How a Cat Tamed a Dog Demon Lord Part 11: Discussion of Mating and Inuyasha's Long-Awaited Confession

I smiled as I saw the various food waiting for us on the table. The scents of fresh cooked fish, rice, and various fruits came to my nose. Sesshomaru smirked as he saw how pleased I was with the food selection.
"I only have the finest foods here at the Western Palace, Toshiro. You'll do well to remember that."
"You can't scare me with those threats."
He shook his head and we sat down. I looked to the entrance of the dining room to see Rin dressed up in a cleaner kimono. She smiled as she sat beside me.
"Good evening, Miss Toshiro."
"Good evening to you, Rin. Have you bathed?"
"Uh-huh."
"Picked out a kimono for tomorrow?"
"Yep!"
"Good. Here, give me your plate. I'll serve you some fish."
After we all had a good amount of food on our plates, we waited for Sesshomaru to take the first bite. Another smile came to my face as I dug into the food.
"This food is amazing. It tastes so fresh."
"Like I said, Toshiro, only the finest selection of foods are brought here."
"Yep. Lord Sesshomaru always has yummy food."
After we finished eating, I escorted Rin to her room. I tucked her into bed and lightly brushed hair out of her eyes.
"Get some rest, Rin."
"Miss Toshiro, will you play with me in the gardens tomorrow if I'm good?"
"If you can manage to behave when you awaken tomorrow morning, I'm sure Lord Sesshomaru won't mind me joining you outside."
"Okay!"
After she fell asleep, I smirked as I saw Sesshomaru leaning against the wall across from Rin's door. He linked arms with me and led me to our room. I smiled as I got ready for bed, putting on a white, red-trimmed sleeping kimono. He took off everything except his kimono pants. I raised an eyebrow at this and he smirked at my curiosity.
"This is just in case I am awakened or need to leave at a moment's notice."
"I see. That does make sense."
We got into bed and I rested my head on his bare chest. He responded by wrapping a strong arm around me.
"Toshiro, there is something I must discuss with you."
"Oh, okay. What is it?"
"When a Lord mates, he and his intended must go through a ritual of sorts. First, the Lord must present his intended to the other Lords and Ladies. Then if all goes well, the celebrations end with the union of the two."
"So, being presented to the other rulers is a way of introducing me as the future Lady of the Western Lands?"
"Precisely."
I smiled as I felt my eyelids droop. He smirked at how quickly my energy drained out and lightly brushed hair out of my face.
"I will be sending out messages to the other Lords tomorrow after the morning meal. I want to present you to them as soon as possible."
"Fair enough. Sleep well, Sesshomaru."

Inuyasha's POV:
I sat underneath the Sacred Tree, trying to figure out what I should say to Kagome. I couldn't deny that I had feelings for her anymore, but I still wasn't sure on how to tell her. She meant a lot to me and I know I've hurt her in the past by running to Kikyo, and I hoped my confession was enough for her to forgive me for everything I've done.
"Inuyasha, you out here?!"
My ears twitched as I heard Kagome's voice echo through the forest. I smiled slightly, thinking of what perfect timing she had. I stood up as Kagome came into view, her yellow backpack on her shoulders.
"Sorry I took so long, Inuyasha. It takes a while for me to completely fill this backpack."
"Eh, whatever. Let's go."
We began walking to the Bone Eater's Well in silence, neither one of us brave enough to say a word. I took in a deep breath as the well came into view, thinking it was now or never.
"Hey Kagome, can we talk for a minute before you go?"
"Hm? Oh, sure."
We sat against the well, Kagome looking at me carefully.
"Is something wrong, Inuyasha? You've been acting quiet all morning."
"Just...got something on my mind, is all. It's about you and me, actually."
"Oh. Nothing bad, right?"
I smirked and shook my head as I sensed her nervousness.
"No. I...wanted to tell you something, something I think took me way too long to admit."
"I'm sorry, Inuyasha. I don't understand what you mean."
"Kagome, I can't put it off anymore. I..."
She brushed hair gently out of my face and smiled.
"You what, Inuyasha?"
"Kagome, I love you."
Her eyes widened as I let it out in the open.
"Inuyasha, do you really?"
"I do. Will you allow me to court you?"
"Oh Inuyasha, of course you can. I've been waiting for you to say something like this for so long."
I pulled her to me, embracing her tightly. My ears twitched as I heard her cry softly. I smiled as I wiped away her tears.
"No need for tears, Kagome."
"I can't help it. I'm...just so happy."
That's a wrap for part 11. Sesshomaru discusses the mating ritual with Toshiro, and Inuyasha finally confesses his feelings for Kagome. Part 12 will begin in Sesshomaru's POV after he sends the final invitation for a gathering to be held the following evening, a gathering at which Sesshomaru introduces Toshiro as his intended. Also in part 12, Totosai the swordsmith and Myoga the flea deliver the final invitation to, surprisingly, Inuyasha. What will he have to say? Stay tuned to find out