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It was early morning with the sun just starting to creep over the horizon and birds beginning to sing their songs. Though she ached, Noa was incredibly comfortable and nuzzled her face into the pillow. She felt someone wiggling and pulled the little girl closer.
Rin stilled, her back pressed against the queen as the woman held her close. Rin was still sleeping peacefully, her friend sprawled out on the bed next to them.
Sesshomaru stood next to the bed, watching them sleep for a moment. Takara was taking the majority of the bed, tossing the covers off of her. Her white hair was a mess and tangled. Rin stirred once more and he watched as Noa opened her eyes slowly. Noa smiled at the little girl in her arms, kissing her head before releasing her and sitting up. The blanket fell from her and she pulled it up over Rin, letting the girl sleep a little longer. The scene was incredibly domestic.
"Good morning," Noa greeted him before yawning and stretching.
"You should rest." Sesshomaru told her and Noa gave him a lazy smile before pushing gently off the bed and standing.
"There is much to do for tonight." Noa dismissed the suggestion and walked over to where her outfit lay folded, ready for her to pull on. It was her usual style, a loose top tucked into a skirt with two slits. He watched her dress silently, taking in her body. Sesshomaru desired to touch her, to pull her close once more and be filled of her, but he stayed put. "Besides, you know how the day after usually goes. Everyone is practically dead to the world." Noa reminded him slyly, remembering the first time he had joined them for a celebration. His quiet glare told her he remembered. Noa pulled her hair back into a large bun and walked towards him, resting her hand on his arm as she passed. "Let's let them sleep a little longer."
The palace was abuzz with preparations. Workers ran about, rushing in and out of the palace, carrying what they would need for the party out into the large stone courtyard. Kagome and Sango were helping in the kitchen, learning how to make the traditional dishes while Inuyasha and Shippo were outside, helping to set up the area. Miroku, due to his leg, was sat in the great hall, speaking with Itsuki about the seals. Itsuki was incredibly curious about the monk and the monk fired off question after question about the city.
Totosai had joined them and Jakken had returned. The old man had agreed to at least stay, but there was no garuntee he would help, no matter how much Sesshomaru stared at him.
After Rin and Takara had woken, the two rushed into the hall, grabbed a few handfuls of food and ran out, much to Noa's amusement. She had caught the partially finished braids and realized they would need help.
Even though the night had been long and dark, the mood was lifted by the rising of the sun. All the darkness melted away and the city itself buzzed in excitement.
Throughout the day, Noa had tried to speak with Sesshomaru in private, to give him her answer, but each time they had a moment together they were interrupted and she would lose her nerve. As the sun began to creep closer and closer to the horizon, Noa grew more restless, wanting so badly to tell him, to free herself of this burden.
Instead she found herself hiding with the two girls in their room as the sunset cast a warm glow. They were almost ready and Noa was finishing Rin's braids. She had put the girl's hair in two long braids down her back, letting her bangs remain framing her face. Takara's long hair had been pulled into one long tight braid, her bangs pulled back, showing the crescent moon on her forehead.
"You both look so beautiful." Noa told them as Rin looked at herself in the mirror, twirling in her outfit and smiling. The two girls wore loose tunics with colorful sashes around their waists and ribbons in their hair, woven in with the braids.
"There's so many colors!" Rin exclaimed excitedly.
"You look like one of us!" Takara said as she spun her friend, making Rin laugh.
"Are you two ready for the dance?" Noa asked and without saying a word, the two girls grinned at each other and started dancing. Noa laughed at them as they danced. "I see you two have worked very hard." Noa encouraged, glad they at least new the basic steps. Had they had more time, she was sure they would be better dancers than she could ever hope to be. Noa stood and looked at them. "You two go run along. It's my turn to get ready."
"Ok!" Rin beamed.
"Bye, moma!" Takara called as she and Rin darted from the room. Noa watched them go, listening to their laughter as they left. They had been so much, and she was so relieved to hear her daughter's laugh. So why was she overcome with sadness? Why did her heart ache? Why did her smiles feel so forced? Noa bent down and grabbed the small robe her daughter had been wearing and buried her face in it, hiding her sobs from the world as she cried into her daughter's shirt.
Kagome and Sango walked down the steps of the palace, looking around in awe. The sun had fully set and the bonfires had been lit. They could see the bonfire in the large courtyard before them but the site of the fires through the city is what amazed them. The two had to stop and stare.
"This is incredible." Sango breathed. "It's so beautiful here."
"I almost never want to leave. Everyone here is so kind, too." Kagome admitted.
"I'm excited to see this dance the two girls have been practicing." Sango giggled. "Miroku's had nothing but time and he's been learning more and more about this city. Apparently, they are well known for their wild parties."
"Oh really?" Kagome asked with a knowing smile. "It's a good thing Miroku can't get too far out of sight then." Sango elbowed her friend gently, giggling.
"I kinda feel out of place." Sango admitted as they watched people gather. The islander's clothes were different from what they were used to and tonight was no exception. The two girls continued down the steps as they looked around.
Women wore dresses or skirts that hung off them loosely, letting them move freely and most of the men were shirtless and in loose pants. They spotted some musicians who were starting to play music, making some children nearby laugh. Pillows had been arranged in a circle around the fire, far enough to provide ample room for dancing and dishes of food sat before them.
Lanterns lined the steps of the palace and banners were raised along the courtyard, draping from column to column. People hurried about or gathered in groups, laughing and taking. The air was light and festive and children ran around, dodging adults.
"Well, let's just have fun!" Kagome suggested as they took in the sights. "Look, there's everyone else!" She pointed to their group. Miroku sat on a thick cushion with Kirara in his lap and Shippo on the cushion next to him. He was looking up and Inuyasha, talking to him about something. Inuyasha stood behind him, his back to the women and arms crossed, folded into his sleeves. A few seats down Sesshomaru sat calmly while Rin and Takara danced with Jakken. Well, it was more like they swung him around as they hopped in a circle.
"Hey, you two." Noa greeted, putting a hand on their shoulders, startling them. She giggled at their reactions and smiled brightly. "I'd keep a good grip on your husbands tonight, some of these women have been on the prowl for fresh meat for years." Noa nodded to a group of dancers that stood off to the side in a group, giggling and throwing glances to some of the men present.
"They're not-" Kagome stuttered, face turning redder than Inuyasha's clothes.
."We're not-" Sango mumbled, blushing, "What do I care if he…" she trailed off and Noa laughed at the two and place a hand on each of their backs, pushing the two women to their group.
"Then what are you waiting for?" She urged and released them once they stood with their group. The two men greeted the two girls warmly and Noa brushed past them, making her way to the girls. People were taking their seats and the music was beginning to play. "Come, come it's starting," she urged, ushering the two girls to their places with the other children dancing. The two began standing at the ready and Noa quickly adjusted their stance, making them giggle, before taking her own place among the dancers.
"So, how does this start?" Sango asked Miroku quietly.
"First the queen calls to the fires." Miroku explained. "Once the calls are finished, they start to dance. If it's anything how their records are written, I get the feeling we are in for a show."
"What does that mean?" Sango asked, eyeing him warily. Miroku offered an innocent smile, knowing her suspicions.
"I guess it's best we see." He put a hand up in surrender. Kagome had leaned against Inuyasha and while he glanced down at her, he said nothing of it, not minding having her so close.
Noa sucked in a deep breath as the music stopped. They were waiting on her. She leaned back and tossed her head to the sky. The sound that was forced from her chest was like a call of the wild and the fire jumped and thrashed, growing taller and fluctuating in colors.
Kagome let out a sound of awe as she and her friends watched as the fire raged and shifted a myriad of colors. Noa's call echoed through the city, the voices of other fires joining her until the drums began. The children began the dance, spinning and going through the steps they had been taught. Takara and Rin were just two of the many children dancing around the fire. Before long, the older women joined in. Their audience watched, transfixed as the women in long skirts twirled around the fire, their skirts swirling around their legs. Arms were waved gracefully and hips were swayed in time with the music. The women undulated their exposed stomached, rolling like the waves of the ocean that surrounded them.
Sesshomaru watched as his daughters danced. They were not as experienced but they kept up well, giggling and laughing with each other as they danced between the older women, their motions much more rigid.
His eyes shifted to Noa. Her shirt was a loose top the stopped just at her ribcage, letting him see not only her tattoos but her scars. He traced the swirling tattoos down her torso and over her stomach, watching them as they disappeared under the skirt that rested low on her hips. The queen moved her body gracefully, waving her hands and bending to and fro with the music. Her hair was free of their usual braids and it flew around her wildly as she tossed her head to the music. Her wildness emanated from her in these moments, the wildness she once had when they were young, and he could see a true smile on her lips as she danced.
The music coursed through her and Noa danced with her people, letting go of everything that had been troubling her. Nothing mattered now but the music. She could feel excitement building in her as the music lead them faster and faster. The giggles of children filled her ears and the gasps of wonder from the audience told her all she needed to know. Tonight was a night of wonder and joy. She let the love and unity of her people through the centuries fill her as she danced. Their bare feet stomped on the ground and their hands clapped with the music, all in synch.
As the song came to an end, the dancing slowed and they stood around the fire, watching the colors continue to fluctuate even after the dancing had ended. She looked out over her city, seeing the other colorful fires glittering like the stars above them.
Noa smiled at her two girls as they fell on their rears, catching their breaths. She approached the two and her daughter beamed at her as laughter and voices filled the air. Music started again and many others began to join them before the fire.
"Moma, did you see?" Takara panted and Noa knelt, helping them up.
"I am so proud of you both!" Noa congratulated them, hugging them quickly. "Go sit and eat. Come and dance when you've caught your breath." Noa instructed and the two nodded before taking off to their places, no doubt in need of food and a break.
The dancers began to rush around, dancing wildly with the music and Noa felt herself being tugged along by her people. She pulled her attention away from the two girls and held the hands of women she had known so long ago, their hands bridging across the century as though it were a moment. She danced with them, laughing, celebrating.
Inuyasha watched them from his seat with a smirk. He could see the queen enjoying herself and he couldn't help but be happy for her. Noa had hardly had time for her daughter, much less herself. Her injuries were still healing and she still had some bandages on her. When working with her generals she was so formal and business like. Inuyasha much preferred the fun side.
He'd known her for a few days but he had noticed how different she could be when relaxed. Around those closest to her, the royal façade fell and she was just like any other person, full of emotions and doubts. And while she was practically a stranger, she was family. His eyes glanced to his brother and he didn't hide the smug smirk. Sesshomaru was looking at the two girls as they ate and pestered Jakken. He never thought Sesshomaru would be so….relaxed.
"This is so lively." Kagome exclaimed as she clapped along with the music. Sango who sat next to her, was clapping along as well, watching the people dance around the fire.
"I don't remember the last time I had been to a party." Sango laughed as she reached for the cup before her.
"It does seem to bring everyone together." Miroku mused as he looked around.
"They look like they're having so much fun." Shippo said as he watched the kids dancing among the other dancers. Some were running about, not even bothering to dance.
"Why don't you join them, Shippo?" Miroku suggested, looking at the little fox boy who got flustered.
"I don't know any of the steps." He answered weakly.
"I'm sure Takara and Rin will show you." Sango offered, "Why don't you dance with them?"
"How about you guys dance since you're so pushy!" Shippo suggested and the two girls laughed at him. As Sango tried the drink in her cup, she coughed, not expecting the burn of alcohol.
"Are you alright?" Miroku asked her, placing a gentle hand on her back as she caught her breath.
"This is a strong drink." Sango explained and took another sip. This time she could taste the fruit of the alcohol and it went down much easier. Once she pulled the cup away, she noticed it was already half empty and she was swaying in her seat.
"Sango?" Miroku said her name, worried.
"Is she alright?" Kagome asked, nervously. Like a summoned ghost Noa was before them, a wild grin on her face as she stopped in front of them. She bent down and picked up a spare glass.
"Be careful with this drink." Noa told them as she took a few sips. "It makes you bolder than one should be." Kagome looked at her curiously before grabbing her own drink.
"Hey, you really think it's wise to drink that stuff?" Inuyasha asked, grabbing Kagome's wrist.
"Oh, relax." Noa hushed him. "Tonight is a celebration. Relax and enjoy yourselves." She told them before drinking the rest of the glass in several gulps. Inuyasha and Miroku stared at her in shock as she finished the drink and let the cup fall to the ground. Once more the queen was pulled away by a few dancing women and she joined the wild party around the fire.
Kagome took a sip and coughed like her friend but once she caught her breath, she found she was very much in the same situation as Sango. The two women looked at each other for a moment before giggling as they swayed in their seats.
"Well, I'm not carryin' ya back." Inuyasha announced grumpily before crossing his arms. Kagome picked up his drink and offered it to him.
"Come on, just try it." Kagome giggled.
"Pass." He set it down. Once more, Noa was before them and she grabbed the wrists of the two women.
"Dance with us." Noa urged as she gently pulled them to her feet. Both women blanched and Shippo snickered at them as they were pulled to their feet. The two girls looked to the men they left in their seats. Inuyasha only offered a smug smile and Miroku waved at them, encouraging them to enjoy themselves. "Look at my feet." Noa instructed and the two women looked to see as they swayed. Noa was bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Do this and follow me." Kagome and Sango did as instructed and followed Noa around the fire, copying Noa's feet. The steps were simple but the drink was making them feel light and uncoordinated but slowly they began to copy the steps more accurately.
Before long the two girls got the hang of it and Noa spun them, releasing them to the crowd of those who had joined the dance. Noa laughed and clapped along with the music as she stood aside and watched the rings of people dancing before her.
Noa watched as her people jumped and danced. Those who sat either ate and drank or clapped and sang. She watched as Rin and Takara pulled Jakken and Shippo into the fray, showing them how to dance as well. Her eyes fell on the men who sat and watched, content in their seats as they ate and talked to each other, watching the women. Then her eyes rested on Sesshomaru.
Noa looked past the fire and into the gold eyes of the dog demon that watched her. Her heart sank. She owed him an answer and he had been patient with her, giving her distance. She hadn't expected him to be watching her and she hesitated. After steeling her nerves, Noa slowly made her way around the fire, dancing through the crowd, her eyes never leaving his. Sesshomaru watched her approach and held her stare even as she lowered herself onto the cushion next to him.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Noa asked him. He only gave her a nod, waiting to hear what she really wanted to say. Noa turned away and grabbed a glass full of wine and began to drink it, hoping for liquid courage. Noa's eyes scanned the scene before her as though looking for a way out. She watched as her people, her daughters, and her guests celebrated their liberation. She wanted to join them, to feel liberated but she never would until she told him. Noa turned back to Sesshomaru and sat on her knees, putting her at eye level with him. His face seemed disinterested, but the tightness in his eyes told her he wasn't the perfect picture of calm he tried to be. "I have an answer." She told him slowly. "I made a decision."
"And?" Sesshomaru prompted, trying to be patient. He knew the answer. He knew her decision. He was tired of waiting. Noa looked at him and bit her lip nervously. How does she say it? How does she even begin to describe it?
Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the dull ache she had felt since he returned, but Noa decided words just weren't enough at this time. In a bought of courage, she grabbed his armor and pulled her to him, crashing her lips against his for a moment. As Noa leaned back, breaking from the kiss, Sesshomaru followed her, kissing her back. His hand tangled in her hair at the base of her neck, pulling her closer, letting him deepen the kiss. Noa closed her eyes and moaned softly into the kiss, her mind being filled with a familiar haze.
"Wow, this drink is really good." Kagome said as she finished her second glass. She and Sango had plopped back down for some food and had decided to have a little more of the wine.
"Why aren't you dancing anymore?" Takara whined as she sat with them, Rin sitting next to her.
"We needed to eat something." Sango giggled at her.
"Can't dance on an empty stomach." Miroku added and handed Takara a bun. "Have you eaten anything yet?"
"Yeah." She said but took the bun anyway, splitting it with Rin.
"Will you two come dance with us this time?" Rin asked, looking at Inuyasha and Miroku.
"Not a chance in hell." Inuyasha decided.
"I didn't wanna dance with you anyway!" Takara told him.
"Oh yeah? Then maybe I'll dance with you just to piss you off!" Inuyasha challenged as he got frustrated with her.
"Nu uh! You don't have the guts!" Takara challenged back as she stood.
"Wanna bet?" Inuyasha shouted as he rose from his seat and followed her to the dancing area. Rin sat with the other three as they watched Takara and Inuyasha try to out dance each other, both of them looking rediculous in the process.
"He's not very bright." Rin said flatly.
"No." The three adults agreed before laughing amongst themselves.
"Why don't you dance with us?" Rin asked Miroku, turning to him. Miroku sat with his arm wrapped around Sango, holding the buzzed woman close as she leaned against him.
"Oh, last night I hurt my leg." He explained. "The old nurse told me to be very careful."
"Oh." Rin said as she looked at his leg that was wrapped in a bandage and stretched out before him.
"Why don't you see if Sesshomaru will dance with you?" Miroku suggested, knowing it was practically impossible, but if she recruited Noa's help, he wondered if they would be able to see the Lord of the West lose some of his sternness. However, when he looked over to the dog demon, he saw the seat was empty. "That's odd."
"Where did he go?" Kagome asked from her seat. The three adults looked in wonder. Where on earth could he have gone? Rin looked out to the crowd of people dancing. Lady Noa was no longer present either.
Noa and Sesshomaru had quietly slipped from the party, taking advantage of the mostly empty palace. They stood facing each other in her room. Noa was the one to grab his hand and lead him to her room but once that door closed, she lost all courage. After so long, here they stood and she was terrified. She had longed for this since they parted and now that her dream had come true, she didn't know what to do.
This did not deter Sesshomaru. He had waited for her to make her move and she had. Noa had made it clear to him what she wanted and he was only too happy to oblige. Sesshomaru saw her hesitation and took the lead. He stepped close and leaned down, kissing her. He snaked his hand around her waist and pulled her against his chest. Noa relaxed into the kiss, leaning against him. She let her gentle hands hold his face as they kissed. Sesshomaru was being so gentle with her and as much as she loved his tenderness, she wanted something more.
Noa slid her fingers into his long white hair and pulled gently, pulling his head away from the kiss. Noa took advantage and bit his neck, satisfied with the threatening growl. Sesshomaru closed his eyes as he felt her kiss down his neck, only to snap them back open as she bit at the spot where his neck met his shoulder. Noa knew that spot well and his reaction was the same as it had been years ago. He bared his fangs and growled in her ear.
Smirking, Noa stepped back and began undoing his belts, wanting him out of his clothes as quickly as possible. Sesshomaru shed his armor and as she began pushing the shirts off of his shoulders, he closed the distance and kissed her again. His arm wrapped around her once more and lifted her. Noa responded by wrapping her legs around his hips as he brought them to the bed, kicking his boots off and dropping them both onto it.
One they landed he hovered over her, his lips and teeth attacking her skin hungrily. He kissed and bit at her neck as his hand slid up under her shirt. Noa arched her back, pressing herself against his bare chest and grinding her hips against his. Sesshomaru growled against her neck and Noa's head swam with desire.
Sesshomaru lowered himself, his kisses and bites trailing down her body, following the swirls of her tattoos down her torso. He unfastened the skirt and let it fall away, revealing what he wanted. Noa gripped the sheets and arched, panting as she felt his tongue tasting her. He took his time, savoring her as she whine and rocked against his face, wanting more. He didn't give in to her whines, instead he slowed his administrations.
"Sesshomaru." Noa whined again after a few moments of his teasing. "Sesshomaru, please." She panted and arched into his face again. He could hear how close she was, hearing it in the desperation and Sesshomaru knew he had her right where he wanted. He attacked her clit, rolling his tongue around it, sending shock waves through her. Noa moaned and panted as he pushed her closer and closer to that bliss. Her fingers pulled at her own hair as her pants grew louder. Her body tensed as she came on his face and Sesshomaru didn't stop. He continued to lick and suck through her orgasm, driving her over again. "Sesshomaru!" Noa shouted, breathless as he continued to pleasure her. She couldn't think, she couldn't breathe, all she could do was pant, moan, and writhe as he continued.
He wasn't satisfied until she was a panting mess and only then did he pause. Sesshomaru kissed the inside of her thighs before sitting up. His eyes scoured her body as her chest heaved while she tried to catch her breath. He could see the tattoos swirling over her tanned skin and he admired her body. She had visible strength and he watched as she continued to move, wanting more. He could hear soft purrs of pleasure emanating from her and Sesshomaru was more than happy to oblige his mate.
Noa's eyes snapped open and she arched as she felt Sesshomaru slide into her slowly. She was wet and aching and he slid in easily to the hilt, filling her. Sesshomaru stopped, enjoying the feeling of being fully buried in her once more. He closed his eyes and sighed as he felt her flexing around him. Noa's thighs tensed around him as she shook, desperate for friction. She bucked her hips, wanting him to move but he remained still.
"Why are you so cruel?" Noa whined as she bucked again, desperate for him to fuck her. Instead he hovered over her, strands of his long white hair falling over his shoulder like a curtain. He rested his hand on the side of her face and Noa closed her eyes, sighing at the affection. She turned her head and let his thumb caress her full lips before taking it in her mouth. As she swirled her tongue around it and caressed it, she heard another growl from her lover. Sesshomaru lowered himself and pulled his finger from her mouth, trading it in for his lips.
Noa kissed him deeply, her arms wrapping around him, pulling him close. She could taste herself on his lips and moaned into him. Sesshomaru slowly began to slide out of her before stopping and sliding back in. He repeated this, feeling her legs shake each time he slid in deep. Slowly he picked up the pace and before long he was fucking her into oblivion. Noa panted into his shoulder as she clung to him, feeling him pounding into her, sending her into orgasm after orgasm. Sesshomaru's face was buried in her neck, breathing her in as he fucked her, listening to her pants as she tightened around him. He felt every time she came on him until they all seemed to roll into one long climax.
Noa felt him finish inside of her quietly, his teeth sinking into her neck and she wrapped her legs around him, wanting to pull him even deeper. She could feel his love filling her and she purred contentedly. Her head felt as though it was filled with cotton. There were no worries, no troubling thoughts, no fears, just her and Sesshomaru.
She was slowly brought back to reality as she felt him throbbing inside of her. His teeth had released her neck and he was kissing the area, soothing the damage he caused. Sesshomaru remained above her, hovering, but not for long. Noa tightened her legs around him and twisted, rolling both of them until she sat on top of him, staring down at the man she loved with a mischievous and hungry smile. Sesshomaru let her roll him and his hand rested on her thigh as he stared up at the queen who sat on his lap. He knew that smile and he throbbed inside her in response.
"It's been too long since I've had you, Sesshomaru." Noa told him, her tone low, almost like a threat and he smirked as she braced her hands on his chest, leaning forward until she was inches from his face. Her dark eyes poured into his gold. "I don't intend to sleep tonight."