As imparted to him previously by the miko, the entire group gathered together for their dinner.
With very little frame of reference, Sesshoumaru could not be certain that the experience was always such a tense one.
He conceded that perhaps it was his doing. Their discomfort in his company was justified, and appreciated. But his reliable instincts told him that the pack's unease was not completely the result of his presence. Not directly, anyhow.
On account of his injuries, Inuyasha's meal was brought to him in the women's hut. But not by Kagome, who had been caring for him thus far.
The slayer seemed quite disinclined to take her required sustenance among the rest of them. And though he off-handedly considered that his refusal of her attentions left her unwilling to endure his own company, Sesshoumaru couldn't help but recognize that she seemed somewhat displeased with both miko and monk as well.
After some clipped comments, Kagome demurred as Sango took the hanyou his food, and remained to keep him occupied, while the rest of them ate in relative silence around the prepared fire.
Sesshoumaru could care less about their inner workings, and elected to simply enjoy the quiet he was afforded. And when the Sango finally left her hut after eating, she grabbed her large boomerang and departed without comment.
Kagome politely excused herself then, and set to replace her companion in keeping an eye on Inuyasha.
Long after dinner had passed, Sesshoumaru and Miroku remained near the bonfire for warmth.
Not necessarily comfortable in one another's presence, the two had come to an unspoken understanding in regards to their current living situation.
The monk, ever amiable, afforded the Western Lord his privacy, solitude, and much welcomed silence. In return, Sesshoumaru agreed to act as if the pest in his presence did not exist. It was a curtesy that most men would be more than happy to withstand.
If Sesshoumaru acknowledged your existence in any way, it typically did not bode well for you.
When Inuyasha made his first appearance since that morning's battle, he staggered out of the hut stiffly.
He had to stifle his laughter at the sight his brother now made. Partially because it hurt to laugh, but also because he knew why he'd gotten beat up. He did it for Kagome.
And Inuyasha couldn't help but be grateful that Sesshouamru was watching out for her, while he couldn't be there to protect her himself.
"He lives!" Miroku joked, and Inuyasha took a pained seat beside the men; attempting- and failing- to suppress a groan as he lowered himself to the ground.
"Feeling better?"
His freshly wrapped bandages could be seen peeking through the slightly disheveled opening of his fire rat haori. And the fact that no blood could be seen seeping through could be taken as a sign of improvement.
Sesshoumaru allowed himself hope that the boy would be well enough to travel soon. Though he still considered his healing abilities weak, he was in no position himself to offer such commentary.
"Hella better. I bet by tomorrow, I'll be good as new."
Though neither man fully bought his projected over-confidence. He seemed to struggle to speak comfortably, let alone move. And though he silently appreciated his brother's willingness to press onward, the fact that he may yet be able caused Sesshoumaru some anxiety.
He let it be known by announcing his doubt, with all the tact he normally afforded the half demon.
"Is that so? Because you look as if you have been trampled by a herd of wild boar youkai."
And he felt like it too. But seeing as he was trying to rally for his older brother's cause, he felt no need to keep his insults to himself. Not that he ever had before anyhow.
In a stunning replica of what was apparently a family trait, he raised a mocking eyebrow as he gave Sesshoumaru a dramatic up and down.
"Keh, like you're one to talk. Not so pretty now, are ya?"
Though he never considered his brother at all pleasant to look at, he was aware of- and hated- the way females often regarded the snobby lord.
In Inuyasha's eyes, all he saw was a total bastard.
"I am faring better than my opponents, I assure you."
Kagome told him what Sesshoumaru did to the men in the market.
He wished he had been there. If anyone disrespected Kagome in any way, he felt it was his duty to put them in their place. And he would have enjoyed it, too.
He was upset that his brother got the pleasure of sticking it to those morons. Though he hadn't exactly come out of it unscathed.
In bothered him that he had not been with her to defend her honor. But he was pleased- and in no small way shocked- that Sesshoumaru had intervened on his behalf, whether or not he was aware that he had.
"Am I to assume your presence means you are healing sufficiently?"
His impatience was poorly concealed.
Inuyasha closed his eyes and shifted to settle more comfortably in his seat on the ground.
"Keh, it'll take more than a wimpy little snake to take me out. I'll be back to normal in no time." Which was more than could be said for the elder of the two.
"Rin's survival may depend on it." Sesshoumaru frowned, assessing his brother more carefully. He hated how difficult his weakened senses made it for him to accurately discern the boy's state. "How long does a half breed require to recover from poison?"
He had never before had to trouble himself with the recovery of another.
Save for Rin, and the few times she had become ill with common human ailments during their travels, the effects of such things on other beings were never a concern to him. It was uncommon for him to rely on someone else's recovery for his own advancement.
Inuyasha put his hands in his sleeves, and considered the question.
"I don't know. The only other time I've taken poison in me was..." he cut himself off as he grew reflective.
All three men were suddenly transported back to the day Sesshoumaru had run his claws through Inuyasha's chest.
The dog demon's powerful attack had rendered his brother incapacitated instantly. And were it not for the protection of their father's great fang, Sesshoumaru would have succeeded in finishing him off right there.
Instead, he was forced to flee. And when he returned...
Sesshoumaru let his eyes drift to the sword resting against his shoulder. Even though he probably hadn't the strength to wield it, the boy still kept it by his side. Still relied on father's protection to aid him in his endeavors.
Sesshoumaru had long since unlocked the awesome power of his own capabilities. Though he had not seen fit to discard his unwanted inheritance.
He placed his hand at his own hip, missing the feel of his formidable weapons which had not been absent from his side since their procurement.
He made up for his deficiency with his arrogant tone.
They really were more alike than they realized...
"Hn. And somehow you lived. The poison of a lowly snake is nothing compared to This Sesshoumaru's."
The underlying message in his statement was glaring. No apologies.
Even though he was relying on their aid, Sesshoumaru would not offer any undue considerations.
He didn't feel the least bit bad about what he had done to him. Even now. And he would never profess such offerings of remorse until- and unless- he actually meant them.
And though disgusted at his older brother anew for the reminder of his previous misdeeds- of which there were many- Inuyasha for some reason simply appreciated not being pandered to.
In a world full of liars and conmen, the last thing his brother could claim to be is disingenuous. At the very least, he had that going for him.
"And I was over that in no time," he assured him proudly. "I am practically better already. I'd be surprised if we ain't on the road in a day or two."
And though Sesshoumaru was more than willing to capitalize on the half demon's confidence, Miroku was all too aware of the younger brother's propensity for bravado.
Inuyasha was always very eager to prove his worth to anyone and everyone. He supposed that constantly being tested and attacked by those around him for what he was caused him to always push himself to his limits to show others of what he was capable.
And he never strove to prove himself more aggressively than when in the presence of his half-brother. Sesshoumaru's appearance made him even more willful to push himself through the pain. And now with his brother's current shortcomings, he surely saw a rare opportunity to show up the haughty lord.
Sesshoumaru seemed all too willing to take advantage of that fact.
Although also eager to help find Rin, Miroku recognized that he would need to do what he could to keep his alpha safe, for all of their benefits. If he were harmed any further, all of them would be in danger.
But he would need to be tactful. He could not show to be doubting the boy's strength, for he would then only attempt harder to prove otherwise.
Not to mention, going against Sesshoumaru's will was always a terrible plan. He kicked his mediation skills into high gear, and spoke gently.
"Kagome-sama has been taking great pains to see to your wounds. You should not undo her work by testing yourself so soon. Perhaps returning to her hut for further rest would be wise," he heavily suggested.
Though already looking on the mend, he obviously still had some healing to do. He wanted to steer him back to his sleep, as he considered he may be trying to appear better than he was for their own benefit.
But Inuyasha's determined countenance was nothing the monk was unfamiliar with.
"If I'm in there, then the girls won't have nowhere to sleep," he reasonably explained. "I'm good enough to be back out here."
So that was it.
He knew the girls- Kagome in particular- valued their privacy terribly. Much to the monk's great dismay.
Inuyasha was putting himself out for their comfort, much like a good alpha would do.
But though Kagome surely would not allow such a thing if she thought he was worse for the wear; it was likely that the hanyou was playing up his recovery for her benefit.
Miroku just couldn't understand him.
He knew how Kagome felt about his good friend. And if it were he, and he was laid up in a pretty girl's bed who adored him as much as Kagome did, he would certainly take the opportunity to remain there as long as possible. Maybe even convincing the young girl to join him for comfort...
Perhaps being attached to that tree for 50 years had stunted his growth somewhat. It seemed like a male his age should be more interested in the physical comforts a woman could offer than he was. The boy must still have some maturing to do.
He pitied Kagome. For it seemed like she was more than ready for such attentions. He just couldn't bear the thought of a willing woman going untouched. On that note...
"Perhaps I have a solution." Inuyasha recognized that tone. Gifting him with a half-lidded, less than thrilled glare, he awaited what was sure to be an unacceptable suggestion.
"Seeing as the two of you have agreed to a truce, what better way to celebrate your new found brotherly acceptance than to share sleeping quarters." Oh, here we go.
"Inuyasha, you may take my space in the hut with your brother, and I shall graciously put myself out by staying with the girls. It will be rather crowded, but anything for their protection."
He looked to his friend innocently, though the beginnings of a smile played at the corners of his mouth.
"Nice try houshi." Miroku grinned. He in no way expected his friend to agree to his generous offer.
"The girls get their hut back, and I'm staying outside."
But his playful look turned serious once again, as he regarded the injured hanyou with genuine concern.
"Are you certain you'll be okay? It is still awfully cold. I'm sure Sesshoumaru-sama won't mind if we make room for you in our hut."
He didn't chance a look at his roommate as he made his presumptuous offer.
Inuyasha did, however.
"No offense, but I'd rather take my chances out here with the elements."
"You're sure?"
Though the blizzards had stopped, the since-persistent sun had yet to melt the layers of ice and snow which covered the grounds around them.
Even though he was a half demon, the circumstances were less than ideal.
It was a particularly bad time to be embarking on a manhunt.
But, he conceded, that his alpha was more equipped to take on the weather than any of them, at the moment.
He scoffed.
"I'll take snow storms over the Ice Prince any day."
And that was that. It was clear that the hanyou would not be deterred.
Sesshoumaru seemed unaffected by the very intended slight. He supposed it was usual, even expected banter between the two at this point.
Inuyasha grew concerned, even appearing slightly uncomfortable as he asked his next question.
"Speaking of which, where is Sango at? Kagome said she took off, but she wouldn't give me any details."
Miroku schooled a humorless smile at the mention of his girlfriend. Former girlfriend, now perhaps. Though the two of them have yet to admit it aloud.
"I'm afraid she confides in me less and less by the day." The two had obviously been growing apart, though none had seen fit to mention it. Everyone thought that they just needed some time to work it out. But it appeared as if the couple was beginning to come to terms with the fact that it was over, if only to themselves. Though they may be apprehensive about finalizing it, that band aid would be coming off soon.
"She left a few hours ago, and I don't know where she is, or when she is to return."
Inuyasha proceeded cautiously. It was his duty as leader to maintain tranquility within his pack, and be aware of the ongoing dynamics in the group. But as such, he also yearned to keep the peace, and not stir the pot.
With Sesshoumaru there, things were delicate enough as it was. Also, he didn't want to appear to not be in control with his brother's judgmental eyes upon him. He needed to show him that he could run his pack successfully.
"Is everything alright between you two?" he ventured carefully.
But this was neither the time nor the place. Miroku did not want to get into this now. Especially not until he and Sango had hashed things out between them privately.
He turned to their newest member.
"How about you, Sesshoumaru-sama? Have you any idea what caused her to flee?"
Inuyasha let the obvious change of topic occur. Maybe it was better if they spoke about it alone.
Sesshoumaru was looking away as if not listening, but he did deign a response.
"The workings of your females are of no interest to This One."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes, but Miroku kept the conversation going by addressing his alpha.
"Where is Kagome-sama?"
"Getting ready for bed," he informed with a shrug. "I left to give her some privacy."
It was getting late. And with the surprise attack early that morning, he himself was eager to get to rest. Maybe if he went to bed now, he would be asleep before Sesshoumaru's daunting presence within the hut made it more difficult to relax.
"I see. Not a bad idea." Standing with a dramatic yawn, Miroku stretched his arms widely over his head. "Excuse me, gentlemen. I should retire as well."
Inuyasha bid him goodnight, and Sesshoumaru, of course, didn't respond.
His reply came with his eyes, however, as he narrowed them suspiciously while he watched the monk depart.
But while Sesshoumaru watched Miroku, Inuyasha's attention never strayed from his half-brother.
"Kagome told me what happened in the market."
Sesshoumaru was torn from his perusal by the accusatory tone. He turned to his side to look at him, to find the boy worrying distractedly at his sleeve.
"You cut a human's throat, and broke his buddy's arm."
Since when did Inuyasha care a whit about violent behavior? So long as it wasn't aimed at him, he hadn't expected him to mind either way.
The hanyou's human blood must be encroaching upon his youkai tendencies. Humans let their compassion cloud their reasonability far more than was prudent, in his opinion.
But it wasn't affecting him. Even now with full human blood, he felt nothing for the men he had harmed. Why should he? Perhaps his demonic soul was still there after all.
"If you mean to scold me, the miko already-"
"Thank you." The unexpected gratitude cut his lament short. His brother finally disregarded his sleeve in favor of looking him in the eye, quite seriously. At Sesshoumaru's confusion, he elaborated.
"For watching out for her I mean."
He scoffed, and looked away.
"It had nothing to do with her," he insisted. "Those men were vile. Someone had to put a stop to their obnoxious behavior. It seems This One must yet again do the work none others see fit to accomplish."
He supposed he didn't have to do what he did. But it had bothered him that none were willing to show those vermin their place. He had no duty to her, he just always did as he pleased. And in that moment, it simply pleased him to wipe the entitled grins off of their dirty, uncouth lips.
Just because he was no longer demon, it did not mean others would be getting away with displeasing the Lord of the West. Even if he was forced to endure some pushback, his honor would not be compromised.
"She also told me about what the other guy did to you, not that she needed to. I thought you were ugly before, but that second black eye makes you look even more sorry."
The reminder of his latest beating caused an involuntary frown. Being struck down by a pathetic tiger clan was humiliating enough. But now he had met defeat at the hands of a human. An unimpressive human, at that. Not that he was terribly impressed with any he had encountered thus far.
What's worse, he had witnesses. The others had at least deemed fit not to mention the incident. Until now.
His brother had always been outstandingly dim.
"Why'd you let him do it?"
Sesshoumaru cocked an eyebrow.
"I hardly invited the assault."
"It sounded like you did," he accused. "At least you didn't try too hard to stop it. She said you just stood there. Like you were waiting to get creamed." So, she had noticed. He had hoped that in the chaos, the specifics of the fight would sail beneath their observation. These humans were more perceptive than he had realized. At least, the miko had been.
"Why didn't you fight him off? I know you ain't like you were, but that don't mean you gotta just stand there and take it," Inuyasha insisted. Then demanded, "So, why did you?"
He was used to Sesshoumaru not offering any answers. The youkai usually didn't feel that he needed to. But from the look on his face, Inuyasha could tell that he was gathering his thoughts. So he waited patiently.
But when he finally spoke, he didn't get the explanation he was hoping for.
"Do you dream?"
He creased his brow at the man's odd question, his confusion evident.
"What's that got to do with anything?"
It sounded like he was trying to change the subject, but his brother was not one to side step any issues.
Sesshoumaru was blunt, and direct. There must be something there he wasn't getting.
"Nightmares," he clarified. "Are you susceptible to them?"
Not so much these days. But as a pup, they had been a regular occurrence. They increased after his mother died, then subsided.
After awakening from his 50-year curse, they returned full force.
But ever since Kagome had starting coming around, they had waned back down to nothing; save for the occasional vision after a particularly traumatizing battle. Ones in which he came far too close to losing her.
"Sometimes," he admitted with a shrug. "Not too often. Not really anymore at least." He eyed him uncertainly, but unbelievably curious. "Why?"
"Rin had them frequently," he confided. "At first, at least. They seemed to taper as the years passed. But This One recalls her fretting at night often."
He felt sorry for his brother's kid. He heard about what that shitty wolf Kouga and his pack had done to her and her family.
It wasn't personal. Wolves were just bloodthirsty like that. They were known to wreak havoc throughout the lands, attacking humans and demons alike for whatever meal they could get their paws on.
It wasn't until meeting Kagome that they had put a stop to that behavior.
But what did that have to do with anything? Why bring it up now?
"Since her abduction, I have been having them constantly. I cannot get through a night without images of her... the lack of suitable rest has been taxing."
It seemed like a poor excuse. Just because he's tired, Sesshoumaru would never just lay down his arms. He would fight with everything he had in him until he took his last breath. The damn dog was just too proud to do any different.
His response earned a skeptical once over.
"So you ain't sleeping? That still don't explain-"
"This body seems to require rest at much more frequent intervals," he interrupted. "The inability to receive it appears to have affected my strength."
That was for sure. He knew the change had affected his brother's abilities. It was so weird to see him like this, that he almost forgot that all this was new for him.
Sesshoumaru never knew what it was like to be weak. To not be able to just take everything thrown at him as if it were nothing.
"Additionally, I have yet to heal from the assault I had endured the day she was taken. And the near drowning that followed. I have never felt so depleted."
His candid admission shocked him.
His brother was coming to terms with his limitations on the fly. It probably took every ounce of strength he had to give those other two chumps what they deserved. Before that, he probably gave a lot of what he had to those tigers who took Rin.
He was learning the hard way exactly how difficult it was for a human to survive within these lands.
He saw fit to offer some advice.
"Humans take a lot longer to recover from things," he informed him. Then, for some reason, felt inclined to reassure him. "You ain't the only one. You need to sleep more if you are going to heal right."
His brother's pity was upsetting. But furthermore, Sesshoumaru hated how he seemed to be so understanding of his plight. As if they were at all comparable.
"I did not see the point in expending my energy in the market," he explained himself further, obviously somewhat defensive for his unimpressive performance. "I expected retaliation. Had I engaged, it may have led to a much longer recovery."
And he was right. It was something Inuyasha knew all too well.
When you put up a fight, it just makes those going after you lay into you harder. It makes them put even more into taking you down. And gives them more satisfaction.
He learned at a young age that when you roll up into a ball early, they will claim their victory and go.
It wasn't the most admirable way to do things, nor the most satisfying, but it did save you some pain.
Sesshoumaru didn't have to do what he did.
He knew he wasn't strong enough to take on the world in that moment. But still, he had. For her...
"Sometimes, taking a beating is easier than fighting back."
Sesshoumaru didn't respond. He seemed to be looking inward while his brother inspected his appearance.
He really did look like hell. He was beginning to lose some of the enjoyment he previously felt in seeing the proud man rendered as such.
Sure, he deserved it. His come-uppance had been a long time coming.
But something about it did not sit right.
The likelihood of what would have come of him if Kagome had not happened upon him in the snow was almost unbelievable. He thought he should share his sentiment.
"You're lucky she found you that night. I don't know what she did to help you, but not many people would have done it."
Kagome said she warmed up his body, though she had been very elusive as to the particulars. Not certain he wanted the details, Inuyasha had not pushed the issue.
Whatever it was, it worked. She was from the future. They must have some tricks she was able to use with her superior knowledge in such things.
Sesshoumaru shrugged.
"Not many would have intervened with those men at the market."
Though not intentional, Inuyasha read between the lines.
He owed her a life debt. That was all that it was.
He had only promised not to kill her. But he couldn't sit idly by while the woman who had brought him back from the brink was harassed by a couple of assholes.
It appeared that in saving Sesshoumaru, she had bought herself a measure of protection. What little he could give.
She probably wasn't aware of the considerations she would enjoy at the time. She just saw a man in need, and did what she could to help him. She was just like that.
But Sesshoumaru wasn't the only one who felt inclined to keep her safe.
"All of us would have. Next time, just ask us to help. We are all pretty protective of Kagome. It ain't just you."
Sesshoumaru didn't know which part of that statement offended him more. Implying that he would ever ask any of them for help, or insinuating that the debt he owed her amounted to a personal desire to protect her. He quickly decided.
"I was not protecting her. Those men displeased me, and I let it be known. It is that simple."
He was a little too insistent, and defensive in his denial. But Inuyasha decided to let it pass. If he was helping Kagome, there was no need to dissuade him.
"Well, getting your clock cleaned ain't gonna do you any favors. Or us. You should spend a little energy to protect yourself next time."
His suggestion was met with silence, so he offered him another.
"Try to get some sleep tonight. I don't think your face can take another pounding."
Did he not think that he would if he could?
He hoped he was tired enough now to get through the night peacefully. He really needed it.
Speak of the market incident had him replaying the events in his mind.
He couldn't help from voicing his realization as it hit him.
"That onna certainly knows how to find trouble for herself."
Inuyasha's lop sided smirk eased them back from their serious conversation.
"Man, you ain't kidding. I'm always pulling her sorry butt out of this or that."
Back when they had found themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield, Sesshoumaru had been well aware of the miko's propensity for danger.
He had even lashed out at her more than once himself. It was amazing that she had been able to survive multiple attacks from the demon lord.
And had it not been for his brother's quick work in protecting her, he surely would have been successful.
The loyalty she inspired no doubt aided her in her preservation. Others were all too willing to jump to the young girl's aid.
But that wasn't all they had been willing to do to her, which seemed to lend reason for most of her predicaments in the first place.
"Her attire leaves something to be desired. And little to the imagination. I warned her against wearing such a thing in public."
The hanyou's mischievous grin was foreign to Sessshoumaru's eyes, and he marveled at it. He wasn't even aware that his brother could pull off 'playful.' He certainly hadn't ever seen fit to do so around him.
"Now why would you go and do something like that?"
Despite himself, Sesshoumaru betrayed the tiniest of smirks. He must be even more exhausted than he realized.
Inuyasha turned serious again.
"I really mean it, man. I appreciate you looking out for Kagome like that. I would have warned you about the attention she gets if I was awake."
Considering his words, Sesshoumaru's countenance turned grim, as already blackened eyes seemed to darken further still. Inuyasha was going to ask what was wrong, but he stood suddenly in that moment. Making his way to his hut, he left Inuyasha on his own.
Apparently, their conversation was over. Sesshoumaru had never been one for pleasantries.
"Feh. Icy bastard."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
With a stealth he hadn't accomplished since transforming into a human, Sesshoumaru entered the hut he now shared with the lecherous monk.
His poor sight was able to discern no more than Miroku's back as he hunched curiously into the far wall.
Soundless footprints allowed him unacknowledged access. And once inside, he stood deathly still to study the strange man, and discover what he was up to.
After a moment of labored breathing, and appreciative groans, Sesshoumaru decided that enough was enough.
So close now that he was near enough to touch him, Sesshoumaru cleared his throat, causing the monk to startle, and turn, and look the threat in his eye.
Raw fear was soon replaced with unjustified relief. Followed by a very guilty, nervous grin; only ever employed by a man who had just been caught.
Though he was sure it was nothing good, the Western Lord was yet unable to discern what his offense actually was.
"What are you doing?" the older male demanded, deep tone authoritative and menacing.
And though the monk made to obstruct his view of the wall, Sesshoumaru could plainly see that a wide crack in the hut's side was indeed the subject of Miroku's attention.
"Oh, Sesshoumaru-sama! I hope you are faring well this evening, my lord!" He was palpably nervous, though he hid it better than most men would likely be able to. His uneasy grin begged to be looked past. But though his senses had been hampered, Sesshoumaru was still remarkably perceptive.
"What is that?"
The monk held both his hands suspiciously behind his back. And though he hadn't seen what he was holding as he entered the dwelling, it was clear that Miroku had meant to keep it from him.
Recognizing the futility in lying to the former demon, he sheepishly removed the item from behind his back, and did his best to casually explain the unfamiliar item to the lord.
"Oh, these are called binoculars!" he announced, holding them out for inspection. "Kagome-sama was kind enough to bring them from her time. She is aware of my love for bird watching. Such a considerate woman."
Looking down to the strange object he had never before encountered, Sesshoumaru returned his gaze to the monk, and lifted an eyebrow in suspicious assessment.
"There are no birds out at this hour."
And even if there were, a human would not be able to make them out in the dark night.
Sesshoumaru knew this because he himself could see nothing without the aid of the lanterns, much like the ones kept in the travelers' huts. And if he could not make out the offerings of nature in the night, there was no way that this human would be able to.
For his part, Miroku didn't stammer. Stutter, or hesitate. It seemed this man had an easy answer for everything, and was quick enough to offer it confidently.
"Not true!" he insisted. "Why, I often see the most beautiful owls-"
But a hard glare from the Lord of the West stopped his explanation in its tracks.
Unable to continue in the face of such devastating scrutiny, he watched as Sesshoumaru held out a hand expectantly. And, resigned to his fate, he appeased the intimidating lord by handing over the object in his hand so that he might inspect it himself.
He turned the binoculars in his hold with great interest. And, seeing how they would likely be used, he put the glass up to his eye.
It took a moment to adjust his vision. But once he relaxed his eye to discover how it worked, he inspected the hut with his new advanced sight.
Things were too big. Too blurry to discern. There were set to peruse things at a slightly longer distance.
Realizing what he had intended, Sesshoumaru placed the magnifier up to the crack in the wall, and moved to place his eye on the lens.
With how dark it had been outside, only one thing was allowed to be seen. Not too far, but far enough, in the neighboring hut, lanterns lit from within as he looked into the unobscured window of the ladies' sleeping quarters.
It was foolish of them to allow an uncovered window to face the same side as the hut of the males. But his window faced out the opposite way, and he supposed the homes were far enough apart to allow for the illusion of solitude. They probably thought they were safe, but the large crack in the back of his hut- accompanied by the magnified eyepiece, allowed a very good view of the goings on in the enclosed room.
And, fully expecting privacy, the miko within the hut apparently saw fit to wander about within her walls wearing absolutely nothing.
Nothing he hadn't seen before, the shock of witnessing Kagome's bared form had more to do with the unexpectedness of simply seeing a naked woman, seemingly out of nowhere.
He off handedly realized that the last nude woman he had been privy to had been this particular girl as well.
Facing away from him, the dip of her back into the curve of her hips appeared far differently to him than it had the other night.
Back then, her body was close; near enough to be very intimately pressed against his hard frame.
From a distance, he was more able to take in the overall completeness of her womanly figure.
It was nothing he desired. Only something he realized he could now appreciate begrudgingly from a distance.
"Quite a sight, is it not my lord?"
When the monk ventured closer with a seemingly knowing grin, Sesshoumaru's eyes slid over to him disapprovingly. He scowled as he removed the object from his eye, and turned to the offender.
"The women would not appreciate this being brought to their attention."
The threat lacing his tone caused Miroku to sober. And recognizing the insinuation, he adopted a grave appearance.
"You are correct, my lord. I strongly suggest not telling them."
His poorly concealed plea was met with only silence. And he took the opportunity to try to bargain with the displeased man in his hut.
"There are many amazing sights to behold often at this hour. Perhaps you would like to indulge..."
In making him an accomplice, his silence on the matter could be bought. Unlucky for Miroku, Sesshoumaru did not share his interest in peering at unsuspecting girls in the nude. Pity.
"Even if I did desire to gaze upon mortal women, such an act is dishonorable." He eyed him up and down. "You are depraved."
His accusation caused the monk to hang his head slightly, though Sesshoumaru was certain it was all for show.
"You are not wrong, my lord," he conceded almost too easily. "In fact, I must go now to pray for forgiveness from the kami for my impurities, and I shall not return until I can forgive myself as well."
Totally not buying his remorse, Sesshoumaru made it more than clear in his condemning glare. But the monk continued his performance anyhow, and quickly.
"It should be quite a while. Have a good evening, Sesshoumaru-sama."
All too eager to make his exit, Miroku maneuvered around his roommate to make for the door. But as he reached the threshold, he froze.
Turning around, he reached into his robes, and held something out for him.
"I almost forgot... here."
The ninja star had been washed of a certain farmer's blood. The monk must have pocketed it in the midst of the commotion he had caused at the market.
Considering the gift a moment, Sesshoumaru finally held out his hand to accept it, and tucked it in his clothes.
He glared at Miroku as he rushed from the hut.
'Fool,' he thought disdainfully, the second he was out the door.
Studying the binoculars in his hand another moment, he lifted them to look around the modest dwelling.
He played with the settings. A quick study, he immediately taught himself how to adjust them, and practiced looking at items around the room at various distances. He had to admit, the object was impressive.
'Much better,' he conceded. It was almost as good as his eyesight had been before the transformation.
He missed his superior senses, and took some pleasure in the brief reminder of what he had once been. What he would be again, he assured himself.
After taking a moment to inspect various items throughout the hut with his new toy, he quickly became bored again, and lowered them.
His eyes drew back to the split in the wood, and he frowned.
He wondered if the monk had created the gap for his own perverted purposes. But after stepping closer to inspect it fully, he reached the conclusion that is was simply a manufacturing error.
He studied the crack for a long, thoughtful moment. Then, he ventured a look at the girls' hut with his naked eye, noting the difference without the use of his tool.
Finally, he looked again to the binoculars in his grasp.
'Just once more, to test out the distance again," he decided. But after a moment of self-doubt, he rationalized further. 'Surely the miko will have covered herself by now.'
He lifted it slowly to his eye, and peered into her window.
'Wrong. Foolish miko. How long does she plan to wander naked around her hut?'
And she was the one scolding him for allowing himself to be exposed to the elements? First the skimpy skirt, and now this? He should have a word with her about her own choice of wardrobe, but he quickly realized he couldn't without exposing his own shameful deeds.
She was still facing away from him, giving an unbidden view of her glorious backside.
She appeared to be readying items for herself for the next day; laying out clothing, and pulling various items from her strange pack.
When she bent over to place her bag on the floor, it seemed that the rest of his blood rushed to his groin. She was, however unknowingly, currently presenting herself to him as a willing bitch who desired a rut. He reasoned that it was why his body was reacting so strongly. Despite being human, years of inuyoukai instinct could not be snuffed out entirely.
Reflexively, moved his hand downward to grab his shaft. With distracted haste, he simply adjusted his cock upward, so that it would rest more comfortably against his belly while in its engorged state, and released it once again once trapped securely in his waistband.
The tip poked out above his clothes, sitting just below his navel.
That's enough, he decided. He shouldn't be watching her. Only a pathetic fool like the monk gazed upon women without their knowledge. He was not in the same class as one such as he.
But he couldn't seem to tear himself away.
He continued to watch Kagome move aimlessly about her hut, with the magnifying lens pressed firmly to his eye.
The new technology was just simply very fascinating...
Seeing her bared back, exposed throat and shoulders, he thought back to the night in the cave. How she had spread across his form. Completely nude, as he had been. He remembered every shift, every caress. The sounds of want that escaped when she-
His thoughts were derailed when she finally turned to face him.
Rosy tipped peaks greeted his hungry view. He followed them down past the dip of her navel to the small patch of finely groomed curls at the juncture of her hip.
He remembered how she felt, as he placed his fingers between her folds. How she wantonly she moaned, as she readily took the pleasure he so generously offered her. How wet she had been, as she bucked shamelessly into his hand.
He remembered how she tasted. How sweet even her sweat had been as he used his formidable tongue to warm the icy peaks of her heaving chest. How he hovered over her. How she appreciated it...
His hand moved timidly, as he pressed it to rest against the chiseled muscle of his hard stomach. He licked his lips as he willed himself to stay still, but slowly- so slowly- his traitorous appendage began to move of its own accord.
He wanted. Needed. So desperately to feel relief. To find release. And as he watched her- still standing naked before him- unbeknownst to the voyeur who shameless raked over her tempting form.
He traveled lower, tortuously steady, continuing on a journey that could see to ending this painful desire that coursed through his blood.
As he watched her, his mind continually supplied him with reminders from that night.
He knew what she felt like, and he imagined her beneath him once again. Panting, moaning, reacting to him so shamelessly until finally screaming his name at the height of her pleasure.
And though he knew how wonderful her soft body felt pressed against his own, he wondered, imagined what it would feel like wrapped tightly around him. Gripping him. Squeezing him. Milking him of all he was worth, while he pumped into her wildly. Recklessly.
His hand continued its brutally measured movement, giving him a last chance to retreat, to come to his senses, to save himself some shame.
And once he nearly made contact with the tip of his throbbing manhood, dripping with seed as the shaft pulsed with the ache to be touched, he somehow found the will to stop himself.
He removed his hand in an instant. Breath ragged, he panted harshly through dry lips, and felt the sheen of sweat that had accumulated on his brow.
With something resembling a growl, he pulled the binoculars away from his eyes, and stuffed them beneath a pile of blankets left for his use beside his futon.
He would not allow the monk to reclaim this item, knowing what he intended to use them for.
He grabbed his bag of ice, still frozen thanks to the weather and intended for use on his eye, and placed it roughly against his throbbing erection.
The bite of the cold was painful, but effective, as his stirred-up manhood shrank slowly, until finally back at bay.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A/N: So, there's more. But this chapter got so huge, I decided to split it up into two chapters to make it easier to digest, and also to edit XD Look for update #2 sometime tomorrow (probably)
I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has been reading and reviewing all my stories lately. Your response really gives me a lot of encouragement, not to mention the fuel to continue onward.
Everyone has been so great! And I'm not trying to be a whore here, but seeing such a great reaction truly does make me want to get more content out to you as fast as possible!
Writing for you all has become my all-time favorite hobby! And even though I would probably do it just for myself, it is so gratifying to know that there are awesome people out there who are enjoying these little ventures as well =)
SessKag for life! Don't you just love them?