Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to a blessed thing except my husband, daughter, house and car.

Belonging

Chapter 6

Kurama crept silently through the darkened hallways, trying not to remember the last time he'd done this. He'd been looking for the same thing then, too: the jewel that would get him home.

He'd been Sessho-maru's prisoner for a week now and since being given his leash four days ago, this was the first time he'd been able to get enough time to himself to continue his search. He has to keep it here somewhere. Damn him! If I didn't have this stupid ward around my neck I could sense any barriers he might have up to protect his treasure.

Kurama figured his best bet was to check the lower levels first. The earth was an excellent natural barrier that easily accepted any type of magic. Besides, he'd already been on the second floor which was the general living quarters where his own room was located. Most of the third floor was taken up by an extensive library with the remaining serving as a terrace. Sessho-maru informed him the fourth floor was exclusively his own, so that left the lower levels.

As he made his way around the level directly below, which contained the kitchen, laundry and other rooms needed to keep the fortress functioning. Kurama frowned as he thought about the fact that he hadn't seen any servants since arriving. Just Jaken and the guards. I hope he doesn't expect me to do any of that stuff.

The next level down seemed abandoned. Kurama walked through dusty corridors and found stores of weapons, jail cells and a torture room which sent a chill down his spine. "…..I will carve my questions into your flesh….." He hugged himself as Sessho-maru's words drifted into his mind unbidden.

"Bastard."

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Sharp fangs gleamed in the moonlight as Sessho-maru passed by the window. He couldn't follow Kurama too closely or he would give himself away by sight or smell. So he stayed back, using his own sensitive sense of smell to track the kitsune. Still not giving up, thief? What could be so important to you?

Sessho-maru followed Kurama down into the bowels of the fortress where he thoroughly searched each room that was open to him and his special thieving skills. He wished he could have known what garnered Kurama's acidic epithet. His sensitive ears had easily picked up the kitsune's only spoken word all night. As close as he could tell, from the concentrated scent that lingered, he was probably in the torture chamber.

Sessho-maru followed Kurama around until the thief finally gave up just before sunrise. He considered waking him early just to torture him, but he didn't want to be stuck with a hostile, sleep deprived kitsune. I much prefer a hostile, well rested thief.

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Kurama sat in the chair that faced the window and stared sullenly out at the landscape. Eighteen days. He'd been Sessho-maru's captive for eighteen days and he was no closer to finding a way out than day one. Most of his days were spent in Sessho-maru's company while he read, ate and worked. Maybe he's trying to kill me by boring me to death.

Four days ago Sessho-maru had hinted that he was considering using Kurama as a valet. He still remembered the glint in those golden eyes and the almost carnal smile as the demon lord explained that his duties would include, amongst other things, dressing him and bathing him. Kurama couldn't suppress the shiver the memory evoked, but it was followed by a tingling sensation that he couldn't place.

They didn't speak too much, and when they did Kurama had to fight with all his strength not to snap back with a hostile reply. He knew he had to keep control of his emotions so he could find a way out of this mess.

"You look like a kit being punished for bad manners."

Kurama didn't acknowledge the remark. He didn't have the want to argue right now. Although if Kurama were truthful with himself, he would admit that he wanted to talk to the demon lord. But his pride wouldn't let him admit to himself that he was intrigued by the stoic inu. Although…..I've got nothing better to do right now.

"It's too nice to be indoors." Kurama uncurled his limbs and stretched for emphasis and then let his body melt into the chair as if boneless. He lazily turned his face towards Sessho-maru. "It's bad enough you keep my spirit energy suppressed, but now you're letting my body wither away as well."

"I am not interested in your body."

"Then what is your interest in me?" Kurama saw the flash in the golden eyes and he pressed the matter, rising to his feet and approaching the youkai that was working behind a large wooden desk. "You've already stated you do not wish to bed me. So unless you're planning on having me work for you….." Kurama placed both hands down on the desk and leaned in, his eyes demanding, mischievous, glinting. "…..what do you want from me, Sessho-maru?"

Sessho-maru let his eyes focus on the dangling crescent moon, not wanting to meet those captivating eyes and give the kitsune the satisfaction of even hinting that he was affected by his closeness and his words. In all honesty, he didn't know what he wanted from the thief. He had hoped for someone challenging and lively to help pass the time. Kurama definitely fit the bill, but….. Sessho-maru inwardly cursed himself. He's right. But I don't know what I want so I'll just have to keep him around until I figure it out.

"Don't play coy with me, thief."

Kurama lashed out at Sessho-maru and he easily caught the clawed hand heading for his throat. He squeezed hard making sure his point was made. I can break you. You live by my good graces.

"If you don't behave yourself, I won't let you go outside and play."

Kurama growled and yanked his hand away, heading for the door.

"I did not dismiss you."

"Go to hell."

The door slammed behind Kurama and Sessho-maru let out a small chuckle. Perhaps I do need a break. Ok, Kurama, let's play.

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Kurama was sitting at the edge of the small pond, nestled within the small garden that had become his favorite spot to be alone and think. But his thoughts weren't peaceful at the moment. His mind was racing with fevered thoughts of a certain inu youkai that seemed to get the better of him at every turn. How do I let myself fall into his traps?

As he sat and looked at his watery reflection, he felt himself getting warm. He looked up at the partly cloudy sky and frowned. Why am I so warm? As he reached back and lifted his long hair to wipe the sweat off the back of his neck, his eyes suddenly went wide with realization.

The charm! Where's Sessho-maru!

Kurama jumped to his feet and raced into the fortress, back to Sessho-maru's study. Since he couldn't use his ki to locate the demon, he would go back to the last place he saw him and track his scent from there.

He burst through the door and went directly to the desk, ready to catch the inu's scent. He glance down at the scrolls and discarded papers upon the desk, his eyes instantly caught by red letters screaming for his attention on a small piece of paper.

Thought I'd go out for a run. It's such a nice day after all.

"That bastard!"

Kurama hung half his body out the window, scanning the surrounding area and breathing deeply. As his frantic eyes scanned the landscape, a group of birds took flight way in the distance.

Damn him! Is he trying to kill me!

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Sessho-maru couldn't keep the smirk off his face as he stood in the tree and waited for the panicked kitsune to arrive. He made sure to only move far enough away to give him a scare and not to actually cause him any harm.

He was impressed at how quickly Kurama managed to find him. And he was delighted to see the golden eyes aflame, his body quivering from anger and exertion.

"I see you got my message."

Kurama was too angry to speak. He stood there, seething, wishing his thoughts alone could be enough to kill the arrogant demon. And it infuriated him even more that Sessho-maru seemed amused. I won't tolerate this!

Kurama launched himself at Sessho-maru, fangs and claws bared. The demon had the decency to lose his smirk and evade the attack. The pair sprang from tree limb to tree limb, ground to rock and back into the trees again, covering a great distance. Very few blows were exchanged between them, Sessho-maru preferring the exhilaration of the chase. He couldn't remember the last time he'd done something like this and it wasn't a test set up by his father.

As he looked back to catch sight of his pursuer, he didn't see Kurama. Suddenly he heard a loud thump and a cry of pain. Sessho-maru doubled back and found Kurama laying on his side, trying to choke some air into his lungs. If Sessho-maru had to guess, he'd say Kurama somehow fell and landed hard. On his back most likely from the way he was gasping.

"What happened?"

"No--" Kurama coughed some more and finally regained his breath. "Nothing."

Sessho-maru regarded Kurama for a few seconds, wondering how much more he wanted to irritate the kitsune.

"You were right, thief. Today was a wonderful day for being outdoors."

Without another word, Sessho-maru turned and started to walk away. Kurama stayed exactly where he was, refusing to get up and chase after the demon like a scared little kit. I have a lot of distance I can wait before I have to follow him.

But Kurama didn't have to worry about the distance between himself and Sessho-maru because the demon lord returned several minutes later. He knelt down in front of Kurama and offered a hollowed out piece of wood that was filled with fresh, cool water.

Kurama stared at the water, then at Sessho-maru, then back at the water. He didn't care if it was a trap, or made him seem weak. He was beyond thirsty and needed water. He silently accepted the water and drank deeply.

When he handed the empty makeshift cup back to Sessho-maru, he saw that smile there again, but this time, it didn't seem condescending. He seemed…honestly pleased. But what satisfaction could he have gained by getting me some water?

"I'll be right back. I didn't think you would be that thirsty."

Kurama felt his cheeks warm when he realized that he'd drank the water that was meant for both of them. He let Sessho-maru go and lay back on the ground, looking up into the dark canopy of trees. I can't figure him out. First the sadistic bastard plays with my life like it's nothing, then he seems concerned for my health and goes to get me some water. Who are you, Sessho-maru, and what do you want from me?

To be continued….