Kagome sighed heavily, passing a hand over her face.
"I'm so glad that's over," she mumbled after the room emptied of dignitaries. Lifting her eyes, she looked at Sesshomaru, offering him a tired smile.
"You did well," the daiyoukai rose from his cushion, extending his hand to her. She took it gratefully.
"That's Kagome," Inuyasha said, trying not to blatantly stare at their affectionate display as his brother pulled his long-time friend into his arms. "Always had a way with words."
"I'm just glad it's done," Kagome repeated, beaming at Inuyasha as he rose to stand. "And I'm glad you were here. Your input was invaluable."
"I didn't do much," he mumbled, looking away and rubbing the back of his neck.
"Of course you did," she said, taking Sesshomaru's hand and slowly leading the brothers' from the room. "Your thoughts on hanyou protection were necessary, Inuyasha. Besides, you had every right and reason to be there."
The hanyou grew contemplative as they padded over the bamboo floor of the hallway, glancing beside him now and then at the oddity of his brother with Kagome.
"Yeah, I suppose," he finally agreed with a shrug. "If I can end the cruelty for some other poor hanyou, then I'll do what I can."
Peeking around the blue silk her betrothed wore that day, she offered her friend a grin.
"Always so helpful, Inuyasha. You have a good heart."
Scoffing, Inuyasha quickened his pace, eager to be away from all the business and general weirdness of seeing his friend with his brother.
"I'll see you at dinner," he called over his shoulder, turning down another hallway and disappearing from sight.
"It's still hard for him," Kagome sighed, pressing her lips together. "I suppose I can understand."
"He'll come around. Give him some time to adjust."
"So wise." Smiling, she pressed herself into his side, wrapping him in a brief, sideways hug. "I wonder if Kotoro will accept the Northern lordship," she mused, changing the subject.
"He will." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, his voice growing darker.
Kagome shivered, running her hands over her arms.
"Is it just me, or did the temperature drop?"
With a wry smirk, the daiyoukai turned narrowed amber on his priestess.
"I know of Kotoro," he revealed, unnecessarily. "He will thrive with the title of lord, but his arrogance has few limits."
"Sounds familiar," Kagome said under her breath.
Sesshomaru halted in his tracks, snagging her hand and pulling her into him. Her back to his chest, his arms wrapped around her shoulders, trapping her. He dipped his head, his lips brushing over her ear.
"It would seem that you require a lesson in manners, my mouthy priestess."
Moving his hands, he slid them down her arms and over her hips. The hallway was quiet, the oil lamps flickering where they hung overhead. The crickets played their songs in the background, and Kagome counted her breaths as his hands raised bumps across her flesh.
"It's not like it isn't true," she breathed, praying he'd give her that lesson regardless of what she said in her defense.
"Perhaps so," he agreed smoothly, pulling her hips roughly against him. "I, at least, have more decorum than that foolish human."
Ducking her head to hide a smile, she let him have this one, despite the fact that his arrogance was often so thick it suffocated everyone in the general vicinity.
Feeling sexy and bold in his arms, she reached back, cupping him in her palm.
He groaned and for some reason, the memory of a rainy rendezvous filled her mind.
"I just remembered something," she whispered as he spun her to face him, taking a handful of her hair in his hand.
"Hn?" He pulled her head back, his lips falling to her exposed throat as he pushed her against the nearest wall.
"Not here," she choked, his lips and touch making her blood burn. "It's personal."
Reaching out blindly, he slid open the nearest door and led her in, closing it behind them.
Not wasting any time, her back was against the wall once more, and his lips were pressed to her heated skin.
"Is here better?" He murmured, elegant fingers working their way through the knot in her obi.
It was, but she wanted his full attention for this.
Cradling his face in her hands, she made him look at her.
"Listen," she said softly, a smile pulling at her lips. Closing in, she pressed them to his ear and spilled her secret.
"Truly?" He asked when she pulled away, and she almost laughed at the curious look on his face.
"Mhm. I saw them together as I was coming in last night. But it's a secret, so don't tell anyone."
To that, he gave her a look only he could ever pull off. One that stated clearly that she was stupid if she thought he was a gossip.
She grinned.
"I knew I could count on you to be tight-lipped."
Tugging her closer, his lips hovered a breath from her own.
"You should try it. Now is a perfect time."
Her quiet laughter filled him with an odd sense of peace, and as her skin pressed to his, he marveled at the turn his life had taken.
Could it be possible, he wondered, to always feel so at peace?
:S:
All throughout the shiro servants were hard at work, preparing for the upcoming celebration.
Officially, it was to commemorate the peace treaty signing, and recognize the lords who partook in its conception.
Unofficially, Sesshomaru planned to use the gathering as an opportunity to announce his betrothal, and introduce her to his subjects.
Deep within the shiro, Kagome paced nervously.
"Kagome, you ready yet? It's time."
Inuyasha's impatient voice came from the other side of her closed screen, and she took a deep, cleansing breath.
"Showtime," she whispered, nodding to herself in the mirror before meeting her friend in the hall.
"You look… wow." He said, cheeks reddening.
"You think so? It's not too much, is it?" She couldn't help but fidget nervously.
Huffing in amusement, Inuyasha paused, his hands falling on her shoulders as he turned her to face him.
"You're the prettiest one here tonight, Kagome. You'll knock him off his feet."
With a girlish smile, the priestess hugged him.
"Thanks, Inuyasha," she whispered as he patted her back awkwardly.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't get all weepy on me."
With a laugh, she released him, and he smiled down at her.
"Let's go."
There was a hush as they entered the room. The moment was monumental, a mark in time unlikely to be forgotten.
A deep voice rang loudly.
"Presenting Kagome, future Lady of the West, and Inuyasha, youngest son of the Inu Taisho, and heir to the West."
And there she stood, dressed to the nine in black and gold, red and white. Gold jewelry hung becomingly from her obi. Her hair in an elaborate updo, held in place by an even more elaborate headdress plated in gold and jewels of every color.
And her hanyou friend standing tall beside her, dressed proudly in his fire-red robes of the fire rat, left behind to him by his late father.
The pair looked both intimidating, and blindingly brilliant to those witnessing, but Kagome paid them no mind, her eyes searching for her betrothed.
She met his eyes across the room as he rose from his seat, looking equally as appealing, perhaps more so.
"Kagome," he called, lifting his arm to beckon her, and the world seemed to melt away until all she saw was him.
She smiled tenderly at him, and he found he couldn't wait for her to come to him.
His feet were moving toward her before he'd made the conscious decision to do so, and he met her in the middle of the room.
Inuyasha gave her arm a squeeze before relinquishing her into the care of his brother, but she hardly noticed.
"Those of you in this room have shown your readiness – your willingness – to change. To adapt." Sesshomaru spoke, addressing the crowded room, though he only had eyes for Kagome. "You've tasked this priestess with bridging a gap, and she has fulfilled her duty by becoming the betrothed of this Sesshomaru."
Finally, he lifted his eyes, slowly meeting those in the crowd before continuing.
"To all who stand witness on this day, greet my betrothed, future Lady of this house and these Western lands – Lady Kagome, Emissary of peace to the four kingdoms, revered priestess, and guardian of the Shikon jewel. Welcome her to her home as she takes her rightful place by the side of your Lord."
:S:
The party lasted late into the night.
It was better than any party Kagome had been to in her own time, although she'd liken it to the festivals she attended with her friends or family every year.
It was the dawn of a new era, and Kagome was proud of the effort she'd made, the time she'd put into the peace she yearned for.
She was also grateful for her luck, and as she gazed at her betrothed, her cheeks flushed with honey-sweetened sake, she offered a prayer to those she believed responsible for her happiness.
Resting her cheek in her palm, she felt a silly grin pull at her lips as Sesshomaru lifted a haughty brow at the man speaking to him.
He seemed to be suffering through the discussion, and she couldn't help the giddiness that bubbled up within her.
Before, he'd have written the male off as unimportant, but he was making a genuine effort to keep the peace, and she knew it was partially on her behalf.
Thank you, Sesshomaru.
As if he'd heard her thoughts, his eyes lifted, instantly finding hers.
He gave some parting words and excused himself, heading toward where she sat on her cushion at the head table.
"A moment of your time?" He requested, offering her his hand which she readily accepted.
"Anything for you."
His lips twitched at the corners, and he led her out of the room, his arm in hers keeping her close to his side.
"Where are we going?" Kagome wondered aloud as they trailed slowly down a lamp-lit hall.
"Hn… unclear. I simply wished to have you to myself. Had I said so, you would've denied me out of your sense of duty to those attending the gathering."
Sputtering, Kagome looked up at him as he smirked down at her. She couldn't even argue with him, because he was right – she would've made him wait until everyone had left for the night.
Her hand came up to cover her lips, and her soft laughter filled the hall.
"Do you really know me so well, Sesshomaru?"
He stopped, all humor leaving his face.
"I know well, Kagome," he said, studying her face. Elegant fingers lifted to caress her cheek. "I've been watching you for years. I know you."
For reasons unsaid, but not unknown, Kagome felt a fire come to life within her. She lost herself in the depth of his eyes, and leaned in to him, her chest brushing against his.
Recognizing – feeling – the heat, his fingers wrapped around the back of her neck, and his lips fell on hers.
Their kiss was frantic, desperate, yearning to absorb one another's essence for their own, so that they may keep a piece, a fragment, a layer, something. Anything to ensure that they were united, that they were one.
Anything to ensure that they'd always have each other. That they would never be alone again, because they had one another to lean on.
Kagome was lifted into Sesshomaru's arms, and she felt a rush of air before landing on the soft surface of the beds they shared.
Another moment later, and they were joining, sharing in the essences they were each so eager for.
:S:
The next morning came too quickly for Kagome, though she knew instinctively that she'd slept much later than usual.
Groaning, she tried to gauge to time based on the sunlight filtering into the room, but it was impossible.
She could guess it may be somewhere between dawn and noon, which did nothing for her.
A warm arm encircled her waste and she jumped, her head whipping to the side.
"Sesshomaru," she breathed.
His eyes were still closed but his lips twitched at her bafflement.
"Who else?" He asked, pulling her closer to him.
She smirked at his snark.
"I'm surprised you're still in bed. Didn't take you for someone to sleep in. Or shirk responsibility," she teased, poking him.
He hummed, clearly content.
"You're correct," he drawled, amber eyes opening to peer deeply into hers. "I rarely sleep late, if I sleep at all. However, do I not have a responsibility to you, my chosen one?"
In a move to quick for her to follow, she was on her back, and he hovered over her.
It was at this point she realized they were both without clothing, and she shivered, the anticipation filling her.
"Yes," she breathed, heart rate spiking.
Desire spilled from her to fill his senses, and he sighed, entirely content.
He'd take care of this responsibility before seeing to the rest.
Her soft giggles filled the room – filled his soul – as he descended upon her.
:S:
"Welcome home, my lady."
It wasn't the first greeting she'd heard like it that day, and while slightly odd to her because she'd already been there, she understood the differences in their cultures. Apparently, it was tradition to welcome the new lady 'home' upon the announcement of the lords betrothal. And while she wasn't officially the lady of the house quite yet, she'd long ago assumed the role, according to Sesshomaru.
And it seemed that no one contested it, as everyone was so friendly about it.
It was odd, really. She'd expected someone to have issue with it. But no one had come forward to complain.
Shrugging to herself, she thanked the servant and headed to the kitchens.
"Welcome home, Lady Kagome," the staff chorused as she entered the room, and she couldn't help but blush as they bowed to her.
"I'll never get used to that," she shook her head before smiling. "Thanks everyone. You… you really don't have a problem with it?"
"With what, my lady?" Ume questioned curiously as she kneaded dough.
Kagome hopped onto an open section of counter space, and crossed her ankles, her legs swinging slightly in the open space beneath the counter.
"Well… Sesshomaru choosing to mate a human. A priestess."
Everything seemed to pause as several pairs of eyes landed on her before exchanging glances with one another.
Ume took the lead as spokesperson, looking at Kagome directly.
"Lady Kagome, you must know that you are well-liked, cared for even, by all of us here within the castle… do you not?"
Kagome felt warmth bloom in her chest, and smiled softly.
"Of course, I do. But that's not the same thing."
"I assure you, my lady," Chujiro cut in, eyes on the food he was preparing. "Not a soul within these walls would speak out against our lords decisions. He's been good to the lot of us, and we'll honor his choices."
Kagome watched him, and he finally looked up at her.
"But more than that," he continued, his hands pausing. "We are all grateful he has chosen you. As Ume pointed out, we all care for you here, just as you've made it clear you care for us."
"You'll be good to us just as our lord is," Eizo added as he leaned a hip against the counter, wiping his hands on a cloth. "He's chosen well."
Kagome's eyes pooled and she dipped her head to hide behind her bangs.
"Thanks," she whispered. "That makes me feel better."
"Now, now!" Ume called cheerily, placing a pastry in Kagome's hand. "What will you be presenting to our lord?"
"Say what?" The priestess squeaked, glancing around with wide eyes.
Present?
"You'll present a gift to Lord Sesshomaru."
"A mating gift."
"On the day of your mating."
Ume paused again.
"Surely you're aware of this?"
"Nope," Kagome said, panicking slightly. "First I'm hearing of it."
"Not to worry," Ume nodded curtly. "I'll explain everything."
As it was, Kagome was told that she'd be expected to present a mating gift, something unique to her mate.
Something that showed her devotion, her understanding of him.
Something that said: I know you, and I love you.
Sesshomaru's face came to Kagome's mind, and she began to plan the perfect gift, unaware of the mischievous smile growing on her face.
AN: This update has been a long time coming. Sorry for the delay. Enjoy, friends.