Passion

Dislcaimer: I still don't own them.


Chapter III – This Was to be Expected


The following day was nerve-wracking.

They had been woken in the morning by Inu Yasha jumping up, grabbing Tessaiga and transforming it with one quick movement. He moved into battle stance, growling low and menacingly, staring to the south.

‘Inu Yasha?’ Miroku asked sleepily, reaching instinctively out for his staff. ‘What is it?’

Inu Yasha growled again. ‘Sesshomaru.’

Miroku got quickly up and grabbed his staff tighter. Sango shook her blanket off and reached out for her boomerang. Kirara transformed, and Shippo sought shelter at Kagome’s side. They were ready for battle.

Kagome blinked and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Did he say Sesshomaru is here? She looked around frantically, expecting to see him step into their camp. Yet he did not. Instead she felt something tickling the ends of her nerves, a rather familiar feeling. She had felt it occasionally during the last days. His aura … Huh, he has been following us. Why?

The flame that was now always burning inside of her grew. Her breath became erratic. Her body was reacting to the faint indication of his being near. She blushed hard and cast a glance at her friends. They were ready to attack – or to protect – but Sesshomaru did not appear. After a while Miroku relaxed.

‘Ah, Inu Yasha, it seems as if we aren’t his target this time.’

Inu Yasha snorted and took some steps into the direction he felt his brother. ‘Hey, Sesshomaru!’ he yelled. ‘Hey, come on, show yourself! I know you’re there! Don’t fuckin’ hide!’

They were silent, waiting, but nothing happened. They heard no footsteps, felt no demonic aura approaching. The only sound was the singing of some birds and all they felt was a soft wind brushing their skin.

‘SESSHOMARU!’

‘Inu Yasha, hush,’ chirped Shippo. ‘It really seems as if he doesn’t want to kill you know, so don’t annoy him.’

Inu Yasha glared daggers at the fox-child but before he was able to retort something Sango said, ‘Yes, so it seems. Which means that we don’t have to stay and fight, do we?’

‘I agree with you, Sango.’ Miroku nodded. ‘We should move on with our hunt.’

‘Well, I fuckin’ disagree!’ yelled Inu Yasha. ‘I don’t gonna turn my back on him and run away.’

‘You wouldn’t be running away, Inu Yasha,’ replied Miroku calmly. ‘We have our task: to find Naraku. We don’t have time to stay put and wait for any demon to turn up.’

‘He’s right, Inu Yasha. Besides, when Sesshomaru approaches while we travel you’ll surely feel this. He can’t get us by surprise now we know he’s somewhere around.’ Sango was already packing her blankets into Kagome’s backpack and spoke over her shoulder. ‘What do you think, Kagome-chan?’

‘I agree with you and Miroku-sama, Sango-chan. It’s useless to stay here and wait.’ She got up and helped Sango stuffing the blankets into the yellow bag. ‘After all, I don’t think he has come for a fight.’

Inu Yasha snorted and Kagome glared at him. ‘Think it over, Inu Yasha! If he wanted to fight he would have attacked earlier or at least at your challenge. I think he is just teasing you.’

With these words she turned back to her bag and fiddled out the ramen for their breakfast.

Inu Yasha cursed barely audible and gained a ‘SIT’ for this.


* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *


After a hastily eaten breakfast they set off. The day had promised to become fine and it kept its promise. Soon, it became very hot, and after two hours they all wished for a few clouds to hide them from the sun and allow them some shade. But there weren’t any clouds in sight. It was a bright and sunny summer’s day.

It was not the best day for travelling, especially since they were now climbing through a more savage part of the mountains. There were no paths made by humans, only some tracks trampled by the wild animals of the area. Soon even those disappeared.

The snow-covered peaks of the mountains loomed high above them, the sun glistening on the white surface. Whenever they looked up they had to squint because of the brightness. They had left trees and bushes behind and around them were only stones, rocks and boulders. Here and there some small, tough grasses grew.

They made their way forwards with great difficulties. Sometimes they struggled onwards on all fours. By noon Kagome felt sweaty and dirty and yearned for a bath. But they did not stop, not even for lunch. Inu Yasha kept them going.

The hanyou was more than irritable. He still felt his brother’s presence. Sesshomaru followed them, always keeping a certain distance to the group. Inu Yasha wondered why his brother kept trailing behind them and what he could possibly want. Usually the presence of Sesshomaru meant a threat to him and to his companions, and so he did not like to have that demon on his heels. He became nervous and every noise made him flinch and grab Tessaiga, waiting for the attack that never came.

From time to time Inu Yasha stopped dead in his tracks, turned around and yelled at Sesshomaru to show himself. Sesshomaru preferred to ignore these challenges which made Inu Yasha more and more nervous. What could Sesshomaru want? Why did he keep following them? Why did he not attack, not even when challenged? Usually the demon lord was more than ready to fight his younger half-brother.

Inu Yasha’s nervousness communicated itself to his friends. They started to look around for Sesshomaru themselves which slowed them down. A fact that irritated Inu Yasha even more and he yelled at them to hurry up.

This was a bit unlucky regarding the path they were travelling, because there was no path at all. They were climbing up a steep mountain side, the slopes littered with loose stones and pebbles. Every step was a risk and every time it was possible that the underground would slip away, causing an avalanche.

Though Miroku pointed this out to Inu Yasha, the hanyou insisted. They tried to hurry but when Kagome slipped and fell, only saved from being hurled down the slope by Kirara’s quick reaction even Inu Yasha had to admit that speed was not the best solution. Luckily Kagome was not hurt and they were able to continue their scrambling.

Soon they passed the ridge of the mountain. The other side was even steeper but there were not any stones on the slopes. Instead, small, thorny bushes grew here. When they finally reached even ground they were all badly scratched.

It was now late afternoon and the whole group was tired. Sango and Shippo demanded a rest and were supported by Miroku. During their way down the mountain he had stumbled accidentally against Sango and his hand had used the chance to gently caress her bottom. Sango had pushed the monk away and he had landed gracefully in a large thorn-bush. Now he needed some time to remove the thorns.

But Inu Yasha still felt Sesshomaru and did not want to rest. He ignored the protests and marched on. The others followed grudgingly. Sango and Miroku, now united, discussed audibly the stubbornness and paranoia of a certain hanyou. Shippo sat on Miroku’s shoulder and agreed with them, more audible even than the other two.

Kagome was silent. She had been silent throughout the whole day. She could feel Sesshomaru’s presence, too. It tickled along her nerves, and her senses were sharpened to a painful extend. Her body’s reaction never died down. It made her feel weak and shaky. Her steps were unsure and she stumbled often.

Lucky me that Inu Yasha’s mind is occupied with Sesshomaru, so he doesn’t realise the state I’m in, she thought wearily.

You shouldn’t be lucky about that, Kagome. You should try, you have to try to get out of this state, ordered the annoying little voice.

Oh, be silent, I’m busy with walking at Inu Yasha’s speed. I have neither time nor strength to discuss this problem with you.

The voice went away and sulked.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Inu Yasha pushed them forward for another hour. Shortly after their descent he had discovered another runway and followed it. The path led through a narrow ravine with high rockfaces on each side. Now that the day was closing in, the light in the ravine diminished but even in the half-darkness Kagome saw the small pond they passed by. She sighed. A bath would be wonderful.

They emerged from the ravine round a rockface into an open field. The rockface provided a ledge under which Miroku sat down heavily.

‘Hey, Miroku,’ yelled Inu Yasha. ‘What’re you doin’? No time to rest!’

Miroku sighed. ‘Inu Yasha, if you push us any further we will be too exhausted to set off early tomorrow morning. We are humans, Inu Yasha, and we need rest. This place is as well as any other.’ He started picking thorns out of his arm.

Even before the monk had finished, the two girls had sat down beside him and started to unpack the bag. Sango unfolded the blankets and laid them out. Kagome took her water bottle out and asked Shippo to fill it with water from the pond they had just passed. Shippo hopped away. Then she started to prepare the ramen. Inu Yasha watched these preparations, mouth hanging wide open. He closed it with an audible click.

‘Hey, you! I didn’t say we would rest here!’

‘You didn’t say that but we will,’ retorted Sango. Inu Yasha opened his mouth to yell at her but she added, ‘Miroku was right, Inu Yasha. We are exhausted and hungry. Neither of us can go on. And don’t say something about Sesshomaru!’ She glared at he hanyou. ‘He didn’t turn up the whole day! I even wonder whether he’s out there at all.’

‘What do you mean, Sango? ‘Course he’s there!’

‘We have only your word and you’re a bit paranoid where he’s concerned.’

‘ Paranoid ?!’

‘Oh, please, Inu Yasha,’ Kagome said. She looked up to her fuming friend. Her face was tired and she had black shadows around her eyes. ‘Please, don’t argue. We’ve come pretty far today, making no rests at all. And it is becoming late; perhaps we won’t find another place to rest before nightfall.’

Inu Yasha regarded her face. Yes, she was exhausted, they all were. Even he, though he would never admit it. He shrugged and turned away. ‘Keh, whatever.’

‘Thanks, Inu Yasha.’ He cast a glance over his shoulder to see Kagome smiling at him.

He nodded and turned again, scanning the area. Sesshomaru was still somewhere out there but where Inu Yasha could not tell. As the demon had been following them he ought to be behind them. But then he could have overtaken the group and was now waiting for them somewhere ahead. Hah, you’ve got a long wait coming, Sesshomaru! Inu Yasha grinned and joined his friends for dinner.

After they had all eaten their share of ramen, Inu Yasha set out to check the place. Miroku resumed his thorn-removal and was joined by a rueful Sango, who had offered to help him. Shippo sat nearby and watched Miroku’s hands attentively.

Kagome had to smile. She took her bathing utensils from out of her bag, scratched Kirara behind an ear and set off in the direction of the pond.

She had taken only a few steps when Inu Yasha jumped in front of her.

‘Hey, Kagome, what the hell are you doin’?’

Three heads turned towards them. Kagome sighed and replied calmly, ‘What do you think does it look like? I’m going to have a bath! I’m all dirty and sweaty.’

‘Fuckin’ hell you’re gonna have a bath! Not with Sesshomaru still around!’

‘Oh, Inu Yasha, calm down! What do you think will happen?’

Inu Yasha stared at her. Kagome shook her head. ‘Now look, Inu Yasha, Sesshomaru didn’t hurt me five days ago while he had time and possibility to do so. Why should he do now? Yes, he has been following us the whole day but he didn’t attack. He didn’t even approach! I don’t think I’m in danger, Inu Yasha.’

Sango eyed her friend curiously. ‘Kagome-chan, can you feel Sesshomaru’s aura?’

Kagome looked at Sango and nodded. ‘Well, yes.’ She turned again to Inu Yasha. ‘You know he’s pretty far away. Do you really think it dangerous for me to have a bath?’

Inu Yasha didn’t like this expression on her face. These huge, pleading eyes that made him feel like a bad boy when he denied her her wish. He growled, annoyed.

‘Let her have a bath, Inu Yasha,’ said Miroku persuasively. ‘It has been a hard day and having a bath is a good way to relax. Besides, the pond isn’t far away.’ Four pairs of eyes stared daggers at the lecherous monk and he hurried on, ‘I mean we will hear Kagome-sama scream when there’s any danger.’

Inu Yasha huffed. ‘Yeah, fine, and by the time we arrive she could be dead.’

‘Don’t be so negative, Inu Yasha.’

‘Negative? What’s up with you guys? This isn’t a nice stroll for fresh air and Sesshomaru isn’t just an unpleasant fellow! He’s fuckin’ dangerous!’

Kagome laid a hand on his arm. ‘I know you want to protect me, Inu Yasha, and I really appreciate it. But, please, let me have a bath! I promise: as soon as something touches me without my consent I’ll scream at the top of my lungs. Okay?’

Inu Yasha knew he had lost and growled. ‘Fine, whatever, go an’ have your bath.’

‘Thanks, Inu Yasha.’

‘Keh.’

He watched Kagome walk away into the ravine. Then he gave Miroku a hard stare, which the monk answered with an innocent smile, and trudged off.

Kagome walked slowly towards the pond. It was now almost dark in the ravine and she had to pick her way cautiously. When she reached her destination she laid her towel and other belongings on a mossy stone and looked around.

The pond was neither large nor deep, but its water was clear. Some bushes grew around it, and its shores were covered with grass, moss and little flowers. The rockface loomed high above her and reflected in the pond’s surface. When she looked up she could see a part of the darkening sky in which already some stars sparkled. It was a nice, secluded place. From seemingly far away she heard the voices of her friends.

Kagome smiled and slipped out of her shoes and socks. Gingerly she tested the water’s temperature with a toe. Uh, this is cold! Do I really want to bath in such cold water? She shivered at the thought and a memory of her last bath in cold water came to her mind.

This had been after … after she had met Sesshomaru. She gulped hard and pushed the other memories away.

But even though she refused to remember her mind kept on pondering on Sesshomaru.

Why did he follow us? Kagome kneeled down and stared at her reflection on the water. Why did he let us know he’s there? I’m quite sure he’s able to mask his presence when he wants to. He purposefully let us know he’s there. But what does he want? Surely not the repetition of what happened five days ago. Or does he?

Desire flashed through her like fire at that thought, and she watched as her eyes lit up with the emotion. Her cheeks blushed and a pink tongue tip moistened her rosy lips, which, slightly open, curved into a dreamy smile. She closed her eyes and shook her head, suppressing her feelings as best as she could.

‘Stop this, Kagome,’ she told herself aloud. ‘It was an accident. It will not happen again!’ She sighed, opened her eyes and stilled.

On the water’s surface she saw something white approach her. It stopped directly behind her, and when it bent down she saw golden eyes in a pale, beautiful face marked with magenta stripes on both cheeks.

He kneeled down behind her, pressing his body against her own and she could feel the heat radiating off him. He leaned closer and brought his mouth to her ear. ‘Indeed?’ he whispered huskily as an answer to her words. Kagome’s eyes fell close.

His lips touched her ear, followed by his tongue tracing the shell of her ear. Shivers ran through her. She moaned softly and leaned back against his hard body. He doesn’t wear his armour … she thought vaguely. His arm slid around her waist, pulling her even closer against him, and she felt his desire.

She shivered in anticipation and pressed her hips against his. He panted, his warm breath fanning her neck. Sharp fangs gently nibbled her ear lobe. Kagome sighed contentedly.

Reason cast a reproachful glance at her, before it was swept away by Instinct.

Hot lips slid town the column of her neck, and her heartbeat quickened. Her already sharpened senses set on fire, her skin and whole body ached, yearning for his touch. Kagome bit on her lower lip to suppress another moan. She had to be silent otherwise her friends would hear her …

She started to tremble when his lips touched the pulse on her throat. Sharp teeth scratched over her sensitive skin; his tongue touched the slightly bruised spots gently. His hand slipped under her shirt and cupped a breast. Her breath caught in her throat. The raging fire of desire and passion now surged through her whole body.

Strong fingers gently kneaded the soft flesh that was still covered by the thin material of her bra. Kagome’s head fell back against his shoulder, her lips slightly open, and her breath coming in heavy gasps.

His lips laid a burning path up her neck and jaw before they were pressed onto hers. Her head was spinning with delight, and deep down inside of her body the fire concentrated into a searing knot, making her feel all weak.

Kagome raised one shaking arm and slid it around his neck, drawing him closer to her. She turned her head to allow him better access to her lips, her raven black hair spilling over the white silk of his clothes. He growled softly and forcefully demanded entry into the sweet, soft cavern of her mouth. She gave it gladly, greeting his invading tongue with her own.

Their tongues entwined and fought passionately until Kagome surrendered. He growled again and hungrily plundered the sweetness she offered him. Their breaths mixed and became one. One small hand entangled in his silver hair, while her other hand came up to touch his arm that firmly embraced her waist.

Impatiently he pushed the disturbing piece of cloth that covered her breasts away, and his long fingers closed around the soft mound. Her skin was like velvet, smooth and warm. Kagome moaned and arched into his touch.

He traced circles over her breast with one claw, drawing nearer to its centre but avoiding touching it. Kagome’s grip on his silver strands and on his arm tightened. The small hands were shaking. She sobbed and pulled on his silken sleeve, begging him without words to touch the hardening bud.

But he continued his teasing for a while before he complied and took the tip gently between thumb and finger, tenderly squeezing and pulling, eliciting a contended mewling sound from her lips. His hand moved to the other breast and repeated its intoxicating game. It drove her crazy with need and desire.

Suddenly he drew away from her, and she protested, softly, incoherently. He smiled down at her, took the hem of her shirt and with one quick movement pulled it over her head. Another movement and her bra, or what was left of it, joined the shirt on the ground.

He gathered her into his arm again, pressed one hard, passionate kiss on her wet, rosy lips and bent over her shoulder. She leaned back against him and had to stifle a cry when his tongue flicked over one rose-coloured bud. She turned her head and kissed his neck, tasting his pale, silken skin with the tip of her tongue. A shiver ran through his body, and Kagome smiled dreamily before she pressed her lips on his heated skin again.

He groaned and pushed one breast up with his hand, sucking the nipple into his hot mouth. Kagome moaned, all thoughts of her friends forgotten, and bit him as he brushed the breast he held none-to-gently with his fangs. He panted hard and lifted his head to kiss her once more.

Their kisses were heated, searing, and left both yearning for more. His hand trailed down her body and slipped under the waistband of skirt and knickers. The black curls tickled his fingertips as he caressed the soft folds. Kagome drew in a sobbing breath and the fiery knot inside of her burst. Liquid heat pooled at the entrance to her body, its delicate fragrance calling to him.

This intoxicating scent, her essence, went to his head and clouded his mind. His hand inched forward, and he felt her heat. Slowly he pushed the folds apart. One finger touched the hidden centre of pleasure. Kagome panted and began rocking her body against his hand. He did not allow her to go on for long, and she cried almost desperately when he removed his fingers.

He drew his arm back and laid it on her shoulder, softly pushing her forward. She bent forwards, resting on all four. His hand slipped under her skirt and with two flicks of his talons he tore her knickers apart. He flung them away, and his hand quickly took up their place.

Long fingers slowly caressed her pussy, and Kagome sobbed with pleasure and need for more. She pushed her legs further apart to allow him better entry to her body. Her arms gave way when he pushed one finger into her torturously slow. She flexed her hips, demanding more.

A second finger followed the first into the wet heat. Sesshomaru groaned and closed his eyes. Soon he would bury himself in this heat. He growled deep in his chest, and his already swollen shaft hardened further. It pushed against his clothes, demanding freedom and then the even tighter pressure of her body.

He moved his fingers, drew them out and slammed them into her to the knuckles. The woman moaned and rocked against him, moving her hips in the intoxicating rhythm of love-making. He bent over her, kissing her bare shoulders, her neck and her back. She raised her head and turned to look at him.

Deep blue eyes, clouded with passion, gazed into fiery red ones. Her swollen, red lips were slightly open. He moved his hand faster. She closed her eyes and licked her lips. He moaned, pained, and bent forwards to kiss her sweet lips, thrusting his tongue deep into her mouth, anticipating his final claim of her.

She responded, sweetly, passionately, to his searing kisses. The movements of his hand became even faster and he felt her inner muscles flex around his fingers. Kagome was trembling, her body tensed visibly. She cried into his mouth when she reached the peak, and he growled.

His fingers slid out of her shaking body and he drew back, watching the woman in her release. Her forearms lay on the ground, her head rested on her hands. She was panting and sobbing, her trembling legs still apart so he could see the slick folds of her pussy.

His inner beast screamed and begged him to take the female. The tension in his body was almost painful. Slowly he raised his hand and licked her wetness from his fingers, his eyes never leaving her. Gods, she tasted so good!

He growled again, and the female turned her head to look at him. The dreamy, satisfied expression in her eyes faded and the flames of lust burned high again when she saw him remove his clothes, revealing his pale, muscular body and his throbbing erection.

He bared his fangs, slid his arm around her once again to hold her steady and slammed into her for all he was worth, burying himself deep inside of her. He started to move with quick, hard thrusts, and she followed him. He sped up, claws digging into the soft skin on her hip with his firm grasp.

Kagome bit into her hand to stifle her cries of lust and pleasure. This is it. This is what I wanted. This is what I’ve been yearning for ever since the first time, ever since I saw him the first time … The thought winked at her and rode away on the wave of release and utter bliss that surged through her. She cried into the mossy ground.

He had felt it when she approached the peak for the second time. He pressed his body flush against hers, his chest to her back, and his mouth to the spot where shoulder and neck met, the place where he would mark her one day. His fangs scratched her skin. Then he felt her muscles tighten around him, heard her cry out and slammed hard into her once, twice and with the third thrust he was taken away to paradise.

He cradled her gently against his chest and lay down. She was still trembling from her emotions, and her breath came in heavy pants. Just like his own. Sesshomaru laid his hand on her chest over her madly beating heart, buried his face into her hair and closed his eyes, revelling in the afterglow of their love-making.

Kagome slowly regained consciousness. She felt warm, loved and protected. A strong arm held her to a firm chest. Long, muscular legs were entangled with hers. She felt his heartbeat against her back and his breath on her shoulder where his head lay. She put her hand over his and sighed contentedly. He was still inside of her.

As much as Sesshomaru wanted to stay forever where he was he knew he could not. Her friends and this pest of a hanyou would soon start worrying for her. Reluctantly he drew his hand back and slid out of her, eliciting a protesting moan. He sat up and looked down at her. She lay there, still wearing that stupid skirt, looking at him with those damned sexy blue eyes.
He touched her face and she smiled. He smiled back, a lazy, satisfied smile that made her blush.

His ears picked up certain noises from the direction of her camp that told him he should be gone. He sighed.

‘You had better take a bath, dear,’ he said.

Kagome blinked at him. He smiled again. Pride rose inside of him. Pride of making this courageous, clever woman losing her mind so completely. He reached out and slipped down her skirt. Then he rose and held out his hand. With a quick smile she took it and got up.

He gently led her into the freezing cold water. When it reached her waist he stopped and let go of her hand. Bending down he kissed her one last time, whispered, ‘Wash yourself thoroughly, dear’ and within the blink of an eye he and his clothes were gone.

Kagome blinked again. What …?

‘Hey, Kagome!’ shouted a gruff voice from behind her.

‘KYA!’ Kagome splashed into the pond and turned around. She could faintly see a red-clad figure, its white hair glowing in the dark. ‘SIT!’

The figure smashed onto the ground.

‘Bitch! What was that for?’

‘You hentai! You sneak up here and peep and ask me why I sit you? You’re worse than Miroku-sama!’

‘Stupid wench! I didn’t peep! I just wanted to know whether you’re all right. You were away from camp so long!’

‘Oh. Sorry, Inu Yasha.’ Kagome looked ruefully at the indignant hanyou. Hey, what was she sorry for? He had seen her naked! ‘You shouldn’t have peeped!’

‘I DIDN’T, DAMMIT!’

‘Okay, you didn’t peep. Fine, will you know please go and let me get out of this? The water is freezing me!’

‘Keh.’ Inu Yasha turned and disappeared.

Kagome sighed relieved and quickly washed her hair and body. Somehow their love-making always ended in her washing in cold water, she mused. Their love-making …

Kagome stilled. Waist deep in the cold water. With a moan she buried her face in her hands.

She had done it again!!