They were led inside the city by way of an underground tunnel. Its walls were made of a smooth rock that was cool to the touch, soft and worn beneath her fingers. There were no spots for torches carved into the stone. Demonic eyes had no need for such things, she surmised; they were made to live in darkness. However the lead Inu did carry one, just enough to light the way for the humans they led through the narrow passageway. Shadows bounced around them, creating wild visions in Kagome's mind.
Her hands felt clammy where they were clutched at her sides, her mouth perpetually dry as her nerves grew.
She could feel the magic of this place all around them. It was almost dizzying, the way it was intertwined with the earth. It buzzed in her ears and it was all she could do just to put one foot in front of the other, trying not to fall. The air in the tight space was hot and stagnant, leaving what felt like a film over her lungs that sat like a heavy weight on her chest. They went up steps that were carved out of the stone at their feet, steeper and narrower as it went on for ages. Up and up and up they went. They were so thin they could barely manage going up single file.
Finally, after what felt like hours they passed through a small wooden door, so low that even she had to stoop a little, and they were let out into a large, opulent room.
She gulped in the fresh air greedily,legs weak and shaking, glad to be out of that stinking hole, even if they now found themselves in the very center of the lion's den itself.
There were bookcases lining the walls between huge shuttered windows that stretched from floor to ceiling, and a desk made of heavy dark wood that dominated the center of the room. Papers with rough edges were strewn across the lacquered top, along with a single candle burning on a copper plate. The space screamed luxury for the time period, with fine wooden pillars that were laced with carvings and paintings of battle scenes lining the walls.
The sentinels moved to cling to the shadows, almost escaping her notice with their light steps as the massive shoji doors on the other side of the room slid open with a sharp creak that stabbed at the deadly still air like a wicked blade.
All at once it felt like all the breath was sucked out of the room as it filled with a powerful Yokai energy. Shippo clung to the back of her leg, shivering.
Instead of fear her heart leapt for joy when Sesshomaru entered silently, his silken robes gliding against the floor and sharp, unnaturally gold eyes instantly locking on her own with open curiosity held in them.
Mamoru had moved beside her almost without her noticing, his footsteps quiet against the fine polished wood.
"Well.." Sesshomaru's voice was as smooth and as cold as the sheer mountain face. "This is… interesting, indeed. I did not expect to meet you here, priestess."
His hands were folded neatly in front of him as he took slow, measured steps around the room. Jaken, the imp, was at his heels, panting and scrambling. Another had entered the room along with them, another Inu, by the looks of him. But his coloring was much darker, the opposite side of the spectrum from the icy DaiYoukai. His hair was a fiery copper that spilled down his back like ribbons, his features were hard and wizened though they still held that odd sense of perfection that all Yokai had. But this Inu Said nothing, slipping into the line of Sentinels that now surrounded them completely.
She could feel her heart jump into her throat, swallowing thickly as she shared a brief look with Sango, who's eyes were as wide as dinner plates.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I am-"
"I know who you are, serpent." Mamoru was promptly cut off by the DaiYoukai, who's energy crackled dangerously around him like electricity, ready to strike.
His sharp eyes had narrowed, pupils split like a cats. He dragged the tip of one of his pointed claws across the top of the gilded desk, the action deliberately jarring.
"What I would like to know is how you have entered my realm without my permission."
It was more of a demand, and less of a question.
His powerful gaze shifted to her and she felt her mouth go dry. She had been waiting weeks for this moment, she could not fuck it up.
"I want to see InuYasha. I know he's here."
She squared her shoulders and lifted her head, a sudden burst of confidence that came from deep within even as Sesshomaru smiled, something that was deeply unnatural to him that she instantly wanted to recoil. Eerily shark-like, his pointed teeth glinted like daggers in the low light, wickedly sharp.
And then he laughed.
The sound was so malicious and demonic she could feel the chills burst out over her skin.
"Perhaps you are a fool after all."
The kit that clung to her leg whimpered quietly, his huge green eyes blinking widely up at the Demon that seemed to tower over them all in that moment.
"I have sent for my brother already. He is free to do as he wishes."
Her heart thumped wildly in her chest, relief flooding her at his words as well as confusion.
Brother?
How unlike Sesshomaru to refer to InuYasha in such a way. Every time she had seen them together one of them had been trying to kill the other, and it seemed almost wrong that he seemed to have gained some familiarity with her Inu.
He took a few steps towards her, effortlessly menacing as the shadows cast off of his too-perfect features.
"I did not ask why you came, miko. I asked how."
InuYasha had fled the seamstress's den as quick and invisible as a shadow; relieved to be done with such boring formal duties, he went off to find a bit of peace and quiet.
The palace was a bit much on him at times.
A buzz of activity that seemed to never cease. There were so many layers to everything that he did not yet understand, and to be honest he was hoping he wouldn't have to. But he knew that was a foolish thing to wish for. Court life didn't quite suit him though, even as he fell deeper under the spell of his homeland. He longed for the woods and winding dirt roads, where there were no eyes spying constantly at his back. Always, he was being watched here. He felt it with every step he took. Passing glances and whispering that served to drag up bad memories of his tumultuous childhood.
But things were different now, it was getting easier to remind himself of that.
InuYasha wandered as his mind ran wild, seeking respite. Not long later he found himself in a homely courtyard, the sun sinking behind the rooftops as the day waned. Like everything else here it was perfectly manicured and maintained, but there was something about the twisting trunk of the plum tree that sprouted in the center that he liked. Its branches hung low, heavy and laden with bruised fruit. Plums littered the ground around its gnarled roots in various states of decay. It was about the closest he could get to imperfection in this place, he supposed.
He sat on one of the stone benches near the tree, breathing deeply of the fresh air. Birds twittered as they soared overhead, their chirps carried on the breeze. The sky was a clear azure streaked with wispy clouds. It was peaceful.
At least it was for all of two seconds before the air was split by a familiar voice.
"Inu!"
Harusuke came bounding out down the wooden steps to meet him, a peculiar grin lighting up his boyish face. "You're to meet Lord Sesshomaru in his study, at once. Direct orders from my father himself."
InuYasha looked over at him incredulously.
"I was with him not even an hour ago." He bit back irritably. "What could be so damn important?"
The russet inu looked around, as if to make sure they weren't overheard by some passing serf.
"The perimeter was breached. Apparently we have… unexpected guests."
InuYasha was on his feet in an instant, a strange prickling along the back of his neck signaling to him that something more was up.
"What do you know?" InuYasha questioned as they quickly began walking back inside the palace.
"Nothing yet. My father hardly said anything before he rushed off. I'm as curious as you are."
They walked at a brisk pace, careful to seem nonchalant even as their steps quickened the closer they got.
There were but a few twists and turns between the pair of them and Sesshomaru's study when he first caught the scent in the air that stopped him dead in his tracks.
He was frozen for a long moment, his eyes round like saucers as he stood staring down the hallway in disbelief.
"Hey, what's wrong Inu?" Haru paused his stride, turning to look at him in confusion.
But he couldn't answer.
He didn't have the words.
Cherry blossoms and smoky, sweet honey… a perfume that haunted him in even the darkest of his dreams.
"It… it can't be." Barely more than a muttered sentence passed his lips before he was running. He pushed past Haru, uncaring of who saw or the consequences that may follow. He flew through the halls, his feet barely touching the floor as his heart jumped in his throat, threatening to burst.
He threw open the delicate shoji door of the study, the smell was overwhelming.
There was a collective gasp around him, the windows had been shuttered closed and everything was cast in weak candlelight.
His mind was buzzing. Sesshomaru's presence in the corner of the space was unignorable, but his eyes passed over everyone, until…
At that moment it seemed like time truly did stop. The breath was swept from his lungs and all he could do was stare.
She stood there in the center of the room, her eyes were wild and large, her rosebud lips set in and O of disbelief. She was dirty and disheveled, but as he stood there he could only think that he had never seen such a beautiful thing in his life.
Kagome
"InuYasha!" His name coming from her lips was a balm to his soul.
It was almost magnetic how they instantly ran to each other. Kagome jumped into his arms, nuzzling herself against his neck with a shuddering sigh of relief. He buried his face into her sweet smelling hair; it didn't feel real.
"I missed you so much." She breathed the words against him, pressing her lips to his neck lovingly. He shivered, squeezing her tighter.
"Kagome… I don't understand… how are you here?" He said dazedly, moving away slightly so he could look at her face. His hand came up unconsciously to cup her cheek, his concern growing as he noticed the bags under her eyes.
Her expression faltered, her eyes beginning to brim with tears.
"I came so far for you, Inu. Nothing can keep us apart." As she spoke she grabbed his other hand and squeezed it as if to make sure he was real.
A sudden throat clearing from the opposite side of the room shattered the moment.
He had almost forgotten there were others watching them closely, the whole world had fallen away for that instant.
He could feel her eyes searching his face, scorching; he could see the questions growing as she noticed the marks that now marred his body. He grit his teeth, pushing his anxiety away as he forced himself to square his shoulders and address his brother.
It was then that he noticed the rest of their friends standing there among the Inu warriors, seeming so out of place here in this world.
"My apologies, Sesshomaru."
Several mouths were hanging open in shock at the respectful tone he took with the DaiYoukai, but he continued.
"I think it's best if we talk alone for a moment, brother."
Sesshomaru glided across the room smoothly to breeze past him out into the hall, his face a cold, expressionless mask. The former Hanyou was expected to follow, but before he did he looked to his friends, feeling their burning stares practically stabbing at him like daggers.
"I'll explain everything, I promise. You guys are safe here."
He gave Kagome's hand a gentle squeeze, bringing it up to his lips so he could kiss her knuckles, the taste of her skin igniting a part of him that had been dormant for weeks.
"I'll sort all of this out, Kagome. Don't worry." He let her fingers slip away from his own and turned to leave, reluctant to let the girl out of his sight for fear she may disappear, a figment of his own desires.
Sesshomaru was waiting in the luxurious hall with a hard look reflected in his sharp golden eyes, the mask having temporarily dropped while they were alone.
The DaiYoukai was much taller than him, and he seemed especially so in that moment when he was clearly agitated.
"Your… friends…need to leave. Immediately, in fact." His tone was flat and cold, leaving no room for negotiation.
InuYasha began to protest anyway, but Sesshomaru swiftly cut him off.
"I don't think you understand what a precarious situation we are all in, InuYasha…" he grew more vehement as the words passed his lips. "Your ceremony is in three days. Three days, and you will come to power. The head of every single Inu clan has come to the palace to witness the ascension… and if they were to find out that a group of humans managed to make it through our barrier unscathed, hell would break loose amongst the court."
He swallowed thickly, finally grasping the severity of the situation as his brother's words weighed on him.
"I know, Sesshomaru, I understand."
His fists tightened at his sides, knuckles going white as his eyebrows furrowed, his mind going a million miles a minute. "But I can't send them away. I won't."
The declaration sat heavily on the air between them. Outright defiance of his older brother in his realm was very dangerous, no matter your standing. He could feel his energy prickling, spiking agitatedly.
But with his shoulders squared, he looked the DaiYoukai straight in the eye with determination set in his features .
"It can work. No one has to know anything other than what we tell them. You're the Sesshomaru, for fucks sake, your word is law!"
The Inu was stone faced, but he remained silent, listening to his brother's plea.
"Look, Kagome is my intended mate. I know you understand what that's like." He continued, uncaring if he was beginning to sound desperate to the emotionless demon that looked only down on him stoically, with eyes that were so similar to his own. But there was no softness held in them, no humanity. They were empty, a frozen tundra where only the strongest could survive. InuYasha couldn't understand him, he didn't bother trying. But he knew if there was one hole in his older brother's armor, it was Hanako. He hadn't met her, but he could sense the change that had taken place in Sesshomaru since they had been bound, and he prayed he could relate to his words.
And for the first time in his life InuYasha was asking his brother to hear him out, and he was actually listening.
The air seemed less thick and suffocating, his energy losing its edge.
"She came all this way… I won't turn her away. Please, brother."
There was a long, poignant moment of silence as he pondered the Inu's words. His face was drawn into a blank slate, gaze trained on the wooden floor as he was seemingly lost in his thoughts.
Meanwhile InuYasha's heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest with anxiety. Every heartbeat that passed felt like an eternity; it roared in his ears.
If his brother denied him, he would just take Kagome and the others and leave. The thought left a heavy feeling in his chest. Against his nature, he wanted to stay… his homeland was a part of him. Something he could grasp, could feel in the soil as it slipped through his fingers and see in the crowded cobbled streets and the faces of the Yokai that made up the thriving city.
He needed to explore that. To sate that urge. otherwise he would question himself for the rest of his life and wonder what could have been. He owed it to himself… and he longed to experience it with her.
The silence seemed to drag on for an eon before Sesshomaru finally spoke.
"My men told me she is god spawn… are there any truth to these claims?"
His voice was dark and serious, matching his expression.
InuYasha thought carefully before he answered, but ultimately he decided that there was no point in hiding the truth from his observant sibling.
"Yes." He nodded solemnly. "Tsukuyomi is her sire…"
The DaiYoukai breathed heavily through his nose, the closest thing one could get to a sigh from the stony being, seemingly even more annoyed now than he was a moment ago.
"Yes, I figured as much. She brought one of his acolytes with her. Wretched snake." Sesshomaru's lips curled over his fangs in distaste, they glinted wickedly sharp in the light.
"Who?" The former Hanyou asked quizzically. He hadn't really noticed anyone else besides Kagome. He'd been so caught up in her that he'd barely even glanced around the room.
"The Tatsu, Mamoru." He said it with such venom that InuYasha almost wanted to take a step back. "He led them here. To my lands. After leaving in disgrace the last time he dared to slink his way back into my kingdom…" he trailed off, muttering curses to himself.
But the inu had stopped listening basically as soon as his brother had said that the Tastu had been traveling with his Kagome. The thought alone nearly had him seeing red. He already didn't like the guy. He remembered meeting him while he'd been spending time in Kagome's realm, he'd given a strange, off putting feeling. At the time he could sense his Yokai nature even as he'd tried to cloak his true self. Why would he be with her? How did he manage to make it through the well? What were they doing while they were basically alone together for the past few weeks? His mind was boiling over with questions but he forced himself to remain calm. He took a deep breath, centering himself as he waited with baited breath.
"…if she really is godkin as you say… I will not send them away." Sesshomaru said finally, seeming to have calmed himself a bit as well.
"The people will see this as the god sending his favor to our kingdom… so with that in mind you must mate her as soon as possible. That is my final say on the matter."
Before InuYasha could even muster up a response, Sesshomaru threw open the shoji doors and marched back into his study, immediately giving orders to his second in command, Atsunobu.
He was left there, in stunned silence for one long heart beat that seemed to echo in his ears.
He shook his head violently, fighting to clear it before he followed the DaiYoukai back into the darkened room, drifting back to Kagome's side protectively.
She had a worried look in her wide, doe brown eyes as she looked up at him, reaching for his hand. But he didn't look at her, he searched out the Yokai that he'd completely passed over earlier.
He stared at him hard, dark brows drawn over his eyes that were lit from within by his sparking temper.
Mamoru met his gaze unflinchingly, expression blank except for a polite smile. He was dressed in the typical fashion at the time for the lower class, in a simple gray kimono and hakama that were scuffed and dirtied from travel. His bare feet were caked with mud; his hair was long and dark but he'd tied up half of it with a bit of leather cord to keep it out of his face. He was not especially handsome, or big, nor did he exude power. But there was something held there in his faceted demonic eyes that the Inu did not trust.
"The Hoshi and the Taijiya, you will be stripped of those titles while you are guests here. There is no place for holy men, or demon slayers in my land." Sesshomaru began coldly, giving his orders for the rag tag group to hear now that they were all listening. Miroku and Sango had enough sense not to protest, but they shared a knowing look between them as the DaiYoukai continued.
"From this time forward you are all acolytes of Tsukuyomi as far as I am concerned, tending to his progeny as she has come to bear witness to the ceremonies of my people. If you are asked of your place, this is what you will say."
His tone left no room for discussion as his almond shaped eyes passed over each and every one of them like a threat.
"Do not interfere. Do not draw unnecessary attention. Do not get in my way."
In a flurry of luxurious fur he made to leave, bidding Atsunobu, the copper Inu, to follow him with the flick of his wrist.
"InuYasha… remember what we discussed. This is your responsibility."
He threw the words over his shoulder almost as an unfortunate afterthought, an undeniable command as the words were laced with heavy implication.
He disappeared out the doorway with the russet inu at his heels, silk swishing against the floor.
Relief flooded through him for an all too brief moment before Jaken was squawking up at him.
"Lord InuYasha! I will have the other rooms in your wing prepared for guests." He held a stack of fabric in his tiny clawed hands that he presented to him. "Take these for your… poorly dressed companions."
His huge,insect yellow eyes blinked up at him contemptuously.
InuYasha rolled his eyes, reluctantly letting go of Kagome's hand to take the robes from him. With that the imp was gone, and the dark inu sentinels that had shadowed the walls slowly marched out behind him, though he noticed two of them stayed outside of the door.
Avoiding Kagome's searching gaze, he passed the clothes out to Miroku and Sango, giving the last one to her before stepping towards the doorway where Harusuke had been waiting silently, clinging to the shadows.
"Put these on over your clothes for now. We'll all talk more later, when we get to my quarters."
He tried not to notice them passing distrustful looks amongst each other; tried not to let it sting.
He turned away, finally meeting Haru's pressing gaze. His copper eyes were sharp, and knowing. He could tell that the other Inu could easily sense his discomfort. He just wanted to get Kagome back to his room where they could talk… alone.
"Lucky for us, it should be relatively easy to go unnoticed right now. Most of the court should be occupied… The dignitaries are set to have a grand meal this evening." He said in a conversational tone, his lanky body leaned casually against the solid door frame.
That actually did make him feel slightly better.
"Thank the gods." He sighed heavily, rubbing his hands together as Miroku cleared his throat behind him, signaling that they were finished with their minor wardrobe change.
"I think we're as ready as we'll ever be." The monk's indigo eyes reflected just how exhausted he was. He smiled, but it seemed wan as he came up to pat InuYasha affectionately on the shoulder. "It's good to see you, friend. You had us all worried there."
Though there was much still to be said that sat between them all like a heavy stone, still he knew that Miroku's words were genuine.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for any of this to happen." InuYasha looked him deep in the eyes as if to nail in his sincerity, hoping that he felt the truth there in his statement.
The other man nodded sagely in his way. "I know."
As Harusuke had said, the halls were virtually empty, and he thanked the gods for the fortune. The pack of them hurried across the palace to his wing, and he breathed a heavy sigh of relief when they made it through the intricate wooden doors unnoticed.
Shippo was rubbing his eyes and yawning, holding Kirara who was in her smaller, more cuddly form. The poor little kit was so tired he could barely stay on his feet.
"Miroku, Sango… Mamoru… you can pick whichever of these rooms you would like… Kagome, I think there's somewhere Shippo can sleep in here." He gestured to his own room, beckoning her to follow.
The twin kitsune had been in here. The flames of the hearth had been tended, and refreshments sat on the low table. He was glad for it, and hoped they had done the same in the other main room at the very least.
There was a small room that was tucked off beside the fireplace, at one time it would have been a nursery. He had never actually ventured inside, but he knew at the very least there would be a bed for the boy there.
It was small, with little furniture besides an old bassinet, a woven basket in the corner and a small futon. But it was a warm and safe place where he was sure the kit would have no problem laying his head for the night. They had all slept in worse.
"What do you think?"
Kagome peered over his shoulder, holding the kit's hand. "This will be perfect. Right Shippo?"
"Yeah, I just wanna sleep for a little, I promise." The boy yawned widely, looking half asleep already.
"You rest for as long as you want." She leaned down to kiss him on the forehead, an impossibly long lock of dark hair falling over her shoulder. "We'll be right in here if you need us." She gave him a warm smile and sent him off, shutting the shoji door softly behind him.
Please don't need us
He prayed silently.
The shutting of the door seemed almost deafening, the quiet fell around them and he realized just how close they were. She looked up at him as he towered over her, his breath catching in his throat.
They were finally alone.
He reached for her hand, grasping it tightly and leading her back to the drawing room where the fire still crackled warmly in the hearth, the flames licking patterns up the walls. He seemed to hold his breath, not knowing how to address the elephant in the room that sat so heavily between them.
"Kagome, I-"
She cut him off with a searing kiss that shook him to his very core. Her mouth was soft and warm, her tongue darting out to truly taste him. It was anything but chaste. They grasped onto each other for dear life; afraid to let go in case it was all just another dream. She was as sweet as honey, her lips a delicacy that made him shudder, weak at the knees.
His hands found themselves digging into the plumpness of her hips, a low moan leaving him as he reveled in the feeling that he had longed for so desperately.
She was definitely real.
"I missed you so much, Inu."
Kagome whispered against his lips, gently caressing the side of his face.
He broke away from her hypnotic mouth, his eyes locking onto hers magnetically.
"I'm sorry I worried you." he said vehemently, grasping her hand and squeezing it as if to reaffirm his words, pressing a fevered kiss to her knuckles.
"I was always going to come back to you, Kagome, I swear."
Her gaze softened, impossibly long eyelashes batting up at him. She was so lovely.
"I know."
A warm smile curved at her full lips, and he knew that everything would be okay. No matter the issue, they could work it out together, and be stronger for it. Their love was true and pure. It could not be affected by time or distance. He had never felt so certain of something in his whole life. He felt a fool for worrying so much.
Especially then, as he stood with her wrapped up against his chest, smelling her lovely scent. Her energy settled over him like a warm blanket; secure and comforting.
"Should we gather with the others?" He murmured after a long moment, unsure.
She sighed heavily, sagging against him and burying her face in his chest.
"No." She shook her head, tightening her grip on him.
"Let them rest for the night… everything can be sorted in the morning, can't it?"
She batted her eyelashes up at him and he was positive he would've done anything she asked in the moment, she was so beautiful, and her scent was intoxicating. Now that his demonic senses were at an all time high it was nearly overwhelming… a tsunami of pheromones that made him dizzy and breathless.
"Whatever you want."
The words came out in a husky breath.
He meant it.
InuYasha nuzzled the top of her head, still in disbelief that she was in his arms. This was bliss. He would happily walk into the seventh realm of hell just to keep this feeling close to his heart, to make it last for even a moment longer.
Kagome pulled away slightly to nibble at his jawline, her petal-soft lips trailing down to brush across his neck. The feeling sent shivers rushing along his skin, he sucked in a sharp breath fighting the urge to grab her by the waist and pull her lewdly against him.
Time had seemed to alter when their eyes met. Kagome could hardly believe that she was really here.
In the heart of InuYasha's homeland, the palace where his ancestors had ruled for millennia. Despite everything. Every obstacle, every block that had kept them so far from each other. She made it. It had been hard to hold back her tears when she first saw him, and all the pain and heartache seemed to melt away. Even getting questioned by the intimidating DaiYoukai Sesshomaru seemed worth it.
It was still all kind of a blur, but she felt calmer now that they were alone in his quarters.
Warm flames from the lit hearth flicked against his tanned skin, his eyes seemed to glow. They were so close, hardly a breath separated them and even that felt like too much.
She was exhausted, hadn't properly had time to tend to her own needs, but right then she couldn't have possibly cared less. InuYasha towered over her in a way that made her feel so small and safe; his arms felt like the piece that had been missing.
"Please, Inu… Take me to bed."
Before the words could even pass her lips he had swept her up against him, his large hands spreading out over her thighs as he carried her into his den.
Giggles bubbled out from her chest, her lips never leaving his until he playfully tossed her down onto his luxurious futon. It was thick and downy, wispy red curtains lining the bed for privacy. There were furs and silk, a heavy smell of incense and the weak light of an oil lamp that sat in the corner, bouncing shadows off of the paneled walls.
She sat up on her elbows, sinking into the cushion as she looked up at him with her lip caught sensuously between her teeth.
He stared down at her with an unreadable look, his silver hair falling down around his face, so long it fell to the middle of his back. She had noticed the marks… jagged purple striking like lightning across each cheek. It was haunting, a flashback from when she had seen him become a vicious version of himself, when he had gone full Yokai and lost all shreds of his humanity. But now his eyes were the same gold they always were, fields of honeycomb that seemed to hold such depth and tenderness she thought they might swallow her up. It seemed such a small thing with him sizing her up like she was prey.
The air seemed to shift as they both felt the spike of lust that jumped between them, his breathing coming heavier. She swallowed thickly, her eyes tracking his every movement, watching in rapture as his hands moved up to slide the heavy black robe from his shoulders after releasing the ties.
The light seemed to lick against the muscular panes of his chest, his body even more rigid and cut than she remembered. The deep V lines of his waist made her mouth go dry, breath catching in her throat as she stared in awe.
"Are you going to undress?"
His voice was heady, laced with intent. It whispered against her skin and she couldn't help the shiver that overcame her, tingles rushing down over her chest. She gulped, suddenly a bit shy, even though he'd seen her naked plenty of times. It felt different at that moment.
She looked away demurely as she tossed away the dirty jacket and the simple t-shirt she'd been wearing beneath, a chill racing across the exposed skin. The button on her jeans popped easily between her fingers, the fabric slid from her hips without resistance, tossed away to be forgotten in the corner of the darkened room.
She was left in nothing but her bra and panties, a cull ghosting over her lily-white skin. She could feel his energy pulsing, his fangs flashing. Her own breathing became heavy as he moved closer, his large clawed hands grabbing her legs and spreading them, putting his body between them. His hips ground unapologetically against hers, the thin fabric of her undergarments doing absolutely nothing to keep the sensations from spreading throughout her core, fire raging inside her.
His hands made quick work of his hakama, they fell from his waist before he moved back to her with a predatory gleam in his eyes. Sharp claws cut away the tiny scrap of fabric that separated them, and her bra was next.
But she didn't have time to be shy.
His lips were on hers and she could think of nothing else. He was all consuming. His hands were ravenous, ruthless.
He caressed and grabbed and squeezed every inch of her soft, creamy skin that melted like butter beneath his broad fingers. He smelled like sandalwood and man, stoking the flames of her desire.
His mouth was hot and wet and sparks flew behind her eyes as his tongue licked against her own. Breathless, she grasped onto him, digging her fingers into his shoulders. She had to know he was real. Had to keep him close to her so that she never had to let him go again.
"InuYasha.."
she moaned his name into the darkness of the room, their eyes meeting.
That look of complete tenderness he held in his expression captured her there, and she basked in that feeling as it spread through her chest like rays of pure sunshine.
"I love you."
The words felt like an oath, a declaration.
His lips crashed back onto hers feverishly, his fingers woven into the dark ribbons of her hair.
"I love you… you beautiful, strong, unpredictable creature." His voice broke, filled with pure affection and warmth. Happy tears sparkled in her eyes, Kagome's whole world shifting in that moment.
This was what she had been fighting for. What she would keep fighting for, if necessary. Nothing could ever keep them apart. Not for long, anyway. They were meant for each other. Two halves of one piece that were magnetically drawn to come together. With his warm body pressed against hers and his sweet words whispered between kisses, she was whole.
The sweet innocence of the moment quickly faded away to passion as they seemed to both remember just how naked they were at the exact same moment, their skin rubbing in just the right way.
He licked her lips primitively, his tongue scraping a path down her neck and leaving chills in its wake. His hands roughly pulled her legs up to wrap around him, palming at her thighs that jiggled with the movement. Slowly, he brought her center against his hardness that had grown between them, and she could feel how much he wanted her. His length strained, slipping with her own wetness that coated him thickly. A moan hissed out between his gritted teeth, biceps rippling as he rubbed it along her flesh.
She was unabashed as she greedily soaked in the image of his heaving muscles towering over her through slitted eyes, gasping with pleasure. her wetness coated him as he slid against her, teasing. The thickness of his cock intimidated her, though she knew she had taken every inch many, many times. Her heart beat thunderously against her ribs, blood pumping with lust that clouded everything else.
Finally, finally, with his mouth gasping against hers he slid inside her. Inch by inch. Her fingers clawed desperately at him, her legs wrapped so tightly around him that it only drew him deeper. He went as slow as he could bear, his teeth gritted together with the effort as his breath hissed out between them.
It was beautiful agony, and he felt that he could drown in her sweet warmth that opened to him like a delicate flower. The sweet scent of their sex perfumed the air around him, his brain felt foggy and he could think of nothing but the way Kagome's breasts bounced with every stroke he drove down into her impossibly soft body. Her skin was a creamy white, the color of snow. The dark blushing pink of her pert nipples contrasted in a way that seemed to send a bolt of lightning straight down to his thick length that pulsed ruthlessly inside of her.
He could feel her squeezing, hear her gasping his name between fervent kisses and primal bites. His pace picked up naturally, the two of them rocking together as the momentum built. Their bodies wove together like a tapestry, fitting perfectly as one.
A fine layer of sweat glistened over her pale skin and he licked it away, savoring her sweetness against his tongue with a deep growl of satisfaction that seemed to vibrate against the walls with its strength.
You're mine
… and I'm yours.
He didn't know if the words had passed his lips or if the thought was just so strong that he couldn't stifle it any longer, but in that moment he was certain of one thing, and one thing only.
No one in heaven or on earth would ever separate them again, and he would make sure of it.
Before he consciously realized what was happening his teeth were sinking into her neck.
His fangs broke through her buttery skin like paper, and Kagome could hardly let out a shuttered moan as his mouth filled with her impossibly sweet blood.
Her fingers dug sharply into his shoulders, legs twitching as he still relentlessly pounded into her wetness. He felt the exact moment when she truly submitted to him.
Her little body went limp against him, the fingers that had only a moment ago been clawing at him desperately now stroking tenderly against the side of his face. She didn't fight him. She accepted it, opened her most tender parts to him and let him ravage her. He could feel the magic building, pulsing, bouncing electrically off of their skin while he ground down into her.
He knew little of the rituals of his people. The flea Myoga had been sparing with the details… but he'd gathered enough information to know exactly what he was doing.
Sesshomaru's command rang in his ears.
He had to mate her before his ceremony if he wanted her to be able to stay here. He had always intended to… he had pledged it to her beneath the Goshinbinku, that day that seemed like eons ago now. But they were here now, and her breath was shaky as his fangs were sunk into her tender throat.
Quivering, his name fell from her lips again and again, until she was breathless. Something in him broke.
He spilled his seed deep within her womb, emptying every last drop as he roared against her.
Thick blood the color of wine spilled messily from his lips and down her neck as he finally broke away. The deep red of it seemed so beautiful, and yet so garish, red rivers running over the sweet cream of her skin.
Gold clashed against soft brown as their eyes met in a blaze of fire, chests heaving as they both shuddered with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. Her hands caressed him so gently, though her touch spread like fire. InuYasha couldn't help but shiver, still seated deeply inside her.
Their mouths careened towards each other, and Kagome surprised him by eagerly lapping up her own blood as it still fell from his lips.
Without hesitation he broke away from her, bringing his razor-sharp claw up to press into his own wrist. He brought it up to her mouth tentatively, his gaze locked onto her own, searching.
What he found there solidified his resolve.
Kagome looked up at him with tenderness, blood smeared across her lips so animalistically that he felt himself getting hard again inside her. Her eyes were a deep, warm mahogany that reflected what little light lit the room. They were kind and shone with her love. They were those same eyes he had fallen in love with in the forest.
He knew whatever he said to her in that moment would be weak in comparison to the tidal wave of emotions that was raging through him. Magic wove silently around them, almost escaping his notice as he let his blood begin to leak into her waiting mouth.
Fat droplets splattered across her rosebud lips, the copper scent stinging along the air and only adding to the eroticism of that moment for him. He panted hotly, watching in a trance as his beloved, sweet, innocent Kagome greedily drank the blood that he readily offered. She sucked on the wound he had made, drawing more of the precious liquid from his skin, emboldened by the moans that filled the room. Her eyes drifted closed in ecstasy, dark eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks that seemed so pale, like a painting of a vicious goddess.
She drank for a long moment, gulping down his blood before she finally pulled away with a sharp gasp.
They both sat there heaving, grasping onto each other for dear life, neither of them knowing what to say.
He brought his bloodstained hand up to stroke against her face tenderly, brushing away a stray lock of hair that dared to mar his view of her hypnotic eyes. He wished he had the words to describe her beauty, along with the emotions he felt in that moment.
His thumb brushed over her lips lovingly, before leaning in to give her a passionate kiss. She melted into him even as he slid himself out of her with a heavy sigh that brushed over her mouth. Languidly, he began licking the blood from her skin with his roughened tongue, sending a new wave of shivers rushing along her skin as she could only lay there in a daze.
It felt like a dream.
She hoped she would never wake if it was… her fingers tightened in his hair, shuddering.
"Would you bathe with me?" He murmured against her belly, kissing the skin there.
"Yes, please." She fought away a yawn as her exhaustion threatened to catch up with her, eager to wash away the sticky blood that was quickly drying over them both.
Slowly, he helped her to stand on shaky legs, claiming another brutal kiss from her mouth with his hands gripping at her lewdly.
It looked like a murder scene.
Dark, wet spots stained his luxurious futon. The heady scent of it filled the air, even with the breeze drifting in through the open window. InuYasha must have seen the concern written in her expression, his hand reaching out to grasp her chin between his forefingers affectionately.
"Hey, don't worry. This'll get cleaned up no problem." He pressed a warm kiss against her lips, before leading her out of the darkened room.
The fire in the hearth had burned down to embers, the room was dark and almost felt quiet enough to hear a pin drop.
Her nakedness embarrassed her, she tried in vain to cover what parts she could with her one free hand, the other held firmly in InuYasha's. Quickly he pulled her into the room on the other side of the fireplace, opposite from where they had laid Shippo down to sleep. He slid open the shoji door, ushering her inside.
The darkness swallowed her up. It was only an instant before the oil lamps on the walls roared to life. A half smile that made her heart twist in her chest curved at his full lips, his eyes raking over her body without shame.
The room was small, the floors slatted, the walls made of cool gray stone . There was a deep basin in the corner that was already full of water, steam curling off the surface. Admittedly, she was impressed. It was the most modern bathroom she had seen in the Edo era; she had unwillingly grown accustomed to bathing in wayward streams and rivers. But as she stood there covered in a mixture of their own fluids she was more than grateful.
He filled a wooden pail with the warm water and they used a cloth to delicately wash away the mess they had made between tender kisses.
Her lips felt swollen and raw, her body weak and trembling. She could feel his blood inside of her. It pumped through her like pure electricity, singing an ancient melody in her veins. It was peculiar. Like nothing she had ever felt before. It came with a surge of power that she hadn't been ready for… her reiki pulsed around her, swallowing them both up in its energy.
"Kagome.."
His voice came out in a hesitant whisper, shattering her line of thought.
"I… I'm sorry, for- if I, if I hurt you..."
His thick eyebrows were drawn down in frustration, he seemed at war with himself.
"You didn't hurt me!" She insisted, trying to douse the flames of his own self doubt as they sprung to life before her eyes. She pressed a gentle palm to his cheek to further solidify her words. "I promise Inu, I'm okay."
Sharp golden eyes flickered up to meet hers, concern shining clearly there, his lip caught between his sharp teeth as he visibly worried. Sending his need for reassurance in the growing silence she continued, her voice turning into a heady whisper that was meant for no one but him.
"I loved every moment."
She let her fingers trail down over the broad muscles of his back, feeling him shiver deliciously beneath her touch. "I'm yours, InuYasha. Nothing you could ever do would hurt me."
She punctuated her breathless declaration with a sweet kiss, physically feeling his mind ease as he leaned into her, grabbing her hand and weaving their fingers together.
They were wet and naked and there was a chill spreading across her tepid skin, but she didn't care. She was lost in that moment, the whole world faded away. InuYasha radiated warmth like a space heater, and she was more than happy to be in his arms, lost in his eyes that shimmered like fresh cut honeycomb.
"You're mine now, Kagome… even more than before."
Those eyes implored her, begging her to understand beneath dark brows that were knitted together. Confused, she looked up at him quizzically, waiting for him to explain. She didn't get why he seemed so nervous. She had always been his. Even from the beginning, when neither of them could admit to their own feelings. Kagome had never wavered in that.
His other hand came up to brush over the spot on her neck where his teeth had been, his touch feather-light. The wound had already healed. The pads of his fingers were rough against her softness, and she couldn't help but shiver. Dark locks of hair fell damp over her skin like black ribbons, cascading to her waist.
Suddenly he was gripping her a bit tighter, his tone becoming passionate and serious as his eyes continued to gaze deeply into her own, searching.
"You're my heart, my soul, my mate."
The words crashed around her, washing over her like a wave and for a moment there she could have sworn she was floating, though she stood frozen, held against InuYasha by his rippling arms that wrapped so perfectly around her.
"I will take no other. I will love no other. My loyalty will always be to you…I am yours until the end of my days, Kagome…"
She didn't realize she was crying until she felt the wetness drip down her cheeks. tears overflowed from her eyes, her heart so full that it could nearly burst, it was pounding so hard against her ribs. She had felt the change when they had been making love, had felt the power of his ancient bloodline running through her like a pack of wild dogs howling desperately. Her spiritual knowledge gave her enough to know when her spirit was being altered, and she could immediately sense something tingling along the edges of her mind. With his words InuYasha had confirmed her suspicions, and she was so happy.
The feeling was pure, unfiltered dopamine straight to her brain, and she couldn't help but to weep. It felt like the entirety of their relationship had been building up to this moment, this reunion, and now that they were back together he was giving her everything that she had been longing for.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, their lips met in a passionate kiss.
"I'm yours… and you're mine… always."
Kagome breathed out between peppered kisses, her mind flashing back to the moment they had shared beneath the Goshinbinku tree in the courtyard of her childhood home. It seemed like a lifetime ago. They had sat in its forgiving shade, feeling the waves of ancient power that the temple was built upon. He had proclaimed to her then that he wanted her as his mate, only her. At the time she had been overcome with joy, and now that feeling was intensified by a hundred.
He pulled away from her tender mouth, pressing his forehead against hers. Their breath moved in sync, and her eyes fluttered shut as she reveled in the peace of the moment.
They stayed like that for a while, feeling their hearts beat at the same time, almost as if they were now beating as one.
InuYasha didn't know how he had gotten so incredibly fortunate, didn't know what he had done to earn this feeling. He cradled his new mate against his broad chest, feeling every inch of her soft skin and he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude cast over him in the steamy air of the small wash room. Her hair was as black as spilled ink, a sharp contrast to the milky white of her skin. It smelled like fresh blossoms right off the vine, so sweet that he could almost swear the nectar was dripping right off of his tongue. But he could sense her energy dwindling, her body leaning against his as she fought a yawn. He could feel her exhaustion plainly, as if it were his own. He found himself stroking the top of her head, pulling her even closer.
"We should rest now, my mate." He whispered, unable to resist nibbling on her ear. At loath, he deranged himself from her, fetching a cloth to dry them off.
"You're probably right." She sighed, rubbing at her eyes.
Her day had been a long and arduous one. She'd been ambushed by sentinels, walked for miles over unforgiving terrain, been interrogated by the DaiYoukai Sesshomaru himself, all to be finally reunited with her other half. Adrenaline had kept her awake up until this point, along with the power surge that came with the blood she had taken from InuYasha. But that was wearing off now, and she felt shaky on her feet as she stood there naked on the slatted floor.
The Inu didn't let her lift a finger. He dried her off and scooped her up against him before carrying her back into his den, his arms wrapped around her like a possessive cage.
She was surprised to see a very blatant lack of blood on the sheets when they returned.
There was fresh bedding, and the night breeze that drifted in through the open windows had carried away all scent of what had occurred between them. But she didn't question it, she simply crawled into the bed, uncaring that she was still naked or that so many things still needed to be talked about. Everything else could wait until the morning.
InuYasha had that crooked smile on his face that just made her melt, she could feel herself visibly ease when she looked at him. He slipped in beside her, immediately pulling her body against his and nuzzling into her. He smelled like woodsmoke and everything she had been missing. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, stroking her hair, and as she drifted off peacefully for the first time in weeks she could not help but to think that there was nowhere else she would rather be.
A/N: Well first I just wanna say thank you to Flora-chan21, I really really appreciated your comment. Its hard for me to find the motivation to post sometimes so this one's for you.