Kagome awoke in the hut that she once called her home in the village by the bone eater well. Her sadness took over as she watched her children asleep next to her: Shippo, Rin and the Inu twins, Haru and Mio.
Haru and Mio were found abandoned in the valley of blossoms when spring began near the western border. They were just days old when Sesshomaru found them snuggled together in a basket and brought them to the village. They are full Inu demons with golden hair and hazel eyes. Their birth parents may have been killed and were left there with the hopes of someone finding them. That was a little over 2 years ago, not long after the final battle.
Sesshomaru brought the twins to the village as he thought of only Kagome to be the best option to take care of them since she already has Rin in her care and the kitsune. His mind thought of the attention, care and love with her motherly instincts.
When he arrived, she was out in the garden tending to the herbs. He watched from a distance as the pink aura that surrounded her, emitted a calming, peaceful effect that always soothes his beast. She looked up feeling his presence and smiled at him.
"Welcome back Lord Sesshomaru!" As she bowed to greet him. "What is that you have in the basket? I hope it's not anymore sweets for the children."
He opened the basket to reveal the two sleeping pups.
"They were found in the valley alone while this one was patrolling my lands. Will you see to caring for them?"
Her eyes teared up "yes I will...but I cannot produce milk. I will need help for that. Bring them inside, please." Guiding him to her hut.
The miko gently took them out and laid them on her futon. "They look like twins! A boy and a girl!" she smiled. "What shall we name them?"
"We?" he questioned.
"Yes, we." she giggled "it is only proper you help with naming them since you saved them."
Looking at them, it didn't take long for him to name them as his beast guided him.
"Haru and Mio".
"Those are perfect names! I love it. Haru and Mio….spring and blossom". She smiled.
For the next several weeks, the demon lord diligently came by the village often to check on their development and growth. Each time he came he brought necessities for the pup along with gifts for the children. He even began sending food and other supplies to the village as he was in debt to the villagers for the care of his growing family.
He grew accustomed and comfortable being with them, especially with the miko. He learned to care for the pups as his own with her guidance. She was a natural with everything she did. He never wanted these growing, warming feelings to never go away.
One evening after all the children were asleep Kaede looked over them. Sesshomaru asked Kagome to take a walk with him. He asked her to move to the palace with the children. He wanted to look after all of their care and needs as their alpha.
"I can't give up my life here. This is our home. What about you bringing a human woman to the palace...won't that cause trouble? What if you take a mate? Will you throw us out?" she questioned.
"My word is law. Any that oppose it shall be dealt with. I shall marry you to make this agreement official. This one will be giving the pups my name and titles. No one will take your place as you will be the one and only lady in the palace. In exchange, you shall be able to continue your duties as miko. This Sesshomaru only expects you to focus on the pups before above all else."
"May I think about this?" as she took her leave and sat by the lake looking up at the stars. He stood nearby watching her protectively as he usually does even when she feels he is not around.
Kagome thought about her growing family and the needs of the full demon Inu pups. They needed their alpha. Rin and Shippo need him as well. All of the children are attached to him.
She weighed all the options. Thinking to herself, he will let me continue my duties and requires nothing in return from me but my all for the children. It's just an arrangement of convenience.
He is our alpha and protector since Inuyasha left with Kikyo after her resurrection. I vowed I won't love again after having my heart broken, so that would be easy. Besides he could never fall in love with a human woman.
Her decision was made.
"I know you are there Lord Sesshomaru. I have made a decision." She called out.
The demon lord stood in front of her offering his hand to hers to stand and face him. She took it and stood up. He noticed the soft shine of the stars glowed on her aura. He still held her hand feeling the softness and warmth.
"I accept your offer but I want to make something clear. I will not be giving myself to you as I chose not to have any relations and love since Inuyasha..."
"Say no more. It is agreed. This one shall return in 5 days for our wedding and to leave for the western palace afterwards." as he placed a soft kiss on her hand making her blush and walked her back to the hut. He left after that and returned with an entourage for the wedding 5 days later as agreed.
"What is all this? I didn't expect this at all!" Kagome asked him as she handed Haru to him and picked up Mio. Both pups just fed and needed burping.
"I had spoken to the monk when you agreed to this marriage. All that is needed to complete the ceremony and everything else is taken care of. Get yourself ready and the pups." As he handed the now burped and sleeping pup to Kaede taking his leave to ready.
"You're so beautiful Kagome!" as Sango finished combing her hair and applying makeup.
"Ye sure about this?" Kaede asked as she finished dressing the pups.
"Yes I am. This is for the best.. for the children. Besides this village will always be provided for as he has always done." as she looked over herself once more.
Sango and Kaede looked at each other with a hint of sadness knowing Kagome always put everyone first before herself.
"Just know we are still your family and this is always home." Sango gave her a hug.
Kagome wore shiromuku in silky white with an uchikake. The uchikake had bright cherry blossoms embroidered into the silky fabric. Her hair was decorated with ornaments and flowers.
While Sesshomaru wore all silk white kimono and haori with his family crest and swords on his waist. His long hair was loose and silky.
The children wore bright colored kimonos with cherry blossoms.
The ceremony was held outdoors in the center of the village and decorated with flowers and lanterns. Lots of food and sake in abundance for the celebration.
In addition to the exchange of sake, Sesshomaru exchanged rings with Kagome as that was something Miroku told him about that was done among humans especially the wealthy ones. They were solid white gold bands. Kagome was taken back by the presentation of rings.
The evening was enjoyed by all and the newly married couple left the following morning with the children.
After settling in at the palace and the children taking a nap, Kagome requested to speak with Sesshomaru.
"Thank you for everything. You made the wedding most memorable with the clothes, decorations, food and these rings." as she smiled down to her hand. "You really didn't need to have done all that since this is all an agreement."
"Hnn. There is no need to thank me as this is a celebration and to show everyone you and the pups belong to this house and to this lord. You looked beautiful and deserved it all. Just as you are looking right now."
Kagome cheeks reddened "you looked very distinguished and handsome as well like you always do. The children looked like little dolls all dressed up." She giggled. "I hope we can share our meals together as a family...I mean as long as it doesn't cause any disruptions, Lord Sesshomaru." avoiding eye contact.
"You do not need to address me as lord when it is just us." Lifting her face to his.
"As long as you address me by my name instead of miko. Then it is a deal." she smiled.
Sesshomaru smiled softly "it is a deal, Kagome. I have matters to attend to. I will see you and the children at dinner." as he placed a kiss on her cheek and left her standing there flushed and shocked.
Over the next two years, never once has Sesshomaru touched Kagome intimately as she still remained pure.
However, she did have growing affection and feelings for him. He had soften up to her. Each morning and evening, they had meals as a family. He trained her to become stronger in her powers and weaponry. Shippo grew attached to him as he took him to learn about the lands and properly train him. Rin was training under Kagome as a healer. Haru and Mio were usually with Kagome but they had bonded with the demon lord recognizing him as the alpha or in this case, father.
At times, when they had moments alone, Sesshomaru took Kagome on flights thru the air upon his cloud, searching for hot springs, spent time in the library reading and having intellectual conversations. She would sometimes help him with humans and demon disputes on his lands. Everyone grew to love and respect her as the western lord wife.
Sesshomaru did have to maintain his appearances in front of everyone else keeping his cold, stoic persona. Underneath, he too did have growing care and feelings toward his wife as he enjoyed doing things with her and engaging in conversations. They both learned about demons and humans together.
A part of him desired for her...to love her, mate her, have pups together...he wanted her but of own free will to accept him as he is. He had finally admitted to himself that the human miko had finally captured his heart. He decided that he will make the first move and approach her.
Kagome looked at the sleeping children feeling ashamed for taking them away from the comforts of the palace back to the village. She didn't want to be at the palace anymore since she overheard the conversation between the Inu elders and Sesshomaru. Their agreement was broken and she felt they didn't belong there anymore. Her heart was torn out from her chest.
They were telling him he needed an heir born of his blood to continue his bloodline. Even taking another female into his home to do this. Not hearing the rest of the conversation, she packed up the children and left without a word.
"My lord it seems your wife is barren and has not produced an heir with your bloodline. You should take another to fulfill this." The first elder spoke freely.
"This one needs no other. She is my one and only. We have not consummated as yet." Making the lord irritated talking about his personal life.
"Why haven't you? It's been two years already?" The other elder asked.
Quietness filled the tensed room.
"This one desired to know how she truly feels for me." He bluntly spoke.
"Emotions and feelings do not matter in producing an heir!" As the third elder spoke.
"It does to this one. I wish not to make the same mistakes as my late father. Once I know how she truly feels, then an heir will be produced...full demon or hanyou doesn't matter." speaking freely.
The three Inu elders looked at each other with defeat and stood to leave "as you wish my lord."
Sesshomaru went in search of his wife but could not find her or their children. No trace of their scents was found. An uproar filled the palace as a search began. He didn't know if the disappearance was intentional or not. All that mattered was his wife and children being found safe. Then he could confess his love to her.
Almost a week has passed and Kagome knew she had to leave the vilage because the demon lord would figure out she left and she just couldn't face him. She felt betrayed and hurt.
Looking over at her children playing in the flower fields, she felt a demonic presence as the demon lord landed in the middle of the field and his pups rushed to him. He bent down and gathered them in his arms feeling relieved to have found them.
Standing up, he released the children and made his way to her. "Why did you take them and leave without saying anything? This one was...scared something bad happened." as he looked at her with pain in his eyes.
"You were scared?" As tears filled her eyes. "I took them and left because I overheard the conversation of you taking another female to have an heir. I felt our agreement was over, so I took the children and left."
"You should have spoken to me before making rash decisions." Taking her hands into his "I refused. I only want you. My desire is to love you, mate you and have pups. Full demon or hanyou doesn't matter to me. They will be ours just as these four are already ours."
"Do you have feelings for me?" she questioned cautiously.
"Yes...do you return them?" speaking freely from his heart.
"I do, yes. I've fallen in love with you!" as she hugged him and tiptoed to kiss him.
He returned the kiss deeply and passionately.
Breaking away from the kiss, the children were standing with smiles looking at them.
"We were wondering when you two would realize your feelings." Shippo grinned holding Mio's hand.
"Me too!" As Rin smiled holding Haru in her arms.
The twins smiled releasing their hold and raised arms up "papa up! mama up!"
Giving a full genuine smile, he picked up the little Inus and nuzzled them then leaned over to let mama kiss their noses.
"Let's go home my love." As he kissed her once more and formed a cloud to accommodate his large family taking off back to the western lands.
Behind closed doors getting ready for their first night together, "you are not allowed to leave your mate ever again." as he took in her curvaceous body wearing the flowing silky nightgown.
"I promise I won't ever do that again my mate." As she placed her arms around his neck and kissed him "especially knowing you love me as I love you."
That night they became mates and added many more additions to their growing family.