The Captive

Same disclaimer
Pairing: Sango/Kouga
”inner musings”


Chapter 7: Letting go


Her heart was beating a frantic tattoo, her muscles burned from the strain, but still she kept running. She had to get away. Casting an anxious glance over her shoulder, she caught a glimpse of her pursuers through the trees. “They’re gaining on me. Damn it!” She cursed as she redoubled her efforts and pushed her body to its limits. Too preoccupied with the chase, she failed to notice the large root protruding from the path. Her foot caught, her leg jerked and she tumbled to the ground.

Her pursuers were on her before she could right herself. They reached down to haul her to her feet but the deadly look in her eyes stopped them. “Well…so much for a little privacy!” She thought, rising from the cold ground and brushing off her kimono.

- “My Lady, are you well? Did you injure yourself?” Ookamiichiro inquired, worried for the young woman.

- “Yes, I’m fine!” Sango grumbled, angered at her own clumsiness.

- “Why were you running, my Lady?” He questioned.

Sango remained silent, unsure as to what answer she ld gld give. Three days ago, Kouga had appointed the young men to guard her. He thought that by keeping her with him, he was endangering her life. He thought that her present circumstances made her an easy target for any demon with a mind for revenge.

Sango was flattered that he would go to such length to ensure her safety; she was touched that he feared for her well being. Kouga was treating her as though she was fragile and delicate…like she was precious. It was the first time in her life that a man saw past her hard exterior, the first time a man acknowledged the woman behind the demon slayer. It was what she had always longed for…a loving man who would fight to protect her even if she could protect herself.

However, Kouga had been gone for the last two days. He had left to investigate the rumor of a mysterious youkai that was terrorizing the Yourouzoku tribes further to the north. And so Sango had been left under the watchful eyes of Ookamiichiro and Ookamijiro, but the brothers took their task too much to heart. They refused to leave her side for a moment. They had even insisted on keeping watch at the entrance of the tunnel while she bathed. Sango had not had a second of peace or privacy in 48 hours and it was driving her crazy.

- “How rude of me!” Sango exclaimed, a calculating smile curving her lips. “I realize that I have yet to thank you.”

- “Thank us for what…my Lady?” Ookamijiro inquired nervously.

- “Why…for bringing me here of course.” She explained. “It was you who took me from Kaede’s village. And for that I am grateful…”

Sango didn’t give the brothers a chance to react to her cryptic statement; she launched herself at them. Taking hold of an overhanging branch, she swung her legs out in front of her and delivered a sharp kick to their faces. Landing expertly, she took a fighting stance and waited for them to retaliate.
- “What are you waiting for? Don’t you want your reward?” Sango taunted them.

In unison, the brothers attacked. Still, their demonic speed and strength was no match for Sango’s fury. The taiija dodged every punch, every kick, and every swipe of their claws. Her attacks, however, were proving more effective. Her left fist connected with Ookamiichiro’s nose, her right elbow struck Ookamijiro in the back of the head. In a few minutes it was all over, Sango stood victorious over the bruised and bloodied bodies of her would-be protectors.

Wiping her hands in satisfaction, Sango turned back towards the encampment and came face-to-face with a stony-eyed Kouga.

- “What, might I ask, is going on here?”

Kouga had been on his way back to the camp when his sensitive ears detected the sound of a struggle. He had been away for close to two days and he was anxious to get back to Sango; he had missed the demon slayer more than he would ever care to admit. Still, he could not ignore what he had heard. Cautiously he followed the sound, but threw caution to the wind when Sango’s scent, and the smell of blood, floated past his nostrils. As fast as he could, Kouga ran, fearing that she was in danger. What he saw stopped him dead in his tracks. There was Sango, pummeling the life out of the men he had appointed to protect her in his absence.

Sango was very surprised to find Kouga standing there; she had assumed he would not return for another few days. She was also a little unnerved by the look in his eyes. Nevertheless, she did not regret what she had done. She had promised to be patient with Kouga, but she had never agreed to be well behaved. Besides, after the way her kidnappers had treated her, a good beating was the least they deserved.

- “Oh…nothing much.” Sango tried, and failed, to suppress her smile. “I was just thanking these fine gentlemen for all the consideration they showed me on my journey here and for their diligent service in guarding me.”

Kouga wanted to be angry. Ookamiichiro and Ookamijiro were there to watch over her, Sango wasn’t supposed to pick a fight with them. Unbidden, laughter formed in his stomach and no matter how he fought, Kouga could not stop it from erupting past his lips. ” I should have know she would do something like this.”

- “So what you’re saying is that you don’t want an escort despite what I said before, that you’re perfectly capable of defending yourself, and that I should have more trust in your abilities” Kouga said, once he got his laughter under control. “Is that it?”

- “Yes...” She returned. “And no…”

- “Care to explain?”

- “Well, I think it’s very…sweet…that you’re worried about me. But I’m not incompetent Kouga, and I’m not used to being idle.” She said. “They won’t leave me alone for a minute but they won’t talk to me. They want to keep me from harm, but they won’t let me train. In fact, they won’t let me do anything. I feel like I’m suffocating!”

- “I’m sorry.” Kouga apologized. “I guess I didn’t make myself clear when I explained their duty to them. Please understand I don’t want you to feel suffocated; I want you to feel at home here. I want you to be free to do what you want, to train with the men if you’re so inclined. I just wanted to be certain you’d be safe.”

- “I know…” Sango lowered her head to hide her smile; she was thrilled by his admission.

- “Alright…no more escort. “Kouga proclaimed with a sigh. “From now on, you do what you want with whom you want.”

- “Whatever I want uh?” Sango asked in a sultry voice, as she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

- “Yes.” He affirmed in a husky murmur.

- “Well, I want you to kiss me.” She said, pressing her body closer to his. It was time she started playing a more active role in this unusual courtship. Like her mother used to say: "where there is shyness, there is no pleasure"

- “I was hoping you’d say that.” He returned before he settled his mouth over hers.


Kami he’d missed her! Kouga had only been gone for two days but he’d felt deprived without her warm body molding to his own, without her smell to fill his nostril. Taking his time, he kissed her with delicious languor, as if he had all the time in the world to indulge in the taste and texture of her lips. Gently, he coaxed her with the soft glide of his lips across her own. But his passion could not be repressed forever. Easing his hands into her hair, he tilted her head back and slanted his mouth more firmly over hers. Licking at her lips, Kouga begged for admittance.

Sango had no defense against his lazy brand of seduction, his hypnotic patience. With a breathy moan, she parted her lips for him. His tongue swept inside to taste her, tantalizing her with silken strokes. Her knees weak and her head spinning, Sango hung on to him for dear life. She was losing herself in Kouga’s kiss, like she was becoming part of him. Sango felt as though he were consuming her soul with his talented mouth.

- “Come with me.” He whispered, as he released mou mouth and scooped her up into his arms.

With all the speed he could muster, Kouga made his way back to his encampment. He ignored the shouted greetings of his men, he could only think of one thing…getting Sango naked and wet. Once inside, he bypassed the bed and went directly through the tunnel that led to the hot spring. Reluctantly, he put her down.

This time, Kouga didn’t bother with ties and bows, he ripped Sango’s kimono off her body and flung the tattered remains over his shoulder. His own clothing soon joined them. Picking her up in his arms once again, he lowered them both into the steaming water. He sat down in the warm pool and settled Sango into his lap so that her back rested against his powerful chest.

Clamping his mouth onto her neck, Kouga sucked on the soft flesh of her throat. His arms snaked around her torso and he used his hands to gently fondle her breast. He could hear all the little mewing sounds she made as he caressed her body and took delight in every one of them. But what he really wanted was to hear her screaming his name. With agonizing slowness, Kouga’s clawed fingers skimmed down her body. Reaching her knee, he used his hand to push her legs apart and enticingly stroke up and down her thigh, coming ever closer to her heated core.

Sango’s body jerked when his hand cupped her womanhood and his index finger grazed over her clitoris. This is what she had hated the most about Kouga’s absence. She had missed his hard body pressed to her own as she slept, and the feel of his hands as he caressed her. Sango could deal with almost anything,n ovn overprotective guards, as long as Kouga was there to hold her, to pleasure her.

With every caress, Kouga increased the pressure of his fingers on the little bundle of nerves, but the delicious friction wasn’t enough for her; she wanted more. Rocking her hips against his hand, Sango tried to alleviate the tension. She tried to force his fingers into her body. Understanding her need, Kouga dipped his index finger into her passage and repositioned his hand so he could massage her clit with his thumb.

The combined sensation of his fingers on and inside her most sacred place had Sango panting audibly. Lifting her right arm, she brought it around to grasp the back of Kouga’s head as he continued to ravish her neck with his lips and teeth. Soon, the pleasure that had been building inside her body exploded and Sango came violently, screaming Kouga’s name at the top of her lungs.

Never halting his movement, the wolf prince continued to pump in and out of her as she rode out her orgasm. Satisfied that he had achieved what he had set out to do, that he had made her scream, Kouga’s lips abandoned her neck. Gently his right hand came up to grasp her chin and he tilted her head to the side so he could capture her lips in another passionate kiss.

- “I love it when you do that.” He murmured against her mouth.

- “What?” She inquired breathlessly.

- “When you scream out my name in passion.”

- “I’d love to hear you do the same!” She returned.

- “That can easily be arranged” Kouga replied rocking his hips and rubbing his erection against her wet flower.

Sango knew what he wanted; she craved it as much as he did. To have his hard member buried inside her body would be exquisite; it would be like touching heaven. But as tempted as she was to give into her lust, Sango’s heart still hesitated. If…when she made love with Kouga, she wanted it to be real. She wanted to be certain that his feelings were genuine, and reserved only for her.

- “I’m sorry Kouga…I…I can’t!” She finally said.

Gingerly, Sango removed his hands from her body and rose to her feet. Stepping out of the spring, she retrieved her kimono and left. Kouga’s mind could not process what he had just seen and heard. She had left. Moments ago she had been quivering from the pleasure he had created and now she was walking away from him. Quickly getting out of the spring, he hurried after her.


- “What the hell do you mean you can’t?” He demanded, grabbing hold of her arm and spinning her around to look at him. “I told you, you could do whatever you wanted…except leave. And don’ try to deny that you want me becau kno know the truth.”

- “I’m not denying anything, and I’m not leaving either, alright!” She shouted back at him. “But if I wanted to, don’t think you could stop me.”

- “Like hell I couldn’t!” He said, his voice also ris


- “I’d like to see you try.”

- “Take another step and you will”

- “Is that a threat?”

- “What do you think?”

- “I think you talk pretty tough for someone who’s been consistently bested by a half-demon.”

- “Why you little bitch…” Kouga raised his right arm as though to strike her, but stopped himself when he saw the stunned look in her eyes.

”What am I doing? What’s happening here? This isn’t how it’s supposed to go!” Slowly, Kouga lowered his arm. All he’d wanted was to stop her from leaving, to keep her with him, instead he’d almost hit her. Uncharacteristically, Kouga fell to his knees. He couldn’t believe how quickly he’d lost control over the situation; couldn’t believe how betrayed he’d felt when she’d thrown his failure back at him. For probably the first time in his live, Kouga felt like he was going to cry. ” What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I control my emotions when I’m around her? Kami, I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

Wrapping his arms around her waist, Kouga pressed his face into her stomach. He clutched at Sango as a drowning man hung to a lifeline.

- “I’m sorry, please…please don’t go.” He begged. “Please don’t leave me.”

Sango couldn’t believe her ears. Was Kouga crying? Was he crying because of her? Her brain couldn’t assimilate all the events of the past ten minutes. Shed’s only wanted to distance herself from temptation; she’d had no intention of leaving. But then he’d come after her, he’d talked to her in the proprietary way she could not abide; so she’d told him off. She never could have guessed things would deteriorate so fast. “Why is every thing so complicatedweenween us? Why can’t we act like rational adults with one another? I wish everything wasn’t so damn dramatic with us. I’m tired of always being on edge!”

- “We can’t go on like this Kouga.” She said, bringing her hands up to rest on his shoulders. “This is too hard, there are too many complications. I know I said I’d be patient but it’s becoming clear to me that I can’t. I think…I think I’m in love with you… and I can’t stand waiting until you figure things out. In fact, I won’t!”

- “Then we won’t wait anymore!” He exclaimed, lifting his head to look at her. “Forget about Kagome, forget about everything else. Be my mate, and I promise I will always be good to you.”

- “No!” As difficult as it was to refuse him, it was the right thing to do. “I wouldn’t be fair…to either of us. I don’t want you to be pressured into making a decision and I don’t want to feel like you’ve settled for me.”

- “Than what do you want? Tell met yot you want. I’ll do anything.” He implored her.

- “I want you to let me go.”

Dejectedly, Kouga relinquished his hold on her. Maybe she was right, maybe things weren’t suppose to be so difficult. What he felt for Kagome, it wasn’t like this; it wasn’t raw, it wasn’t painful. Maybe he loved Sango, and that was why he always felt so confused around her, but being with her was too tiring.

- “Then go.”

Stepping away from him, Sango went to the painted armoire to retrieve her slayer suit. She’d discovered where he’d hidden it on the first morning she was there but had opted not to wear it…secretly hoping she’d never have to done that armor again. Now though, it seemed she would need it for the return journey home. Finally dressed, she cast one last glance in Kouga’s direction. The site of him was heart wrenching but she knew he would get over it. ” By tomorrow morning he will have forgotten all about me. I’m sure of it.” Sango ignored the silent tears that fell from her eyes and turned her back on him.

- “Tell the guard I said you could have a sword.” Kouga told her. “I don’t want you travelling unarmed.”

- “Thank you” She called back at him, as she walked into the dwindling daylight. And just like that, she was gone.

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A/N: Alright, when I started reworking this fic I though I would change this chapter considerably to avoid Kouga’s almost unforgivable actions. But, while I was re-reading it, I realized this chapter was too bloody good to change. And so I kept it intact, I only added a few minor things to give you more insight into the characters minds. Oh!, and for those who are interested, the line: "where there is shyness, there is no pleasure" is a very bad translation of the old French proverb: “Où il y a de la gène, il n’y a pas de plaisir” which essentially means don’t be afraid to go after what you want.