One year had passed since Kagome moved to The Southern Lands, and Sesshoumaru hadn't seen her since. Council meetings were not normally a regular occurrence, and as there had not been need of one since the summit at his fortress, he had not had to endure running into her. He was grateful for that fact.
Not long after Kagome was named heir, to the great shock of her new followers, she purified Kashi and took her spot as Lady of the South. When news of this made it back to Sesshoumaru, he couldn't help but feel that the dragon had got what he deserved. That would be the last of the dragons, and it appeared that it was now the year of the miko.
True to her word, Kagome had indeed made great strides in The South. He hated to admit it, but she truly was a natural born leader. The information she brought back from her time had turned the once desolate Southern Lands into a place fit for anyone to live and thrive, not just dragons. Her gardening and farming knowledge saw profitable and beautiful new growth, and books on plumbing and construction made living there much more luxurious than even certain parts of The West.
Humans had flocked to her lands at first; eager to follow the powerful human miko who took down the last dragon demon- as well as Naraku. But once they became aware of her desire to wall them off from the better parts of her lands in favor of demon advancement, they made their way back to The West quickly.
He had lost a number of his demon subjects to Kagome, however. Those who did not agree with his desire to see them live peacefully among humans left his lands; ironically, to go serve under a human woman. It seemed with time, however, that her plans to segregate the species petered out. Sesshoumaru wasn't sure if she simply was not able to make it come to pass, or if perhaps her will to do so had dwindled.
Though he had not seen fit to have contact with the miko, Inuyasha now visited her with some regularity. They had made amends, and he had assured him that she now had control of her powers and was back to her old self in many ways. The experience had changed her some, however.
Inuyasha tried vehemently to convince Sesshoumaru to pay the miko a visit, but he had so far been unsuccessful. Her betrayal was still too fresh, and though he liked to project that he simply loathed her for her behavior, the truth was that it would still be too painful for him to see her.
He had continued seeing Touran since the day Kagome left the fortress. She still went back to do her duties in The North, but as she was only heir, she was able to take long trips to The West to spend time with her beloved dog demon. Yoshi was pleased at the new development between the two, and had encouraged Sesshoumaru to take command of much of the dealings in The North. If things went as he hoped, the demon would soon be mated to his daughter and would likely be running both lands with her.
He wondered what was taking him so long to claim her. Sure, they were demons, and had all the time in the world. But he wanted a new generation of heirs soon, and was becoming impatient for Sesshoumaru to make her an honest woman and begin siring their offspring.
He had assured Touran that he would mate her in time. There was simply too much work to be done at the moment to focus on raising children.
Getting his plans of cohabitation going began at a rocky start, but many were warming to the idea. Now that his new world order was in full swing, and with Inuyasha and his human pack gaining more experience in the matter, they were finally beginning to bear fruit. Villages were being built where both species could thrive, and human/demon couples were becoming more commonplace. He figured that it would take no more than one generation to see the prejudices of his day wiped out. At least for the most part.
"Hey! I'm back!" Inuyasha let himself into Sesshoumaru's study, as he was known to do, for his brother to debrief him on his diplomatic endeavors.
Sesshoumaru had amerced himself in scrolls, as he was known to do, and didn't bother looking up to bid his brother welcome.
"This One is aware, Inuyasha. I scented your arrival 10 minutes ago."
"Yeah, yeah. All hail the superior senses of Lord Sesshoumaru."
He closed the door behind him and made his way to the desk as his brother continued to work.
"And they should. Though I am certain even a human could have scented you. Have you bathed recently?"
The two still enjoys trading barbs, but they had taken on a decidedly more lighthearted nature these days.
"Ha Ha. I really miss the days where you weren't so fucking funny."
Still involved in his tasks, which seemed to take extra precedence when Inuyasha returned from his trips, Sesshoumaru did his best to appear busy as he demanded his obligatory report.
"How was your visit to The Southern Lands?"
"Great! Kagome has really worked wonders over there," he eyed his brother carefully, though Sesshoumaru purposely wasn't making eye contact.
"She asked about you."
"Is that so?" He disinterest couldn't be more clear.
"Yeah. She's doing really good. Looking really good, too."
His statement garnered no reaction from the demon, and he cautiously proceeded.
"You really need to pay her a visit. It has been too long."
"I haven't the time. Nor do you, really. I cannot handle all the matters on my own here," he stilled a moment. "Correction. I certainly can, though I should not have to. You have duties here as well, Inuyasha."
It was clear he was trying to change the subject, but Inuyasha was undeterred. He grabbed his brother's arm, gaining his attention by force.
"No. Sesshoumaru. You REALLY need to visit her. It is really important."
Inuyasha's constant insistence that he visit Kagome was almost unbearable, and had become increasingly progressive in the recent months.
"Why?" He finally deigned to regard him visually, not bothering to contain his annoyance.
"Just. Look, you trust me, right?"
He didn't answer him, and Inuyasha chose to interpret his silence as an affirmative.
"She's having a celebration next week. The finest village in The South has just finished being built, and they are making a huge deal about it. She invited all of us. I told her you would come."
He turned his attention from him with a dismissive shrug.
"I suppose that makes you a liar."
"It's been long enough."
Inuyasha had been furious with Kagome for how she had treated his brother. The few slights she had made at the half demon were easy enough to forgive. But Sesshoumaru had paid a dear price for lending her his dominating youki, and it took time for Inuyasha to forgive her for that. But eventually, he had.
Sesshoumaru's youki had even been difficult for the demon lord to handle himself at one point, and Kagome openly expressed her regret of the affect it'd had on her. He was now more than eager to see the two beings who meant so much to him make amends with each other as well.
"I know she hurt you. I don't love her for it, and she's not proud of herself either. It's time to bury the hatchet. I know you ain't scared..."
He tried, but Sesshoumaru wouldn't take the bait; and the half-demon huffed.
"Look, you can't avoid the South forever. Or her. Let's just get this first visit out of the way. It's only going to get more awkward the longer you wait."
If his brother couldn't be goaded into it, perhaps he could appeal to his rational side.
"Please, just go with me. Show up. Make nice. Say hi. Then we can leave. Don't you want to be the bigger man in this?"
Sesshoumaru wouldn't respond, or even acknowledge the request. Inuyasha sighed, and resulted to his last remaining tactic...pleading desperately.
"Please, Sesshoumaru. I'm begging here. Do this for me, and I swear I'll never ask you for anything again. Honest."
He was getting far too good at the puppy dog eyes. It must be where Rin was picking it up.
He knew he would have to see the miko eventually. He wouldn't deny to himself how much pain she had caused him. Even if he wouldn't voice it to another soul. Those who knew him best had been aware, however. He supposed it was as good a time now as any. He was not a coward, after all. He relented.
"Very well. Since it seems to mean so much to you." His brother released a very audible breath as he smiled wide with relief. "I shall go for one day, but then I must return here."
"Great! Perfect! That's all I ask. Thanks, Sesshoumaru."
He had heard she had done well by the South, but Sesshoumaru hadn't expected this. It had been ages since he set foot in these lands, but this couldn't be a farther cry from the hellhole he remembered visiting years ago.
What was once baron dirt was now lush with gardens and crops. Where there once was no population to speak of, now held bustling communities of progress. The homes built for the villagers were some of the finest he had ever seen, and the demons- and humans- looked happy. They seemed to be living together peacefully, as he had hoped they would. He was pleased that her intentions to separate the species seemed to fall by the wayside.
As he approached the Southern Fortress, he found he was impressed with it as well. It had always been large, as it was where the dragons themselves had resided during their lengthy rule. But though it was still heavily guarded with an impressive army presence, it felt more like a home.
He could clearly see her influence here. From the postmodern designs, to the well-kept gardens, to the contented looks on the faces of both the staff and the residences. She had done well. He had to stop himself from dwelling on what his home might have looked like, if only she had remained.
Since the moment he had arrived, he was preoccupied with an unavoidable pull on his youki. At first, he had considered it was instinct overreacting to the nervous anticipation he felt at seeing her again, but the closer they got, he ruled out the unpleasant thought.
He had never experienced such a sensation, but it only grew stronger as they drew nearer. Now that they were here, the weight of it was becoming distracting. None of the others seemed to be aware of it, but the curious sensation was enough to distract him from the approach of a familiar demon.
"Lord Sesshoumaru." Jiro bowed to accept his former lord into his new home. He hit his breast in solidarity for old times' sake.
"Jiro. You look well."
"Yes, My Lord."
Shortly after Kagome took her oath as Lady of the South, she succeeded in poaching Jiro to become her new General. He had assumed she had done it out of spite, but supposed it was possible that she simply needed an experienced general to get her army up to code.
Following his famous beat down in the dojo, and his disagreement with Sesshoumaru over the human issue, it was easy for her to sway him. But they went way back, and there were no hard feelings. It was simply business.
"Welcome back, Lord Inuyasha. Long time no see."
"Keh. Whatever."
"Lady Touran, it is a pleasure."
"Hello Jiro." She answered his bow with a polite inclining of her head.
"Lady Kagome is busy with her preparations, but I will show you to your rooms. I assume the two of you will be..."
"One room will suit us, Jiro. And one for Inuyasha."
"Very well, My Lord. This way."
By the evening time, there was still no sign of Kagome. Sesshoumaru understood. He had hosted a plethora of these events, and was aware of the strain on the host's schedule. They would be traveling to the new village for a tour tomorrow, but the celebration was beginning tonight in the fortress. Music was playing and couples were dancing. Inuyasha came stag to this event, but Touran had persuaded Sesshoumaru to join her in a dance.
She was startled when she felt him tense, and looked to see what was wrong. She followed his gaze to find that Kagome had entered the hall, servants and guards bowing to her as she made her way over.
He wasn't prepared. He thought he was, but the second he saw her, long repressed feelings had made their way back to the surface, and it took everything he had to push them down. Touran did well at hiding her upset at his longing reaction to the miko. She knew this would be awkward for him, and tried to remain a calming presence to support him.
She would be there for him now, as she had been ever since Kagome left. He was terribly hurt by the experience, despite his ability to hide it from most everyone else. But she knew him too well to not see how badly he was affected. He would not express it to her outwardly, but he didn't need to. Aside from Inuyasha, she was the only one who could really tell.
And she had been there to pick up the pieces. He held her tightly at night, trying to forget the woman who had left him to go live in The South. And she tried not to let it bother her that when they laid together, his gaze still seemed to go right through her. Just like that night they had that threesome, she wasn't the one on his mind.
She decided that it would just take time. He had some mending to do. And when he was healed, she would be there. She had waited her whole life for him. She could wait a little longer.
They stopped dancing to face Kagome as she approached. She did well at hiding her regret, but openly displayed her excitement at finally laying eyes on the dog demon who had once been her intended.
Never one for gaudy finery, she wore a simple kimono, though it was no doubt expensive. The material was fine and very flattering. And her makeup was only a light touch to accent her natural beauty.
"Sesshoumaru. I'm so glad you came." He only inclined his head in response. Though he didn't speak, they held eye contact for a long moment; appraising one another, and trying not to let their history overpower them.
"Touran. It's good to see you," she offered politely. And the panther demon responded in kind.
"You as well. Congratulations."
"Thank you... Would you mind terribly if I cut in?" She wouldn't refuse. But she was far from thrilled at having the miko so close to the demon she now considered to be hers.
"Of course." Touran leaned in to kiss Sesshoumaru as she made to leave. He wasn't normally one for PDA, but it was more to prove a claim than anything.
He allowed her to pull him close as they danced to the slow music, and she noticed how he stiffened slightly in her hold. Their proximity brought back more pleasant memories from a year ago.
"It's been a while since we danced together like this."
"Hn." He supposed there was more to be said, but this was hardly the venue. Even if it were, he didn't know where to begin. She seemed more willing to take the reins.
"It is really is great to see you. It's' been far too long." He wouldn't look her way as he replied.
"If you say so."
She had expected him to be upset. He was actually behaving more cordial than she'd anticipated, or that was warranted.
"I deserve that. I can't begin to apologize-"
"Unnecessary." His dismissive curtness cut her to the bone. She slowed their movements to command his attention.
"But it is though. I was a total cunt. The way I behaved was unforgivable. I don't know how I can make it up to you-"
"You cannot." Her face fell slightly, but she was determined to press on.
"Don't say that. I've got some making up to do. But I swear, I will find a way to make things right."
She actually took his silence as progress.
"Look. Let's not do this here. Come back to my room with me, and we can talk."
He fixed her with a suspicious look.
"If you presume to seduce This One, know that it is futile. Our time has passed."
He was inclined to make it clear how over her he was. "I am quite happy with Touran. We shall be mated soon," he forced out, almost too quickly.
"I'm very happy for you," she lied, and he scented it. "But you can't deny that we need to talk. Just a nice friendly chat in private. Please?"
He supposed it could not be avoided. They had prolonged this confrontation long enough as it was. He might as well get this out of the way now, lest he need to endure another visit.
"Very well."
He made eye contact with the panther demon, trying to relay that there was no funny business, and followed Kagome's lead back to her room.