InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Temple of the Dog ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Inuyasha. Those are the property of one Rumiko Takahashi. I thank her whole-heartedly for giving us such an amazing manga/anime to read/watch.

Author's Note. This is NOT the version of this chapter that is posted on fanfiction.net as this is definitely a lemon. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Please read the fanfiction.net version of this chapter if you are not at least 18 years of age or if you do not like to read fanfics containing the use of graphic sex.

You have been warned. Thank you.

Urd-chan

Temple of the Dog - Chapter 7

Kagome watched the retreating priest and glanced at Inuyasha.

"I need to hang my robe out to dry. I'll be right back." She quickly slipped into her make-shift chamber and hung her freshly washed robes over one of the screens. It was almost dry from the walk back from the river, but she wanted to be sure it didn't get put away damp.

Inuyasha had already filled two plates with food when she stepped back into the main chamber. He handed her one and started walking towards his chamber, stopping at the door to be sure she followed.

Kagome hesitated, not sure if Inuyasha wanted her to join him. He held the mat aside and continued to look at her. The priestess hurriedly followed, ducking under the raised mat and waiting just inside the door.

The deity followed, letting the mat fall back over the door. He moved to the bed and sat on the edge, once again looking at Kagome to follow. She quickly sat on the edge of the bed, near the foot. Somehow she couldn't bring herself to look at him.

They ate in silence, both lost in their own thoughts.

Despite his desire to maintain his distance from the temple priestess, Inuyasha found himself drawn to her more and more. He felt comfortable just being with her.

Kagome returned to the main chamber with their plates when they finished. She cleared the dinner plates and washed them and completed her chores for the day. She then got ready for bed, noting that Miroku was already fast asleep. His efforts in the spare chamber were obviously exhausting as he lay on his cot, snoring loudly. Kagome couldn't help but laugh softly to herself. The usually outgoing and rather perverted priest looked downright innocent when he slept.

Inuyasha heard Kagome's soft laugh. The young priestess was so full of life, so different from anyone he had met before. The deity moved silently to his door, moving the mat just enough to be able to see the main chamber. He found himself unable to keep his eyes from the priestess as she washed her face. Kagome had tied her hair back from her face and removed her outer robes. She wore only her basic dress and was silhouetted against the glow of the fire that burned in a pit near the main altar. The sheer linen of her dress appeared nearly transparent, leaving little to Inuyasha's imagination. He found himself unable to take his eyes off her as she bent to pick up her robes and walked to her tiny chamber.

Once Kagome was hidden from his sight by the screens that surrounded her private room, Inuyasha let the mat fall back into place and turned back to his soft bed. He once again flung himself across the stuffed mattress and turned to lie on his back, his vision fixing on a small crack in the ceiling that he really didn't see. His mind's eye still held the vision of Kagome as she had looked in the main chamber.

Damn it, he thought, once again confused at his growing feelings. Why had the priestess come into his life? He had vowed to never trust another soul, and yet Kagome had managed to get to him. She was so beautiful. And, her beauty was not only on the outside. He found himself thinking about her more and more, despite his efforts to remain distant from the priestess. He found that he had no words for the way he felt when she was around.

Damn it. He slipped from the bed and leapt silently to the beams that ran near the ceiling, making himself comfortable for what he knew would be another long, sleepless night. His acute sense of hearing and smell made it impossible for him to get Kagome off his mind. Each movement, each sigh coming from her little chamber reached him as he sat in his own chambers. Her scent filled the air around him.

Shit. It occurred to him that the priestess would surely be reaching her fertile time of the month soon. If he had this much difficulty maintaining his distance from her now, how could he survive that? Again he found himself remembering how she had looked as they walked back from the river, her thin linen dress and robes clinging to her body as she moved. Then there was the way she had looked only moments before, standing in front of the firelight. Inuyasha squeezed his eyes closed and mentally made a promise to himself that he would not give in to these nameless feelings that stirred inside of him.

He fell asleep, dreaming of the young priestess who slept just outside his chamber door.

The next few days were routine. The three residents of the temple would eat a light breakfast before tending to the duties of the day. Each day found many villagers coming to pay homage to Inuyasha.

He sulked and scowled at each visitation, wishing he could retreat to his chambers. Greeting the worshippers was his least favorite part of his duties as the deity of the temple.

The same teenage boy brought their midday and evening meals each day. He always managed to find something small to bring for the temple priestess, whether it be a small bouquet of wildflowers or trinket. Kagome always accepted the gifts graciously, leaving the boy with a warm smile. She couldn't help but think that he reminded her of someone, only she couldn't place who.

Chores kept Kagome and Miroku busy when the temple wasn't busy with worshippers. Miroku made virtually no headway on the spare chamber during this time.

Late each afternoon, Inuyasha would accompany Kagome to the river for her bath. He sat motionless on the large rock with his back to her, not giving in to the desire to frolic in the water as he had done that one afternoon. It had been a moment of weakness, he told himself, and vowed not to let it happen again.

The morning of the fourth day was like every other morning. However, shortly after they had finished their midday meal, a small entourage of worshippers from the city of the pharaoh came to the temple. Miroku quickly greeted the strangers, noting by their attire that they were priests like himself. Inuyasha and Kagome still sat in his chambers, having just finished eating their food.

"My lord, we have visitors," Miroku called cheerfully, explaining that the deity was just finishing his meal.

Inuyasha appeared at his chamber door and walked slowly towards the men who stood with Miroku.

"Ah, my lord. Let me introduce you to our guests." The priest was always happy to see visiting worshippers, since they were more likely to leave valuable offerings.

Inuyasha grunted, eying the strangers warily.

"I understand that your temple has recently gained a priestess, too," one of the visiting priests said as he glanced around the chamber.

"Pardon me while I call her." Miroku turned to find Kagome, only to find that she had come out of Inuyasha's chambers and was already walking towards the small gathering of priests.

"Well, well." The elder priest of the group smiled as Kagome ran up to him and hugged him.

Miroku gasped, not sure what to make of the situation. Inuyasha moved forward, but stopped when Kagome stepped back from the priest.

"I never expected to find you here, Kagome." So, the priest knew the priestess. Inuyasha was still wary.

The second priest spoke. "Your grandfather failed to tell us of your appointment at this temple."

"Grandfather doesn't know. I have only been here a short time and there was no way to get word to him." Kagome was obviously happy to see the visiting priests.

She turned when she heard another grunt from Inuyasha.

"Oh, I'm sorry. These are several of the priests from the temple of Osiris. I told you my grandfather was an assistant priest there."

Miroku nodded, remembering Kagome telling them about her life before coming to the temple.

Again, Inuyasha grunted. He didn't like the familiar way these men were addressing Kagome. Each had given her a hug, making him more uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry I'm late." A young priest entered the temple, obviously in a hurry. He came to where the other three priests stood, stopping suddenly when he saw the priestess.

"Kagome." He quickly went to her and grasped her hands. He seemed overjoyed to see her.

"Houjou," she responded. His attention made her uncomfortable.

The young priest noticed that Inuyasha had stepped forward and now stood next to Kagome.

"Oh, Houjou, I would like to introduce you to my deity, Inuyasha." Kagome turned to look at the silver-haired figure standing next to her. Surely it was her imagination, but he appeared to be protecting her.

The young priest bowed, reciting what obviously was a memorized speech about how he was honored to meet such a living deity.

Kagome fought the urge to smile. Houjou was sweet, but naïve. He seemed to have no idea that he was behaving like a fool in front of Inuyasha. Kagome had to stifle a laugh when she realized that it was he who she was reminded of by the boy who had been bringing them their meals.

"Perhaps our travelers would like to share some wine with us." Miroku had already retrieved a jug of wine and motioned to Kagome to bring cups.

The priestess excused herself and took out a tray and six cups.

"Bring yourself a cup," Inuyasha snarled when he noticed that she had only brought enough for the men.

Kagome looked surprised and then turned to fetch an extra cup.

Houjou took note of the deity's expression as he watched the priestess. The young priest sighed inwardly, any hopes of winning Kagome dwindling inside him.

Kagome returned and held out the cup. Inuyasha glared at Miroku, who had poured wine for the small group. The priest tipped the jug and poured some of the deep deep red liquid into Kagome's cup.

"Thank you," the priestess said, not certain how to act under the circumstances. She glanced at the visiting priests, relieved to see the oldest one nod at her as he held his cup out for a toast.

"I'd like to express our joy at your awakening, my lord." The men all nodded, raising their cups.

Kagome hesitated, glancing at Inuyasha. He appeared to be very uncomfortable at the toast, so she raised her cup with a smile.

Inuyasha noticed Kagome's smile and found himself relaxing. He mumbled an awkward thank you and took a sip from his cup. How he hated having to be pleasant in front of visitors. Especially when it was obvious that the young and very handsome priest who had arrived late was smitten with Kagome.

The visitors and Miroku finished their wine and moved to the stone benches where they sat down. Miroku could tell that Inuyasha was edgy so he made an excuse for the deity, explaining that he and the other priests would be talking about things related to the priesthood and that perhaps Inuyasha had other pressing matters.

Kagome also excused herself and cleared the used wine cups before retreating to her chambers. She was happy to have seen her old friends from home and quickly dug out the letter she had written to her grandfather. When the priests had finished their talk with Miroku, she approached them, holding the scroll out to the elder priest.

"I was wondering if you could give this to my grandfather when you return."

The elder priest accepted the scroll. "Of course, Kagome. I'm sure he'll be glad to hear not only of your appointment as priestess, but that you are well." The priest leaned to whisper to the priestess. "I assure you that word of your appointment will remain with those of us at the temple. The pharaoh's guards continue to search for you. We will do what we can to keep your whereabouts secret."

Kagome nodded. "Thank you. I only hope that I can go home to my family to visit someday. I miss them."

The priest nodded. "Your mother and brother are doing well, as is your grandfather. They, like yourself, are like family to me. I'm certain you'll be able to see them again soon."

"Oh, Kagome. By now I'm certain you have sung for Inuyasha?" It was the shortest of the priests from the group.

Kagome reacted, shaking her head and hoping the others hadn't heard.

"Oh, that's right. I remember you talking about singing at the temple of Osiris." Miroku smirked at the priestess. The thought of her singing for them was appealing.

"I couldn't," she started.

"We would love to hear you sing before we leave." Houjou looked at her expectantly.

"I'm not very good. My mother is the temple singer. I've just filled in when the temple was missing a singer." Kagome looked around, hoping to get out of the task. She found that all eyes were on her, urging her to sing.

"I have no music…" she started.

Miroku quickly got up and disappeared into the spare chamber. He reappeared a moment later carrying something wrapped in a thick cloth. He unwrapped it to reveal a stringed instrument, which he quickly tuned and held ready.

"I'm a little out of practice, but I'm sure you won't need too much from me." The temple priest smirked at Kagome again. Consider if payback for ignoring my flirtations, he thought.

Kagome stood silently, hoping to get out of singing for the group of priests.

"Well, it seems our deity would like to hear you sing, too." Miroku motioned towards Inuyasha's chambers.

He stood just outside the door, looking at Kagome.

"Kagome was just about to sing in your honor, my lord." Miroku strummed the instrument, adjusting its tune before he turned to Kagome and asked what song she would like him to play.

The priestess was speechless. How could she have been put into such an embarrassing situation?

Houjou spoke up, mentioning several of the songs that she had sung at the temple of Osiris.

"Ah, a love song." Miroku thought for a moment before he began to strum the instrument. It was the tune to a song dedicated to the love of Osiris and Isis. The priest paused, waiting for Kagome to sing.

Kagome closed her eyes and started singing. She was nervous and felt that she would sound horrible. Her stomach was in knots and her voice caught in her throat. A sound near her caused her to open her eyes.

Inuyasha had moved closer to the group. He sat crossed-legged on the floor only a few feet from where she stood. There was something about his expression. He looked at her with a hint of gentleness. Kagome felt herself relax. She started to sing again.

This time the words seemed to flow from her. She looked directly at Inuyasha, feeling like she was only singing for him. She had never sung with such passion, reaching the high notes with little effort. The words of the song spoke of an undying love. While it was meant for Osiris and Isis, Kagome could feel the emotion in her own heart. Her last note hung on the air as she finished the song.

"Wonderful, Kagome," the elder priest went to her and grabbed her hands. "If only you could have sung with that much passion at the temple of Osiris. It seems you have truly found your place here at Inuyasha's temple."

The other priests all congratulated her, ending with Houjou.

The young priest pulled her aside, whispering. "Kagome, if you should ever change your mind, you know I will be waiting for you. I can't offer you the riches and power of a deity, but I can offer you a home filled with love. Don't forget." He turned away, embarrassed.

Kagome stood speechless. The young priest had expressed feelings for her in the past. Why, now, was he talking as if she was already spoken for? She glanced around the room, her gaze falling on Inuyasha. He still sat unmoving, his expression unreadable. Surely she couldn't be that transparent? She could feel a blush rising in her cheeks and quickly excused herself, running to her chambers.

Kagome's heart was beating so fast she could feel it. Please don't have noticed, she silently begged Inuyasha. He seemed unmoved by her singing. Perhaps her inability to hide her feelings as she sang had gone unnoticed by the deity.

The group of visiting priests left the temple, preparing to walk the short distance to the village. Houjou had arranged rooms for them, and they were anxious to reach the village early. It had been a long journey, and their visit to the temple of Inuyasha had proven to be more eventful than planned.

The priests thanked Miroku and Kagome for their hospitality before turning to Inuyasha, who leaned against one of the stone pillars just outside the temple doors.

"Again, my lord, we are honored by your presence. We thank the gods that you have returned to us from your long sleep. We hope you realize that you are blessed with the best priestess this land has seen."

Kagome had returned from her chambers and stood to the side, blushing at the praise.

"I am the one blessed, by having found such a wonderful deity and temple to devote myself to." The priestess inclined her head, hoping that Inuyasha wouldn't see her blushing.

"Oh, one last thing." The short priest stepped forward. "I'm sure Kagome has been as modest about her dancing as her singing. Perhaps Inuyasha could persuade his young priestess to dance for him. If she can dance with as much passion as she sang with earlier, surely my lord would be extremely pleased."

Kagome's jaw dropped. How could he? She looked at Inuyasha, who appeared to not have noticed. However, Miroku was smiling. Surely he would try to pressure her to dance for the deity.

Miroku smirked. "I'm sure our priestess can be persuaded. That is something we will have to work on."

The travelers bid their final farewells and turned to leave, starting their trek towards the village.

Several children were approaching the temple, so Miroku waited. Surely this was their dinner.

The same teenage boy was there, proudly carrying the dish that had been prepared by his mother. He gave the covered pot to Miroku while he looked at Kagome. He noticed the blush on her cheeks and thought that she had never looked prettier.

Several of the younger children ran to Kagome and handed her some flowers. They eyed Inuyasha warily as he appeared to be in a mood. They did not want to anger the deity.

Miroku dismissed the children, thanking them for bringing the meal and warning them that they should hurry back to the village. A dark cloud loomed on the horizon, threatening rain. Once the children were gone, he returned to the main chamber and filled a plate for himself. Kagome glanced at Inuyasha and then quickly entered the temple. The deity followed and closed the heavy door behind himself, placing the locking bar in place. He had suffered enough visitors for one day.

Kagome was already filling plates for both herself and Inuyasha. He took one and headed for his chambers, stopping at the doorway and holding up the mat for Kagome. She followed, taking her usual place near the foot of his bed. Again, they ate in silence.

Kagome kept her eyes averted, not sure what Inuyasha's reaction had been to her singing. He didn't say anything. Perhaps, at least, he had not been angered. Miroku's choice of song was perhaps not the best, under the circumstances.

When they had finished their meal, Kagome stood up to leave. Inuyasha hesitated before handing his plate to her. He wanted to say something, but suddenly felt clumsy and shy. He held out his plate in silence and watched as Kagome left his room.

The priestess quickly washed the plates the three had used for their meal and cleared the small altar of the remains of their dinner. She was putting the plates away when Miroku stepped out of the shadows.

"Ah, Kagome. I wanted to say it was truly an honor to hear you sing today. If only we had known we had such a talented songstress at the temple, we could have had you sing for us long before now." Miroku seemed to be delighting in her discomfort.

The priest noticed that Inuyasha had come from his chamber. Now was his chance.

"My lord, I don't know if you heard our visitors earlier, but it appears that not only does our priestess have a talent for singing, but apparently has also been gifted with a talent for dance."

Kagome glared at Miroku before glancing at Inuyasha. Once again his face held no expression.

"I'm sure Inuyasha would love to have Kagome dance for him. Wouldn't you, my lord?" Miroku had his own motives, but found delight at baiting the moody deity and embarrassing the priestess.

Inuyasha remained silent.

"So, my lord, would you like to see Kagome dance for you?"

Inuyasha glared at the Miroku, determined to find a fitting punishment for the self-serving priest. At this moment, though, he was more concerned at finding a way out of the situation. How could he lie? The thought of Kagome dancing for him…

"Well, my lord? Would you like to see Kagome dance?" Miroku grinned again, secure in the knowledge that he had hit his mark.

"Yes." Inuyasha's voice showed no emotion. He would deal with the priest later.

Kagome gasped. How could she refuse? She was the temple priestess, after all, and to refuse her deity would be unforgivable.

"Well, then, I will fetch my instrument." Miroku turned to leave.

"I don't have the proper clothes." Kagome was suddenly grateful for her lack of wardrobe.

"That is not a problem." Miroku turned and entered the spare chamber. His attempts to clear the room for his own use had uncovered several treasures, including three beautiful dresses that had been sent as offerings. They were intended for the temple's dancers, should they ever have any.

Miroku returned with a wrapped package in his hands and handed it to Kagome. "I'm sure you can find something to use in here. These were made by one of the best seamstresses in the land."

Kagome reached out hesitantly for the package. Surely this wasn't happening. How was she going to dance for Inuyasha? She had been trained as a priestess, not a temple dancer. Her futile attempts to dance at the temple of Osiris still haunted her.

"My lord, " she turned to Inuyasha. "I was trained as a priestess. While I have filled in for a singer on occasion, I have no real training as a temple dancer. Perhaps you would rather not have me dance."

"You would deny Inuyasha his wish?" Miroku again pushed. He longed to see her dance, even if Inuyasha didn't. However, he couldn't help but notice the look on his deity's face. It seems the arrogant and stubborn deity wanted to see Kagome dance more than he was willing to admit.

Kagome quickly fled to her chambers and opened the package. There were three separate dresses, each made of very sheer and delicate fabric. She lay the three dresses on her cot, uncertain which one to choose.

"Perhaps the one with the blue sash?" Miroku called out mischievously. He apparently had opened the package before then. The one he suggested was the most sheer and scantily cut of the three.

Kagome quickly slipped out of her priestess robes and into the dancing dress. Thin straps held the low-cut dress up, revealing more cleavage than Kagome was used to showing. The fabric clung to her bodice before flaring into a sheer skirt. She quickly tied the sash around her waist and returned to the main chamber.

Miroku sat on one of the benches and held his instrument on his lap. Inuyasha sat crossed-legged on the floor not far from the fire pit. He appeared to be disinterested as Kagome came to the center of the room.

"Well, well," Miroku said, whistling softly. "I'm sure our deity will be pleased."

Again Inuyasha glared at Miroku. He definitely would not forget the priest's part in this.

Kagome paused, suddenly embarrassed. "As I said, perhaps my lord would rather I not…"

Miroku started strumming his instrument, finding a song that had the right rhythm for Kagome to dance to. He began to tap his foot to the music, the sole of his sandal slapping the stone floor.

Kagome closed her eyes for a moment before opening them and looking at Inuyasha. He was looking directly at her, his expression still unreadable. She took a deep breath and started moving to the music.

Her movements were awkward at first. However, each time she caught a glimpse of Inuyasha, she started to relax. Her movements became more fluid, graceful. She started to spin and turn to the music, dancing for the silent deity who sat only a few feet from her. Kagome felt herself caught up in the music, in the fact that she was dancing for Inuyasha. She had braided her hair before she started, and now swung the braid back and forth as she moved.

The more she danced, the more she felt the music. The room seemed to spin as she turned again and again. It was as if something awakened inside of her and her passion was reflected in her movements. She found herself dancing closer to Inuyasha, her hips starting to pulse to the music as she watched him. She couldn't see his eyes as they were shadowed by his bangs as he tilted his head down. But, there was something about the way he sat.

Kagome felt lost in the music. She thought only of Inuyasha and danced like she had never danced before. She spun and gyrated, her movements becoming faster until she reached the end of the dance. She dropped to her knees just in front of Inuyasha and reached toward him, her body brushing the floor with her arms outstretched. She lay like that for a moment, her heartbeat echoing in her ears as she caught her breath.

After a moment she pushed herself up to her knees and looked at Inuyasha. He sat with eyes closed, handed clenched at his sides. Suddenly he was on his feet and fleeing to his chambers. Kagome watched him leave, tears welling in her eyes.

"Why did you have to push me to dance for him?" she shouted at Miroku. Her tears were streaming down her cheeks as she climbed to her feet and ran to the temple door. She struggled with the long wooden bar that served as the lock, lifting it and letting it fall to the floor before pushing the heavy door open and running into the darkness outside.

Miroku was dumbfounded. How could Inuyasha have been so cold about Kagome's dancing? The priest had never seen anyone dance as well. There was a definite passion in Kagome, and it had come through in the way she danced for Inuyasha.

So, she's in love with him, the priest thought to himself. He steeled himself for what he knew he had to do. He glanced at the temple door before turning and walking to Inuyasha's chambers.

"What do you want?" the deity demanded when Miroku walked into his chamber, unannounced and unwelcome.

"How could you do that to Kagome?" the priest demanded.

Inuyasha growled. "I didn't do anything to her. If anyone did something wrong, it was you."

"She's crying."

What the hell? thought the deity. Something in him snapped and he was on his feet.

' "Where is she?"

Miroku leaned his head towards the main chamber. "She went outside. She thinks you were displeased with her."

Inuyasha pushed past the priest, moving quickly to the temple door. He rushed out, looking for a sign of where Kagome went. Her scent was fresh and he followed it, circling around the temple to the back. The priestess was sitting with her back against the stone wall of the temple. She had her knees drawn up to her chest, her hands holding them tightly to her. He could hear her sobbing as he approached.

"Kagome." He moved quickly to where she sat and dropped to his knees.

"Please leave me alone. I didn't mean to displease my lord. I told you I wasn't a dancer." Her words were broken by her sobs.

"Kagome, you didn't displease me." Inuyasha felt he could no longer fight his feelings. He reached out and gathered Kagome into his arms, holding her closely as he whispered her name.

A flash of lighting lit the sky over the temple, followed by a low rumble. The clouds on the horizon had moved closer while Kagome had danced.

Inuyasha lifted the priestess, holding her tightly as he walked back to the temple doors. He took her inside, glaring a warning at Miroku as he passed through the main chamber and to his own room. Inuyasha pushed through the door, still holding Kagome in his arms. He moved towards the bed and sat on its edge.

Kagome struggled in his arms. "Please let me go."

"No."

He held her for several moments. Her body trembled with each choked sob. He suddenly felt horrible for having hurt her.

After several minutes, Kagome's sobbing faded. "Please let me go."

Inuyasha shifted and gently sat Kagome on the edge of the bed next to him. He couldn't face her, knowing how deeply he had hurt her.

"I would like you to dance for me again." His request caught her off guard.

"My lord, surely you jest?" Kagome glanced at the deity. He sat motionless, appearing to be studying his hands as they clenched and unclenched in his lap.

"I would like you to dance for me, Kagome." He lifted his head and looked at her.

Kagome sighed. Things were not going as she had hoped they would. She stood up and moved towards the door. "I'm sure Miroku would be glad to play for me again."

"No."

The priestess paused with her hand outstretched to the door.

"But, my lord, if I am to dance…" She was confused.

"Dance for me in here, Kagome. You don't need music." Inuyasha's eyes glimmered in the light of the burning torch on the wall.

Kagome gasped, nearly panicking at the request.

"Please, Kagome. I would like you to dance for me."

She closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. She knew she could not refuse her deity. More than that, she knew in her heart that she could not refuse Inuyasha.

The priestess hummed lightly to herself, trying to find the proper rhythm. She started swaying to the music in her head, feeling it as though it came from a musician. Her braid began to swing back and forth as she moved her head. She danced not to the music, but to something more primal, something deeper. The room swayed around her as she began to turn, her hips following the unheard music inside her.

Kagome's eyes flew open and she gasped when she felt him by her. Inuyasha had moved from the bed and now stood directly in front of her. He kept his gaze on her face as his hands slid to her hips, grabbing her lightly and following her movements.

"Don't stop, Kagome." His voice was deep and full of emotion as he pulled her closer.

Kagome could feel his hips pressing against her. She quivered at his touch. His hands held her hips firmly, keeping her moving in rhythm as he pushed harder against her.

The priestess moaned, amazed at the feelings that were coursing through her body. She had never experienced anything like this. It was almost electric, like the energy from the approaching storm.

Inuyasha whispered her name and buried his face in her soft hair. He gently backed her to the wall and pressed his own hips against her. His body had discovered a rhythm of its own as the same electrical feeling flooded his body, centering at the point where his legs met his body.

Kagome gasped again, feeling the pressure of his swelling manhood against her.

Inuyasha pulled back, looking at Kagome for a moment before taking her hand and leading her to the bed. He climbed onto the stuffed mattress and knelt, sitting back on his feet. He reached out and took her hand, guiding her to him.

She couldn't resist him. A part of her she hadn't even known existed was controlling her as she climbed onto the deity's bed.

He pulled her to him, bringing her to sit on his lap, her legs straddling him.

"Dance for me, Kagome." Again he grasped her hips, guiding them into the same gyrating motion she had been doing earlier. Her hips pulsed against him, causing him to groan with pleasure.

"Kagome." He whispered her name again, his right hand leaving her hip and sliding up her back. He pulled her to him, holding her as she moved against him.

Kagome continued to moan with the feeling of pleasure coming from her secret place. Her breasts tingled where they pressed against his bare chest, the thin fabric of her dress nearly nonexistent as it clung to her. She gasped and moaned, her body swaying with the movements of her hips.

Inuyasha could take no more. He leaned his head towards her and claimed her lips, touching them hesitantly with his own. Kagome's lips softened and parted slightly as he kissed her, returning his growing passion.

Their kiss deepened as each reacted to the other's lips. Kagome felt light-headed but didn't care. She could feel Inuyasha bring his hand to her chest, gently cupping one breast as he pressed his lips harder against hers.

"No, not yet. I don't want you to reach ecstasy yet, Kagome." He could feel the growing warmth and wetness between her legs where she sat on him. Her breathing was erratic and her heart pulsed as though she was running a race.

He gently shifted her, bringing her to the bed while he sat looking down at her. The priestess's hair had come loose from its braid and cascaded over the pillow and her shoulders. Her eyes were bright with passion as she looked at him.

"Inuyasha." Her voice was a whisper.

He leaned over her, kissing her over and over as he gently untied her sash and undid the silky fabric that covered her. He dropped his head to her breasts, kissing first one and then the other before once again cupping his hand over one.

Kagome moaned again, her chest and shoulders pushing upward as he massaged the rounded mound of her breast. He followed with his mouth, surprised when the soft tip of her breast stiffened under his lips.

Inuyasha opened his lips, taking in the nipple between them. He sucked carefully on the tip, letting his tongue slide around its peak. She felt so good. Smelled so good. She even tasted good as he took her nipple gently between his teeth.

Once again, Kagome moaned with pleasure. She slid her hands along his chest, stroking and tickling him before she let one hand slide from his chest to his stomach. She moved it in tentative circles across his skin, bringing it closer and closer to his throbbing manhood. She undid his kilt, moving the fabric from him. He reacted with surprise when Kagome's hand reached his shaft and she gently grasped him. She continued to move her hand over it, thrilling in the way it pulsed in her hand. Each stroke brought groans from Inuyasha.

He reached down to her special place, cupping his hand over it. The gauze of her undergarment was wet and warm, allowing the scent of her arousal to reach him. He shifted downwards, pulling at the only fabric that remained between them.

Kagome lay naked on his bed, suddenly embarrassed as he touched her between the legs. "I hope you're not offended."

Inuyasha looked confused for a moment before realizing that she referred to the patch of dark hair that lay just about her womanhood.

"You don't practice the ritual of shaving your body," he commented.

Kagome shook her head, aware that most women of this land took pride in removing all their body hair. "If it offends you…"

Inuyasha smiled and lay his hand over the patch of pubic hair. It was soft to the touch and slightly curly. He liked how it felt against his palm.

"I like you just the way you are, Kagome," His fingers wove themselves through her, playfully tugging at the revealed hair.

Kagome moaned again as his palm pressed against her. He realized that he had found her special place and slipped his hand between her legs. A warm moisture coated his hand, proof that the priestess was aroused. The musky scent coming from her womanhood drew him. He lifted his head from her breasts and turned to her special place.

She spread her legs as he gently pressed outward on her inner thighs, looking across her body at the silver-haired deity whose face paused over her private area for just a moment as he drank in her amazing scent. He quickly lowered his face to her, letting his tongue slide over the slickness of her arousal. The taste of her made him want more and he quickly began to use his mouth, moving over her and taking her swollen lips in with a gentle sucking motion. Each time he moved against her, she squirmed and moaned with pleasure. He wanted nothing more than to bring her to ecstasy, but paused. It was too soon. He wanted Kagome to feel as much pleasure as he could give her. He worried, too, about hurting her. She was, after all, a virgin.

The memory of a conversation he had with the first priest of the temple, Miroku's grandfather, came to his mind. The first priest was as perverted as the current one, feeling that it was his duty to instruct the deity in the ways of pleasuring a woman. Inuyasha had avoided those conversations for the most part, feeling embarrassed about the priest's candor. However, one thing came back to him. Something about a barrier.

Inuyasha slid one finger carefully into her womanhood, smiling as she gasped and moaned louder than before. He pushed his digit into her slowly, probing for the resistance that would mean her barrier. He could feel it and paused for a moment. "I don't want to hurt you, Kagome. Just relax."

One careful movement and she gasped. However, her reaction was from pleasure as his finger slid deeply into her. The breaking of her barrier had scarcely been a twinge.

Inuyasha used first one, and then two fingers, pushing them deeply into Kagome as he continued to use his tongue on her. Her moans were more intense when he dipped his fingers into her womanhood and when he stimulated the small nub just between her legs., so he continued his movements until he could tell that she was close to ecstasy.

Inuyasha lifted his head and looked up at Kagome. Her eyes were bright, her cheeks flushed. He moved his body along her, coming to rest with his hips poised just above her.

"Kagome," he whispered.

She smiled at him and slid her hands around his waist, pulling him towards her.

He shook his head. "I need to know, Kagome. Are you here because you think it's your duty? Or, is it because…"

Kagome arched her neck, bringing her face to his. Her lips were gentle against his as she answered him.

"I'm here because I want to be here, Inuyasha."

He closed his eyes and smiled, kissing her back.

"I want you, Kagome."

He could feel her fingers pressing into his lower back, coaxing him downwards. He didn't resist, letting his hips come between hers. His throbbing manhood pressed against her womanhood, waiting for him to guide it to its home.

He slid slowly into her, careful not to take her too quickly. She continued to pull him into her, stopping only when he could go no deeper. The feeling of her surrounding him was like nothing he had felt before. Something inside him told him to move against her, letting his shaft advance and retreat into the slick warmth of her womanhood.

Each time he pulsed, Kagome moaned. Her sounds added to his own arousal and he began to move more quickly, falling into a rhythm that she began to match with her own movements. Her hips tipped and pushed towards him with every thrust. He could feel her heart racing, hear her breath coming in ragged gasps as she reached the pinnacle of ecstasy. He began to move faster until he exploded with pleasure, spilling his seed into her as her body clenched around him. Kagome gasped in sheer delight as he pushed into her one last time, his shaft stiff and swollen inside her. He held himself inside of her as he kissed her. His tongue forced its way between her lips, searching the warm moistness of her mouth. She responded with her own tongue.

Inuyasha groaned with pleasure as he felt her squeeze herself around him. He wanted nothing more than to stay that way. But, they had time. There would be a lifetime of nights like this one.

He slowly slid from her and shifted his weight to one side so that he lay next to her, looking into her eyes.

"That was…" There were no words to describe what he had just experienced with Kagome.

"Yes, that was…" She laughed softly and she snuggled against his shoulder.

He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. It felt good just to lie with her against him. Inuyasha leaned toward her and gently kissed her forehead.

"It's storming outside." Kagome noticed. They could hear the rumble of thunder and the sound of raindrops hitting the stone roof of the temple. She wasn't used to storms, but here closer to the hills she knew they weren't unheard of.

"I hadn't noticed," Inuyasha looked up at the ceiling, wondering how he had missed the sounds of the storm. One glace at Kagome gave him the answer. They had been so wrapped up in each other that the rest of the world hadn't existed.

He could feel Kagome relaxing in his arms, her heartbeat and breathing returning to normal as she snuggled against him.

"You need sleep," he whispered to the beautiful priestess in his arms.

"I'm not sleepy, " she lied, burying her face against him to hide her yawn.

"You need to be rested for tomorrow night," he mumbled into her hair.

"What's tomorrow night?"

He pushed his hip against her, prompting another moan of pleasure.

"Oh," she whispered. "Good night."

"Kagome."

"Huh?" She looked at him, her eyes soft and shiny in the light of the torch.

"I've never felt this way about anyone." He paused, looking for words to describe what he was feeling. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Inuyasha."

The silver-haired deity smiled as he held the priestess. His special priestess. They fell asleep in each other's arms, lulled to sleep by the lullaby of the storm outside.