The first time he catches the scent, Hatake Kakashi doesn't know what it means. The second time, he is too distracted by pain and blood and fire. The third time is in Grass, and emotion swamps him- rage and outrage, and a sharp fear. He finally, finally goes to the Temple while Shikako goes to visit the Fire Temple, Naruto is still with Jiraiya and Sasuke is on a mission. When he reaches the Temple of the West, as his Great grandfather Sesshomaru has dubbed his court as it is now, centuries after immigration, Kakashi is greeted by his Great grandmother herself, Taisho no Rin. Despite a small stature and unwizened features, Rin is ever the strong woman who attended to him after his birth.
"He's waiting for you, pup." Kakashi nods, bending to press a kiss to her cheek. "Yes, Baa-sama." He hurries aaway to the sound of her huff of pleasure. He finds Sesshomaru wheere he was sure he would- in the solarium overlooking the training of young Youkai. "Ji-sama." The silver haired ninja intoned as he bowed. Sesshomaru dismissively replied "You're ready for mating." Kakashi blinks and argues "I am not even full youkai." Sesshomaru sighs and rebuts "Your father was my grandson by my hanyou daughter and that accursed Koga's eldest son, your mother was the daughter of my brother and his miko mate. You have enough youkai blood for the Inu no Taisho to know when you are ready to mate." Before Kakashi can think of another retort, Sesshomaru asks "Have you smelled wildflowers and wintergreen on a female?" The Hatake Scion nearly says 'no', until he remembers. Shikako's scent of grass and sunshine had been- more than once!- replaced by one or the other or both. His mouth goes dry. "She is my student, and nearly fifteen years younger." Sesshomaru turns serious gold eyes to a single grey. "Then you must choose. Stay fast until she can join with and take your mark, fake your death, or watch her die." A growl ascends Kakashis' throat. Sesshomaru is unimpressed.
"Courtship and mating are a serious matter, Jinushi. The longer she is around you, the more she is drawn to you, and that will either kill her with pain, or drive her mind to breaking, if there is not an end in sight. You have time, yes, but little of it, The other end of the problem is that very possibly, she has already formed some semblance of a bond to you." Kakashi cleared his throat and asked "How do I do this?" Sesshomaru chuckled dryly. "With patience. Do you think I mated Rin the first moment I became aware of who she was? Oh no, I had to win her, let her grow, and that, aside from letting her go if she wishes it, is the greatest gift you can give her, Kakashi."
Kakashi considered all this, while he stayed at the Temple. He did like the idea of faking his death, for it meant that if he was needed, he could still aid his people, but . . . Sesshomaru was right. Mating was serious business, more serious then marriage. Besides, for all tha she was young now, Shikako deserved to make the choice. The jonin flinched, because he had no choice but to honour her choice, even if that choice shattered him.
