Learning to Love

Disclaimer: BACK…BACK YOU BASTARDS!! I TOLD YOU I DON’T OWN IT. (Throws boat at horde of lawyers) I don’t make any money from this either. (why a boat you ask, I work at a boat dock for my summer job..lol)



Hey everyone!! The votes are in(and some really nice reviews to boot), and the majority of you chose option B. I’ll be honest with you all, I was hoping you would choose that one, because after I wrote it down my muse started pummeling me with ideas for it.



One reviewer has been very nice to leave multiple reviews on AFF asking me to keep going. So I dedicate this chapter to Kitty!! Thanks hun for being so patient with my lazy ass, and for giving my muse and ego a boost with your praise.



There will be a lemon in this chapter, so anybody reading this that is too young, well you’ve been warned, I’ll mark it so you can skip it if you want. And if anybody is wondering this is my first official lemon, ya’ll gotta let me know how I did k.



Now on with the show!!



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The night had gone well enough. Kagome cleaned the turtle and made a stew out of the turtle meat and some leftover fish meat, in the cleaned shell. Sesshoumaru had been able to satisfy his need for nourishment from the blood of the turtle, which Kagome had set aside for him, and then had some of the stew she had made. She had added some baby bamboo shoots, wild onions, and some herbs she had found to the stew making a rather tasty concoction with the meats.



Mating season was growing even closer, and Sesshoumaru was having a harder time controlling his urges. He was also noticing that as the season got closer his body required more blood than usual. Normally one feeding was enough to last him a week or more, but now he needed it almost every other day, after training he had been having to go and hunt for himself just to keep up with his bodies needs. He was becoming rather irritated about it because his father had never told him anything about this little side effect of the season.



After their meal, they had gone to bathe then retired for the evening, this time both were awake and aware of what they were doing. Kagome had cuddled into his chest for warmth, and then he covered her with his top for added warmth. She then kissed his cheek and wished him pleasant dreams before yawning and falling into her own.



He had laid there awake for a while longer thinking before sleep finally claimed him as well.



The next morning it was their normal routine, she would go to the restroom, they would bathe, then she would train for about an hour, and he would meditate, then they would switch.



He had planned to go for a walk and maybe a swim with her today. She seemed to really enjoy seeing the coral reef, and they had only seen a small portion of it the last time. His swim yesterday had revealed that there was still much to explore, and he knew she would enjoy finding out more about what lay beneath the surf.



She was a little upset with herself. Sesshoumaru had been providing her with so much, and even went out of his way to find a turtle shell for her to cook in, a perfect turtle shell. She was still contemplating why a perfect one, it was almost like a courting gift. Yet she hadn’t done anything for him other than teaching him how to tie and untie a knot. She was contemplating what she could do for him for a return gift during her meditation, she knew he wanted nothing from her but she felt that it was only proper to get him something in return for all he had done for her.



Her musings were brought to an end when she felt someone breathing down her neck. She screeched and jumped away from the source, only to find Sesshoumaru crouching there with a cocky smirk on his face.



“Good grief Sesshoumaru, must you always sneak up on me like that?!” she gasped trying to get her heart rate back to a normal pace.



“So jumpy little one, tell me what were you thinking so deeply on to cause you to ignore my approaching presence?” he said maintaining his cocky smirk the whole time.



“It was nothing, do not worry about it. Was there something you needed?” She asked hoping to change the conversation.



“I see…well yes now that you mention it there was something I needed…” he said as he pushed her to lay on her back and started to nuzzle her neck… “Come for a walk with me, and perhaps a swim?” He chuckled as her back had gone ramrod straight the moment he nuzzled her neck.



Then as realization began to dawn on her, she ran her hand up his exposed stomach noticing how it jumped at her touch. An evil gleam came into her blue eyes, as she flipped them over and started to tickle him for all she was worth and his laughter rang out in the cave they called home.



He retracted his claws so as not to hurt her as he grabbed her waist and lifted her off of his body, her squeals of laughter rang out as his died down to a chuckle. He brought her back down to his body, encircling her with his arms, and in the process trapping her arms to prevent any more attempts at tickling, and tucked her head under his chin as he regained his breath.



“Only my sister and mother have ever tickled me like that little one,” he said with a chuckle, “you are full of surprises Kagome, I didn’t think you would have had the nerve to follow through with it.”



“Well that is what you get for continuing to sneak up on me;” Her laughter had died down to a chuckle as well, “who would have thought the great Prince Sesshoumaru would be ticklish, or that he would have such a charming laugh, it is a shame that you do not do it more often.” She said with a blush painting her cheeks a deep rose color.



“I was not raised to laugh often little one, as I said only my mother and sister have ever really heard me laugh like that, in all honesty I haven’t laughed like that in years.” He said a bit of sadness entered his eyes as he thought of his mother; Kagome was oblivious to this, as she could not see his eyes. She did nuzzle his chin at that moment, almost as if she felt his need for comfort, however small the gesture was.



“I would love to go on a walk with you Sesshoumaru.” She said changing the subject.



“Come then let us be off then.” He said as he released her and they both rose.



They walked quietly through the forest, both enjoy the company the other provided and the scenery that surrounded them. Eventually they made it to the beach and walked along the shore. Kagome, still feeling quite playful, chased the waves laughing merrily as they lapped at her feet. Sesshoumaru hung back and watched as she played tag with the ocean, a content smile spreading across his face. Soon he jogged to catch up to her and grabbed her around the waist, and spun her through the air. She continued to laugh as she clung to his arm. Finally, he set her down, and hugged her to him, growling gently.



“Do you wish to go for a swim, I found some interesting sights that I think you would enjoy, during my swim yesterday.” He questioned and was rewarded by her blue eyes lifting to meet his with curiosity shining brightly in their depths. With the sun shining in them, he noticed that her eyes had flecks of gold scattered thru out the irises.



“Sure let’s go.” She said as she wriggled out of his embrace and ran into the surf, and Sesshoumaru quickly followed.



The rest of the day was spent exploring the reef. Seeing the wide variety of colorful corals, fish, and other water beasts was a truly memorable experience, and Kagome loved every moment of it. Only one time did things get a little intense. They had been swimming around the coral when suddenly Sesshoumaru grabbed her and pulled her to him twisting quickly in the water, as a dark mass swept past them. It was a large fish with stripes and many rows of sharp teeth, a tiger shark. It attacked again, but this time Sesshoumaru attacked as well, slicing his claws along the shark killing it instantly. Kagome was a little shaken by the experience but Sesshoumaru helped her to put it past her by showing her many more things and sticking close to her side for the remainder of their time in the water. Many times they surfaced and discussed what they had found, only to dive again and find something else that was new to them. By the time they left the water, the sun was once again setting. They sat on the beach to rest and watch the sunset.



“That was wonderful Sesshoumaru, thank you for showing it to me.” She said as she leaned her head on his shoulder, as she did this he wrapped his arm around her pulling her closer to him.



“Think nothing of it koi. I am glad that you enjoyed it. You worried me a little after that shark attacked, are you certain you are ok?” he questioned.



“Yes I am certain. It was scary when it happened, but after you protected me from it, then stayed close to me afterward I knew I was safe, and it was pointless to fear something that was bound to happen in the ocean; it is their world after all. Thank you for protecting me though.” She said looking up at him, causing the setting sun to catch the golden flecks in her eyes, making them shine against the sapphire background. He couldn’t resist as he dipped his head down to capture her petal soft lips in a gentle kiss, but soon the kiss turned more demanding. He licked her bottom lip tasting the salt that was left there by the seawater, as he asked for entrance to her mouth. She quickly gave in as she opened her mouth a little giving him her acceptance, and he quickly forced it open wider with his exploring tongue. He tasted all she had to offer in the dominant kiss, and then she asserted her dominance forcing her own tongue into his mouth.



This was something new to him, she had fought for dominance in the past but never had she actually gotten this far because he would take back control before she got the chance, now he was questioning that decision, because this felt wonderful, who knew kissing could be so enjoyable.



Her soft tongue explored his mouth, discovering its secrets as he had hers. She was careful to avoid his sharp needle like fangs in her exploration. Her innocent exploration pulled a deep moan from the male next to her. Soon he was lowering her to lay in the warm sand as he reasserted his dominance by forcing her tongue out of his mouth and followed it with his back into hers. Once he had her on the ground, he let his hands start to roam her firm body, pulling little gasps and moans from her as they continued to kiss.



Soon he pulled away from her mouth and started to nibble on her jaw, slowly moving toward her ear. He was already painfully aroused, his hormones were getting harder to control, if they didn’t stop now, he wouldn’t be able to, hell he may already be past the point of no return, bathing with her this morning had been a chore, because he had to keep his hands off of her just to keep himself from taking her then. The mating season was only days away, and he was all too aware of the effect it was having on him.



“Koiishi if we don’t stop now I won’t be able to. Please I don’t wish to hur…” he was stopped mid sentence by her lips meeting his in a demanding kiss.



“What in the seven layers of hell makes you think that I don’t want what I know will result from this,” she said purposely raising her hips toward his still trapped member to rub against it, pulling a moan from him. “Koi I know it will hurt the first time, whether my hymen is there or not, you are too large for it not too, but I trust you. I know you will be as gentile as you can be, and if you lose control later on do not worry over it, I will be fine. The spell that binds us will let you know if I am in any unbearable pain, please trust in what I say. I am willing to go the final step are you?” she asked in a serious voice that left no room for beating around the bush.



“I have been more than willing to go the final step for some time now, and not just because the impending mating season is making me extra sensitive to that particular male need. However, I have been scared to death that you would not want it and I would eventually have to force you, or that I would harm you worse than you were before. Ever since I kissed you the first time, I found it hard not to touch you, or hold you, or have any kind of contact with you without thinking about taking it to the final step. When I held you at night and your scent filled my senses as you slept peacefully in my arms I knew I wouldn’t mind staying like that every night for the rest of our lives. Koiishi will you do me the honor of becoming my mate and wife?” he questioned holding her gaze, the setting sun making his cool amber eyes sparkle in the dying light.



“Yes…yes of course I’ll be come your mate and wife.” She said as happy tears started to fall from her eyes. He kissed them away then gently kissed her lips.



“Koi in order for the mating to be completed we must exchange blood, I must drink from you, as you must do from me. This will tie you to me, and I to you. It will extend your life to match that of mine, and allow you to heal faster, as I may not always be as gentile in our future matings. Do you still accept?” she had to know how it worked, this would be her last chance to refuse him.



He actually was uncertain of all of the effects his blood would have on her. Demons often mated with other species and many oftentimes didn’t have the longevity or healing qualities that their would-be mates possessed, so it was discovered by accident that when they exchanged blood these traits and sometimes others were exchanged between mates.



“Sesshoumaru I already told you I accept, I don’t really care how it has to be done, so long as I will always be yours.” That was all he needed to hear.



**Lemon starts**



His lips crashed down onto hers in a heated kiss as his hands started to once again roam her firm body. She was only wearing the little outfit she made for swimming so his hands made contact with much of her naked skin. Her hands were exploring his body just as fervently as his were her body. When she reached his loincloth, she easily slipped her hand around to the tie, surprised to find the knot that she had taught him, she mentally smirked as she easily undid the knot and pulled the loincloth free from its owner.



He visibly stiffened when she gently grabbed his member. She rubbed it a few times out of curiosity, and was surprised at how soft it felt to her, yet so hard at the same time. He groaned at her innocent actions and pumped into her hand a few times wanting her to continue, when she didn’t he decided to return the favor.



He easily slipped her top over her head, and the bottoms slipped just as easily down her long legs. Fully exposed to his sight, the first signs of nervousness began to filter into her scent, and she began to show signs of shyness, trying to hide what he had revealed. He gently pulled her arms away and gazed at her in the fading light.



“So beautiful…” he whispered



“No I’m not…I’m just a plain old human. There is nothing special about me.” She said suddenly very sullen.



“Oh really? Just a plain old human? I see nothing plain about you. Each scar carries with it a story, and your prowess in battle is equal to that of my own. Your hair is far more lovely than any demoness I have ever encountered” he emphasized this by running a hand through it. “Your skin is just as soft as a new born babe” at this he ran his hands over her legs and stomach while kissing his way from her breasts to her mouth. “You taste sweeter than anything I have ever tasted in my long life, and your eyes sparkle like the deepest blue sapphire I have ever seen, flecked with golden fragments that twinkle when you are at your happiest. Above all of this you see the real me, whom only my sister has only ever managed to see, and you accept me with all of your being. Now tell me that you are not special, I see many qualities that I would call special in the case of humans.” He wispered as he nuzzled her neck, and started to growl contently as she ran her hands through his hair. She then scratched him behind his ear, and it caused him to throb with need.



She laughed and held him to her naked bosom; he put all of her inadequacy fears to rest. When she scratched him behind his ear, she felt him hump her leg slightly, and stored that little trick away for later use.



He slipped his hand slowly from her hip to her core causing her to stiffen at the foreign sensation. She was damp but not wet, her body was not nearly ready to accept him, so a little more foreplay was in order. He moved down until his head was at her breasts and his hand was nestled comfortably in her curls. He sucked the tip of one of her pert breasts into his hot mouth causing her to arch further into his face; he smirked at this and started to work her clit. He ran his long fingers over her womanly folds, and around the little nubbin that he knew would bring her to a quicker end, all the while switching between suckling one nipple then its twin.



Something was coiling tighter and tighter in her stomach causing her to writhe to try to relieve it; suddenly she had the strongest desire to pee, and she started to try to escape so she wouldn’t pee all over his hand, but he held her down.



“Sess…oh…Sessho... Sesshoumaru please let me…oh god…let me go, I have to…I have to pee…please…oh god” she panted. He released her nipple with an audible pop; both of her peeks were now hard and wet.



“Now now koi that is natural, just relax and let it happen.” He smirked as he blew cool air onto her moistened peaks, the sensation sending her toppling her over the edge. She screamed her end to the heavens, shaking violently in his grasp as her orgasm ripped through her, and her juices squirted out to cover his hand with each spasm of her body.



“Now you are wet enough to allow me easier passage, well done koi, well done.” He whispered into her ear as she lay there gasping for breath.



He moved between her legs and positioned himself at her entrance waiting for her to recover from her orgasm, and regain her senses.



“Last chance Kagome. Are you ready to accept me, if you have any doubts now is the time to voice them.” He asked in a strained voice, it was harder than he thought holding himself back.



“I am ready, I know this is right, I have no doubts.” She said panting from her earlier release.



Confirming that she was mentally prepaired for their union, he slowly pushed the mushroom like tip of his member into her entrance. He heard her gasp, and checked to see if she was in any pain. The look on her face was one of mild discomfort, something he expected, what he didn’t expect was for her to suddenly thrust her hips upward fully sheathing his staff in her sheath. She gasped again this time with a few tears sliding from her tightly shut eyes, but at the moment he was too preoccupied with how hot and tight she was. He forced his body to remain completely still waiting for her to respond first.



She felt him slip the tip of his shaft into her, noticing how there was only a minor discomfort with it, so she decided to get it over with and fully take him into her. She knew he wanted to take it slowly but she wanted to get this part over with, so she thrust her hips upward, pulling him into her. Kami was that a mistake on her part, it hurt so bad, he was so much bigger than she had first thought; she could feel every pulse that went through his member against her walls. He was staying completely still, and for that she was grateful. Soon enough the pain receded, and she gave and experimental shift of her hips, it felt good, so she did it again.



He felt her shift, but passed it off as a trick of his imagination, and waited for a second to confirm it before he took any action. Then came the second shift, and he knew she was ready to start. He pulled himself slowly out, leaving only the tip remaining. Then he slowly pushed himself back into her clenching heat, and gave a sigh when he was once again fully sheathed within her.



“I don’t know about you koi, but I would not mind staying just like this for the rest of our lives.” He chuckled.



“You better finish what you started, or I swear to the kami, that you’ll rue the day you were born.” She said grabbing his ear lobe and yanking his face to hers for a searing kiss.



Not needing any more of an invitation, he began to move within her. He moved slowly at first, and then began to pick up the beat until he was pounding into her with as much force as he dare. He couldn’t go all out until they had created a life bond, and his blood moved throughout her veins providing her with his healing ability. He was still going faster than most human males, and she seemed to be loving every minute of it.



She was starting to get frustrated with his slow pace then he began to move faster and faster until she knew she had no hope of keeping up with his thrusts. The coil in her stomach was getting to the point of unbearable when his hand slipped between their bodies and rubbed her jewel just a little sending her over the edge hard.



He could feel her walls starting to clamp down on him and knew that her orgasm was extremely close, so he slipped his hand down to her core and helped it along. If he had thought she was tight before then when she came she became almost unbearably tight, as if her inner muscles were trying to squeeze his member off. Her womanly muscles rippled over his pumping member, as he rode out her orgasm helping to prolong it by not slowing down, or stopping his ministrations to her clit and jewel. As a result, when she finally came down from her first orgasm, she came again right away. This time he found his end was coming also, he increased his ministrations, since he couldn’t pump any faster for fear of harming her, and caused her third orgasm to follow in the wake of the second, and this time he came with her.



His roar of conquest shook the sand around them, and caused the waves breaking on the shore to be pushed back and be held there until he stopped. When his roar ended his fangs pushed out well past their normal length, and he plunged them into the area where the neck and shoulder met on her left side. When his fangs met her skin, he felt a pain in his left shoulder area as well. When he looked to the side with his fangs still embedded in her, all he saw were waves of jet-black hair.



His roar about caused permanent damage to her ears, and then she felt a searing pain on the left side of her lower neck. When she realized it was Sesshoumaru biting her, she decided to return the favor, and bit down on his neck in the same place as hard as her human jaws would allow. No sooner had she broken the skin than her mouth was filled with his blood. She fought the urge to gag, and spit it out, instead swallowing it. She had felt his fangs retract and start to suckle the wound he had made when she started to drink his blood. She continued to lick the wound until it closed, as he did to hers. Her body suddenly tensed up and started to convulse in the throes of yet another orgasm. Once she came down from her high, she was gasping for breath, and Sesshoumaru was laying on top of her only supporting enough of his weight to keep from crushing her.



She fell asleep almost instantly from exhaustion; Sesshoumaru was completely drained as well, so he rolled over and pulled her to lie comfortably on his chest before he allowed sleep to claim him as well.





**Lemon Ends**



The next morning Kagome woke up in a daze, she was lying on something warm and very comfortable, but there was a sharp pain in her womanly parts that was ruining the pleasant sensation of waking up. In a rush, it suddenly came back to her. A content smile spread over her face as she snuggled into the chest of her lover/mate.



“mmm…good morning mate…sleep well?” A groggy Sesshoumaru asked with a yawn.



“Kagome not awake yet, need at least another hour of sleep…” She said with a yawn of her own, while nuzzling further into his chest.



“I see…well if that is the case I could just throw you into the surf, the cool water should do wonders to cure your sleepiness…” He said with a chuckle, as he started to stand up.



Her blunt human nails bit into his back, drawing blood, as she clung to him as he slowly walked to the surf.



“Throw me in that cold water, and you and your hand are going to be very good friends for at least the next year.” She said it in a voice so cold and emotionless that he stopped in his tracks, did an about face and started heading back toward the hot spring.



“Just a joke koi…harmless really…” she could sense the tiny hint of nervousness in his voice; he quickly cleared his throat and changed the subject.



“So how are you feeling physically this morning?” His face had suddenly turned very serious.



“I feel fine, except I think I might be walking funny for a while and where you bit me hurts a little too.” She said releasing her death grip on his back to gently rub said area.



“Well I expected the soreness where we coupled, but the mark shouldn’t hurt, my saliva has healing properties and should have taken care of it during the night.” They had made it to the hot spring by this time, so he set her down to stand on her own as he inspected the bite mark, curious because he could not feel the pain she was talking about.



This part his father had chosen to explain to him in great detail. Even though with each pair it is different, the basics were the same, and the bite mark should not have hurt.



He gently pushed her hair out of the way so he could see it clearly, and what he saw shocked him. Happening before his eyes, the bite mark was changing into a crescent moon, just like the ones on his forehead, arms and lower back.



“This is…odd…” he said slowly, causing Kagome to suddenly become nervous.



“What? What’s wrong?” she questioned



“I don’t know what is happening but the place I bit you is changing. It is turning into a blue crescent just like mine. I do not understand it, this has never happened before to my knowledge.” He calmly explained.



“So this is bad then?” she asked getting slightly pale



“Not necessarily, my father explained that with each mating is different, so this could be the thing that is different.” He said, relieved to see some of the color come back to her face. “The pain should leave shortly. Soaking in the hot spring should help with your pains.” He said nodding toward the hot spring.



She nodded and slowly walked toward the hot spring fully intending to have a nice long soak to ease her tired muscles. She hadn’t made it three steps away from him before he decided it was not wise to let her try to get in by herself. So he quickly closed the distance between them and lifted her up bridal style before quickly entering the hot spring and depositing her safely on a rock just far enough under the water that she could properly relax.



“I could have done it by myself you know?” she said in a huff crossing her arms over her bare chest and looking away from him.



He didn’t like her tone, but he could understand it. That wouldn’t stop him from teasing her though. He quickly advanced on her pinning her between his two arms, and pushing her back to lie at an angle in the water, pulling a startled “eeeepp” from the distracted girl. His body easily enveloped hers, trapping her with his body. When he had her full attention, he decided to let the fun begin.



“I realize you could have done it by yourself mate, but knowing you and your tendency to fall for me, also taking into account you weakened legs, I decided to save us both some trouble by making sure you entered the spring unharmed.” He said next to her ear before nuzzling her neck affectionately.



“You enjoy picking at me don’t you?” she said taking comfort in his close presence.



“It is one of the highlights of my day, and now I have a new fascination that I fully intend to explore any chance I am allowed.” He said with a chuckle, and then outright laughed at her comical expression and rosy cheeks.



“Well don’t expect any today, maybe tomorrow either for that matter…” she sighed as he lifted his body from hers.



“I wouldn’t think of it koi, it will get easier as time goes on though remember that…but for now I’ll give your body time to recover.” He said as he slipped behind her on the boulder. He settled her between his legs as he began to gently massage her back. It wasn’t too long before she moaned and lay back against his chest allowing her exhaustion to overtake her. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, while nuzzling her neck. Soon sleep claimed the little princess, and Sesshoumaru smirked at the innocence she exuded. He briefly wondered why he couldn’t feel her pain from the bite, the link that the gods placed on them not only determined the amount of space they had, but also transmitted physical feelings, mostly pain.



A few days prior, she had injured herself by getting her foot caught in a hole. No serious damage was inflicted, but it had bruised her ankle, so every time she put her foot down a pain would shoot up her leg; he knew, because he felt every one of them. He finally couldn’t take it any longer so he picked her up and carried her back to the cave, sentencing her to bed rest for the remainder of the day. She hadn’t been too pleased with the way things turned out but she had given in without too much of a fuss.



Now he had to wonder why he felt nothing earlier when she was obviously in more pain than she let on. It was another puzzle, just what he needed in his life.



About an hour later he decided that they had soaked long enough, but Kagome was in such a deep sleep that he didn’t want to wake her. So he slipped from behind her, picked her up, and quickly exited the spring and headed back to the cave.



Once there he realized that they were running low on food and that he would have to hunt again this evening. His body was almost begging him for the nourishment, and his little hime would require food also to regain her strength from the mating. Decision made he laid her down on his mat and covered her damp body with one of his shirts. He made sure to stoke and feed the fire before he left the cave to go hunting.



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Well that is all….sigh…I know I promised Ericka would make an appearance here but it just was not meant to be, I wrote 11 pgs and it has taken me too long to update…you all were so nice in your reviews, it make me feel like I’m jiping you all a little. But fear not, it will happen in the next chapter…this I make a solemn vow to you all.



Again sorry for not updating more quickly I’ve been bogged down with college assignments.



Special thanks to Hairann and everybody in the Dokuga chat room who gave me the help I needed to make my story sound right to me. Much love to all.



I’ll post the next chapter asap, but no guarantees about a speedy update. Thanks again..and remember reviews make me and muse happy!!