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Chapter 46: Order Up

Kagome sat with her mouth gaped open like a fish as Sesshomaru finished retelling the story of what had transpired. The keys to Sesshomaru's place sat long forgotten on the bar. Brown eyes reflected the Iron Lady's light shimmering in the darkness. Her fingers played with the edges of her long hair, twirling the ends between her index and middle finger as she listened intensely to his words while locked into his honeyed gaze. Her body had leaned across the bar towards him, a sign of how enraptured she was by the truth and his tale of freedom. Silence had fallen onto her tongue which, the demon lord found interesting considering how her questions had spewed forth at the start of their enlightening conversation of how Sesshomaru's best friend (human words not Sesshomaru's) managed to severe his nuptials and leave the Tashio fortune and visage unscathed.

Kagome's reddened lips were slightly bruised from the rough treatment of her teeth biting and pulling on her bottom lip as she mulled over his words. Sesshomaru could read every expression going across her face. Even in his semi-darkened restaurant, she radiated from a natural energy that sizzled right beneath her skin and left her in a glow. Her eyes were round and big, never leaving his as she sought the truth from his lips. Her hair tumbled around her as she shook it loose from its high hold on top of her head. The scents of the last meal of restaurant week lingered upon her skin that had not faded away yet.

Her honest and genuine concern for him did not go unnoticed. The intensified concern for his person sent an odd yet pleasant sensation deep within his chest. When Sesshomaru was finished, Kagome sat back mimicking the gaping mouth movements that resembled similar behavior of his ancient retainer Jaken. Jaken visibly showed his surprise and gawked about it for the masses to hear from miles around much to Sesshomaru's youthful chagrin. Humor lifted the edges of Sesshomaru's thin lips as he studied Kagome's expression and waited for a response. When nothing came forth, he began to finish his task of put away a wine bottle and picked up another that would be suitable for them both.

"So that's it? No more Kaguya? The Utomis?" Kagome asked breathlessly while leaning back up with her hands braced against the bar top. She shook her head trying to wrap her mind around how quick and fast everything seemed to unfold. However, Sesshomaru's retelling hinted that despite these decisions happening over the course of a few hours, the huge changes had taken months, maybe years due to Naraku's handling. The shock in her voice was heard through the high pitch of her tone. The sound so high, it bounced off the quiet red walls around them.

"Hn." Sesshomaru confirmed as he placed the wine bottle down on the counter. Sesshomaru walked around the bar to stand in front of Kagome. A smirk had formed on his lips as if he were anticipating something. Kagome watched and turned herself around in the bar chair as she followed his pathway around his bar towards her. Sesshomaru stood to her side, his statue towering over her. Kagome turned her body towards him while her head tilted in curiosity. Sesshomaru's hand reached for the key with one hand and then reached for Kagome's body with the other. He quickly pulled her forward towards himself. His body moved forward with her knees slightly parting ajar for him. The key he offered earlier, now sat tightly embraced between her smaller hand and his larger one. Her other hand rested on his chest, holding her body a breath away from his body. His other hand came up and paused at the crown on her head while he searched her widened curious brown orbs. His claws had been itching to touch more of her since she arrived. His chest tightened and his mind began to shift slightly astray from their conversation. Her presence now resembled that of a beacon calling to his instincts.

He slowly inched his clawed hand up towards her edges and he slowly combed his fingers through the now sticky strands of her hair, pulling a few strands free from framing her face. Contentment warred with ambition as he held her. A tiny thing she was in his hold yet fiercely powerful as if she was a warrior. Maybe if he crossed her path in ancient days once passed on the battlefield, she was one of the best. Underneath her skin, he could feel the hum of her power. A warning against his kind. However, it sang a song of guided protection for him. A heady scent touched his receptors and he pulled her closer as his mind registered the meaning. The dull ache in his core that he tried to suppress and eventually deceive with the use of Kaguya's status stirred. A need of provision and security layered with desire and honor filled him as he continued to hold Kagome. His eyes went from exploration to enticing before he spoke. "But…like you, I do believe Naraku's sudden act of charity does not solely end here at my own predicament despite my spider brethren's actions nor do I think he is finished with the Utomi family just yet."

Kagome nodded her head, vaguely processing what the handsome Inu demon had to say. Her mind went blank the minute his fingers scraped delicately across her scalp. The heat of his body against her palm did not help things either. She looked upon his normal stoic face and saw a terrain of beauty and want. Her hand clasped in his with the key, tightened while her other palm against his chest began to move across the silk fabric of his black shirt to reach the space where his heart needed to be. His energy swelled against her and a soft puff of air escaped her lungs. His words slowly filtered in and she recognized the message in between. He was free.

Sesshomaru reached for her waist and pulled Kagome further towards his body. She came out of her seat due to the ease of his demonic strength. He maneuvered her so that her butt sat on the bar and she was eye level with him. Instinctively, her arms came up and wrapped around his neck to pull him closer into her. Her legs parted fully allowing him to stand in alignment with her burning skin. Their heated gazes locked with raw emotions that had them both enraptured deep within in the other. Her scent shifted and ladled his nose with desire, want, and affection. Her breath had changed rhythm and ghosted over his slightly parted lips. A low affirming growl erupted in the back of his throat. The pad of her fingers roamed away from his heart to play with the hanging strands of his long hair at the nape of his neck.

Kagome scooted her hips forward to feel his sculpted torso stretched along her body. Her thighs clenched around his hips and a wrangled moan left her lips. Her body felt hot suddenly and an ache, so taxing felt even more so unbearable now that she was so close to Sesshomaru's heated body. His skin beneath his silk shirt felt like tiny fires that were waiting to set her ablaze. Even through his thin white shirt and pants, she could feel his warmth echoing the unbearable stuffiness that she now felt. The fabric irritated her and felt like another barrier between them. Both could see now only one barrier coming into actualization of that one thing they were searching their worlds for.

Restaurant week was over. Sesshomaru's terrible arrangement of a relationship was over. He had to suffer and lie in the bed that he made. Fortunately for Sesshomaru, he had a support system of people that advocated for him and helped him see the error of his ways without having to drag him through the coals. A humbling lesson that he now felt grateful to have experienced because ultimately it led to the gifts that he was searching for this whole time. His arrogance blinded him. His wisdom ebbed causing him to make a terrible error that would have costed him dearly. Rather than voice his mistakes, his pride began to deflect.

His father tried to shield his sons from his own mistakes by giving them a chance to choose who they want as a mate and be guided by their instincts. Not dictated by their duty. A pathway Sesshomaru saw once as weakness. Strength he thought was fulfilling his duty and doing so by having only his narrow mindedness conjured as "the best." And in his voyage to be supreme in all things, even his bloodline…he had risked mating into a family that were leeches. And he risked a lifelong mating that would have left him feeling as empty as his father may have felt when he was forced to have a relationship with his mother out of duty. Both had expressed how supported they felt by each other, but they also voice their disdain for being locked into a relationship where neither one of them wanted to be mated to the other. Sesshomaru certainly didn't want his pups having feelings of resentment, anger, self-doubt, and turmoil that he experienced in his youth when his father left their shiro to be with another. As Sesshomaru stared into her eyes, he silently cursed himself for his sin but made a new vow that he would chase the real thing. The real thing that was right here before him. The real thing that was Kagome that had him wanting to stand at her side as her equal. To claim her as his own and have her do the same to him.

Kagome's mind lapsed into a space that only focused on the demon in front of her. Fear of losing and the sense to be this perfect woman and protector to her little one, left her feeling as if she no longer existed. She had gotten use to trying to keep things together for so long that she lost appreciation for the zest of life. As if it no longer applied to her. How terribly wrong she had been. Somehow, in all of this…she was slowly coming back into her womanhood. Her power. And not the leadership and power it took to run her business or challenge the world in her field of career. No. This power was rooted deep in her spirit that loved life. That wasn't afraid of loss or trying. Power that had her once feeling so imaginative that it inspired her food. Instead, it shrunk, and fear became the driver of her vehicle. That fear nearly caused the death of her relationships with her siblings and almost left her pushing back the Tashio family from her life.

Before she had the air of innocence and respect that set the parameters for any relationship with Sesshomaru. She was not interested because well, the biggest reason being Sesshomaru was in a relationship. And she was not that type of girl to home wreck or go looking at men like that in the first place. The second being that he was a bit of a dick at times. Now she had come to realize that this was him being challenged in a long time and he was so hard pressed for once by a woman. A miko and a respected peer at that. The third well…it never crossed her mind that she would be desirable to another in this way. She had gotten so use to working her ass off, to being a mother, a sister, a counselor, a provider, a supporter, a fixer, etc. that she didn't even think that she would be the center for once, for someone's desire. Then add that her mind was so stuck on Kikyo being the object of his affection, she couldn't see it until he now stood right before her, clearly stating his desires and choice. And it was her.

Kagome's own reservations for a working relationship with hopeful ideals were now replaced with affirmations of interest and a free road to pursue the Inu demon on her own terms. He wanted her. She knew it. He wanted more with her. And he respected her equally to come to the table with her own wants and asks. All of this had her heart singing and body craving his touch. Sesshomaru's piercing gaze searched her sultry eyes as if looking for something. Kagome couldn't decipher what but, she hoped she could provide it. His eyes then dropped to her lips which her being unfairly abused by her blunt teeth when he decided he couldn't restrain himself any longer.

He bent down slowly as to not scare her away, before laying a kiss experimentally upon her swollen lips. Her head leaned forward meeting him halfway. She readily returned the kiss, having hoped he would not back out. Their kisses were slow and measured as if testing the increments of give and take before the pace was increased. Sesshomaru licked Kagome's lips in request and was gifted access to her mouth. A sigh tumbled from her as her body relaxed into his hold. One hand wrapped around her waist, while the other with the key held between them slacked. The key slipped and uncaringly onto the expensive marble of the bar, going unnoticed by the pair that kissed with passion. His other hand came up to cup her increasingly reddened cheek as he tasted the delicacy of a lifetime.

Kagome felt hot as if she were still swept in the fray of the heated kitchen. The steam that rose from the pots were now cascading off Sesshomaru's body along with his demonic aura. He pushed into her and she ground herself back, feeling his need swell between their clothing. Her legs lifted to perch vigilantly higher on his toned hips and her ankles locked behind him. His kisses trailed from her lips to down her neck where she tilted her head, ablaze with want because of the places his touch left abandoned. She grinded her pelvis into him and her eyes shut tighter feeling what he had to offer. The bulge in his pants pushed against the rough fabric of her pants and had her adjusting to receive him at another angle that would hopefully give her lust some reprieve. He pushed into her again and she arched, wanting to lay back onto the counter. Kagome's hand came back to steady herself on the bar when her finger felt the cold metal of the forgotten key. Her mind began working as his lips traveled again from her neck to her parted lips. Sharp fangs dragged lazily along her skin and then was replaced with velvet. The combined sensation had her moist center throbbing and begging for attention.

A satisfied groan left his lips as she turned her head to capture his lips again in a kiss before nipping at his bottom lip. She suckled gently before pulling away seductively to release his lip in a pop. He went forward after her lips again before he was denied by the turn of her cheek. Kagome pulled back slowly, looking at him between dark soot colored rich lashes. A lusty glaze coated her irises and her breaths came out in short pants. A smile tilted her lips up to see the changes on the Inu's face. His hands had come down to rest at the sides of her hips, gripping the bar counter with a restrained hold. His sharp claws dug into the marble causing small ragged lines across the surface. Her scent was heavy and calling him to her sex. The need to be inside of her had his balls tight in his pants as she shifted slightly to lean away from the tent in his pants. His head lowered and his eyes closed so he could focus on reigning himself in. The feeling to mate with the miko blazed within his soul. His instincts during this season of Apexing were no longer forceful but rather complimentary. He didn't feel the need to rut to fulfill his nature but, to be with Kagome simply because she was the end all, be all. To see to her pleasure and find his own along the way. There was no pressure to sow his seed because he knew instinctually that with Kagome and in due time, his legacy would find him. When it was divinely right. As it should have been from the start.

"Mmmm" Kagome hummed delightedly as she reached to rub her thumb thoughtfully over a slightly jagged magenta stripe along his sculpted cheek. The breath in her chest was trying to come to a reasonable rhythm with her heartbeat but it was proving to be impossible with the way he looked at her. She searched his desire-filled gaze, seeing how richly dark his molten golden eyes had become. She was most certain that bathing in gold was nothing close to the warm decadent feeling of having his heated gaze locked onto her for spaces and stretches of time. The outer rim of his optics slowly held a touch of pink and a kaleidoscope of colors in the center of his slowly dilating irises. Kagome's other hand gripped the key and pushed her forward so she could sit up towards him and scoot back to put more space between their bodies. Her smile grew along with the blush on her face at feeling of his body unwaveringly settle between her knees again. With a smile she spoke.

"Let's go upstairs, call Rin, and get cleaned up." She ran her hand down his chest to smooth the now crinkled white button up shirt. "Then…" She paused feeling inspired. "Let's make one last meal together since we didn't exactly get to enjoy what we made today." She muttered lowly, watching his lips tilt into predatory smile at her vaguely concealed plans.

"Hn." He responded before pushing away with eyes never leaving her own. He reached behind him to unhook her ankles gently before stepping away from her taunting body. The blush on her cheeks had darkened and she seemed to have forgotten that her legs had enraptured him at one point. His licked his lips to draw in the moisture and revel in her flavor. Kagome tasted, smelled, and felt divine in those spare moments. Watching the confidence that bolstered in the kitchen be redirected towards his person, set his blood on fire. Her hair was a mess, her clothes were shifted all over her form, and her skin flushed in various hues of reds, pinks, and some purples that rested at the base of her neck. An appraisal of his work had him itching to enact a more permanent solution.

Sesshomaru's eyes widened at the sight before warm lips found his cheek and pulled away. Realization of what he was missing had seemingly attacked him with precision using its razor-sharp claws. Kagome's removal of his hand and shift out of her chair barely registered. The ache in his body and the mental weight of longing left his mind quiet. The fire that simmered now boiled over for only one being to share himself intimately with. Lucky for him, she came with a gift that he would spend his eternal life caring for. Their little pup Rin. The warring sensations he had felt before were now calmed. Yet, a different call had him taking a step after the woman walking away gayly. "Mine." He muttered as he watched Kagome grab her things and make her way towards the exit.

"Amazing." Sesshomaru muttered against the soft skin of Kagome's neck as he stood along her back and watched her cook one of the saury dishes she made for their guests at the late hour of the early morning. His kiss dragged along the column of her neck, causing a fit of giggles as she ducked away from him to reach towards another bubbling sauce pot on the hot gas stove. His hands had pulled her hair to one side and he flitted between his nose scenting her pulse point to burying deep into the soft silk of her hair on the other side. Kagome reached for the wooden spoon and pulled a sample of the sauce she had perfected before dripping it on the delicate piece of fish. She scooped it up using black chopsticks and turned around to hold it up to Sesshomaru's lips. He accepted her offering greedily before nodding his head in approval.

She beamed up at him. Her toes lifted her body so she could kiss him on the lips in satisfaction. Kagome turned around to prepare another small dish for him to try while he reached to the side and took another sip of her paired selection of red wines. His other hand rested gently along her hip having found his new favorite home there. His hand also served as a source of claiming and protection from the hot stove as she moved about with him moving with her in the space. While he had finished closing his place below and grabbing all the ingredients in the kitchen, Kagome had showered and prepared everything for his arrival.

A call to Touga to let him know Kagome's whereabouts took a turn as Rin revealed herself still awake and in her bright orange PJs drinking hot chocolate and watching Frozen with her new best friend Touga. Kagome didn't have the heart to scold them about the late hour so the video chat turned into a group chat with both Sesshomaru and Kagome in the camera listening to the excited pup yipping and trying her best to sound her delight. Both gave her promises of collecting her in the morning and spending some well-deserved alone time with the little one. Then the call ended with a snarky remark from Touga and a rustling effort from Izayoi to get him and Rin off the phone and into bed. Kagome and Sesshomaru were both were now clean and moving about closely in his kitchen. Cooking, telling stories, sneaking touches, and sharing kisses. But the meals they were recreating held something new that their patrons did not get to sample. Something that was only privy to their eyes and the secrecy of the walls around them.

Intimacy.

Intimacy was layered in the way Kagome glanced at him when she thought Sesshomaru didn't notice. She would bite her lip when she felt the heat of his body along her back. Her fingers would brush along his chest and his ribs lightly to direct him to orbit another way around her. The heat of his body reminded her of the very real male that desired her and walked around sporting a pair of loose fit black silk pants that rested dangerously low on his striped muscular hips. Interest pulled at the edges of his lips when she said something that he found humorous or fascinating. Appreciation and respect would grace his features when she voiced her concern or fed him something that he found appetizing. She took note of the light in his eyes that shined brighter as he held his sharp custom knives and finely cut his ingredients and delicately handled his food with care that made her yearn to see the moments of his past where he stood on battlefields with his swords and aura blazing. He took great care and even more care when offering her everything from his own creation.

Intimacy was also in the way Sesshomaru would simply stare at Kagome as her small foot would trek up the other toned leg smoothly as she excitedly whisked and sautéed something in the pan. She was an enigma and someone beautiful to behold. Someone exotic to his senses that had him revering her like some fallen goddess offering her blessings for him. The thin layer of one of his blue shirts hung loosely around her body and gave very little defense against his crumbling cold demeanor. Intimacy settled heavy in the moments when she offered him tastings and his lips made sure to brush her fingers before gladly trying anything she offered. Her emotions shown on her face and told him everything he needed to know. She didn't have to speak at all. He could look at her and tell…what tastes she favored….what caused her concern…what delighted her…what required concentration…What ignited her passion. And all of this was directed at him as he bathed in her attentions.

Between the spaces of silence and conversation were the loud echoes of tinder kisses, munching, and moans of passion from tasting the moment. Plates stacked all over his counter island. Pots and spoons towered in the sink and the surrounded the counter as they ate and drank to their stomachs fill. Laughter spilled from her lips when he gave her a sour face from eating a sauce he found to be too sweet for his liking. She was bold and demanding, reminding him of the day he first met her. But now he knew the story behind her fiery attitude and witty spirit. What Kagome gave with words and touch, Sesshomaru gave with service and gifts. Their conversation had taken turns until they were back at square one.

They both leaned on the counter while Kagome drank from her glass and glanced around at the messy kitchen. Her other hand rested on his hand, rubbing small circles with her thumb. The wine, food, and company relaxed her until she now felt like putty in Sesshomaru's hands. The stress and the tension from everything had faded quite a bit, leaving her with only a few thoughts of stress. The lights above the kitchen island highlighted the soft contours of her face. Sesshomaru stood at her side, finger combing her hair back as he studied her. "Finally, everything is right." He muttered, feeling a calm wash over him for the first in an immeasurable space of time.

Kagome's eyes fluttered closed for a bit at the calming sensation. She set her empty glass down and cleared her throat, turning her attention towards him. She pulled his hand closer to her lips and kissed his knuckles gently while staring at him in the face. Her brown eyes gazed into molten gold the held an enchantment in the dark that rivaled that of Paris itself. "I just hope you truly don't have to suffer because of those people." She voiced gently. "Our family is safe and doing better now. That's all that matters." She mumbled as his thin lips lowered a breath away from hers.

He gaped upon hearing her words. "Ours, miko?" He breathed against her own plump lips as she stretched them into a smile. Her words causing his chest to tighten at her declaration. Her announcing her ties to his pack and to himself, left him feeling chills despite the heat that filled him from simply being in her presence like so. She had already accepted the claims of his kin to accept Kagome and her family into his own. His aura flexed searchingly against her relaxed body and ran over her cautiously waiting to see if she would respond knowing full well the unspoken question hanging in the air.

Kagome's smile grew feeling him layer onto her in a coaxing manner. Something inside of her just vanished over the course of the last few hours. Her reservations were nonexistent as she stared at the demon that had been such a strong and sound presence in her life the moment Sesshomaru came throwing his arrogance around. Her eyes flitted from his own to his thin nose and to the cupids bow of his mouth and back up again. The high of the moment began to intensify and carried very little remnants of their victory of satisfactorily pulling off what others might have guessed was the impossible. The high now blossomed with the newly allowed chemistry between them to fill it. "Ours, my Inu demon." She answered softly before leaning forward and sealing their lips into a kiss.

Their lips stilled together and locked into a sweet kiss. Sesshomaru released a sudden groan as the anticipation left him. He pulled her towards him so he could hold her close. Her lips tasting like ripe berries and hints of dark plum that coated her lips. He slowly dragged the first kiss out before changing direction to get more of her taste on his lips. Kagome pushed everything she had and could feel into the kiss. The aid of the wine and the relaxing evening just fed the fire in her belly. Her hands abandoned their stations and went up to rest along the side of his head to hold him to her. All was silent as they both leaned forward into each other and simply enjoyed the precious moment of their lips meeting. Soon, the kiss turned heavy and their hands held death grips on each other.

Sesshomaru reached underneath Kagome by the backs of her thighs and placed her butt on the edge of the island. Kagome leaned forward with both her hands alongside his jaw, to remain connected. Her legs locked behind his back as she pushed her body as close into alignment with his as possible. The heat in her body began to grow along with the need that was drumming in her pelvis. The shirt she wore, rose along her hips, revealing the purple thong she had on. She moved her hips close so she could rub herself against the bulge in his pants. Upon contact, she moaned in gratification and frustration. To be alleviated but unsatisfied was killing her. She brushed against him again and pulled back to gasp as he pushed into her roughly.

Sesshomaru held her thighs still in the palms of his hands as he balanced her on the edge of the island. He spread her thighs wider, smelling the scent of her arousal pungently layering the air around him. She smelled divinely delicious as he continued to kiss her with fervent need. Then she rocked her cloth covered core onto him and his eyes widened at the feel. Golden eyes began to melt into rose gold as he glanced at her moving against him. He pulled at her bottom lip as he pushed into her a bit more, feeling the wetness of her panties brush against the thin silk of his pants. His hands rose up higher until he cupped the naked globes of her ass and with a squeeze, he pushed into her again roughly and was awarded with a loud gasp and a call of his name. His dick jumped in excitement through the thin layer. The need to bury balls deep inside of her had him locked in its vice.

Their breathing was loud and mixed with sound of their lips crashing and breaking apart like the waves of an ocean. Sesshomaru stood up taller and leaned forward humming as he tried to push her back onto the island. Kagome's hands snatched away to keep herself from falling back onto the island and hitting the china and glass there. A growl rose up from his lips as he sought access to her neck and collarbone. Her lower half steadily teasing him as he continued to move against her wantonly. His youkai aura had risen and was left to spill uncaringly out over them both and pushing against her own frazzled miko prowess. His lips trialed from a sorely abused vein in her neck and up to her earlobe where he suckled and grazed a fang. Kagome's hands gripped his back and arm as another moan left her.

"Sess-" She managed as her eyes opened a little to peer at him. She pulled back a bit, looking through passion filled eyes noting the jagged markings along his cheeks and the changing horizons in his eyes. He held her gaze as both locked eyes. Blushing smiles and smirks fell onto their lips as they leaned into each other and touched foreheads. Their chests heaving as if they sprinted miles compared to the minutes spent trying to attempt osmosis. Sesshomaru's hand came up to rest onto the back of her head. Her hair was wildly layering about her in messy waves. The shirt had exposed one shoulder and the top of a reddened plump breast. She was red smelt as if she had rolled around in his scent for days. A deep satisfaction rooted in his being at seeing her caught up in him and having her freely exist and choose to be where she was.

He pulled away and moved his hands apart to clutch along the edge of the counter. His nails dug into the marble as he rested his head heavily in the crook of her neck. Kagome pulled him closer with the muscles in her legs and held him in her arms. The feel of his attentive member pressed against her and had her panting. The flutter of his soft eye lashes on her sensitive skin, brought awareness to how close he was to her breasts. The desire to offer them onto his alter intensified. Her fuzzy brain realized he stopped and had pulled back. Disappointment and anticipation both warred inside of her. Her own biases crept forward and rooted for its champion. The one that would help her release the knot now stuck in her womb that had coiled there.

"W-wha?" She managed to question as she pulled back to look at him. His head simply followed her movement. The heat of his breath fell against her. She licked her lips and managed to take a deep breath before trying again. "What's wrong?" As the words left her, her miko powers poured information. Her eyes widened as she felt his intent through his aura covering the walls around them. "Oh…" She muttered as she unconsciously slid against him and a hiss fell from his lips.

"You will be the death of me." He muttered against her skin as his knuckles grew white from gripping the counter and piercing through it. Light sheen of perspiration peppered his forehead as he lay against her focusing not to just push the string of cloth to the side and sink into her moist heat. A fang brushed her soft skin teasingly. His breath left him as he focused on the scent of her natural essence without the seduction of her pheromones calling out to him.

Kagome hands came up to play within the long strands of his sliver hair as her mind rushed over the ramifications of her next play. He was going through the season of apexing. How much of that played into their passionate moment was uncertain. But was it all that was there, no. Was it worth finding out? "Hmmm…" Kagome ran her fingers up to pull at his hair to gain his attention. She watched as his head turned upwards to peer at her with deep garnets and cool blue ringed irises. She smiled encouragingly sown upon him and ran her fingers from his forehead to back, brushing the strays of hair that had fallen around his face. "I'm not ready…to mate. I-I think we should date first. But…" She paused searching for appropriate language but her muddled brain was coming up empty. Settling for the truth, she spoke with conviction. "I want to feel you, inside of me tonight." Her cheeks pinkened at her own brazenness. But he had awakened a need that wouldn't be left to try to extinguish by herself.

Sesshomaru snorted at this. His eyes searched her face and saw the courage she had built to be clear with him. He sighed heavily. "Miko…you do not know what you do to this one." His hands moved further apart away from the temptation of her skin. "You speak as if there are other options and other outcomes. There is only one." He stood up slowly to gather himself, preparing to push away from the offering she made with the mental understanding that she may retract it at any moment after his statement. But it was his truth and she needed to know. "I have chosen you. There is no other. Should you refrain and push this one away, I will respect your decision. It will be harsh on this one's conscious and physical body as I have claimed you in spirit already. I will isolate myself and wait another century until one that captures my soul the way you have. But should you give this Sesshomaru access to your body, you will be accepting the gamble. You test ability and patience that I am unsure can withstand you, Kagome."

Kagome's eyes held his in understanding. Empowerment filled her a having so much impact upon the male that she desired. The warning was laid out and he was transparent with her. She swallowed and ran the risks one more time. Could she let her lust lead to long-lasting repercussions? Should they give in, could she be essentially his life partner? His wife? His other half that will be divinely connected to him. The answer had filled her but her instincts to still take things slow pushed back. She ran her fingers along his face and traced the patterns from the stripes that spoke of his heritage to the crescent moon on his forehead announcing his class. Resolution filled her as she studied him and took note of the risks and the gains. Kagome smiled and pushed his bangs back. "Sesshomaru." She addressed making sure she had his attention. "I have faith in you to do the right thing and what's instinctual to you which has always been to protect and provide for your pack. Now, love on me and give me another reason to agree to be your mate indefinitely because I need a little bit more persuasion." She gave as she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his and grounded herself into him.

A growl ripped from his lips. "I have never lost a challenge, Miko." He muttered along her lips before diving in for another kiss. Her breath was taken as she kissed him back.

"I don't think tonight will be the night to start either." She responded back as she bucked into him in reminder of what brought them here. Her hands flew to rub along his bare chest, feeling the heat of his torso against her fingers. Her thumb grazed a nipple and she gave it a rub before moving to feel along his pectorals. Sesshomaru's hands ran from her thighs and up along her torso and up her ribs, pushing his shirt up and revealing her belly before rubbing downwards.

They kissed passionately, with Kagome rocking further back onto the counter. A glass knocked over somewhere as he pushed her further onto the counter. Her back hit a plate and her hands let go to brace along the counter and push things away. At the lost of contact, Sesshomaru growled displeasingly. Her hips rocked into his again suggestively. His clawed hand came out and quickly reached behind her to push forcefully at everything in her way. Glass, pots, silverware, and porcelain china, all fell off the island and onto the floor breaking upon impact of the tiled floor. A gasp left Kagome as a heavy hand laid onto her stomach and pushed her down onto the island. The cold marble along her back did little to deflect her attention from the Inu paying homage to her body. Sesshomaru pulled back and with a flick of his wrist, the buttons ripped apart and the shirt fell loosely open. His hands pulled what was left intact, apart to reveal plump breasts and a taut stomach that flared into curvy hips and toned thighs. He watched as she lay panting and looking up at him with desire.

Without hesitation, he leaned down and kissed her. His hands were all over her, igniting little fires everywhere. Her legs locked him to her as her own hands roamed from the back of his head to down his strong back feeling the muscles move underneath her fingers. His hair fell around her creating a curtain of sorts they kissed and gave access to more that they had to offer. Her tongue danced with his to the tempo of their grinding. Soon, his lips left hers to trail down her chin and neck to the valley between her breasts. Her head tossed back at the feel of his hot mouth taking in mouthfuls of her globes. His tongue played with her nipple and his lips suckled until he had his fill before switching to the other. Kagome gasped for air and swallowed thickly. The hot and cold sensations upon her chest was stroking the raging ache between her legs. Her hand reached above her head while the other encouraging Sesshomaru's exploration by massaging circles along his scalp.

Kagome looked downwards to see Sesshomaru come up and kiss her again. Moans and other sounds left their lips. They both continued to grind against each other until Sesshomaru's pants began to fall off of him due to Kagome's legs pushing the waistband down. Sesshomaru reached back to untie her legs and he took a step backwards so he could bend and continue the trail he started. With a lick to the side of a now soaked breast, he kissed downwards. His tongue traced the curves and the dip of her belly button until he came to the elastic of her thong. He kissed her over the cloth, noting how wet she was. He pulled back and run a finger along the darkest spot, feeling his finger soak in the honey there. His tongue tasted her essence. He closed his eyes reveling in the tease of flavor there. The little cloth there was drenched. Her scent had him laser focused on her juices that were leading a pathway to his nirvana.

With a clawed finger, he pulled the cloth the side revealing herself. Hs finger languidly traced the hood and outer lips, noticing her body react immediately to his touch. He gazed upon her as his finger circled around her pearl and rolled it gently before continuing to her entrance. His finger lightly dipped in watching her juices coat his finger and her opening pull upon him. He carefully pulled back, mindful of his claws. His breath blew against her and his eyes flicked up to see her staring down at him with a mixture of emotions on her face. His hands rubbed the outside of her thighs and lifted them to rest along his shoulders securely. As if putting on his bib, he let go of her legs and leaned closer. "Mine." Was the only warning he gave before he was upon her.

Kagome gasped and almost lept off the counter. Her hands immediately flew down to grasp his head as he plundered her with his hot mouth. She could feel him kiss her all over, making lewd noises as he tasted and suckled. Silver tresses tangled in her fingers as she called his name with so many different instructions following. She felt hot and the air in chest seemed caught in the cavities of her lungs. His tongue was doing delicious things to her. The tight coil in her womb was increasing with tension and searching for release. She felt him kiss her and suckle her lips and run his sharp fangs along the side. Then his lips sucked on the bundle of nerves between the apex of her folds. Her head tilted all the way back and a cry left her lips. Her hands held him close to her in a tight grip.

Sesshomaru licked and pulled at her flesh. She smelt like the most decadent treat in his life. His own personal ambrosia was here before him and he couldn't get enough. Sesshomaru ran his tongue between her folds before diving and thrusting inside of her with his tongue. He sucked and drank, feeling her legs shake around his head. The thin material caught onto his finger and with a quick flick of his wrist, it broke. He tore the rest off until her thong fell off her body somewhere. He hungrily accepted her offerings and continued to give her pleasure until she was repeating his name and arching her back up and away from his plundering lips. He pulled her closer to him and continued. The grip on his head indicated that she was close. His mouth worked with and added finger to bring her orgasm. Liquid burst from her lips and dripped down his chin as he suckled hard upon her vulva. He drank and pulled back watching her become undone on his countertop. Pride swelling inside of him seeing her lost in her passion and reveling in her orgasm.

Kagome was shaking and black dots floated across her vision. Her legs dropped and her hands lay where they were, uselessly hanging. Her eyes were clenched tight and her chest heaved as oxygen rushed into her lungs. Her body felt so good to finally release as she lay on his countertop bare to his eyes. Her legs wide open with him in the middle seeing everything she had to offer. The touch of his tongue languidly licking her again, brought her attention back to the present. She slowly opened her eyes and peered down through heavy eyelids to see him gazing up at her with a shit eating grin on his glistening wet face. He made a show of giving her a long sloppy lick so she could feel how wet she had become. A blush came to her lips seeing the back of his torn shirt now soiled.

Sesshomaru took the back of his hand and wiped his mouth as he stood to tower over her. He reached for her body as she moved to help him lift her. He grabbed her and held her into his arms while shredding the rest of the shirt off of her arms to fall to the floor. His lips came back to hers and she moaned into his mouth. Kagome tasted herself on his lips. The reminder of what he had done and the taste of them both, turned her on even more. Her legs twisted around him again as he took her to the back where his bedroom was located. Along the way, they shared heated kisses. Hands and fingers were everywhere. Kagome had managed to kick his pants lower, revealing the tip of his erection. It pressed against her butt and she wiggled to get closer to it. They made it to the edge of the bed when he let loose a shuddering groan. Her hand had managed to find his length and palm him. He fell with her onto the mattress and she broke away to reach for him again. He leaned away to watch her go after what she wanted.

Kagome was on a mission. The explore, get and receive everything from this tryst with Sesshomaru. She was feeling so much that there was no room for doubt or uncertainty. She knew what she wanted, and she would make sure they both left this bed satisfied. Kagome kissed his lips as he ran his hands from her hips and up her back to downwards to land on her ass. Her palmed and squeezed as she continued to massage his impressive girth in her hands. Kagome gave him a smile as he combed her hair away from her face. He leaned forward and she met him again in a passionate kiss. They soon pulled away and she moved down to take him into her mouth. Before she could reach, Sesshomaru maneuvered Kagome so her ass was facing him on the side. Her rubbed her encouragingly as she lowered her lips around the tip of him. He hissed and his head tossed back feeling her lips upon him. Her tongue laid flat to lick underneath while her mouth covered him completely.

Kagome hummed as she focused on taking him in and moving back up slowly. The taste and feel of him was more savory than any of the dishes they made. He was all masculine and salty that held a…zesty je ne sais quoi about him. She lifted off of him with a pop and licked her lips to moisturize them again. Kagome looked down at his erection flagged in her face. The size of him was impressive and her body clenched in reaction. She ran the tip of him over her reddened lips. She kissed the center of him lightly and opened her mouth to receive him again. Her eyes closed while she bobbed and suckled him as best as she could. Her hand came to the base of him to massage and grip whatever her mouth couldn't take.

Sesshomaru combed her hair back as he watched her take him in. Where had this vixen been? Or was this who she was all along; she just didn't have anyone worthy of her efforts? He was captivated by her control and finesse. She suckled him until he could feel himself touch the back of her throat. Her mouth was hot and slick. He felt every inch of him getting attention from her skilled mouth or hands. He watched her work through half-lidded eyes, mesmerized by his feminine match handle him like she handled her kitchen. With skill and ambition to reach her goal. His balls tightened as pressure built there. He gazed over the see her gleaming folds right before him. His hand reached out to caress her rounded cheeks. His thumb came out to rub against her folds tenderly between the layers. He watched her shiver a bit as she continued to massage her until his hand came up to slap her lightly on her ass.

Kagome groaned and began to move quickly after feeling him rub against her again. She worked him just as his thumb was moving along her folds. Her butt wiggled to push against the light touch of his finger as she worked herself while working him. Sesshomaru stopped moving when she found a pace and an angle to work. His hands laxed and his knees came up to plant his feet on his mattress to ground him. His top fangs bit into his bottom lip as he felt himself building towards his climax. He fought inwardly to push it back but something sucker punched him in the gut. The instinctual nature to claim what he saw as already part of his being washed over him. It felt like a wave of warm water flowed over him and had him desiring to sink his teeth into her skin and plant his seed so deep, she would birth litters. Quickly, he sat up and grabbed her while being mindful of the grip she had on him. He coaxed her slowly off him before flipping her onto her back. His hands planted alongside of her head as he stared down at her through the darkness of the room.

The room spun a little bit when Kagome was taken from her task. She found herself sprawled on her back staring at the most striking pair of eyes. They held hers as she lay with her heart in her throat ready to burst out. Her breath came out uneven as she focused on the male above her. He seemed to study her as if she was the most complex recipe in the world. His gaze was heated as he hovered over her, simply staring and breathing heavily. A sheen of sweat coated him and shined through the reflection of the many lights outside of his bedroom window. She turned her head to the side to see the death grip he had on his own sheets. Kagome moved her head back to look up at Sesshomaru. Understanding passed through her. She slowly took her hands and slid them encouragingly along his arms.

"Thank you." She said hoarsely, noting how difficult it truly was. His arms shook at her sides as she continued to wait and massage his arms.

Sesshomaru nodded and slowly sank his weight down upon her. He took her lips in his and kissed her passionately sweet in a slow dance. He felt her limbs lock onto him like as if she was a human pretzel. He pulled away and sighed heavily, taking in a deep breath to gain more control. Everything about her was pushing his limits but he refused to give into need and temptation. He kissed her shoulder and lifted himself again, feeling her move against his straining member. With one hand, he reached down and aligned himself with her soft wet center.

Kagome held onto his shoulders and kept eye contact. She needed him to know that she wanted this and that she accepted him. That this was ok. He was safe and whatever was happening was between them only. This was just two beings in the universe seeking and nourishing a connection. She lifted her lower half a little bit and felt him at her entrance. Biting her lip, she pushed down just as he pressed into her. At the feel of him pressing onwards, she shut her eyes feeling him stretch her almost painfully so.

Damn. Had it been that long!

Kagome held her breath and focused intensely on relaxing her pelvic muscles. Never had she felt so…stretched and the elasticity of her being tested. He felt like hot velvet sliding inside of her with very little friction. Her eyes opened as he pulled back and pushed back in. She held onto his shoulders as he rocked into her, his length halfway inside of her. Sesshomaru had moved his hand to the side of her thigh and press it down into the mattress to give open her up more. Her back arched a bit, pushing her breasts up in the air. Her nipples hardened and tempting him to continue to sample. He continued moving slowly and patiently until he was able to slide fully inside of her.

"Oh!" Kagome managed to moan. He filled her and had her spread to receive him. She looked down to see their lower bodies connected at the hips. The sight brought her yearning to a new height. Her vision rolled upwards until her eyes connected with his again. They held each other's gaze as he rocked into her and she pushed back. They set the tempo like this, each trying to convey to the other how much this moment meant to them both without words. But so much pride was still in the way that both couldn't vocalize it. But they could feel it. His aura rolled over them and her miko reiki responded. Both pushing and pulling and mixing until they both became visible. Water colored strokes of various shades of pinks, reds, silvers, and blues mixed, adding additional pleasure to their sensor receptors. The hairs on their bodies stood up and their bodies were layered in sweat as they moved together in sync.

Sesshomaru pressed into her continuously as his eyes focused on her facial expressions while feeling her tightness all around him. Even just being inside of her briefly had to be the top best experience he had ever felt. Followed by the adrenaline rush of battle and victory when endorphins are rushing through him and the sensation of a hard battle won fill him. She was the personification of pleasure as she moved underneath him. She mumbled his name and commands as if she was in her kitchen. He suppose he was. He pushed his hips into hers and holding her thigh still as he explored the angles and the reach she provided. He found a spot and rubbed against her watching the chain reaction that followed. Back lifted and her feet moved to plant at the base of his spine. Her miko power pulsed around him and he snarled feeling her pull on him with her pelvic muscles. Her heat and the tightness engulfed him. He snarled as she clutched suddenly, announcing the start of a mounting orgasm. Her grip had him panting above her like some young pup whose balls haven't even dropped yet. How foolish was he to think that he would last against her call for him.

Kagome spoke his name like a prayer on her lips. She didn't consider herself a religious woman but the way she called for him, one would question. The devotion she gave was loud and spoke of a testament that only she had the privy to speak of. His aura wrapped around her like a glove. She felt so desired and cared for while sexy and empowered. He touched everywhere inside of her until her legs dropped and he had to hold her steady as his pace increased to a demonic stamina. Her fingers held onto whatever she could as he pounded into her. The pressure cooker in her stomach began to mount and her breath was leaving her faster than she could gain it back. Her moans and cries along with his snarls and groans mingled with the slapping of their flesh in the quiet of the night. Their hair and tangled around each other as they sought completion.

Sesshomaru bent down and captured Kagome's lips in a kiss. Kagome met him halfway, feeling so much for him and wanting him to feel it too. They kissed as their bodied continued to move against one another. Sesshomaru moved one hand down between them to rub against her bundle of nerves as he continued to push himself into her at a reckless pace. Their scents and sex perfumed the air around them, adding to the addiction between them. Kagome announced her pleasure and tossed her head back. The coil in her belly was wound so tight that she could feel her orgasm almost coming upon her. Sesshomaru could feel it too. She was pulling him into her and clenching him so tight that he couldn't be too far beyond her. His vision was blurring a bit and his fangs punctured his lips as he concentrated on fighting his instinctual urge to claim her.

He lowered his lips and suckled on her plump breast before releasing it with a pop. His head then lowered onto her chest as he moved quickly. His canines locked together in his jaw as he focused as much as he could on not biting her. Kagome's eyes were shut tight as she chased her orgasm. The vision of her beneath him tested his patience as her breasts bounced and her lips cried his name repeatedly. With a loud snarl, he flipped her over and held her up by her hips. Before she recognized the new position, he began to pound into her while rubbing against her pussy with his hand. His body bent over her back and they stayed that way as he clutched his eyes shut and concentrated on her release while keeping his sanity.

Kagome saw stars.

With a cry, Kagome came hard. Her body shook and shuttered as he continued to move against her. Her legs tensed as she came and buckled. Her muscles clutched tightly around him, milking him of everything he had to give. Sesshomaru pushed into her, his balls tightening as she gripped him so tightly. He snarled in her ear and pressed his lips into her shoulder. He stroked into her a few more times until the dam bust inside of him and his seed came spilling out into her. Sesshomaru's aura slammed into her body, searching for the spiritual gateway that would bind them together. Her name roared from his lips, giving voice to the name his being craved for. His clawed fingers dug a bit into her hips, puncturing the skin there. He bit hard and gritted his teeth as his head lay heavy on her shoulder. One hand supported his weight while the other still held her hips steady. His face turned slowly trying his best not to breath the skin there. Their breaths were heavy as they stayed there like statues during that intense moment.

Time moved slowly until something within them gave way. Kagome collapsed with her ass in the air and still connected to him. She could feel something hot and warm fill her. She hummed and reached down to stroke him, feeling their sticky essences coat him. She turned her head to the side and smiled up at him in a congratulatory manner. He lowered himself and captured her lips in an endearing kiss. Her hand came up to run her fingers in his hair as their lips caressed each other. Sesshomaru moved the hand hold her hip to grip his slowly softening dick. He broke their kiss to lean back so he could slowly pull out of her. He watched as he removed himself. Her milky essence coated him along with his cum. When the tip of his head left her body, his seed immediately spilled out of her. It dripped down her folds and onto the sheets beneath her.

Kagome felt his thumb rub her folds soothingly and her body relaxed further. She turned her body and reached for him, encouraging her lover to relax into her embrace. Sesshomaru laid down slowly into her arms and rested his cheek on her chest as he shook and focused on keeping a tight leash over his instincts. Not claiming the woman beneath him had to possibly be the hardest thing he had ever had to do. Sweat dripped down his back and chest onto her. He nuzzled her bosom and stayed concentrated on the goal of keeping to his word. Kagome sighed delightedly. Her body felt like jello. Her hands came up and rubbed his back comfortingly. Gratified and prideful in the knowing that the male in her arms would do right by her and was one of the most trusted souls she knew. She brushed his hair out the way and waited for him to join her while her body continued to roll between liquid and static shocks.

After a while, the air conditioner started the blow and their breaths had evened out. Their limbs had mixed as their bodies still lay on top of the rumpled sheets. Sesshomaru moved his head finally and opened his eyes. Feeling his control grasping the situation, he sat up a bit to pepper her chest and shoulder with kisses. Kagome rubbed all kinds of words onto his back with a dazed smile on her face. "Welcome back." She spoke, breaking the silence in the darkness.

"Hn…" He muttered, his mental in a messy array of thoughts and emotions. However, his feelings for her still the same but intensified.

"You're amazing." She affirmed as she moved her head to kiss the crown of his head.

"This Sesshomaru knows." He responded, a smug expression planted on his face as he lay his had onto her chest, listening to her heartbeat steady.

Kagome snorted and playfully made the move to push him off. "I was talking about you keeping to your promise, you arrogant ass." She muttered as he held onto her. She laughed and stopped her movement. After a while, she went back to rubbing his back while he lay with his cheek against her in the silence of the room.

"Thank you, Sesshomaru. For respecting my choice despite how hard that was for you." She said. A few other words she wanted to say afterwards but they remained anonymous.

Sesshomaru turned his head to nip her skin in acknowledgement and then kiss it better. "I am bound to my word and my honor. But do understand, there may not be a second chance anytime soon." He grumbled.

Kagome was moved into silence at his admission. The weight of what they just did and the meaning behind it sat heavy on her chest. This wasn't just sex for them both. This was so much more. So much that Sesshomaru wouldn't dare risk it again knowing that there was a higher chance of them walking away bonded for life. For him to admit his weakness too was profound. Kagome held him closer to her and kissed his head again. Her mind raced with thoughts and reflected on her feelings. The room was silent for a long while until she spoke again. Both had fell into a light slumber in each other's arms.

"I think we should test you again."

Sesshomaru blinked bleary rose gold eyes open in shock. His head snapping up at her. She had a wistful smile on her lips. Her eyes focused down in him with a tilt of her head. "I mean, we should really test it. Best two out of three to make sure."

Sesshomaru huffed playfully and shook his head, laying himself back down into position. Of course, he could do rounds. That wasn't the issue. He knew every time he would be pushed to the edge of mating. The need to nest was in his spirit. The need to soak his seeds was satisfied now that he had Rin. But the mating instinct inside of his was at the limits. If he laid with her again tonight, she wouldn't come out of it without something. There was no second chance once he gave her the mark. Once she had it, she had it forever. "You're testing your luck, Miko." His eyes flashed, studied her face and hanging onto her words. "Don't say anything foolish that you will regret later."

Kagome sensed the slight tone of rejection and fear. His aura had flared at his words. Her senses were highly sensitive to him and she could pick up on the small nuances of feelings through his aura. He was still in the afterglow of his orgasm and she knew he hadn't a clue as to the amount of intel he was spilling through his aura. He was on defense with her at the center of his world right now. Kagome mulled over his words and reflected again. Carefully, she made sure to speak with authenticity and assuredness. "Good thing, I don't have those with you as my only option." She said as her hands moved up to stroke his scalp. Her eyes keeping in contact with his.

Sesshomaru blinked owlishly up at her. Kagome laughed at his expression, finding it her favorite look. She carved it into her memory and smiled endearingly with blushed cheeks. Sesshomaru crawled over her body until his head was level with hers. "What are you saying, Kagome?"

Kagome tilted her head and reached up with her arms around his neck. "I'm saying, I'm more open to the idea but I need a little bit more persuasion." She repeated with a smile.

Sesshomaru studied her face and flexed his aura to feel her out. No lies were sensed or hesitation. Her care and devotion displayed before him like a big billboard. Her feelings were laid there before him. Raw and uncensored. The gratitude and the respect she held for him made him desire to always have her hold him in such esteem regard. He never wanted to lose any of this. He was a starving demon having never had this from anyone and now that he did, he would fight to his last breath to keep it. An understanding came through him and he smirked above her. "Hn." He said before bending down to capture her lips in his again in a passionate kiss. "You're right, Kagome. Best two out of three."

Meanwhile…

Kikyo sat in the dark of the large office writing and combing over the final miniscule details of the itinerary for Fashion Week. A single light from the overworked lamp at her side cut through the darkness of the room. Her long hair pooled around her shoulders as her left-hand finger combed the strands from her crown languidly. Striking brown eyes scanned the pages below of the words that were starting to blend on the pages. Her black ball-point pen scraped quickly over designer names, times, and venues with a strong critical eye while she made details on the side of mindful reminders. Everything had to be perfect. This was more than just International Vogue being present in the space of artists and creatives. But this was the launching of a career, a display of power from a prominent family, and the salvation of her life weighing heavily on the line. She could not afford to be anything less than perfect.

Her pen tapped a sheet of paper as a smile touched her lips. She paused with a fond expression as she reread Shiori's provided details to her first ever launch of her new line. Shiori was no longer a creative head in Vogue Paris but now an international designer in her own right. Rather than tell Vogue what was trendy, Shiori would set the world ablaze with her own trends and have the world following her. And it also would help that Kikyo's newly made art pieces would be present as a backdrop and a surprise twist to Shiori's runway and exhibit. The first of its kind.

Beep.

Kikyo leaned back in her chair and put the pen down to blink her eyes a bit. Her hand immediately let it drop to reach for her phone at her side. She smiled softly as a picture of Inuyasha and Rin making funny faces, shined on her phone. Her other hand reached to zoom in on their goofy faces before she slid the picture over to see the slideshow. Kikyo's expression softened as each one shared a photo of the last couple of days. One photo had a picture of her and Rin together, holding hands and smiling up at Inuyasha's poor cameraman skills. Another was of her and the last piece of work she painted in her studio. Another was of her and her sister on the first day of Restaurant Week. Awkward smiles were on their faces as they stood next to each other in her place.

Her head turned to look out of the large floor to ceiling windows of Paris's nighttime glow. Kikyo dimmed her phone and placed it face down, unable to look anymore at their fake expressions. So much needed to be said but neither it seemed was able to get it out. How do you tell your sister that you heard everything she had to say about her? The truth being that while Kagome's words were finally the truth she needed to hear, was also the most devastation. Like a sharp blade to her chest. How do you tell your sister that despite what she thinks, you have been protecting her this whole time from afar? That she was the reason Naraku did not drag her fully into the situation like he originally planned to do because Kikyo did a bait and switch. Too much hurt had transpired and had been left to fester. Not to mention, it just was not the place or the time. Kikyo's chin rested against her palm as she sat in deep thought. Her mind drifted to her sister and her words before running across Naraku's playbook.

Despite the public notion of the cancellation of the Utomi family, Kikyo did not quite agree with the sentiments. She left that trial and went home to process every detail of the Utomi case. Kikyo pulled out her worn yellow notepad from her side drawer and tapped the words written sloppily with the back of her pen. Sesshomaru was free from his contract and the Tashio's had no ties to the Utomi family. Kaguya publicly played the role of a daughter being manipulated and battered by her family. The Utomi's had lost so much financial backing and support that they would be in ruin before the year ended. She found Naraku to be at the heart of their transactions no matter how many names were in place to get pieces of the Utomi's fortune. In a span of a year, they had lost nearly everything. Even their companion and thorn in her side the Yomi's were silent.

Kikyo looked at the written Yomi name and circled it again on the yellow pad. The name had several dark rings worn into the paper as she thought deeply on this. For someone that was not too bothered by the Utomi's he went above and beyond to destroy and humiliate them until they had nothing. And he still was not finished. He was still buying and selling things off for pennies. She investigated further and found him also buying up Yomi partners as well. Their very few businesses were almost bankrupt. To go further Naraku placed a document in the Youkai Court to further protect the Tashio's from anymore financial grabs to their wealth. Which he could do being a surrogate child and personal lawyer of Lord Touga Inu-Tashio. While everyone celebrated Naraku's victory, she knew Naraku was doing this not as a charitable cause. She wrote his name on the piece of paper and began working through his ties with the Utomi's and the Yomi's.

"Why are you going so far as to put barriers around the Tashio's? What else is brewing, Naraku?" Kikyo muttered as she racked her brain for answers. What would have him destroying someone that mattered little to him a year ago? The Yomi and the Utomi family made it known of their hatred for half-breeds but that never mattered to him before until Sesshomaru got entangled with one. But to go so far as erase them from face of the earth and make it so hard for them to come back financially? The only thing Naraku cared most about besides his adoptive family, his sister Kagura, and few friends, was his intended Marie and his deceased friend Hoshi Yomi…Rin's father.

Kikyo wrote those two names on the paper and jotted down a few notes. She picked up her phone and weighed it in her hand as if debating on starting a journey she didn't know she wanted to go on. She looked at the picture of her and her sister one last time before she dived into a deep Google search of Marie's background. Articles crossed the screen of her failed attempts at opening international clinics to help all children including nonprofit medical centers dedicated to helping hanyou children. All were blocked by land acquisition denials until they ended in court decisions denying her practice on all kinds of silly little notions. It was appealing really. Kikyo tapped her screen upon one interesting article that mentioned a conspiracy of half-ling hating political groups thwarting her attempts.

"Could the Utomi's be behind this?" She asked as she continued to write and scroll. The more she read, the more she believed to be the reason. But was that it? Was this the fuel behind his warrior campaign to wipe them out? And he still wasn't done. He hadn't put the nail in the coffin yet. So far, he has been taking away everything their cared out, publicly humiliating them, and being very blatant to them that he is doing this all. But why?

"Still working?"

Startled, Kikyo jumped and looked towards the door. Her hand was placed over her heart and she looked at the smirking Inuyasha crossing further into the room. "Inuyasha! Kami's sake! What are you doing here?" She asked looking at his hand holding two different bags.

He chuckled as he came bearing multicolored to-go bags and utensils. "I just picked up a friend from the airport and since I was free afterwards, I got us something for dinner." He moved to set it down on the corner of her desk before moving to her side to kiss her on the forehead. His lips lingered against her hairline before pulling away. Her hand reached up to cup his cheek and pull him back down for another one on her lips. He moaned into the sweet puckered kiss before pulling away. His eyes scanned her desk with dark eyebrows raised. "So…we're private investigating now?"

Kikyo sighed and leaned back into her chair. "Do you believe Naraku's done, yet?" She asked with a wave of her hand at the documents she was just pondering over.

"Well he's not using family members now. And he's leaving you out of it, so what's there to worry about?" He asked as he crossed his arms with a sneer. His soft triangular ears twitched on top of his head agitatedly.

Kikyo gave him a shy smile and reached for his hand. Inuyasha waited until the court case was over to confront Naraku. Using a very colorful repertoire of language and threats, he had urged Naraku to cease using loved ones in anymore of his pawns and that included Kikyo, Kagome, and Rin. Surprisingly, Naraku obliged but used a different set of words. He promised to not put them into positions that would cause physical harm. Of course, Inuyasha griped about it and Kikyo had to drag him away. But the sentiment didn't go lost on her heart. Inuyasha was trying to protect her and stand up for her. It was nice to have someone put themselves out there for her. "Nothing. While Naraku can be an absolute dick, unless you cross him…he's harmless."

Inuyasha's hand closed tightly around hers, tasting the subtle lie in her words. Naraku was not harmless. He was and is…lethal. But he wouldn't dare attack family. That's what Kikyo was now. Family. She just didn't know it yet. Inuyasha rubbed the back of her knuckles thoughtfully. "He thinks the Yomi's killed off Hoshi and his mate." He muttered.

Kikyo's eyebrows rose up. "Really? No way! There was an investigation. We looked. You looked!"

"I know." Inuyasha let her hand go and went to open the takeout boxes. Fresh pasta coated in white sauces with vegetables filled the air and tickled his nose from the herbs. He managed to place the order before her favorite restaurant closed. He placed the steaming meal in front of her and urged her to eat while he pulled out his trusted curry goat meal from the Mom and Pop shop down the way. "But, come on…no bodies. They die from a natural disaster but survived the Great Youkai Wars, Civil Wars, and the bombing of Hiroshima? Feh." He jutted his chin out and glared at the papers sprawled out before them on her desk. "Not too long afterwards, the Yomi's popped up and suddenly wanted to care for their half-breed relative. The one they not too long ago publicly shamed in the press? You want me to believe they didn't have anything to do with it?"

"You believe they did it, too?" She asked breathlessly. Kikyo had her hunches but grief and life sort of got in the way of things. She made sure Rin was protected and cared for but when the authorities said they suspected no foul play and the tragedy that took place was simply…an act of God…what could she do? She had her own parents to bury and their estate to take care of. Souta's schooling to pay for, too. But now that she thought about it…Naraku may have been on to something.

"What if he's right?" She asked as she picked at her food. "What if he has proof they did something? Even if he doesn't, what if he is set on them being the villain, he claims them to be?"

Inuyasha moved in front of her before he lifted her up so he could sit in the chair. She held on as he placed her into his lap comfortably so that they both had access to their food sitting on her desk. He rubbed her back thoughtfully before shaking his head. "Then…we best to stay vigilant. Naraku cut off any allies they may have had. They are desperate. And desperate people lash out." Inuyasha thoughtfully spoke while glaring out the window into the unknown. "And what history has shown us is that both the Yomi Family and Naraku are not above slitting throats to get what they are after. It's now a matter of who is gonna kill who first."

Whew Chile! So...I did not proof read this ishhhh... but oh well. You knew what you was signing up for!