5 years pass

  Yua now lived in a quiet area Lord Toga had carved out just for her, a small corner of his land where he’d built her a home. It was peaceful, safe. She was mostly content, but often found herself scanning the treetops and horizon, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sesshomaru. She never wandered far, always just close enough to look, never close enough to get hurt.

  She felt a new presence approaching,unfamiliar, but tinged with a scent she had long since come to associate with Lord Toga. A man landed in front of her, riding a slow, heavy-footed brown cow.

  “Yua, right?” the man asked. His eyes were dull and simple. She could tell right away he was a demon smith.

  “Yes?” Her hands flexed near her sides, claws ready if needed.

  “I’m here to deliver this.” He pulled out a sword she didn’t recognize. “Lord Toga had it commissioned for you. I was told to give it to you only after his passing. I’m sorry it has to be this way.” He handed the sword to her with a respectful nod.

  Yua took it carefully. The moment her fingers wrapped around the sheath, she dropped to her knees and clutched it like a lifeline. His scent was all over it. It was one of his fangs—she could feel it. She cried without restraint, her body shaking.

  “Thank you… I’m sorry for crying,” she whispered once the tears slowed.

  “It’s quite alright,” the man said gently, then climbed back onto his cow and departed.

  She slipped the sword onto her hip and turned toward the house, but froze. Sesshomaru’s scent washed over her like a wave. Slowly, she looked toward the clearing—and there he stood.

  She walked toward him, and he didn’t wait. He closed the distance and pulled her into his arms. Her face flushed as she looked up at him, just before he kissed her. There was no hesitation. His hand slid behind her head, fingers brushing something familiar—her hairpin. The one he had given her. That small detail nearly broke him. Still, he forced himself to break the kiss.

  “Yua…” he murmured, his voice low and filled with restrained hunger.

  He had noticed how she had grown—how her body filled out. It made it harder to think. Yua blushed, looking away, unsure what to say or do.

  “Sorry,” Sesshomaru muttered, clearing his throat.

  “It’s okay. I just… I’m still a virgin, so I don’t really know what to do,” Yua admitted quietly. Her face turned redder as she continued, “But… I do have something to tell you. Something important.”

  “I’m listening.” Sesshomaru thought he already knew what she was about to say.

  “There’s a male who’s been harassing me. He tried to force himself on me… tried to mate with me,” she said, carefully choosing her words.

  “Where the fuck is he?” Sesshomaru growled, a deep, protective anger rising in his chest.

  Yua bit her lip. His growl stirred something in her, something she didn’t know how to deal with. Sesshomaru caught the shift in her scent and flushed.

  “Mmm… I can kill him later if you'd rather mate first,” he said, his hand trailing up her thigh.

  “I’m… not sure,” Yua said quickly, grabbing his hand.

  “Okay. We’ll wait. I’m sorry. I let myself get carried away.” He leaned in and kissed her neck softly.

  “I don’t think I’m ready yet,” Yua whispered, retreating a little.

  He understood. They had just reunited. They needed to reconnect in other ways first. He let her lead him inside.

  “This is my home… my very small territory,” she said with a faint smile.

  “We can expand it whenever you want,” Sesshomaru replied, locking eyes with her.

  “If you don’t mind helping me, it’d be easier. Especially with a sword.” She rested a hand on the blade at her hip.

  He noticed the sword at her side, then looked down at the one hanging at his. Tenseiga. Not Tessaiga.

  Yua caught his discomfort. “I was going to ask… why that one?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I didn’t earn the other.” Sesshomaru looked away, ashamed.

  “I’m sure he had a reason.” Her voice was soft but full of certainty.

  Sesshomaru nodded, eyes shifting to the sword at her side again. “I’ve never seen that one before.”

  “It’s a gift… to help me protect myself,” she said simply.

  “He was kind to do that,” Sesshomaru said. He reached for her hand and squeezed it gently.

  “I knew we’d find each other again. But after the first couple years passed… I felt like I should’ve done more. I should’ve helped you find me.” Yua looked away. “I stayed here. I was scared. I’ve lived with fear since I was small… I’ve tried to move past it, but I’m still stuck.” Her eyes shimmered, tears falling.

  Sesshomaru held her close again. Her trembling form fit against his perfectly, like nothing had changed—and everything had.

  Sesshomaru had argued with his father about her more times than he could count. He still couldn’t fully believe that his father had known where she was all along, but… deep down, it didn’t surprise him either.

  Now, holding her in his arms as she cried, he didn’t think about the past—just the weight of her in his embrace. He soothed her gently, fingers combing through her soft grey hair. It had grown so long since their childhood. At first, he hadn’t recognized her, not until her scent confirmed everything. That scent had been buried under his father’s each time he searched this land. It all made sense now.

  Even as her sobs quieted, he didn’t let go. Not yet. She calmed, nestled against his chest, but he held her a little tighter—like if he let go, she might disappear again.

  Yua eventually looked up at him, her expression full of worry. He met her eyes and kissed her—not out of lust, but to steady them both. She kissed him back, soft and sure, before he slowly released her from his hold.

  “My father worked hard to hide you. Probably from my mother,” Sesshomaru said, voice low. “That’s why he never told me, even when I could smell your scent on him.”

  He thought back to one of their many arguments and winced, regretting how he had handled it.

  “Yes… he started to hide me more after what happened with Shi. My scent alone wasn’t strong enough to scare anything off…” Yua's voice was quiet. There was shame in it.

  “Shi? The cat demon hybrid?” Sesshomaru asked, eyes narrowing.

  She nodded. It caught her off guard that he knew the name.

  Sesshomaru’s expression darkened. That bastard had tried to ally with him once. The thought that he had laid hands on Yua made Sesshomaru’s blood boil.

  “I can’t believe that bastard had the nerve,” he growled, voice deep and full of threat.

  Yua flushed. Her reaction was immediate and unhidden. She liked the sound of his protective anger—more than she was ready to admit. Sesshomaru caught her shift in scent and bit his lip. He wanted her. Badly. But he held back.

  “Show me where we’ll be sleeping,” he said softly.

  He let go just enough for her to move, though he kept her hand in his the entire way.

  Yua led him down a small hallway to the bedroom. He was surprised by the amount of space she had. His father had really fixed this place up. He remembered it had been in ruin before. Yua sat down, still holding his hand, as he stood there looking around. Sesshomaru sat down behind her like he used to when they read together and wrapped his arms around her. He placed his hands on her stomach, because anywhere else and his hands would wander.

  Yua got comfortable very quickly. She had missed this feeling more than anything. Sesshomaru kissed the top of her head as she leaned back in his arms. Yua blushed more when she saw his face; there was a look in his eyes she recognized—lust and want. She wanted him too, but a part of her still worried she wouldn't satisfy him.

  Sesshomaru saw the desire in her eyes but chose not to push. Maybe she would come around to the idea on her own. Still, he leaned in and kissed her, just enough to ease the urge that had been building in him. When he tried to pull away, Yua grabbed his collar and held him close. Sesshomaru let his hand drift higher this time, just beneath her chest. Yua blushed and bit his lip softly. He cupped her breast in response, and growled quietly when she bit him.

  “Sorry… I ju-mm,” Yua began to apologize, but Sesshomaru silenced her with another deep kiss.

  When he finally broke the kiss, he moved slightly away from her face. Yua blushed at the look in his eyes, the silent pleading that filled them.

  “But I’ve never done it. How could I possibly satisfy you…” Yua admitted, her thoughts spilling out.

  “Mmm. Darling, I want to worship you. You don’t need to please me. Making you happy is enough for me,” Sesshomaru groaned softly.

  “I-I... I umm... ah~ umm... yes, please,” Yua stammered, her face deep red.

  Sesshomaru searched her eyes for any hesitation, any flicker of regret or fear. He found neither. He kissed her deeply, sliding one hand down to her womanhood while the other teased her nipple. Yua moaned at the sensation, her body reacting instinctively. Sesshomaru gently pushed aside the bottom of her kimono and rubbed her womanhood while muffling her moans with his kisses.

  He listened carefully for any sign of approaching demons. Her scent was sweet and heavy in the air—enticing, dangerous. Still, he got lost in the sound of her voice and the warmth of her body.

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  When he finally broke the kiss, her moans spilled freely. The sound sent shivers down his spine. He was growing harder with each one, unable to tear his eyes or his thoughts away from her.

  “Yua…” Sesshomaru whispered softly into her ear.

  “Mmmm... Se-Sesshomaru...” She could barely manage to say his name.

  “Mmm, fuck, don’t say my name like that. I can’t handle it,” Sesshomaru blushed deeply at the sound of her struggling to speak through pleasure.

  “B-but... mmmm... Sess-Sessho... mmm...” Yua couldn’t finish. Her mind was lost to the wave of bliss overtaking her.

  Sesshomaru could tell she had reached her climax. He bit his lip as the sweet aroma hit his nose. Slowly, he stopped rubbing her, and brought his fingers to his lips to clean them with a flick of his tongue.

  “We’ll take it slow. I need to take care of myself. I’ll return...” Sesshomaru said, then slipped out of the room.

  Yua could only lie back and get cozy in the bed. Sesshomaru stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall as he relieved himself. Her scent still lingered thick in the air, and it made him finish faster than he ever had before.

  By the time he returned, she was already asleep. He quietly climbed into bed beside her, wrapped his arms around her, and drifted off to sleep with her held close.

  The next morning, Yua woke up and felt arms around her. For a brief moment, she panicked—then remembered the previous night with Sesshomaru. He was still fast asleep, holding her gently. Yua didn’t try to wiggle free from his arms. Instead, she settled deeper into his embrace and closed her eyes again.

  A few minutes later, Sesshomaru stirred. He kissed her forehead, then released his grip and sat up, stretching out his arms. When he turned to look at her, her face was partially hidden behind her hair. He reached out, intending to brush it aside, but she moved it first. Instead of fixing her hair, he took her hand and kissed her deeply.

  This time, Yua broke the kiss to speak.

  “Later... I would like to um... mate with you. Maybe tonight, after we eat something?” she asked shyly, her voice soft and uncertain. The dreams from the night before still lingered in her thoughts.

  Sesshomaru looked into her eyes. The want he saw there was answer enough. He felt the need to move slowly with her, but if she was asking...

  “Yes, we can. If you're sure that’s what you want,” he said, his gaze steady.

  “Yes,” Yua replied, blushing more.

  “Do you know what that entails?” Sesshomaru asked gently, wanting to make sure she understood.

  “Some of what we had last night... but with more contact, and... insertion,” Yua said, her cheeks bright red.

  “Yes. As long as you understand,” Sesshomaru said, then leaned in to kiss her again, hoping to calm the worry rising in his chest.

  She returned the kiss, but she felt the hesitation in him. His voice had carried something hidden. Behind his eyes, she saw doubt.

  Sesshomaru was afraid… afraid that maybe she didn’t truly want this. That maybe she just wanted to make him happy.

  “Yua... I love you,” he said, his eyes soft and sincere.

  “I love you too,” she replied without hesitation.

  Her words caught him off guard. He blushed and looked away before getting up from the bed to change. As he opened her wardrobe, he noticed a number of yukata and kimonos. He picked one and slipped it on.

  Yua’s eyes lit up with delight when she saw how well it fit. She silently celebrated the fact that her guesses had been right. She had prepared them recently, trusting her instinct that they would be together again soon.

  Sesshomaru was surprised by the perfect fit. It was like the clothes were made for him—because they were. He couldn’t help but smile, touched by the gesture. When he glanced at Yua again, she was beaming, proud of her work.

  “Thank you, my love, for this. It's perfect.” He touched the sleeve before fastening his obi.

  “I’m glad you like it!” Yua exclaimed.

  Sesshomaru blushed at her expression and tried not to cover his face. Yua got up and began to dress as well. Sesshomaru soon noticed something—her kimono pattern matched the one on his obi, and his yukata pattern was mirrored on her obi. He flushed deeper, picturing how carefully she must have planned it all.

  “Yua... I really love you.” Sesshomaru's voice wavered as tears welled in his eyes. The realization that she had been so close for so long broke something in him.

  “You okay?” Yua asked softly, rushing to his side and touching his cheek like he so often did for her.

  He teared up more and began to cry.

  “I should have looked harder. I was gone for so long—why? Because I listened to my father and avoided the forbidden lands. If I had known you were here, I would have gone gladly...” He took a breath, calming as he looked at her.

  He missed her more than words could say. Yua hugged him tightly, recognizing the weight of his regret. Sesshomaru blushed as her chest pressed into him. He bit his lip at the sensation, holding her tighter.

  “I’m okay, Yua. I just missed you so much. I searched everywhere for you... everywhere but here. I wanted to earn Tessaiga, to have something to protect you with. I thought I had someone to protect, and still...” Sesshomaru sighed. “Maybe my father didn’t trust me to protect you. He even gave you a sword to protect yourself.” He glanced at the blade on her hip, wondering what it was truly capable of.

  “Sesshomaru... um, what would you like to do today?” she asked shyly, trying to steer them toward lighter thoughts.

  “Kiss you... and so much more,” Sesshomaru replied, his voice growing softer as his mind wandered.

  Yua’s face brightened immediately. With her pale complexion, the blush that spread across her cheeks was vivid. Her gray hair shone in the light, no longer streaked with white. Sesshomaru looked her over, committing everything about her to memory.

  He leaned in and kissed her, lingering on her lips, savoring the way they fit so perfectly together. As he pulled back, he gave her lower lip a gentle bite. Yua blushed deeper at the sensation. He saw her expression, the way her eyes shimmered, and kissed her again—this time, deeper.

  Their tongues intertwined, slow and deliberate. When Sesshomaru finally pulled away, he turned his head, doing his best to restrain the desire building inside him.

  “Gods damn it... I can't wait until tonight,” Sesshomaru mumbled.

  Yua blushed, hearing his quiet confession.

  “Then let's not…” Her voice was soft and uncertain.

  “No, we will wait.” He didn’t want her to feel pressured.

  “But you w—” Yua started, but he cut her off gently.

  “When you are ready, not me. I’ve been ready since I got here, but if I’ve waited this long, I can wait longer. Until you're ready.” Sesshomaru's tone was firm but full of care.

  “But if you have to fight so hard to hold back, why make yourself suffer?” Yua pushed back, something she normally wouldn’t do. She usually just agreed with him.

  “Yua... I know you want to make me happy, but if I take you now, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.” Sesshomaru flushed red and covered his face with one hand. “I need to control my urges, or I’ll regret our first time.”

  “Fine…” Yua sounded half relieved, half disappointed.

  “I don’t know what you want right now,” he said, biting his lip.

  “I don’t either…” she whispered, blushing at the thought of his mouth on her skin, of kisses and bites that made her heart race.

  Sesshomaru caught the scent of her arousal and turned away, closing his eyes to breathe through the rush it sent through him.

  “How about we try... and if anything becomes too much, I’ll stop,” he offered softly, the heat in his voice still there but now wrapped in restraint.

  “Okay.” Yua exhaled and relaxed as his lips met hers again, more heated this time.

  He cupped her breasts, kneading them softly. She gasped, her body responding quickly. He growled low in his throat as her arousal deepened. The scent drove him wild. He broke the kiss only to trail down to her neck. He bit her gently, then licked the spot to soothe it. Yua moaned at each nip, each brush of his tongue.

  Sesshomaru pressed up against her, letting her feel how hard he was. Yua’s eyes widened; her cheeks flushed with both desire and a flicker of hesitation. She moved back slightly, gently pushing him away.

  “What’s wrong?” Sesshomaru touched her cheek. “Did I bite too hard?” His eyes flicked to the last mark he left.

  “No, I just... wasn’t expecting you to be so big.” Yua looked away, blushing fiercely.

  Sesshomaru’s face went crimson. “Yeah... I’m sorry. I can’t really help that.” He met her eyes, checking her reaction.

  She was still blushing and staring, her gaze drifting downward. Sesshomaru took a step back, understanding her curiosity. He untied his obi and let his bottoms fall.

  Her reaction shifted from wide-eyed surprise to curiosity and something else—desire, less hesitant now. Yua knelt and reached for him. He groaned as her fingers wrapped around him, stroking softly. He flinched when her tongue flicked over the tip. Then she took him into her mouth, slowly, carefully.

  “Fu—” Sesshomaru gasped, struggling to speak. “Y-Yua…”

  His panting grew heavier as she managed to take more of him. He couldn’t hold back and gently pulled her head away, trembling. He bit his lip hard, staring down at her flushed, hungry expression.

  “No... we should wait,” he murmured, embarrassed by how quickly he had been overwhelmed.

  “I knew I wasn't able to—” Yua started, only for him to stop her.

  “You made me finish.” His cheeks darkened as he admitted it.

  “Oh.” Yua flushed, surprised. She hadn’t expected that.

  Sesshomaru’s blush deepened as he pulled his clothes back on, clearing his throat. Yua stood and reached for a fresh kimono. She dropped her old one without thinking and began to dress. Sesshomaru’s breath caught as he watched her, taking in the soft curves of her bare form. He looked away as she tied up her hair, securing it with the hairpin he’d given her.

  He closed his eyes, the image of her body burned into his memory.

  “Fuck... I got so lucky,” he said softly, thinking of her over him.

  Yua looked over at him, blushing at his comment.

  “Sorry, that was an internal thought,” Sesshomaru said as he looked her over. “But I did get lucky.” He touched her cheek gently.

  Yua blushed, unsure exactly what he meant. Sesshomaru kissed her cheek before taking her hand and leading her out of the room. Yua followed, surprised at how well he navigated her home.

  Father, you really designed it just how I said I wanted it... Sesshomaru moved quietly, taking everything in, his fingers brushing carved wood details as he passed. Yua watched him in silence, letting him explore.

  He stopped in front of a particular door. He had asked his father to make that room special, for him and the one he might one day call his mate. He had not known if his father would do it. Sesshomaru slid the door open and paused, surprised to see the nursery exactly as he had imagined. He dropped Yua’s hand and stepped inside.

  Yua had walked these halls many times, but she had never opened this door. She always assumed it was an unused extra room. Sesshomaru ran his hand along the edge of the crib and imagined a child smiling up at him from within it. His heart swelled. Yua stepped beside him.

  “My father built this home from an old palace he had, back when we outgrew this place,” Sesshomaru said quietly. “I asked him, if he ever restored it, to make it for me and my future mate. My mother burned it down one night... when Father came home smelling like a human woman.”

  “Lady Izayoi…” Yua spoke the name softly.

  “Huh?” Sesshomaru looked at her, confused.

  “That’s her name. She came here a few times. The last time was only a few weeks ago. I escorted her to the human city nearby, like he instructed. He was badly injured. Your father… I begged him to stay. But you know how stubborn he is. He went anyway, still hurt, to kill that human lord,” Yua said, her voice growing distant. “Your father helped me remember who my real father was. Aoi... Aoi was my uncle. He did things to me that I’d rather not talk about.”

  She blinked, shook her head, and touched her forehead. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up. I just... remember it so clearly. It was only a week or so ago. He had been fine before.” Her voice broke. “I didn’t know he was going to die.” Tears welled up as she saw again in her mind Lord Toga, blood dripping from his arm, holding a pregnant woman in the other.

  Sesshomaru kissed her, trying to draw her away from that memory. The kiss helped, if only a little. When he pulled away, he wiped her tears with care.

  “You could not have saved my father,” Sesshomaru said quietly. “I know what you’re thinking. I saw him too. He asked me if I had someone to protect... I told him it was you.”

  He paused, then added, “Finding you was an accident. I was going to see Totosai. He was one of Father’s oldest friends and forged all of his blades. I thought he might know the reason...”

  “He may.” She paused, thinking about what he could possibly need Tessaiga for. “Why do you need it?”

  “To protect you.” Sesshomaru looked at her, confused.

  “Sesshomaru… you don't need that sword,” she protested.

  Sesshomaru was more confused by her protest. He bit his lip, holding back words, but decided to speak them anyway.

  “I worked hard for that sword, Yua,” he growled, not wanting to say the truth.

  “I know... but your father doesn’t do things without reason. You know that…” Yua kept her tone even.

  “You’re right.” Sesshomaru looked over at her.

  Yua sighed and took his hand, placing it on her sword. He felt it pulse, as if it knew him. He looked at the blade; it had a plain black handle and sheath. He drew it, revealing a brilliant black blade. He slid it back into the sheath, his eyes meeting his lover’s.

  His mind was soothed by the thought, for now.