a little tighter, "I wish I could leave with you right now."
"So come back with me." He pulled back and when he met the green eyes belonging to his priestess, he felt the telltale tightness in his chest. "Go back to camp and tell them you're going home."
"I can't. Perhaps in a few days. I'll talk--"
Her words were cut off by Sessho-maru's kiss. He'd only kissed her once before and that had been a tender, brief kiss. This was passionate and deep. She felt his hand slide down her back and come to rest at the curve of her backside. "I need you with me, Kagome. Come back with me. Please."
She looked into the sparking golden eyes and she felt an intense desire taking over. She'd followed Sessho-maru's lead in their friendship knowing how reserved and cautious he was. None of her friends even knew that she was friends with him. "I…want to, oh gods I want to, but---"
"No. Then that's it. Go back to camp, tell them whatever you have to, and come back here to me and we'll leave."
He stepped back, grabbed her bag and bow and jumped up into the trees. Kagome just stared at the youkai in the tree and she couldn't help but think of a certain half demon pulling the same stunt to get her to stay with him. They really are brothers. She chuckled and shook her head as she made her way back to camp. She found Miroku and Sango just waking up and Inu-yasha was nowhere to be found.
"Um, guys? I was wondering if anybody was feeling as tired as I am."
The two looked from each other to the priestess and shrugged, "Of course we're tired. But Inu-yasha told us how determined you were to collect the last of the shards and so we were just waiting for you to say when you wanted a break."
"He said that!"
They nodded in unison and Kagome found it just a little unsettling. "Well, I'm saying we need to stop. Go home and rest. Right now. We'll meet up in Musashi in three weeks."
"Three weeks! That's a long time. Are you sure?"
"We've been out wandering for over three months guys. Go enjoy yourselves. I'll see you soon! Bye!" Kagome waved goodbye to her stunned friends and quickly made her way back to Sessho-maru who lost no time in transforming into his true demon aspect and flying them back to the fortress.
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Stargazing
They made it to the fortress in a few hours and once Kagome laid eyes on the immense stone fortress, she felt all the stress and tension leave her body. She laid down on Sessho-maru's back and hugged him as best she could. By the time they landed and Kagome slid down from the giant white inu, Rin was already running to greet them. She plowed into the smiling priestess sending them both crashing to the ground. Sessho-maru let them alone, walking past them into the fortress, knowing he would have plenty of time to be alone with Kagome.
"Oh thank goodness you're back! I have so much to tell you!"
The two friends sat right where they landed and talked until the sun went down and it was time for dinner. They spoke of Rin's new beau in the village and Kagome's adventures through the countryside searching for jewel shards and they made all sorts of plans for the three weeks they would be together.
Kagome enjoyed dinner immensely. Not only was it a real dinner, but she got to sit down at a table. The conversation was dominated by Kagome and Rin, which was the norm whenever they were together, but Kagome could tell that Sessho-maru was happy. She would catch him watching her and as much as she tried, she couldn't keep from blushing. She kept thinking about the look in his eyes and the way he kissed her.
"I need you with me, Kagome. Please. Come back with me."
After dinner, Kagome helped Rin clear the table but was quickly pushed out of the kitchen when she tried to help clean the dishes. "No, no! Absolutely not. You go and relax. I've got everything under control here. I'll see you in the morning." As Kagome turned around to protest, the wooden door was slammed in her face.
Kagome sighed and left Rin to her cleaning, deciding to go do as the young girl instructed. She made her way outside to the garden and lay down on a small hillside and looked up at the stars. It was such a clear, crisp night and Kagome loved looking up at the stars. Her grandfather had instilled a fascination with the stars in her, always pointing out constellations and telling her the myths behind them when she was a little girl.
It wasn't long before Sessho-maru found her and joined in her stargazing. "You know you're allowed to sleep inside."
Kagome chuckled but kept her eyes on the black sky, "That's very sweet of you. But I'm following orders. Rin kicked me out of the kitchen and told me to relax."
"She has become rather bossy since you stayed with us last. I blame you completely."
"I'll accept that blame."
"And what about me?"
Kagome turned her head to look at the inu youkai, "You? What blame am I accepting for you?"
Sessho-maru tried to enjoy the twinkling stars above, but all he could think about was the priestess next to him. "You have changed me, Kagome. You are the first being that I have considered my friend."
"What about Jaken and Rin?"
Sessho-maru rolled over and supported himself on one elbow. "Jaken is my servant and Rin is my ward." He toyed with the string around the collar of her miko habit, "But you are different. I want you near me. I want to hold you close…..taste your skin." He leaned in and kissed the base of her neck, his tongue delving into the hollow. He looked up at Kagome's gasp and found her lips slightly parted, eyes closed. He ran his tongue along her lips before kissing her deeply, his hand now resting on her abdomen.
Kagome shivered as Sessho-maru ran his tongue along her lips. She was clenching handfuls of grass but soon the urge was too great and she brought her hands up, letting them roam over his back, his chest, and into his hair. She was trying to maintain some semblance of control, but Sessho-maru felt too good and for once she didn't want to be in control.
As their clothes started to melt away from their bodies and Kagome felt the pleasure building within her, she became worried. I've never done this before. Should I tell him? Is he going to expect certain things and be disappointed if I don't know? Sessho-maru's hand slipped between her legs and she gasped, pushing him away.
"N-no…wait…I should tell you…"
Sessho-maru looked down at Kagome, his heart pounding in his chest. "Kagome? Is something wrong? Do you wish to stop?"
"I….I need to tell you something." She couldn't look at him. She looked off to the side hoping it would help her, but her voice still came out small and a bit shaky. "I've never….This is my first time."
"With a demon?"
"No." She looked up, hoping he wouldn't see her as some child suddenly. I'm nineteen years old. In this day and age girls are married by now. "This is my first time….ever."
Sessho-maru's eyes registered his surprise and he lay on his side, his hand coming to rest on Kagome's abdomen. She could tell he was shocked, but that was all she could read from his face. He seemed to be staring into nothing, his eyes lowered slightly.
"Sessho-maru? I'm sorry. I just didn't want to disappoint you. So I thought I should tell you."
Her words brought him out of his daze and he looked at Kagome and felt guilty at the fear he could see in her eyes. He brought his hand up and caressed her cheek.
"I'm glad you told me, nisou. And you could never disappoint me." He kissed her tenderly and pulled her against him tightly. "You have nothing to be sorry about. I understand that you want to stop."
Kagome pulled away to face Sessho-maru. "I don't want to stop. I just wanted to tell you because I thought it only fair. I'm sure I won't be very good and---"
Sessho-maru cut off her words with his lips. When he broke the kiss, he let his lips brush against hers as he spoke. "Don't worry about being good. Just do what feels good to you." Sessho-maru kissed her again and rolled over, burying her under him once again. But this time, he didn't let his lust control him. He took his time, caressing and kissing every inch of the priestess's body, delighting in the pleasurable sounds filling the night air and the feel of her soft body writhing under him.
Kagome tried to take Sessho-maru's advice and do what felt good, but she was having a hard time concentrating through the pleasure that was coursing through her. She could sense the difference in the inu immediately and at first she was worried she had still managed to disappoint him, but the way he was taking such care with her….she'd heard horror stories from her friends about their first times and it just caused her to be even more leery about having sex. But now, here with Sessho-maru, she wanted it. She wanted him.
"Sessho-maru…."
The sound of his name being moaned sent shivers down Sessho-maru's spine and he couldn't hold back any longer. Kagome cried out as Sessho-maru entered her and she arched her back in response. She heard the deep, soft voice at her ear.
"Am I hurting you, Kagome?"
She blinked her eyes open but couldn't answer, so she just shook her head 'no'. Sessho-maru wasn't sure he believed the nisou but then she reached out and brought his lips down to hers. As she kissed him deeply, her hands trailed down his back and came to rest on his sides, gently guiding him towards her. The gesture was all he needed. Sessho-maru growled and began a steady rhythm, bringing both of them closer and closer to the edge.
Kagome could feel herself losing control again. It felt as if her whole body was on fire and it would explode at any moment. Suddenly she felt fangs trailing down her neck and it quickly brought her back to reality with a shiver. No. I can't let him do this. He mustn't…. "No. Don't." Sessho-maru lifted his head and looked down at her, and she saw the confusion. "Not…yet." He didn't say anything. He bowed his head and turned his attention to her lips. Kagome was worried she had hurt his feelings, but the thought didn't have time to plague her as Sessho-maru took them to a satisfying end.
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Sessho-maru opened his eyes to the blackness of the night as he felt a chill run up his spine from the cool evening breeze. He felt Kagome shiver within his arms and he pulled her closer. "Kagome, wake up." He brushed some stray hairs from her face, "Kagome. You must wake up."
Her eyes slowly opened and a sleepy smile appeared. "Mmmm, must I?"
"Yes." His voice had that tone and Kagome knew he wasn't in a playful mood. She couldn't help but worry that he was upset at her for not letting him mark her. Kagome sat up and reached for her clothes, but she felt strong arms wrap around her, a deep voice whispering in her ear, "There's no need to get dressed. You won't be needing clothes for the rest of the evening."
Kagome smiled and leaned back into the embrace, "What about Jaken and Rin?"
"They're already in bed and know not to disturb us."
Sessho-maru carried Kagome back into the fortress and they made love once more before bathing and finally going to bed.
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Kagome spent the next two weeks enjoying herself at Sessho-maru's fortress and the nearby village. She met the young man Rin was sweet on and helped some of the villagers. She prepared the garden for the coming winter months and gave Rin instructions on what to do. But mostly, she spent time with Sessho-maru. They took walks, read books, made love and talked the days and nights away.
She sat now watching her inu lover over the edge of her book. She'd tried to read the same page four times now and finally gave up, choosing to concentrate on the object of her distraction instead. He was sitting in his favorite chair, hair tied back, reading a book, totally unaware of her observations. She admired the way the oil lamp at his side gave his skin a soft glow.
Sessho-maru tried to concentrate on the words before him, but it was no use. He couldn't help but dwell on the fact that she would have to leave him in a few days. He thought she was going to stay the full three weeks, but she insisted on going home to visit her family, restock on supplies only found in her era, and oddly enough, she wanted to sleep in her own bed. This last reason confused him. What was so special about her bed? Surely sleeping in her bed alone was not preferable to sharing his.
So in a few days he would lose her to her family, then to his brother and their comrades. It was for the best though. She had an important job to do. But what was going to happen once the Shikon jewel was complete and Naraku defeated? Would she remain here? Return to her era? Sessho-maru pushed the thoughts from his mind. Whatever happens, I will handle it. I am the Prince of the Western Plains and do not hold this territory by letting such things worry and distract me.
He felt Kagome's eyes on him and inwardly chuckled. Does she really think I haven't noticed her staring at me? Well, since neither one of us is actually reading…. In a lightening quick move that Kagome couldn't follow, Sessho-maru dropped his book and pounced on the priestess, pinning her to the lounger. She looked up at the glittering eyes and chuckled.
"You're not being very subtle."
"Neither were you, nisou."
He leaned down and caressed her cheek with his, then kissed and nibbled his way down her neck. When he licked the curve at the base of her neck, he felt her stiffen under him and shift slightly away from him. He pulled up and searched her eyes for the problem.
"Kagome?"
"What?"
"Why did you flinch just now?"
"I, I didn't flinch. I was just trying to move, but you have me pinned."
"No, that's not it." Sessho-maru got up, going over to put the book away he'd tossed on the floor. "You…you're afraid I'll mark you." He looked back at her, hoping his face was not showing any of the turmoil within. "Why do you not want me to mark you, Kagome?"
Kagome sat up and hung her head. She knew this conversation had to be coming sooner or later. "I don't see it as you just 'marking' me. It's…more than that to me." She looked over at the white-haired inu and saw the hurt within him. She'd spent enough time with him to know how to read those eyes. "To me, it means that you love me and you want to be with me. Always. You and I will live only for each other." Kagome saw Sessho-maru's eyes widen just a fraction and her heart ached. She knew he wouldn't be able to give her that. And now he understood what was truly in her heart. She felt vulnerable. She looked away from the golden eyes, finding a spot on the floor to concentrate on. "I know that isn't what you want from me, but that's what I want for myself. But I understand, Sessho-maru. I gave myself to you willingly knowing you wouldn't---"
Kagome stopped as she felt strong arms wrap around her and warm breath tickling her ear. The deep voice washed over her and she closed her eyes, leaning back into Sessho-maru.
"If this is what you want, I will respect your wishes. You needn't worry about me marking you. For now." He lightly kissed her cheek, feeling the warmth there against his lips. "But the next time I want to mark you nisou, know that it is because I want to give you everything you ask for."
Kagome felt the tears race down her cheek as she listened to Sessho-maru. I want to give you everything you ask for…. He was squeezing her tight now, and she wondered if he was doing it to console her, or himself.
To be continued….