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Chapter Eleven:
Sesshomaru walked through the forest thinking of how much that woman had changed him in such a short amount of time. He had sensed her when she had awoken and was going to join her for a walk until he felt his brother nearby and knew this was their opportunity to talk. It was strange for him to feel all of these different emotions. For so long he had steeled his heart, he was a powerful demon with no use for such a thing. But, it would seem as she does to everyone she encounters, Kagome had lifted the veil over his eyes and melted the ice that had formed around his heart.
For the first time in his life, he felt shame. Shame for the treatment of his brother. He did not like this feeling. He thought his brother was a waste of life, a weakling. But, even he could admit that since Inuyasha met the girl, he had become strong. He had proven himself worthy of his father's blood. It had surprised him to watch his brother master the Tessaiga, a feat he did not think he was capable of. He had watched him fight demon after demon and always come out the victor. After getting to know Kagome he could see how one small person could change another. She brought out the best of his brother, just like she had for him.
He was actually proud of Inuyasha. He had raised himself as a pup and was still a good man. He could not say he could have done the same. Maybe it was a good thing that Inuyasha raised himself, if he had stepped in and taken the pup like he should have, Sesshomaru didn't believe he could have done a better job. Maybe his brother was stronger than he should be because of the way lived. That strength is what made him worthy of a woman like Kagome.
He felt a pain in his chest with that thought. Was it jealousy? Was he, the great dog demon jealous of his half-breed brother? Maybe he was. He had come to feel something for the woman and couldn't really place the feeling. Was this love? He didn't know. If things were different, had his brother not gotten to her first, Sesshomaru would have thought about taking her as a mate himself. She had come to be important to him, but he had dishonored himself enough when it came to his brother, he would not take this away from him. She was his and he was hers. Maybe one day he could find a mate such as Kagome, but he might have to wait a few years on that. Only one other creature had stirred his emotions like this, and she still had some years to grow first.
He stopped at the base of the clearing and gave a soft smile at what he saw. There was his brother and his intended in a position he couldn't wait to tease her about. He hoped that his brother didn't mess up this opportunity, if he hurt her again, there would be hell to pay. He kept walking as to not disturb them, he would keep watch and make sure they were protected as they talked.
In the distance, he smelled someone he knew he would have to take care of. He walked off to where he smelled her.
"Lord Sesshomaru, what a pleasure to see you again." She sent him a grin.
"Kagura, I wish I could say the same." He replied stone-faced.
"Really Sesshomaru, are you not happy to see me at all? I thought you cared." She waved her fan dramatically.
"Why are you here Kagura."
"You really are no fun, it such a shame that a handsome demon-like yourself doesn't let himself go once in a while...Pity." She winked at him as she walked over. "But, unfortunately I have no time for games as well. Naraku has sent me to find his newest pet. It would seem he is harder to find than I thought."
"Hn." So the demon was around here. He would have to keep an eye out for him.
"If I were you, I would tell your brother to keep the girl close to him. It would seem there are a lot of people after her now." Kagura said nonchalantly. "She is the key to Narauku's downfall and if something were to happen to her...well, none of us want that to happen now do we."
"What is it you know Kagura."
"Well, since you asked me so politely.. "she rolled her eyes" his original plan was to kill the girl, but it would seem his plans have changed."
"What do you mean?" Sesshomaru was getting tired of her games.
"Let's just say, he finds he more useful as a lover than as a corpse."
Sesshomaru stiffened at her words. He felt sick thinking of Naraku lusting after Kagome. He would not touch her with his filthy hands.
"Before I go, you might also be interested to know he has the dead priestess helping him. I don't know what their plans are, but my guess is that they're not good." Kagura stated as she pulled out her feather.
"Watch the girl Sesshomaru, don't forget monsters hide in the shadows." With that, she was gone.
He stood there and thought of what she said. He knew he shouldn't trust her, but she had proven herself useful in the past. If what she said was true, he would need to speak to his brother soon. He knew Inuyasha did not trust him but he also knew he would do anything to keep Kagome safe. He would wait a while and then go seek him out. For now, he would be on guard and protect his pack.
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"Inuyasha...I..."
Kagome stuttered as she looked into his eyes. She didn't know what to say! Forgiving him was one thing, but marriage! Was she ready for that? And did he really want her as a mate? She had read in the scrolls at Sesshomaru's castle about Inu mating customs. They were apparently a huge deal! Once a demon mated with you, there was no going back. Your life belonged to one another. Her soul would be bound to him in life and death. She would apparently live as long as he did and you could not be with another...ever. The only way out of the bond was death, and even then you were bound. When you died your souls would be reunited in the afterlife. It all sounded wonderful, but was she ready? Was this just his last attempt to win her back? She needed some time to think about it. But the way he looked at her could she really tell him that? Could she make him understand she wasn't saying no she just wasn't saying yes yet?
"I waited too long didn't I?" Inuyasha looked rejected. "Is it Sesshomaru? Do you...do you love him?"
Kagome was taken back! Did he really just say that! "What! Inuyasha!"
"It's ok, I understand...he wouldn't hurt you as I have, and he would make a much better mate." Inuyasha let his arms fall. He wanted to run away. He didn't want to hear her answer out of fear that he was right. He couldn't blame her, but the look of pity in her eyes would kill him.
Kagome was getting pissed! Why was he jumping to conclusions! She hadn't even said anything. She stood out of his lap and he went to get up, she knew what he was doing. He was going to run and like hell was she going to let him.
"Would you just shut up for a damn minute and SIT!" Kagome yelled as Inuyasha crashed to the ground. "Gods! Can you let me talk before you do it for me!" She sat down next to him as he looked away laying flat on his stomach. She would sit him again if he moved one fricken inch. "Inuyasha," she whispered. "I do love Sesshomaru" she sat him again as he went to run. "BUT NOT LIKE THAT! Would you stop!" She took a deep breath to calm down and talked to him again. "He is my friend, my alpha. He is like family to me." She ignored his look of disbelief. "and believe it or not...he was the one who actually told me to hear you out." THAT got his attention. She almost laughed at his bewildered look. "I talked to him after we ran into you guys and I told him I should let you go...he was the one who told me to give you another chance. I think that if you took the time and talked to him instead of fighting him, you would see he has changed a lot..." He still didn't look convinced, but at least he was listening.
"He was there for me when I needed a friend. Of course, I will love him for that...just like you'll love Kikyo for being there for you." Yup! That shut him up. Inuyasha lowered his head in shame. He knew she would have told him if she wanted his brother. He needed to learn to shut the fuck up sometimes.
"As for us..." Kagome continued. "Inuyasha you know I love you right?" He nodded with a look of hope. "I can not tell you how many times I have dreamt of this day. Back then I would have agreed in a heartbeat...Don't look like that, I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. "He looked like a kicked puppy and it broke her heart. "I do forgive you Inuyasha. I appreciate you opening up to me and explaining how you feel. It means the world to me and I understand. But, being mated is a HUGE decision and all I ask from you is time..." He looked confused so she continued. "I'm not rejecting you baka...I just need a little time for the both of us. This is a big step to make and maybe we should take a little time to get closer before we jump right in. We have been separated a while and even before we never really were a 'couple'. All I ask is for a little time for us to bond more before we make this decision."
Inuyasha looked at her for a while. What she said made sense. They never really had the time to just be in love. They always tiptoed around their feelings and shied away at any intimacy. It still hurt that she didn't say yes, but he understood. He would give her the world if he could and if she agreed, he would have hundreds of years with her! He could give her this time. He could be patient.
"So you want me to court you first?" Inuyasha just wanted to be clear.
Kagome knew that pretty much meant they would be dating and was glad it looked like he agreed with her. With a relieved sigh she nodded.
"I can do that Kagome. I can give you as much time as you need, as long as you are still with me. I can wait." She smiled as he brought her in for a hug.
It took a minute to get the his courage up, but Inuyasha finally asked to do something he had been dying to do.
"Kagome...can...can I kiss you?" He tried to keep his blush down. He was a man dammit!
Kagome gave a soft smile and then looked at him. He didn't hesitate when she nodded.
They have kissed before, but nothing like this. First, it was just a soft brush of lips, but there was a jolt in their systems and Inuyasha got a little bolder.
Kagome responded when he went in again with a little more pressure. She never imagined a little kiss could damn near bring her to her knees. But, it wasn't enough for her. They were together now and she was not going to hold back. She slightly liked his lips and when he gasped she didn't hesitate to slip her tongue in his mouth.
Inuyasha was taken back when she licked him! But when she put her tongue in his mouth he froze. He had seen people kiss like this before, but he never did it himself. He was a little nervous to fuck it up but just figured he would follow her lead. She definitely knew what she was doing...hmmm he would have to question her on that later. For now, he was going to enjoy everything she gave him.
Kagome thought she went too far when he froze. Just as she was going to pull away she felt him respond. Her knees did buckle that time and she was grateful he was holding her up. She was not prepared for the feeling she got when he kissed her like this. Her whole body was on fire! The feeling of his hard muscles pressed against her and the taste of him was too much for her system to handle. She wouldn't be able to stop herself if they continued much longer.
Inuyasha was in heaven! Who knew that kissing could feel like this. He could feel his body responding and knew he would have to pull away before he embarrassed himself. But, when the smell of her arousal hit his nose he whimpered and pulled her closer. It was like a drug, all of it. He didn't know how he ever lived without this. He felt her need to breathe and it took all his strength to pull away.
They stood there with their heads touching panting. Both were smiling as they whispered "wow" in unison. They laughed and held on to each other for a bit longer. Neither one wanting to break the moment. Until Kagome yawned.
"Come on wench, it's late and you need to sleep." Inuyasha said with a smile.
"Can I sleep out here with you tonite? I really don't want to be away from you right now...I've missed you" Kagome gave him her puppy dog eyes that she knew he couldn't resist.
"Oi! Stop with the eyes! You think I would say no? I'm a baka but I'm not that stupid." They both laughed as Inuyasha pulled her up into the tree. It only took a minute for her to get comfortable and fall fast asleep.
Inuyasha looked to the sky and silently thanked any God that he got a second chance. He vowed he would never lose her again. He held her a little tighter and just watched her sleep. There would be no sleep for him tonite. He was afraid it was all a dream and he needed to feel her to know it was real. He touched her cheek and whispered loving words before he leaned back and relaxed. It was an emotional night and he was glad it was over. Tomorrow they would start a new life with each other and he would make sure she was never hurt again.
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Inuyasha was in a light doze when he felt his brother approach them. He knew Sesshomaru meant a lot to Kagome and he should try to play nice, but years of hurt made it hard to trust him. How can he trust someone who only tried to kill you every time you seen him. But, for Kagome, he would try. If anything else, he knew his brother would do anything to protect her so he would give him the benefit of a doubt. It didn't mean he had to like it though.
"I take it things went well little brother." Sesshomaru said quietly as to not awaken the woman.
"Keh, not as well I hoped, but well enough." He whispered knowing his brother would hear him.
"Hn. It is how it should be then. Do not fail her again brother, this one will not fail to take her away if you do." Sesshomaru sent him a smirk that nearly made him fall out of the tree.
"What do you want Sesshomaru? I don't want you waking her up."
"I wish to speak to you tomorrow when Kagome goes home. There is news of Naraku's plans that you need to know."
"What is it? What do you know." Inuyasha asked.
"His plans have changed regarding your mate and we will need to work on your training to better protect her." He ignored the growls coming from his brother. "Do not be foolish Inuyasha. Put aside your pride and take what I offer you if you wish to keep your mate safe."
Inuyasha was going to yell at him till he felt Kagome stir. He lightly purred and smiled when settled back to sleep.
"Tomorrow brother." Sesshomaru said as he walked off.
'Well that was weird.' Inuyasha thought as he watched his brother walk away. He was hoping to go with Kagome tomorrow, but as always things never worked out as planned.
"What did he mean his plans had changed? What does Naraku want with her now." He held onto Kagome thinking about what Sesshomaru said. If he wanted to know he would just have to wait till morning.
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Shorter chapter than I thought, but feeling like crap today and didn't want to leave it on cliffy