Grumpy

Kagome stood in the courtyard staring at an elaborate black lacquered palanquin on two wheels. Its roof sloped like a pagoda, and its walls were covered in painted gold flowers. She had never seen a palanquin like this, except for in books or museums. This kind of luxury was reserved for nobility. The only thing different about Sesshoumaru's carriage from the ones she had seen in pictures, was the addition of a dragon to pull it. The creature huffed and tossed its head as it eyed her. It almost seemed odd that the dragon had only one head and not two.

It all seemed a little… extravagant.

"Kagome-sama."

Kagome turned away from the palanquin to find Tortuga behind her. His long mustache curled with his mouth, giving away his mirth. Sesshoumaru liked to call him an old fool, but he still managed to hang around all these years. He must be doing something right. During her time living at the palace, the old turtle had quickly become a friend of hers. He was a valuable ally in the daily survival of living with a grumpy daiyoukai.

He held out a small satchel and an umbrella. "This is the wedding gift."

She eyed them both with question. "An umbrella? But, it's bright and sunny." She tilted her head back to look at the bright blue sky. "Is it supposed to rain?"

He laughed. "Yes, it will rain at a kitsune wedding."

Kagome put a finger to her lips. "Ohhh that's right. Legend has it kitsune only get married while it's raining on a sunny day. I didn't realize it was true!"

"Unfortunately, it is." Sesshoumaru's voice rumbled between them. Kagome looked around Tortuga's shell to see the daiyoukai approaching.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth hung open. He wasn't wearing his usually white kimono and hakama attire. Instead he wore a black pinstripe hakama with a grey kimono top, covered with a dark maroon haori. The sleeves were beautiful, and his signature flower design covered the ends.

His hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, accentuating the markings on his face. He wore none of his usual armor, except for Tenseiga and Bakusaiga that sat at his hip.

Her stare was obvious.

"Kagome-dono." He said to get her attention.

She shook her head and snapped her mouth shut.

Why would his clothing cause such a reaction from her? Could it be that she was attracted to him?

The right side of his lips turned up. Perhaps his annoying mother had been right to suggest he change attire for the occasion.

Color spread across her cheeks, and she looked away from him to glare at the dragon. "Isn't the palanquin a bit excessive? Can't you...you know, fly?"

He scowled. "Yes."

"Lady Manako insisted that you both arrive like the nobility that you are." Tortuga explained, giving a slight shrug.

Kagome rolled her eyes. "I would rather not draw attention away from the couple to be married."

"Think nothing of it. It is expected of you." Tortuga opened the door for her.

She climbed in, and sat on her knees, tucking her kimono neatly under her. The palanquin dipped slightly to side as Sesshoumaru sat down opposite of her, crossing his legs in front of him.

Tortuga held the door open, looking at Kagome. "Kitsune are tricksters, so," he tossed a glance at Sesshoumaru, "don't let him kill anyone. It would look bad."

Sesshoumaru's head snapped in his direction, snarling fangs, and red glowing eyes. His youki snapped around him, rocking the carriage back and forth, and startling the dragon. Kagome let out a small shriek and frantically tried to hold onto the walls to keep herself from toppling over.

Tortuga's eyes bulged out of his head and in his panic, slammed the door shut. The youki receeded and the menacing act came to an end. Sesshoumaru sat back against the wall and pulled the small window open.

He tried to look so normal after that display.

Kagome covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter.

"Poor Tortuga-sama." She murmured.

His dark amber eyes narrowed at her.

She ignored him, and turned her attention to the scenery outside the tiny window.

Her mouth opened in awe as the carriage lifted into the air. Scenery and clouds passed below them as they flew across the sky.

Sesshoumaru couldn't help but watch her amazed reactions. Shouldn't she be worried about herself? Despite that he had tried to kill her before, and she had witnessed him kill others, she remained calm, and relaxed in his presence. She didn't fear him. Why didn't that bother him?
A part of him wanted her to acknowledge the danger he posed, while the other half of him hoped that she trusted his word that he would never harm her. What had become of him? He should want her to fear him, but really that was the last thing he wanted.

She had become much healthier in his care, and she now glowed with life and energy.

Her soft pink floral kimono brought out the blue in her eyes. Her long shiny hair flowed freely down her back, which he favored over the more proper up-dos.

He wanted to hate himself for finding her so beautiful, but he couldn't find it in him.