A Love That Transcends Time: Book I

~*~ Soul Mates ~*~

The miko and the taiyoukai walked side by side, the only sound that could be heard was the rustle of their clothing as they occassionally brushed one another. When they were far away from the others, they stopped and turned to face each other as one.

Sesshomaru still wore his usual inscrutable mien, his face never betraying what he thought... or felt. Midoriko also wore an almost identical expression, serenity and calm evident on her beautiful face. But look upon their eyes and you'll see another story entirely. It was as if they already knew each other for a very long time, when they only met when Midoriko emerged from the jewel. It was as though a yearning burned within their soul and only they could assuage it.

A meeting of like minds, like hearts and like souls. They both recognized it for what it was: they were soul mates.

Sesshomaru then spoke, a hint of impatience there in his voice.

"So I have to wait longer. Patience was never a great virtue of mine,"

The miko had to smile at that.

"You're not the only one who's going to wait, my lord. So will I. Besides, we have waited for almost the restnof our lives. I'm sure we could endure a little bit more,"

Sesshomaru lifted a hand to her cheek and she leaned towards it. They both closed their eyes to savor the moment.

"I still can't believe you're here and that you're here with me. The moment our eyes met, I already knew: you are the one for me,"

"Yes, my thoughts are exactly the same. We have never met, yet I knew deep in my heart that I KNOW you. I will never belong to anyone else,"

Midoriko fervently swore to Sesshomaru.

"Then let's get this over with. The sooner the world isn't in danger anymore, the sooner you'll be with me,"

"My lord, can I ask for a favor?"

The demon lord lifted an eyebrow at this before answering.

"You may, but if it's about fidelity--"

Laughter bubbled out of Midoriko's throat. She didn't expect that.

"No, my lord. Though it is a welcome thought, I know that a virile man like you would have had hundreds of women already. And still knowing you, you still wouldn't have the inclination to stop now that you've found me. No, my lord, I don't harbor illusions of your faithfulness to me. I don't expect it,"

The demon lord surprised her with his reply:

"No, I wouldn't be faithful to you. The moment you're out of my life again I will continue to dally. But know this: my heart will never be given to another. I will seek only pleasure. They will have my body as I will have theirs, but my heart, my lady, that is already yours for the taking. And when we meet again, I will have no other woman any longer but you. This is my vow to you,"

"And I shall hold you to it. But about my request..."

"What is it you want, my lady? If it is in my power to give it, then you shall have it,"

Midoriko hesitated, a blush starting to stain her cheeks.

"It is only... I have waited for so long to be with you like this, and I have to know. Will kissing you be the stuff of what my dreams are made of?"

Before she could say anything more, Sesshomaru moved with lightning speed to pull her up against him. Her eyes widened in surprise, then she could think no more. She could only feel as his lips claimed hers for his own.

And no, she wasn't disappointed.