Disclaimer: I don't own InuYahsha or its characters. They belong to their creator Rumiko Takahashi. Enjoy my insanity it isn't worth anything more than that.

Poisonous Balm

Holding Kagome's wrist in a firm, unyielding grip, Sesshoumaru slowly turned her hand over to expose the stinging abrasions on her palm. Aurulent eyes narrowed as his thin lips turned down at the corners in a frown. With a low rumble that almost sounded like an apology the demon pulled the small miko closer till she was nose to chest with him.

Kagome felt a small shiver run down her spine at the intensity of his closeness. She could smell the sharp scent of his blood mingling with a rich, musky essence that was purely him. Swallowing in growing apprehension she found herself suddenly fascinated by a crimson tinged droplet of sweat as it traced the graceful line of his strong jaw.

"You have been injured." The softly spoken words jerked her violently from her trance. Her wide eyes darted back to the youkai's appraising gaze.

"I am?" Blinking in confusion she followed his glance down to the scrapes that burned the fleshy mounds of her palms. "Oh. It's just a scratch." 'Nothing like Kouga's injuries' her conscience reminded her with a renewed surge of bitter guilt. She swallowed the futile plea that rose instantly to her lips; she knew that the daiyoukai would not allow her to tend the injuries of his defeated advisory.

A warm dampness brushed along her stinging palm, jolting her out of her miserable thoughts. Kagome watched in stunned awe as Sesshoumaru's tongue traced a slow, careful trail over the rises and dips on the inside of her hand. With painstaking gentleness he lapped at the aching abrasions, lathing her flesh with tender strokes. A memory of melting bone stirred a momentary panic in her chest, but instead of feeling the burn of his poison, the warmth was a soothing balm over her torn flesh.

~to be continued~

Weekly Perfection Prompt #191: low / 300 words