Though they still took their meals together as decreed, the gathering around the campfire seemed to becoming noticeably sprawled out lately.
Sesshoumaru always elected to eat alone. He seemed resigned to the fact that he now required human nourishment to heal his broken body and retain some much-needed energy.
He would assume a place around the fire that- though very detached- still managed to illuminate his passive features, while allowing him a measure of warmth from the residual heat the makeshift stove provided.
But he was no longer the only one who seemed to desire solitude from the rest of the pack.
Now that Inuyasha appeared well enough to join them, Sango had begun assuming the spot by his side that was once reserved for this evening's chef- Kagome.
It seemed that every other member of the group had earned a reason for the slayer's scorn recently. So she now preferred to take her meals with him- if only by default.
On another corner of the campfire, Kagome and Miroku took amiable pleasure in each other's company. Both very social and friendly by nature, their comradery was effortless, as they easily ignored the obvious new tension within the group, and allowed much needed space to their packmates who seemed to now require it.
As they finished dinner loosely gathered around the flames, Sesshoumaru was beginning to reconsider his plan.
In the hours since his training session with the miko, his excited form had calmed down considerably. And without the persistent reminder of why he felt the need to lower himself to allowing a human to defile him, he was finding it easier to talk himself out of it.
He spooned the last of Kagome's stew into his mouth distractedly, when his brother's voice from across the fire drew him from his musings.
"Hey Sesshoumaru..." His eyes slid across the camp to take in the softened features of his only sibling. "Is your face hurting you?"
Inuyasha's concern was uncharacteristic. And as such, his tender tone earned the complete silence of the rest of the camp, and a suspicious glare from the one it was aimed at.
When a smile played upon the half demon's lips, Sesshoumaru's scowl only increased.
"Cuz it's killing me!"
Kagome rolled her eyes at her friend's immature antics, but the other two nervously averted their attention back to their food.
The laughter that followed came only from the hanyou; who was apparently quite amused at his own joke.
Sesshoumaru made up his mind on the matter right there.
Inuyasha was about to see what his brother thought was funny.
The cruel, diabolical smile which spread across Sesshoumaru's battered face was enough to wipe the smirk off his half-brother's.
When Sesshoumaru smiled, it was never good. What did the bastard have in store?
He placed his bowl down at his side, and rose silently.
Everyone watched him without comment as he left for his hut.
"Can you not antagonize him, please?" Kagome asked, slightly peeved. "It's probably not a good idea."
"Yeah? What's he gonna do about it?" Inuyasha replied with a smirk. His eyes flicked in the direction his brother had departed off into. "I'd love it if he tried to start somethin' with me now."
"I'd say he's been behaving himself pretty well…" Her eyes also cut to where the man had exited off to. "Well, for him at least. Besides, you never know when he might change back to himself."
At least, she hoped he would. She didn't know if she could live with the guilt if he ended up being human forever.
What if they couldn't find a way in time? By the time they discovered how to change him back, he could be an old man by then. At least the silver in his hair would return.
Worse yet, he could be dead. If not by a million things that can kill a human, simply from old age.
She decided she would have to start dedicating more time to trying to find a cure for his current predicament. And the sooner, the better.
When he returned a moment later, he was holding the towel Kagome had given him, along with the bag of his various soaps for bathing.
Kagome had been doing an excellent job ignoring the dirty looks Sango had been throwing her throughout the meal. Apparently she still hadn't been forgiven for foiling her plans to get some private time with Sesshoumaru. But she chose to remain confident that with time, the woman's anger at her would pass.
They were practically family after all. Surely, the demon slayer would soon realize how ridiculous she was being.
She was so caught up in her mean-mugging that she hardly registered Sesshoumaru approaching very closely on her left. His silky voice drew her from her violent fantasies.
"Sango." Her name poured from his lips like liquid velvet, and left a tingling sensation as it ran down her spine. He had her full attention.
"I require a trip to the hot spring. Would you care to accompany This One?"
Still hurt by his previous refusal, she barely offered him a glance before quickly returning her sour gaze to the ground beneath her.
"What for?" she muttered, stirring the last of the stew around in her bowl.
He was undeterred by her icy treatment, and he paused only a moment before answering calmly and assuredly.
Leaning a bit closer, he lowered his voice only slightly.
"To train." He allowed just enough inflection to clarify his intentions. But it still took a couple long seconds for his words to register in her brain.
He earned himself a shocked gaze, as her eyes widened and mouth hung open in a less than dignified manner.
The sparkle in his violet pools and the smirk playing at the corner of his mouth told her that he didn't mind it. Truth be told, he was actually expecting a reaction like that.
Inuyasha was startled by his brother's audacious suggestion. But his surprise increased tenfold at Sango's excited response.
"Yes!" She placed her bowl down in an instant, no longer interested in the remainder of her meal. When she stood to meet him, he retreated a step to allow her eager movement. The huge smile on her face was a complete 180 to the expression she had been wearing all night.
"Right now?" Sesshoumaru was about to reply, but Miroku inserted himself hopefully.
"I could use a wash myself," he announced, not at all liking where this was going.
Sango cut him a warning glare.
"Three's a crowd, monk." She returned her mooning awe to the taller male beside her. "Right Sesshoumaru?"
Still calm as ever, his eyes never left hers as he responded.
"Indeed. I only wish for the slayer to join me."
They shared a knowing look, and she could barely contain her excitement as she took a few steps away.
"Just let me get my stuff. I will meet you there!" she assured him.
With a nod, Sesshoumaru straightened, and moved to depart ahead of her for the springs. But not before shooting his brother a taunting smirk, which was only met with a pained incredulity.
Inuyasha had no idea what was going on, but before he could force his mouth to make the proper words, Sango was already rushing off to her hut.
Looking for answers from his friends, Inuyasha turned to Miroku first, to find the monk trying his best not to look somber. The disturbance he felt was not well concealed, as he now decided his own bowl of stew had become very interesting.
Finding no help there, Inuyasha turned his focus on Kagome, who was also stirring at her food. However, she wore a look more akin to mild annoyance.
He was about to begin demanding answers, but Sango was back with her towel, purposely making her way through the camp to follow the trail his brother had made.
"So you're really going through with this?" Kagome asked, as the woman brushed by her quickly.
She had learned her lesson about meddling in her affairs, but she thought she would give the woman a chance to explain herself before taking off with him.
"I am," she declared with certainty, a victorious grin playing at her own lips now.
Inuyasha stood, and questioned her softly.
"Sango, you're really going to go with him?"
He had not been made aware of the woman's previous plans. But with the way things were rapidly progressing, he was able to put together what the couple apparently intended.
She was looking distractedly off in the direction Sesshoumaru had disappeared to, still moving after him, but slowing a moment to answer her alpha.
"I know you two don't get along. But I really need this right now." She threw a longing look over her shoulder. "And your brother is a very attractive man."
It was like a punch in the stomach, and he didn't know what to say. This couldn't be happening. He had no idea Sango felt that way about Sesshoumaru.
Apparently, that was all the explaining she was willing to do, and she turned to jog off to the hot spring.
Desperate to put a stop to this insanity, he turned back to the monk who had just finished his meal.
"Miroku, aren't you going to do anything?" he tried desperately. "You need to stop her."
"I am afraid that our arrangement goes both ways," he informed him with a sigh. "Sango allows me my many indiscretions. It would not be fair for me to stand in her way."
It took all the hanyou had not to sputter.
"But, doesn't it bother you?"
"I can't say that I am happy about it," he honestly replied. "But they are two grown adults. If this is what they want, it would be hypocritical to insist they refrain."
Miroku stood then, and walked to Inuyasha. Handing him his empty bowl- as the hanyou was on dish duty tonight- he forced a tight smile.
"I believe I will go into the village tonight. It seems like a good evening for me to make myself scarce. Excuse me." He made his exit quickly, as if he couldn't get out of there fast enough.
Kagome remained seated, in no rush herself to finish her stew.
"Kagome, did you know about this?"
"I told her not to do it," she informed him with a defeated shrug. "But she's a big girl. She got so mad when I stood in her way last time. Maybe she will lighten up after this."
Last time? How long had this been going on? He was alpha of this pack. He should have been made aware of this recent development. Or, at least, he should have been able to pick up on it.
But his recent injury had left him somewhat isolated from the others for the past couple of days.
'I'm gone five fucking minutes, and everyone loses their damn minds!'
He was enraged. Enraged at his brother for taking what he wanted... again. Enraged at his friends for letting this all happen. And enraged at Sango for going. How could she?
He was feeling increasingly impotent as he watched Kagome ignore him, and continue on with her meal as if Sango wasn't about to go bang his brother.
He wanted to go stop them. To tell them of his displeasure. He tried to think of a way he could pull rank and return some semblance of order to a pack that had suddenly delved into chaos. But it didn't appear that there was anything he could do.
He wanted to go kill something, but he hadn't the strength yet. If he got injured again, it would be bad for everyone.
So he did the next best thing.
Frustrated with the whole situation, he jumped up into a nearby tree to pout.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sango came upon the hot spring to find Sesshoumaru already disrobed, and sitting inside with his head resting back against the edge.
His eyes were closed, and he looked very relaxed. More relaxed than she had ever seen him, and definitely more at peace than he had appeared ever since joining forces with their ragtag little group.
She couldn't help but be awed by his beauty as she took in the delicious sight of his naked form. Or what she could see of it from the waist up. The perfect, rippling muscles were even more tantalizing up close than they had been when she watched him chopping wood off in the distance. The sheen of his sweat had been nothing compared to the enticing manner the moisture from the springs caused his chest and abs to glisten.
She couldn't decide if the nerves she felt were due to his overwhelming presence, their dangerous history, or the anticipation boiling in her veins.
She conceded that she had spent more time brooding over his rejection- and the events that led up to it- than she had actually spent pining over the handsome brother of her alpha.
Not that she didn't want him.
Oh, she wanted this.
But she was feeling much like the dog who caught the... ox cart.
So much energy had been spent mulling over how to obtain him. And now that she had, she almost wasn't quite sure what to do with him. Almost.
She was a grown woman. Even before Miroku, she had not been without experience in regards to entertaining a male. The life of a warrior was less sheltered than most. Even in this time.
When death was constantly lurking around the corner, those in its crosshairs were more prone to spending their rare free moments taking advantage of life's pleasures, and enjoying them while they lasted.
You never knew which battle would be your last.
This was likely something Sesshoumaru knew as well.
Though, to be fair, his likelihood of meeting his end was far less than her or any of the warriors she had grown up with and fought alongside.
But whatever she had been denied from males in her slayer village, were more than made up for in the attentions of her amorous lover. Now former lover, most likely.
Miroku was a very experienced man. More so than any other she had come across. And with death constantly stalking him as well, he wasted no time in making each of his desires come to fruition. And as often as possible.
Nothing she hadn't agreed to, and to be honest, thoroughly enjoyed. But by now, she doubted that there was any aspect of sex she was no longer privy to.
Well, except one.
She had never been with a demon.
As a sworn enemy and raised killer of such beasts, the idea of laying with one was considered sacrilege. She conceded that the only profession more opposed to such a union would be that of a miko.
But Sesshoumaru wasn't a demon anymore.
Inuyasha had been the first with demon blood who she had even close to called a friend and ally.
Save for Kirara, who was really more like a pet.
And though she had been raised with certain prejudices against her sworn enemy, she had come to realize that such traits did not belong to all in his race.
Inuyasha was a good man. One she was proud to call her alpha. And Shippo was like a brother to her.
She no longer felt the same disgust toward youkai that she had been raised to feel. If her family could see her now, they would probably be rolling over in their graves.
At one point, the fact that Sesshoumaru had ever been a demon would have rendered him entirely unviable. But she had changed. And so had he.
There was nothing unappealing about the gorgeous male that sat in the hot spring, waiting silently and patiently for her arrival.
He cracked an eyelid.
"Are you afraid?"
His question seemed to shake her from her musings- and ogling.
He watched silently as she began removing her own clothing. A blush stained her cheeks as she stripped.
She smiled, and shook her head. But it wasn't entirely the truth.
Even though Sesshoumaru held a human form, he had spent centuries living, fighting, and fucking like a demon. She had no idea what to expect from him. But the unknown inspired more arousal than fear.
You don't get to be a successful huntress without a certain attraction to dangerous things.
When he arched a brow, she stepped closer to the edge.
"Should I be?"
He admired her generous breasts as she made her way to him. But his attention was quickly drawn to the thick mass of curls at the juncture of her hips.
From his seat, her pussy was right at eye level, and he marveled at how there appeared to be no difference between the species in regards to appearance. His time in the cave with the miko had been more felt than seen, so this was really his first good look at an unclothed onna.
Though he didn't know what he was expecting. If Inuyasha was successfully created, there could not be that much variance.
But still, he had been anticipating something to tell a naked human woman apart from a demoness.
The fact that there wasn't only added to the argument that perhaps their races weren't so different after all. The thought was unsettling.
But he was willing to consider it a good thing. He was happy not to have to encounter anything unseemly while traversing into this new territory.
Quite the opposite, in fact.
His gaze lingered on her as she began to enter the spring. She briefly sat on the edge across from him, and lowered herself in the heated pool.
"As a practice, it would be wise." He continued appraising her assets as she joined him in the water. "However, I do not intend you any harm tonight."
She waded closer, while he remained seated. He did not appear affected by her nudity or her presence. But he did not appear offended either.
"Maybe not. But I am sure you are more than capable of doing some damage," she responded coyly as she took another purposeful step forward. "Are you going to be rough with me?"
She was close enough to touch him now, and she did.
Her hand rose to his arm, and she enjoyed the firm muscle as he allowed her to peruse him.
She braced herself on his shoulders as she boldly straddled him on the submerged ledge. He put his hands on her hips to steady her against him.
"I do not know what this human body is capable of," he admitted. Her tits were right in his face, and he drug his eyes from them for a moment to take in her flushed expression. "Though a good deal of soreness is expected. I will attempt to be gentle."
When he shifted beneath her, she pressed herself against him. Drawing her face very near, she stopped only an inch from his temping mouth.
"I won't."
Her mouth was already opened as she crashed her lips onto his. He accepted her advance by matching the ferocity of her kiss.
As his tongue welcomed hers, his hands flew to her back to pull her closely against himself.
The feel of a soft woman against his needy cock was a great relief. This is what he had been badly requiring, and he was more than happy to finally be able to answer his body's call for attention.
The time he had spent with Kagome in the cave was the only experience his human form has had, and sexual gratification was certainly not the goal there.
The reminder caused him to stiffen painfully, but he pushed those thoughts away to focus on the actual- and willing- woman who plastered herself into his lap.
She ground into him as she kissed him deeply. And while one hand found purchase on the back of her head, in order to assert some measure of dominance and keep her affixed to his greedy mouth, his other traveled beneath the water to grip tightly at her hip while he thrusted himself upward.
She gasped in shock as she felt his throbbing erection digging harshly into her thigh.
He was right about making her sore. Miroku was on the high end of average in size. She'd had men who were larger, but not noticeably so.
Inuyasha's brother would put all of her previous conquests to shame. She knew in her training and battles that demons faired much larger than human men in this particular department. But even as a human, Sesshoumaru appeared to be more than equipped to thoroughly ravage a woman of any race.
A smirk graced his features as he noticed her reaction to him, and he gave a smug grind up into her as he pulled her firmly against his arousal.
"I apologize. We must make do with my mortal deficiencies at the moment."
That arrogant jerk. He knew he could upstage any man in his current form. But he couldn't help but insinuate that as a youkai, he was much larger even still.
But she was not lacking either.
This woman's chest was impressive for a human. He had been with alluring demonesses who did not possess breasts as large and as lovely as the ones pressing against his throat at the moment.
He could not pass up the opportunity to drag his hand from her hip and give one a rough, demanding squeeze.
Her joyous smirk at his comment turned into a pleasurable moan. She tilted her head back and bared her throat to him. Her years of youkai training may have informed her of what such an action would mean to a demon. But then again, it may have simply been instinct. Sesshoumaru had a way of reducing those around him into crippling submission.
He leaned his face forward, and began licking and nipping at her bared throat; creating a sizzling trail of pleasure with his mouth as he made his way down to her clavicle.
She leaned into his touch, grinding into his cock as he rocked himself upward. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders to pull him nearer as he began his pleasurable assault on her body.
"Mmmm. Oh, Sesshoumaru..." she groaned lowly, and aimed at the treetops. She didn't exactly want the others to hear, but they weren't at the forefront of her mind at the moment. This is what she had been waiting for, and she was going to enjoy herself.
As soon as the words left her lips, however, he froze in place.
He had heard several females moan his name in such a fashion over the years.
But for some reason, the way this human called him threw him back in time, to a day many, many years ago. About a century, to be exact.
Kara, Inuyasha's first partner, had been one of the many to utter his name in such a pleading manner. One which begged for his continued attentions.
It had been in a hot spring as well, when he took the girl that had first been his brother's.
She was leaving the premises of the fortress. The one he had allowed Inuyasha to reside in after his mother's death.
Their father was of course long gone, and The Western Lands, and all that dwelled within it was under Sesshoumaru's protection.
The fortress he had grown up in, that once belonged to his father, was now his. And for a time, Sesshoumaru had allowed his brother to take up residence in his childhood home.
Sesshoumaru had been outside the walls. Still on his territory, the hot spring was away from the bulk of his property.
He had elected to dip in for a soak. After a long day of patrols, the last thing he wanted was to endure the pathetic sounds of a demoness faking orgasm for the benefit of his inexperienced half-brother.
On her way home from the visit, she happened upon the dog demon. Though, now that he thought about it, she would have surely sensed him there. He made no attempts to mask his presence within his own home.
She had stripped, and joined him in the spring. And he had not discouraged her.
He had granted Inuyasha sanctuary out of duty and familial obligation. But he made no secret of his disdain for the boy. His father's indiscretion was a stain on his house, and the hanyou was a constant reminder of that.
It was probably more spite for his brother than pity for the girl, that when she straddled his cock as he sat on the submerged ledge, he responded by entering her and finally giving her the release she had long been denied.
He felt no regret at the time. Nor, at the pain it had caused the half demon afterward when made aware of the incident.
In fact, he had never felt the least bit bad about what he had done.
So why now, with this human woman offering herself to him in a similar fashion, was he struck with a certain hesitance?
His cock inexplicably softened at the memory.
Looking down at him questioningly at his sudden delay, she said his name again, bereft this time of the passion her tone had held just a moment before. "Sesshoumaru?"
The address snapped him from his daze, and he looked up at her confoundedly, loathing the doubt in her eyes.
"Are you okay?"
Growling at the insinuation- or as close to a growl as he could muster- he flipped their positions.
And with an excited shriek, she allowed him to bend her over the side of the hot spring, and place his weight at her backside.
But as he took his soft cock into his hand, and tried to stimulate himself as best as he could, all he could see was Kara. Bent over the edge of the pool, wiggling her ass enticingly.
He kept stroking himself. Trying through sheer will and physical stimulation to make his cock hard again so that he could enter the wanting woman.
But after a moment of pressing himself to her core, trying to shove his limp dick into her folds, she threw her head over her shoulder to see what the hold up was.
She was becoming impatient.
"What are you waiting for?"
He wanted this. He wanted to fuck this woman. To expel his desire, and rid him of the complications of unsated lust.
He wanted to put an end to his wet dreams, and his spontaneous hard-ons.
He wanted to show his brother once again who the alpha truly was. Which of his father's sons was most impressive and worthy, despite being a pathetic human at the moment.
But all he could see was the demon he had taken from his brother back then. The one who had wanted him more.
And he saw this new human. The one that Inuyasha now desired more than any alive; one he had yet to sample, but felt such strong feelings for that he was willing to jeopardize the reincarnation of his former love to pine over.
One he would not pursue, because of duty. Because pack came first.
Resigned, he retreated from her presentation, and sat silently back on the ledge beside her.
She was confused by his sudden retreat.
"What's the matter? I thought you wanted to-"
"So did I." He closed his eyes, unable to look her in the face, as he rested his head back against the ledge.
Incredibly frustrated, Sango became annoyed.
"Can't get it up?"
At her accusations, he calmly turned the blame on her.
"I cannot perform adequately without proper enticement. It appears that you are not sufficient."
The sudden change of tone was jarring. He had switched from burning hot to ice cold again in no time flat.
She sputtered, and straightened.
She wanted to scream. Wanted to put him in his place for his rudeness and cruelty. But humiliation prevented her from expressing herself accurately. All she could do was flee.
She scrambled to get out of the water, to put as much distance between them as quickly as possible; while he simply sat there, closing his eyes and leaning his head back to enjoy the heat of the spring.
Totally nonchalant. As if they hadn't been all over each other just a minute ago.
He should be upset. Frustrated with his body for refusing to react the one time he needed it to. But for some strange reason, all he felt was relief. He didn't have to go through with it.
He thought he was doing what he needed to do. And any trepidation he felt in the matter was only considered weakness, as far as he was concerned. But with his body resisting the advances of the human woman, he recognized the easy out.
She began drying herself off quickly, and reached for her discarded clothes. As she began to redress, he cracked an eyelid, becoming introspective as he watched her boredly.
He had been eager to take his human cock out for a test drive, but more than that, he wanted to hurt Inuyasha. This would kill his brother, and the thought had brought him pleasure.
But apparently, not physically.
He contemplated the woman as he watched her dress with haste. And he couldn't prevent the question in his mind from escaping.
"Tell me. Is revenge against the monk your goal? Or are you simply seeking physical pleasure?"
Her back was to him as she put on her clothes. She was unwilling to look at the infuriating lord. And though she felt no obligation to converse with him, she also felt no apprehension.
"If all I wanted was sex, I could have just slept with Miroku. He's not exactly stingy with his affections," she vented, slipping the last garment over her shoulders and tying it tight. Very tight.
She was more than a little annoyed. She had just made a show of leaving with Sesshoumaru to the rest of the camp. Now, she would have to suffer the consequences of declaring herself, with none of the benefits of engaging in the act.
"So a retaliatory rut it all you are after?" he pried further. "You are not interested in forging deeper bonds?"
He spoke so conversationally, as if nothing had just happened between them. He took his long hair in his hands, and began working through the tangles with his fingers.
When she finally turned to watch him, she startled slightly at his nonchalance. With the rifts in the group lately, she had no one really to confide in- accept Inuyasha. And he had been down for the count lately.
Despite Sesshoumaru's rejection, she was receptive to the outlet he provided. He was giving her an opportunity to vent. And, whether genuine or not, he appeared somewhat interested. She was willing to take advantage of his curiosity.
"Of course I want more. What woman doesn't?" she confided, eyeing him suspiciously. Despite his projected distraction in caring for his hair, he seemed to have an open ear for her.
"Decent men just aren't so easy to come by."
She narrowed her eyes at him, which he did not look her way to observe. Though he knew he was included in her assessment, he did not appear affected by it.
He reached for his soaps, and began making use of the spring by granting himself a much-needed washing. If only he could wash the stench of human from him completely.
"Perhaps you should proposition my brother."
Where did that come from? Her curiosity had her venturing a step closer.
"Inuyasha? Why would I do that?"
"He desires you."
He dipped beneath the surface to wash the lather from his hair. In the long moment it took him to emerge, a thousand questions raced through Sango's mind.
"What? But he has Kagome."
Pleased to be thoroughly rinsed, he raked his fingers through his dark strands to straighten them as best he could. He had really taken his youki for granted, in how it allowed him to keep so effortlessly pristine. How did humans have time for anything else, with how long it took them to appear even the least bit presentable?
"He has no interest in the miko," he informed her, finally deigning to make eye contact. When he did, he was greeted with a shocked expression. "He told this One as much. It is you he wants."
Nearly floored by the news, she didn't know how to respond to that.
She knew Inuyasha cared about her. But he cared about all of them. They were pack.
And though she had definitely counted her alpha as attractive, and a man she admired, he was Kagome's. It had never even occurred to her that he was up for grabs.
Everyone knew how Kagome felt about the hanyou. And though it seemed strange that it was taking so long for things to progress between them, everyone pretty much expected that the couple would eventually end up together.
But there was only one acceptable answer she could give.
"I could never do that to her."
She looked down, and in doing so, missed the raised eyebrow Sesshoumaru shot her way.
"Did she not upset you by meddling in your plans?"
Yes. And she had been pissed. Probably more that she should have been at the miko who was her best friend.
And now with Sesshoumaru turning out to be every bit the ass Kagome had warned her about, it appeared that she owed the young girl an apology. Damn.
"Yes, she did," she answered solemnly. "But she is still my friend. And friends don't do that to each other."'
And she supposed, she could begin making things right with her by not approaching the man the miko was in love with. The silent treatment was one thing. But it was quite another to steal the guy she loved right out from under her.
But then again, if Inuyasha had wanted Kagome, he would have acted on it by now. Wouldn't he?
She couldn't deny she was interested in pursuing this new development.
Would it be fair to them both, to deny their mutual attraction?
Would it be right to indulge, knowing Kagome's feelings for him?
Either way, someone would get hurt in all this. What was the right thing to do?
What a mess.
Sesshoumaru considered her statement briefly.
Inuyasha had said something similar in regards to removing Sango from the monk.
Humans sure had strange priorities when it came to their loyalties.
"Do as you wish," Sesshoumaru shrugged, lathering up is taut muscles with the soap he had been provided. He was rather enjoying the feeling finally being clean once again. It was no wonder the miko was so prone to her baths. "It would seem that my brother is too cowardly to inform you himself. However, if you desire him in return, it is left to you to initiate."
And that was all he would say on the matter. It was of no consequence to him what this incestual little group did with themselves. He was merely an observer, and kindly offering his outsider opinion on the issue. He wasn't sure why he bothered. He certainly didn't care.
But as she began to leave, head swimming with this new information, he gave one last demand.
"Whatever you decide, do not inform my brother of this conversation. He would not be pleased to learn of my interference."
Considering his request, she nodded once, though she wasn't certain why Sesshoumaru wanted the secrecy.
And truth be told, neither was he.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
When Sango emerged from the forest, she found that Miroku was gone. She was relieved at that.
It was clear that the two would be having a pivotal conversation the next time they were alone. But she was hoping for a little time to gather her frazzled thoughts before they had this talk.
Kagome was the only one who remained. She had finished her meal, but was still huddled by the fire to enjoy the last of the heat before it petered out.
"That was quick," she quipped, not making eye contact as she rubbed her hands together. "Was it worth it? Was it everything you were hoping for?"
Sango didn't appreciate the mockery. But Sesshoumaru's words were at the front of her mind.
What was she going to do? It appeared that Miroku was not the only one that was owed a conversation.
Kagome and she needed to hash out a few things as well.
But she figured she better talk with Inuyasha first. She had to find out if Sesshoumaru was speaking the truth. And find out what Inuyasha wanted to do about them, before involving the others.
Ignoring her friend's accusatory glare, she flicked her gaze around the campsite.
"Where is Inuyasha?"
Annoyed, but still unshakably accommodating, Kagome only pointed upward. And Sango walked to his favorite tree, and shouted up to the branches.
"Hey, Inuyasha! Will you come down here?"
After a moment, she got a response from the top.
"Keh, what do you want?"
She understood his moodiness at her. But she and Sesshoumaru hadn't done anything. Not really.
Determinedly, she attempted to persuade him.
"I need to talk to you. Would you take a walk with me?"
A moment of silence ensued. But she was feeling confident he would indulge her.
A rustle of branches later, the hanyou was down from his tree.
This new information allowed her to view him in a much different light. He really was handsome. And the possibility that he might want her so badly caused a giddiness to race through her that was enthralling, and not entirely unwelcome.
She offered him a warm smile before turning back towards the forest, though in the opposite direction she had arrived from.
He regarded her curiously, before shooting Kagome a questioning glance. When she only shrugged in response, he finally turned, following Sango's lead to the tree line.
Once more left to her own devices, Kagome found herself incredibly curious, and more than a little miffed.
What was going on? What did Sango need to tell him that she didn't want her to hear?
And why was he willing to take a walk with her, when he had turned down Kagome's invitation earlier?
She decided she was being too sensitive again. Sango obviously needed to talk to someone. And Inuyasha was alpha. It wasn't personal.
But it didn't stop her chest from hurting inexplicably as she watched them disappear from her sight.
Once again, she was left alone.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
About 10 minutes later, Sesshoumaru reemerged from the hot springs as well.
His hair was wet, and he was freshly washed. And, he seemed quite refreshed. It made Kagome's stomach turn just a little.
Sango was still gone with Inuyasha, and she hadn't divulged any details about their little tryst. But knowing what they had intended, she had assumed the two had gotten down to business. And very efficiently, at that, if the time they were gone was anything to go by.
She was dying to know, but she tried to appear uninterested.
"Did you have a good time?" she asked moodily, sliding her gaze at him sideways. "Get it all out of your system?"
He knew what she was implying. And if his body had cooperated, she would have been accurate.
But alas, it had not. And though incredibly frustrated, he was not entirely displeased to have still never bedded a human.
He sniffed, looking off into the distance as he replied.
"We simply had a conversation."
Kagome arched a brow dubiously.
"A conversation naked in the hot springs?"
He cut his gaze to her.
"Yes."
It seemed very unlikely, but she had no reason not to believe him. Now, she was really curious.
"Why didn't you do it?"
He considered not answering, but decided to throw her a bone. He was being unusually generous tonight, in his opinion.
"Apparently, it is not something human pack mates do to each other."
What wasn't? Sharing women? Or taking them from one another? Was that something youkai were prone to?
She briefly thought to Inuyasha, and what his thoughts on this topic might be.
She shook it off, however, and pried further.
"What did you talk about?"
"It does not concern you."
She bristled. He was right.
But it was very uncomfortable to be out of the loop.
Normally, she was the one whom everyone trusted with all of their secrets. It was so strange to be the one they were keeping things from.
How was she supposed to help if she didn't know what was going on?
"Where did they go?"
"It also does not concern you."
Kagome became very irritated.
She'd had just about enough of this guy.
He came in here, and after a matter of days, seemed to have turned their whole camp upside down with his burdensome presence.
Sure, he was there at her insistence. But she was doing it for his benefit. For Rin's.
And all she seemed to get for her helpfulness was him successfully driving wedges between she and the rest of the group.
At her wits end, she stood; darkness adorning her once gentle features.
"You just come in here, stirring up trouble," she accused, stepping closer as she did.
Sesshoumaru stood his ground, making a point to ignore her advance, to display how completely unconcerned he was with her.
"Don't forget you are here because you can't find Rin on your own. You are helpless without us." That finally earned hit attention. He narrowed his eyes at the insinuation, yet he allowed her to continue.
His intimidating scowl did nothing to derail her menacing approach.
"You better stop antagonizing everyone if you ever want to find her again. Because without our guidance, you are totally useless to her." She was so close now, that he could reach out and throttle her. And he should, with her disrespectful behavior. Promise be damned.
If the circumstances warranted it, he would break his oath and kill her. Or any of them. If the offense was egregious enough, his honor could be preserved, while still offering her a swift death. And she was approaching dangerously close to the border of his patience.
His eyes nearly crossed at her increasing proximity. He was shocked at her boldness, to the point of nearly being impressed. But not quite.
"You should be doing whatever you can to help us, so we can help you find her." She was right in his face now, without an ounce of fear. It was foolish on her part.
He should strike her down right now. He would be justified to do so. But for some reason, he held back.
And so did she. For she had the overwhelming urge to poke her boney finger into his chest at the moment, to accentuate her point. But she wisely refrained. Whether she had suddenly come to her senses, or she found regret in her accusations, she softened a bit.
He marveled at her shifting moods. But he was so thrown off by her uncharacteristic frostiness, he found it difficult to insert himself appropriately.
This woman must be enduring an incredible amount of stress. The prospect helped keep his temper at bay.
She retreated slightly. Still determined, her tone saddened just a fraction. Her eyes never left his own, and seemed to implore him with their sincerity.
"The more trouble you cause everyone, the more it's going to set us back. You are standing in your own way here. I just hope you realize that it's your little girl who is paying for your behavior."
He refused to let her rile him. He was far more disciplined than that.
This woman would get her due. If he was correct in his assumptions, his declaration to the slayer would see to that.
So he swallowed down his urge to lash out, and opted for an annoyingly calm retreat.
He fixed her with a long, cold glare. But she was more upset by the hint of mockery she thought she detected there.
"You may not want to wait up for them. I would imagine they shall be a while." She bristled again, and he wanted to smirk. But he didn't. He only stared at her intensely a moment more, before simply brushing past her.
"Good night, miko."
And when he made for his hut, she was alone once again, trying her best to make sense of his meaning.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Inuyasha was pleased of what his nose informed him.
Sango hadn't done anything particularly obscene with his brother.
But he was less than pleased at the circumstances. And was more than a little curious as to what had actually transpired.
"So, what were you guys doing?" he demanded. But his discomfort was very apparent. So was his curiosity.
She blushed.
"Oh, we were just talking."
The look he gave her proved his disbelief.
"Okay. It was a little more than that," she admitted, and he sunk. "But we stopped things before they got too far."
Her assurance seemed to lessen his pain a fraction. He couldn't help but pry. He was alpha after all. This could be considered his business.
"Why?"
Their stroll had taken them far from the camp. The snow on the ground made it difficult to get around, as the white slush concealed dangerous branches and stones which could prove hazardous.
Inuyasha couldn't risk injuring himself further. If something happened to Rin because they had to wait any longer for him, he could never live with himself.
But he also noticed how Sango was having trouble navigating around the cluttered trail.
An overturned tree at the edge of the lake seemed like a good enough place to stop.
So he gestured, indicating that she sit. She seemed willing enough to abide, offering a gentle smile that dulled the ache in his heart that had been there ever since she had left with his brother.
She blushed slightly when he helped her to sit. And once she was safely in place, he joined her at her side.
"We just don't feel that way about each other."
Her smile faltered when she noticed him moan slightly in pain as he sat. The wound from the snake was apparently still hurting him.
"I thought you said you needed it."
She was making a point to judge his reactions. She noted the scowl on his features at mention of the incident. She shrugged.
"I thought I did. I was wrong."
She also noted the way his breathing hitched for a second when she placed a hand on his arm. And the way his eyes widened slightly, and his cheeks took to pinkening.
And he was assessing her in return. He looked down to where they touched, and intently back into her eyes once more.
"What's going on with you and Miroku?" he finally decided to address the elephant in the room. "It seems like you ain't even a couple anymore."
He had hoped that when he split up the huts, it might have eased the tension between the two a bit. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, they say.
But the pair seemed quite set on avoiding each other now. He felt negligent.
He should not have let things get so bad before addressing this with them.
Just with Sesshoumaru joining them and all, he had gotten distracted.
His brother never would have allowed such a thing to occur in his own pack. He seemed to always have control; to know what to do.
'Except now,' he conceded. He shook himself mentally at the thought.
He should stop comparing himself to him. They were not the same. No matter how much at one point he had desired to emulate his impressive older sibling.
"We're not. At least, I don't think we are."
He was drawn from his self-loathing by her sad utterance.
Eyes downcast, she lowered her head to study the ground beneath her.
"Haven't you talked to him?"
She shook her head.
"He's always so busy with his other girls. He doesn't even make time for me."
It would be so easy to indulge in a Miroku-bashing session with her now.
He could take her side, and make himself look better in comparison. Maybe, in her sorrow, he could even convince her that he was a superior choice.
But he would be a pretty rotten alpha if he did something like that.
He still had his honor. And he would do right by them. It was important to him that they knew they could trust him.
"Well, you don't make time for him either. It seems like you are always taking off."
It was hard to hear, but she knew he was right.
"It just hurts too much to see him," she admitted. "I think we both know that it's over. But neither one is brave enough to have the conversation. It's just easier to avoid each other."
The relief he felt at her confession was quickly replaced by guilt.
He should not take pleasure in the dissolution of the relationship of his pack mates.
But maybe, there would be a chance for him.
He pushed that thought away. It wasn't the time. Not yet.
"You guys really need to talk. It is better for everyone if you address all your concerns, instead of bottling them up."
Tired of her sad expression, he attempted to lighten the mood. His boyish grin was disarming.
"I mean, it must be bad if you were willing to mess around with the Ice Prince. What were you thinking?"
She let out a short laugh, and wiped a rebel tear away from her eye.
"I wasn't. I see that now."
"I mean, he's such-"
"A jerk?" she finished for him, earning a large smile from the hanyou.
"Yeah."
She leaned in just enough to touch shoulders, and he bumped her back in a friendly manner.
"I know that now. I mean, I always knew. But I guess I was willing to look past it."
"Why?" He became serious once more. He really wanted to know.
This was awkward for her, but she owed him her honesty.
Besides, maybe he could help. Of everyone she knew, he was probably the only one she felt comfortable talking to at the moment.
"I was so desperate to have a little attention; I was willing to settle for less than I deserve."
She was right about that, and he was happy she could see it. Then again, he wouldn't wish his asshole brother on any woman.
His genuine smile was a very welcomed sight. She couldn't draw her eyes away from his handsome features in that moment.
He was so close, still touching her shoulder as she spilled her guts to him. She reveled in the comfort she felt in his presence. How easily he brought it out in her. How safe he made her feel.
And she loved him like this. With no fronts or walls put up. All he wanted was to help her.
But in that moment, she decided she wanted more.
She wanted to ease his pain. To lift his spirits. She wanted to see this tender and caring side of him, and she wanted to be the one to bring it out.
She made her decision then, and smiled at him softly.
"Then I realized, there was someone better for me all along right here."
He froze when she touched his hand then. Before he knew it, their hands were clasped together, and she brightened incredibly.
He could barely form words. The poison must be going to his head.
But when she began stroking the back of his hand with her thumb, he decided he should probably try to say something, instead of sitting there stupidly with his mouth open.
"Sango-"
"Inuyasha. Do you have feelings for me?"
She was in no mood to mess around here. She needed to know where they stood. The faster she did, the sooner she could see to getting on with her life.
"So, you did notice," he looked down nervously. "I thought I was hiding it pretty good."
She remembered her promise to Sesshoumaru, and kept her mouth shut. She would let him believe that she picked up on his feelings herself, instead of telling him his brother had anything to do with it.
Just as well. Adding Sesshoumaru to this situation any more than he already was, clearly was a poor idea.
"I don't understand. Why didn't you say anything before?"
He lifted his other hand to their already clasped ones, and cradled hers between them.
He found it easier to make his confession when he could focus on their fingers instead.
"Miroku is my friend," he explained. "He is pack. And so are you. The health and happiness of the pack is most important. I would never hurt any of you."
He finally found the courage to look her in the eyes, and she was startled at the raw pain she saw there.
"Besides, I never thought you would ever want me. I'm a half demon. I'm used to being looked over."
She wanted to comfort him. To tell him that didn't matter to her. It didn't.
Well, not anymore.
She would be lying to suggest that his demon blood had never played a part in her feelings toward him.
When they first met, she had indeed written him off as unacceptable. But that wasn't her anymore.
And he had a large part in removing her prejudices.
Still playing with her hands in his, he found the courage to venture a burning question.
"Were you really gonna- you know. With Sesshoumaru?" She blushed, and looked away. "Do you really like him that much?"
He didn't really want to know. But he had to ask. If there was going to be anything between them, they could not have secrets. It was best to get everything out in the open right away.
"Your brother is a good-looking guy," she admitted honestly. Then she smirked. "But he is a total jerk."
He always hated how females seemed to fall at his brother's feet. But at least she could see what a bastard he was. A lot of girls were not willing to look deep enough to see that about him.
But Sango wasn't like other girls.
"And good looks run in your family," she pandered shamelessly. "I would much rather be with someone like you."
He wasn't expecting the kiss.
Her lips met his so quickly he barely had time to react.
He savored the sweet taste of her lips against his own.
It was something he had fantasized about countless times over. But she had never felt as incredible in his wildest dreams as she did here, in the flesh, pressing herself willingly and wantingly against him.
In his fantasy, things had gone a lot further a lot faster. But now, with her actually here, and unbelievably receptive, he found himself too shocked and overwhelmed to do much more about it than relax, and revel in this rare moment of victory. Of acceptance.
Good things did not happen to him. He was well acquainted with how it felt to want things; to need them. Yet, to be resigned to going without. Such was the life of a half demon.
And now that he was simply being gifted with that which he wanted most in the world, he feared that pushing for more would be a slap in the face to the kami. All he could feel was gratitude to whatever great forces were allowing him this moment, even if it was only a brief occurrence on his otherwise tortured existence.
He placed a gentle hand at the back of her neck, boldly yet respectfully attempting to deepen the kiss. And in turn, she gripped his haori and pressed herself closer to him.
But when she attempted to undo his clothing, he grabbed her hands to stop her. She only looked on confused. And she could tell he was warring with himself.
"I can't," he breathed out between ragged pants. "Not yet."
She huffed angrily, and turned away. She was getting pretty sick of having her advances rejected.
The demon slayers she had experienced had never offered her any resistance. And Miroku certainly hadn't. Maybe she had been spoiled.
"Sango, I want you more than anything," he tried to explain. When she turned her head away, he grabbed her chin in his hand and forced her to look at him again. "But it wouldn't be right to do this before you talk to Miroku. We need to get this all squared away before we get any closer. I have to do what is right for the pack."
She sighed. He was right. But that didn't mean she wasn't frustrated with the situation.
Regardless, she offered him a small smile. No matter what her hormones were telling her, she couldn't fault him for putting the well-being of other's above his own urges.
Urges she definitely knew were there, if what she had felt pressed against her hip a second ago was any indication.
At least he was superior to someone in that regard. If not in size, then at least his ability to perform...
"I will talk to him," she assured him, and he smiled gratefully. "But you need to talk to Kagome as well."
He wasn't expecting that. He furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Kagome and I ain't-"
"I know." Now her hand was on his cheek, demanding his attention. She had succeeded in silencing him at the unexpected action. "But she wants to be. She expects that you two will be more. And you know that." He looked down guiltily.
He knew how Kagome felt. And he admitted that he had not handled her properly. He had intended to talk to her about it eventually, but he was really hoping that she would come to the same conclusion on her own. The longer things went, the harder it became to bring it up. He had been a coward.
But he was afraid that when he turned her down, she would not want to be his friend anymore. It would kill him if she removed herself from his life. But the worst thing would be if he hurt her. He was trying to avoid that at all costs. Now, it seemed, that the time had finally come.
"This is going to hurt her. But you have been stringing her along for way too long. You need to tell her, and let her move on."
Despite their current issues, Kagome was still like a sister to her. Sisters fought, but they still cared about each other.
She cared about Kagome. She could even say she loved her. And she was not looking forward to how this new development would change things between them. She only hoped that the pack was strong enough to withstand it.
He nodded determinedly.
"I will. But I have to wait until the moment is right." At her look, he elaborated. "I swear, I will tell her tomorrow."
His determination inspired her to act as well. This was a long time coming anyway.
"And I will tell Miroku."
She went in for one more kiss. It was still somewhat awkward, and she accepted that it would take time to get used to. But the happiness she felt when taking his lips with hers would be more than enough to assuage any weirdness in the new feelings. And any guilt. When they parted, she rose to leave.
But his grip on her hand was strong, and he yanked her back down into her seat.
"Wait. Don't go yet." His strong arms pulled her easily into his lap. He ignored the pain he felt at the sudden action, but enjoyed the giggle she emitted at the unexpected movement.
"Just because we gotta wait, it don't mean we can't still talk." She smiled as he rubbed his cheek against hers. She was way too easy to persuade. "Sit with me a while."
xxxxxxxxxx
When informed that the trip to the hot springs had been innocent- as innocent as a co-ed trip to the hot springs could be- Miroku had no problem engaging cordially with Sesshoumaru once more. He wouldn't have held it against him if he had messed around with the woman; they were all but broken up by now anyhow. But it would have been admittedly more uncomfortable.
"I'm going to spend the night in the next village over," Miroku informed his roommate as he packed a few things into his sack. It was one he used when making overnight excursions. "I have a woman I like to visit there. And she has several beautiful friends." He waggled his eyebrows at the imposing male. "Would you like to come with me?"
Sesshoumaru had no trouble garnering attention from the ladies. Miroku considered he would be a good man to have around when he wanted to attract females.
Whatever women Sesshoumaru rejected would be prime for the taking. He was going to make it his goal to turn him into his wing man.
Sesshoumaru only watched him silently, as the monk prepared to leave their hut for the evening.
"Come with me, Sesshoumaru," he beseeched. "Us bachelors need to stick together." It was his first time admitting his bachelorhood out loud, and he couldn't get over how strange it sounded. But also, how right. "Don't worry about your face, they are going to love you. Girls like a rugged man."
Sesshoumaru considered it for a moment.
The way things had turned out at the hot spring had him decidedly frustrated.
But his conversation with the miko had left him unsettled.
There were other matters he had to tend to. And he refused to be distracted by the infuriating call of his body.
Perhaps another time, if his issue persisted.
"The offer is appreciated. However, This One must rise early tomorrow. I refuse to give half of my morning away to this night."
"Just stay up all night," he suggested, offering his mischievous grin. "Trust me, these girls will keep you very busy."
"I decline."
Miroku sighed in defeat. He knew when to push the issue, and when it was a losing battle. Maybe next time.
Packing the last item in his sack, he flung it over his shoulder and prepared to exit.
"Suit yourself. But remember what I told you about expelling your desires. We wouldn't want another repeat of last night, would we?"
Sesshoumaru scowled menacingly, causing Miroku to release a nervous laugh.
If the monk knew what was good for him, he would desist bringing that particular matter up.
xxxxxxxxxxx
It had been hours since Inuyasha had left with Sango; braving the snow laden forest which surrounded their camp, in order to obtain a small measure of privacy. For some reason.
The suspense was killing her. And Kagome wished more than ever in that moment that she and the taijiya were on better terms. If these were the good ol' days, Sango would confide in her friend as soon as she returned from her walk, making sure not to skimp on every last juicy detail.
But then again, if things were as they had been before, she probably wouldn't have deemed it necessary to insist on any secrecy in the first place.
A single lantern dimly illuminated the small hut the women shared. And Kagome had spent the last few sleepless hours gazing at the empty bedroll on the other side of the room.
Sesshoumaru had said they only talked. And now she was having a private talk with Inuyasha. Was she next? She desperately hoped that she was.
The two had a few things to sort out. She had hoped that after a tryst with Sesshoumaru, Sango would calm down enough to put their little tiff behind them.
But he insisted that they hadn't done anything lewd, and she was only left to wonder what was discussed.
She hoped, whatever it was, it would be enough to help Sango get over her testy attitude with the rest of the group.
But then, Sesshoumaru seemed to inspire more aggravation that placation lately. She would just have to wait and see.
This whole ordeal was incredibly frustrating.
Tensions were high, and as such, the young time traveler was finding herself far too wound up to sleep.
Sango and Inuyasha still weren't back yet, and each minute that passed only caused the muscles in Kagome's body to wind even tighter.
She should just enjoy the solitude.
Everyone was in such close quarters, that a moment to one's self was a rarity. She should really be taking the opportunity to enjoy the quiet, and try to clear her head.
But she was anxious. She had been trying to sleep for hours, but both mind and body were grossly overtaxed.
The stress was starting to have an effect on her.
Kagome knew of a few methods to deal with her tension. One in particular was only possible when she was alone.
As it had been some time since she was afforded full privacy within her hut, she decided now was probably a good time to dust off her old standby and put the method to use. Though she now had a new tool at her disposal.
She rose from her bedroll, and made her way across the room.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
In his own hut across the way, Sesshoumaru was having trouble sleeping as well.
His reaction to the slayer had been troubling. He had never had a problem getting his body to perform for him in the past. So why now?
He had been more than ready, with a naked and willing- very willing- woman in his lap. Then, when the time came...
He nearly smiled at the irony. In the past, he would have been mortified that he ever could have a reaction to a human woman's body. Now he was loathing the fact that he couldn't.
He wondered if he would ever get control over his human form. With any luck, he would not be in it long enough to need to.
And why had he encouraged the slayer to consider entertaining the half breed? His brother's love life, or lack thereof, was of no interest to him. After his embarrassing failure in the springs, he could have just sent the woman on her way without interfering. What had possessed him to suggest such a thing?
Perhaps he was attempting to embarrass the boy. Yes, that must be it.
His first plan of laying with the girl Inuyasha desired had fallen through. So perhaps the next best thing was to inform the woman of his brother's feelings.
Surely, no woman would consider a romantic relationship with a half breed. When she refused him, the boy would be humiliated, and that would bring Sesshoumaru pleasure. Wouldn't it?
But he had yet to hear the couple return.
With his human hearing, it is likely he would have missed it. But it had been hours. And surely the woman would not take this long to reject him. He needed to see for himself.
Rising from his bedroll, he approached the split in the wood which granted him access to the females' hut.
He could see the light in the window. It burned clearly in contrast to the encompassing darkness of the rest of the forest. But without his superior sight, he could not make out who was inside.
He fetched his binoculars from beneath his pile of blankets on the floor, and focused again on the window across the way.
He could make out the miko, who appeared to be very much awake. She was clothed this time- thank kami- though she only donned an overly large t-shirt which covered her down to mid-thigh. Thin, muscular legs poked out from beneath the hem, and he tried not to focus on them as she busied herself in her strange yellow pack.
He recognized the box she removed as the one which contained the pink massager. His snooping already alerted him to its purpose, and he surmised that the woman must have some tension of her own to work out.
'Too bad the item is a piece of junk.'
He continued to watch her as she removed it from its case, and made her way back to lay down on her bedroll.
It became clear that the slayer had yet to return. He errantly began to wonder what was keeping her and his brother so long, but his mind became blank when he saw Kagome turn on the device, and place the buzzing item beneath the edge her shirt.
Between her legs, in the apex of her thighs, she pressed the massager firmly onto her clit.
A small moan escaped her as she ran it in small circles, while thrusting herself upward in rolling, suggestive movements.
He stilled stiff as he watched her, too stunned to move an inch.
'Hn. I suppose if used in that regard, perhaps the item is not as useless as This One perceived...'
With the miko's spirited demonstration, he quickly became aware of the massager's true intended purpose.
She pressed the pink wand harder into her heated flesh, and placed a hand over her mouth to muffle the sounds of ecstasy she was eliciting from herself.
As she continued bucking upward, she used the hand on her mouth to run temptingly down her neck, and take hold one of her breasts. She was still covered by the oversized shirt, but when she grabbed harshly onto her own generous offering, he could make out the size and location of her feminine curves perfectly.
Every ounce of blood in his body rushed to his throbbing shaft.
He bit his lip at the reaction, before sending a withering glare down to his pulsating manhood.
'Where were you when I needed you?' he thought disdainfully. 'When I could have done something about it.'
He supposed he still could. In fact, he would do well to.
The monk's warning before his departure was ringing in his ears.
He had no interest in enduring another disturbing dream this evening. And he certainly had no interest in washing his seed from his clothing again as well.
He'd already decided he would be sleeping commando tonight to prevent such an occurrence. But taking care of his desire now would hopefully aid him in his persisting issues throughout the day as well.
Gripping his binoculars in one hand, his other made the journey downward, to finally take firm hold of his aching cock.
His thick, angry length burned hot in his hand. And he took his time to savor the feeling as he pulled himself from the base of his shaft, all the way up to his perfectly formed tip. Precum was already accumulating there, and he collected it with a strategic pass, and spread it around himself as a form of lubrication.
All the while, he was watching her.
She seemed to find her rhythm, that was for certain.
Both her legs were bent. And she used the leverage she had to pointedly hump herself up and down into her toy. Clenching her sexy ass in a way which lifted her slightly from the mat on the floor, and into the vibrating pink wand which was aiding her in receiving pleasure.
Her other hand was roaming everywhere. Grabbing one fine, ample breast, to squeeze and rub, before tweaking the hardened peak of a taut nipple; before switching to the other, and giving it equal attention.
She ran it through her thick, shiny hair. Tangling itself in her ebony locks, and occasionally pulling in a tantalizing way which seemed to arouse more pleasure from the slight pain it caused her.
And finally, as her breathing became more labored, and her movements more frantic, it moved below her navel, to join the other in working her swollen clit through the fabric between her legs.
She was rubbing the wand harder over her mound, when she took her free hand and used her two fingers to venture beneath her finely made undergarments. Going through the hole in leg, she pushed the material aside. She wasted no time in warming herself up- she was already quite stimulated from her vigorous actions- as she entered herself to the knuckle with both fingers at once, and began the sinful motion of pumping them in and out of herself over, and over again.
He was stroking himself furiously at this point.
What began as slow, savory motions up and down the length of his cock were now speedy, violent and desperate attacks.
His mouth hung open as he watched the miko pleasure herself, to aid his heavy, ragged breaths from entering and exiting his overworked lungs.
An especially erotic movement from her would evoke extra tingles of pleasure at the base of his spine. Pulling the feeling through his cock would occasionally stir a strangled, choking gasp to pass through his needy lips.
He did not attempt to push aside the images his mind supplied, as he pictured himself on top of her, giving her the pleasure she was now giving herself.
But he could do so much better, offer her so much more than that pathetic little massager she was so incredibly enamored with.
He could see her very clearly, on her back, thrusting shamelessly into her own working hands. Eyes closed tight and mouth open in a silent scream.
But in his mind's eye, it was him there.
His perfect, skillful movements were taking her to heights she had never known.
His incredibly long, perfectly rigid member was burying itself deeper inside than she had ever experienced. Ever thought possible.
At a speed so reckless, so inhuman that she thought she might perish from overstimulation. She didn't think she could take it; but she would. Oh, yes she would. He would make certain of that.
By the time he was through, she would be begging him for more. Despite the impossible exhaustion and need for rest and hydration, she would demand he perform again, because she simply couldn't live another second without him giving her the unbelievable pleasure she had only just learned was possible. And now, could not do without.
And he was picturing her beneath him.
Her satin soft skin was heaven against his hands. His lips. His bare, continuously flexing stomach.
He would help himself generously to every last bit that she offered, as he would indulge himself fully in the banquet of this woman's body.
And her walls were clamped around him so tightly. Squeezing him so firmly, that with each retreat of his cock from her tiny, quivering form, he feared that his outstanding girth would not have the strength to pry her apart again, so that he may enter once more.
But he would.
And she would more than allow it.
Despite seeming to force him from her impossibly tight heat, each time he pressed forward, she welcomed him warmly. No, more than that.
She demanded he enter her. Give her the pleasure that only he could give, and take whatever he could plunder in return.
He could feel his climax approaching as he pounded furiously into his fist.
And when a sharp, strangled cry alerted him to her own fantastic release, the sound caused him to still, and stiffen.
Still holding onto his binoculars, he removed them from his eyes. He braced himself against the wall with his forearm, and buried his face into the crook of his elbow.
He was still pounding his dick as his seed shot from him powerfully. Spurts of white painted the wall in front of him, as he gasped a hushed, broken breath into his arm.
He continued stroking until nothing was left. He could feel the sweat on his forehead as he removed it from the inside of his elbow.
He fought to regain his choppy breath as he finally opened his eyes. When he did, he could see the evidence of his pleasure dripping down the wall in long, viscous gobs.
When he raised his naked gaze back to the crack in the wood, still righting his breathing as the spots cleared from his eyes, he could see that her lantern had been extinguished.
It indicated that she had finally gone to bed, and he found himself hoping that she would be able to now rest well.
As for himself, the Western Lord, found sleep not long after returning to his mat.
And for the first time since his transformation, he enjoyed a peaceful, dreamless slumber.
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A/N: We've still got a long ways to go with this story, but I needed to get through a lot of leg work and set up first. This chapter helped me with that. So if you think its going slow, that's why. But we're just getting started, and we're gonna have some good pay offs coming up. So stay tuned!
Despite this being one of the first chapters I had planned, it fought me the most so far in terms of being hard to push out. This one took a lot out of me, but the length might have something to do with that. That being said, I might need to take a little break to get my shit together again for this. But reviews are fuel...
On a side note, have you read Stripped Bare yet? It's a pretty long one-shot I wrote, and it's been getting great feedback. So if you haven't had a chance, check it out and let me know what you think! It might be some of my best work so far...
Thanks for reading!