A/N: This fic was brought to you by the coronavirus. Without it, I never would've had so much time off work stuck inside with nothing to do. So even though I started writing this before the plague; it definitely wouldn't be what it is without it. Nor would it be anywhere close to done. So I guess the moral is, when covid give you lemons, make fanfic lemonade (and the more lemons the better, am I rite?).

PS: I managed to restrain myself, and kept it at a tight 77 pages lol. I am so sorry...

After a brief delay; Sesshoumaru's war dragon was seen cutting through the sky at breakneck speeds in a familiar westbound path. The journey would go on as planned, less one notable passenger.

Jaken had been sent with orders to seek out Toran and assist her in any way she required. Then, he was to return to the village and deliver a full report.

He had faith in his allies and soldiers, but he would be no use to them there. He was a valuable mind in a vulnerable body, and for the time being; could serve them best discretely from the safety of the camp.

He still held concerns that he would be discovered, bringing danger to his pack. But these humans had proven time and again that they were not to be underestimated. He was intimately familiar with the ramifications of such a slight.

Besides, if evil prevailed in the upcoming war, humans everywhere would likely be placed in peril regardless of his noble sacrifice. This pack was no safer with him dead, so barring the use of his powerful physical form; he would offer his aid through his tactical cunning, and unrivaled mind for war. All they had to do was ask, but until they returned; he would be forced into the uncomfortable position of waiting on the sidelines, hiding amongst his mortal brethren.

In the meantime, he would be charging head-on into more unfamiliar territory, and trying his hand at groveling. He was being adventurous today.

He'd wanted to make it easier for the miko to let him go, and his efforts would also make taking him back a bit harder. But he always did like a challenge.

Unsure if he would get the go-ahead, Sesshoumaru forewent announcing his arrival and simply let himself into his brother's new hut. He located the lone figure with ease, and quickly crossed the room to the tiny body curled up on the high bed.

Her back was to the door, but he could hear the soft weeping she was struggling to contain. Her body shook lightly from restraint, likely in attempt to conceal her destress, so as not to burden others with it.

He suddenly regretted his earlier prayers for a less expressive outburst than his ward had supplied.

He rounded the futon smoothly, and crouched to level his face with hers. Her sorrow was his own, and he chided himself mentally for ever entertaining harming her, even for her benefit.

A gentle brush against her cheek dampened the pads of his fingers, and Kagome opened her eyes. His wordless apology simmered upon his somber features, and he wasn't done. He carefully lifted his fistful of yellow blooms for her pursual, doubtful and uncertain of their effectiveness, but cautiously optimistic.

She spared a fleeting glance to the abused boquet, and was understandably unimpressed when she returned her bloodshot gaze to him.

"Rin gave those to you," she accused quietly, lifting a hand to wipe her cheek. "I saw her picking them."

"I will take her to pick more tomorrow." His velvety vow caressed her eardrums, somehow relaxing the tension in her chest.

She searched his face for deceit, and, of course, found none.

"You mean you are staying?" she asked carefully, wary of letting hope bloom prematurely.

She pushed herself up to sit, letting her legs hang over the edge of the platform, and he quickly seized the open place at her side.

"I realized something very important," he told her, discarding his gift on the mattress behind them and knocking loose a few petals in the process. "and now know that the reason I had for leaving you, is the very reason I cannot."

"What?"

Hands now free, he took her cheek in his palm, and was encouraged when she allowed it. He looked deeply into her sapphire gaze, intense and intent on proving his sincerity.

"I would rather die than live without you."

The ensuing silence felt like an eternity, and he prepared himself for the crushing blow of her dismissal.

After a moment of consideration, she finally ended his torment. "You don't have to do either, idiot."

The beginnings of her smile loosened the coil around his heart, and his own lips twitched. "That was my next epiphany."

Her short laugh caused his fingers to curl against her skin, stroking anxiously to soothe himself as much as her. "I apologize for my behavior. I was only trying to-"

"It's okay," she assured him, letting her smile widen. "I forgive you."

She lifted her hand to cover his on her cheek, and stunned him speechless with her easy acceptance. He expected much more of a struggle, drawing from previous encounters.

"Just like that?" he asked dubiously, amusing her.

"Just like that."

Despite letting out a huff of relief, he wasn't sure how he felt about that. He hadn't been so forgiving when it came to her indiscretions. He at least made her suffer a bit before forgiving her for the wish, but she would not respond in kind. It made him feel small for not being so gracious.

"Life's too short," she explained, sensitive to his conflicted reaction. "I don't want to waste any more of it fighting. Besides," she smiled, "I know you have my best interests at heart. I trust you."

He couldn't agree more; too much time had been squandered already, and he endeavored to correct that. A man of action, he showed his gratitude by leaning forward and capturing her lips in an urgent kiss.

He had so many things he wished her to know in that moment, but lacked the descriptors to relay himself adequately with words alone. He likely didn't know much of what he was feeling, nor could he accurately describe it. But luckily, he didn't need to.

Though words failed him, his clever mouth told her everything she needed to hear. He expressed himself perfectly, pouring himself into her, uncensored and unbidden, and letting her know him completely. And in return, she let him feel that unconditional trust he'd been wanting for all this time, and he knew without a doubt it was true.

The kiss became heated quickly; breath drawing harshly against parted lips as tongues sought one another in desperation.

Fists clenched tightly into restrictive clothing, causing nails to scrape heated skin. They pulled back panting as she rested her forehead against his to catch breath.

"Does that mean you want to try?" she asked huskily, smoothing his rumpled silk back out. He grabbed her by the waist.

"That is not what I came back for," he insisted, pulling away. She did the same, but he did not release his hold. "I did mean what I said, about not wanting to try and make me demon." He held her gaze firmly to make sure she understood. "I have made peace with the fact that I will likely never return to my former glory, and I accept it." Sesshoumaru's violet gaze turned pleading as he tenderly brushed back a few fallen locks. "I do not want you to worry on it. Let us simply enjoy whatever time we have."

He knew she was trying to help, and he knew a lot of the reason for that was guilt regarding the wish. But watching her waste her life, beat herself up over his humanity would be even more excruciating than being human. He couldn't do it. So if she really wanted to help him; she would abandon those notions, and simply try to find some happiness in this life. He vowed to assist her in that in any way he could.

"That's what I am trying to do." Her shy admission made him squeeze her hips in his grasp, and she started fussing with the lapels of his haori. "I don't care if you change back or not. I think my plan has merit, but that was not the reason I suggested it."

With his rapt attention focused squarely on her earnest features; her fiery blue gaze was deathly serious.

"Being friends used to be good enough, but that is no longer the case." His attention drifted down to the lip she pulled anxiously between her teeth. "I know I'm being selfish, but... Sesshoumaru, you do things to me."

His eyes opened a little wider at the admission, but he opted not to interrupt her.

Seeing she had the floor; Kagome gathered her courage and took a steadying breath. She was finally going to tell him all the things she'd been longing to say, but hadn't found the nerve.

"There are many, many things about you that I am attracted to," she would easily admit. "But lately, since we haven't been talking as much; I've only been able to focus on the physical things."

Nervous hands resumed their movements, sliding back and forth over the hard planes of his chest. She couldn't maintain that piercing stare if she was going to continue speaking, so her eyes drifted there as well.

"I know it makes me sound really shallow, but I'm just being honest."

Her audience of one didn't dare say a word, nor move a muscle, save for the twitching fingers that held her in his grip.

"When I look at you now," she continued, still pointedly not looking at him, "I can't help but remember what you looked like laying beneath me, totally naked."

He was statuesque as she started rubbing harder, but not just because he was motionless. His body was solid as stone, and she enjoyed the feel of it, clad in silk beneath her questing palms as she ran them over his form. It was impossible not to let her memory supply her with what she knew was underneath.

"I think about how firm the muscles in your chest are, and what it feels like to have the ridges in your stomach pressing up against me." She ran her hands down lower as she spoke, feeling him convulse beneath her fingertips as she continued her journey down. "How much I love touching them with my fingers... and my tongue."

The bolder language allowed her to finally lift her gaze. When she met his eyes once again; she found they'd hooded in her absence, but focused on her keenly.

"I miss the feel of your big, strong arms wrapped around me," she told him, stroking languidly up said appendages, "and how safe and protected I feel when I'm inside them, or trapped between them." He took the cue, and wrapped her in his embrace, pulling her back against his chest. "So powerful, but so gentle in a way that feels like it's only for me."

"It is," he assured her, pressing his nose into her temple as he spoke in hushed, private tones. The sensation of his hot breath against her ear encouraged her lids to droop, and she lifted her hands to caress the forearms that gathered her to him tightly.

"When I close my eyes; I see your beautiful face hovering over mine, and I can almost feel your lips on my neck," she sighed when his warm mouth instantly found her pulse point, "...and my breasts, and down between my legs."

While his mouth was making the hairs on her neck stand on end; his hands slid down her body, grabbing and petting until she shivered in his arms.

Through all his distractions; she would not yield her time, stopping her raunchy confession only long enough to moan or cry out her appreciation.

"I get so turned on whenever I think about you," she said breathily, "and all the things you've done to me. The things we've done together."

"What things?" he asked, his tone husky as soft lips just barely brushed her ear.

"Do you remember when I took your... in my mouth."

He wanted to laugh. She still couldn't say it, despite all they had done. Despite what he was doing to her this very moment. But instead, he replied, "Vividly."

"Really?" she asked, turning to regard him with the beginnings of a lazy smirk. "Because you looked like you were slipping in and out of consciousness."

He smiled darkly into her half-lidded features.

"Is that what you call it?" As he taunted, he applied just a bit more pressure and relished wiping that superior smirk off her face. That small amount of extra force had her head tilting back, and her jaw fell open in a silent scream. She could only imagine what would happen if he really got serious.

"It's been so hard being kept at a distance." Her head lulled back onto his shoulder for support. "I felt guilty because every time I looked at you; I would remember how big and hard you get for me, and it made me so wet."

He tried to muster some guilt for being so cold to her when they returned to the village, but her wanting body and shameless flattery were having too profound an effect. He was certain she could feel that his affliction from the other night was more than resolved. That would not be a problem for them tonight, or ever again.

"What do you about it?" he asked, making her groan out as he roughly handled her breast. That sexy tenor was usually smooth as silk, but hearing it harshen with lust for her was nearly enough to send her careening.

"Well," she began, finding it difficult to retain a coherent thought, let alone articulate it. "I remember taking you in my mouth, and then I put my fingers between my folds."

He groaned at the image, stroking her more firmly in the way she described. Feeling how hot, and wet she was getting already. "I pretend it's you touching me," she gasped, breath coming more labored. "I have to trick myself."

Riding high on male pride; he shifted his hips so she could feel his approval. He couldn't tell if she was simply humoring him at this point, but he didn't care. It didn't matter anyway. Either way, it was not a problem she would ever again have the chance to contend with.

"I have been needing you so bad for so long." She raised her arm behind her head to touch his face, and he leaned greedily into the contact. "If we don't do it soon... I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Why have you never said anything?" he asked, squeezing her tighter and pressing his forehead into her temple. "You know I would have helped you."

"You wouldn't even talk to me." At the reminder, his attentions began to slow. "I was worried you didn't want me anymore."

The distress she displayed stopped his movements all together. He wanted to keep pleasing her, stoking her, but needed her to know that he was serious. He hugged her tighter.

"I never stopped wanting you," he told her firmly. "Not for one second."

She turned back to look up into his own troubled features.

"It really showed me how foolish I was. How I had taken you for granted." When she pulled away, he reluctantly released her so she could turn to face him. "Like I had all the time in the world. Like you were always going to be waiting. When you weren't," she remembered sadly, "and I didn't know if you'd forgive me, it made me realize how thoughtless I've been. How lucky I was to have you, and how wonderful you are."

Her smile returned as she lifted her hand to gently touch his cheek. She stroked him lovingly where steep cuts of beautiful magenta should have been. "It made me realize how much I need you, and how life without you isn't really life at all."

She studied him a moment, and her smile fell into something serious. "I'm s-"

"Don't," he begged, arresting her tracing fingers in his firm grip.

She'd apologized to him enough for one lifetime. He was so tired of seeing her regretful. He just wanted to see her happy. Could she ever be so with him, if her mistakes were always glaring back at her through his ordinary violet gaze?

"No. I need to say it." She was determined, so he released his grip to let her reclaim her hand, albeit forlornly. "I'm sorry I didn't appreciate you. And thank you, for everything you've done for me. You have no idea how much it all means to me. How much you do."

For the first time in his life, Sesshoumaru didn't know what to say.

She made him feel so many things so quickly, and so fiercely he barely had time to register them all, let alone respond to them.

Being human left him vulnerable to an onslaught of emotions and thoughts he'd never experienced as a demon, and when he was with her; everything was so new and so fast and so strong...

No one had ever shown him such unconditional kindness, but he knew it was more than that.

She cared. She cared about him, and while the notion seemed useless and trivial to his logical mind; it warmed him to his core. It filled every part of him, alerting him to the previous emptiness he'd never even been aware of – hollow places in his being that he didn't know were not meant to be that way. And now that he was privy to the stark contrast - that marvelous, unmatched power far beyond anything he'd ever imagined - he knew he could never go back. He didn't know how he'd managed until this point without that absolute fullness beneath his breast, because it wouldn't just be excruciating now if it was gone; he would simply cease to function.

He remained speechless, and didn't know how much time had passed while he tried to account for the new additions, but the miko had apparently grown weary of waiting.

"Now you go," she ordered.

Overwhelmed, but hiding it fairly well, the former demon simply blinked.

Go? She wanted him to leave? Perhaps he wasn't off the hook quite yet.

But even though she was a baffling enigma to him, she read him like a book. Sensing his confusion, she offered him a smile that sent a whole new flood of warmth coursing through his veins, and grabbed his hands.

"Okay," she began determinedly, captivating him with her shy smile. "I'm a teenage virgin with self-esteem issues, abandonment issues... and I'm about to give myself to the most unfairly beautiful man to ever walk the earth." He saw her confidence falter when her gaze turned pleading and timid. "Tell me what I want to hear."

So, she wanted assurances. Even after all they had shared - all he had shown her - she still was not certain of her place in his heart.

Perhaps that was his fault. He was still learning to convey himself as a human would require. He preferred to show through actions, and there would be a time for that soon. But after all she had relayed to him just now; he could give her the words she needed from him.

He simply had to find them.

She watched on a moment as he tried to think of answer, and huffed loudly. "That is not exactly flattering," she told him hotly, releasing his hands in frustration. Apparently, speed factored into the approval of his reply. Her disappointment was clear.

He was quick to reclaim her hands, however, and she let him.

"I simply do not wish to speak incorrectly," he explained. Sesshoumaru did not normally talk much, but each word was chosen with the utmost care and consideration. And this seemed important to her.

"I have it," he finally declared after only a moment more. Squeezing her hands tighter; he looked right into her eyes. "You would agree that no matter which form I take; I am vied for by every woman I see."

It wasn't a question, and seeing his earnestness, she threw him a flat glare.

"You're only complimenting yourself," she accused in annoyance. "You're supposed to be doing me."

His expression didn't change. "I have been offered the most beautiful, most brilliant, most poised and powerful bitches youkai society has to offer." With a large eyeroll, she threw his hands down. "And not just in the West," he continued to explain, "in all the lands. The world."

Standing suddenly, she was stopped when he rose to his feet in a flash, and grabbed her arm.

"None of them are fit to wash your robes." He got a thoughtful look. "As a matter of fact, if I do return, I shall organize it."

Seeing her still distressed, he reached out to cradle her face. "You put every one of them to shame in every way. I rejected all of them - every one - and never thought of them again until now."

She relaxed at the intensity, and the softness he displayed, but still did not seem entirely pleased. He used the opportunity to pull himself a little closer.

"You know I have looked upon no human but you. But you must also know that no demoness to earn my gaze has affected This One so profoundly." He smiled in an astounded, helpless way. "You occupy my mind at every waking moment. Haunt my dreams, in the most disconcerting, and pleasurable way. I cannot recall of a time before you, and refuse to entertain the notion of an after."

She could only stare as he offered his confession, allowing him to draw her closer, both hands holding her to him tightly as his silk bunched up beneath her touch.

"When I look upon you, I know it is the only form I wish to see," he assured her, stroking heatedly up and down her sides. "The only soft skin I wish to feel writhing beneath my hands, my hips, my mouth..." He dipped low, spoke lower as she felt hot breath travel along her cheek. When she felt his tongue drag hotly along her neck, she shuddered, inhaling a shaky breath as a tingle raced down her spine.

"... The only taste I ever want upon my tongue, the only scent I wish to know." She felt his nose in her hair as he gathered her up against his chest, and her hands grasped the taut biceps that held her. "Your voice," he rumbled, "the only sound I wish to hear and when I do, to know it will only be my name upon your lips. Rest assured that no other name but yours shall ever leave my mouth on passionate breath."

She was on anything but solid ground as she trembled from sensory overload. Everything about him was imposing, even like this, and he managed to be everything - touch everything - all at once. She almost doubted his existence, but his hold on her was all too real. She knew she was safe in his arms, even though he himself threatened to pull the ground from beneath her feet.

He held her tenderly in his palm once more as he wrapped his arm around her waist, and bore into her startled blue eyes with the utmost sincerity.

"I told you once that my mortal life belongs to you." She didn't need the reminder. The bittersweet pangs of the revealing declaration had followed them both ceaselessly from the Northern Lands all the way to this very hut. "but I was only half right."

Eyes widened as she watched a kind of helpless joy tease his lips and his eyes, and compromise the determined set of his strong jaw. "The reality is that on this day, the next, and each one after it; everything I am, and everything I ever will be, is yours."

Pleased to render her to the same stunned silence she'd had him reduced to only moments ago, he could only hope he'd filled her with the same warm completeness she had given him.

Actually nervous, he brushed the bangs from her eyes to distract him of it, and let his adoring gaze drift to her slightly parted lips.

"And Higurashi Kagome, Keeper of the Shikon no Tama, Slayer of the vile hanyou Naraku," he nearly chuckled to himself as realized her absurd list of impressive accomplishments, and endeavored not to omit a single one. "Time-Jumping Shrine Maiden and infuriating bane to proud demons everywhere, has Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands," he tucked a fallen lock back behind her ear, "son of Inu no Taisho, and brother to the foul-mouthed half breed Inuyasha, rendered absolutely powerless."

He had no name to give her, but she certainly wasn't wanting for them. She'd done just fine on her own. She was independent and capable and impressive. Strong and powerful, and didn't need him to protect her. That was good, since he was hardly capable of such anymore.

If she kept him near, it was out of simple desire to do so. She didn't need him. Not in any away different to the way he needed her. The way he'd denied and resisted and lamented for so long - he now admitted freely, and without an ounce of reluctance.

After a long, hard fight; he finally surrendered. For the first time in his life, and it felt so incredibly good. It felt right.

"When I discovered I desired you, I thought it was a weakness." The admission was offered almost apologetically. Stroking her cheek in his hand, vulnerable violet eyes pled wordlessly for acceptance, for forgiveness... for mercy. "The only way you could ever weaken me is if you chose to leave."

He released her unresponsive form to take both her hands in his and draw them up between them.

"I put myself in your hands," he told her softly. "Please be gentle."

He waited breathlessly for her response, for approval. But once the first tears rolled down her rosy cheeks, others followed quickly behind in an endless stream beyond either of their control.

He stood by helplessly, unsure of what he'd done or should do. Every time he thought he understood these confounding beings, he was harshly reminded the contrary. But for her, he would keep trying until he got it right.

"I did it wrong," he announced with a frown, and lifted his hand to dry her cheek. "Inuyasha was correct. I seem to have a knack for bringing women to tears-"

With a firm yank on his lapels; Kagome crashed his lips to hers in a move so violent it nearly sent them tumbling. Luckily, he'd held his footing, and slid his arms around her waist as her eager lips and insistent tongue assaulted his unsuspecting cavern feverishly, and without repent.

He happily complied to the command, not that he thought he had much choice in the matter. Long, lean arms toned from years of archery wrapped around his neck to pull him harder still into her demanding flesh. She pressed herself to him, melding the softness of her breasts and belly into his solid form, rigid and firm from head to toe as a result of centuries swinging a sword.

He'd sculpted every inch of his powerful body to ensure each movement on the battlefield would be executed to perfection, with ease and flair, and with enough strength behind it to land every blow with as much force as required to defeat any opponent.

At least, that was what he thought at the time. But now that he had this tiny woman clinging to him, moaning muffled sounds of want and approval into his waiting mouth with every pass of her pliant form, he now knew that he'd been doing it all for her.

This body was the weapon he would use to please, and he needed it in perfect condition to deliver her every desire with flawless execution. He'd been brutally training his whole life, and he only knew now as she mewled and writhed against him, what exactly he was for. He was built for her, pure and simple.

Her fingers laced his hair as she pulled his handsome face to hers, and she groaned against his receptive lips when he forced her waist more firmly into his so she could feel the extent of his desire.

That was all it took to have her tearing at his obi. She worked the knot with all the patience of a being who retained their virtue solely at the humor of the kami. Denial after distraction after interruption... She felt like she couldn't give the damn thing away. She'd sure been trying.

Now, it felt like a race against the clock; a countdown to their next sick, cruel joke and she wasn't going to let the fates cockblock her this time.

With his silk sash on the floor, she eagerly ripped open the folds of his haori coat to expose the pale, perfect skin of his rigid chest. She refused to relinquish his lips, however, and the turbulent movements made the kissing less synchronized.

When his lower lip became trapped in her mouth, she sucked hard and traced it with her tongue. She took the warm flesh between her teeth, and tugged on him just a little less than gently, earning a low groan for the aggressive treatment.

Inspired, she scraped her teeth over his chin, gnawing and licking her way down his throat as his eyelids drifted blissfully.

She protested when he pulled away, prepared to demand answers when his smoldering gaze killed the words in her throat. The intensity, and raw need sparked an aching in her core, and the predatorial glint reminded her that though this body looked human, there was very much a demon at the helm.

His stilling command paid dividends when he grabbed the open ends of his haori and peeled it back. His molten gaze remained on hers, which lowered as he removed the clothing with an urgent grace only attainable by him.

Kami, she'd never get used to that body as long as she lived. She thought that ancient sculptors were perhaps generous with their subjects, for no man could possibly reflect such perfection. But just the sight of his godly form made her want to break out a chisel and get to work herself. Sesshoumaru was certainly worthy of being immortalized in marble, in any form he took.

His blood heated as he watched lust consume her while she ogled his exposed body; growing aroused at the vision of her growing aroused at the vision of him.

When his shirt joined the pile of silk on the floor, he reached out for her, only to be surprised when instead of him; she grabbed the ends of her own top and pulled it over her head with a fluid rip. Tossing it aside - she didn't bother checking where - she barreled toward him with intent blazing in those stunning blue eyes.

The black breast binding she wore was incredible. He'd seen nothing like it in all of his years, and it showcased her perfect assets like they were put on display just for him. He felt the stirrings of something building low in his throat, but he no longer had the equipment to make the kind of noise the sight of her warranted.

In no time, she was on him again. Possessive fingertips splayed on his hard stomach, as he allowed her to enjoy the feel of him under her hands. Skin on warm skin made ripples of powerful muscle jump, and twitch under her reverent attention.

While she marveled at the perfection before her, he ran a finger over the bend of her bare shoulder. He traced the strap a second before slipping underneath and giving an experimental yank.

Letting his gaze linger on the material on her chest, he lifted his hand to place gently on her other shoulder. He'd intended on trying his hand at removing the thing, but without warning she had taken herself out of range.

The sudden drop to her knees startled him, but he was forced to recover quickly when impatient fingers began fumbling with his waistband.

With his aid, they made quick work of the ties, and she pulled the hakama all the way down his legs. She helped him step out of them, and his boots, and he suddenly found himself completely bare before her.

She apparently wasn't concerned with her packmates returning to the hut – or using their bed, for that matter – but that made two of them. He was concerned with the fact that she still had an annoying amount of clothing barring her from his view, and sought to remedy that quickly.

When he reached down to retrieve her, however, she refused him.

"Sit," she ordered, getting high on her knees and stroking his muscular thighs with her palms.

He could see what she intended, and though not what he had in mind; he felt a bolt of energy shoot through his spine like a lightning rod.

He meant to argue. To strip her of the rest of her clothing and begin his favorable task of preparing her to finally accept him, as they both desperately needed. But blunts nails raked pleasingly down the tops of his thighs, and his exposed member was straining to meet her, already dangerously close to her tempting mouth.

She looked up at him innocently, and from this angle, he could see the tops of pebbled nipples peeking out above her bindings. His cock was thick and heavy though it suspended between them, and she held his gaze unblinkingly as she ventured forward and licked his hardness at the tip.

He shuddered, and when she grabbed him by the base, it only took a light shove to make him drop back, and sit heavily on the bed behind him. Reclining on his elbows, he watched Kagome straighten, and lean over his lap as she took her first nice, long stroke.

He groaned deep in his throat at the first pull; just the sight of her was enough to make him do something so shameless this early on. But it had been weeks since he'd known her touch like this, and the last time had been so good.

He kept his eyes opened; he wanted to watch her every move. Biting her lip as she stroked him, she made herself comfortable between his spread thighs, and watched his eyes hood with pleasure with each languid pull across his stiff cock.

She grabbed one muscular leg for leverage when she finally dipped her head to take him into her sweet, soft mouth. Unhinging her jaw, she wrapped her lips around the wide head and caught his eye as she licked and swirled, flicking teasingly all over the sensitive flesh at the end of his dick. She remembered his advice from last time to keep her focus on the tip.

She angled him downward a bit so he could get a good view of himself slipping past her lips. His own jaw hung open in near disbelief as she locked eyes, and dared him to look away from the fabulous sight she offered him.

He trembled with restraint as he commanded himself to remain still, and receive his pleasure, and not fucking blink lest he miss one second of her performance. Then she pulled him out just enough so he could watch her tease him with her tongue, before forming a tight seal and finally bobbing down on him as far as she could manage.

Hot puffs of trembling air continued to leave his lungs as she pulled her tight mouth up and down his shaft. She was able to get a little more of him in this time, but still used her hand to take care of the neglected bottom half she just couldn't absorb.

Wet, and firm, and soft attention was lavished upon him generously. And she was hot - so fucking hot - inside and out. Her temperature was perfect, whatever it was, it was perfect. The pressure she applied was perfect. And as she accepted him with enthusiasm over and again ceaselessly, he allowed his body to recalibrate in every possible way.

He made a strangled noise when he felt himself hit the back of her throat particularly hard, and he finally jolted forward. Now sitting up, he gently eased the ambitious woman off his lap, and he slid from her mouth one last time.

"Kagome," he rasped, using his light hold on her face to coax her up to join him. "You are going to end me before we even begin."

As she crawled up his body, he guided her lips to his for another searing kiss. The taste of himself on her tongue pleased him, and he enjoyed it decadently while maneuvering her beneath him.

She sat up enough to reach behind and unhook her bra. He would need to learn eventually, but she hadn't the patience to show him now. The moist head of his cock tickled her bare thigh, and the aching between her legs turned into a violent pulsing when he lowered his head to place an open-mouthed kiss above her navel.

She moaned, arching her lithe form into him while trying to remain coherent enough to finish her difficult task. It was made even harder still when she felt his playful tongue dance along her skin between his gentle bites.

He managed to find the zipper, and slid both skirt and panties down her long legs in a single pull.

Now also bare, his eyes lingered on her exposed womanhood, and noted she'd maintained the stylish stripe he'd given her that night in the hot spring. That appeased a base, possessive part of him, but the sight of her like this brought back memories of his last demon night, and insecurities left him hesitant.

He longed to stick his tongue between her hot folds, and taste the sweet flavor he'd been denied ever since that night. He would - make no mistake - but he found himself struck with worry that she may be disappointed this time around.

As a youkai, he was more than confident in his ability to please her. But if she was expecting him to perform as well and as long as he had for her that evening, he feared she may be left wanting.

The sight of black lace flying past his periphery drew his attention back up her heaving form to find the miko smiling sexily, yet anxiously down at him. Sparing her breasts an appreciative glance, he bypassed the tantalizing, pink-tipped mounds on his way back up her body and settled himself above her.

She grabbed his strong shoulders in excited anticipation, and lifted her face to his. Before she met his lips however, they moved, and stopped her cold.

"This will be shorter than I am used to." The declaration was unexpected, and caused her brow to furrow, so he continued his preamble. "In both regards. Not only is this body weak; it has been wanting for some time."

He felt compelled to warn her, but only received a dubious look in response.

"Don't oversell it," she quipped dismissively, but then realized how serious he was being. With an assuring smile, she brushed his cheek and offered a reminder. "I have nothing to compare it to."

He gazed down at the woman in his arms, felt the sensation of her naked body pressed against his own as she looked trustingly into his eyes, and knew he was being foolish.

He'd just never felt so lacking in his life. Definitely not while nude with a female. But he wanted to give her everything. She deserved the best, and his control over this human body was particularly elusive when she was around.

That hadn't changed since the day she'd rescued him, and he wondered briefly if it ever would.

But he'd kept this woman waiting long enough. He may not have achieved mastery, but he would give her all he had. He descended on her lips at last, earning a pleased noise as she writhed into him.

"You have had me in a constant state of arousal since the cave," he admitted huskily, grabbing her hip to grind harder. He moved his lips to her throat, giving several rough kisses all along her jaw.

She sighed and moaned at the more aggressive treatment, throwing her head back for better access and pulling him closer.

"You wanted me back then?" she asked when she found her voice again. "I didn't know I wanted you until the first time we kissed. When your arm was broken."

He slid his had up her side to pinch her nipple. She shrieked out, but arched into him as he kneaded his apology into her abused breast.

Their hips rocked needfully against each other until he shifted, sliding himself lower to kiss her upper chest.

"Yes, though I was not aware how much," he said between licks, covering her in his saliva and making her sensitive to the cool air. "I thought it was simply my new form reacting in an unwanted fashion. It was not until the night before we left for our journey that I realized I wanted to have you. I saw you, pleasuring yourself with your massager in your hut."

"How did you see that?" she asked dazedly as his mouth breached the swell of her breast. He grazed his teeth along the inside, stopping at the perimeter of the tightened bud.

She cried her frustration when he paused to lift his gaze up to her. Head thrown back and eyes closed, she did not seem terribly offended.

"Never mind," he said. "But I was watching you, and pleasuring myself to the act."

She moaned out her relief when he finally wrapped his lips around her firm peak, and bucked harder, pressing into him even more as he expertly used his tongue to play with her sensitive nerve endings.

He switched after a long moment, trading hot mouth for nimble fingers as he divided the attention.

It wasn't until he was done, and dipped to kiss her sternum that she finally spoke again.

"I guess I should be upset," she told him, breathing heavily from the excitement he'd just put her through. The cold air rushed back to her exposed, moistened breasts, alighting her nerve endings and making her throb. "But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about you too."

He slid back up her body, and she made a strained noise as she felt his hardness drag up her leg once again. She smiled up at him only to be leveled with an admonishing glare.

"Do not forget that just because I can no longer scent your lie, it does not mean I cannot read the signs of your deceit."

Her smile never faltered; in fact, it only became larger as she rolled herself purposefully against his hard cock.

"How do you know that's not my arousal you are reading?" she asked coyly, grinding her moist apex into his firm body for emphasis. He continued to glare disapprovingly, even as he placed a hand on her hip.

"You do not need to stroke my ego."

With a mischievous glint, she slipped her hand between their bodies and grabbed hold of his arousal. "Hm, is that where you keep it?" she taunted as she gave his pulsing cock a few firm pulls.

He groaned when her grip tightened, eyes slamming shut, as her residual spit help him slip through her fist easily, and she could feel a bit of fresh wetness where the tip rubbed against her leg.

He was clearly more than ready, but she was the one they had to worry about. He had felt her juices coating his thigh, but he needed to do everything he could to make this experience as comfortable for her as he could possibly manage.

There would be pain. Likely a great deal of it. So anything he could do to mitigate that would be seen to.

He probably didn't need to spend so much time preparing her with his mouth, but she didn't seem to mind his being extra diligent in that regard. He just loved the taste of her. He could feast on the banquet her body offered for days if she'd let him, and they had some lost time to make up.

She'd expressed her agitation when he teased her at first, tracing the seam of her soft petals with his tongue until the pointed neglect made her ache with unsated need.

When her fluids coated her thighs and his chin to his liking, he added his fingers to begin the task of stretching her out for him. He noted it was slightly easier to force her apart this time, and he eventually wedged in three of his digits to help spread her open. It was still going to be a tight fit, but hopefully not as shocking to her as it otherwise might have been.

"Stop..." she begged, not for the first time. And like all the others, her request would be denied. "You're going to making me cum... before we get to the sex."

When he stopped the beautiful assault at last, he found her flushed gaze. Drugged eyes spared a lazy glance, but he seemed less than concerned. "That is the idea," he informed her plainly, and put his mouth right back where it belonged.

He pumped her until he could no longer endure the piteous pleas to end her long, drawn out torture. With a few firm, well-timed strokes of his cruel tongue; he brought her to that precipice, and sucked on her swollen pearl to finally send her careening amidst a fit of gratitude and praise.

She was panting for breath when he returned to her side. Allowing her space to recover, he propped on his elbow and placed a supporting had on her stomach.

"Sorry," she gasped in between heavy breaths. She didn't see the perplexed look he gave her. "that you have to do so much prep work."

She felt the force of his scoff against her shoulder, then the soft pressure of his lips and finally cracked an eyelid. "Ridiculous," he said, then glared heavily into her satiated blue eyes. "I love it."

She could do naught but shiver in his overbearing presence, and he tried to soothe her by rubbing his large hands all over her skin. Once she returned from her high with sufficiently filled lungs, she reached for him eagerly.

"We can take a break," he offered, still panting raggedly himself. But his suggestion was shot down immediately. She was ready. More than ready. She'd waited long enough.

"Would you like me to guide you," he asked, once he settled between her legs, "or do you prefer to issue instructions?"

She shifted more comfortably on her back, and felt the weight of his cock rest atop her lower belly.

"Why don't you take the reins, and I'll cut in when necessary."

He smiled at her tactical suggestion. "A sign of a good leader, who knows when to follow."

"Shut up," she rolled her eyes, but the sparkle in his curved her mouth in amusement.

He gazed down in reverence for a long moment, and she finally gave him a questioning look when he still hadn't lined himself up.

"I am waiting for something to stop us," he explained through an adoring smile. She could see why he'd think that, and it was why she was most eager to get this show on the road.

She slid her arms around his neck, and pulled herself closer. "I'm not."

Infinitely softer than the one she'd taken before; her lips met his in a tender caress. Tongues barely touched in a respectful display. The hunger and need were there, but the appreciation they had for one another would be known first and foremost. This was not simply a matter of lust. Though it was certainly not wanting for it.

He took his cock in his hand, and she felt the smooth tip brush her entrance.

"Wait!"

He froze, then allowed her to force him back as she shot up.

"I knew it," he grumbled. She kissed his cheek apologetically before she dashed to the other side of the room.

His frustration ebbed as he watched the naked woman get on her knees to rifle through her yellow pack.

"I almost forgot!"

He waited curiously until she returned to him with a bottle in hand... and a towel.

"Lubrication," she announced proudly, squeezing a generous amount into her palm. "My friend Yuka swears by this stuff. I promise, we're gonna get you in there."

He didn't recognize the sound that left his throat as his own when she used her palm to slather the cold substance all along his shaft. His whole body flinched, causing his sculpted core flex each delicious muscle all at once, and she squeezed her thighs together in anticipation.

"Sorry," she offered, and gave him a few good strokes to make up for the lack of warning. The way he slid through her hand was promising, and she made sure to coat the tip with a nice thick layer.

She'd gone a little overboard, so she wiped some of the excess across her opening before removing the rest from with the towel she'd brought.

Getting back in position, he settled between her legs once again, and grabbed the base of his cock for alignment.

Her hands rested on his broad shoulders as he used one elbow to prop himself up. Placing his head up against her entrance, he lifted his gaze just in time to catch the nervousness in hers. His genuine smile was comforting as his visage softened.

He couldn't believe he was about to leave her. He had come so close to never gazing upon her gentle features ever again. For all the fates had done to mock him, only to get him to this moment right here... The kami had favored him all along, it would seem.

He'd done so much to curse them, only to be humbled by the kindness of their divine path. Gratitude filled him, and he allowed himself to marinate in it, treasuring their gift lest he take even a second of it for granted.

He drew himself very close, and smiled. "I have wanted this for some time."

The admission warmed her chest, but she was a little too keyed up to smile back. "Me too," she breathed instead.

Then, he claimed her lips just as tenderly as before. Unlike the last time, however, it quickly progressed to something deeper. Weeks of need and stress and denial had reached a tipping point, and now that his cock was just outside her opening, patience and restraint carefully employed before would be much harder to come by.

"Wrap your legs around me," he grunted urgently, right before going back to plunder her mouth again. She complied wordlessly, too engrossed in the slide of his sinful tongue against hers to use it for anything besides pleasure.

Channeling every ounce of his self-control, he waited until he felt her tight opening relax a bit before he dared to venture forward. He knew what awaited him inside her restrictive core, and his desire would need to be kept on a very short leash throughout the act that was about to take place. Failure to do so would have severe consequences that ran the gamut from causing her pain, to failing to bring her pleasure. Either was unacceptable.

He felt her gasp against his mouth as he forced her lips to spread. The tapered end of is cock eased her open as he slid himself inside of her with measured care. Her tight channel was resistant to the unfamiliar invasion, but the lube helped him ease past her defenses. Her whole body tensed, blunt nails scraping into tightly clenched fists behind his bare shoulders as she felt herself stretching around him.

His eyes slammed shut as he focused all his energy on keeping his ingress slow. If he couldn't feel the reluctance of her wary sheath to accept him, the way she stiffened and ceased to draw breath could have easily informed him of her discomfort. Once a couple inches were encompassed, he stilled his progress to take inventory.

He wanted to collectively celebrate their success. A part of him rejoiced at making it this far, despite only being fractionally absorbed. He couldn't feel her maidenhead with his inferior mortal senses, but even though not yet filled to capacity; he was well past the barrier to her virginity. She had accepted him, and now it was only a matter of how much would be too much for a first time.

But when he opened his eyes, any pleasure in their accomplishment was washed away in an instant.

Wincing in anguish and trembling; this was not the countenance of a woman who was enjoying herself one bit. Eyes screwed shut in pain not pleasure, she shied away like she was trying to block him out. Like she was trying to be anywhere else but here.

He hated the one-sidedness of this exchange. The sensation of sliding inside her heat was so incredible that it took centuries of practiced discipline just to keep himself in check. She made him feel so wonderful that he had to distract himself to keep from feeling too much pleasure at her behest, while she seemed to be doing the same just to avoid the pain he was causing.

He vowed to change that. Once she was molded to him, he would reward her for her sacrifice a thousand times over, with pleasures no mortal but her would ever know. But for now, he would temper his neglected lust even more cruelly than before, and see to her every comfort.

His hips did not budge, allowing her to get accustomed to his girth as he lowered his lips to her neck. Their previous play had shown him where his touch would help release her inner tension, so he put his mouth, and fingers to work retracing his steps.

His soft lips and warm tongue played a strategic pattern along her throat. Hot kisses, and gentle nibbling at her collar bone helped tightly-coiled muscles to slacken substantially. He covered her breast with his hand and applied pressure as he licked a path up to her ear, and after a dedicated session of soothing and affirmation, he felt the death grip around his cock relax its hold just a little.

Approval and encouragement rumbled from her throat as she ran her hands through his hair, and when her participation replaced simple acquiescence, he finally gave himself permission to proceed.

Still kissing her body the way she enjoyed, he retreated slightly. Rolling his hips back allowed her further relief, only to shift forward and continue his original path. She whimpered her complaints as he stretched her further, well beyond the limits of anything she had experienced in that region. He kissed his continued apology into her heated skin when she fisted the hair in her grasp tightly.

It was a strange sensation, as inch by inch Sesshoumaru discovered new territory that had yet to be explored, even by her. As he ventured deeper, the untracked terrain became known to them both, alerting her to nerve endings never before touched, and therefore, feelings never before felt.

Those places never existed to Kagome until he found them, showed her where they were, activated them, charted them for her education. They were learning her body together, in real time, and while strange and unfamiliar now, with a little tenacity; time and experience would change that.

He repeated this process, easing himself in gradually until well past halfway. His restraint, and patience were commendable, but this practice in ceaseless self-denial grew more challenging with each second that passed; swallowing him deeper, wearing his resolve as temptation beckoned him from the depths beyond.

He was trembling, drenched in sweat despite moving at the speed of stop motion as perfectly trained muscles struggled to hold. The initial shock had died down, but she was still clearly uncomfortable, so he refused to incite friction until she became accustomed to his size. Or at least most of him. He wasn't entirely fluent on the intricacies of human anatomy, but he was beginning to hit a wall in a way that was not unfamiliar to him, though demonesses' were located discernably further back.

He was stroking her lovingly, offering support as best he could, but he'd had to refrain from putting his mouth on her any longer. The way her snug passage choked his cock was the most divine torture, and would have broken a lesser man. But even he had his limits, and even if he could control his impulse to thrust wildly into what was by far the tightest sex he had ever encountered, it wouldn't take much to make him spill himself inside her prematurely.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked rigidly, after what felt like an eternity.

"No," she admitted through her tense grimace, "sorry."

She'd been avoiding his gaze throughout this exercise, and for the sake of longevity, he had been forced to ignore her flushed, panting features as well. This was supposed to be about the two of them enjoying one another, combining their strengths and exposing vulnerabilities. Not pushing each other out of their thoughts completely.

"Woman, stop apologizing." He moved to brush her bangs aside, and was pleased to win her attention in the process. "We have all the time in the world. I am at your service." She smiled at his sweet assurances, and that compelled him to offer some more. He cradled her cheek tenderly. "I am not going anywhere. I will wait forever."

She laughed, and the action caused her to clamp around him even tighter, making him clench his jaw.

"I'm sure that would be frustrating," she sympathized as she watched him close his eyes tight.

"You always frustrate me."

He looked like he was in more pain that she was, and the guilt caused her muscles to clench. This had turned out to be a much more stressful encounter than she had expected, and she was starting to wonder if the ache of being stretched beyond her limits would ever go away.

Sensing – and feeling – her anxieties bolster, Sesshoumaru resumed his soothing caress around her shoulders and chest.

"Relax," he whispered lowly, before chancing a few more passionate kisses beneath her jaw. She did, and he pulled away, and for the first time since entering her, really took her in.

She was so different from anything he ever wanted. Two months ago, he couldn't even fathom taking this peculiar woman to bed, let alone going to such extremes to accommodate her. He had never endured so much in the pursuit of a bedmate, and would not have begun to entertain laying together without the implicit purpose of sating desires as rigorously as possible. But that was never his goal with her.

Well, maybe at first. But the climax was no longer the gratification he sought. It was not the promise of physical completion that guided him here, and it was not what drove him now. It was that distinction that cemented in his mind something he'd long suspected, yet refused to examine.

Now, looking down at her with reverence, he couldn't imagine ever wanting anything different.

He lowered his smiling lips until they touched her own, and let the acceptance in her kiss fill him with contentment. That was the completion he sought, and the urge to give her the same wonderful feeling was all that drove him now.

Drifting past her cheek, warm lips brushed her ear in a way that made her tingle all over, right before he whispered something in them.

But instead of the peace of true completion, she stiffened beneath his imposing frame. Fingers curled anxiously into his shoulders, and when he looked down at her again with half-lidded happiness; a displeased scowl was waiting to greet him.

"You have really bad timing," she told him in clear annoyance.

He was confused, but undeterred. He knew the world right now, and he knew he was correct.

"What better time for such things?"

"Any other time."

His smile finally fell away at her genuine upset, and mild frustration set in. He shook his head slightly.

"Every time I think I understand you mortals, you prove me wrong again." It baffled him how difficult this humanity thing was to master. He'd never had this much trouble picking anything up in his whole long life. "Why does it upset you?" he wondered. "I thought it is what you wanted."

Frustrated herself, Kagome turned her head to the side. She couldn't exactly avoid the guy at the moment, but he was just too close. "I want it to be real, not appeasement."

"You accuse me of deceit?" He sounded offended.

"I'm just saying," she explained testily, still looking away, "being inside me incentivizes generosity."

He was silent for a moment, in which he didn't know how to respond.

"Please," he finally intoned, "do not insult me."

The cold demand would have been chilling, if not for the hurt it so obviously harbored.

It made Kagome return her attention to him, and the pain she saw made her chest twinge with guilt, and doubt her own assessment. But she vowed to never let herself be duped again, just because she really wanted something to be true.

"You said you didn't know what love was."

"Correct," he affirmed, "and now I do."

She knew he wasn't lying, especially about something like this. But if he thought he felt that way just because he liked having sex with her, that was not the kind of love she wanted. Sex clouded people's judgment, and if that was what it took to get such a confession from him, then it wasn't real. She didn't need him to love her. Sex was supposed to be the biproduct of love, not the manufacturer.

But she couldn't be mad at him. He wasn't trying to gaslight her. He most likely couldn't tell the difference, and he was no different from most humans in that respect. It actually boded well for him. Not so much her, though.

"Maybe try again when you're not buried inside me."

She'd cooled her temper, but he could tell she was still unhappy – the opposite of what he was going for. It brought him down a bit from his own cloud as well.

"Alright," he said softly, confused, but unwilling to press her any further at the moment.

His disappointment frustrated her all over again, but she couldn't tell if it was more with herself for causing it, or him for causing her to cause it.

It only added to, and paralleled her frustrations with their current physical difficulties as well.

She just wanted to be done with it, or at least be distracted from how she was feeling.

"Start moving," she ordered coolly. Her agitation was palpable, but her demand only fostered concern.

"You are not ready."

He would love nothing more than to finally start fucking her, but he wasn't even to the hilt yet. He wouldn't take it that far tonight, but he was intimately aware of her tension at the moment. He could feel her every heartbeat pulsing around his shaft, and even the slightest adjustment caused it to race. He wished he could say it was from pleasure, but all he had to do was cast one look her way to see pain was the culprit; only made worse that while she was hurting, he would be deriving physical enjoyment.

What kind of monster would she see in a man who could find pleasure while inflicting pain? How could she not doubt his love in that case?

"You said you would do what I told you," she reminded hotly. He frowned as his promise was thrown back at him. "Just move. Please."

There was a challenge in her eyes that dared him to defy her, and he only held them for a moment before preparing to acquiesce.

Gripping his shoulders for purchase, she released a low hiss as he began to withdraw, before bracing with closed eyes for the inevitable return.

He kept his thrusts shallow at first, the slightest rocking motion as he watched her face for severe discomfort. Guilt coursed through him at the constant clenching of her jaw, her muscles, her eyelids, and occasional distressed sounds. But he was slow, and careful, and prepared to stop at her word.

The lube had him sliding wonderfully through her tight walls, each pass down, then back up just a little deeper than before had him seeing stars, despite the torturous pace he refused to deviate from.

Forcing his way through unconquered flesh over and again urged him to stake claim; dig deep, plant his seed so nothing else could grow. Despite his misgivings about her comfort, instinct old as life itself strongly encouraged him to validate his very existence, and his worthiness to continue it.

To make a case for himself and prove his strength by fighting for his right to live, and if he could not, it did feel like he might actually die.

But as his shallow pumping wore on, he felt the miko claws digging crescents into his shoulders begin to slowly relax. Her tense frame softened, no longer bracing for impact, and even her poorly restrained anguish melted out of her façade.

She was getting accustomed to him, just as they had hoped, and it encouraged him to bolden his plundering, if only slightly.

He incrementally worked his way back to the middle mark, but slowed back to his original pace when an experimental increase saw her tension return. He vowed to go no deeper, simply kept a steady rhythm while honing in on her every response; on alert for anything that would betray suffering.

His eyes were clenched shut by this point to focus on retaining control, but with each retreat; her virgin core squeezed his cock like it never wanted him to leave. He was well aware that was not the case, however. He would not take a shove for an embrace, as her pure body worked hard to repel, and keep out the beast who sought to defile it.

It was like her womb knew he was demon, doing all it could to prevent this desecration from occurring. But were he truly some imposing brute out for his own gratification, the effort would only see to a quicker release. It felt fucking amazing, and only his love for her held him back to account for her own pleasure.

But they were clearly a long way from that, and that was being optimistic. He, however, was losing the struggle against his inferior human reproductive system.

She was no longer in pain, and thank the kami for that. But he didn't need to open his eyes to feel how uncomfortable this still was for her.

He was at a loss. He had absolutely no experience in this. Demon bitches were built to receive a lustful, violent beast; to crave, and find pleasure with him. They seek strength, and longevity. Dominance. Power. Their bodies were crafted to endure such displays, desire them. Males are encouraged to exhibit the extent of his capabilities, is even measured by his ability to do so.

A youkai who received him this way would be immediately discarded as too weak to bear his pups.

But she wasn't a youkai, and now, neither was he. He would learn the ways of mortal men, and he would embrace it.

Sesshoumaru was panting heavily, his disciplined form poised above as he continued to penetrate carefully. She'd been quiet for a while, so he chanced a look to gauge her progress. He glanced her strained features just in time to see a lone tear rolling down her flushed cheek, and instantly stopped moving.

"Kagome?" he tried gently. She didn't open her eyes, so he waited patiently.

"Please finish," she finally whispered.

She couldn't see him frown at her. He was reluctant to deny her, but the unseemly request defied another of his commandments.

"I will not," he told her. "You have yet to be satisfied."

"I can't," she declared, her burgeoning grimace forced her ducts to tear. "I just want to be done now."

"Then we will stop." He began to pull back, but her nails grasped so tightly his skin broke. "I cannot find pleasure when you are in pain."

"No." Finally opening her eyes, he found determination in the stubborn woman's plea. "I need you to finish. Please, just do it."

"Why?" he asked suspiciously, assessing her with concern. "Is this about my curse?"

Was that her true intention after all? The notion displeased him, but she shook her head.

"No, it isn't." He'd never been so close to her, and from there, he could find no indication of deception. But he still eyed her warily. "It's just... a pride thing, okay. I need you to do it."

Obviously conflicted, he looked ready to refuse again. Thinking quickly, Kagome pulled him to her, and eagerly ran her tongue along the opening of his ear. All the air left his lungs as she lapped over his secret erogenous zone with her slick appendage, licking feverishly and sloppily before taking the lobe between her teeth.

She grazed the shell, sucking on it and using her tongue more suggestively as an involuntary moan left his lips. He was panting again, and she felt relief when his hips finally started rocking just as they were before. He kept his movements controlled, but finally allowed himself to revel in sensation.

He'd ignored the way her soft, slick channel caressed each one of his tender nerve endings so exquisitely, for in these sensitive human bodies, all it took was desire and depravation, and he had both in spades. But at her behest, he let his defenses fall around him and finally embraced the drag of wet, hot flesh.

Discipline and denial melted uselessly away as he laid down his arms in a rare show of surrender. Instinct and instant gratification were released from their confinements, and given the keys to the castle for a respite, and they knew from experience that the freedom would be all too brief. So they would make the most of it.

He felt control slip away the second he relaxed his iron grip, and if felt to strange, so wrong to not even make a play for it as it fell through his fingers. Strange and wrong, but more amazing than he could have possibly predicted.

When was the last time he gave up on anything? When was the last time anyone sacrificed for his pleasure? It shouldn't be this way, and he would lament it when it was through. But as long as he was here, he would let himself get lost in a rare, blissful moment of self-indulgence.

She continued working his ear with her mouth as he pumped into her gently, and it wasn't long before she felt him stiffen in her arms. A shuddering expulsion of heavy breath signified his release, and then she felt the hot liquid spilling deep in her core.

He did not allow himself to linger as soon as the sensation passed. He refused to revel in her discomfort, so he withdrew carefully, followed by a portion of his seed. He'd denied himself to seek her pleasure, and she'd done the same for him. But as bitter as it tasted, there was a comradery about it too.

He was by her side in an instant, gathering her to him and assessing her for damage. But as he studied her for discontent, she was looking for something in him as well.

The intense scrutiny confused him as he watched himself be assessed. Eager eyes roved over every part of him, and she looked like she was waiting for something. When at last her face fell in disappointment, he felt a twinge in his gut that he had, in fact, let her down. Though in light of recent events, it was perfectly understandable.

"You're not turning demon," she correctly observed, and understanding dawned.

He wasn't mad. He knew it was not her motivation for laying with him. But she was a hopeful little thing.

Well, he had hopes too, and after today, he hoped she could finally put aside any notions of making him demon again. Though, if this was her only plan for him, he saw no harm in repeating the attempt once she got used to him. For scientific purposes.

"Of course not," he replied, pulling her to him. "I am not yet through with you."

Gathered in his arms, he held her to his chest as they lay together in silence.

He didn't know what he was supposed to do now; what humans did after rutting. So in this, he was willing to let her take the lead. Though, he supposed, she hadn't any idea what lovers did or said to each other any more than he.

But he knew what he wanted. He wanted to stay just like this, with her, for as long as she would allow it.

Minds drifted separately, letting the gravity of their new intimacy settle in, pouring over the bearings on their futures more so than dissecting the act itself.

Large, rough hands stroked across her naked back as she listened to his heart thump wildly beneath her ear.

He stared up way past the modest hut ceiling above him as he absentmindedly caressed the human he now held. He wasn't quite sure what the old him thought might happen should something like this ever occur. He probably thought the world itself would come to an end, or at least be changed irreparably.

But no swine were sailing through the air, no igloos where hellfire had been. He bedded a human, and the world was still standing. Nothing had changed.

Other than everything.

The world looked immeasurably different through his new human eyes, but sex with a mortal was not the catalyst. The brave new world he saw had changed long before that, otherwise, he would not be in this bed in the first place.

No, everything was different, but nothing had changed. Nothing except him.

The world had always been this way, but she made it so he could finally see it properly.

Perhaps these dulled mortal senses were not inferior after all. It was his youkai sight that blinded him. He'd never seen so clearly in his entire life.

"Is it really different?" she finally asked, breaking the contemplative silence as she tilted her chin to him. At his quirked brow, she clarified. "Your..."

That color on her cheeks referred to only one thing. She still couldn't say it, even now.

"You act like you have not seen it," he teased. "Of course, I had you so dazed with pleasure that night, I can see why you do not recall."

"No, I never got a look," she said. "The water was waist deep and I..."

"Were too fogged with lust to see straight?" He was smirking as he raked his hand through her thick midnight locks.

She glared flatly, but he felt inclined to remind her of that, especially after his failure tonight. But he quickly relented.

"There is a slight size difference, which favors my demon form," he explained. "And then, of course, my stripe."

"Stripe?" she perked up, curiosity causing her gaze to drift. "It's on your...?"

He liked her attention on his cock, even limp and saturated as it was. As she studied it, he reached over for the towel she'd brought, and wiped the remaining lubrication from himself.

Then, he snatched her hand, and held it lovingly as he looked deep into her eyes.

"It begins here," he informed her proudly, mildly amused as he lowered her hand to the patch of skin just above the base of his cock. He seized her two fingers, and drew her a map. "and runs down the entirety of my length." She let him drag her fingers all the way to his tip, before stopping and holding her there. She returned her gaze to him, and was greeted with a devilish smile. "and comes back up, all the way to here."

Twisting their hands, he drew an identical path back up the underside of his shaft, stopping before he reached his testicles.

He did not prolong her embarrassment, and allowed her to reclaim her hand in relatively short order.

"Is it the same color as the rest?"

"Yes."

"Is it..." she floundered, "more sensitive than the others?"

"Yes," he confirmed, "though that could simply be on account of the strategic location."

That certainly made sense. From the look he gave, she ventured it was a nice little perk he once enjoyed. She felt bad all over again for taking that from him.

She knew he didn't want her dwelling on it, but it was going to take some time. She would make it up to him, she vowed, even if he didn't know it.

"It makes my stamina in that form even more impressive," he gloated, then grinned. "Especially on the tongue."

Talk of such things easily brought her back to their previous activities, and her eyes sparkled mischievously.

He hadn't let her finish him last time, but even though he ultimately found release, he'd done more than enough to her with his mouth to warrant a second go.

She knew he'd held back for her tonight, so he deserved to have a little fun.

She shifted beside him and started placing kisses on that amazing torso of his. Drifting lower, she even enjoyed the taste of his sweat as she swirled her tongue through ridges of taut stomach muscles. He hummed appreciatively as her objective became clear.

"I was not insinuating-"

"Are you objecting?" she quickly countered.

He was no match for her challenging stare.

"No."

"Then shut up."

His limp cock grew to only half-mast as she gently stroked the spongy tissue. In this state, she could actually fit the whole thing in her mouth, so she eagerly jumped at the opportunity.

Soft, moist heat engulfed him, and he made a whining noise as she twirled her tongue and sucked on him in his entirety. With a placating hand on his lower abdomen, she brought the other up to fondle his sack, smoothly gliding her palm against the delicate area.

Unprepared, his startled breathing could be heard above her, and before long he had outgrown her orifice once again. She took pride in that, liking that she could get him back to full excitement so soon after his last orgasm.

Even his grunting was sexy as she practiced opening her throat, and she vowed that one day she would work her way up to taking him all the way down fully hard. For now though, she used her firm lips to form a tight circle around his girth, and worked on her speed. Since he couldn't get the friction she was sure he wished he could during sex, she was going to try and make up for it here.

"At least you don't have to worry about my fangs getting you," she teased, not able to resist peeking up at his enraptured form. She loved reducing the refined, stoic warlord to a convulsing mess.

"You can bite me if you wish," he managed, then cracked an eyelid. "I may enjoy it."

She pumped her fist around him, sliding her spit all along his shaft as he thrusted into her palm.

"You're so weird," she scoffed, and he leveled a brow. "But I like it. I'm weird too."

Something silent passed between them as they shared a lingering smile. Comfort. Acceptance. Enjoyment. It was always there before, but in the wake of their more intimate relationship, there was something different in the exchange that was lost on neither of them. The first discernable change, and it felt good.

She shifted to put her mouth on him again, but his firm grip around her arms quickly relieved her of her position.

He pulled her effortlessly up his body, and secured her against his chest in an iron hold.

"But you didn't cum yet."

Touching his forehead to hers, his eyes gleamed. "Your turn."

In one effortless motion, he flipped their positions, and she was on her back beneath him once more. Her words of protest died on his tongue when he captured her lips, crashing them against his in a searing kiss that reached all the way down to her toes.

Despite the way her fingers tangled in his hair as she urged him closer, the way her hips rocked needfully into his own as she clung to him desperately, her body demanded things of her – of him – that her mind had yet to remedy. The ache had always been there, but newly awakened need raged so deep inside her core it felt like her very soul had been set aflame.

She needed him to quell those fires as only he could, by stoking them further, bringing them so high that the world burned down around them and nothing else remained. Only he could reach that far, touch her so deeply and tend to scorching heat that he alone created.

But when she felt his intimidating shaft burning hot against her hip, so large and so impossibly hard as it throbbed against her tender flesh; the imposing threat reminded her of how unequipped her small body was to accommodate such an invasion. He felt her tense beneath him, even as her swollen netherlips dampened his thigh in preparation, and he released her from his kiss to place his lips beside her ear.

"Trust me," he whispered, then pulled back. Eyes half-mast with lust held fear as well, but she nodded, pleasing him immensely and earned a smile that tightened her nipples into firm, sharp peaks.

She did trust him. Not only to mitigate the pain, but to lead her to pleasure as well. It was there, just beyond her reach, but with him as her guide, she knew they would find the way together. Her confidence in him allowed her to surrender her doubts, and she felt her anxieties melt away under the heat of his touch.

His lips slanted over hers once more as he rolled his hips hard. She wrapped her legs around him, making him groan into her mouth when she ground her slippery cunt into his lower abdomen. As he thrust forward; she could feel his stiff cock sliding against her ass, and she had to squeeze her thighs around him even tighter to try and relieve the aching in between.

She threw her head back to moan when he started kissing below her jaw, and dragging his warm, wicked lips down the column of her throat. The way she bared it to him so openly had his instincts in an uproar. Though his beast was long gone; centuries of tradition and training could not be completely forgotten, and he appeased his dormant dog demon spirit by grazing his blunt teeth along her shoulder.

His tongue sought her pulse point, lapping and tracing along her skin until he could finally detect her heartbeat. He sealed his mouth around the area, stroking firmly with the tip and relished the rapid increase of her pulse rate on his tongue. He sucked, and nibbled the area, lamenting his dulled senses that prevented him from detecting the spike in her scent. There had always been a sweetness to her blood, and he was certain that this close, and with the added spice of her arousal would have been enough to make him salivate.

He dragged his teeth over her collar bone, making her fingers curl in his hair as she arched deliciously into the contact. He kissed his way down her chest, leaving a hot, wet trail that tingled in his wake. She was panting heavily, full chest heaving up and down beneath him until she felt warm lips wrap firmly around her tightened peak.

She cried out, squeezing him tighter as she pressed herself to him even harder, grinding her heated flesh wantonly into his sculpted body as she shamelessly pled for more.

"Ah... Sessh-"

His chest rumbled, something resembling a growl vibrating against her breast in some beautiful mixture of satisfaction and reprimand. He sought to tie her tongue by using his furiously, making the sensitive nerve endings grow harder and tighter in his mouth.

The other was not forgotten, as a rough pinch between his fingers was quick to reminded the neglected flesh. His other hand kept busy as well, stroking her ass in his wide palm before rubbing down her thigh to encourage the death grip he was pretzeled in.

He continued his journey down her body, drawing back to lavish attention on the underside of her breast as he continued tweaking and pulling roughly at the other. She was burning between her thighs; throbbing from the apex all the way to her core, as her fluids covered his stomach in unsated need. Her pussy was weeping for him, crying tears of frustration that the unbearable desire to be filled had yet to be quenched.

A deep kiss on her sternum caused her clitoris to pulse, and she felt his lips drag downward as he retreated toward his goal. But she jerked forward, arresting his head in her hands as she cradled his face, and he lifted his hooded eyes to hers in quiet curiosity.

His sweaty bangs could not veil his hunger, only fueling hers and making her need more urgent.

She tried to pull him to her, but he didn't budge.

"Please," she whined, making his cock jump, "I need you now."

She looked like she was in pain as he held her gaze, unmoving. But he was determined, so he broke free of her grasp, and continued on his southbound path. Falling back in defeated, she whimpered as he adjusted her legs around his neck, but her anguish was short-lived.

His hot tongue speared through her folds, parting her lips and finding her swollen pearl without delay. She wailed as he played with the sensitive ball of nerves, licking and sucking with the perfect pressure until she was already at the brink of her release. And then, she was seeing stars.

Waves of pleasure crashed down upon her, rolling through her form as a voice that sounded like hers was echoing off the walls. By the time she was done trembling, he was back, hovering over her with a smug smirk resting atop his saturated chin.

She was about to scream at him for not coming up to fill her like she wanted. Because even though she finished, that place deep inside her remained unsatisfied, and now ached even worse than before.

But before she was able, he stole her lips in a stifling kiss.

"I told you to trust me." And then, a quick nip on her shoulder caused her to yelp.

Before she could retaliate, she felt the brush of his hardened manhood tickling her opening, and she stilled. His large hand coaxed her to wrap her legs around him again, and wordlessly, she complied.

Her arms flew around his shoulders in reflex, and he felt her tense once again. Another affirming kiss was meant as a distraction as he coated his tip in her juices, and pressed forward.

He went in much easier this time. The initial entry pinched, but the sensation of him breaking past her opening had a sharp thrill to it that wasn't there before. The feeling of being forced apart, and overly full was less prominent, and nerve endings she was now aware of seemed to come alive at his familiar touch.

His shaft glided smoothly along her inner walls, and he was able to fill himself halfway without the same resistance as before. He was no longer the intruder, but a familiar presence along a familiar path, and the uncertainty and danger he'd brought with him last time were not his passengers for this journey.

And now that his first release was behind him and he'd endured the shock of her fabulous grip for the first time; his control would be nowhere near as difficult to command. His instincts could be kept reasonably at bay, and it did not appear he would be getting any surprise visits from his beast or swells of dangerous youki in the throes of passion with her. It was a bittersweet relief.

With his willpower reinforced, he could now lavish her with physical attention beyond what he had previously bestowed. He'd mapped every inch of her supple skin, traced and tracked each point of preference and memorized her responses by rank.

With a clearer mind, he put his tactical cunning to work in its most revered role yet, and descended on her unsuspecting body like an unmanned castle full of riches. He attacked with military precision in the most uneven assault he'd ever been a party to. The poor girl never saw him coming, and he was merciless in his pillaging.

His hands teased her breasts and thighs as he nibbled along her collarbone. From the bend of her shoulder to the shell of her ear, and everything in between were toyed with unsparingly by his capable lips and tongue.

The artful diversion served to heighten excitement for sensitive nerve endings, stoking fires of arousal, and relaxing unwanted tension while causing it to coil in all the right places.

The sinful drag of his steel length that had once been a painful burden gradually became something tolerable. And all too soon, after some familiarity and time to adjust, it was no longer even nearly enough.

She was used to him now, accustomed. He'd changed her irreparably and there was no going back. She needed more of him now- everything. She didn't know how she ever did without him in her restrictive little world, and his arc became complete as she realized that now; she could never let him go.

He felt her vice around him loosen - kami, still so fucking tight - as he manipulated her body. Solving her riddles and learning all its secrets as he worked his magic off of instinct alone. Brain deferred to gut, who referred him over to his heart, and the resulting synchronization had him in complete alignment for the first time since he could recall.

They seemed to steer him true, because as her body opened for him like a springtime bloom, graciously inviting him deeper; her wails of pleasure prevented her from confirming her burgeoning need, so she let her desires be known by shifting her dormant hips to encourage him, to try and take more that he was currently offering.

By the time he was buried to the hilt, her whole body had curled around him, trying to pull him deeper as her eyes rolled back in her skull. As her head hung back helplessly, he rested his forehead on her clavicle, panting heavily against her flushed skin as she had him completely sheathed. He felt her heartbeat pulsing as she stretched around him, quivering, along with the rest of her as he held himself in place.

As he lifted his head, she did the same, and he rose up until their foreheads barely touched.

"Better?" he panted. A nod was his reply, and a smile graced his lips as he kept his eyes locked with hers.

He rolled his hips back slowly, the drag of her heated flesh across his cock was enough to make him shudder. Her mouth hung on its hinges until only an inch of his massive length remained, and then he pressed forward.

He grit his teeth as he parted her soft flesh, and heady moan escaped her as he buried himself all the way to the base. Blunt nails scraped his skin, and he enjoyed the sensation as he felt the head of his cock hit the back of her cervix.

She squeezed him tighter, held on for dear life as he retreated again, and soon he was moving in and out of her at an enjoyable pace.

The force of him prying her open, hitting her back wall had once been too much. Now, it didn't seem to be enough as she screamed and pleaded for him to plunder deeper, and harder, and faster than before.

He was pumping inside her, slamming against her womb with bone-shattering force. The sound of skin hitting reverberated off the walls with every impact, his hips moving at a fevered pace that could rival his demon speed.

They were a mass of sweaty, tangled limbs as they panted breathlessly for air. Cradled in her hips, he planted hot, open-mouthed kisses along her collar bone while rubbing his hand over her chest. Fondling roughly, as she scratched up his back, breaking skin and goading him on, begging for more.

The steady pumps of his stiff cock plunged a little deeper at her request, touching more of her than ever before, discovering new land and activating sensations with the invasive new pressure. But it wasn't enough. There was more, she could feel it, and phantom aches that begged to be soothed screamed to be discovered, given life and shown what they've been missing for far too long.

His bangs tickled her throat as his method drove her to madness, but her meager rutting motions were not getting the right returns.

Frustrated and flustered, tiny hands grabbed his sides right above where her lush thighs locked him to her, and tried to pull him nearer, to make him take more.

His pace had increased as her reactions became more favorable, but apparently that wasn't enough.

He delved even deeper, as per her insistence, and watched carefully for signs of pain as he forced his way through the back of her canal.

He was buried balls-deep when he felt the sensitive top head of his cock come in contact with something foreign. Firm, but soft, and slightly curved in shape, it sent a jolt of pleasure back through his searing erection, down to his fingers and toes. He shuddered violently, forcing him to stop his oral assault to process the euphoric tingle the contact gave him.

He'd never experienced such a thing. Demonesses did not have any such disruption within them that he had ever felt before, and he'd been fairly thorough in his research.

Was this a human deviation? Or was it just her? Whatever it was, it appeared to have a stifling effect on the miko as well, for at the moment he made contact; she cried out her approval while she reflexively drew him nearer.

Experimentally, he rutted forward to try and recreate the pleasurable feeling, to successful results.

Panting roughly, the two shared meaningful eye contact before a wicked smirk graced his handsome features.

Withdrawing further, he hit the spot with sharper force, and it only increased the pleasure they felt together. He repeated this new move a few more times in succession, carefully gauging how much the poor miko could take, lest he get out of hand.

But she seemed to be faring just fine; accepting his forceful thrusts with zeal as he pounded into her core.

His caution was thrown to the wind, however, when he filled her to the brim with every last inch of him, and she begged him to venture deeper still. Unfortunately, he was all out of length, but he appeared to have found the back at any rate. To compensate, he started slamming the head of his cock harder and harder against the wall he'd reached, pointedly aiming for the pleasure button he'd found with every strategic stroke.

It was positioned toward the top, so he attempted to angle his hips just so that he could make the most perfect impact. She seemed to be enduring him just fine now, so he felt comfortable increasing his pace even more. From slow, to steady, to an up-tempo rate, he continued to piston as cries for more became intelligible in the midst of her pleasured keening.

Until suddenly, he stopped.

Breathless and confused, she allowed him to wrap his arms around her middle and scoop her up against him while he shifted to his knees. They were still connected as he sat back on his heels and reached behind him to unhook her ankles.

She trusted him to hold her up, but gripped nonetheless as he maneuvered her legs carefully around him. With a knee planted outside each of his thighs; Kagome found herself suddenly straddling the ex-youkai lord between hers.

His strong hands on her back kept her balanced, but recently discarded anxieties came roaring back the second she realized what he intended.

He felt her tight sheath grip his fully buried cock even harder, and he stiffened around her, grasping her to him tightly and resting his forehead against her chest.

He regained his composure before things got away from him, and pulled back to address her new fears.

"This way will grant you more control of your movements," he explained in gravelly tones, looking up from her heaving chest into startled blue eyes. "You may use me however you wish."

Plus this way, gravity could impale her even deeper, if she so desired. He decided he would do well to give Kagome control for the time being, before her permissive nature saw him go overly wild with abandon.

She seemed uncertain still, but his gaze demanded trust, so she gave it. As he slowly leaned back, her knees lifted off the floor, causing her to sink down onto his shaft even further.

A long groan in unison commemorated the event as his sturdy hands gripped her hips to help keep her steady. Both heads bowed forward until nearly touching, and long black locks fell around his face like a curtain.

His broad shoulders served as her leverage and anchor as she let his imposing hardness drive through her like a pike. She got used to the pressure of being so incredibly full of him while mindlessly running her fingers up his neck and into his hair. He sighed at the tingling feeling her touch left, sliding one hand sensually along her thigh while another went to her back for support.

Her soft, naked skin against his was such a beautiful contrast. All that he wasn't, could never be was alongside him regardless, right there with him. And he would be everything she couldn't, or wouldn't. She didn't need to, for she had him.

She couldn't be hard or harsh or cruel, but at times, the world called for it all the same. Sometimes, such things were required. But not from her. She need never worry herself, because he would be there to do what she was far too good to be tainted by. She could stay pure with him by her side.

And he couldn't be soft or sweet or kind, but the world called for that too. Even he seemed to call for it, it would appear. As a warlord bred to lead and protect through battle and bloodshed, he could not produce them himself. Such things would not come from him, nor were they meant for him to enjoy.

Or, so he'd thought.

With Kagome, he seemed to stumble upon a loophole in the natural order. Maybe such things could be for him after all.

Feeling indulgent, Sesshoumaru leaned forward to pleasure her breasts with his mouth, and himself with her flavor. He sucked on her excited nipples, licking and biting them softly as she screamed her delight. She arched into the treatment, falling forward with a sigh as his hands moved to her waist once again.

With a fluid thrust upward, he encouraged her to rise a bit, holding her suspended so he could partially withdraw from her heat. Long, languid rolls of his hips helped to make that wonderful friction and set them a steady pace.

She let him slid out of her, and with his support, she lowered down on him again. He hit the right spot with flourish, and that satisfying spark rocked them both to their core.

With a grip on his shoulders, she found her rhythm. Starting slow and careful, soon he was rising urgently to greet her, flexing his obliques and abdominals as she bounced forcefully in his lap, landing harder and faster with each heavy drop.

The impact he made inside her felt amazing, like nothing she'd ever experienced. But though she could feel something trying to build, it was not the same as the powerful climaxes she had in the past. This was a different way to go about things, and she didn't know quite how to chase it down.

Both drenched heavily in sweat, slick skin slid into each other as they paused their vigorous coupling to pant and heave dramatically.

"You recall where my stripe began?" he asked raggedly, looking down at the exhausted woman in his arms. She nodded, and heard his sticky tongue peel away from the roof of his mouth as he swallowed thickly.

"Grind yourself into me there."

When she looked confused, he coaxed her back a bit. Still seated completely, her legs spread wide around his hips and parted her outer lips atop him. From there, her swollen nub stood tall and proud between them, shocking her with the size at the moment. Her clit had never looked that big before, but then, she'd never had such a view.

With a ghosting drag of his finger, his touch made Kagome shudder around him, eliciting a grin.

Using the same digit, he stroked the patch of his skin above the base of his cock on his pubic mound, and Kagome nodded in understanding.

He gathered her forward, adjusting her just right and helped her to grind her swollen bundle of nerves against the hardness of his torso.

She moaned at the familiar sensation of clitoral stimulation, and tried to grind again in a way more similar to how she was used to. Watching her and seeing what she was attempting, Sesshoumaru angled himself to aid her in getting just the right slide of skin to create the perfect pressure.

As she rolled her hips to stimulate her sensitive nub, his hands on her waist helped her apply more force. Soon, he was able to coordinate with her rocking so he could resume penetrating without messing up her stride.

He watched mesmerized as she rubbed the stripe he'd given into where his should be, and imagined what it would have felt like if he still had the sensitivity of his marking.

She threw her head back as she arched into him blissfully, and he watched with pride as the typically self-conscious woman threw her cares to the wind and lost herself in sensation. As she stimulated herself against him, he drove into her with wild passion. The position had her tits bouncing in his face with each sharp impact, and he took full advantage by clamping on with his lips.

She cried as he used his firm tongue to aid in overloading all her sensitive areas at once, and he panted noisily in exertion as he moistened her breasts with his mouth.

Their pace became fervent and erratic as he stabbed her with his cock, and his lips drifted sloppily to her throat while she continued fucking him. He held her tighter, keeping her secure in his hold while he banged their bodies together violently. He growled something against her throat that sounded like her name, and when she dipped her chin in response, he seized her lips possessively.

She gripped his shoulders painfully as her breathing began to shorten, and excitement buzzed beneath every inch of his skin. This time it was pleasure that drove her pulse to new heights, and his own as he felt each strong beat of her heart from within. As she approached the edge of her release, he zeroed in on his brilliant discovery way in the back of her passage. He rammed into her there several times in rapid succession with as much force as he could muster.

The whisper of his name was his final warning, and he nuzzled his cheek into her jaw.

Her rocking motions sped to meet his feverishly, until she finally stiffened against him. Only then did he begin to slow, embracing her tighter, and prepared to hold her to him as she rode out her explosive release. Eyes screwed shut, mouth formed in a silent scream... and then a real scream followed, tearing from her throat with pleasured incredulity, like she couldn't believe how fucking good he made her feel.

But she had best believe it. In fact, she had best get used to it, he vowed, for she could expect that from him regularly. Sesshoumaru smirked tiredly, yet victoriously against her shoulder as he careened toward his own perfect ending.

As waves of pleasure rolled through her, one after another crashing mercilessly throughout her entire body, he felt her constrict around him, and he rutted into her again. One last good pump against his favorite spot combined with her vice grip sent him cascading over that cliff right along with her.

Though his body had been satisfied the last time he finished inside her, the unaccompanied journey left his spirit anything but. This time, as she convulsed around him in completion, he lost himself entirely. His whole body trembled as he came while enjoying the warmth of her embrace. Face hidden against her flushed skin; he took the weight off his weary head and rested his damp brow on her shoulder.

A long, shuddering breath released against her clavicle as he held himself still in her arms, and let the world around them fall. In no rush to leave after his hasty retreat last time; he reveled in all of the aftershocks as he spent every last drop of himself inside her welcoming heat.

Their chests dramatically heaved as she collapsed against him, going limp in his inescapable hold. Dangling uselessly around him, she was dependent on his strength to hold her upright as his powerful thighs kept hers spread. She remained impaled on his softening length as his head bowed against her shoulder while the world stopped spinning and his senses slowly returned.

As she came down from her towering high, trembling fingers sought him. She raked affectionately through his sweat-slicked strands, a tender touch that affirmed her presence and held him nearer still. She cradled him against her breast as she felt the hot, heavy puffs along her skin, and felt impulsive.

Chancing a look down at him buried in the crook of her neck, still recovering as he struggled to fill his lungs, she dipped her head low. Small hands slid through the layer of sweat on his back as she placed her lips right beside his ear.

She felt him still as the softly uttered declaration sailed through the hairsbreadth between them. Prying his perspired forehead away from the comfort she offered, he pulled back slightly to seek her gaze. He took in her flushed features, still panting lightly from exertion as she offered him a tender smile.

Regarding her thoughtfully, his lips finally quirked downward.

"Hn. This One sees what you mean."

His displeasure was unexpected, and Kagome furrowed her brow.

"What?"

"The claim feels empty when offered in the influence of pleasure."

"Huh?"

All caught up on breath, he gently removed his sated cock from her center, and took care to place her on the bed. She propped up curiously on her elbows, and watched him locate the towel to remove the sticky fluids he'd accumulated.

"You are reeling from the pleasure I gave you," he explained. "It could very possibly be clouding your judgment." With himself cleaned off, he took the liberty of returning to perform the same service on her. "No male has ever done that for you, and perhaps that knowledge subconsciously compels you form an attachment to ensure it is repeated." She found herself unable to respond as he continued to wipe down her inner thighs, and her apex dutifully. "Such bonds are superficial, and lust driven."

"Hey!" she finally said, and he lifted an eyebrow. "Are you saying I'm superficial?"

"No." He tossed the soiled towel aside. "Your desire for me, however, may very well be."

Crawling back over, he stretched out beside her and sought to gather her to him. She resisted, however, when he threw his arm around her and coaxed her closer.

"No, I mean it." She grabbed his bicep as she twisted to face him. "I love you. I've loved you for a while, I just wasn't ready to tell you."

But now that it was out, she was determined to have him know it. Blue eyes begged him to believe her as she tried to think of any way she could possibly convince him.

His doubting gaze roved over her a moment, until he finally smiled.

"Sex gives you confidence," he observed.

Relieved at his apparent acceptance, she smiled, and relaxed her grip on his arm. He used the new freedom to stroke the curve of her hip.

"Yes."

"Hn. Good." This time, she didn't resist when he pulled her to lay on his chest. "As it should. You have much to be confident of."

"Thanks," she replied, shifting on him more comfortably. "So do you."

"I know."

She grinned at his arrogance, but even more at the teasing smile that accompanied it. Even human, he had a lot to be boastful of, but she wondered if he didn't enjoy playing it up for the crowd just a little.

"Even without a cool stripe," she added, and glanced down at his waist.

He could see her small patch of curls peeking out over his hip bone, and used his free hand to brush them lightly.

"You have a cool stripe."

"Thanks," she replied, but he was too busy gazing wistfully at her pubic hair to catch her silly grin. "Some stuffy lord gave it to me."

"Competition?" he asked, not removing his gaze as he continued to tickle her there.

"Well, he did have a stripe." She watched his lips tick upward, but he said nothing. "He is very handsome, but he was kind of an ass."

That earned a brief look in her direction, and her teasing expression was finally his to behold.

"Do you find him more attractive than I?"

Neck beginning to stiffen, she lowered her chin and rested her cheek against his warm chest.

"You're pretty comparable."

A faint 'Ah,' could be heard from above her, and she smiled as she burrowed in a little deeper. "Did you like him better?"

There was something in his question that gave Kagome pause. She had just been teasing, but his tone seemed to suggest that he wasn't.

Had she not spent so much time around him, she never would have detected the faint hints of resentment lacing his otherwise unassuming tone. She knew he felt lacking in compare to his former self, but if he was talking about the demon who showed her a night of passion in the hot spring, there was no distinction to be made.

Even with his power and markings, he was the same guy then as he was right now. From the way he touched her body to the way he touched her heart, from the things he made her feel to the way he made her feel, and to the way he felt about her, was all the same.

His former self, however, who she knew was the true measuring stick which bred his ceaseless insecurities, was another story completely. The man who held her now could not be more different from that cold, cruel youkai, and it filled her with protective rage that that youkai made the man she loved feel so weak and low. That's what he did though. To everyone, apparently even himself.

Sesshoumaru had no reason to envy that youkai, because to her, he was better in every conceivable way. There was nothing redeemable about daiyoukai Sesshoumaru, and she was glad he was gone.

The vicious thought did something unpleasant to her in that moment, however, that put a stop to her hateful seething.

It was so easy to separate the man with her now from the youkai he used to be. The change in appearance made it easy to compartmentalize away the youkai with silver hair and markings as another person completely. But they were the same being.

The Sesshoumaru from the past was the same guy who was with her now, and that night in the hot spring proved that his youki and power had nothing to do with the favorable change in his character.

Sesshoumaru had changed for the better the same way everyone else did. Well, maybe the means were a tad unconventional, but the ingredients were all the same. Time, exposure, and experience is how all of us change. Built character. Improve.

Evolve.

And you don't have to be youkai to be corrupted by power. Or Blinded.

Or isolated, and left to reinforce your own flawed perspectives, because when you don't need things from people, you have no incentive to amerce yourself with those you might not necessarily admire or agree with, or perhaps even look down upon.

You don't give them a chance to persuade you, or prove you wrong, or expand your horizons, so you stay in your large, hollow, lonely chamber listening to your own voice bouncing off the walls.

Being human in and of itself had not changed Sesshoumaru. It simply forced him to endure the unwashed masses long enough to make the change himself.

This man could not be more different from the youkai she met in the tomb, but not because he was human. Sesshoumaru was changed by his experiences, just like everyone else was. The dramatic nature of his circumstances just sped things up a bit, but then again, the guy was pretty quick on the uptake when he applied himself.

Time and experience were all that separated this man from the youkai she used to know, but they were still the same person. And knowing Sesshoumaru now, she didn't doubt he had the capacity for growth all along. Even if he hadn't become human, if the circumstances permitted it, he still could have changed for the better. This whole thing just kind of expedited the process.

And to be fair, before all this, she'd only seen the guy at his worst. He always seemed to be having a particularly bad day when they'd crossed paths in the past. Maybe if they'd interacted more, she would have seen the man he'd become was not so deep below the surface after all.

Not like he would have ever let that happen.

"No," she answered honestly, and tilted her chin again. "But then, I didn't really know him all that well. I bet if he'd ever given me a chance, I would have liked him just as much."

She felt his fingers curl against her back as he kept his gaze on the ceiling above.

"Perhaps if he had not tried to take your life." She saw him frown, and that hint of resentment from before was even thicker on his tongue.

"Yeah, that would have helped," she conceded with a smirk, but his frown only deepened. "But I wasn't great to him either."

After all, he wasn't the only one participating in their little skirmishes. She hadn't given him much of a chance either, or tried to get to understand why he did the things he did.

She'd long forgiven his past indiscretions, but he wouldn't let himself off the hook so easily.

He wasn't as bad as she thought he was then, and she'd bet he wasn't as bad as he thought he was either. She started stroking his chest.

"And even so, there were still things I liked about him."

"Name one," he challenged doubtfully. And by the way he was gauging her, she could tell the lie detector was on.

"You mean besides his unsurpassable beauty?"

He nodded once. "Please."

She only had to stare at him a moment for an easy smile to claim her features. "He was great with kids." He lifted a brow, causing her to giggle. "I love a man who is kind to children. It's a good indicator."

"Of what?"

"Fatherly material," she responded confidently. His slightly surprised reaction caused her to blush.

Where did that come from? It was way too early for those kind of thoughts. Kami, they just started having sex like, an hour ago! She probably freaked him out. Hell, she kind of freaked herself out with that one.

"He just had a way about him. It's hard to explain," she continued shyly, trying to save it. "I admired him, even after all that stuff he did. I just wish I took the time to get to know him better. I think he was misunderstood."

His eyes softened appreciatively as he looked down at her, but the regret from before was still there. The apology emanating from his features was so strong she swore she could almost hear it.

"He would not have allowed such a thing," he said instead, expression hardening once again.

"Oh, I don't know. It's kind of my thing. I have a way with big, mean youkai." He scoffed, only making her grin up at him even wider. "I know I look harmless, so you let your guard down, and before you know it; we're best friends. You'll never even see it coming."

His amusement at her antics softened into something deeper the longer he stared at her. That unshakable optimism and relentless audacity should irk him to no end, and it had. But she was right.

In any other being in the planet, such foolishness would have spelled their demise a thousand times over. Yet somehow with her, the combination proved just right to endear herself to the most dangerous demons in existence. It was a very effective defense mechanism she had concocted there.

But it had worked a little too well on him. Luckily, she didn't seem to mind.

Bending forward, he pressed his lips to her crown before reclining on his back again. She snuggled closer, and he wrapped his other arm around to encase her fully. He rubbed her bare back with both palms in a soothing rhythm while she tickled the smoothness of his chest.

"Is it different?"

"Hn?"

She lifted her eyes to his, and blushed.

Something about him being all half-lidded and rumpled made Kagome's skin extra sensitive. His messy hair and relaxed expression had her feeling very accomplished.

He folded an arm behind his head to talk more comfortably.

"It's pretty safe to say you have done that before."

"Once or twice," he admitted as he shifted beneath her.

"So, what's it like to have sex in a body that isn't yours? That you're not used to, I mean."

He was silent for a moment as he stared at her, before his lips curled up a little higher.

"Like riding a dragon."

"What?!"

He chuckled at her scandalized expression, and stroked her back again for placation.

"Or more so, like training a new dragon after the one you have ridden your entire life has left you. There is an adjustment period before mastery is possible, and you cannot expect the new one to follow old commands specific to the other. You must learn his unique talents and hone them through repetition."

He hadn't needed the heated stare to drive home that thinly veiled statement, but he decided to play it safe. Her flesh began to heat at the prospect of helping Sesshoumaru 'train his dragon.'

"You must be on alert until you are comfortable with each other."

That one was a little harder to discern. Was it his body he needed to get comfortable with, or was she the dragon this time?

Suddenly self-conscious, she scraped her lower lip beneath her teeth.

"So, is it very different with a human?" she asked shyly. "As a human?"

"The mechanics do not vary," he informed her. "However, there are some glaring differences."

"Such as?" She had to admit, this topic worried her a bit. She was already coming in at a deficit in the experience department, so she really didn't need any curveballs.

"This form itself is more..." he paused thoughtfully, and finally went with, "sensitive, for lack of a better word. My body's reaction to yours has affected my stamina somewhat."

"Maybe for the best," she said, slightly relieved. "I don't know if I could have handled much more than that."

At least yet. She wanted to get broken in a little more before attempting any marathon sex sessions.

"Then again, it may simply be the effects of my chosen partner." They shared a smile before she rewarded his sweetness by putting her warm lips on his.

It might sound ass-kissy, but it was the truth. She was the only human he'd ever slept with, so there was no way to know what aspects of their coupling were specific to only her. And if he had his way, he would never find out.

"Pleasure does factor into youkai rutting. However, it is instinctually driven." Now that he had a frame of reference, he could pinpoint the differences – at least from a male's perspective. Since she asked, he would educate her on his findings.

"When engaging in such things in the past, my beast would retain much more control over my senses. The urge to procreate and dominate a mate takes precedent, and though it behooves him to see to his partner's own enjoyment; the duty to perform well and prove superior among my species takes priority over all else."

That explained why he was so preoccupied with stamina. It also explained why he refused to take her on his demon night. She was lucky he had been able to resist, because a youkai Sesshoumaru out of his mind with lust and out to prove his virility did not sound like anything she was ready for.

Just because her thighs were getting hot and slick just thinking about it didn't mean it was a good idea. Her throbbing core didn't know what was good for it. Or maybe it did...

Either way, she definitely would have gotten pregnant.

"Without my beast's control, I was able to focus on other things."

"Like what?"

He smiled, and dragged his hand up her back and into her hair. "Like you."

He had her blushing again, and she had to avoid his gaze. He allowed her the respite from his undivided focus, but she would have to keep listening to his recount.

"Your every response, every reaction to my touch fueled me. Inspired me to test the bounds of your body's call to mine. I longed to see to your every need. And when I did, I was more than rewarded with the pleasure I received in return."

He stroked bare, flushed skin as he recalled their coupling more vividly. That was the biggest difference in rutting as a human. The clarity. Free from his beast's domain, he could feel everything, he could think... to an extent. He'd never been so present.

"I reveled in the closeness." He bent to rest his forehead atop hers, and squeezed her against him a little tighter. "I simply wanted you near me. And I cannot be certain if it is my humanity which yearns for such things, or if it is you I wish to appease. This is all, very new to me."

So, these were the sort of things lovers said to each other. Huddled away in the wake of their intimacy, basking in the aftermath of a moment in time no one else would ever be privy to. They now shared a secret, a knowledge of one another in that very place in time that no matter what occurred, another living being could never fully understand.

She had something with someone now that no one else could ever have, and though it couldn't last forever, it would always be theirs. This is what she'd envied all this time; not the physical gratification sex could bring, but a sense of belonging and acceptance, and inclusion in a place she'd felt shut out of all this time.

She'd had so much taken from her, they both had. And as long as they drew breath, they'd be forced to protect what they held precious with everything they had. But this was something even the most vile and powerful foe could never wrest from them. It was theirs, and no matter what happened, it always would be.

He leaned forward to nuzzle his cheek to hers, returning his arm to wrap her in his full embrace. The feel of his smooth skin gliding softly against hers had her eyes drifting shut, and she got the distinct feeling she was being memorized. Traced, tracked, cataloged... he was imprinting this moment in his mind, using each one of his senses in a way that no human would ever be driven to.

He asked her not to dwell on it, and she wouldn't. But there was no doubt in her mind that his demon was still in there, guiding his instincts with what little influence he had, and though she would stop actively seeking him out, she was not going to pretend it didn't exist, like he was trying to do.

"Maybe someday we will find out," she whispered, being held and caressed so gently she might break.

He stilled, slowly opening his eyes and pulling back just enough. She could see the disapproval beginning to filter in.

"I'm not going to obsess over changing you," she assured him, "if that's what you want. But if you happen to change, perhaps that will answer your question."

He considered her thoughtfully for a moment, for he knew she was right. He would never know another human's touch, so the only way to tell would be if he had her when he was fully demon again.

It would be an interesting experiment, and quite an enjoyable one.

"Would you have me again, if returned to my former glory?" he asked, stroking languidly down her back.

She returned the favor, putting her hands back in motion along his shoulder.

"You get to compare the experience, why shouldn't I?"

He returned her smile, very much liking the notion of being used as a tool for her education. "You will be the only woman to ever have me in both forms."

The devotion he promised sent her spinning. It all felt too good to be true, but any vow from him was as good as a blood oath, so she refused to let her insecurities flourish. Her naivete and idealism has caused her pain in the past, but the trust he'd built inside her heart made the guard wall around it obsolete.

But he'd built all his equity with her while he was human. And while she knew in her head that this was the same person, that very heart was still wary of his youkai self. And if his beast made sex such a different experience, who's to say he wouldn't see her in a different light at other times too?

"You really think you'd will want to be with me again, once you were back to your old self?"

She couldn't be blamed for the doubt she harbored, and it made him loathe that youkai for ever putting it there. It was a reason why the prospect of never seeing him return was not all together distasteful to him any longer.

He combed her hair back, grasping her jaw in his hand drew himself near.

"Whether I change back or not, I will never be back to my old self."

The warm press of his mouth to hers sealed his vow with a kiss. The way she moaned, the way she scraped her nails against his chest as she curled her hands in pleasure was almost enough to roll her over one more time.

But there would be plenty of time for that later. They had their whole lives ahead of them, and for the first time since becoming human; he was looking forward to it.

"And you?" he asked, once they finally pulled away. "Is it as you expected?"

"Not at all," she answered, smiling dreamily. "But it was wonderful."

She knew there would be pain, and that part had been unpleasant. But he'd handled her as good as he possibly could have, and the reward for her endurance made the sacrifice well worth it.

"Then you do not regret giving your first time to your alpha's bastard of a brother?" he asked playfully, making her smirk. "A haughty, insufferable- if not devastatingly handsome- ex-demon lord, turned pathetic, weak mortal?"

So, he was self-aware after all. That was another benefit of their shared secret; he would show her things in these times no one else would ever see. He was just for her like this.

"Not if you don't regret giving your first human experience to a mouthy, unrefined, disrespectful- if not completely charming- shrine maiden from the future."

He seemed to appreciate the concessions, and knew just as well as she that such claims would be vehemently disputed in the future.

"You did take my human body's virginity, didn't you?"

"Mhm. I've tainted you." She grinned. "No woman will have you now."

"No?"

"Nope," she replied confidently. "Your virtue has been compromised."

Smirking wickedly, he leaned in to place a hot kiss behind her jaw.

"It is fortunate that there is only one woman I would have," he mumbled against her ear, and had her gasping when his tongue became involved.

She grabbed his biceps, and when she started grinding into his muscled thigh, he felt the heated flesh grow slick against his skin.

It took no effort at all to roll them over, and suddenly the miko found herself trapped beneath Sesshoumaru's body yet again. Hands pinned high above her head, she could only squirm as he placed more hot kisses to her throat.

"In fact, I should like to have her now."

He released her hands to free his up for new endeavors, but as soon as he did; he found himself being pushed away.

"Hey, now. Easy buddy." She was nowhere near strong enough to pry his lips from her supple skin, so when he backed off, it was simply a courtesy. "Just because we did it, it doesn't mean it's open season on the miko." Her point was accented by a sharp jab to his chest with her deceptively strong, boney finger.

"No?"

"Nope." She shook her head, and forced him back further by sitting up. "Don't think we are just going to start having sex whenever you want."

He freed her up by rolling to his side, but gathered her to him once again.

"I expected no such thing. I only plan on having sex whenever you want." She deemed this acceptable and he touched his nose to hers. "Which, let us be honest, will likely be quite often." And then she rolled her eyes, and tried to turn away, but his hold kept her firmly in place. "In fact, it is I who will likely be forced to put a stop to things."

"You are such a cocky bastard," she said, but couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she informed him of it. He smiled back.

"Hn. My stamina is not what it was. I am afraid you must take advantage of my libido when it presents itself."

"It's presenting," she announced, looking down to where his hardness was trapped between them. Perhaps his stamina was affected by his humanity, but he sure didn't have any trouble hitting reset.

And the way he touched her body with his lips and his hands ensured she didn't have any trouble either.

She forced herself to pull away from his attack on her nervous system, and looked into eyes hooded with lust again.

"I can't be like a demon in bed," she admitted, "but maybe I can meet you halfway."

She scrambled out of his hold, and his whole body stilled when she got on all fours, and threw an inviting look over her shoulder.

She taunted him by wiggling her ass at him temptingly. "Bringing back any memories, fluffy?"

He pushed himself up on his knees. "Kagome..." he warned sternly.

"Yes?"

His gaze was fixed intently upon her offering.

"I like you."

She grinned wider. "I know. You didn't need to say it. Do I?"

"Only if you wish." He walked on his knees until he reached her. "Though your actions are more than sufficient."

He started stroking her ass appreciatively, still fixated on the juicy core between her open legs. He couldn't tell if she was still swollen from before, or if reignited excitement was to blame for the puffy red flesh.

"I like you," she said anyway. "Let me show you." But when he didn't immediately move himself into position behind her, she encouraged him further. "Maybe it will help you channel your inner dog demon."

But he shook his head. "No."

Her confusion had her twisting back around.

"I am a human now. I will take you as such."

She laughed as his earnest response. He'd clearly made the decision to embrace his new humanity completely. He didn't do anything half-way, and he took everything he did very seriously.

"Inuyoukai do not own the rights to doggystyle," she informed him, but he didn't look convinced. "Humans do it that way too." Seeing the determined set to his jaw, she placed a beseeching hand on his arm. "Please? I wanna try it. Especially with you."

Apparently, dog demons didn't own the rights to puppy dog eyes either. She could see his resolve fizzling, so she stole a thankful kiss and turned back around.

He situated himself behind her, and not being able to see him added an anticipatory thrill. She felt large, strong hands caress her prone backside decadently, and a shiver wracked through her frame when he placed hot lips on the center of her spine.

She drew a sharp gasp, however, when without warning, those lips found her glistening folds. The heat from his mouth had her moaning her approval, before he parted the quivering flesh between her legs with his tongue.

"Sesshoumaru," she shuddered, and felt the vibration of his answering groan against her lower lips. Her arms gave out, making her slump forward but he used his grip on her thighs to keep her from getting away.

He had to tear himself away from her addictive flavor, but placated his disgruntled instincts with a vow to return.

He leaned over her, covering her entire body easily with his much larger frame, and she felt his thick cock burning hot against her ass as he swiped her hair over to one side. He kissed her bare shoulder, then her neck, and she turned impatiently to him to receive him with her mouth.

As he drew back, he ran his hand slowly down her spine until he reached the swell of her ass. Taking a fleshy globe in each hand, he squeezed roughly, and ground his searing erection up against her dripping core.

She pushed herself back up on her elbows, but a firm hand between her shoulder blades stopped her ascent. She started to turn around, but he applied pressure until she obeyed the silent command, and let him gently guide her face down to the futon. She had a feeling the guy knew what he was doing.

Her arms bore no weight as he angled her waist next, instructing her to arch her lower back and tilt her hips up to him. He then used his knee to coax her legs further apart, and he finally had her positioned for him perfectly.

She ached to be filled, that place deep inside begging for more of his sinful attention as she felt her arousal dripping down her inner thigh. One hand took hold of her ass cheek as he used the other to position himself at her opening.

He used the smooth head of his cock to trace her juices teasingly around her slit, making her shudder when he slipped forward to rub his wet cock against the sensitive nub outside. He bit back a laugh when in her frustration, she jutted back in an attempt to impale herself on his impressive girth.

He ended her torment at last when he finally pierced himself through her swollen, throbbing flesh. Her natural lubricant was more than sufficient to see him gliding through her heat smoothly, and twin groans harmonized as he slowly parted her inch by glorious inch.

When he was fully seated with her pert ass smashed against his hips, he threw back his head to revel in her absolute perfection. He remained still, breathing the moment in and simply enjoyed being completely sheathed inside her choking grip.

"If your youki tries to return, I want you to embrace it."

He immediately opened his eyes, but she hadn't turned around.

"Don't hold back."

He responded by curling forward, planting a palm beside her shoulder and taking her chin with his other. His kiss was demanding and dominant, but she happily complied as his tongue sought hers and coaxed it to dance.

She moaned into his mouth as he drew his length back, holding her chin so she wouldn't break the deep kiss. When he pushed himself back in, his lips had to finally stop to let a hot breath of air shakily escape.

Her mouth fell open as she cried out, eyes shut just as tightly as his were at the sensation of being stretched around him so wonderfully. Hips angled forward, spreading her with his thick cock as her walls gripped him fiercely with everything they had.

The slow, easy entrance was finished with a sharp, forceful tap against the back of her cervix. He grunted at the contact as she cried out harder, before pulling himself through her tight channel once again.

He released his hold to place a hand between her shoulder blades and keep her firmly in place. He increased his pace, getting a few good pumps and making harsher impact before retreating and straightening his back.

Kagome was vocal. She was always a mouthy little thing, but he much preferred her wailing with encouragement and praise as he plundered her continuously like this. Assured of her enjoyment, he grabbed her hips and began a steady, fevered pace.

The sound of skin slapping skin echoed throughout the hut as he slammed into her tight core over and over. He found that spot deep inside her, and discovered the perfect angle to thrust, so now his goal was to hit her there as hard and as fast as he could possibly manage.

She was a boneless heap already, and he was fairly certain that his death grip on her lush curves was the only thing keeping her upright. Demon speed could no longer be achieved, but with his newfound sensitivity and her unbelievable snugness, he decided that was probably for the best. He'd already cum twice this evening, but her soft, constrictive warmth was well on its way to bringing him to that precipice once again.

But not yet. He still had some leeway, and since she wanted him this way, he was going to make sure it was everything she hoped for.

The request had surprised him, but he had to say he was pleased. This had always been his preferred position, and there was something warm and familiar about being behind a presenting female once again.

She was far better than any of them, of course. She didn't even have to do anything; just the feel of her, the shape, the size... as he was made just for her, she was crafted by the kami with him in mind. She fit him perfectly. Perhaps a size too small at first, but breaking her in and molding her to accommodate him was going to be the fun part. He was up for it, and by the way she hadn't been able to moan a coherent word in several minutes, he suspected she was as well.

He continued to impale her on his hot flesh; strong hips flexing to meet her over and again in rapid succession. He'd never been a noisy bed partner himself, but he was finding it difficult to prevent the occasional sounds from escaping his throat and announcing his pleasure. He was finding it difficult to care as well.

"Sessh.. Oh... ah... mah..."

He was hell bent on ensuring his full name never made it past her enraptured lips, but bless her, she was trying.

His proficiency in this position made it easy to slip into old habits. Not that he wasn't fully present, but it just felt so natural to be behind her like this. It was familiar, and the comfort that brought him was something he rarely encountered inside this human body.

That must be why old urges were beginning to surface. Perhaps it was muscle memory that was encouraging him to dominate. To test her strength and limits. To get rough with her.

She had told him to embrace any youkai instincts he might have, though he doubted that's what this was. But even if it were, she had no idea what that would mean for her. He would not engage her like a youkai bitch, no matter how much the prospect excited him.

A light sheen of sweat now coated them both, making well-formed muscles glimmer as they clenched and coiled, and retracted as he moved himself furiously within her. It also made their fucking much more audible, celebrating every powerful thrust with that unmistakable sound of their illustrious joining.

She squeezed his cock relentlessly as he slipped past her tender folds, and his vision became spotty with lust as he focused on the back of her raven-haired head. How he wanted her to turn around. To throw her head over her shoulder, and let him watch her face contort with pleasure as he fucked her senseless.

Old entitlement was bleeding past his defenses with each stroke he made, until he was nearly seething.

For it was he who was responsible for that pleasure she was reveling in. Every expression she made while he was inside of her was his creation, and she selfishly denied him the spoils of his efforts.

He deserved to see exactly what he was doing to her. Those looks were his.

Before he knew what he was doing; Sesshoumaru bent forward. Reaching out, he grabbed long hair tightly in his fist, and pulled until she was finally looking back at him.

There it was. Good.

She didn't protest the rough treatment, likely couldn't if she wished to. The sight of her consumed with helpless lust made him increase the ferocity of his thrusts, and choppy approving sounds were all she could offer.

She couldn't even open her eyes as he jostled her with his turbulent pounding, and that infuriated him now as well. He needed to see her endless blue depths glazed over with desire. She needed to see exactly who it was to take her such heights.

"Open your eyes," he ordered gruffly, and gave the hair in his fist a sharp tug. "Look at me."

When she did, she saw his intimidating features, honing in on her raw and intently as he fucked her with renewed purpose.

Good, obedient little bitch.

He didn't let her see him falter when he realized what he was doing.

Kagome wasn't a youkai bitch, and he did not desire her to be. Why were his instincts calling for him to treat her like one?

Nothing had urged him to take her like a youkai conquest the other times they'd coupled. Why were they roaring at him so loudly to do so now?

Was it the position? Perhaps the familiarity of it was stirring his instincts.

He would be mortified that he'd been so brash with her, but she sure didn't seem to be minding it. In fact, he'd become far more saturated with her fluids since the first tug. Did she like it?

Why did that fuel him further? He was supposed to be embracing his humanity, not wallowing in the past. And she was mortal. A miko, no less. Demon callings should not excite her like this.

But then, he shouldn't be surprised. She'd always had an unhealthy infatuation with his kind. Perhaps that was why she'd encouraged him to embrace any youkai tendencies he might have...

Well, he was certainly having them, and she seemed to be enjoying it too. Who was he to deny his little priestess her pleasure?

With a hard pull; he yanked her head backward, and she closed her eyes again.

"Ah!"

"Did I hurt you, miko?" he asked cruelly, in a tone he hadn't employed in some time.

He was moving faster now, harder. As he slammed himself against her ass in a bone-jarring thrust, he enjoyed making difficult for her to speak.

"Y-yes," she managed, wincing when he pulled her hair again.

"But you liked it, didn't you?"

His fingers dug into her hip to hold her firm, and his long strokes pounded into her cervix so forcefully it made her cry out with each impact.

She looked to be in discomfort as he forced her to arch back, but her moans were not born of pain, and the way she convulsed greedily around his imposing cock spoke only of wanton need.

"Such a naughty priestess," he chastised darkly through a malicious smirk, "lusting after demons. Tell me..." He bent over her, leaning down and pulling her back to put his lips near her ear. "Shall I fuck you like a demon?"

Bent like he was, he couldn't slam into her as unforgivingly as a moment ago, but he felt her juices gushing around his stiff cock, escaping her heat with every pump and drenching her thighs.

His relentless attack made answering him nearly impossible. But he was patient.

"Yes."

"Yes what?" he demanded.

"Yes, please!"

He couldn't suppress the laugh that escaped him. It wasn't what he was going for, but he wouldn't belabor it. The truth was, he likely wanted this more than she did. He felt like he needed it.

He couldn't ravish her as wildly as a youkai could, and he wouldn't put her through the abuse a youkai would crave. But he had been holding back some. And if she needed more, he would certainly give it.

Retreating behind her again, he released her hair to grab her tightly by the hips with both hands. She immediately dropped her head, as her only recourse was to brace for impact throughout his oncoming onslaught.

It was not his intention to be harmful, but his exaggerated caution was disregarded in favor of something more natural. He'd been careful with her, ignoring his baser instincts and personal preferences to accommodate her tight, virgin canal.

Now she was allowing him the freedom to take her as his beast would, and it was only for her obvious enjoyment that he endeavored to take her up on it.

She was still so fucking tight, but he speared right through her hot folds over and over, reaming her out with his throbbing shaft.

Each devastating thrust against her ass and her cervix sent her jolting forward, but his steel grip around her curves kept her steadily in place. Cheek smashed against the futon, she'd been reduced to a ragdoll in his hands, and at the mercy of his want and will.

She was strong, he knew this. And capable and proud. With a little experience, he didn't doubt she would command a more adversarial role in their rutting. But despite her independence; he couldn't say it didn't please him that she enjoyed his displays of dominance. She was not a submissive type, but she liked him in control like this.

He pounded into her quivering heat, rubbing overly sensitive nerves raw and giving her goosebumps with the power he had over her. This was a man who had known great power, had it in droves and knew exactly what to do with it. Even if it wasn't there, he carried himself like a being who encompassed so much strength just his mere presence made you feel cripplingly weak in comparison.

But she could be weak with him. In those moments, she could trust him to be strong for them both.

"Yes..." she finally choked out, her first intelligible word in some time, "...please!"

He snarled his approval, pleased at her response. Something churned so low in his throat that it was nearly his in chest, an indistinguishable place in his human body nothing like his youkai form.

He rewarded her by sliding his large hand back up her arched spine, the warmth a comforting assurance of his presence.

Mine.

"Faster..." she begged, and he picked up his already almost-inhuman pace until he was sure he'd reached the limits of this stunted human form.

"Harder!"

With a sharp crack, his splayed palm came in contact with the soft flesh on her ass, reddening the skin and making her cry out from the show of force. But he was growing attuned with her pleasured sounds, and combined with the way she viced his cock; he knew the contact was appreciated.

Grabbing high on her thighs, he angled her hips back up toward him from where they had shifted throughout his assault, and finally let himself go. He put all of his power into slamming himself into her as roughly and sharply as he could. She cried out her approval as he hit her back wall and the spot deep within her with more force than he'd dared thus far, and was infinitely pleased that not only could she handle it, but she relished his reckless treatment as well.

Words were no long possible, but her loud moans drowned out his own labored grunting as he pushed himself to exhaustion battering her womb.

Her wet passage was leaking between them as he drove into her repeatedly, and her skin beneath his hands was growing too slick to hold onto.

The extent of his efforts could be seen on his heavily perspired brow, beads rolling down his temple and streaming down his hard chest. The strong muscles in his torso clenched and flexed as he continued to thrust wildly, as did her core around his firm heat.

He was beginning to worry she might outlast him, but in that moment, she clamped down on him in a now familiar way.

"Ah... ah... ye-"

She announced her impending release as he felt his own build, but as it did, something new accompanied it. Or rather, something old.

Nostalgia graduated to recognition, and then acknowledgement deep in his bones. He knew that feeling, he remembered it, and as his own release loomed closer, his excitement snowballed into surrender as instinct reached out and demanded control.

She'd told him to embrace it if it came, but he could not be certain he would have been able to restrain himself if he tried. Teetering on the edge of climax placed his control in a weakened state as it was, but the thrilling temptation of his youki's triumphant return after so long was a force even he did not have the strength to deny.

Kagome shuddered beneath him, choking out a grateful sob as she reached her glorious end, and with his deference to his beast's demand for control; he felt himself slip away as his youki and his climax claimed him.

He fell forward, caging her between his arms as he began to empty his seed. The rush of pleasure hooked low in his abdomen, washing out his thoughts in a mindless haze of overwhelming sensation. His body reacted naturally as all senses became heightened, everything felt keener as he surrendered control to his instincts once again. Warm lips found her neck, lapping at the skin and making her shiver anew as he sucked on the sensitive crook of her shoulder. Then, he latched on.

Teeth grazed her lightly before finally clamping down, and as he hit the peak of his release; he bit down with all of his strength.

He couldn't tell if she's cried out, for in those final moments, blinding pleasure overrides all the other senses. His powerful orgasm shut down sight and sound and any other useless thing to focus on the monumental pleasure, and nothing else. And it was fantastic.

It had been so long since anything had felt that good. Perhaps it never had. But for just a moment, everything was perfect, and for once, it felt like it always would be.

When his instinct receded, however, and the spots cleared away, the roaring in his ears dulled to reveal a faint whispering.

Then, the taste of copper hit his tongue.

Unlatching himself abruptly from the trembling mass beneath him, he looked down in horror at the blood – Kagome's blood – seeping through the broken skin above her pulse point.

But he didn't need to see the inferior dental map of his bite, nor the stripeless arms in front of him to know he'd made a terrible mistake. How could he be so foolish!

He pulled himself away quickly. Out and off, he darted frantically across the room as fast as a human could manage, and ignored the invasion of property rule she'd set not for the first time.

His heart beat wildly in his chest as he rifled through her yellow pack, trying to focus on his task and not the outrageous offense he'd just committed.

He wiped his mouth off on the back of his hand, only to spark a sick feeling in his stomach when he saw how much blood had been there. He finally found what he was looking for, and raced back to Kagome's side to find her now sitting upright.

He approached apologetically, grabbing the towel they had used and shooing her own fingers away from the wound. Though he said nothing, she read the fear in his eyes easily enough, but simply allowed him to tenderly clean away the blood on her shoulder.

It really wasn't as bad as he'd initially thought. Though, any of her blood was unacceptable and shameful. The bite was shallow, and the bleeding had already stopped. Provided it didn't get infected, it would be gone without a scar in a few days. He'd be surprised if there wasn't a bruise though.

After cleaning it up, he applied the topical ointment as she'd done for him countless times by now.

"I apologize," he said at last, refusing to meet her eyes. Instead, he let his gaze linger on the bite mark before finally turning away.

"It's okay."

He used the towel to wipe the blood off his mouth next, but he couldn't see that his skin remained lightly stained.

"I should not have harmed you, nor will I ever again."

How could he do something so reckless? He was not supposed to be entertaining the possibility that his youki would ever return. It was impossible. Had he not vowed to simply accept his lot and embrace it?

And he was lucky it hadn't come back. If it had...

After all she'd just done for him, and this is how she is repaid? He'd lobbied so hard for her unconditional trust, and this is what he does with it? Shameful doesn't even begin to discribe-

"It's fine. I-"

"I will control myself in the future," he assured her sternly, finally looking her in the eye. "I'm sorry. Your trust-"

"Sesshoumaru!" she interrupted, touching his bare arm. "I said it's fine. Do I look mad?" She didn't, but he frowned anyway. "I told you to embrace it if you felt anything. Besides," she blushed shyly, "I kind of asked for it."

He watched her cheeks darken, and only knew regret.

Things had been going so well. They were having a great time, and he was very excited with the turn their lovemaking had taken. He was so thrilled with her apparent interest in his more traditional tendencies towards sex, and even was willing to indulge him.

They should be still basking in their afterglow, but now, he wouldn't blame her if she never wished to engage with him like that again. If this was how he conducts himself...

But still, it had been so real... He'd have bet on his life that was his youki he felt in those final moments. How could he have gotten it so wrong?

But it was good that he had. He almost made a choice with her life that she had not consented to. He pushed that thought away for now.

"I felt something... familiar," he finally explained. "I thought perhaps..." She watched with concern as he got a glazed, far-off look. Correcting quickly, he shook himself. "I was foolish."

"It wasn't foolish." She scooted up next to him, and took the bloody towel out of his hands before tossing it aside. "It was actually pretty hot."

She cuddled even closer, and coaxed him to lean back against the wall with her. Obviously still troubled, he remained unresponsive so she put his arm around her shoulders and laced his fingers with hers.

"You're not gonna break me, you know? I'm tougher than I look." His face was unreadable as he looked into hers. "And you're more tender than people know."

She was used to it now, but when she thought about the demon he used to be, or at least the one she used to know, she never would have imagined he could be so sensitive to her human frailty. That he could be so affected whenever it was compromised.

She doubted those concerns extended too far beyond her though.

"Tell no one," he ordered as she looked at him expectantly.

"No one would believe me anyway."

He could thank the kami for that. She placed her hand on his chest, and leaned in for a kiss. He met her half way.

After, she settled into his side more comfortably. He held her to him tighter, and a long moment of silence passed between them.

"I guess it didn't work," she said regretfully.

"It worked just fine."

The flat glare she leveled was only good for a smirk, apparently.

"You know what I mean. It didn't change you."

"No."

She was so sure she was right. She didn't know why, it just felt like it was. It made sense to her. But maybe, she just wanted it to be right.

In the end, he was right, like always. She was idealistic, and naïve, and wrong again. And while she still believed optimism was important, she could also see how building people's hopes up just to let them down again could be an even more depressing existence than keeping your expectations low in the first place. That way, if she was right, he'd be pleasantly surprised instead of let down.

"It matters not," he told her plainly. "I found a benefit to being human." Kagome looked up to find violent eyes resting on her comfortably. "I can be with you."

His face was unreadable, save for the gentle way his eyes softened around the edges. "I may never be demon again," he said, tipping her chin toward him when she frowned. "But as long as I am with you, I will be happy. That is something I had never accomplished in my previous form."

She wasn't supposed to hope for it. Not say it aloud, not think it – even subconsciously. Because if you love someone, how can you root against them just to benefit yourself? It was bad enough she made him human. But to want to keep him that way, just because it would be nice for her if he stayed...

But she did love him. And it made sense that she would want to be with him. Unfortunate that they only could be if he stayed human. But it was looking like he would, so there was no point in dwelling on it. She got what she wanted. She just wished she wasn't so damn happy about it.

But then, he didn't seem completely broken up. And if he didn't prefer to stay human with her, at least he didn't seem to hate the idea.

"So what do we do now?" she asked, feeling a little silly lounging naked, but not completely sure she should dress yet.

"I remain at your service. I can take you again if you wish."

She wasn't entirely sure if she should be offended by his passive offer, or impressed by it. Just how many times did he expect to have sex tonight? How many was he good for? She briefly considered his proposal as she gazed at his naked body a little longer than was safe, and had a feeling she would find out soon enough.

"I'm feeling pretty sore." After all, she'd gone from never-used to roughly-handled in a matter of hours. There was no way the universe was giving her a free lunch with that one. She'd be lucky if she could walk tomorrow.

"I can soothe you with my tongue until you sleep..." was his next offer, and she couldn't tell if he sounded more apologetic or hopeful.

"I think I've had enough excitement for one evening. I kinda just want to go to sleep."

She hoped he wasn't offended, but then, she'd been pretty generous tonight. She'd accepted his apology, his bite mark, and his dick three times. She felt she'd earned the right to turn in early.

Sesshoumaru nodded resolutely, and stood, before reclaiming his clothing from the floor.

"Where are you going?" she asked once he finished putting his pants on determinedly.

"Leaving, so you may sleep."

He picked up his haori next as Kagome watched him dully.

"I guess men really do cut right out before cuddling," she quipped and he paused in dressing to throw her a curious look. "I want you to sleep with me, stupid."

He just stared back at her as if he hadn't considered it, before obediently returning to her side. "You are not concerned about your packmates returning?" he asked, crawling next to her on the bed once more. "This is their hut."

Yeah, it was admittedly not a cool move. She would not be syked if Inuyasha had sex with Sango in her sleeping bag or something, and they would totally notice the sex and blood stains on their nice, new bed. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and she couldn't chance something stopping them again.

It was kind of his fault anyway for not having her roof ready yet. She knew how much he and Miroku dicked around when they were supposed to be working.

But now that the damage was done, they might as well stay the night. Inuyasha surely heard them, and it was quite possible the others did too. She'd deal with the embarrassment tomorrow, but tonight, they'd be safe.

"They can use my hut tonight. We'll switch back tomorrow." Sesshoumaru accepted her assessment, and handed over his haori for her to wear. As she put it on, he got up and prepared the hearth to last them throughout the night.

She watched him thoughtfully see to their comfort, setting them up for success like it was second nature. There was something primal that drove him to do things like that, just like it drove her to respond to his consideration as strongly as she did.

"I'd like it if you moved in." He'd just finished arranging the fire when she said it, so he looked over. "I want you to stay with me."

After all, she was flying solo now. In light of new developments, it made sense for him to join her in her repaired hut. She doubted the lecher would mind having the hut to himself, though they might find themselves with overnight guests a lot more often.

She finished tying up his shirt as he slowly prowled back over, and proprietary pride darkened his heated gaze just a tad.

"For as long as I am human?" he wondered, and she smiled.

"For as long as I am human."

Crawling beside her once again, he leaned down, and pinned her with a kiss that made her sore flesh throb.

They were sharing a fire, a bed, an outfit, and starting tomorrow, they would now be sharing a hut.

It was such a simple decision that meant so much, and she couldn't say how relieved she was. Because they hadn't talked about it, but they both knew what it meant.

He would stay. In the village, in her hut... Sesshoumaru was officially pack now. It was a big concession. Now she had one to make as well.

If he was going to make a life here with her, it didn't seem right for her to make a life in the future.

Not that she couldn't go see her mom and stuff, not at all. But this would have to be her primary home from now on, and any notions of college or work in the modern era would need to be officially abandoned. She'd decided in her heart a long time ago anyway, Sesshoumaru just gave her a reason to pull the trigger.

Respectful of her first night pains, Sesshoumaru put an end to the heated kiss before things got out of hand. They had been well on the way. But he remained stretched out by her side, gazing down adoringly as he skimmed his hand along his silk.

"Thank you," she said, but he only quirked a brow. "For not going west, I mean. I promise you won't regret it."

Looking down into the blue eyes of the woman who now wore his family's crest, he forced himself not to dwell on how close he had come to missing out on all this. She – and Inuyasha, admittedly – stopped him from making perhaps the largest mistake of his life. A fatal mistake. He would take none of it for granted.

"This Sesshoumaru does not have regrets," he assured her. But as he continued to gaze into her bright features, his confidence wavered. "Although..."

She waited eagerly for him to continue, and with a smile, he appeased her.

"I have never known the feeling of being near my chosen mate." Guilt washed through her, but his smile never faltered. "I wish I could have felt, only once, the pride of my beast as I hold you near."

He used his arm to coax her onto her side, facing him.

"What happens?" she asked, and the hand stroking her through his silks snaked up her sleeve.

"I would hear the blood rush through your veins in anticipation of my touch." He gently ran his fingers from the inside of her elbow to her wrist; the soft pressure tickled and made her shiver.

"Your heartbeat would quicken at my mere presence." The haori being many sizes too big for her made the fold easy to breach. He slid his hand just above her breast, over her heart, and drew soothing circles.

Then, she saw him frown. He lifted his hand to her shoulder, and peeled back the collar enough to reveal the human bite mark. It wasn't looking infected, but it would almost certainly turn purple in a day or two. He grazed it with the pads of his fingertips.

"Right here," he told her, catching her eyes, "I would scent the blood threatening to burst at the throbbing of your pulse, and my fangs would elongate at the prospect of making their eternal mark."

He gazed longingly at her bite, and she saw his tongue moving behind his lip. Did he still have the instincts of a demon, just not the tools? How much did he yearn?

She watched him go on with a mixture of guilt and sympathy.

"The scent of your heat preparing itself for my entry would flood my senses." He looked at her purposefully. "I would all but be able to taste your desire."

Kagome's cheeks heated as his hand slid down to the curve of her hip, and stroked her ass.

"And I am certain, that your reiki, simmering beneath the surface would only fuel the fire of my youki which wishes to dominate you."

He stretched his hand down past the hem of his shirt, before switching course. Slipping under the silk, soft, sure fingertips danced along her thigh. She squirmed as he excited the fine hairs like an invisible marionette, leaving a trail of tingling gooseflesh all the way to the top. There, he lingered just before the hip bone, drumming so lightly it almost wasn't felt.

Seriously reconsidering her earlier decree, Kagome pressed heated thighs together as they slickened slightly, and lost the battle with her will power when she reached out for Sesshoumaru's naked chest.

"It would have been quite an experience."

He would always mourn those things, she supposed. He would always feel some measure of loss. But she vowed to make his life so full that he would hardly even notice. Given time.

"We may not have such superior senses," she conceded, "but humans can relay how we feel to each other as well." Her hand slid up to cup his cheek, and he smiled for her.

"How would a human convey their affections to their mate adequately?"

"By telling them," she answered simply. Then, looking into his eyes for just a moment gave her inspiration. "For instance, I would say:

"The way I feel when I'm with you is... it's incredible. It's the way I wish I felt all the time.

"I thought I was in love before, but you made me realize that I never loved a man before you. And I know, I will never love another man again."

His eyes softened with something akin to gratitude, but she held them sternly.

"I never knew happiness, until I saw myself through your eyes. You make me strive to be the woman you tell me I am. And you make me believe I am her, because I trust you." She smiled. "If you think I can be something so wonderful, then I can. Simple as that. You bring out the best in me, because that's what you deserve. We both do."

She always thought he was such an elitist – a snob – because he expected nothing less than perfection while in his haughty presence. But she'd come to realize his impossibly high standards were not set to serve simply him. Sesshoumaru demands the best from you because it's what you deserve as well.

Humbled by her kindness and honesty, Sesshoumaru grabbed the hand at his cheek and pulled it away. He placed a kiss to the bundle of fingertips, and then another one inside the palm before returning to nuzzle against his cheek.

"And I would have you know," he began carefully, "that love did not exist until you taught me how to love you." He held her hand just as fiercely as her gaze, lest she doubt even a word. "I would give every ounce of my power for just one human lifetime by your side." And in all reality, he had. But it had not been his decision. If given the choice however, he knew now it would be.

"I may never be a demon again, but if I can be with you; I will be the happiest male in any species." When she finally blinked, a single tear escaped down her cheek at the raw honesty he displayed.

"I would take back not a second of this transformation. I thank the heavens for it," he assured her, squeezing her hand in his even tighter. "For if I had not been rendered such, I would not have learned what matters most to This One." Softening, he reached to wipe away the tear she couldn't move to dry herself. "Returning to the way things were, is unacceptable. No matter what happens, I will never be the same, and I will always be grateful to you for that. I am certain that I love you, Kagome."

She would not be able to doubt his claim this time. The mask was gone, the guards were down. He was exposed, and neither of them would be able to hide any longer.

"Your wish, was the best thing that has ever happened to me."

Because she was. His curse had been his blessing in disguise, and ironically, masquerading as a human allowed his own guise to fall away, to reveal the man he truly was buried beneath all that pretense.

He watched Kagome brought to tears once again at his behest, but he could see no pain in her eyes.

She reached for him, pulling him into a hug as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

"I love you," she whispered, while he returned the embrace. "just like this."

She'd been having the most amazing dreams.

She couldn't remember what they were as she eased into the waking world from her contented slumber, but before she came online, her body and soul sung of wholeness that granted the most glorious peace.

The ache between her thighs was quick to remind her of their passionate evening, and she wondered if that was the reason she had slept so well. She didn't know what – if any – effect sex would have on her priestess powers, but they felt invigorated in a way she'd never experienced before.

Her reiki felt... soothed. Massaged. Exercised even. Like it had been held in a comforting caress, yet taunted and teased and tested... but in a good way. It felt fuller than before, and she tried to recall the elusive dreams and the happiness they had inspired, but they remained just beyond her reach.

She felt a strong arm curl around her torso. Then, a warm body behind her shifted, squeezing tighter and nuzzling into hair.

She sighed, stretching and throwing back her head as the drag of his nose behind her ear made her shiver.

"Morning," she said with a sleepy smile. "How are you feeling?"

Then, reminiscent of the surge within her dreams, power rolled through her, making her reiki swell. It felt enhanced somehow, balanced and complete, but warned that the thrill of danger was incredibly near.

"Never better," came a deep voice from behind her, and she stiffened.

She felt a sharp pain in the softness of her belly, and glanced down tentatively. Slowed breathing stopped completely when razor-tipped claws were peeped stabbing lightly against her skin. Then she noticed twin magenta stripes curving elegantly around the wrist.

As she turned slowly, a mass of silvery-white bangs invaded her vision, tickling her cheek before the indigo crescent on his brow was even required for confirmation.

"You changed..." She stated the obvious, in a state of awe as she shifted to face him completely. "When did this happen?"

She tried not to squirm under his scrutiny, but the return of his youki and all that went with it made him more intimidating than she'd become accustomed to.

"Dawn."

She glanced towards the window, and blanched. "That was hours ago! Why didn't you wake me?"

"Because I have an ample memory, and a penchant for self-preservation." He smirked, remembering the last time he tried getting her up 'early.' "Besides, you needed the rest."

She was trying not to gawk; she knew it was rude. But it was just such a shocking change to see him like this. Sure, the last time he looked demon had been... a gratifying experience, but in all honesty, her eyes had been closed most of the night. Or 'fogged with lust,' as he correctly recalled.

Plus, it was dark then. She thought that was the rule for his intermittent transformations. The last two times, he'd changed at night, then, just like Inuyasha, he changed back at dawn.

"But its daylight," she said, brow furrowed. "I wonder when you're gonna turn back."

Trance-like, she reached out to touch the stripes on his face, recalling the softness from last time. But he surprised her by grabbing her hand, stopping her short.

"I will not."

He appeared to be searching her features with a fine-toothed comb as he awaited her reaction, but all he would find was complete and utter shock.

He adjusted to a seated position, and she dazedly followed suit.

"You were right," he freely admitted. "I apologize for doubting you. It will not be repeated."

She wished she could enjoy the proud demon's rare concession, and in addition to gloating about her genius, perhaps later she could lay into him for his stupidity and stubbornness. But before that, she needed to be sure it wasn't a fluke. Was he really back for good?

"How do you know?" she asked septically.

"The part of me that was always missing. I have it now. I am whole."

Her eyes roved over him, as if she would be able to see it if it was only temporary.

He looked no different than he had that night in the hot spring, but he knew then that it wasn't permanent. Whatever he needed to be assured of his full return, he appeared to have gotten it. That was... great?

She couldn't say exactly why it had taken until dawn, unless it wasn't really the sex that changed him. Or maybe that's just when these things happen. She doubted they'd ever truly know why, at least for certain.

But it didn't matter. Sesshoumaru was back, and she was happy for him. He deserved to be back. His suffering was over.

But hers was just beginning. She missed his human self already.

She couldn't believe she was never going to see him again. She didn't even get to say goodbye...

"Why are you still here?" She asked, then blushed at her rudeness. "Surely you have things you need to get to."

He'd been waiting for this moment for nearly two months. He had to have a pretty long list of business to handle, and she didn't even want to know what it consisted of, though she had a pretty good idea.

She was honestly surprised he hadn't left for his warpath the second his youki returned to him.

The gentle smile on his demonic façade just looked so out of place there. It was almost scary.

"I did not want you to think I am the kind of man who leaves right after he gets what he wants."

Kami, she had sex with the Lord of the West, hadn't she? Granted, he wasn't the inuyoukai when it happened, but he would be walking around with the memories all the same. Would he regret it, now that he was back? Had he changed?

He said a lot of things last night, and he looked like he meant them. But he had been facing the prospect of permanent humanity. It was entirely possible now that he wasn't, that could all change.

He said he'd forsake his youki for a life with her, but he didn't look too beat up about having his power back now.

"You did get what you wanted, didn't you?" she asked, somewhat cautiously. "You want to be demon..."

"Yes," he confirmed, and she couldn't hide her disappointment. When sadness flickered in her gaze, he reached out to cup her cheek. "but there is something else I want."

There was a hunger in his eyes, and a wickedness in his smile that had her worried. "Tell me it isn't anal," she begged.

Then, her eyes widened exponentially when the stoic demon lord laughed at her.

"No," he assured her, and that hint of heat returned to his molten amber pools. "Though perhaps you would like to see my stripes."

She was hesitant to answer, and he could read her concern. "If you are still sore, the offer to use my mouth to soothe you stands."

When he brushed some hairs carefully behind her ear, the drag of his dangerous claws lightly against her skin caused it to tingle. Her eyelids fluttered closed as the reiki simmered beneath her skin almost eagerly.

"Are you going to go back home?" she asked, artfully dodging that subject for now.

She heard a soft exhale of breath, and opened her eyes again when he removed his hand.

"I am afraid that I must," he confirmed, but she'd already known. That was the plan all along. He agreed to move into her hut because he thought he'd be human forever. She tried to be happy for him as he looked at her intently. "I want you to come with me."

Before she could respond, he got out of bed, and started reclaiming their discarded clothing from the floor of the hut.

"There is a battle taking place in the Western Lands as we speak. My enemies learned of my humanity, and they planned an attack."

He returned to the futon to hand over her clothing, which she promptly snatched away.

"What? And you were going to go fight them?" With a shrug, he crossed back to find his boots. "What was your plan?"

While he got on his shoes, Kagome got out of bed to dress as well.

"To fight with honor until my last breath, as my vow decreed."

He was watching appreciatively as she slipped back into her bottoms.

"Your vow did not account for you being turned human."

"It matters not," he dismissed with another shrug.

"Yes it does! How could you even think of doing something like that? Didn't you think about what that would do to Rin? To me?"

Disappointed when she finally removed his haori to get into her own clothes, he soothed himself by admiring her breasts before she covered them.

"I stayed, did I not? And I planned on remaining, but in light of this new development; I am duty bound to return and assist my allies."

"So shouldn't you be there now then?" she asked, pulling her hair out of the collar of her shirt, and taming it.

"It matters not. The moment I return, I shall kill anyone disloyal and claim victory. They no longer stand a chance."

The statement cut off her mini-tirade. He said it so casually, like it was nothing. Just like he used to.

Now that he had all his power back, how much had he actually changed?

"What about your allies?" she asked carefully. "Don't they need help?"

A blank stare was all she got from him, and she could not believe his callousness.

"Sesshoumaru! They are fighting for you, and you're just going to saunter on in at your leisure? What if they get killed?" Eying him warily, she wondered, "You really are back, aren't you?"

He'd made a lot of claims when he thought he was going to be human forever, but now that he had all his power back, would he still feel the same way?

The old Sesshoumaru didn't care about anyone besides himself, because he didn't need to.

Now that he was strong enough to take on the world alone, would everyone else be downgraded to insects once again?

Sensing her fears, he crossed back over to stand before her.

"I may look like the demon I once was, but trust that I am not." But she didn't look convinced, and he vowed to do more to assure her of this in the future. "I have changed, Kagome. There is no going back."

"Well in that case, you should have a little more consideration for those who are risking their lives to help you while you were weak." He took her admonishment into account, and that in itself should prove to her that he was not the demon he once was. Had she spoken such words to him previously, he would have killed her just on principle.

But he opted not to point that out to her.

"That is what I am doing, miko," he explained instead, stepping closer. "There is no one who helped me during this difficult time more that you. Therefore, you are my first priority." Embarrassed, and still a little peeved, Kagome turned away, only to find herself being guided back by the chin. "Everyone else can wait. I wish to attend to your contentment, and once satisfied with that; I will run to aid my allies."

She supposed that was reasonable. And, she would admit, promising. But his priorities could use a little work, flattering or not. They would work up to that.

"Well, I'm content," she assured him, "so go help them."

"Will you join me?"

It didn't slip his notice that she still hadn't answered his question. But talking hypothetically was one thing. There was no 'if' anymore, and the choices they made from here would have real consequences.

But she thought he'd at least want to settle in before arranging any forbidden rendezvous. Or at least win the battle he was apparently playing hooky from.

"In war?" she asked.

"Indeed. I can handle them on my own, however your aid would be greatly appreciated. None are a match for your sacred arrows, save perhaps This One." He smirked at the flat glare he received, but kept going. "I assure you your safety, of course, and my undying protection. Though I am quite confident you will protect yourself adequately. Your power is formidable," he told her proudly, and placed both of his hands on her shoulders. "You are formidable."

She was blushing, but it wasn't all due to his praise. Though she was dressed, he still had yet to reclaim his haori, and the proximity gave her the chance to compare his hard, demon body to his previous human form.

She thought he was built before, but the power he held now was actually visible in this larger frame. The stripes made him look dangerous and exotic, and she couldn't help but drift back to last night, and the talk they'd had about letting her compare the experience... as well as other things.

Well aware that he could scent her arousal, she forced the dirty images out of her head for later.

"And aside from that, I wish you to be there. To fight along my side as my equal, and after our victory, to become my mate."

Her stunned reaction was expected. She might have considered he would propose some sort of arrangement between the two of them, so that they may continue to address their sexual desires in secret after he returned. But that was nowhere near enough to satisfy him. Not anymore.

"I am not my father," he told her sternly. "And you are not Izayoi. I would not have you hidden away like a shameful secret, or helpless princess who cannot defend herself. I have faith in my people to see you for what you are; a strong, powerful, compassionate female worthy of being their lady. I have faith in your ability to protect yourself, and I have faith in myself to keep us both safe."

If he did not, he would never endanger her by suggesting such a thing. The only matter now, was if she had faith in him. If she trusted him as she claimed to, there was no reason for her to object.

"Besides," he continued darkly, a malicious grin reached his eyes, "once I am through trouncing my enemies, there will be none fool enough to dare so much as speak my name with inflection. I have two months of repressed youki to expel, and many slights to remedy."

And she would have to get used to that, too. His views on humanity had evolved, but justice would be carried out just as it always had. Mercy and punishment would be granted to those who deserved it, with no exceptions. On that, he would not falter. He had lands to run, after all.

But just because that hadn't changed, it didn't mean that he still hadn't. Though the look on her face concerned him. He worried he may have frightened her.

"Sesshoumaru, I-"

The sudden flaring of his youki was stifling, along with the brief panic that passed over his handsome features, and the combination warned of an approaching threat. Then, he turned toward the door just in time to see Toran barge in like she owned the place.

She wore a taunting smirk, though Kagome was beginning to wonder if her face didn't always look like that, as she strode across the room to join them.

"Wonderful, you two just won me a bet," she said casually. "Tell your little flea he owes me a bottle of blood wine."

Kagome had forgotten how chilling that icy glare really was, and paired with that dangerous tint to his youki reminded her of the old days and helped showcase how much he really changed after all. Toran didn't seem concerned, however, as he located his discarded haori and started to hastily put it on.

"Of course, you could have waited until after the battle was won. You left us to protect your gates while you were here, breaching the miko's."

Toran watched shamelessly as Sesshoumaru finished dressing, until she felt Kagome's glare burning into her from the side.

"Relax miko; it's nothing I haven't seen." She didn't seem appeased by the reminder, so Toran abandoned the reverse strip show to close in on the young woman. "Was the terrible warlord gentle with your fragile human body?"

Dominant, angry youki billowed out, expertly stealing away both of their attention.

"Ooh, back with a vengeance, I see," Toran mocked. "Calm down, you've got nothing to prove to me."

But she turned back to Kagome to assure her, "We shall talk later. I want to hear all about his sweet nothings and tender caress."

Before she could get another warning from the newly reinstated dog demon; she left the miko alone to perform a cursory scan of the hut.

"I was unduly fraught when Myoga told me to expect you, I see." The panther casually looked around, faintly interested but clearly unimpressed with the dwelling. "Of course, he told me you were human then. Had I known you were back; I would have dragged you home myself. We really could have used you."

"I would have been," he insisted as he finished up the knot on his obi, "I only changed at dawn."

"So what kept you?" She paused her snooping to inspect a strange bottle she found. "Couldn't be bothered to come defend your homestead in lieu of watching your human lover sleep? If you hadn't earned your father's mantle before, you certainly have now."

"He wanted to be there!" Kagome cut in defensively. "I asked him to stay. If he knew he was going to change back, you know he would have gone."

The demoness smirked amusedly before sliding her gaze to the youkai in question, finding him fully dressed.

He shot her another glare, but asked, "You were successful then, I assume?"

"You insult me. Of course I was successful," she boasted casually, as if bored. "Those low born nekos use the same old tricks; I sent them packing. The elementals are dead, your fortress stands, the West is secure."

"Casualties?" he demanded, as the panther inspected her claws.

"Minimal. A few brash soldiers, but no one of consequence. No innocents."

"And your warriors?"

"Just fine, thanks for asking!" She had an exaggerated saccharine smile to match her tone. She turned to Kagome again. "What did you do to him? He's so freaking considerate."

"The enemy?" he ordered, ignoring her insolence for the time being.

"Those not smart enough to retreat met their fates at my claws. Except for one." Hopeful ears picked up at the insinuation, and then she confirmed, "Your tiger is in the dungeons, just as you asked." Sesshoumaru smiled wickedly, giving both ladies a chill. "He is eagerly awaiting the lord of the manor's return."

"Alive?"

"But not well, I'm afraid. Your boys want his neck real bad; I had to pull them off him myself. If you wish to do the honors, I suggest you hurry. I told them he was yours, but the torture has already begun, and it's only a matter of time before one of your dogs goes too far."

That was a legitimate concern. His soldiers were strong and merciless, and restraint was rarely on the menu. They knew better than to defy any order he'd issued, but it was entirely possible for them to misjudge the fatal dose of whatever medicine they were giving him. Not to mention, they fucking hated cats.

It was also possible that if they still thought he was human; they might try to get cute.

"Hn, if only I had Tenseiga." It wouldn't be the first time he'd brought someone back just to kill them again.

"Hn, about that. Jaken!"

On the panther's word, the imp scuttled his way through the door with not one, but both of his master's swords.

They hadn't been there the night he'd found Rin, so he'd written them off as likely sold off or destroyed. That one tiger must have had them, and it was a pleasant surprise to have them returned.

"My lord, you've returned! I am so relieved." Running up to his feet, Jaken bowed his head and presented Sesshoumaru the weapons. He noted that they were shinier than the last time he'd seen them, but perhaps it was just his youkai vision still adjusting. "Here are your swords; I polished them for you."

The demon lord took them for inspection, and his vassal ran outside, quick to return with the armor he'd abandoned, in the cave. It also looked tended to, and Jaken had to struggle to carry the heavy equipment in, grunting when he placed it gently at his feet.

"That filthy tiger could not unlock their secrets, master. Of course, no one but Lord Sesshoumaru could- oh, miko-sama. How wonderful." He cut his groveling short upon lifting his head and seeing Kagome sitting on the edge of the futon. The acknowledgement, and likelihood of all the demons in the room being able to detect what had occurred last night caused a faint blush to stain her cheeks. "I see my lord has treated you well. I would expect no less, eh-heh."

The nervous laughter was offered as he attempted to gauge his lord covertly. He was thrilled he wouldn't have to make good on his threat and return to the mud hills; though when he said that the miko must be handled kindly, this wasn't exactly what he had in mind...

But just because his word was heeded, it did not mean that he wasn't in for a world of hurt for daring to confront him like he had. Time would tell.

"Jaken." Or maybe his time was up already. He cast a wary glance upward.

"Go fetch Rin and prepare for the trip West." Sighing heavily in relief, he heard the underlying statement in his master's command. 'We're going home.'

"Yes milord."

He shuffled quickly to the door, but the hard edge in Sesshoumaru's tone stopped him right before he made it.

"And Jaken." He froze, wincing. He didn't need to hear the rest. "We will be speaking later."

"Y-yes milord," he bowed, and completed his escape.

"You picked a good time to change back," said Toran. "News of your humanity is spreading, but you can come put those notions to rest before any real damage was done."

Sesshoumaru threw his armor on for the first time in months, and began to strap it on.

He hadn't missed the chore of fastening it. At least he had two hands now.

"I want a report on every dissenter." Toran nodded in acquiescence. "Even a hint of disloyalty or doubt in This One must be brought to my attention."

As he continued fussing with his armor, he flashed a glance over to Kagome who had been sitting quietly on the bed throughout all the commotion.

"I must get to that tiger before my general gives him too quick a death," he explained when he caught her eye. There was a hint of apology in his tone. "I know it is sudden, but grab what you wish to bring, and I will procure anything you need once we are there."

"About my council position?" Toran prompted before the miko could give a response.

He turned back to her, finally finished with his armor, and grabbed his weaponry.

"May I get my swords on please, before I start appointing cabinet?"

She rolled her eyes as he began to arrange them in his obi.

"Sorry, we just saved your lands, while you've been on vacation." She earned her iciest glare yet for that insinuation, as if this had been some fun trip and not a nightmare death march from hell. Though last night was pretty good.

"Seriously, for a guy who just got laid..." Toran paused to sample the air, "Three times, you think you'd be a little less snippy. Maybe you should-"

Suddenly, all the open space in the hut was replaced with terrifying demonic youki. It was so thick and powerful, it felt like they were drowning in it, and two sets of frightened eyes snapped pleadingly to the perpetrator.

Ah, there it was. Raw, justified fear. How he'd missed that.

"Toran..." he began darkly, actually making her consider retreating a step as he took one closer. His voice, his eyes, his youki all screamed danger as he loomed closer, and she wondered if after all these years, she'd finally pushed him past his limits.

Kagome watched on with concern to see how this was going to play out.

He put a strong, clawed hand on the panther's shoulder, and held her wary gaze.

"Your assistance has been paramount," he told her then, causing her brows to furrow. "I could not have succeeded without you. I value your service to me in the battle, and everything you have done up until that. I am proud to call you my ally... as well as my friend. There are none who could ever replace you, and I shall be eternally grateful."

As scared as she was at the beginning of this exchange, it only bolstered as he continued. Wide-eyed and uneasy, she was actually silent for a moment as his statement registered.

If this was how to get the panther to shut up, he would have done it ages ago. Sesshoumaru shot a smug look Kagome's way, pleased to display that he had indeed changed. She looked just as taken aback as the panther.

Toran looked her way as well. "Okay, whatever you did to him, stop it. He's creeping me out."

"Will you be joining me for my homecoming," he wondered, and released his grip on her shoulder. "or need you return to your ranks?"

"No, I can come. Are we leaving now?"

"This very moment," he confirmed. Toran nodded in understanding as they headed toward the door.

"Alright, but once we land, I need to brief you on that demon magic they used. Tricky stuff, but we-"

"Kagome."

She'd been uncharacteristically quiet, but things were moving fast. He hoped when he called her, it would snap her from her reverie and into action, but as she turned her troubled features toward the doorway; she remained seated.

He waited expectantly for her to rise and join him, quickly becoming impatient and gesturing not-so-subtly with his eyes to the door beside him. She appeared to be paralyzed, however. Lips slightly parted; she seemed both unable to stand, or explain why she wasn't doing so.

"Are you coming?" he finally asked.

That's when he saw it. That sheen in her eyes he'd mistaken for apprehension was something he'd grown to loathe even more, and come to know all too well. He should have seen it sooner.

She wasn't coming.

For what she showed him now so clearly was the apology he never wanted, the guilt and shame that went along with it. He'd seen enough of that from her, and hoped never to again.

He thought, after last night...

He was a fool.

He knew she wouldn't want him when he was fully demon again, he knew it in his bones. But he went against his better judgement once again, and once again he would suffer for it. Would he never learn?

It wasn't her fault, she likely thought she could look past it. She probably even wished she could. But when faced with the cold hard reality of what he was, to be reminded of what he'd done and who he'd truly been day in and day out... she could not be blamed.

No, he was the one at fault here. He let himself buy into her idealistic vision because he wanted to believe it. He let her flowery optimism rub off on him, and he was weaker for it. This was the danger of entangling one's self with humanity. This is what makes strong youkai weak.

Because now, the fullness he'd enjoyed, the completion he'd been riding high on was slowly seeping away, exposing raw nerves to the cold bite of reality, and reminding him of every empty space that could never again be filled.

Had he not met her, he never would have known it could ever feel another way, and he wouldn't be cursed with the knowledge of what he couldn't have. Such things, he was reminded once more, were not for him. It was just cruel of the fates to rub his nose in it.

Where they so bored that they saw fit to taunt him thus on a seemingly constant basis? He supposed he did have much to answer for in this life...

But at least now he knew for certain; if he could make himself human again this very instant, never to return to his youkai form; he wouldn't even have to think about it. His power, his immortality, they were useless to him now. Love did exist, he now knew, and it wasn't for him. Neither was happiness.

But they never had been, and he had responsibilities to see to. Duties to perform. He would amerce himself in his lands once again, and try to pass the time doing something useful. He would endure.

"We are ready milord!" Jaken could be heard squawking right outside the hut's door. Toran opened the flap after casting a pensive glance at Sesshoumaru, and walked through it. "We must hurry if you wish to meet your prisoner. Everyone is waiting for you, milord."

He caught the flap before it closed, but held the miko's sapphire gaze a moment more.

She still hadn't spoken, but she didn't need to. He had too much dignity to beg, or offer unkind words, or even express his regret. Carefully crafted mask in place, he simply relayed his understanding with the slight inclining of his head, and left.

Leading the way, Jaken scrambled ahead to the clearing where Rin and Ah-Un were preparing for flight. Sesshoumaru fell in step with Toran, trying to keep his thoughts as ordered as possible, when suddenly a small piece of parchment obscured his vision.

"What is this?" he asked, taking it from her to peruse.

"The recipe for that demon magic they were using. Coward cracked under the most pedestrian torture techniques. Hoped we'd let him go before you arrived."

"Fool," he said, earning a smirk from the panther.

"Indeed. This could prove very valuable."

But the youkai lord seemed not to agree, and dismissively returned the parchment.

"No. I have no use for such, and I will not permit the sacrifice of human women for some pathetic magic."

Magic was for mortals, and those too weak to accumulate their own power through training and conquest. Much like the Shikon, it was a cheat code that only announced to the world how weak the user truly was. He pushed the jewel viciously from his thoughts.

"Obviously, I meant we can begin experimenting on a way to counteract it." She tucked the recipe away as the dragon came into view. Rin was securing the last of her things. "This was a setback, but those pumas will stop at nothing to overthrow my father, and now it is clear they have designs on the other lands as well. This will leave them relatively defenseless."

Every potion had an antidote, and every magic had a counterpart. All those weak nekos had going for them was their deceptive little tricks, and once they cracked the code to their latest concoction, they'd be off licking their wounds somewhere out of his hair. For now, at least.

"Hn. Acceptable. I leave it for you to see over. Report any findings directly to me."

"Since when do I take orders from you?" she asked petulantly. Sesshoumaru raised a brow.

"You are on my council, are you not?"

They reached Ah-Un just as Rin was mounting, and stopped, facing each other while Jaken preformed the last of his safety measures.

"Council members are equals." The panther crossed her arms defiantly.

With an air of superiority, Sesshoumaru agreed. "Yes, under my supervision. That is why it is my council."

She smirked wryly as he dared her to challenge him, before he turned to test the saddle himself with a few good tugs.

"It's good to have you back," she said amusedly. Then she dropped her mocking cadence. "You don't know how worried I was."

She'd seen him in some tight spots over the years, but she'd very nearly lost him this time. It was pure luck he'd survived this debacle, and if any number of things had gone the wrong way... It had been far too close for comfort.

Pleased with the saddle, he threw a look over his shoulder and met her eyes meaningfully. "I can imagine."

And as cool and calm as he appeared, she knew he had been scared too. Good luck getting him to admit it, though.

If she wasn't watching so intently, Toran never would have seen his gaze flick back toward the huts.

"You want me to talk to her?" she offered, then forced a mischievous smile to lighten the mood. "I can be very persuasive."

"Something I know more than most," he teased back. But she could tell his heart wasn't in it. "No, leave her be. She has made her decision."

She knew Sesshoumaru would not appreciate her pity, but she really did feel bad for the guy. From their brief interactions, she could tell the connection the two shared was profound. The miko was more than just some hot piece of mortal ass he used to make the days go by while he was stuck there.

He cared about that girl, and that was something the youkai lord just didn't do. The emotionally inexperienced dog was getting his first taste of heartbreak, and it hurt her to see it. She was compelled to comfort him.

"Our instincts tell us quickly that which humans need time to think over. She'll come around." It sounded like a platitude to her own ears, however, so she was certain he was feeling patronized.

He arched his brow. "You think to educate me on the ways of humans? I am rather an expert."

"So you know it's nothing to worry about," she countered with a smile. His good-humored haughtiness was chased off when darkness fell over his features, however.

"I know if someone attempted to kill me several times when I was mortal, I would not be so fool as to follow them blindly into their domain, let alone desert my life to do so."

He didn't know why he expected that to be appealing to her. Kagome was beholden to no one, free and clear to go where she pleased and do as she wished, just like his brother.

He had to live as he did, but even he didn't enjoy it. Why would she? He just thought-

"That's exactly what you did, isn't it?"

Shaking himself mentally, he registered her expectant features and scoffed.

"Hardly. I had no choice but to follow them; I woke up in a cave with nothing but debt to pay and a score to settle." And a little girl to find. That seemed like so long ago now.

"Because she saved your life," Toran pointed out. "Sounds to me like she wasn't too hung up on the murder attempts."

No, but he attributed her assistance to her miko duty. She took a vow to heal all humans. Were he himself, she'd have likely let him freeze.

"I wasn't youkai when she found me."

"So? As far as she knew, you were still that same bastard. She had nothing but your history to draw from."

Sesshoumaru regarded the stubborn panther before him. The youkai was relentless, he'd give her that. That was good; it would come in handy for what he had planned.

He surprised her by grabbing her at the waist, and hoisted her up to sit behind Rin on the saddle before she could protest.

"Ride with Rin," he ordered. "Then when we arrive, you may speak to me of human women with some authority."

She glared at his pleased little smirk, but wasn't about to turn down a free dragon ride. She'd been traveling a lot lately, and needed to save her energy.

After a few excited words from his charge, he held his pre-flight meeting with the crew. When they were through, he turned to meet the aura he could feel approaching.

Inuyasha had come alone, as the monk and slayer had left for the market before Toran's arrival. He'd been asked to stay to offer proper farewells, but since he'd kind of given them yesterday, he felt no need. They were on a time crunch as it was. "Hey, you need any help?"

"No, everything is well in hand," the inuyoukai replied. "I simply must go reclaim what is mine, and clean up any messes left in my absence. I am certain it wouldn't interest you."

"Yeah, you're probably right about that," he agreed sheepishly, averting his eyes. "But I'd still go there if you need me."

The hanyou fumbled awkwardly, and didn't seem to know quite what to do with his hands. Eventually, he settled on tucking them into his sleeves.

"I will keep that in mind," Sesshoumaru said, slightly amused.

"For anything," he added, seemingly unsatisfied with his statement. "The offer stands, is all I'm saying."

The demon lord studied his half-brother, and wondered if his daiyoukai status was responsible for his obvious discomfort. He was stronger once more, but he would never again turn his might on the halfling and his friends. He owed them far too much to even consider it.

He watched on as the hanyou awkwardly shuffled a rock around with his bare foot.

"Inuyasha-"

"Don't."

Creasing his brow, Sesshoumaru persisted. "I simply-"

"You don't need to okay, it'd be weird." His face twisted into a scowl as he looked at the ground. "Just, you're welcome, alright?"

He watched the boy fluster with increasing amusement, but inclined his head. "Very well."

Watching Jaken struggle to mount his steed, Sesshoumaru graciously snatched the staff away from the vertically challenged youkai so he could scramble behind the reins. With obnoxious gratitude, he reclaimed the item from his lord.

"In addition, should you ever need assistance from This One, you need only ask it."

He turned back to his brother, who apparently intended to see them off.

"Though from what I have seen, I do not anticipate you will. You have a strong pack, and they are a reflection of their alpha." At Inuyasha's startled reaction, Sesshoumaru's lips ticked downward.

"Considering the lack of guidance in your upbringing, it is a rather impressive feat. But even the strongest of us need aid at times." With the hanyou entranced, he held his gaze meaningfully. "Should it come to pass; do not hesitate."

When the shock of disbelief wore off, Inuyasha appeared to be pleased. When he gave a single nod, Sesshoumaru was pleased as well, and prepared to summon his cloud for flight.

His brother's voice stopped him, however.

"Are coming back?" he asked hopefully. "Like, to visit or anything?"

Slightly taken aback, the youkai lord judged that the offer was not made of generosity, but gave the only answer he could. "If I am welcome."

"What kind of stupid thing to say is that? Of course you are." His vehement anger was not expected, but considering who he was talking to, that was his mistake. The hot-headed youth tempered himself quickly, however.

"It's gonna be weird not having you with us." Sesshoumaru could tell the admission did not come easily. "We kinda got used to having you around." Unable to contain his blush, the hanyou added, "I know the houshi's gonna be heartbroken."

True, the monk had big plans for Sesshoumaru, mostly consisting of ensnaring females from the nearby villages. He also seemed to enjoy his companionship as his hut mate, and it was not an entirely one-sided sentiment.

But it didn't take a genius to see that the monk was his proxy. Inuyasha was too embarrassed to acknowledge the new nature of their relationship, not to mention Kagome.

He didn't exactly know where this left them, but he got the message for now. The ball was in her court, and until she made her desires clear, he would give her the space she wanted. He'd encroached quite enough for the time being.

"You may do well to consult your pack before speaking for them. It will be much more difficult to forget who I am without my human disguise."

Inuyasha could hear the resentment in his stern warning, and furrowed his brow.

"They don't care that you're demon. Most especially not her." When he didn't reply, the hanyou tilted his head. "You really think she's prejudice?"

Sesshoumaru lightened his tone, and forced the smallest of smiles to quirk at his lips.

"No, I am quite certain your pack determines worthy associates based on demonstrated behavior. Wisely, I might add."

Inuyasha frowned at his assessment. Sure, he'd done some bad things to all of them, but no one more than him. That felt like so long ago, and if he could forget about it, why shouldn't she?

Then again, she was getting a lot closer to the bastard than he would ever agree to.

"I'd say you have a pretty good record lately. How long's it take to cancel out a few bad moves?"

The hanyou looked like he genuinely wanted to know. To be honest, so did he.

"I suppose we shall see," Sesshoumaru replied. "Though some things can never be forgiven." 'And probably shouldn't.'

"Sesshoumaru! Wait!"

The brothers turned towards the sound to find Kagome running up the trail as fast as she could. Something inside Sesshoumaru switched back on, and a feeling he thought was gone forever spread through his aching insides like a balm. He straightened, but remained passive, as he eagerly awaited her arrival.

"Kagome-sama!" Rin announced happily as the miko approached the steed. "You came to say goodbye!"

"I did," she confirmed with a smile. Suddenly, the balm inside him was removed, exposing raw nerves to the elements once more.

Would he never learn? He'd just gone through this, and he let foolish hope set him up to fall yet again. He got what he deserved.

Sesshoumaru looked down at her stoically, mouth set in a firm line as she beamed up at him. Then, she turned to his brother, and pulled him into a vicious hug.

"Goodbye!"

"You're going?" he asked, returning the embrace.

She pulled away, still holding him, and broke into an easy smile.

"For a while. I need to make sure Rin is okay." Then, with a glance, she gestured her head. "And him."

He looked at his brother for confirmation, but Sesshoumaru didn't say anything. His placid mask made him as hard to read as ever as he simply watched the scene play out before him.

"Tell the others I'll be back to visit soon," she instructed. With a frown, Inuyasha pulled her to him again.

"Alright, but if I don't hear nothing after a couple days, I'm coming to find you, okay?"

"I'll send word when I'm settled." She removed herself with a painful wince that showed her teeth. "Oh, and uh, sorry about using your bed."

There was no way he didn't know, so best to nip that in the bud before she took off.

The half demon glared at her, then his brother for good measure, before a smirk broke through.

"That's okay. Your sleeping bag was really comfortable. Fits two people perfectly."

"Doesn't it?" Sesshoumaru agreed, distracting from the miko's aggrieved reaction.

She supposed she couldn't really complain, all things considered. But still...

"Take it to my mother, she'll take care of it." Then, after a moment of thought, she added, "But tell her it wasn't me!"

The next time her mother asked her, she wouldn't be able to deny it. As such, it would probably be a while before she went home and put herself through that conversation. At least she got the birth control like she wanted. That was actually a really good move.

"Sure will."

But from his placating grin, Kagome had her doubts. 'No, you won't.'

Turning her attention back to the demon lord beside her, she flashed another smile, only to be met with the same stony glare she had been receiving since she got there.

"Ready?" she asked nervously.

She'd forgotten how intimidating he could be. With his armor and swords made him look even larger, and more like he was than ever. Not to mention the triumphant return of his silvery-white mane.

She'd really missed that, and wondered if he'd let her take a few liberties with it later on...

But then again, maybe not. He said he'd changed, but old Sesshoumaru was back with a vengeance as he shrunk her where she stood with that simmering summer gaze. She squirmed under his scrutiny, and wondered if perhaps he needed to keep up appearances while in public. Just because he took a human, didn't mean he was going to start acting super soft in front of everyone.

Finally, he released her from the torment by wrapping long fingers around the strap at her shoulder. With the bow he'd given her securely affixed to her backpack, he relieved her of it, and handed it over to Jaken to find a place for.

As he summoned his cloud, Kagome enjoyed the burst of power whipping up around them. Her reiki came alive, yearning to seek it out to mingle and play instead of repelling it like it usually did. But she kept it in check. She didn't want to interfere with the flight until she knew he could handle it.

As they put distance between them and the cold, hard earth below; she grabbed ahold of his armor very carefully, and plastered herself against him. They were so exposed up there, and with only faint whisps of opaque cloud separating her from certain doom; her stomach was twirling so bad she had to slam her eyes shut to concentrate on not getting nauseous.

A gentle, steadying hand at the small of her back made her muscles relax instantly. She lifted her gaze to offer a thankful smile, but he seemed more interested in the pathway ahead. She supposed he was technically the driver.

She allowed herself to stare for a moment. The strong, determined jawline against the sunny blue sky made for a majestic sight. Not to mention the magenta streaking across his cheekbones to let you know he was something wild. She wanted to touch them, to make his demon senses come alive in a way he had been denied for months now, but she refrained. She figured she'd better not fuss with him while their fates were in his hands. She didn't know if he was out of practice flying, or whatever.

Glancing down, she noticed they were taking a relatively low flight path. She could see the people below them so clearly as they passed by that she could recognize certain faces.

In the past, she noticed he usually traveled much higher than that, and deduced he likely stayed low for her comfort when he saw how tense she had gotten.

That was sweet of him, but also perhaps explained why he was being so standoffish. People could see them, and appearing weak could mean trouble for them both. She didn't like it, but she understood.

"Why did you do that?"

He broke the silence minutes into flight, and drew Kagome's attention away from the dragon flying behind them, but way up above. "What?"

"You did not say anything," he clarified with a frown. He was still looking off ahead, but his brow was furrowed. "You just sat there. You made me very insecure."

Her eyebrows both rose at the admission, not to mention the strange way it sounded coming out of that mouth.

"Sesshoumaru?" she asked incredulously. "The Great Inu Lord of the West, insecure? How did I manage that?"

She smiled as she taunted him, but he was clearly discomfited.

"Because," he replied, "This One is..." She watched him struggle, and grow frustrated with himself as a result.

"What?"

"Youkai," he bit out, finally looking down at her.

There was a fierceness in those golden eyes that was at once foreign and familiar.

"You're youkai?" she asked flatly.

A stiff nod was his reply.

"You're insecure because you're a demon?"

"And always will be," he reminded her harshly, and gestured behind them. "That man you claimed to love is not coming back."

She scowled at the notion, and lifted her chin confidently. "He never left."

"I am not a man."

"But you're my man." Her aggressive response stunned him, and she softened. "Being demon doesn't change that."

He still looked unconvinced as she smoothed her hands over his silk-clad upper chest, so she sighed.

"Do you feel any different than you did last night?" she asked.

"Yes."

Another annoyed huff, and she rolled her eyes. "About me?"

Pausing a moment, he finally answered, "No."

"Neither do I."

He continued to look at her consideringly. Mindful of his armor, she stretched up to slide her arms around his neck, and crossed her wrists.

In an act of surrender, he let his muscles relax slightly, and wrapped his other hand around her hips.

"Then why did you hesitate?"

"Because they killed your father for loving a human woman," she answered gravely. "If anything happened to you, it would kill me."

It was clear her response displeased him, but when he looked away scowling; she finally brushed the sensitive markings at his cheekbone. "But I know you would never put me through that. So if you want me to come West, I know you will be okay. I trust you to keep us safe."

His fingers twitched at her back as he felt every empty place inside him fill with her warmth yet again. For she was right. He would not bring her if he thought it was dangerous for her, and that she recognized that – that she trusted him – meant everything.

"I know your dad was strong, so no offense or anything, but anyone who thinks they can take you down like him is about to learn without ambiguity that his son is even stronger."

Her declaration struck him with its simplicity, but also, it was a valid argument. As he weighed her words, she gazed up at him lovingly, and stroked his sensitive markings until thinking became difficult.

"As long as I'm breathing beside you, that will be all the proof anyone should ever need."

It was true. He'd been robbed of his chance to prove to the world he had surpassed his father in strength. To compensate, he vowed to show he was not weakened to mortal sympathies like his sire had been, and it was a hollow and unfulfilling endeavor.

But he didn't need to kill him. His proof was right in front of him.

Kagome wouldn't be hidden away like Izayoi had been. She will be displayed proudly, and no one would so much as consider touching a hair on her head. Especially not after what he was about to do to that tiger in his dungeons...

His father hadn't been strong enough to keep his human, but he would be. And as long as she remained, she would be a testament to his superiority. He would do what his father could not.

A ravenous look she knew all too well was seeping into honey depths, reminiscent of the way violet used to relay his hunger. He dipped his head low, until soft, eager lips met with his own, and twin muffled moans signified their relief.

Her power sparked, taunting and coaxing in smooth rolls up and down his form, while his - darker and thicker - sought to tame and caress until every part of her body felt alive.

The dragon's cargo had a front row seat to the show in the sky. A glance down would tell them that the villagers below had a pretty good view themselves, as several were stopping to stare at the Lord of the West devouring a human miko as he floated merrily by. Though she did not look to be minding it one bit.

Whether the rest of the world did was irrelevant. Sesshoumaru had come to find out that species was not an indicator by which to judge merit, for there were good examples on both sides, just as well as detestable ones. He'd met shameful, vile youkai vermin on his travels, as well as some very lovely humans, and everything in between. So long as everyone acknowledged that he was a being of unmatched power who would reign supreme, that was all that mattered.

Perhaps that wasn't all that mattered. He'd found other things worth fighting for on his journey as well. Other things to live for, and hold dear.

But his power was sure going to make it easier to keep them.

Once an example was made of his prisoner, he doubted any would have an unkind word to say about his mate-to-be, so let them watch. Enjoy the show! He wanted everyone to know.

Rin and Toran shared an approving smile, while ahead of them, Jaken went on about how much his lord and master took his words to heart.

"... I told him to treat her kindly, so my influence allowed the romance to foster! Surely he will show lenience for my audacity, as I made a show of loyalty early on to the future Western Lady. Or at least miko-sama may lobby on my behalf..."

But as the little toad blathered on about foresight and mud hills, Toran and Rin watched the youkai who meant so much to them, and recognized that for the first time, he was whole.

He said a piece of him had been missing on the nights he transformed. But a piece of him had always been missing. Sesshoumaru was a youkai who coveted, but no matter how much he obtained, he was never satisfied.

He'd found his missing piece, and she was clinging to him like her life depended on it - it was doubtful being on solid ground again would change that.

The pair was cursed by the duties they were bound to; such it is with beings of great power. But now, they let the rest of world fall away, and finally knew contentedness in each other's arms; finally knew completion. They were finally happy.

Once briefly allowed a respite from the youkai tongue that sought to sample and savor her anew, Kagome pulled him closer, hugging him tight and resting her chin on his shoulder in pure elation.

She opened her eyes to see the small audience they had gathered, and Toran's condemning smirk taunted from afar.

Instead of becoming embarrassed, the miko held her gaze defiantly, and turned her head enough to give his elfin ear a good, thorough lick.

Sesshoumaru shuddered, faltering a bit as his knees weakened in response. Toran smirked even harder, eyes shining with approval as the miko suddenly found herself much too occupied to posture.

The panther shifted her gaze to Rin. "I like her."

Back at the village, Miroku and Sango returned from the market to hear their friends had gone. Sango worried for Kagome's safety out West, while Miroku bemoaned them leaving before he got to say goodbye. But as promised, Inuyasha assured that Kagome would return soon to visit. She might even bring that bastard with her, who knows?

As they rested by the campfire, a large orange ball came zooming in at wild speeds. When it reached them, it popped in mid-air, and their youngest packmate appeared in his grandest entrance yet, bonus one tail from the last time they'd seen him.

"Hey guys!" Shippo announced excitedly. "I got a leave from kitsune school to come visit! What'd I miss?"

A/N: lol, sorry shippo! no room for you in this story.

Has anyone else made you read 500,000 words before the poor couple gets to fuck? guess that makes me a dick.

There will be an epilogue, so stay tuned! Was there anything I forgot to wrap up? anything you want to see me touch on before I go? let me know in the comments, and I'll try and satisfy you.

If you've enjoyed this fic, hit the kudos button, hit the fav button, follow me to see what other sesskag stories I come up with. while you wait, check out my other stories and hit the buttons there... and leave a comment, tell me how I did. what you liked, what you didn't like, tell me you hate me, tell me about your cat... I'm bored over here, but your reviews have been a joy to read, so thank you all!