Meeting the Mother

Genre: Drama.

Prompt: A dog's style

Universe: AU

Genre: Humour

864 Words

"You'll be fine," Sesshoumaru reassured her for the umpteenth time.

Kagome looked out of the car window and wasn't convinced.

His father and stepmother hadn't been a problem – Kagome had had the old dog and Izayoi completely wrapped around her finger long before she and Sesshoumaru had ever happened. She had been a frequent guest in their house since middle school when she had become friends with Inuyasha.

Likewise, Sesshoumaru's visit to the Higurashi shrine had gone without much hassle. Her mother of course had been as kind and welcoming as always but her little brother had predictably peppered Sesshoumaru with curious questions and her grandfather had not been delighted to see a demon in the house. Still, Sesshoumaru had been almost uncharacteristically patient with Souta, and for the most part had matched jii-chan's scowls with indifference.

So far so good – but of course, the worst had been saved for the last: Sesshoumaru's mother.

"She is not that bad," Sesshoumaru tried to tell her, but Kagome did not miss the way his eyes had not quite met hers.

He must have noticed that she noticed, as he had quickly added: "I mean she can be a bit selfish and over-dramatic at times but I'm sure she'll like you."

Kagome wasn't quite so sure, however. She had heard and read too many horror stories about demanding insufferable mother-in-laws and their strained relationships with their daughter-in-laws. And Sesshoumaru's mother might well one day become her mother-in-law; she and Sesshoumaru were surely getting serious enough, taking the crucial step of bringing your partner home to meet your parents suggested a level of commitment in itself.

Still, Kagome hadn't been this nervous in a long while. She wanted – no, needed – Sesshoumaru's mother to like her, to accept her, to conclude that she made a good match to her son. Kagome had never really been the type to crave for approval, but this time she helplessly did.

When Sesshoumaru finally pulled up, Kagome gazed up at the towering, upscale apartment building and for a moment she felt reluctant to get out of the car. As the doorman nodded them in and they rode the elevator up to the top floor, Kagome fidgeted, the knots in her stomach winding tighter.

She had expected Sesshoumaru's mother to live similarly to his father – a big cosy house with carefully arranged flowers, tatami floors and sliding doors. But her apartment was straight out of a magazine feature; modern and minimalistic, all sleek lines and monochrome with a few bright splashes of colour serving as accents. The living room sofa was dark grey leather, the glass coffee table perched on a fluffy white carpet. The big windows offered amazing views of the city spreading down below. Kagome drank it all in while she hovered anxiously in the doorway, hesitantly peeling off her shoes.

And then the mother herself swooped in, moving with the poise and gracefulness of a daiyoukai. It was clear where Sesshoumaru had inherited his dashing looks; she had the same crescent moon gracing her brow, the same glimmering golden eyes and the same silver hair, elegantly pinned up. She was clad in a champagne dress that looked expensive and made her pale skin seem aglow. Kagome picked at the hem of her blouse and suddenly felt underdressed.

"Sesshoumaru," the demoness intoned in a smooth, melodic voice.

Kagome's stomach sank. Was there nothing about this woman that wasn't perfect?

Then, the weight of the piercing golden gaze descended on her.

"And this must be Kagome."

Kagome hastily dipped into a bow, but painted claws grasped her jaw in a firm grip and tilted her head upwards.

"None of that now," the demoness murmured, the corner of her red lips curling. "Let me have a look at you."

Kagome fought off her urge to blink and stared her possible future mother-in-law helplessly, as she scrutinised her with leisure.

"A bit young, isn't she," the demoness commented to her son who promptly averted his gaze. "And what do we have here… reiki? I see you have some unusual tastes, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru stayed silent, while Kagome was not sure whether to feel embarrassed or irritated over his mother's remarks. Before she could make up her mind, however, the demoness turned back to her.

"Still, I am delighted to meet you," she continued. "You know you are the first girl Sesshoumaru has ever brought home! So I welcome you with open arms, miko or not."

Kagome didn't dare to reply as the razor-sharp claws were still holding her jaw.

"Frankly, I was starting to grow rather vexed! I tried to tell him he wasn't getting any younger, even offered to introduce some nice girls to him or talk to the omiai coordinators… but Sesshoumaru would have none of it. You know how stubborn he can be – had his poor old mother quite worried!"

The demoness shook her head and finally let her arm drop.

Kagome just stared, incredulously wondering just what part of this daiyoukai was old or poor.

Then, Sesshoumaru's mother flashed her a small smile while her deceivingly strong arm wound around her shoulders.

"Come in now, Kagome. And tell me all about yourself."