Kagome couldn't hear the crashing waves or the howl of the wind. Even without her barrier, she was immune to the coastal elements. The one sound she could make out was the pounding of her heart. It reverberated in her ears. The beat was strong enough that Kagome could feel it throughout her body. Her fingertips pulsed as though she'd received a paper cut but there was no wound. There was only shock.
She had heard every word Sesshomaru said but couldn't make sense of it. He couldn't possibly have confessed to her. Kagome was an imposter. She wasn't the real Shikon Miko or his bride. She was a stand-in. The real Shikon Miko was Kikyo. When Kagome found her, they would switch back. Kikyo and Inuyasha could continue with the tour. Sesshomaru would be free to do as he wished. She could return to Tokyo and things would finally get back to normal. She could forget this whole mess ever happened.
Except she didn't want to. Kagome didn't want to forget the Taisho clan or the meals she had shared with them. She didn't want to forget meeting Seiten and Kujaku or Hina and Jinenji. She didn't want to forget flying on A-Un or feeding him apples. She didn't want to forget about her friendship with Inuyasha. Most importantly, she didn't want to forget her husband.
Kagome turned to tell him, only to find Sesshomaru gone. He was several paces ahead of her with Inuyasha and Jaken. The imp had caught the attention of a water demon. The creature sunk beneath the surface the second Kagome's eyes locked in on it. She scolded herself. Kagome had been so consumed by her revelation that she neglected the threat.
She wasn't the only one. Jaken waded in the shoals, completely oblivious to the nure-onna lurking a few meters away.
At least he was until Inuyasha came barreling down the beach. "Move it, toad!"
"I am no toad, you insolent half-breed!"
"Jaken, move."
The imp latched onto Sesshomaru's gaze and spotted the dark form in the water behind him. His eyes bulged. The expression would have been comical, had the nure-onna not been seconds away from devouring him. Jaken shrieked. He flailed his arms, trying to swim away, while Inuyasha charged for the nure-onna. She dove beneath the surface. Her serpentine tail was the last part of her to disappear.
Inuyasha remained in the shallows. He kept both hands firmly clasped around his sword as he monitored the water. "Is she gone?"
"That is unlikely," Sesshomaru responded from the beach where Jaken was huddled behind him.
Kagome agreed. She didn't have any experience with nure-onnas but her gut told her the yokai would be back. "A-Un?"
The dragon appeared at her side. Kagome gave him a quick pet before moving to the front satchel.
Her bow and quiver had been secured underneath the bag. Sesshomaru claimed all weapons needed to be hidden in case of an ambush. When Kagome pointed out that this would make it hard for her to retrieve her bow, Sesshomaru asked her if she would rather be taken down by her own weapons.
He had a valid point but that didn't mean she was wrong. Had her bow been strapped on top of the pouch, Kagome would have been able to grab it, nock an arrow, and aim for the nure-onna. However, as she wrestled to free it from underneath the weight of the sack, the yokai re-emerged.
"Inuyasha!"
Her friend spun around, narrowly missing the nure-onna as she leaped out of the water.
Kagome ripped her bow free. Her fingers trembled as she positioned the arrow. It had been a few days since she'd fired a shot and those practice sessions had been focused on immobile targets. The idea of striking an actual living creature was daunting. What if she killed the woman?
Her companions didn't share her concern. Jaken was waving his staff around, hollering at the nure-onna about how he'd curse her for the rest of her days. A-Un's claws were out.
"I've never been fishing before," Inuyasha jeered, grinning at her. He swung his sword overhead and brought it down with force. Water fanned out around him but the nure-onna was nowhere to be seen.
Kagome approached the shoals warily. She kept her bow drawn. To her left, Sesshomaru stood silent. He monitored the surface, searching for an indication of the oncoming assault. They didn't have to wait long.
The nure-onna came at Inuyasha with the next surge. Leveraging the combined force of the wave and her tail, she managed to drag him under.
Kagome rushed toward the sea. "Inuyasha!"
An arm shot out, preventing her from stepping into the water. "Stay back," Sesshomaru warned.
"She'll drown him!"
"He is not her target. He is merely the bait."
"What do you— ah! Behind you!"
The second nure-onna shrieked as Sesshomaru's claws shredded her underbelly. She fell backward, thrashing in agony. A crimson cloud billowed around her but Kagome's attention was elsewhere.
She tossed her bow over her shoulder and reached for Sesshomaru's hand. "Are you okay?"
His eyes widened. Kagome realized too late that his response was not from her touch. A third yokai had crept up behind her. Sesshomaru's arm laced around her. One second she was examining his hand, the next she was being spun away from the threat.
Sesshomaru blocked the scaled woman from reaching her. "Leave," he commanded.
The nure-onna barred her teeth. Kagome was pretty sure that meant 'no'.
Sesshomaru arrived at the same conclusion. He spun around, reaching into his empty sword sheath. When he withdrew, his hand was clasped around the handle of a whip. It was unlike any weapon Kagome had ever seen. Instead of leather or nylon, Sesshomaru's whip appeared to be made of light. The green glow it cast reminded her of the poison that leaked from his claws. She wondered if a strike from this instrument was as fatal. Knowing Sesshomaru, it probably was.
The nure-onna was undeterred. Either she didn't know what kind of weapon he had or she didn't care. Kagome watched as she sprung forth, trying to get around Sesshomaru.
There was a crack as the whip sliced through the air. The nure-onna was severed in two. Both halves sunk into the water, which instantly turned red. The nure-onna attacking Inuyasha glanced up. She released him in favor of Sesshomaru. He barely lifted his wrist. Within seconds, she joined her sister.
"Why are there so many of them?" Inuyasha groused, massaging his shoulder as he trudged toward them.
"I am uncertain," Sesshomaru responded. "Their behavior is unusual. Nure-onnas do not follow a pack mentality. They are solitary yokai. There has never been a record of them gathering in a single place and no clan has ever existed. They are too single-minded for such a hierarchy."
"Then how do you explain this?" Inuyasha asked, gesturing to the floating remains.
Sesshomaru pursed his lips. Kagome had a sinking feeling that the reason had something to do with her.
Inuyasha sighed and slung his sword over his shoulder. "Whatever. I needed the practice anyway. You two can't have all the fun."
"I would not use that term to describe our situation," Sesshomaru said.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Well, it beats riding that overgrown lizard."
Kagome swatted him. "His name is A-Un."
"Hey!" He winced. Kagome glared at him. "Yeah, yeah, I got it," he muttered, massaging his arm.
Sesshomaru sheathed his whip. "You will require a change of attire," he told Kagome. "I am certain Lord Obayashi will understand once we explain what occurred."
"I hope so. It happened on his land," she replied.
"He has no land. Just the sea," Inuyasha corrected.
"Then who governs these lands?" Kagome questioned.
"Lord Takanobu," Sesshomaru answered. "He is Lord Obayashi's human counterpart. We will be paying him a visit next."
Kagome flushed. She should have memorized their hosts' names. It would certainly help in making a good first impression. Unfortunately, the only time Kagome had for studying the list was during her lunch break. She had started with the best of intentions but having Sesshomaru practice his forms so close by was distracting. It was why A-Un ended up eating more of her meal than she did.
"Remove those wet clothes."
She jolted, stunned by his forwardness. "Huh?"
"The longer you remain soaked, the higher the probability of you becoming ill," Sesshomaru chastised.
Her cheeks darkened. Of course, that's what he meant! Kagome shook her head, embarrassed that she thought he could mean anything else.
Inuyasha stared at her. Her face burned. She swallowed, nervously. Did he know? Inuyasha didn't seem to be as perceptive as his brother but that didn't mean he was blind. His attention shifted from her to Sesshomaru. Kagome held her breath, hoping he wouldn't say anything.
After a tense moment, he frowned and announced, "I'm going to get changed."
Kagome wasn't sure if she should breathe a sigh of relief or cringe. On one hand, Inuyasha hadn't outed her. On the other, he seemed angry. Kagome frowned. She thought they had gotten over the past and become friends. Why did it feel like they had taken a huge step backward?
"He seeks your praise, though he is too proud to ask for it," Sesshomaru stated.
"Are you sure?"
Sesshomaru nodded.
She watched Inuyasha march up the beach. His lips were moving. The words were lost in the wind but she knew they weren't for her. "I think he wanted to hear 'good job' from you," she said.
Sesshomaru's gaze landed on his brother. He observed Inuyasha try to get A-Un to hold still so he could unpack a clean set of robes. A myriad of curse words flew from his mouth when the dragon snapped at him. Sesshomaru smirked. "Perhaps."
"Why don't we both tell him?" Kagome suggested, trying to lift the lower half of her kimono out of the water. The fabric was soaked through. The garment's layers were made from thick fabrics and double-stitched for durability. Once drenched, the weight doubled. It was even heavier than her wedding attire.
Without the rush of adrenaline from fighting, she became aware of the temperature. Kagome had been chilly on the beach. In the water, she was practically frozen. Her lower half had gone numb. Each time Kagome took a step, she watched her feet to make sure they were moving.
"Allow me." Sesshomaru picked her up effortlessly. If he noticed the additional weight, Kagome couldn't tell.
She thought about wrapping her arms around his neck, then thought better of it. The bottoms of her sleeves were dripping with salt water. Kagome didn't want it running down the inside of his collar. She folded her hands awkwardly in her lap.
"Exposure can kill as easily as a blade. You cannot overlook your body's needs," he advised, carrying her away from the water.
Kagome knew she had to say something. Her first thought should have been to ask Sesshomaru why multiple nure-onnas attacked. Instead, she blurted out, "Did you mean it?"
There was no hesitation. He didn't ask her what she meant or pretend he didn't hear the question. Sesshomaru gave her a direct answer. "Yes."
The heat returned to her cheeks. "So that kiss then…and the one earlier…?"
"Shall I give you a third?"
"No!" Kagome cried.
"I was under the impression you enjoyed it."
"I did. I mean, no! Well, yes, but it was confusing. I didn't know what it meant or what you meant by doing it. And I didn't know if any of this was real. We have made a deal after all," she rambled anxiously.
"Are you opposed to pursuing a genuine relationship?"
"No," she nearly shouted.
"Then I see no reason why we could not amend the terms of our arrangement," Sesshomaru said.
Once again, there was no hesitation. His response was automatic. Kagome wondered if he rehearsed this conversation. Maybe he thought she would say no. She reviewed their past three days through a different lens. Kagome analyzed their interactions, the topics of their conversations, and Sesshomaru's body language. Without self-doubt clouding her vision, things become clearer. Her nerves bubbled up, resulting in laughter.
"This amuses you?"
"No, it's just—," Kagome cut herself off to stifle a giggle. "We're doing this backward. You're supposed to start by dating and work your way up to marriage. Not the other way around."
"You are an unconventional woman. It stands to reason that your romantic pursuits would be equally dissident."
She laughed again. "I don't think you can call it pursuits when it's your first relationship."
"In that case, I suggest we make this one count."
Her laughter died away. Kagome knew Sesshomaru was a serious individual. He rarely made jokes or showed emotion. His confidence in succeeding— no matter the odds —was impressive. She'd encountered it on numerous occasions. Kagome never thought he'd extend that confidence in the pursuit of another. Sesshomaru wasn't interested in taking a mate. At least, that's what she had thought.
"We can discuss this further once we have arrived at our destination. Right now, we need to focus on raising your body temperature." Sesshomaru set her down on the sand. "Strip."
"W-What?" Kagome sputtered.
"Toss me those wet rags. I will exchange them for you."
"I can't stand out in the open naked!"
Sesshomaru removed mokomoko from where it was draped over his shoulder. "Use this," he said, winding the fluffy white fur around her. She recalled how he'd done the same when she'd come out to speak with him in her nightgown. That had only been three days ago. How could so much change in such a short amount of time?
"I will stand watch. Once you are finished, we can switch."
Kagome's eyes went wide. "You trust me to watch your back?"
Sesshomaru held her gaze as he answered, "I do."
Mama had told her that words were powerful. Kagome had always assumed her mother was referring to the blessings given at their shrine. She had never considered how impactful two words could be. Any lingering fears Kagome had about her feelings for Sesshomaru vanished. She knew there were things they had to discuss,— important things like the truth about where she came from and what happened when the tour ended —but they would deal with them together.
She couldn't hold back her smile. Kagome would find the right time to tell him everything later. For now, she wanted to enjoy the moment.
Sesshomaru drove the tips of his claws into his palm. The pain was immediate but necessary. He needed a distraction. If a bit of blood managed to stain the edges of his sleeves, so be it. Sesshomaru would take a tarnished garment over the alternative.
"Almost done," Kagome called from behind him.
He inhaled slowly through his mouth. It was a marginal improvement from his using nose. Instead of taking in his intended's scent, he was overwhelmed by sharp, salty air. His mouth turned dry. However, he could not blame that solely on the sea breeze. Knowing Kagome was bare and within arm's reach taught Sesshomaru exactly what temptation was.
Desire demanded that he touch her. Sesshomaru resisted the urge. He did not wish to pressure her. Instinct insisted that he secure the area. Protecting his mate was a priority. She came before all else. He would not allow anyone or anything to harm her. It was the latter that concerned Sesshomaru the most.
The Shikon no Tama was a veritable force and one that could not be overlooked. Sesshomaru had read about the jewel's effect on humans. The relic had been the catalyst for conflicts between clans for centuries. Yokai were not immune. Their history was intertwined with the jewel thanks to the miko who created it. Her actions produced the powerful orb but, in doing so, she trapped herself and her adversary inside.
In some of the scrolls Sesshomaru reviewed, there was speculation that the two were still battling for control of the jewel. Sesshomaru had not considered the possibility until he witnessed the effects for himself.
It explained Kujaku's treason, Inuyasha's jealousy, and the band of nure-onnas. One of those events alone was not proof. However, the three altercations together, in increasing frequency, were a pattern. Whatever Kagome had awoken inside herself that night in the courtyard, had also awoken the spirit of the jewel.
"Done," Kagome announced, stepping in front of him.
Sesshomaru's eyes trailed down her body then proceed to rise up to meet her gaze. She wore a long-sleeved kimono that transitioned from pale pink at the shoulders to red at her feet. White lotus bouquets were painted across the fabric, tied together with blue ribbon. The colors were repeated in the accompanying hair ornament, which was in her hands.
"Do you think this will be okay for meeting Lord Obayashi?"
"That will suffice," he answered.
Kagome gave him the hairpiece and turned around. "Could you help me with this?"
"Of course."
Sesshomaru collected her hair into his hands and began to twist it into a bun. They had spoken about his lessons with his mother. What he had failed to mention was the significance of grooming. Between parents and children, the exercise was meant to strengthen pack bonds while providing pups with the necessary skills for their future. Between adults, grooming was considered an act of intimacy. It was reserved for mates. Sesshomaru wondered if Kagome would have dismissed her handmaidens so readily had she known the significance.
"How do you wear your hair in your village?" he inquired.
"Usually, I just run a comb through it before school and head out."
"You are not required to tie it back?" Sesshomaru asked. "Priestesses are bound in service. Their attire distinguishes them from others, including their hairstyle."
The back of her neck colored. "Our school's dress code isn't that strict."
"Did you attend education for the shrine?"
"In a way," she replied. "My family has managed our shrine for generations but I never wanted to become a shrine maiden. I planned to use my education for something else."
Sesshomaru frowned. Each time a question about the miko was addressed, more stemmed from the answer. If she hadn't been educated within a shrine, it would explain why Jaken found no record of her. However, the only education available to women was shrines. Not even the noble houses provided lessons to their daughters. So where had Kagome been educated and by whom?
"What else interested you?"
"Anything that would get me away from home," she admitted with a laugh. "It's not that I don't like the shrine or my family. I just wanted a life that wasn't already mapped out for me, you know? I wanted to choose for myself."
"We have this in common," Sesshomaru responded, tucking the hair ornament in place.
Kagome glanced over her shoulder at him. "Because you don't want a mate?" she asked, arching her brow.
"I did not."
"But now you do?"
"I want you." Her cheeks reddened as her expression changed. Sesshomaru was acutely aware of her lips parting. He stepped around her so they were face to face. "Do you want me?"
"Yes." Sesshomaru cupped her chin, grateful he had not yet applied her makeup. Sesshomaru tilted his head down. "You have me. I am honored to be your first and will endeavor to be your only," he said, letting the words fan over her lips.
He started to lean forward. Her hands came up to his chest. He blinked, perplexed by her sudden denial.
"Wait, Sesshomaru before we do this, there's something I need to tell you. About my hometown…you see, the thing is, I'm not from Edo."
"I am aware."
Her nose scrunched up. "You are?"
"Jaken was absent from our wedding ceremony because I sent him off to discover where you came from."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"I needed to be certain you did not pose a threat to me or my clan."
Her hands fell away from his chest and she backed away from him. Immediately, he felt a loss of heat. Sesshomaru restrained himself from reaching for her. "You said you were fine with waiting until you earned my trust."
"I asked this of Jaken before I made that promise to you. I did not know you then as I do now."
She hugged herself, lower lip trembling. "So what did you find out about me?"
"Nothing. No one around Edo knew of you. They were only familiar with the Shikon Miko."
Sesshomaru saw the color of her eyes grow frosty. The air around them became charged with static. "You mean Kikyo."
"Those who value titles above all else only see the position one holds, not the one who holds it. To them, it does not matter whether the Shikon Miko is you, Inuyasha's mate, or another. All they will ever see is a shrine maiden tasked with protecting the jewel. They see a symbol, not a person. I see you as a partner. My partner."
Her gaze softened. "I wanted to tell you about my hometown that night."
"I know."
Kagome sighed, arms dropping to her sides. "We have a lot of things to talk about."
"It is a long tour."
She gave him a tentative smile. "We'll probably fight again."
"Sparring is a productive exercise," he returned.
"Physical or verbal?"
"Both."
Kagome laughed. "Well, at least we won't get bored."
"That is not an option," Sesshomaru told her.
"Good, because I was thinking we should— ."
Sesshomaru did not hear the rest of her statement. His sense of smell had been compromised by Kagome's proximity and the salt air. His sense of hearing and sight were unhindered. He heard the change in the tidal rhythm seconds before the scout raised her head out of the water. The hairs along the back of his neck rose. The nure-onnas had returned but, this time, they were approaching the beach as a unit.
He called to his brother.
Kagome's barrier dropped and Inuyasha ran over. "I see them," he grumbled, tossing off his fresh robe.
Sesshomaru leaned close to Kagome so she could hear him over the wind. "Remain here. Create a barrier around A-Un, Jaken, and yourself. Do not leave it for any reason. Do you understand?"
She followed his attention to the water. When she turned back to him, there was anger in her eyes. "Sesshomaru—."
"They are after the jewel and they are willing to die for it. Their plan is to distract and divide us. That cannot happen. You are the jewel's guardian. No other. They need to be made aware."
"I'll come with you. I can fight! You taught me how," she insisted.
"I know. That is why I am requesting you stay here. Jaken and A-Un will be the easiest for the nure-onnas to take down. I cannot protect them and you."
Kagome bit her lower lip indecisively. For a moment, Sesshomaru expected her to refuse, but then she nodded.
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I will finish this, then we will speak."
She lifted her hand and extended the smallest finger to him. "Promise?"
His brow creased.
"Here," she said, grabbing his wrist with her free hand. She positioned his fingers to mirror her formation and looped her pinky around his. Then she stamped the pad of her thumb against his. "It's a pinky promise. You can't break it. Got that?"
Sesshomaru nodded. "Understood."
"Good." She placed one hand against his chest, rose onto her tiptoes, and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Be safe."
The temptation to return the favor plagued him. Sesshomaru considered quickly closing the distance between them. Having the chance to finally taste her lips was all he had thought about for the past three days. However, once he chose to partake, Sesshomaru knew a single kiss would not be enough. He would not rush the moment for either of them.
"Stay on the beach," Sesshomaru reminded her.
He strode across the sand, feeling her gaze on him. There was a particular delight that came with knowing he held her attention. It resembled confidence yet felt much more rewarding.
"What's with your face?" Inuyasha asked.
"Focus," Sesshomaru chided. "They are waiting for us to make the first move." He drew his light whip. Though he preferred his sword, this weapon offered him the ability to incapacitate multiple attackers at a distance. It would serve him well with the nure-onnas.
"Why did they come back here? What do they want?"
"Kagome."
Inuyasha stared at him. "What?"
"It is the jewel," he explained. "Surely, you have noticed a change in those around her, yourself included."
His brother frowned. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The nure-onnas grew impatient. Several bared their teeth while others thrashed around in the water. One on Sesshomaru's left drew closer, her crimson eyes honed in on his whip.
"This is a conversation best had once we have entered Lord Obayashi's stronghold," Sesshomaru advised.
"Whatever," Inuyasha grumbled. "These guppies don't know what they're in for."
Sesshomaru assumed he meant the nure-onnas. His suspicion was confirmed when Inuyasha ran into the sea with his sword drawn. Shaking his head, Sesshomaru joined his brother in the assault.
The female yokai swarmed around them like angry hornets. They slapped their tails out, testing Sesshomaru's reach and Inuyasha's patience. Sesshomaru did not react to their diversion. He knew better than to engage with an opponent wise enough to use such tactics. Inuyasha was not as fortunate.
His brother attempted to capture the nure-onnas one at a time. He would chase the closest one, only to lose her in the shallows before another swatted water at him. Sesshomaru observed the situation with the same expression as one watching a pup playing a festival game.
While Inuyasha played the fool, Sesshomaru addressed the yokai before him. "I warned your sisters to leave. I will offer you the same courtesy. That is the extent of my generosity."
Razor-sharp teeth were bared as the nure-onnas gave their answer.
"Very well."
Sesshomaru drew his hand toward his abdomen before suddenly extending it out to the side. A cord of light shot out from the whip handle. It glided across the water's surface, slicing through anything in its path. Hair, skin, limbs, and even part of a forked tongue were separated from their owners.
A chorus of screeches erupted from the clan. They likely considered his first strike a warning. It was not. Sesshomaru was attempting to draw their comrades away from his brother. Once they drew closer, he would end them with a single blow.
His attack had the desired effect. The yokai toying with Inuyasha dove beneath the surface, reappearing amongst their sisters. Crimson eyes locked on Sesshomaru. These nure-onnas were filled with a violent hunger, the likes of which he had only ever seen on the battlefield. Their lust for the jewel had tainted them. It would be a mercy to end their lives.
"Stay down," he warned his brother before striking a second time.
The cord of light shot through the air. It cut through the nure-onnas with the precision of a dagger. His initial attack had been more of a diversion. This one was delivered with intent. The waters turned red as the length of the beach became littered with carcasses.
Sesshomaru scanned the sea for movement. He had expected their return, though he had not anticipated they would regroup as quickly as they had. He would not make that mistake again. The jewel was making his adversaries unpredictable. Sesshomaru needed to rely on his instincts if he was going to keep Kagome safe.
No other heads surfaced. The rhythm of the waves evened out as the tide deposited bodies on the shore. He sheathed his whip.
"They should have known better," Inuyasha commented. "They didn't stand a chance."
"They were not in the right state of mind. A sane yokai would not have interfered, no matter the numbers at their disposal."
Inuyasha frowned. "Why do you think they went after Kagome?"
"They were drawn here by the lure of power. I know of only one such beacon powerful enough to reach that far."
"The Shikon Jewel."
"Precisely. If Kagome will not give in to its demands, it will search for another host— one who is more pliable," Sesshomaru said.
"What does it want?"
"Immortality," Sesshomaru answered. "It originated from a human, but like a kodoku, its existence is unnatural. It seeks to maintain that wretched existence by offering the promise of power and immortality to those too weak to deny it."
"Then we need to destroy it."
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha turned to find Kagome standing on the beach.
"What about Kikyo? How do you know destroying that thing won't kill her?" Inuyasha demanded.
"It is no longer hers to protect. The jewel is in Kagome's possession," Sesshomaru reminded him.
"So what about her, then? How do you know getting rid of that thing won't hurt Kagome?"
Sesshomaru did not respond. He had not considered the possibility that the jewel was connected to Kagome beyond her duty to guard it. The scrolls he had read did not mention how the miko was tethered to the sacred relic.
"It's a small price to pay to keep the world safe."
His attention snapped to his wife. Her eyes bore into his own. "Midoriko sacrificed herself to make the jewel. Maybe I need to do the same."
"No."
"Sesshomaru, saying 'no' doesn't make it untrue. We don't know energy about the Shikon Jewel to understand how to get rid of it."
"Then we find someone who does," he insisted.
"Yeah," Inuyasha agreed. "There has to be a way to end that thing. I bet all of these guys we're visiting have scrolls on the Shikon no Tama. We could ask around and see what they know."
"Wow, Inuyasha, I'm surprised," Kagome remarked with a smile. "I didn't think you liked to read."
"I am also impressed. You developed a logical course of action instead of simply barging into the situation. I commend you," Sesshomaru praised his brother.
He waved them off. "Whatever. It was just an idea."
"It's a great idea," Kagome cheered. "Let's do it."
Sesshomaru watched as she stretched her out in front of her, placing it palm down between the three of them. Inuyasha looked at him in question. Sesshomaru stared at his wife expectantly.
"Put your hands in the center like mine," she instructed them.
Sesshomaru did as she asked. Inuyasha followed a moment later.
"Now, we stack them one on top of the other like this," she explained, placing her hand over Inuyasha's with Sesshomaru's on top. "Then we count to three and say something inspiring like 'We've got this' or 'Let's do our best'."
"Why?" Inuyasha questioned.
"It's what teammates do," Kagome replied. She glanced up at Sesshomaru. "Didn't you have something special you did before a big battle for good luck? Maybe a routine you ran through with your soldiers?"
"I do not believe in luck. I believe in being prepared."
"Okay, well if you did believe in luck, what would you do to make sure it was on your side?" Kagome prompted.
Sesshomaru smirked. He stepped forward, laced his fingers through hers, and yanked Kagome toward him. When his lips pressed to hers, his theory was confirmed. One taste would never be enough.
