Sesshomaru leaned against the sturdy trunk of a towering tree, his silver hair catching the faint moonlight filtering through the dense canopy above. He watched the sacred well that served as a gateway between their time and hers, a relic of a world five hundred years into the future. Despite his stoic demeanor, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity about the mystical portal that had brought her to their era.
The Miko often spoke of her distant home and the wonders of her time, weaving tales of technology and civilization far beyond anything he had ever known. Yet, it was the bone eaters well, hidden within the heart of the forest, that served as the conduit for her travels through time. It was a concept both fascinating and perplexing to him, this ability to traverse centuries with a mere step into the depths of the ancient structure.
The young Miko had assured them that she needed to return home for a couple of days to attend to things in her own time before they continued on. The slayer had spoke of returning to check in on the demon slayer village that she had created while the Monk had spoke of meeting a friend of his, and Inuyasha had just disappeared.
They knew he went to go find the dead miko.
As for Rin, Kagome had suggested that she stay behind in the village under the guidance of the elder priestess, where she could continue to learn and grow in her knowledge of the world. It was a prospect that filled Rin with both excitement as he dropped her off with the elder.
Meanwhile, Sesshomaru dispatched Jaken on an errand to the nearest secret demon village, a task that would keep the diminutive imp occupied and out of his hair for the time being. It was a welcome respite for Sesshōmaru, who had grown weary of Jaken's incessant squawking and constant complaints.
Alone at last, save for Au-Un, but the dragon demon had went to stretch out his wings. Sesshomaru allowed himself a moment of rare solitude, the tranquil stillness of the forest enveloping him like a comforting embrace. In the quietude of the clearing, he found himself relishing the peace and quiet.
Yet, his mind kept straying towards the Miko.
She had sat perched delicately on the edge of the ancient well, her smile warm. She invited him to stay and watch her. Sesshomaru wouldn't admit it but he had felt panic, watching as she fell back into the well, before a pink light enveloped the well and she disappeared. Her scent lingering in the air was the only evidence that she had been there.
That had been two days ago, she had yet to return, but he sat and waited for her patiently.
Adjusting his position, the crinkle of paper alerted him. Digging through his hatori, he pulled out the folded drawing that Rin had given him when he gifted her a new kimono to wear. Her lessons with the Miko and practicing with the young fox kit had improved her illustration skills. He had patted her on the head and stated how proud he was of her, causing her to beam at him as she held his leg.
It was the three of them. Rin was in the middle holding hands with both the Miko and himself on each side of her. She called it a family drawing, before she had shyly asked him if it was acceptable to ask the Miko to be her Mother.
He had been surprised to say the least, and never would he deny his young ward anything she asked. It had never occurred to him just how close the two had become. The sight of Kagome cradling Rin, her gentle touch and soothing voice as she read to Rin and the young kit, stirred something primal within Sesshōmaru. It was a sensation that pulsed beneath the calm facade he so meticulously maintained, a raw, visceral longing that clawed at the edges of his consciousness.
In his Miko's nurturing embrace, he recognized a quality that resonated with the very essence of his being, igniting an inferno of desire within him. It was a recognition of her inherent ability to care, to nurture, to provide, and it spoke to the deepest recesses of his soul.
With each beat of his heart, he felt a surge of possessiveness, an overwhelming need to claim her as his own. It was a primal urge that gripped his heart in an iron vice, demanding acknowledgment, demanding action. And though the thought both thrilled and terrified him, he knew deep down that he could no longer deny the truth that lay dormant within him.
For she was more than his; she was his equal, his match in every sense of the word. Sesshomaru felt a hunger awaken within him, a hunger that he thought had long been suppressed in the depths of his soul, his being.
He intended to do something about it the second she returned, before they were to continue on their journey.
As the soft pink glow of her reiki faded into the cool blue of the night, Sesshomaru's senses tingled with anticipation. Before her scent wafted to his nose or the rhythmic thud of her heartbeat reached his ears, he felt the unmistakable presence of her energy, a beacon drawing him to her side.
With fluid grace, he traversed the clearing in mere seconds, his movements silent and effortless as he closed the distance between them. His hand extended, offering her assistance as she emerged from the depths of the well, her form bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.
"Miko,"
She accepted his hand with a warm, shy smile, her eyes sparkling with gratitude as he guided her to solid ground. With a gentle yet firm grip, he wrapped his other arm around her waist, steadying her as she adjusted to her surroundings.
Her face flushed, "Lord Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru lingered, his gaze fixed upon her face, committing every detail to memory before reluctantly releasing her from his grasp.
"You returned."
She cleared her throat, "ah yes, I know I was to arrive earlier but my younger brother wanted some advice for his girlfriend Hitomi."
"What is this term you speak of?"
She blinked at him, "you mean girlfriend?"
He gave a curt nod.
"In my time, arranged marriages aren't common as they are here. Instead young humans have the choice to choose who they will spend their lives with before they get married. Sometimes they find that person quickly and others spend years dating people to find that right person. Which is called relationships, this is the title of boyfriend and girlfriend." She tried to hide her amusement at having to explain such things to the five hundred year old dog demon
"Do you have what they call a boyfriend?"
She laughed, "it would be hard to have one in my own time since I practically live on this side of the well."
He felt relieved. Not that he should anyway. He could kill anyone he needed in order to make the Miko his in every sense of the word as long as she consented to belonging to him.
"Where are the others?"
"Still yet to retu—"
"MY LORD! I HAVE RETURNED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE ASKED ME TO FETCH FOR YOU!"
Just then, Jaken broke through the treeline, squeaking as he held numerous things. Kagome saw the way, Lord Sesshomaru's eye twitched in irritation. Hiding her smile, she just grazed his hand with her own before turning to the imp demon.
"Did you see Au-Un on your way back?"
"I DONT HAVE TO ANSWER SUCH THINGS TO A LOW—"
Lord Sesshomaru's eye twitched as he swiftly kicked Jaken, sending the imp demon flying into the tree against which he had been reclining.
"Quiet," he snapped.
Kagome suppressed a smile, noting how this action was his way of preventing Jaken from speaking ill of her.
"KAGOME!" Shippo burst through the trees, followed by Rin chasing after him, with Sango and Miroku walking behind them. "You're back!" he cheered, immediately jumping onto her shoulder.
"I promised I would return," she smiled, embracing him tightly.
"Mommy!" Rin ran towards her, hugging her legs and gazing up at her with wide brown eyes.
"Hello, Shippo," Kagome greeted warmly, her smile reaching her eyes as she placed a reassuring hand atop his head. "And hello, Rin. I hope the two of you have been on your best behavior with Kaede while I was away."
Her gaze flickered between them, noting the mischievous glint in their eyes as they exchanged looks. She couldn't help but narrow her eyes playfully, suspecting they might have cooked up some scheme to prank Jaken or Inuyasha, or perhaps both.
"Welcome back, Kagome," Miroku chimed in, waving his staff, which emitted the familiar soft clinking noise as it moved. "We're all relieved to see you return safely."
"Thank you, Miroku, Sango," Kagome replied with genuine gratitude, her smile widening. "I hope I didn't keep you two waiting for too long."
Sango shook her head, her expression gentle as Kirara leaped from her shoulder into Kagome's waiting hands, while Shippo comfortably settled himself atop Kagome's head. "I had only just arrived when Kirara informed me of your return."
"Where's Inuyasha?" Kagome inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Miroku cleared his throat, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I imagine we'll be seeing him tomorrow."
Kagome nodded, a sense of anticipation bubbling within her. "Then we'll camp for the night and set off tomorrow."
"We shall stay in my hut then," Miroku suggested, before turning and leaving with Sango trailing behind him.
As they walked, Kagome couldn't help but reflect on the hut's origins. Inuyasha and Miroku had decided to live with one another while the girls went off to do their own thing, and they traveled the areas for any new information and training. They had constructed it together, feeling guilty for imposing on Kaede's hospitality. Eventually, it became a comfortable resting place for all of them whenever they found themselves in Edo.
"Come, Shippo and Rin," Kagome called, motioning for them to follow Sango and Miroku. "It's growing rather late, and you both need rest."
She glanced at Lord Sesshomaru, extending an invitation. "Will you be joining us, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"I have matters to attend to," he replied stoically, yet his gaze lingered on her more than it was before. "I will be here when you wake."
Kagome offered him a warm smile. "Be careful and have a good night." With that, she turned and followed the children as they eagerly ran ahead with Kirara.
The full moon cast its radiant glow upon the landscape, illuminating the dark sky with its ethereal light. Stars twinkled like distant diamonds, scattered across the heavens in a mesmerizing display of celestial beauty. As the world around her slumbered peacefully, Kagome found herself unable to succumb to the embrace of sleep.
Dressed in a delicate silk nightgown, she tossed and turned, the fabric clinging uncomfortably to her skin in the oppressive heat of the night. Frustration gnawed at her, her mind restless and her body yearning for relief from the stifling warmth. With a sigh, Kagome made a decision.
Gathering her resolve, she slipped out of bed and padded softly across the cool wooden floor of the hut. The soft rustle of her footsteps echoed in the stillness of the night as she made her way towards the nearby river, its cold waters beckoning to her like a siren's call.
The lush foliage parted before her as she walked, the moonlight casting dappled shadows across her path. The gentle murmur of the river grew louder with each step, a soothing melody that calmed her restless spirit.
Finally reaching the water's edge, Kagome paused for a moment, inhaling the crisp night air as she gazed out at the shimmering surface of the river. With a determined resolve, she waded into the cool embrace of the water, feeling its icy tendrils enveloping her overheated skin in a welcome embrace.
As she submerged herself fully in the refreshing waters, a sense of relief washed over her, the coolness of the river soothing the flushness of her cheeks and easing the tension that had coiled within her. Closing her eyes, Kagome allowed herself to simply be, embracing the tranquility of the night and the soothing embrace of the river that cradled her in its gentle embrace.
The delicate silk nightgown clung to Kagome's body like a second skin, its whisper-soft fabric nearly translucent in the ethereal glow of the moonlight. As she stood at the water's edge, the silken garment molded to her curves, accentuating every contour with a subtle allure.
Bathed in the luminous embrace of the full moon, Kagome's silhouette shimmered against the backdrop of the night, her form outlined in a halo of silvery light. The water rippled gently around her, its surface glistening like liquid silver under the moon's watchful gaze.
On the bank of the river, Sesshomaru stood like a shadowy sentinel, his imposing figure silhouetted against the moonlit backdrop. With a predatory grace, he observed the Miko's near-naked form, the delicate silk nightgown clinging to her body in a tantalizing embrace.
As the moonlight illuminated her feminine curves, Sesshōmaru felt a primal surge of desire coursing through him, igniting a fierce hunger deep within his core. His eyes, blazing with a fiery intensity, traced the contours of her form with a hunger that bordered on primal instinct.
Golden eyes gleamed with a predatory gleam as he drank in the sight before him, his fangs elongating as his youki pulsed with unrestrained longing. The heady scent of her, mingling with the crisp night air, tantalized his senses, sending a shiver of anticipation down his spine.
Yet, despite the overwhelming temptation that threatened to consume him, Sesshomaru exercised a mastery of self-control honed over centuries of discipline. With a steely resolve, he reined in the primal urges that surged within him, refusing to succumb to the raw power of his beastly nature.
Though every fiber of his being screamed for release, Sesshomaru stood unmoving, his golden gaze unwavering as he watched the young woman with a silent intensity. In that moment, he was not just a demon lord, but a creature of unparalleled restraint, a testament to the indomitable will that defined him.
"Miko," Sesshōmaru called out, his voice cutting through the stillness of the night.
Startled, the Miko turned towards him, her heart racing in her chest. Her azure eyes widened in alarm, her breath catching in her throat as she beheld the imposing figure of the demon lord before her. A soft gasp escaped her lips, followed by a beautiful flush that bloomed across her cheeks like the petals of a rose.
"L–Lord Sesshōmaru," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to maintain her composure.
With a calm demeanor, Sesshomaru addressed her, his tone measured and controlled. "Once more you proposition this one," he stated, his golden eyes penetrating her with an unwavering intensity.
"Proposition…?" her voice trailed off in confusion, her brows furrowing in puzzlement.
Sesshomaru gestured towards her near-nude form with a subtle nod. "You are nearly nude, Miko," he remarked, his gaze lingering on her with a mix of concern and understanding.
Realization dawned on her as she glanced down at her scant attire, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Hastily, she crossed her arms over her chest in a futile attempt to preserve her modesty.
Before she could protest, Sesshomaru shed his kimono with effortless grace, tossing the garment towards her in a fluid motion before turning around.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice tinged with bewilderment as she grasped the kimono in her hands.
Sesshomaru chuckled softly, a rare hint of amusement flickering in his golden eyes. "Females require privacy," he explained, his tone gentle yet firm. "This is for your well-being."
He had forgotten that while demons held little regard for modesty, human females possessed delicate sensibilities, especially when it came to matters of exposure and modesty.
"You can turn around now," Kagome's voice broke the silence, her throat clearing as she stepped onto the bank behind him.
Without hesitation, Sesshomaru complied, his gaze roaming over her figure as she stood before him, clad in his kimono, his house colors complimenting her fair complexion. Shy and doe-eyed, she exuded a delicate beauty that captivated him, her scent mingling with his own in a heady haze that left him purring in silent approval.
"Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru," Kagome spoke softly, her eyes meeting his through long lashes, her cheeks still tinged with a rosy blush. "You always seem to be there when I need you. However, I thought you would be gone?"
"This one returned early," Sesshomaru replied simply, noting the small smile that graced her lips in response. "Might you explain to this one why you are out at night, alone and near nude?"
Her gaze shifted away from him, seeking solace in the folds of his kimono as she drew a shaky breath. "It was hot, and I couldn't sleep, so I came here to cool off and…"
Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue, but she remained silent. With a gentle yet firm touch, he cupped her chin in his hand, urging her to meet his gaze. "Say it, Miko," he prompted softly.
"I… I'd hoped for you to return early, so then you might help me sleep," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Though her words carried a meaning he knew she did not intend, Sesshomaru felt a surge of primal desire stirring within him. Swallowing hard, he tore his gaze away from hers, willing himself to regain control.
"Let us return to the clearing," he said, his voice betraying no hint of the turmoil raging within him as he turned and began to walk away, confident that she would follow.
Once they returned to the clearing, Sesshomaru settled into the same spot he had occupied when his Miko had left. His gaze flickered towards her as she stood a few feet away, her nervous energy palpable. Suppressing a smirk, he beckoned her closer.
"Come, Miko," he called to her, watching as a fresh flush painted her cheeks. "Lay next to this one."
"L–lay next to you?" her voice trembled with uncertainty, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Sesshomaru snorted softly, a hint of amusement dancing in his golden eyes. "You wish to sleep, don't you, Miko?"
"Yes," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
"Then unless you wish to endure the discomfort of the hard ground," he continued, "I suggest you lay beside me."
Unfurling mokomoko, he laid the fluffy tail next to him, a silent invitation for her to join him. He noticed a while back how the young Miko's gaze lingered on his tail, how her fingers twitched as if yearning to reach out and touch it. Yet, she refrained, a testament to her restraint despite her curiosity.
Sesshomaru observed with a mixture of intrigue and satisfaction as she hesitated briefly before finally laying down on his tail. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she nestled into the soft fur, her breathing slowing into a contented rhythm. He felt a surge of primal satisfaction as he sensed her immediate relaxation, her body melting into the comfort of his mokomoko.
Closing her eyes, she let out a soft moan of contentment, her features softened by a serene smile. Sesshomaru's yokai thrummed with pleasure as he felt her growing comfortable in his presence, her trust in him evident in the way she nuzzled her face into his tail.
A low rumble echoed from deep within his chest as his beast stirred with primal satisfaction. He watched, almost mesmerized, as his little Miko practically rolled in his scent, her movements imbued with a sense of primal instinct as she doused herself in his essence. The sight filled him with a primal sense of possessiveness, a desire to mark her as his own in a way that transcended the physical realm.
Sesshomaru's golden eyes softened as he watched her nestled against his tail, her form bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. With a gentle flick, he adjusted his position, ensuring her comfort remained his priority.
"Are you comfortable, Miko?" he inquired softly, his voice a soothing melody in the stillness of the night.
She responded with a soft hum, her breathing growing shallow and steady as she drifted towards sleep. Satisfied that she was at ease, Sesshomaru allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability, his gaze lingering on her peaceful expression with a sense of quiet reverence.
In that moment, as the world around them faded into darkness and the night embraced them in its tranquil embrace, Sesshomaru felt a flicker of something unfamiliar stirring within him—a warmth that bloomed in the depths of his chest, a sense of belonging that he had long believed to be beyond his grasp.
With a silent sigh, he settled into the comforting embrace of the night, his protective instincts guiding him as he kept watch over Kagome, his silent guardian in the darkness. And as the night stretched on, enveloping them in its gentle embrace, Sesshomaru allowed himself to savor the rare gift of such a beautiful young woman.
