Rebuilding Dreams

******Please don't kill me for taking so long to update. I had a really hard time writing this chapter for reasons that shall not be disclosed in public.*******

Chapter Thirteen – A Mating Ceremony

It was late again. Why was it they always seemed to have serious discussions when it was late? Kagome, Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, and Miroku were sitting in the library. Kagome was curled up in the floor, her head resting in Inuyasha’s lap, both enjoying the flames from the fireplace. Sesshoumaru stood over them, scowling at their lack of respect before finally caving and sitting down across from them. He folded his legs Indian style and leaned forward. Kagome tried quite hard not to snigger.

“Kagome?” She hated that tone of voice. That tone of voice meant business, and she would have preferred to continue daydreaming. Or would it be night dreaming?

“Hmm?” She closed her eyes, concentrating on the feel of Inuyasha’s claws in her hair, and wishing she could ignore her soon to be brother in law.

“The sooner we perform the ceremony, the better. You know that, right?” She nodded. She didn’t care when it happened, really. “Since Miroku is staying here he could go ahead and perform the main part of the ceremony tomorrow morning.”

Kagome was about to give a somewhat flippant reply about the ceremony only confirming what was already a reality when part of what Sesshoumaru said made her open her eyes. “What do you mean by ‘part’ of the ceremony?”

Three pairs of eyes, two amber and one emerald, exchanged uneasy and wary looks. Miroku cleared his throat. “Lady Kagome, what he means is that the ritual itself is only part of the proceedings. A certain act must be completed before the marks will work properly.”

Kagome tensed slightly, eyeing Sesshoumaru and Miroku. “Please, just say whatever it is, instead of trying to talk around it.”

Inuyasha’s hand gently clasped her upper arm and he pulled her into an up right position. “Whatever either of them say will only make it worse. Will you come to my room and allow me to explain? I think this is better discussed just between us.” She nodded and they both got up effortlessly, walking out of the room hand in hand.

“Well,” said Miroku slowly, “that was incredibly sensible of him. Maybe she is doing good for him, after all.”

Sesshoumaru snorted. “Naturally. Our father would not have chosen a bad mate for him. Or her. Our father and Kagome’s were very much like brothers. They would have made the best choices for their children and each other’s no matter what.” He stood. “Come. We have much to organize just in case she does go through with it after he explains.”

Miroku nodded and stood as well, his movements much slower than the other’s, and Sesshoumaru noticed he grasped the staff for support. He said nothing about it though.
Inuyasha sat down on the edge of his bed and pulled Kagome carefully towards him. “There is a reason that I asked we come here instead of going to your room, Kagome.”

She eased down next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. “And that reason is?”

“If we do the ceremony tomorrow then we have to come here, directly afterwards.”

“Why?”

Inuyasha sighed. “I was afraid you would ask that. The act that Miroku spoke of must take place in this room.” He pulled her further onto the bed, laying her down on her side and he lay down next to her, staring into her eyes as he tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear. “After the spoken ceremony, I will bring you back here, and I will make lov you you, to claim you as mine.” Kagome tensed and was about to jerk away, but Inuyasha’s hands stilled her. “Kagome. Don’t run from me, love. Let me explain why. You know that I must mark you in order to protect you?” She nodded. “The marking must take place during this very intimate act, other wise it will not work properly.” He could see the tears brimming in her eyes as she struggled to not run away from him.

“I don’t think I’m ready for that, Inuyasha. I… I’m not really sure if I’ll ever be ready.” A tear escaped and slid down her cheek.

Gently, he brushed it away. “Kagome, I know you’re not ready for this. Just this once though, let us be together so that I can protect you. After tomorrow we will slow things back down, and I will teach you how things are supposed to be. I promise you. Even if you feel as though you will never be able to again, I will still be right here by your side. I will not leave you,” and to that she had no reply.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face into his neck. She did not cry, simply trembled in fear of what would occur the next day while Inuyasha held her close, breathing soft reassurances in her ear. Slowly their bodies began to relax together and soon after they were both asleep.


Inuyasha awoke to a very persistent sharp stinging sensation in his neck. Automatically he brought his hand up and slapped it against the side of his face. There was a satisfying crunch, and a moment later a grumbling voice. “Lord Inuyasha! Why must you continue to hit me?”

Inuyasha cracked one eye open, glancing to see if Kagome was still asleep. She was. “I’ve told you, I don’t like to be fed upon, flea!”

“You always were an impertinent child. Are you not even going to ask why I am here?”

“Myouga, shut up. I would very much like to go back to sleep. And the reason for your sudden appearance is not hard to figure out. Obviously, Sesshoumaru felt it would only be proper to invite you for my mating ceremony.”

“Mating ceremony?” Myouga’s voice rose slightly. “What mating ceremony? You intend to marry this,” he faltered, obviously trying to find a proper word, “miscreant?”

Kagome’s eyes shot open in a flash she picked the tiny insect off her betrothed’s chest. “Who are you, and why must you insist on barging in on Inuyasha and myself when we were having a decidedly blissful sleep, which isn’t something I get much of, so either you had better have a really," she stressed the word, "good reason, or you’re out of here, bug.”

Inuyasha smirked, folding his arms behind his head.

“Lord Inuyasha! Surely you are not going to let her speak that way to an old teacher and master! I trained you better than that. Your father trained you better than that!”

Kagome’s eyes narrowed and she shot a look at Inuyasha who shrugged uncaringly. In one move she was out of the bed and beside the window. It was raining outside. Perfect. Throwing the windows open she tossed the annoying pest out into the rain. She heard his yell as he fell all ten stories down to the ground. Then there was a splattering of curses and a garbled array of words she didn’t understand. Yawning, she fell back onto the bed, across Inuyasha’s chest. He chuckled and toyed with her hair.

Kissing the top of her head he pulled them both into a sitting position. “Are you ready for today?” It took a minute but slowly she nodded.

“I know that you are going to be there with me, so no matter what I’ll be able to do this, it’s just a little frightening, that’s all.” She snuggled closer, resting her head over his heart.

He pulled her closer in response and gently squeezed her shoulders. “It’s later than it looks you know. You ready to get up?”

She nodded and stumbled off the bed, yawning again. “We should shoot your brother for suggesting morning ceremony, you know?”

Inuyasha laughed and kisses her forehead. She trembled. He paused and turned back facing her fully; gently he traced a finger over her face. “Just a few hours, love. A few hours and then it will be over, okay?” She nodded.

They dressed quietly. Inuyasha put on a black silk kimono with golden dog demons dancing all over it while Kagome dressed in an elegant, white kimono – the traditional wedding kimono. Inuyasha smiled as they both came out from behind the dressing shades. She was stunning. She smiled back timidly and then there was a knock.

“Do you two plan on sleeping all day?” The door swung open and Sesshoumaru blinked. “Oh. You’re not sleeping. What did you do to Myouga?”

“He was being annoying.” He blinked again. He had expected Inuyasha to answer, not Kagome. Suddenly, he grinned.

The sight of the usually chilly and unemotional lord grinning in such a manner would have frightened anyone else. Inuyasha just arched an eyebrow, almost in imitation of Sesshoumaru, and Kagome smirked.

“Miroku is waiting to begin.”

Inuyasha nodded and turned to Kagome, taking her hand. She felt another squeeze as he led her out of the room, and she smiled. Sesshoumaru followed behind them. Even in the dark Kagome could tell that this hall was as full as the dining room had been the night before. It made sense that if all these youkai had been around for the official announcement last night that they would be here today. Was that the way things usually worked in the demon world? They made their way slowly towards the front where Miroku awaited them.

Miroku smiled and gestured to someone. Blue flamed candles sprung up all over the room and Shippo appeared, holding one in his hands. He grinned and mouthed, “Fox fire,” to Kagome who grinned back and winked.

Miroku stepped in front of them, smiling at his long time friend and his betrothed. He hadn’t seen much of her, but he was certain that she was just what Inuyasha needed. That was what made him so glad to be the one to perform the ceremony.

It took several minutes, but finally the hall quieted. Miroku grinned at all that were gathered there. Several of the demons were glaring at him. That made him grin even more and Inuyasha hissed, “Still popular with the other lands, I see.”

Miroku chuckled and tcleacleared his throat loudly. “My lords and ladies, we have come to this place so early for one purpose only, and that purpose is to witness and be part of the joining of souls between Inuyasha and his betrothed mate, Kagome. Though, as all of you know, Inuyasha tossed the betrothal out the window, so I suppose I should say his chosen mate.” Kagome blushed at that for some reason and Inuyasha grinned. “Now, Inuyasha, take Kagome’s left hand in your left, and Kagome you take his right hand in your right.” They did as he said and their arms crossed over each other’s and Kagome looked up into Inuyasha’s eyes, her gaze never wavering. “Inuyasha, I need you to repeat after me.” He nodded. “This day in time I take my soul…and bind it to my chosen.”

“This day in time I take my soul… and bind it to my chosen.”

“I give my blood, my heart, my love, all to the purpose of this bond.”

“I give my blood, my heart, my love, all to the purpose of this bond.”

“All that I have is yours. I give all that I am to loving and protecting you.”

“All that I have is yours. I give all that I am to loving and protecting you.”

“Now, take the signet of this union and place it on her wrist,” Miroku said softly, his face serious, though his eyes were basically beaming.

“My father had this made as sos Kas Kaemon and he agreed upon the betrothal. Usually, an heirloom of sorts is used for this ritual, but my father knew from the moment you were born that you were so special you needed something of your own, and I have to say that I agree. No family heirloom, no matter it’s value, could ever match what I have found with you, nor could it ever match your beauty,” and everyone was astonished to see tears rolling down the hanyou’s face as he withdrew a small bangle bracelet of gold from the folds of his kimono. Around it were intricately carved dogs and tigers; they seemed to dance together in the flickering lights of the candles. Quite simply, it took Kagome’s breath away almost as much as his words had as he slid it onto her wrist.

Miroku gave them a minute, and then cleared his throat. “Kagome, I need you to repeat after me.” She nodded.

Her vows were basically the same as Inuyasha’s had been. Basically.

“I give all that I am to my chosen mate’s honor. To stand by his side. To never question and always obey – ”

“Stop!”

Everyone jumped at the shout and Miroku turned with a slightly troubled and questioning look on his face to face his friend. “Is there a problem, Inuyasha?”

“Yes, there is a problem you lecherous monk. How dare you to have her repeat that? I told you I would NOT have that as part of our mating ceremony. Kagome’s will is her own and I do not and will not have her thinking that she must obey everything I say.” Somewhere during that tirade Inuyasha had grabbed the front of Miroku’s robes and was actually dangling him above the floor.

Miroku’s face was rather red, almost purple, his eyes bulging slightly, as he tried to squeak out an answer. He squeaked because Inuyasha’s knuckles were pressed right against his windpipe. “I am sorry, Inuyasha. Myouga visited with me this morning and said you had changed your mind!” And as simple as that Inuyasha dropped him.

“Then I apologize to you. Please, continue.” His words were cordial, but at the corners of his eyes Miroku could see scarlet. Sesshoumaru had noticed it as well and both had the same thought. Wherever the flea was at now, he had better hide.
Miroku coughed, and straightened his robes. “Yes. Please, take each other’s hands again. Now, Kagome, finish repeating after me, please. I give my soul to my chosen one’s soul so that together they form one and I will be my mate’s forever, and he will be mine for eternity.”

“I give my soul to my chosen one’s soul so that togr thr they form one and I will be my mate’s forever, and he will be mine for eternity.” As soon as the word’s finished warmth began to flow through both Kagome’s and Inuyasha’s bodies. A bright purple light flared between them and then spread, encircling them both and forcing them closer together. Slowly the light faded and as it did Kagome and Inuyasha came back in to view.

The red had faded from his eyes and now they shone with a tranquility that surprised even the monk. Kagome had been pressed against him in such a way that her back was against his chest while her arms were crossed over her waist, and his arms curled around her waist, holding her hands in his on either side of her body. He leaned his forehead on top of her head and the look in his eyes was one that loudly proclaimed the love of this woman and that he would gladly kill anyone who so much as whispered a threat her way.

Slowly the sound of raucous hoots, chanting, and applause filtered through their ears and they became aware that everyone in the room was on their feet in one way or another congratulating them.

In that moment Kagome took a chance on dignity and slowly lifted her head. Several gasps from those who had already met her and seen her up close were heard as they saw her eyes. The grayish blue puddles were gone, and in their place were sapphire gems with coal pupils that glowed with pride and happiness. Inuyasha looked down at her and smiled endearingly.

He lowered his head next to her ear and whispered softly. “I love you.”


(Soft lemon ness a head)

Inuyasha carried Kagome slowly up the stairwells that led to his room, his arms keeping her nestled softly against his chest. He smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers curling and playing in his hair, occasionally brushing against the base of his ear and earning her a soft growl that sounded suspiciously like a purr.

He leaned against his door so that it slid open and then kicked it shut behind them. Gently he sat her down on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of her. Her fingers were still toying in his hair and she seemed afraid to meet his eyes now.

He slid his finger under her chin and raised her face a little. “We don’t have to do this right now. We can just talk first if you want.”

Kagome smiled faintly. “I know you’re trying to protect me so I won’t be hurt or afraid, but we need to do it as soon as we can. I’m afraid I’ll loose what little courage I have if we wait.”

Inuyasha nodded in understanding and leaned up just enough to brush his lips across hers. “I do everything in my power to keep from hurting you.” He kissed her sweetly again then pulled away. “Will you allow me to disrobe you, Kagome?” She nodded and he smiled as he kissed her yet again, but this time the kiss was deeper.

He scooped her up into his arms as he gently moved her farther onto the bed, laying her down as he leaned over her and gently probed his tongue against her lips. Uncertainly she opened her lips to his and he slid his tongue inside gently coaxing hers. His hands slid behind her and he untied the obi so that it slid away with a light tug. He felt her shiver a little as this allowed the folds of her kimono to fall open with the smallest of motions.

Beneath the boldly designed kimono she wore modern clothing. The things she had brought with her from her own time. He pulled away and slowly slid the folds of her kimono further aside, very aware of her trembling. Curiously he traced the edge of her bra, listening as her breath caught slightly. After a puzzled moment he found the clasp, a small button like snap that came easily open when he pressed his fingers to it. The material fell away from her breasts, but his attention was on her face; he could smell the salt of her tears.

“Do you want me to stop for a while?”

“No. I trust you, Inuyasha. I’m just… I keep remembering…” and her voice sounded so tiny and lost that Inuyasha thought his heart was being ripped from his chest.

He lay down half on top of her, half beside her and nuzzled her ears lovingly even as he slid the kimono and bra straps off her arms. He kissed her again, gently nibbling and suckling her bottom lip. “Just try to remember; I’m not him. I’m doing this because I love you and you’re my everything, Kagome.” He began to kiss his way down her throat, lightly sucking over her pulse point as he guided his fingers to her breasts.

He was certain that she stopped breathing for a second; her scent now spiked with fear and something else… pleasure. She was still so afraid, but that didn’t stop her body’s reaction. This was good, because this meant that her uncle hadn’t frightened her to the point in which she would never experience pleasure. It would simply take time.

His fingers danced over her breasts slowly, gently tracing her nipples. “You’re so beautiful, my love,” he whispered in a throaty voice as his lips slowly lowered and captured one nipple. His tongue circled it teasingly and again her scent of pleasure spiked. A small moan escaped from her throat.

Kagome wasn’t sure what to do. She was scared senseless, but no one had ever touched her quite like this. It felt good. It felt right. Her mind couldn’t process any more than that, and she promised herself, that for tonight at least she would enjoy this. No matter how scared she was, she wouldn’t let her uncle win. She couldn’t. Just as she resolved to enjoy this she felt his hands slide lower and her eyes widened as she realized he was removing her panties.

She went stiff for a moment, the sapphire of her eyes glittering wildly, but the next moment, instead of an immediate assault inside her as she had expected she found feather light kisses being placed all over her body. Some tickled her belly while others sent spirals of pleasure curling through her body.

But nothing prepared her for what she felt next. His lips were suddenly there, moving against the already damp folds. His kisses were slow and he would drag his tongue over her slit very lightly. Under him Kagome shuddered, though now the pleasure and astonishment of his actions was almost ruling out any fear. He pushed his tongue in and slowly traced her clit causing a soft moan to escape her. This seemed to continue for an eternity of pleasure for them both as Kagome timidly began to move her hips against his mouth and tongue. In response Inuyasha carefully slid a finger inside her, sliding it in and out and then adding another finger. She was writhing beneath him now and his name fell repeatedly from her lips.

Tension was mounting quickly inside her body and she felt as though a great spring was being wound tighter and tighter inside her as she bit down on her lip to hold back a cry of pleasure as she arched more against his lips. Her fingers were twisted into his hair, yet she had no idea how or when she had put them there. All thought was suddenly driven from her mind as he actually nipped her clit at the same time his fingers were stroking the fire between her legs and then all that tension that had mounted suddenly sprang to life as her body shuddered and arched hard, a cry of intense pleasure escaping her throat and lips as she came.

Kagome’s eyes closed tight as slowly her body relaxed and sank back into the bed, her breath trembling from her lips as Inuyasha laid his head against her chest, smiling reassuringly up at her as her eyes flickered open. As soon as her eyes opened fully he leaned up and placed a feather light kiss on her chin. She could feel his body against hers and her eyes widened as she felt just how hard he was. And yet, he hadn’t demanded to take her yet, why? For that fact, why had he chosen to pleasure her first? The confusion and questions must have been showing in her eyes because Inuyasha moved off of her and lay down, rolling them both to their sides so that she was cushioned against his chest.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” the words were that of a demand, yet his voice was so soft it was a plea.

“I just… Why? Why did you choose to pleasure me? I can… feel… that you want me, but you haven’t even made a move to take me…” And her voice was wonderment and confusion.
Inuyasha smiled and nuzzled the back of her neck. “Yes, I do want you, very much so, and I must take you before the night is over, but I wanted you to have pleasure. I’m so afraid of hurting you, that I’m not entirely sure what to do.” He deeply inhaled the scent of strawberries and honeysuckle that seemed to cling to her hair. “I’m afraid that what I have to do to protect you will hurt you so much that you’ll never forgive me. If I hurt you I know I won’t be able to forgive myself.”

Kagome turned, facing him, slowly tracing his face. “I know you will never hurt me on purpose. I know that you have to… make love… to me tonight, to protect me. I understand that, and I can never hold that against you.” She kissed his lips slowly, surprising both of them. “I love you, and I know you love me, and if it hurts then it’s because of what I’ve been through, not because of you or anything you did.” She blinked rapidly, trying to rid her eyes of the tears that threatened again. “I want… and need… you to do this. I need to know that you want me – I need to feel that, even if it hurts, that you love me that much to protect me, to love me. I want to know that … that you can want me like… like that.” Her voice faded at the last and came out slightly broken. Inuyasha’s arms wrapped tighter around her, quickly wiping away the tears and rocking against her. “Will you please do that? Will you love me?”

He could think of no answer to voice so instead he stood and slid out of his robes, moving slowly so as not to bring any flash-backs as he moved back to the bed and leaned over her, placing tender kisses along the side of her neck as he aligned his body with hers. “Are you sure,” was greeted with a slow nod. He pressed his lips tight over hers and in one move was buried within her. Her body tensed under his but he held her and allowed her a chance that had never been given her before. A chance to adapt to the intrusion inside her; and slowly she did. It took a little coaxing and patience but slowly her body became used to his and he could feel her opening to him.

He moved slowly inside of her at first, holding her body as close to his as he could. She didn’t respond at first other than the relaxing. Cautiously though, almost as though she were afraid of his reaction she began to move with him, curling her limbs with his, entangling them together so that neither could tell where he ended and she began. The quiet in the room was interrupted only by the sounds of love making coming from the bed. Then their bodies tensed almost simultaneously and on instinct two pairs of sharp teeth sank into each other’s neck, marking them as being each other’s as they climaxed together.

Kagome fell asleep cradled against a warm chest, both of them sticky with love and Inuyasha breathing soft words of love into her ears.