Chie: I'd like to clear that the ceremony in the last chapter was NOT mating ceremony. It was merely a proposal ceremony. The true mating ceremony will be in next chapter.

Chapter twenty two – Nothing else matters

She was lost, once again. That amber stare of his reached for her soul and pulled it out, trapping it into the warm depths of his eyes. She swallowed slowly. She was aware that somewhere in the distance her hand was in his, swallowed by the paler and larger hand. He was on his knees before her, patiently waiting for her answer.

Her answer to the question he just had stated.

She was glad that she had not been holding anything for she was sure that she would have dropped it in the moment he spoke out those words.

It had taken quite a while until the words had sunk in. First she thought he was kidding, but no, that thought vanished from her mind soon enough. Sesshoumaru didn't probably even know how to kid. That left only one option.

He was being serious.

And if he was being serious, then...

Kagome was very grateful her knees did not give in. So she just stood there before him, eyes wide, and mouth hanging slightly open. She held his intent gaze as well as she could.

As she continued to stare at him in the ongoing silence, his nervousness but grew. He could tell by her scent that the miko was very much surprised. Being so close to her made her scent stronger and he breathed it, bathing in its sweetness.

For one short, terrible moment he thought she was going to refuse him. She had once before refused him, yes, but that time it had been his primitive beast asking the question. He had treated her poorly and he felt guilty for all the trouble he had ever caused upon her... He was going to make it all up to her. All the pain he had ever caused her, he was going to make it all up.

If she only let him.

Moments spent with Sesshoumaru, the good and the bad memories, all now played themselves before her eyes. He had been a jerk. More than a jerk. King of ALL the jerks, damnit!

But...

His behaviour for the past two days had been something she had not seen before. If he would stay that way...

He had been constantly by her side – or if he could not, he had at least made sure that there was someone with her. He had totally ignored his own business, staying in her small apartment instead of his own spacious and pretty one. It meant a lot to her. Every time she had started to cry, he had pulled her into his arms and just let her cry it all out. Let her tears wash the pain away. With him by her side...

And then of course, there was the fact that she loved him. Yes, she had fallen. She didn't know how, didn't know when, but answers to the questions did not matter now. It had already happened.

And he knew.

In her hysterical state, thinking she was dying anyway she had just spilled it all out – Kami-sama! She had been so embarrassed later... Before... Before it had happened taking all other thought out from her mind.

And he had stayed by her side nonetheless.

Yes.

Her hazel eyes looked back into his golden ones. They were no more blank and emotionless. There was a spark of life in them. She rather liked them that way.

Slowly a smile began to rise on her lips.

"Oh get up from there; you'll just get your pants dirtied."

Sesshoumaru blinked.

"Besides kneeling doesn't quite suit you, my lord, although I have to admit that I kind of like the view."

Sesshoumaru blinked again.

"But – "

Without a warning the miko tugged his hand. Automatically he obeyed, rising from the floor.

"Perfect," she breathed out, now smirking. "Now I can express my answer."

He was about to ask what the hell she was going to do but had no time. The impact came without a warning, taking him totally by surprise. Had he not been Sesshoumaru, he would have fallen on the floor on his back rather ungracefully.

But, Sesshoumaru he was, and thus remained standing.

The miko had latched herself onto him. Her legs were shamelessly wrapped around his waist and wit her hands she had grabbed his cheeks, pulling his lips against hers...

It felt like forever, one sweet, emotion filled forever...

Then their lips parted and she slid to the ground, standing now right before him. Smiling she raised her gaze into his eyes.

"That," she said rather breathlessly, no wonder after such an impressive express of a kiss, "was a yes."

"I figured," he mumbled satisfied and bent down to kiss her again.

At that point, the restaurant couldn't keep it quiet anymore.

It exploded into a storm of applause and cheering, which finally brought the two now engaged ones out of their own world into this one with the other people.

Kagome smiled sheepishly, watching the cheering customers.

Then she was hit by a blond lightning.

"Congrats," Kayade cried out.

"Kayade-chan, you're squeezing a bit too tightly..."

The girl smirked and let go. She turned to look at Sesshoumaru.

"You know, it was about time, Uncle Sesshy."

The demon lord couldn't help chuckling.

"What on Earth is going on in here?"

Shaere-san had come out of the kitchen, hearing the noise from the restaurant.

Kagome had a huge smile on her face.

"Aunt Shaere, I just got proposed!"

"Again?" the dark-haired elder woman shook her head, smiling too. "Congratulations, child."

"Thank you."

"And before you even ask, take the day off. I know you wouldn't handle things very well here anyway due all that has happened lately..."

Kagome hugged the woman.

"Thank you, Aunt Shaere!"

"I'll cover for you," Kayade winked.

"Let's go then," Kagome squealed, latching herself onto Sesshoumaru's arm.

"You might want to take off that apron before we leave," he pointed out.

Kagome blushed a bit and took off the garment.

Kayade took it from her.

Once they were out Kagome realised something.

"Hey, where's my fancy ring?"

"What fancy ring?" Sesshoumaru asked innocently.

"You know – Engagement ring!"

"You've only been my betrothed for five minutes and already want jewellery? I should have known it was because of the money..."

"You're no fun," Kagome wailed and started to pout.

She looked adorable when she pouted.

I have to do this more often, he decided to himself.

"My apologies," he said, his eyes twinkling.

"Oh no mister, you won't be forgiven that easily."

"I assumed that, that's why I was prepared to bribe you... with this."

Kagome cast a look from the corner of her eye. Seeing what was lying on Sesshoumaru's palm made her squeak and turn, fully facing him now.

"Give me your hand."

She obeyed.

With an admiring sigh she watched the ring now decorating her left ring-finger. It was plain silver, save for a one deep blue sapphire in the shape of a crescent.

"It's beautiful."

"It was my mother's," he replied.

"Thank you," she breathed out, smiling.

It had been ages since he had last time held the girl in his arms. She had changed since then. He had changed since then. Everything had changed.

He let out a barely inaudible sigh and let go. The girl smiled and took a step back.

"Thank you, Kouga-kun."

He nodded, smiling as well. His gaze wandered off to the dog taiyoukai who stood close.

It was about a time, certainly!

The feel of sorrow still hung to the girl's aura but it had weakened since the last time he saw her.

All thanks to Sesshoumaru.

The club was neat and not too crowded. The bar-counter was cosy and they played good music. Kouga smiled to himself.

Of course it had all been Rin's idea. No one else could have suddenly decided that Sesshoumaru's and Kagome's now official engagement needed to be celebrated some way. And that was why they were here, in the club. Even Abi had showed up, much to everyone's surprise. The bird demoness was dressed in a low-cut red shirt and classy black slacks. At the moment she was sitting on a high bar-stool, sipping her drink every once in a while.

Ayame was standing by his side, her long hair cascading her back in soft waves. She had on a white fluffy sweater and pleated denim skirt.

Sesshoumaru had now moved to stand near the wall, dressed in dark blue jeans and blue shirt. He watched the dancing crowd, an arm loosely wrapped around Kagome's shoulders. The miko was clad in a short black pleated skirt and light blue long sleeved shirt.

Kayade, Rin and Hitachi were out on the dance-floor, seemingly having the time of their lives.

A smile rose to Kouga's lips. Tonight, life was good. Ayame seemed to agree, for the wolf demoness let out a content sigh and leaned slightly on his arm.

"Oh come on!"

"No."

"Why not?"

"This Sesshoumaru does not dance."

"Please..."

He inwardly cursed when he stared into those pleading hazel eyes. He could have sworn that he saw a glimmer of an unshed tear in them. He felt utterly helpless before those eyes and he did not like it one single bit. 'The Look' wasn't exactly unfamiliar to him, after all he had raised Rin. Remembering how his ward had adored this miko five hundred years ago, he couldn't help but think that maybe it had been the miko who had taught Rin 'the Look' in the first place. He was a dog demon, damn it! Those puppy eyes shouldn't affect him like this...

But they did.

"Fine," he said with a heavy sigh.

"Yay," the girl squealed and dragged him over to the dance floor.

"Oh look at that," Kouga mumbled under his breath to his mate.

Ayame giggled softly.

"I'm so glad he made a right choice."

"Would you care to dance, my lady?"

"Only with you, my lord."

It wasn't that bad. The song was rather slow and he really liked the way his mate-to-be was pressed against him. Yes... this dancing was not bad.

Though, he was not going to let the miko know that.

When the song ended they wandered off to the bar counter. Abi had finished her drink.

"Are you having good time, Lady Abi?"

"No formalities, Kagome-san, after all, you are to become my equal."

Kagome inclined her head, smiling.

"As you wish, Abi-san."

"Phew, now I'm thirsty!"

The two demons and one miko turned their heads and saw the cheery wolf-princess.

She was soon followed by her parents.

"I think I'll order too," Kouga said, eyeing the drink list.

Sesshoumaru grunted.

"You're getting nothing?" Kagome asked.

"I survive without drinking."

"Oh, but you must order something, Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Everyone turned and saw Rin, a huge smile on her face and her hand resting on Hitachi's arm.

"Otherwise I can't keep a fancy toast speech."

Sesshoumaru just stared at his secretary.

"Please?"

Somehow he got the feeling of dejá-vu. These eyes weren't hazel but dark brown, but they held the same, heart-tearing pleading look.

Now he was suddenly sure of it, the miko had thought this damn trick to his ward.

"Fine," he complied again. Inwardly he cursed women with their stupid tricks and huge pleading puppy-eyes.

Soon everyone was holding a glass.

"To Kagome-nee-chan, who managed to do the impossible and tame the wild dog," Rin started, ignoring completely Sesshoumaru's glare.

"And to Sesshoumaru-sama, who finally found his other half. May you find your happiness together. Cheers!"

As the group was sipping down their drinks, the DJ announced that the big karaoke was about to start.

"Awh, Karaoke!" Rin squealed excitedly. The little human turned to the others in the group.

"Did you know that Sesshoumaru-sama can actually sing?"

Kagome and Kayade shared a quick glance and hid their smiled behind their hands. Neither of them had quite forgotten the "Narita Ken" incident.

Kouga, Ayame and Abi just stared at Rin, doubt clearly showing in their eyes. Somehow none of them could picture Sesshoumaru-sama, singing.

"It's true," Rin pouted.

Abi raised her eyebrow.

"Yeah right."

"Sesshoumaru-sama, you should go to sing!"

"Yeah, you should, Sesshoumaru," Kagome joined in.

It was then when he already knew he had lost the battle. He knew the secret weapon they were about to use.

Blast, it was the third time in fifteen minutes... And still he couldn't deny.

"Please?" the two soft voices pleaded. Both girls aimed their adorable puppy eyes at him.

One pair of those eyes was too much for him, seeing them both at the same time...

"Fine," he sighed. This just was not his day.

Both girls squealed and latched themselves onto him.

He watched them both. The two mortal women, the only ones ever to pass the thick barrier around his heart. Whatever made them happy... Singing just one stupid song in that karaoke was worth to see them smile.

"I can't go unless you two let go of me," he pointed out.

The two unlatched themselves immediately. He grunted and got up from his bar stool and walked away. Some minutes later the first notes of 'Gou' echoed through the small club.

Kagome closed her eyes as his deep voice started to sing. They fluttered open a bit later, taking in the sight. She still couldn't quite believe that he was all hers now. He looked so beautiful beyond words, and his voice was divine.

'I have to make him to sing for me more often,' she decided as her fingers absently traced the silver rim of the engagement ring.

Kouga's eyes had widened the moment Sesshoumaru had started to sing and he could but stare. Ayame's hand was covering her open mouth.

"Oh my," the rather shocked wolf demoness mumbled.

But if someone was shocked, it was Abi. She stiffened when his voice filled the club.

'No, please tell me this isn't happening,' she muttered in her thoughts, horror-struck. She knew that voice. After hearing Ken Narita's single for the first time, she was completely lost. She had actually bought third CD of the single 'Gou', since the first two she had listened all through, literally. After hearing about the singer's death she had cried her eyes out. She had been wearing all black as a sign of her mourning for like a month.

And now the harsh truth was revealed.

'What bad have I done?' she sighed to herself and closed her eyes.

The song ended and the club exploded into applause. A moment later Sesshoumaru arrived. Kagome got up from her seat, greeting him with a soft kiss.

"Thanks," the miko smiled.

"Well, you can sing all right," Kouga muttered.

Kayade broke down in giggles.

Abi just glared at the inutaiyoukai rather grimly. Then she ordered herself a new drink.

Weeks passed. The visiting taiyoukais did not leave Tokyo, save for Abi who went to her home for a while, but it didn't matter for she lived in Mito which was very close to Tokyo in any case.

Doctor Usugi Kira called Kagome to come over for a check up after six weeks of the miscarriage had passed.

"Everything's all right," the doctor told smiling. "You'll be a fine mother someday."

"Thank you for everything, Doctor Usugi!" Kagome hugged the otter demoness.

"Just call me Kira."

Kagome smiled.

"I heard about the engagement, congratulations."

"Thank you, Kira-san."

"We should see each other soon enough," the doctor winked. "You're young and fertile and about to get mated."

Kagome blushed slightly.

The motherly doctor smiled. The human child was so sweet. It seemed that all the long centuries the Western taiyoukai had spent alone had paid off. He would get the best mate possible.

"You know, I've been wondering for quite a while that what exactly you are doing here."

Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow.

"You wish me to leave your apartment?"

"No, that's not what I'm talking about, silly."

"Then what are you talking about?"

"I mean why are you – and Hitachi-san – here in Tokyo? Shouldn't you be on your own lands?"

"It does not matter that much anymore," Sesshoumaru answered. "Only demons recognise the titles and humans have long since outnumbered us. We don't own the land anymore. That's why I can live wherever I want. I have an apartment in Kyoto though. I have lived in Tokyo only for 10 years or so. Same goes with Hitachi."

"Where Hitachi-san used to live?"

"In Osaka."

"So close? That's sweet."

"Hmmh. West and South have been close allies, ever since I gave Rin to the young lord Hitachi."

"Still, it sounds a bit funny. Cats and dogs close allies?"

"Believe it. They were allies before my time too. They say that the Lord Kogane of the neko-clan gave his daughter to Lord Shirone of the inu-clan..."

"Ehh? Was this Lord Shirone your father?"

"No, he was my grandfather."

"Well that explains a lot," she muttered to herself.

He quirked an eyebrow in a silent question.

"Well... These things skip a generation, don't they? I mean, you're arrogant, silent, rather mean and you prefer to work alone. I have thought many times that you're more of a cat than Hitachi is... Wait; does this mean Hitachi is related to you?"

"He is my cousin."

"Now why haven't I heard of that before!"

"Welcome into the family," Sesshoumaru muttered under his breath.

A short silence followed.

"What kind of a person was your mother?" Her fingers were again tracing the silver ring.

"She was a real lady. Tall, beautiful and proud but yet gentle and loving. She was the daughter of Shirone of the inu-clan, Lord of the West, and Chiyo of the neko-clan. My mother had the blood of the both royal clans within. She was silent, calm and graceful. Her scent was fresh and sweet, like summer rain and honey. Her voice was melodic and smooth. I remember the evenings when she came into my chambers, sitting on the edge of my bed and softly singing for me until I fell asleep..."

"And her appearance?"

"That I can't remember," Sesshoumaru replied. "She died when I was still young, and I can't really remember much."

"I'm sorry to hear that," she said softly, placing her hand on his arm.

"Don't," he said quietly. "I want you to be happy, not sorry."

"With you I am happy," she answered, gracing him with a smile.

"Then I am glad."

She lay silently by his side. His eyes were closed but she knew he wasn't sleeping. She watched her own fingers which were running through his silver hair. Steady, soft, rumbling sound came deep from his chest.

"You know darling, that purring is quite adorable," she whispered with a giggle.

The soft sound stopped immediately.

"This Sesshoumaru does not purr," he answered, not bothering to open his eyes.

'Sure you don't,' Kagome inwardly rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, Fluffy."

"Woman, do not insult me."

"I'm not insulting you, demon."

"If that was not an insult, then what was it?" he had now opened his eyes and the amber glare was aimed at her. However, he didn't seem to be quite as angry as his words made believe.

"It was a nick-name, obviously."

"You won't use such a nick-name anymore."

"Or else?"

"I will have to find a way to quiet you."

"Was that a promise," the miko asked, eyes shimmering of mirth.

"Might as well be."

"In that case... Fluffy."

He reached out with his arm, gripping swiftly the woman's shoulder and jerking her down from her sitting position. His hand wandered to rest on her lower back, pressing her body against his as his tongue invaded her mouth. The kiss broke finally and Kagome gasped for air.

"Your punishment does not work," she muttered sleepily. "If you do that every time, you will be sure that I will call you Fluffy whenever I feel like it."

"Maybe I'll suffocate you next time," Sesshoumaru smirked.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Don't be too sure of yourself."

"Oh look who's talking..."

She was sitting in the corner of her sofa. Her eyes were closed as she was inhaling the scent. No one made as good tea as Sesshoumaru. The taiyoukai was sitting in the other end of the sofa. Kagome's cat Shue was curled up on his lap and he stroked its fur absently with his claws.

It was then when the doorbell rang.

Kagome frowned, wondering who it was. She set her teacup on the table and got up. Sesshoumaru's eyes followed her as she walked over to the front door and opened it.

"Hojo-kun! What a surprise!" Kagome blinked a few times, watching the man in front of her. Why was he here?

"Sorry that I didn't inform you beforehand, but I just heard and needed to see you."

"Heard about what?"

"Your engagement."

"Oh... that..." Kagome blushed slightly. After all, she had been seeing Hojo for two years and well, just look what all had happened then.

Hojo smiled.

"Congratulations," he said softly.

"Thank you, Hojo-kun."

"Oh.. And Kagome-chan, you don't have to worry about me anymore." Hojo turned and gestured for someone to come.

Shue lightly jumped down from his lap as Sesshoumaru got up. He arrived to Kagome's side at the same time as the tall elegant woman appeared to Hojo's side.

Kagome blinked a few times whereas Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.

"Here's my fiancée Yameko Kagura," Hojo introduced the woman standing by his side.

"Pleasure.. to meet you, Yameko-san."

Kagura smiled at her. Both of the women very well remembered that the last time they had met. Kagura would have killed the miko had Kayade not decided to interfere. Maybe it was because of that that it felt rather awkward to suddenly meet the crazy fan-woman like this. Maybe it was also because Kagome very well remembered the whole "Sesshy-darling"-incident. Sesshoumaru however calmly stood by Kagome's side, his face not revealing his surprise.

"I'm Hisakata Sesshoumaru," he introduced himself, for the gawking miko still was not seemingly able to utter a word. "I'm Kagome's fiancé."

"Nice to meet you," Hojo smiled.

Kagura just looked at Sesshoumaru.

"Well well, it seems that you were finally able to find your heart."

"Same goes to you, Sesshoumaru."

Kagura and Sesshoumaru quietly nodded to each other in a silent acknowledgement.

Sesshoumaru let out a quiet, content growl. It seemed that no one would disturb his and Kagome's peace anymore. And that was exactly how he wanted it to be.