Although it would take major work to get anyone to admit it, although being the dogs of the empire had all of these layers of protection against being biased for or against anyone based upon who their sire was, it wasn't always fool-proof. However, when an older demon stomps right up to you, claps you on your back, and shouts out your relation, it is hard to deny. It is also difficult when said demon happens to be the guest of honor at a festival that you were officially called to through the governing bodies of your assigned hold. So, when the big older demon slapped Inuyasha and Sesshomaru on the back, it went without saying that they weren't going to be the dogs of the empire that day. Inuyasha was taken aback to see his old man, who he hadn't seen since before his voice cracked the first time. Toga was a big demon, dwarfing even Sesshomaru, whose eyes were empty and his face was marred with a seemingly permanent scowl.
The whole gang was there and their partners accompanied them in their smaller forms, but always close at hand. Kagome smiled tightly, getting pulled into a conversation between the older dog and his sons.
"So, I smell a woman on you, son, when were you going to introduce me to this young lady?" Toga wasn't looking at either son, but the second-long pause in the heart beat of Sesshomaru caught his attention. He tucked that little bit of information away for later use.
"Aw, pops, it ain't even like that. She ain't interested in mating. She likes her human customs. What can ya do?" Inuyasha grinned, rubbing the back of his head. He had recently found a little slip of a woman, Kiku, who he was crazy about. Toga smiled at his son, smirking as he cut his eyes to Sesshomaru.
"Oh, really, son? That seems so strange, don't you think, Miss…?"
"Uh, Kagome, sir."
"Miss Kagome? I don't understand these human girl's my youngest finds. You humans get married- that is supposed to be forever- so what is so different from being mated?"
"Um… I am truly sorry, sir, but I do not know all of the little things about being mated. For all I know, it could be the exact same thing as marriage. Or, it could be a totally different type of commitment"
"Really? But you stay with three demons! And a former exterminator! And a monk! And a priestess! How is it that you do not know the nuances of the mating ceremony?" Kagome blushed, ducking her head as he questioned her. She bit her lip again, thinking of an excuse.
"Son? Yes, you, Sesshomaru! Educate this girl, would you? Such a pretty, powerful young thing must have a line of suitors a mile long. Eventually some demon might try to swoop her up. It'd be a shame if she didn't know what she was getting into, wouldn't it?" Toga smiled, winking at his son as he walked off, pulling Inuyasha and Kouga along, urging the other humans to follow with his boisterous talk of political matters and the like. Toga grinned one last time at Kagome, before nodding his goodbye. Kagome blushed again, deeper, and peeked up at Sesshomaru.
"You don't know the details of mating?" Sesshomaru looked at her, his head cocked to the side. She darted around him, holding one of her hands to her flaming face. She couldn't believe her poor luck.
"I figured you'd get around to it eventually. I didn't wanna ask you because it's- it's embarrassing. I come from a long line of priestesses and I know next to nothing!" Kagome walked a little ahead of him, weaving around the many people gathered to the city to celebrate the festival. He grabbed her shoulder, pulling her to him, looking around as he lifted her into his arms, taking off. He jumped on to a crate, running a little faster as he propelled himself onto a roof. He bared his fangs at her, ignoring the angry barking of both his and her partner. He knew, already, that Daisuke was going to have a kitten. But, at the same time, he'd get over it.
"Quit running away from me!" He barked, backing her up against a door that presumably lead downstairs and back to the streets. He paused, taking a calming breath before he crashed his lips against her mouth in a mess of teeth and tongue.
"We will cover the mating ritual in our next meeting. " He hissed into her ear, his fingers closing around her hips as he leaned back in again, kissing her, partly because he wanted her to shut up but also because it had been too long since they had last kissed and he needed to taste her on his lips again. Between his father and his brother and her and her stupid, wonderful mouth, he needed for her to just shut up and kiss him. It helped that she was angry, because her angry kisses were the best.
He smirked as she leaned into him, her mouth moving against his in an angry dance. Her teeth sunk into his lip as she sucked on it, pulling a quiet groan from him. After a few moments, he sighed, resting his forehead against hers.
"I –"
"I –"
They both jumped when someone banged against the door. They shared a look before they turned the corner, running along the rooftop before they jumped onto the top of a stand, tucking and rolling back down to earth. They looked at each other again, and Kagome collapsed into a fit of giggles as she reached up, tugging a twig out of his hair. A few seconds later, Sesshomaru was pressed intimately against the ground by one very angry Daisuke. He snarled at the stupid dog that made off with his human, snapping once at him before standing.
Stupid demon…
You don't run away with his charge. Ever.
Kagome ran her fingers through the furry flank of Daisuke, clicking her tongue.
"Dai, no need to be so mean to Sesshomaru." Daisuke cut his eyes to her, smacking the backs of her legs with his tail.
Little human, that demon takes liberties that he should not. Should he steal you away again, he shall suffer more than just a chiding. I am as much responsible for you as you are for me. Do not forget that.
Manami, Sesshomaru's partner, snorted. She bared her teeth at Daisuke, an obvious show of disrespect.
You act as though you have never had a secret meeting with a bitch you desire. The rules that you keep for your charge are both contradictory to your own nature and unfair to her. She is a human and without you she would have a short life. Do not forget that they must live fast for they die so soon.
Daisuke snarled at her, but let the matter drop. Kagome, not well versed in snarls and barks only followed small bits of her speech, and was tired of the terse atmosphere.
"Sesshomaru, do you want to look at some of the games? Or maybe the things the vendors are hawking?" She smiled, tickling Daisuke under his chin, causing him to toss his head.
"If that is what you so desire. I had thought you would be more pressed to look to the ocean, as you love it so"
She nudged Daisuke, motioning for him to bend down so she could climb on.
"The sun is going down. I could probably go for a short swim before they start the fireworks." Kagome nudges his side, and they make their way slowly toward the beach, where many of the festival goers have decided to go swimming. A palanquin rested just far enough away from the water that even at high tide the sand would remain dry. Beside that a blanket was laid out, and servants busied themselves with waving fans to keep a lord cool. As Kagome and Sesshomaru neared, the man stood and made his way towards them.
"Miss Kagome, I am so glad to make your acquaintance." He nodded his head to her, and she gave a small nod in return.
"I am sorry I am not familiar, sir. What is your name?" The lord chuckled quietly, before leveling his gaze on her.
"I am Lord Takehiko. This festival is one I am hosting" He nodded again, his deep ebony hair falling into his face. As he sat back, his indigo eyes bored into Kagome's own blue orbs.
"I understand that you are a very powerful priestess, capable of summoning large amounts of holy energy with little to no training concerning the control of your powers. Very impressive, if I may be so bold, Miss Kagome" His eyes crinkled in a very easy smile, and his hand clasped Kagome's shoulder, who was blushing at all the attention. Lord Takehiko ignored the growls coming from a very put out dog demon.
"Thank you very much, Lord Takehiko. I was unaware I was so popular to be known by one such as yourself" Kagome rubbed her hands together nervously, fidgeting under his gaze.
"Oh, please call me Takehiko. No need for formalities between us." Takehiko let his eyes wonder to Sesshomaru. "Although, it seems as though your guard dog is becoming uneasy. Please have a good time, Kagome, and do let me know should you need anything. Anything at all." Kagome nodded, bowing slightly before wondering past him and closer to the water. Sesshomaru followed close behind, bearing his teeth at the Lord in charge of the city.
"Wow! It's been so long since I've seen the water! Why aren't there more people here? The water looks great!" The over layer was quickly shed, and the geta kicked off. Kagome gathered her yukata into her hands and waded into the water, enjoying the feeling of the sand squishing between her toes, and the gentle push and pull of the water inspired a feeling of peace within her. Deep breaths. Her aura whispered around her, quietly, languidly, surrounding her like a blanket would swaddle a child. Sesshomaru looked nervously to her, looking back towards Takehiko, whose interest in the little priestess showed clearly in his eyes.
"Gods-damn" he muttered, slipping off his own geta before following after her. He walked right up to her, ignoring the initial zap that zipped across his skin. His fingers brushed her shoulder, and she turned slowly to him, her eyes fluttering open.
"Kagome." He whispered, quietly.
"The fireworks will be starting soon, let's go back to the beach." She nodded, smiling at him before turning and heading back. Daisuke laid down, allowing her to reach into the saddle-bag and pull out the blankets she had brought. She passed one to Sesshomaru, and then sat down, Daisuke shrinking down to rest beside her. She fully expected Sesshomaru to stand, scoff about human customs, and wait for her to be done. What she didn't expect was for him to sit gracefully next to her, his hair billowing around him in the wind. A quiet yawn escapes Kagome, who remains upright despite her desire to lean into Sesshomaru, who radiated so much heat that she could feel it despite the inches that separated them. Sesshomaru cut his eyes towards her, but before he could do anything, Daisuke circled around the young girl, wedging himself between the two.
Sesshomaru shifted a bit, followed by a growl from Daisuke.
Well, then, Sesshomaru thought, Looks like Daisuke doesn't approve.
Kagome smiled at him, reaching over and twirling a lock of his hair around her finger.
"Watch this, Sesshomaru. Fireworks are my favorite part of the festival."
She turned her head, just in time for her face to be bathed in gentle light as the first firework display exploded in the sky. Sesshomaru watched the flashes of blue and red and green flitter over her skin.
He, too, enjoyed the fireworks best.
