An Unexpected Love: The First Mark

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An Unexpected Love

Chapter Two : The First Mark

 

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It was all a blur for Kagome.  She vaguely remembered agreeing to marry Sesshoumaru and then she was at camp again, with him beside her.  Shippou and Rin ran to greet them as the taijiya and houshi exchanged glances.  Her head hurt a little and Sango’s words only echoed in her ears.  She heard her concern but could not understand the reason.  What had happened before then?  She searched her memory and then it hit her.  Inuyasha.  Inuyasha had left her alone.  He had went to Kikyou.  Again.

 

It had become painfully apparent to Kagome, Miroku and Sango that Inuyasha would not keep his word, especially after the third ‘visit’.  Even though he promised to stop after Sesshoumaru joined the group, Kikyou’s pull on him had more of an affect than Kagome could ever compete with.  And to be honest, she was tired of trying.  She didn’t want to come between them, but Inuyasha’s secrecy and constant absence became annoying and had even begun to effect their journeying.  It had even started irritating Sesshoumaru.  She had no choice but to say something to him.

 

Inuyasha blew up in her face when she finally did mention it to him.  Kagome was not even able to get through her first sentence before he flew off the handle.  His rage had startled her and she felt fear of him for the first time.  His outburst had attracted Miroku and Sesshoumaru’s immediate attention.  Kagome was grateful for their appearance but felt shame at the scene that the hanyou was causing.

 

The spectacle that unfolded was not pretty.  Kagome tried to dissipate Inuyasha’s foul mood with apologies before a real fight ensued.  However, when Sesshoumaru spoke about Inuyasha’s escapades and his inability to focus with his head, the hanyou pulled Tessaiga and challenge the demon.  In the end, Inuyasha was on his back and Sesshoumaru promptly escorted the miko and houshi away for him to think about his actions.  He stayed away for three days before returning.  Guilt weighted heavily on Kagome after that.

 

“Kagome?” Sango spoke her name for the third time. 

 

She looked up, jarred out of her thoughts, “Huh?”

 

Sango’s expression turned to worry.  “What is wrong Kagome-chan?  Did Sesshoumaru-sama hurt you?”

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama?”  She looked for him, but the campsite was seemingly vacant.  She remember his proposal and her answer.  “Where is everyone?”

“Sesshoumaru-sama went to check out the surrounding area.  Rin and Shippou are gathering things for our bath.  You are coming, aren’t you Kagome?” 

 

She had completely forgotten their bath.  It had been five days since they had had a chance to clean themselves.  Her expression light up.  “Yes, of course I want to come.” 

 

“Good,” the young woman smiled.  “I already have all of your things.”  Sango held up Kagome’s pink shower bag, the one her mother had packed for her. 

 

“Will Miroku be there?”  She giggled.  She would have to wait and tell her friend later about her...engagement.

 

“He better not be!”  The taijiya locked arms with her friend and pulled her to the bathing area.  “He said he was going to look for Inuyasha.  Come on, Rin and Shippou are there already.”  The trail was short and it only took ten minutes to walk from the campsite.  They could hear the children’s laughter and were greeted happily.

 

“Nee-chan!  The water is great,” Rin’s bubbly voice floated to her. Kagome nodded and surveyed the area.  They were in a small alcove with trees surrounding them, causing a natural sunroof showing the nightsky.  Large rocks towered over half the spring, letting them have some shelter from prying eyes.

 

“Kagome-chan,” the kitsune’s voice echoed beyond the girls.  He suddenly popped up beside the human.  “The water is so warm.  It’s just like the bathes at your home.”  Kagome nodded but mentally had hope that Rin did not catch his last statement.

 

“Come Kagome-chan, let’s get ready for our bath.”  Sango pulled the woman with her and they disappeared from the path behind the granite looming over the waters.  The two women waded into the warmth, hiding their bodies.  The group was ignorant to the watching figure in the trees as they continued their little celebration.

 

“Ahhh, isn’t it wonderful to have a hot bath?”Kagome sighed heavily.  The liquid eased her aching body.  The past month’s journey had been hard on them, but she held her tongue, refusing to complain in front of Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru.

 

Rin and Shippou were splashing around, playing a game on the other end so they wouldn't disturb Kagome and Sango.  Rin’s laughter was so cheerful, Kagome found that she could never have a heavy heart around the child.  Who knows what horrors she had seen traveling with Sesshoumaru.  Yet that was the safest place for her.

 

“Yes, we must thank Sesshoumaru-sama for this rare opportunity.  Who would have known that he could smell a hot spring,” Sango’s voice was filled with appreciation.  “I bet Inuyasha would have never thought of this.”  The statement slipped from her lips before the woman knew it.

 

Her friend only laughed.  “You are right.”  She quickly adverted her eyes.  “I suppose Inuyasha could be capable of such things.”  She knew that now was the time to tell her friend.  Inuyasha was a thing of her past now. 

 

“Kagome...are you okay?”  She laid a hand on the young miko’s shoulder.

 

“Sango, I have to tell you something.”  Her voice was barely above a whisper.  Kagome could hear the children playing several feet to her left.  “Sesshoumaru proposed and I accepted.”  She shut her eyes tightly before quickly opening them.

 

Sango jumped up and remained standing, her mouth open, unable to speak her questions.  Kagome stood up trying to pull her nude friend back into the water.  The taijiya grabbed her hands stilling the miko.  “I knew it!  I told Miroku that you two were spending a lot of time together, but he did not want to believe me.”  Her face was full of amazement.  “But Kagome, are you sure about marriage?  It seems, soon?  And I thought that he did not really like humans?”

 

“I, We, What spending time?”

 

“Tell me what you two did?”  Her friend wanted the juicy details but Kagome was a little confused.

 

She kept her voice low.  “I haven’t done anything with Sesshoumaru-sama.”  She inched closer to the female.  “Sango, what do you mean by spending time together?”

 

“Kagome, haven’t you noticed that everywhere you are Sesshoumaru is always close by?” 

 

The girl looked shocked.  Had Inuyasha noticed this as well?  She stuttered, trying to find words.  “I, no, I did not know.  But why?” she asked bewildered.

 

“Well, I was hoping you could tell me.”  Sango only smiled at her friend.  “Kagome, I think that Sesshoumaru-sama is a great catch.  He is very honorable.”  The girl was silent.  “Kagome, try to forget Inuyasha.”  The children could still be heard as Shippou showed Rin some water tricks.  Their laughter filled the small area.

 

It seemed weird that Sango would be so understanding toward her predicament.  Did she not understand that everything would change from then on?  “Sango, I would have thought you would be more... upset than this.”

 

“Kagome I only want you to be happy.  Since you are still not able to stay in your world... I do not think Inuyasha is fit to protect you now.  I'm sorry but I do not want to see you hurt any longer.”  Sagno hugged the younger girl.  “I am sure that Sesshoumaru will treat you properly.  But, Kagome you must be aware of their mating ceremony.  Make sure that you talk to him about it first, I have hear some very awful things.”
 

“Huh, what do mean?” her voice squeaked. 

 

“Well I have never heard anything about the Inu-clan mating rituals so anything I say is pure speculation.”  She laughed nervously.  “Please Kagome, don’t put too much into my words.”  Her friend nodded.  The duo sat back, gazing up at the stars above. 

 

Kagome was consumed in her thoughts until her eyes caught a glimmer of light.  “Oh, Sango, look a shooting star! Quick you have to make a wish,” Kagome clapped her hands together and closed her eyes, hoping her silent prayer would reach the Fates. 

 

Sango looked quizzically at her friend and mimicked her actions.  “Kagome-chan what do I wish for?” she whispered.

 

“Anything,” the girl whispered back.

 

The children had stopped to stare at the two older women.  Shippou laughed as Rin repeated their actions.  A figure in the trees smiled.  It was unusual to see three human girls praying to the heavens.

 

Footsteps could be heard on the path before a voice called out.  “Ladies, Sesshoumaru-sama has brought dinner back and it will be done shortly.”  Miroku’s voice echoed into their haven.

 

“Very well,” Sango spoke, “we will be there shortly.”  They heard the footsteps retreat back into camp and Kagome covered her mouth as she laughed.  “What are you laughing about?”

 

“Miroku can be a gentleman when he wants.” 

 

Sango laughed at her comment.  “Yes, I suppose so.  However, I suspect that it may be more because of the children.”  The woman rose after the children scampered up and gathered their clothing, changing on the rocks above.  “Aren’t you coming, Kagome?”

 

“Yes, but I want to wash my hair.  I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”  She pulled her all natural shampoo from the bag and began scrubbing her head.  Sango had dressed and returned to camp when Kagome began rinsing the soap from the tangled tendrils of hair.  She struggled with several knots before giving up and grabbing the conditioner.  It would take an extra five minutes but she had not other choice.  ‘They might not even notice.’ 

 

The woman was lost in thought when Sesshoumaru cleared his throat behind her.  Kagome spun around to find him standing nude in front of her.  She went to cover her eyes but his hands had held her wrists in place.  He sniffed her and could smell the gel in her hair and on her hands.  “What is this?” the lord asked when he held her hand for a closer inspection.

 

Kagome had been trying to dip her body lower into the water, so that her breasts were covered by the spring, however, her fiancée caused her to still herself.  “It’s conditioner.  I put it in my hair to keep it clean.”  The girl knew she was blushing horribly, but she was still new to this whole idea.  “Um... Sesshoumaru-sama... is this part of your courting?”

 

He causally glanced around, making sure that they were indeed alone before returning his eyes to the female before him.  Inuyasha had been gone longer than they had all thought, even Sesshoumaru.  This was a perfect time to make his first mark.  “Yes.  Tell me, Kagome, are you not happy with Sango’s reaction?” he whispered in her ear.

 

She was surprised and skipped past his question.  “Huh, you heard our conversation?”  She felt his chest vibrate and decided that he seemed to be in a foul mood.  “No, I was just surprised.  Sesshoumaru-sama,” she began formally, “may I ask you some questions?”

 

He smirked at her.  She had brains, he gave her that.  The lord nodded for her to continue.  “Will you explain to me the ceremony and what has to be done?” her voice was small as Kagome realized that she was clueless about what she had gotten herself into.

 

“There is much you need to know but it is not the time to explain everything to you.”

 

She pouted at his answer.  “Then I suppose that would be your answer if I was to ask you about your laws or why you are willing to marry a human ...eh?”  He nodded.  “You aren’t going to answer any of my questions.”

 

“All the ones you ask take much to long to explain.  Now,” he pushed her against the rock, ignoring her whimpers and moving closer to her face, “my turn for a question.”  His silky voice and hot breath cooled her warm skin.  “What did you wish for?”  She remained submissive but silent under him.  Kagome couldn’t bring herself to even speak the words under an assault like this.  He nipped at her ear, throat and shoulder, each bite harder than the previous yet she still held her tongue.  “Forget about Inuyasha.”  He pressed his body along hers, holding the woman in place as he moved his hands down her body.  The youkai felt her trembling under his touch.  “Shhhh, do not be afraid.  This is the first step to our mating, my love.”  The tenderness in his voice calmed her as they connected eyes.  “I will only place a seal and mark upon you so that everyone may know that you are mine.  It will not hurt much.”

 

Her expression turned from concern to surprise as she felt his fingers on her.  “Sesshoumaru...” her voice squeaked as she threw her arms around the demon, “what are you doing?”

 

“Shhh, I am placing my mark upon you.”  The youkai engulfed her mouth with his, covering her screams.  His fangs nipped the inside of his mouth as the youkai cut the necessary fingers releasing the necessary blood to finish tying off her aroma.  The seal required nothing more than his blood to enter her, thus planting his scent on her.  Sesshoumaru was only taking an extra precaution by placing a double seal.  The woman squirmed under him, offering a slight annoyance.  The demon lord knew that his blood must weigh heavy on her and adjusted his hold to keep her still.  Her body had accepted him but what troubled the youkai was her common sense.  He did not need her making a fool of him.  Sesshoumaru released Kagome, breaking the intimate contact as he gazed into her hazy eyes.  She was limp in his arms. 

 

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As some of you may have figured out, I began the first chapter after some important events occurred.  There are and will be clues as what happened before, so don’t worry everything will be explained.  However, if you have questions, please ask them!!!  I would love to answer them or maybe I haven’t even thought of it yet.

Okay, now I want to mention that I realize that the characters are slipping their titles when they speak to/about each other (ie -chan, -sama, etc).  I do this because I am trying to emphasize a tone in their voice.  I’m hoping it works/ed.  And as hard as I may try I can’t promise to keep the characters IC (in-character).  Thanks goes to Marcia for being my beta.