"Thank you all for coming tonight to honor the anniversary of our union between YANA and the American Reikon Tribe." Sesshou spoke into the microphone at the podium on stage. He could easily see Kagome amongst the crowd, sitting with one leg crossed over the other, her hands folded in her lap. She had relaxed significantly after realizing she was in the company of the former Eastern wolf tribe. He politely inclined his head to the crowd, "Please enjoy this evening's meal, and get home safely tonight."
Sesshou left the stage as everyone applauded his welcome speech. It was short and dry, as his speeches normally were. He had briefly summarized the purpose of their merger from years ago and welcomed Hakkaku as the representative of the Reikon Tribe. Making a bee line back to his table, he was displeased to see Kagome had jumped back into conversation with Ginta as soon as he had left the stage.
"...So then Kouga's son took the tribe when he came of age and had to challenge Kouga's brother for Alpha status." Ginta was explaining the change of power that had occurred sometime a few hundred years ago. "Kakushin was the one to make the call to move after the war. Japan was too small for so many demons of power to fight over. So we left." Ginta ran a hand through his brown hair. Undisguised, Sesshou knew the demon still had his two toned hair.
"So then if this event is an anniversary of Sesshou reaching out to your tribe after the move, then why isn't Kakushin here to celebrate as well?" Kagome asked, ever curious.
"It's just a small dinner, Sis," Hakkaku butt in, leaning past Ginta for Kagome to hear him better. "And we're here on his behalf. Besides, Kakushin likes the States. We have reservations just like the Native Americans do. We never have to stay concealed as long as an outsider isn't present."
"That's amazing!" Kagome was baffled by the Reikon tribe. "I wish I could meet Kouga's son, though. He sounds just as stubborn as Kouga and Ayame." She remembered fondly how they bickered. Despite that, there was love. She only wished they hadn't passed away. Apparently Kouga had died in the war and Ayame had lost in the challenge for Alpha against Kouga's brother a hundred years later, leaving their son an only child and still a cub, unable to fight for Alpha himself. He remedied that as soon as he came of age and nearly lost his life in the battle. However, Kakushin proved himself, earning the respect of every lupine demon of the land.
The three of them continued to discuss the past over dinner while Sesshou had to mingle his way through the crowds, talking business and avoiding eager media reporters, hungry for a quote from the ever stoic CEO. Once dinner was eaten and patrons began to mingle more, the music changed tempo.
Sesshou was across the room when he heard Kagome giggle, clear as day. It wasn't that he didn't trust the wolf tribe, but he kept himself partially tuned into Kagome's actions just in case anyone mentioned her deceased friends and upset her.
Kagome was wrapped around Ginta in a slow dance. Other couples were spinning around the dance floor lazily, not following any proper steps. Sesshou watched as she laughed and giggled with the wolf demon, looking happier by the minute. He knew she had partaken in some of the dinner wine and a glass of champagne, which explained why she was moving so fluidly across the dance floor from one wolf demon to another. Ginta passed her off to Hakkaku, then Hakkaku to his son, who had yet to be introduced, but he knew her all the same. She laughed with the younger cub, feeling more comfortable with someone who appeared to be around her school age. In truth, Hakkaku's son was three hundred years old, but in his human documentation, his driver's license read sixteen.
Sesshou picked up on pieces of their conversation, pleased to see the boy behaved himself and was even more pleased when he passed her off to another. Shippou was the recipient and Sesshou felt a weight leave his chest. He focused on the reporter in front of him once more now that Shippou had arrived.
"Mr. Taisho," The reporter said again, "Care to share with Good Morning Tokyo who your date this evening is?"
Sesshou had forgotten how nerve wracking it was to watch after a human girl. A demonic boy, he eyed mother and son dancing, was far less troublesome.
"No further questions." He told the reporter. He had bounced from one to another after discussing actual business with other demons, knowing that if he avoided the reporters all evening, they'd likely follow him and Kagome home and he did not wish for her to be harassed. However, he did dismiss every single one of them whenever they asked about her. He would not flaunt her to the media and have their relationship scrutinized and rumors spread about the nature of their relationship.
"Shippou!" Kagome gasped when she was spun into the arms of her beloved son. She hugged him before allowing him to guide her into a simple two step.
"Mama, I didn't know you drank alcohol." Shippou was amused. He had only seen her drunk once, when Sango needed to repair her hiraikotsu and everyone waiting had been intoxicated by the fumes of demonic alcohol. He had loved it then, and he loved it now. "Are you drunk?" He teased.
"A little light headed, yes," Kagome assessed herself, "But not drunk. Maybe drunk on my happiness." She smiled wide, reveling in the warm fuzzy feelings she felt in the room around her. These were her comrades in battle, the kin of her friends, and the tribe that welcomed her as one of them.
"I'm glad." Shippou could smell her contentment and it was contagious. The two of them danced easily together, with Kagome keeping her eyes on the patrons around her.
"May I cut in?" Sesshou approached the pair. He had done enough business for the evening. Now, he wanted to behave as the alpha he was. His ward smelled of another pack, and he needed to remedy that. A simple dance would do, and then he would take her home.
Kagome's smile never ceased to exist as she easily transitioned from her son to her new friend. He took her slight frame into his arms, wrapping one hand around her waist, his fingertips grazing the bare skin of her back, and the other took her hand in his to guide it to his shoulder. She followed his lead easily, wrapping both arms around his neck. Kagome stepped in closer than he anticipated to reach around his tall form, but he easily accommodated her movements and wrapped both arms around her waist, fully holding her to his person.
"Thank you," Kagome whispered against the skin of his neck. She rested her head against his shoulder, so her breath tickled his Adam's apple. "For all of this; everything."
"I have only done my duty." Sesshou dared to peer into her glossy eyes. "As your friend." He didn't smile back at her like he wanted to. Their display already was sure to be gossiped of later. He could imagine what would be said. His late brother's girlfriend, wrapped around him in a lover's embrace. "I'm glad you've enjoyed the evening's festivities."
"It would have been a lot more fun if you had stuck around and not had so much business to take care of." Kagome took a deep breath and sighed. He was taken aback by her declaration. She had missed his company this evening.
"What did I tell you about letting this one know what you want?" Sesshou reminded her of the night he had come to discuss their friendship. She was supposed to tell him of her wants and needs. It seems she didn't want to be a burden, though. He would have to keep a closer watch on her.
"You're a busy man," Kagome's breath warmed his skin. "I could never pull you from your work just to keep me company."
"You would merely be saving me from the duties I do not wish to perform." Sesshou rubbed his thumb along her ribs, relishing in the feel of her soft skin against his palm.
"You've never been one to shirk your duties." She breathed him in again. He could only assume she was more intoxicated than she let on. That was alright with him. He would take care of her.
"For my pack? Anything." He dipped his nose into her hair and sniffed. Even in the past she had always smelled different than most. She bathed, he knew, but even the purity of her blood from her reiki was something to be marveled. It was white hot, and was he a weaker being it would burn to inhale her fresh scent, but at his strength it was a spice that warned him of the fierceness in her protective spirit.
"You smell good," She hummed, "Like rain." Sesshou wanted to smirk at her admission. He was thinking it, and she was drunk enough to say it.
"Hn," He pulled away from her warmth as the song ended and held her hands in his. "Come. It's time I get you home."
"Okay." Kagome nodded in agreement and began to lead him back to their table, a set of their hands still clasped together. "Let me just grab my purse."
The whole way from the dance floor to the table, and table to car, Sesshou was baffled by how a simple human woman could ensnare him so easily. Perhaps this is why Inuyasha wanted him to find her. Kagome was a force of nature, much like the blinding power soaring in her veins. She embodied the God given purity blessed upon her bloodline, and she harnessed it in the form of her endless love and acceptance. She warmed his heart in ways he hadn't felt since Rin was alive. Only this time, he knew it was different.