Tigger Warning: the drabble "High Priestess" has physical abuse.
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Yule
December 2021
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ALTAR
Kagome knelt at the altar. Fisted hands pressed against her thighs to keep from shaking. Nervous excitement surged her reiki. The heavy weight of Sesshomaru's gaze rested on her back supportive and encouraging. She wanted nothing more than to turn to him, but she knew better.
She bowed before an icon of the inugami, then placed her hands within the altar. Dark and powerful yoki consumed her – pressing air from her lungs, searing between layers of skin.
Then all at once it vanished. Disorienting.
Calloused hands cradled her face.
"Was that it?"
Lips met hers.
"Hn. We've been blessed, Mate."
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CLEANSING
It became almost a ritual for them, their nightly routine.
Standing in the bathhouse together – bare, exposed – they took turns pouring cleansing water over each other's forms. Rivulets cascaded down pale skin and dribbled on the floor. As curling steam rose, Sesshomaru submerged himself in the warm spring pool then turned to help his mate descend slippery steps.
Just like every night previous, Kagome lounged on his lap and reclined onto his chest, resting her head on his shoulder. Together the pair watched the sunset burn and the stars twinkle as they enjoyed silence and peace this time alone offered.
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MISTLETOE
Sounds of the surrounding holiday party fell away when his lips met hers. Kagome clung to his burgundy knit sweater, fingertips digging into holes of the weave. Sturdy hands cupped her cheek and slipped between dark curly locks. The ghost of claws teased her scalp as she gasped into the kiss.
Centuries dissolved between them as if they traveled the ages together.
Much too soon he pulled away, golden eyes dancing and flicking upwards towards a little bundle of berries and leaves above.
"I waited 500 years for an excuse."
"Please, don't wait that long to do it again, Sesshomaru."
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LOG
A log crackled underneath low flames enclosed within a metal brazier. In their warm hideaway, Kagome and Sesshomaru lay naked and entwined, panting breaths slowing. Sweat glistened in the firelight.
Sesshomaru buried his nose in her dark locks, inhaling deep her satiated scent. He placed gentle kisses along the crown of her head and down to her temple. She hummed, leaning into his lips and tracing her own along his collarbone.
"When do you have to leave?" She whispered.
"Not until well after sunrise."
"Good," she smirked, shifting her legs to either side of his hips. "Ready for round two?"
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TREE
Tears of joy and gratitude welled in Kagome's eyes. She tried to blink them away as she snapped a photo of the scene before her. Sesshomaru held their seven-month-old daughter up to the top of a small Christmas tree, topper in hand, and gently guided infant hands to securely place the decoration.
"You did it, Emika," Kagome cheered while Sesshomaru whispered words of pride, kissing his daughter's cheeks.
Emika clapped chubby hands and kicked onesie-covered feet reveling in the praise.
"Set the timer and join us, Mate," Sesshomaru requested.
Kagome did, running to stand next to him.
"Everyone say 'Tree'!"
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WINTER SOLSTICE
"On the solstice, yuzu is believed to ward off demons," Kagome teased. Slices of the citrus fruit floated on the water's surface and swirled in the current. Steam rose from the hot spring, the tangy aroma permeating the air.
"It does not appear to work, Kagome," Sesshomaru returned, a single fang peeking out as he smirked. He purposefully strode through the fruit and towards her. "As a priestess, your knowledge of demon wards is shockingly abysmal."
"I said 'believed'." She wrapped her arms around his neck. Full lips brushed the shell of his ear. "I didn't want it to work."
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HIGH PRIESTESS (TW: Abuse)
Kagome collapsed after yet another failed attempt at barrier creation.
"Silly girl," the high priestess sneered. A sharp rap of a bamboo cane whipped across the younger miko's back. Kagome cried out in pain, tears overflowing. "You've tainted yourself by loving a yokai. Can't you see how it's destroyed your power? Reiki and purity are entwined," she raised the cane once more, "a disgusting whore like you couldn't possibly—"
The older miko's words were abruptly cut off by a gurgle.
Suddenly she was wrapped in secure arms and soft fur. Wind whipped her face.
"Sesshomaru?"
"You are safe now."
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CRONE
Kagome did her best not to stare at the crone before her. Unlike other members of Sesshomaru's family, his 3,000-year-old great-great-great granddam looked more like Totosai's twin than the regal visages she'd grown used to.
"Would you like some tea?" Kagome asked loudly, waving the teapot for emphasis.
"Eh?!" the crone screamed back. Sesshomaru flinched. Kagome poured a fragrant cup and wafted it under Granddam's pointed nose. "Tea, eh?!" She sniffed excitedly. "Jasmine. Yes, yes."
Bony fingers grasped the proffered cup.
"Thank you, young one. Eyes and ears aren't what they used to be, but the nose is still keen."
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OFFERING
Shaking fingers carefully placed decorated foods at the base of two worn grave markers. Tears fell as Kagome lit incense and rearranged cut blossoms.
"We were gone too long," she whispered. "I can't read their names anymore."
A rustle of clothing drew her attention as her companion knelt beside her. A pale, clawed hand reached out, sharp points digging into the stone. Before long the markers were covered in beautiful calligraphy. Not only names but wishes for their afterlife too.
"Thank you," she said earnestly, as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"It is the least I could do."
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WREATH/CANDLES
"You did a wonderful job, Rin!" Kagome exclaimed as the younger girl held a completed wreath. Sprigs of pine and cedar were lashed together in a sturdy loop. Winterberries, dried citrus slices, pinecones, and silk ribbon decorated the circle. A candle rested on the bottom curve, ready to be lit. "Let's hang it up before your father gets here."
"Can we light it together?" Rin begged.
"I don't want to intrude."
"But you said it was meant for family."
"I did, but—"
"You're family to both of us, Kagome. Please."
"Only if Sesshomaru-sama says it's okay."
"He definitely will!"
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AN: All of the drabbles are ways to flesh out future WIPs, so if there is a particular one you'd like to see more of, please don't hesitate to drop it in a review.