Love and Pleasure – Chapter 7

An Offer of Friendship

So I hadn't really thought about disclaimers and all that and I just read a friend's story and saw a disclaimer. I will go back and put disclaimers on all of the previous chapters soon and I will start doing it now too. This story has a lot of interaction between Niito and Asami, two of my favorite characters, other than Sesshoumaru, of course. I hope you enjoy.

xoxoTiff

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Sesshoumaru ended up sending for another kimono. I hoped it wouldn't be a habit of mine to constantly need replacement kimonos. We cleaned up as best we could, but I could smell the sex on both of us. I enjoyed that our bodies held small reminders of our activities. The bruises on my hips, the bite marks on my neck and breast, the bite mark on his neck, scratches on his chest that I didn't remember doing, his seed deep inside of me, both of our lips swollen with activity.

Thinking of it all made the darkness seep back into my eyes and my body. I watched him move about, only his pants on, the muscles playing nicely just beneath the skin. He sat at his desk and when he met my eyes and saw what was in them he grinned ever so slightly. Niito walked in at that point with a beautiful cherry red kimono. It flowed to the floor elegantly and had a simple silk black obi to tie around it.

I dressed and felt immensely regal in the clothing. I took a quill pen from Sesshoumaru's desk and twisted my hair tight and into a bun, using the quill to hold it in place. A black feather was on the end of the pen and decorated my hair delicately.

Niito was standing by the door, waiting, though I wasn't sure for what. I looked back to Sesshoumaru after dressing and saw he had already pulled his top back on and had it tied perfectly with his swords back at his side. He was so quick…

"You may go with Niito and discuss tomorrow night's affairs and see your sisters. Be back by my side before night," He instructed and as he looked at me I could see there was darkness sliding into his own eyes. His lust was unquenchable I was sure. I licked my lips slowly and bowed low.

"Yes, milord," I replied and walked with Niito out of the study.

He remained silent as we walked through the halls, towards the back entrance of the castle. We exited the castle and I paused right outside, looking over the wide expanse of fields. In the distance there was a thicket of brush, trees, and obscure paths.

"So…" I turned back to him and he was standing, waiting patiently by the now closed double doors.

"So, what?" He gave me the full weight of his eyes, arms loosely crossed over his chest.

"Why did you dress me in this?" I twirled slowly and gave myself a once over, to emphasize my point.

"It was in your armoire," He replied with a subtle shrug.

"Yeah, but all you've seen me in are short kimonos, not long ones. Why did you choose a long one?" I would be persistent if I had to. I was honestly curious and I was sure there was a reason. He seemed just as logical as I was.

He sighed and started walking to the right. I followed him, walking carefully by his side.

"You'll probably be meeting other soldiers. Wearing the shorter kimono would make you come off as just another of Sesshoumaru's whores, until they actually spoke with you, that is. I'll escort you on my arm, and introduce you as his new companion, and with this kimono, they will not think 'whore'." He had an uncanny ability to explain, that was certain.

"I can see why Sesshoumaru has you as the commander of his forces." I smiled and slid my left arm through his right. He tightened his hold and returned the smile as I rested my right hand on my left arm.

"Nijito, as well, is the commander. We are of equal strength and power," He commented, and unlike Sesshoumaru earlier, Niito was actually defending his brother's honor.

"Perhaps, but you are not of equal temperament and it is obvious where Sesshoumaru's trust lies," I shrugged, not meaning to insulting his brother, but simply speaking the truth.

"I suppose I will admit you are right. My brother looked at you and his mind was filled with sex. He doesn't seem to be able to focus very well, and he certainly doesn't know when to simply keep his mouth shut," He shook his head with a small frown.

"You act as if you are the older brother and he the much younger one," I observed as we rounded the corner of the castle.

I stopped abruptly, causing Niito to stop next to me. I wanted to take in my surroundings before treading further. There was a group of men, 10 or 15, practicing. Some had swords, others were barehanded, and some didn't even have armor. Further past them were two large buildings. One was a stable I could tell, but I wasn't sure about the other one.

"What is the building next to the stables?" I questioned, as we walked closer to the group of men.

"It holds all kinds of weaponry and armor. Three guards are there at all times watching over this side of the castle. There is an identical set up on the other side of the castle, with stables there as well." He stopped ten feet away from the first two men of the group.

They were both bare from the waste up, other than a few bruises, and neither had weapons. They were practicing bare handed fighting combat. One was tanned very dark and the other was a few shades lighter. The dark one had obvious muscle, but not as bulging and obvious as the lighter man's muscles. The lighter man was very tall, 6'4 at first glance, while the other one was just under 6 feet.

Niito gestured towards the darker man, who had long dark brown hair tied tight at the nape of his neck, before speaking. "Akihiko-san," He murmured, not wanting to interrupt their fighting. They were both circling each other, hunching down, grounding themselves. He gestured to the lighter man, who had dirty blonde hair a few inches long and tousled. "Ibuki-san."

We watched and without warning they went at each other like animals; big, strong, upright animals. At first it looked light Ibuki would have the upper hand; his height and weight were in a class of their own. Akihiko, however, had superb technique, and knew how to use his body. He was slender and tall, but he gave the impression that he was every bit as strong as the bigger man.

It didn't take long for the fight to end. One moment they were up and fighting, the next they were on the ground and Akihiko had one knee hovering just above Ibuki's groin, and both hands holding his throat. They stayed like that for a moment and then they both hopped up, bowed to each other with a small laugh. I clapped softly with my arm still through Niito's. They turned to us at the sound.

Ibuki wandered off while Akihiko walked closer and I admired how handsome he was. His stomach was nicely defined and his whole body was dewed lightly with sweat, giving off a light glow. There was light stubble along his jaw, making him look rugged, wild almost. He was gorgeous. It was different from Sesshoumaru's attraction, but noticeable nonetheless.

I could feel my body react, low in the pit of my stomach, and I could feel myself moisten, which made me straighten up immediately and really look at the man now standing before us. It felt like the most subtle of breezes passing between my legs.

"I would appreciate it if you would refrain from using your powers on me," I said coldly, my friendly smile slipping into a scowl.

He grinned but held his hands up. "My deepest apologies," He bowed low and took my hand, kissing it lightly, lingering a few seconds too long.

"This is Asami-san, Sesshoumaru-sama's new companion," Niito spoke offhandedly and immediately Akihiko dropped my hand and straightened out.

"I didn't realize," He said quickly, his eyes on Niito.

"Perhaps you should have asked who she was before being so forward," Niito said, obviously disgusted.

"Of course, I will remember that for the future, sir," He bowed again and when he straightened up he shifted his gaze to me. "I apologize, sincerely. My name is Akihiko, and it is a pleasure to meet you, Asami-san."

"A pleasure to meet you as well, and I do mean that literally," I joked, though I wasn't happy that he had used his powers like that on me, without even knowing who I was. "I'll assume you are the wind elemental?"

"He is," Niito confirmed. "He is not as strong elementally as my brother and me, but he is physically strong and he is right after Koufuu in the chain of power. You can see why he is not a commander," Niito explained and then added on as an afterthought, "He's worse than Nijito."

Akihiko was looking at me curiously now, thinking hard about something. I frowned and shifted my weight, annoyed with his direct and obvious staring. I finally demanded, "What?"

"What did you do to earn Niito-san's respect?" He glanced at Niito, who gave nothing away.

"We fought. It was a draw. We are equal until we can have a rematch." I shrugged.

"Why do you need to have a rematch?" He inquired, tilting his head to the side very boyishly while a considering look overwhelmed his eyes.

"He had a sword, and I did not," I explained simply.

"But you fought him to a draw without a weapon?" He was doubtful now.

"Do not underestimate Asami-san, simply because she is a woman," Niito scolded.

"Of course, I'm sorry," He murmured, bowing yet again.

"I am not entirely without my own powers, Akihiko-san," I said, smiling softly. "I'm a fire elemental."

Akihiko was now giving me an appraising look, sizing me up with his eyes.

"You are a level 1, maybe a 2, Akihiko. Asami-san is a 4, probably a 5," Niito informed him, staring directly at him.

Akihiko was looking at me now with wide eyes and I smiled confidently at him.

"I will most certainly not underestimate you again, Asami-san," Akihiko said and I nodded, satisfied.

"She has earned my respect and admiration. I trust you will inform the other men of how I view Asami-san," Niito spoke calmly but there was a trace of annoyance in his voice.

"I will inform the men," Akihiko responded, nodding. Then a worrisome look came into his eyes. "I suppose she is the companion you were talking about earlier when deciding who would be on whose detail…" When Niito nodded, Akihiko sighed. "So, the way I have responded and acted with her has decided for me, right?"

"You are correct," Niito replied, with a trace of disappointment.

"I will not be on her detail, will I?" He scowled.

"I think with how you reacted, both you and Nijito guarding her would only annoy Sesshoumaru-sama," Niito explained.

"I understand. I will go and speak with the other men, especially the ones going to the ball tomorrow evening." Akihiko looked solemn as he bowed and walked away.

Niito began to walk towards the stables and weaponry building, keeping his arm tight around my own and guiding me there, much like a gentleman would guide a lady. It was polite and I liked him more for it.

"Koufuu-san had said you only explained to those you find superior to yourself, or equal. Since Akihiko-san is neither, how did he warrant an explanation?" I asked, looking to the men still practicing.

"I see him as a sort of pupil. I helped train him, and taught him control of his element. He looked to me as a role model. Sadly, he is much like Nijito, but being younger, finds it harder to control his first reactions." Niito looked sad.

"He is not completely hopeless. If I were you, I would keep working with him," I said, turning to give him a smile.

He nodded, returning the smile. "I agree. I will not give up on him. He has what it takes to become third in command, higher than Koufuu-san."

"Speaking of Koufuu-san… How is he third in command? He is young, with no elemental powers, and he doesn't appear to have as much physical strength as you and your brother." I had forgotten that I wanted to ask this, but it was something I was confused about.

"He is stronger than he looks, and he knows various martial arts techniques. He is also incredibly adept at undercover work and gaining intelligence." His praise was kind.

"Why do you not consider him an equal?" We were at the doors to the weaponry room now. We stopped though, not entering.

"He is still obviously a boy. He lets his guard down easily. Once he betters himself in those areas, I will have no issue with acknowledging him as an equal," He explained, sounding happy. He obviously thought highly of Koufuu.

"Do you always think less of men that cannot hide their lust?" I asked because Sesshoumaru had always shown me how much he lusted for my body, although no one was around in those circumstances.

"Not always, but mostly, yes. If they cannot control their emotions, they are not equal to me. Everyone lusts, but as a soldier or a commander, they must learn how to hide it. Of course the men lust after you. You are extraordinarily beautiful, but Nijito and Akihiko-san do not get to have you, therefore it is inappropriate to let their lust be so obvious. Sesshoumaru-sama, however, I would not see as lesser than me, because you are his. He is allowed to show his lust for you, though he doesn't, because he can bed you," Niito spoke simply, as if he had thought of all this at one point or another, and was just waiting to be able to speak it aloud to someone.

"I like how thorough you are with explanations. I appreciate it," I commented. I considered for a moment to ask my next question, but decided I had to know. "Do you think less of me for using, how did you put it… womanly wiles? Do you think less of me for using those womanly wiles to my advantage?"

Of course, he had an answer at the ready, again, as if he already thought about this. "Not at all, because you are using it. You are in control of it. Your emotions are not overcoming you. You judge a situation, and decide how to present yourself and what to use to your, or Sesshoumaru-sama's, advantage."

I laughed and nodded, smiling after the laughing eased. "I would very much enjoy it if you and I became friends, Niito-san."

He looked startled, but then his own wide smile came out and he stepped away from me, bowing low. "I would be most honored. What do your friends call you by?"

"Most of them call me Asami, or Mi-chan," I responded. "And what about your friends?" I asked, though I was pretty sure of the answer.

"I have equals, superiors, and my brother, but no friends." I was right.

"Hmm," I rubbed my chin in mock consideration and he waited patiently. "Niito, Niito…" I murmured his name and then smiled shyly.

"I hope you haven't come up with anything too embarrassing…" He sounded weary, but he was only teasing.

"Toto-kun?" I asked, laughing softly. It was probably too childish.

He smiled softly though. "Honestly, I do not care what you call me. I am honored by the offer of friendship."

"So Toto-kun is okay?"

"I suppose so, yes."

"Fantastic," I took his arm again and he opened the door to the weaponry building. When we were inside with the door shut I took in the walls and shelves of weapons. Big, small, shiny, dark, rough edges, smooth. So many…

"Wow," I whispered.

"We are here for you to choose the dagger that you will wear to the ball. Under your kimono, if I remember correctly, but still able to be seen and obviously identified as a weapon?" He confirmed.

"I doubt you remember anything incorrectly, but yes, you are correct."

"Kaname-san, present the daggers I picked out earlier," Niito instructed to the shortest man of three bustling about, cleaning weapons, hanging them, sharpening swords, and other chores.

"Yes, sir. I have them laid out right over here," He motioned towards a small table. There were at least 5 different daggers laying there, waiting for my judgment.

"Go ahead and choose, Asa-" He paused, smiled boyishly towards me, and then continued, "Mi-chan."

I chuckled softly, patting his arm before I moved away from him and towards the table. I stared at each one and studied them thoroughly before picking one up. It had a small hilt, perfect for my feminine hands. The hilt was smooth leather, or something of a similar feel to it, and it was black as night.

The actual knife part of the dagger was about 3 or 4 inches and shiny and extremely sharp. I pressed my thumb to the point of it ever so gently and blood was drawn almost immediately. I picked up the sheath and it had a red ruby on each side and it was also black, other than the deep red rubies.

"Is that your choice?" Niito asked, looking over my shoulder to see the one I was holding.

"Yes, I like it." I spun it around a couple of times in my hand, getting a feel for it.

"Kaname-san, get the leather belt that will allow her to hold the dagger on her thigh."

Kaname came back almost immediately with a thin leather strap. I took it from him and slid it around my thigh, latching the ends together. There was a small loop on the outside of my thigh that the sheath slid into easily and held in place.

"Is that comfortable? I can find another one." Kaname asked.

"No, it's fine. Thank you very much." He nodded and went back to doing chores as I stuck my thumb in my mouth to suck at it gently. The wound would heal quickly.

"Would you also like to pick out the swords your sister's are to train with? Sesshoumaru-sama told me you wished them to be trained in weaponry combat." He started moving towards a wall full of swords.

"No, you can pick out the weapons you think would suit them. They're young and small so shorter swords would probably be best, or even bows and arrows." I shrugged slightly. I didn't care the weapons, just that my sisters would be able to defend themselves.

"I'll assess their skills and see what would best suit them, then have someone train them properly." Niito offered his arm and I took it, keeping the dagger in its sheath on my thigh.

"Thank you, Toto-kun," I said, smirking at the nickname.

"Sir, I do not mean to be rude, but do we not even receive the name of your beloved lady?" I heard Kaname's voice from behind us and I was startled at his assumption.

Before waiting to see what Niito would reply with I turned to him with a small secretive smile. "Kaname-san, was it? My name is Asami. Niito-san is a dear friend. I am not his beloved lady. I am Sesshoumaru-sama's companion," I explained and before waiting to see his response I pulled ever so slightly on Niito and he understood, leading me to the door and out into the fresh air.

"Akihiko will spread who you are and what you are, and other little details. No one will make that mistake again. If they do, I will deal with it personally. Sesshoumaru-sama would be annoyed if that got around…" Niito spoke quietly as we veered around the men still practicing and towards the castle.

"Yes, I could certainly see him becoming upset with a rumor such as that," I whispered. "Where are we going to now?"

"Your sisters will be in the gardens having lunch. We will join them."

"Really?" I smiled, excited. It felt like I hadn't seen them in forever.

"Yes, after lunch they'll begin lessons," He informed me and I felt such immense happiness. They would be educated. They would be trained in weaponry. They would be successful in their life.

We went back around the corner and headed towards the other side of the castle. We walked in silence, me thinking about my sisters and their future. After 5 minutes we rounded the corner of this side of the castle and straight ahead were another set of stables and a weapons building. Off to the left in the distance I could see the gardens. We walked closer and I could see various flowers and other plants and bricks in the middle of it all.

A table sat on the bricks with a vase of yellow flowers and then I saw them. Mai and Ryoka were sitting in beautiful spring colored kimonos. Mai was in green and pink and Ryoka was in blue and yellow. They were talking and laughing, eating slowly and looking around every once in a while. The next time Ryoka looked around she noticed me and her eyes lit up. She waved me over impatiently. Mai looked behind her and saw me and stood up.

When we reached them they both tackled me together, hugging me tightly. "This place is wonderful onee-chan!" Mai said immediately, pulling my arm to sit in the chair in between them. It was a quaint little table, a four-seater. The girls were sitting across from each other, so Niito sat in the last chair available, in between the girls and across from me. Mai and Ryoka sat back down also, resuming eating what looked like eggs and bacon.

On my plate were a pile of eggs and a few strips of bacon with a cup of tea. I took a small sip of tea before beginning to eat the eggs.

After a bite, I spoke. "Have you girls adjusted to living here? I hope you're being good." I smiled at both of them, giving them a warning look. Hopefully they hadn't become wild.

"Well… We haven't broken anything yet," Mai murmured, thinking about it.

"We did accidentally run into a maid carrying towels and she kind of dropped them all…" Ryoka said after swallowing a mouthful of food.

"But we helped her pick them all up!" Mai added quickly.

"Girls, don't run around inside. Next time you could break something… Anyways, this is Nitto-san, one of Lord Sesshoumaru's commanders." I gestured toward him, and then towards each of them, "This is Mai, in the green, and Ryoka, in the blue."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Niito bowed his head to each of them and they smiled slightly, though Mai glanced to Ryoka, who just looked down at her eggs.

I started a new subject quickly. "Girls, you'll be starting your lessons after lunch I've been told. I expect you both to do very well and give it all your attention."

"Of course, onee-chan! We've already met the teacher. She seems strict but nice enough." Mai said with a secretive smile.

"Ryoka, make sure she doesn't get herself into trouble, please." I was finished with half of my plate and I looked around, seeing the girls were almost done and Niito was about at my pace.

"Your sister has asked that you both be trained in weaponry along with your regular lessons. It will be a choice between a bow and arrow, a dagger, or a katana. Do either of you have a preference?" Niito spoke up, giving them friendly smiles.

"Katana," Ryoka said indifferently, finishing the last bite of her eggs.

"Well, I want to learn how to use a bow and arrow, definitely!" Mai stuffed the last couple of bites into her mouth and I frowned but didn't say anything.

"I will have teachers for the both of you that will train you in weaponry combat after your lessons every day," Niito informed them.

"Thank you very much, Niito-san," Ryoka gave him a small smile and Mai also thanked him.

An older woman trotted over in a simple red and white kimono with a small pile of books in her arms.

"That's our instructor! Let's go Ryo!" Mai jumped up and hugged me, pecking me on the cheek before going to greet the teacher.

Ryoka stood and also kissed me on the cheek but whispered, "Is he to be trusted?"

I pecked her cheek in return and then whispered, "He is sincere."

She nodded and ran after her twin. The three of them walked into the castle through a small side door.

"What you told me about… Junpei, was it Ryoka-chan?" Niito asked solemnly, moving the vase out of the way so we could see each other better.

"Yes. She is happy, and she giggles and has fun, but at times, it comes back, and she thinks too much about it. It was obvious, yes?" I sighed and chewed a piece of bacon slowly.

"It was. Would it be rude to ask what she whispered to you?" He finished the last bite of his food and pushed his plate to the side.

"You are a friend, it would not be rude." I smiled at him and finished the last bite of my own food before saying, "She asked if you were to be trusted."

"What did you respond with?"

"I told her you were sincere."

"I'm glad to hear you think I am sincere," He said quietly.

"I don't fully trust anyone, other than my sister's. I hope you will not be offended by that…" I pushed my plate aside and a young maid came to pick up the dishes and carry them off to the castle.

"I do not fully trust anyone other than my brother and Lord Sesshoumaru, so I understand. But we are still friends, right?" He asked and I nodded.

"Of course."

"Niito, I am disappointed that you did not even invite me to breakfast." I turned to see Nijito walking up to us, in full armor, swords at his side.

"Good morning Nijito, Sesshoumaru-sama asked me to accompany Mi-chan while she chose her weapon for tomorrow and visited with her sisters and ate breakfast with them. I assumed you would do just fine on your own." Niito looked uninterestedly towards his brother and sipped his tea.

"Mi-chan?" Nijito took a seat and looked pointedly at his brother.

"That is what her friends call her," Niito answered.

"Sounds like you did more than just accompany her," Nijito said pointedly.

"We are friends," Niito shrugged.

"You don't have friends." Nijito crossed his arms and leaned back, studying Niito.

"She offered me friendship."

Nijito turned to me now and frowned. "Do I not get an offer of friendship?"

"I offer friendship rarely," I replied, smiling sweetly.

"So I suppose you will not offer it twice in one day," He assumed.

I nodded. "Correct."

"I am disappointed, but not too much." He shrugged it off and moved to a new topic. "Niito, have you already made the preparations for tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Great. Asami-san, have you changed your mind or thought of any new details for your outfit tomorrow?" Nijito turned to me, the slightest anger showing through his eyes.

"What I told you before will do fine, thank you." I offered him a genuine smile. There was no reason to have him be angry, with me or his brother or whoever.

"Very well. I am going into town and I will be later tonight. I will see you both, tomorrow morning." Nijito stood and bowed towards me, throwing a look I couldn't see to his brother.

"Have a safe trip, brother," Niito called after him.

We were silent until Nijito had disappeared from our view and I looked a question to Niito.

"You are, how do I put it…? You are Nijito's type of woman. He is taking it hard that you are not some ordinary whore that he could enjoy once Sesshoumaru-sama is finished with you. You are different and more powerful than him probably. You are also off limits. He is simply being immature, but he will get over it soon, I promise you." Again with his thorough explanations…

"I understand I suppose. Will he able to focus on his job tomorrow? I would not want my guard letting his guard down." I frowned, worried. I didn't want to be alone and at anyone's mercy tomorrow evening, such as Junpei.

"He will be utterly professional. He would probably be killed if he were to fail Sesshoumaru-sama," He spoke every word seriously and I was satisfied. "Sesshoumaru-sama told me specifically to make sure you were not alone with Junpei. Would he hurt you?"

I smiled, though it wasn't happy. "I believe Sesshoumaru-sama is concerned I will hurt Junpei if left alone."

"Oh." He seemed to think about that. "Are you going to hurt him?"

"No. I'm just going to play with him. Sesshoumaru-sama will think about letting me kill him at a later date when the treaty is up." I informed him, assuming since he was Sesshoumaru's highest commander, he would not mind what Niito knew.

"I see. If he chooses to let you, I will go with you and help," He offered and I was surprised.

"I want to be the one to kill him, but I will appreciate your help with getting in and out," I replied and he simply nodded.

"Koufuu-san might actually be able to help you more with getting in and out, but we'll figure out the details if and when it comes up."

"Agreed." I stood up, stretching my legs barely and gave him a small smile. "I am happy to have your friendship."

He stood and moved next to me, offering his arm. "As am I."

"I suppose I should return to Sesshoumaru-sama, better early than right on time." I began walking and he guided me. We took our time, chatting about tomorrow's activities. I was happy to have spent the morning and afternoon becoming friends with Niito. He radiated pure, genuine, trustworthy thoughts. Tomorrow I would be meeting with his exact opposite and all I could think about was how nice it would be to just slit his throat and yell his crimes to everyone.

Of course, I wouldn't do such a thing and ruin everything I had gained by coming to be Sesshoumaru's 'companion' among other things. But goodness, did it feel good to think about.

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Disclaimer: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and all of the OCs are my own creation.

I enjoy feedback, so I would love it to hear from you readers either through reviews (which is still one of the things I am becoming familiar with) or through email. My email is wicked . tiff AT hotmail . com without all the weird spaces and with an actual AT sign.

XOXO TIFF