The Life After

6/24/06

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the characters of Inuyasha. I do not own Naraku, Inutaisho, Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, Jakken, Rin, or Ah-Un. Rumiko Takahashi is the wonderful creator and owner of said characters, manga, and show. I do not make money off of her characters or this story. This Disclaimer applies to this and all following chapters.

Author's Note: Congratulations! You've finally made it to the "good" chapter in this: Chapter 7. I have to warn you!!!!!!! This is my first story on here and the “good” part really isn't as good as I had hoped! I just can't get the words to describe the mood well enough. I apologize for the fact that this chapter SUCKS! I tried, though…. *sighs* I'll probably continue the story, but maybe not any more "good" chapters, cuz they aren't very good. The next chapter, which will tie it all together will be posted soon. I do not like to keep any avid readers waiting, so the chapters should be up in two weeks at the very absolute latest. Although, I'll probably lose all my readers with the crapiness of this chapter. lol

Thanks to my Fan's: Thanks to animegirl007 for the suggestion of ooc and the nice review. I really appreciate that. This is my first story that has ever been widely accesible and I'm not used to all the input. I can't believe I have such a high rating or so many hits when it's only been one day! O.o I really appreciate everyone's input. Thanks so much for all the compliments. I'm gonna try to finish the next chapter today. Then I suppose I'll write an 8th chapter to tie it all together and see if my fans want me to continue or think that it's a good place to end. Thanks to music for the masses for being my first reviewer! Also thanks to Sorceressofthenight for saying such nice things about my story. And thanks to inkheart6 for catching my author's notes. ^.~ I appreciate all of my fans and will try to get my 7th (and hopefully 8th) chapter up and running by 5:00. The best part is that I am at work and currently being paid. Except for the fact that my boss is conveniently my dad, and we (alas) have very few customers...I get tons of free time and pretty much get paid just to practice writing. ^.^ Much fun. Paid to do what you love: it's awesome. lol. Anyway, since this IS my first story, the next chapter might turn out not to be quite as "good" as I'm hoping...but I'll do my best to write it as beautifully as I can for all of my adoring fans. Thanks again to everyone for all of their support!

THANKS SO MUCH, EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!

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Sesshoumaru paced about his room, cursing himself for what he had done to Rin. It seemed terrible, unforgivable. There was only one thing to do; he would have to stay far away from her until she was out of heat. He sighed. He had been gone for so long and now the only thing he wanted was to be with her. After his stupid actions earlier, he wouldn't blame her for never wanting to be near him again. He was no better than that worthless Shen. Suddenly he smelt sakura intertwined with a familiar scent. Without turning he moved as far from his doorway as he could.

Rin was hovering uncertainly in his doorway. She was sure that he was angry at her for not being good enough. How could he love a useless human? Still she had to ask him, “My lord?” she whispered, “Did you send all the servants home?”

“What?” he couldn't help but turn to face her, “All the servants are here. They are new at working in the castle and should not be visiting their homes until the next week.”

Rin's eyes were lined with confusion, “But, Lord Sesshoumaru. There is no one in the castle. Even Jakken and Ah-Un are missing.”

“What?!” Sesshoumaru's eyes glowed red. This was pure rebellion. They had specifically disobeyed him. They would all die, and Jakken would be severely punished. He disappeared, quickly reappearing in different sections of the house. He even searched the grounds outside, but Rin was right: no one was there. “How could they disobey me?!” he hissed, reappearing in his room. Rin had not moved an inch from her spot in his doorway. “I am the lord of this castle! They will follow my orders, or regret their treason!” Sesshoumaru was pacing far angrier than before.

“Perhaps, my lord, they were frightened that you would take your anger out on them,” Rin surmised wisely.

“I AM NOT ANGRY!!!” he screamed, whirling towards her and grasping her wrists.

Rin's eyes grew wide, and, for a moment, she was horrified. Sesshoumaru's eyes quickly lost their red tint, and he looked shocked that he could have acted like that towards her. Suddenly, Rin began laughing. She laughed and laughed, the joyous sound echoing through the silent castle.

“What is so funny? I was just terrible to you!” Sesshoumaru gasped. He seemed to have completely forgotten how to hide his emotions. His face was lined with torment, confusion, and anger. Rin just kept laughing. “Answer me! What is so funny?” He shook her wrists gently, but forcefully.

“I'm sorry…my lord…I just…,” she was fighting to speak between her giggles, “You said you weren't angry, but….hahaha!!!” she lost control and just started shaking her head and laughing.

Without warning, Sesshoumaru began to laugh too, his deep voice booming. Rin gaped at this sudden outburst, then laughed even louder. Sesshoumaru pulled her into his arms, and they laughed together for countless minutes, clinging to each other lovingly. As they finally calmed, the sun had disappeared completely, and the moon had already risen high in the sky. “Not angry, indeed,” Sesshoumaru shook his head, “I don't suppose I've been that angry in ages.” He was sitting on the edge of his bed, leaning forward with his arms on his legs.

“Lord Sesshoumaru,” Rin sighed, lying down beside him, “I didn't know you knew how to laugh.”

“Neither did I. I think you must have taught me how,” he smiled at her openly, his eyes shining in the candle light. He sighed, his smile fading, but not disappearing, “I am sorry.”

“Don't worry about it. You need to shout sometimes, just release all your feelings into one gigantic scream,” she had her eyes closed and her arms spread out beside her.

“Not that.” Rin opened her eyes to find him looking down at her. “I'm sorry I kissed you earlier. Also I'm sorry I was hasty in sending all of the servants home. It's just…you smell so…,” he sighed, unable to continue.

“I smell so what?” Rin sat up, so that she was closer to him.

“Did Tuu-Yen explain…ehem…womanhood to you?” Sesshoumaru closed his eyes so he wouldn't have to see her reaction.

“Yes,” Rin was confused, and, when he didn't speak, she decided to explain what she had learned for lack of anything else to say, “When women come of a certain age and are no longer children, they come into heat. This means that they are fertile, and…” she gasped, blushing a brilliant shade of scarlet, “Oh, no! Am I in heat?! Can you smell it?!” Rin clamped her legs together, her hands clasping her cheeks in an attempt to cover the blush.

Sesshoumaru had turned away from her politely, “A demon's sense of smell is extraordinary. We can smell emotions, and we can smell…when a woman is in heat.”

“I'm so embarrassed,” Rin whimpered, although it was quite obvious how she felt. Then she thought of something that completely erased her blush. She dropped her hands, saying, “Did you only kiss me, because I am in heat?”

Sesshoumaru's demonic nature told him to say yes. It was what demons did. They mated to produce heirs and quell their need to mate, nothing more. Although he had lost all desire to mate for years. It was not until this very week that he had regained this deep need to mate, and not just with anyone, only with her. His heart began pounding loudly, and he wondered why she did not seem to hear it. Something deep within the dog demon told him that was not the only reason he had kissed her. He had never been so open with his emotions, but since he was on a roll at that point, he whispered, “No, Rin. It is because…I am in love with you.”

The blush quickly retook her face, “You love me, Lord Sesshoumaru? Even though I am only a human?”

“Human has nothing to do with it! You are beautiful, intelligent, strong, unique, and you make me . . . feel things. I can be free with my emotions when I am with you. You taught me to smile,” he attempted helplessly to explain why he loved her. It was such a hard thing to define, although it was easier than anything to feel.

Rin crawled behind him on the bed and knelt down. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her chest pressed against his back. “I love you too, my lord.”

He put one of his hands on top of her hands that were clasped in front of his neck. “Please,” he sighed, “I am not your lord. I do not own your life. I only wish to be…your friend.”

Rin was amazed at how gentle he was being. She had only ever thought of him as being strong, powerful, and dominant. Yet here he was yielding himself completely to her. “I love you so much, Lord Se-“ she paused; she had called him lord since she had met him. It would be a hard habit to break. Still for him she would try, “I love you so much, Sessh…oumaru.” She swallowed, slightly frightened at this wall he had let down for her. Then she smiled, it felt so right to call him by his name. Not her lord, not her master, but her lover.

“Rin, I am afraid that…I am afraid that if I give in to you tonight that it might only be because of your scent. If I give in to you, I want it to be purely from love,” his claws were softly digging into her hands.

She pulled one of her hands free and ran it through his pretty silver hair, “That fact that you can say that, my l- Sesshoumaru, is enough to prove that you do this from love. Do not fear your demonic self. I love you for every bit of you. You should embrace your true nature.”

“You are not afraid of me, Rin?” he looked over his shoulder at her.

“Never. Not for a second. I trust you, my brave protector,” she smiled.

“Do you wish me to…,” he swallowed, “Take you?”

Her heart seemed to be reaching towards him, and there was a deep longing between her legs. She was only half certain of what he was asking, but she was completely sure what her answer was: “Yes.”

“If I take you, it will not just be for this evening. Demons mate for life. I will mark you,” he warned, pulling out of her embrace so he could face her better.

“I am positive that I want to be your mate forever,” she brushed his bangs out of his eyes.

“You cannot take this back, it…”

“I know! Master Tuu-Yen taught me well. I know what this means, and I accept it.”

Sesshoumaru smiled, baring his sharp fangs. She felt his demonic energy swirl up around her, and she breathed in his sweet scent. Rin wrapped her arms around his neck again, and he returned the embrace with an arm around her waist. His other hand found the back of her head and pulled her into a kiss. Their tongues battled with each other; Sesshoumaru yielding to Rin in the end. She was the only one he would ever submit to. He played with the bow of her sash, finally untying it and dropping it to the floor. Her hands also sought out the bow that wrapped around his waist. The yellow and blue belt easily untangled. Sesshoumaru stepped over it; he had turned around and stood next to the bed. Rin was still kneeling on the bed. She slipped his furry cloak off of his right shoulder, smiling at how soft it was. The human girl shivered with anticipation as he snuck his fingers under her kimono's collar and slowly pulled it open. He gently slid it off her shoulders, trailing his fingers down her skin behind it. She pulled his kimono top open so that she could get to his chest. She ran her fingers over his tough skin, reveling in the purr that it elicited from him. Sesshoumaru knew nothing but the need of her closeness. He pulled her against him. The feel of her skin against his and the way she fit against his chest amazed him. She trailed her fingers along his back. After a moment, Rin looked up at him. Was this as far as he was going to go? His pink eye shadow shone in the flickering light; he seemed completely content in the position they were in. Rin, however, wanted more. Slowly she pulled his kimono and hakama towards his knees. He looked down at her and sighed, reluctantly releasing her so that she could pull his boots off of his feet. She stood back up, appreciating his body. He was well muscled and he had stripes that matched the ones on his cheeks running up his wrists. His blue crescent moon glistened between his silver bangs. His golden eyes sparkled at her. Sesshoumaru was also taking the moment to take in all of her. She was lean and strong, unfortunately thanks to the wolf. Her brown eyes shone with wisdom and she had an air about her that told how often she laughed and smiled. The pink sakura flower still held her hair in place. The taiyokai held his breath waiting for Rin's next move. He had been determined to allow her complete dominancy. He wanted to prove that he was loyal enough to submit to her, but she did not move. He lifted her chin to find uncertainty in her eyes. He smiled gently at her, Of course Tuu-Yen hasn't taught her the details. I would've had to kill him if he had. She is afraid she will do something wrong…I will teach her not to fear herself, he thought, lifting her back up on the bed. Rin trusted him completely, but was so terrified of her human body and certain that she would make mistakes. She was greatly relieved that he had returned to his role of being in control of her. This way she could follow his lead. Sesshoumaru looked down at her with his head tilted to the side. Then he spread her legs apart with his claws barely brushing the sensitive skin between her legs. He inserted one of his sharp fingers into her heat. She whimpered softly, and he took it as a plea. He added a second finger to his search and slowly pumped his fingers in and out of her. His claws gently raked against her insides, and Rin thought she would go mad if she didn't have more of him quickly. Her hand snaked up through his bangs, gently playing with the soft strands of his hair. He moaned softly, rubbing his thumb against her clit. She bit her lip and yanked on his hair in surprise. He withdrew his claws and slowly untangled her fingers from his hair. Her eyes were still closed; she hadn't looked at him but for a few brief moments. It wasn't because she did not want to see him; instead, it was because she didn't want to know that he could see her. She felt open and vulnerable, never worthy of one such as him. A demon lord adored and feared across Japan. He broke through her thoughts as he nosed between her legs, lapping at her essence. Her scent was driving him crazy, and his tongue was doing its part to her. “Lor-Sesshoumaru, please,” she whimpered.

“Look at me, Rin,” he rose so he could look into her eyes. Her eyes flickered open, but shut immediately when she saw him staring down at her. “Rin,” he ordered again. She gulped, her mouth suddenly dry, and opened her brown eyes for him. “What is my name?” he brought his lips inches from hers, “Tell me who I am.”

“You are…you are mine, Sesshoumaru!” she said, suddenly throwing her mouth against his. She could feel his smile as their tongues began to dance again.

“Good girl,” he said smirking, then more gently, “Are you ready?” he whispered, picking her up and laying her down so that she was no longer hanging off the bed. He positioned himself on top of her, his length rubbing at her opening.

“Yes, yes! Please, yes, Sesshoumaru!” she begged as he rubbed against her, the heat between them torturing the bud of her passion. He bent his head and sucked on her nipple, his hands playing with her breasts. “I love you,” she whimpered helplessly. That was the right answer, instantly Sesshoumaru immersed himself inside of her. She almost let out a cry, but he had done it so unexpectedly that it hadn't really hurt. She was a little sore, but he let her become accustomed to his length inside of her. He waited for her to whisper, “More.” and then began a steady pace. He taught her to move her hips with him. Soon she was speeding up, trying to pump up against him, she wanted to be one with him. So completely that they couldn't tell where his soul ended and hers began. She wanted their hearts to merge. He returned her thrusts, setting himself as deeply as he could within her with each lunge against her hips. Their scents merged, eclipsing the room in an intoxicating curtain of sex. He nibbled on her ear, feeling his body getting closer to pure bliss. With one final thrust he brushed the deepest parts of her womanhood. She let out a cry, his name merging with the passion on her voice. Her muscles clenched around him plundering his control. He bared his fangs and bit down against her shoulder as he came, flooding inside her.

Rin was unable to move, all she was aware of was that everything was peaceful and silent. She was dazed in euphoria. Sesshoumaru retracted his teeth from her skin, gingerly licking the blood from the wound. She was his now, and if anyone dared to try and take her from him, they would be dead before they took another breath. He kissed her forehead gently. “Amazing,” she whispered, smiling up into his eyes.

“Indeed,” he breathed back, rubbing his nose against hers, “You should rest now.”

“Stay with me?” she begged, and he smiled, his teeth glinting in the quickly dying flames of the candles.

“Alright.”

He picked up his mate and switched places with her. She buried her face against his smooth skin and almost instantly drifted off to sleep. He was content, and that was enough. All he needed was to feel her heart beating in a steady rhythm with his own. They sank into the silk sheets of his giant bed. His golden eyes closed slowly, and he joined her in the realm of dreams.