Disclaimer: I don't own any of Rumiko Takahashi's wonderful characters.
A/N: Sorry for such a long delay for what is one of my shorter chapters. I will try to update more promptly in the future.
Chapter 15
Last time: Was she saying she wanted some time alone with him? Inuyasha blinked and tried to break his gaze away from her, but she just kept drawing him in. He wasn't sure what he was doing, but he suddenly found himself leaning towards her. Then their mouths met. For a split second their lips brushed, like a butterfly fluttering above a flower, then they both melted into one another. Lips parted and timid tongues grew bolder as they explored and tasted one another.
Inuyasha felt her hands move slowly up his chest, neck, all the way up to his ears. He almost growled when her gentle fingers stroked the soft fur of the sensitive appendages. A moment later they slowly parted, both panting and slightly flushed.
"Kagome, I-" Inuyasha started to say, but he flipped his ears back at the sound of the rest of their group approaching. Great, now they show up.
"I'll think about it," he told her, as he stood and gently drew her to her feet. He was about to pull away, when he felt Kagome tug him towards her. He turned to see what she wanted, but met her lips instead. She pressed another soul-twisting kiss on him, then backed away, smiling shyly up at him.
"Thank you," she whispered just loud enough for him to hear.
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"A human ceremony?" Maika repeated.
She propped herself up with her elbow so she could see Sesshomaru's face. He lay on their bed in a shimmering pool of his own silver hair. It cascaded in languid waves over the edge of the bed and even over Maika's bare thighs. She instinctively lifted it between her fingers and caressed its silky softness. God, she loved his hair.
Sesshomaru lifted slightly and planted a kiss on the tip of her nose, then lay back on his pillow. "I hope this does not displease you, but yes, I am afraid Daiginkeiko Reizo must have a human wedding ceremony. My appearance may not be very well known, however I do have a very public reputation through my business transactions. It will be expected."
Maika pretended to think a moment. The slight narrowing of Sesshomaru's eyes and the crease on his brow meant he was truly concerned for her reaction, and only served to fuel her amusement.
Leaning over him, she nipped playfully at his chin and said, "Baka, what woman would object to getting to play dress up and have a beautiful ceremony all in her honor? Of course I don't mind having a human marriage ceremony. We both know we love one another, and a human ceremony will do nothing to diminish the significance of our mating."
Sesshomaru growled in response, and Maika suddenly found herself buried beneath a very firm, warm body and a curtain of hair. She giggled madly and wrapped her legs around his hips. It wouldn't kill them to start the day a few minutes late. They deserved it after all. This was the first night in the two weeks since Reiku and Maika had moved into Sesshomaru's penthouse that Reiku had not awakened them both with her screaming fits of night terrors.
A half hour later, Maika and Sesshomaru emerged from their bedroom. Maika combed her fingers through her hair as she walked into the kitchen. There was no sign of Reiku yet, but the girl needed to be getting up and dressed soon. Sesshomaru had hired a private tutor per Reiku's request, who would be arriving in about an hour for her lessons.
Maika put a pot of water on to boil, while Sesshomaru rummaged for a quick bite to eat before he left for his office. He had already dressed, but had yet to activate his charm. Maika watched his long white hair sway hypnotically as he hurried through his routine.
"Reiku is not awake," he stated rather than asked.
"I'm surprised she slept so well tonight," Maika remarked as she set out cups for tea. "Perhaps being here is helping."
Sesshomaru nodded his agreement. He stood behind her in silence for a moment as though debating something, then finally said, "You have not seen my fur this morning, have you?"
Maika set down the steaming pot she had just lifted and turned to look at him. "You lost it? I thought it was a part of you or something?" A smile played at the corner of her lips.
Sesshomaru frowned. "I did not lose it," he muttered as he returned to his search for breakfast.
Maika was not convinced. She turned her back to him to hide a broad smile and returned to her task. Just then the door to Reiku's room swung open and a white, furry bundle staggered through the door. Maika just watched as it plodded over, wobbling every now and then, and climbed onto one of chairs at the counter.
Maika stifled a giggle, glanced over her shoulder at the youkai lord and said, "Eh, Sesshomaru, I think your prodigal fluff has returned."
Sesshomaru growled softly in annoyance and turned around. He blinked upon seeing his pelt sitting in a pile at the counter, clearly unsure of what to think of such a thing. Then suddenly a pair of dark brown eyes, framed by a mass of black hair peeked out from the fur.
The fur shifted, revealing a broad yawn followed by a sleepy smile. "Good morning, Father, Mother. Did you sleep well? I slept very good last night! I was so warm."
"Good morning, Reiku," Maika greeted warmly. "And I'll bet you were warm last night if you were wrapped up in that."
Reiku nodded, slipping her head a little further out along with her arms. She petted the fur and rubbed her face against it. "It's so soft. I see why you wear it all the time, Father. I bet it's perfect for taking a nap."
"Hmmm, is that why you took it?" he questioned.
Reiku saddened and looked down, slowly unwinding it from herself. "No. I'm sorry for taking it without asking, but I knew you needed to be with Mother last night, so I took it so it would be like you were there with me. To help me go to sleep."
Maika flushed and looked down. Reiku's perceptiveness was still a bit surprising at times.
Sesshomaru moved closer to Reiku and lifted her chin with his finger so she would look up at him. "I am not displeased with you for taking it. I was merely curious. Anything you need I will provide."
Reiku smiled at him and nodded. She lifted the fur and handed it to him. "Thank you."
Sesshomaru extended his arm and the pelt curled up it and around his shoulder. He reached up out of habit to stroke its softness, only to have his claws snag on something. Curious, he moved it down his arm to look. Several small, colorful objects caught his eye, and he noticed a number of tiny braids and clips scattered throughout the fur.
Maika choked on her tea when she saw it, just managing to turn away before she spit tea all over him. "Reiku, did you...?" she managed to get out.
"I couldn't fall asleep," Reiku explained. She pointed at a particularly thick, sleek braid with a glittery pink clip at the end. "I got really good. That's the best one."
Sesshomaru looked strange; his face was blank, but strained. Maika wasn't sure if he was trying to hold back laughter or his temper. He did seem to be unusually attached to that particular accessory.
Sesshomaru put the fur back over his shoulder and said in a slightly choked voice, "That is very impressive, Reiku. Have a pleasant day. I will return. Maika, if you could please call the Higurashi's shrine and make the arrangements we discussed this morning?"
Maika nodded, but caught him by the hand as he moved for the door. She squeezed it slightly until he turned to face her. Something was bothering him, and she knew it was more than Reiku's styling job on his pelt. Gently, she prodded him through their mating connection, searching for what was ailing him in order to heal it. Yet again she encountered that thick, icy scar. He must have had some memory, a painful one, kindled. The scar was colder and harder than before. Maika willed her warmth into it until Sesshomaru placed a hand on her cheek and drew her back.
"Thank you, love," he murmured softly, as he planted a soft kiss on her shoulder.
She nodded and fought the urge to draw him into her arms and embrace him until every last ounce of ice in him melted. It hurt her to see him carrying so much pain inside. She gave him a sharp look to let him know he wasn't off the hook just yet.
Sesshomaru smiled softly and whispered, "Rin."
Maika squeezed his hand gently in understanding. He had already explained to her Reiku's connection to his former ward. The little girl Rin must have done something similar to his fur when they traveled together, and the memory had reminded him of the loss. For such a quiet, arrogant person who prided himself on his elite power and status, Sesshomaru's capacity for love was truly astounding. It took something special to spark that love, but once it was there, it was unwavering and without limits.
Sesshomaru pressed one last, lingering kiss to her lips, then pulled away.
Maika shivered as he activated his charm and pulled the door shut behind him. It was strange how dimmed his aura felt with it activated. She could still sense her connection to him, but it was like touching him through a veil, and she didn't like it.
Reiku's cheerful chatter went in one ear and out the other as Maika concentrated on preparing something for the girl to eat. Both she and Sesshomaru had needed some instruction from Reiku on exactly how to stock the kitchen to suit a human's needs, but it had been far easier for her since her diet was much more similar to a human's than Sesshomaru's.
The smell of eggs and rice filled the air, and Maika's stomach turned. She had eaten these often before, so she wasn't sure why just the smell of them would bother her stomach now. By a great strength of will and some stubbornness, Maika finished cooking before she had to lie down.
"Are you okay?" Reiku called out to her.
Maika forced a smile and sat up. "I'm fine, honey. Just a little tired, I guess. You better hurry and finish that. The tutor will be here soon."
Reiku nodded and turned back to her breakfast, while Maika flopped back onto the couch. She groaned and activated the charm around her neck. Why Sesshomaru had hired a mortal tutor, she couldn't guess. Reiku certainly didn't seem to be any more comfortable around her own kind. And as fine as she was with mortals in general, she wasn't too comfortable herself with a strange one in her home. Especially when she felt like she could hurl at any moment.
In all honesty, this little illness of hers had her quietly worried. Youkai did not get sick easily. In fact, she could remember only one other time she had even felt slightly under the weather, and that had been as a very young child. Maybe this was just a side effect from the mating. Joining auras with a being as powerful as Sesshomaru might have physical side effects until she grew accustomed.
Perhaps she needed to see a youkai healer, at least speak to someone with a little more knowledge on the subject. Maika knew she couldn't tell Sesshomaru, at least not yet. Her mate would feel guilty if she were to suffer anything because of him, and it wasn't really all that bad. Nothing she couldn't grin and bear. No, she would only speak to Sesshomaru about it if the youkai healer discovered something serious.
About ten minutes later, she had a phonebook in her lap and the phone propped against her ear with her shoulder. After five tries, she finally found a healer who could see her sooner than three months. She made an appointment for the following Monday, certain that by then whatever was bothering her would likely have passed and she could just cancel.
Maika flipped through the phonebook, searching for the Sunset Shrine as she silently wished she still had her references from the Home. This was the same shrine where she had contacted Kagome about her article. However, the new secretary probably wouldn't know her and wouldn't give her the information if she called and asked.
While the phone rang, Maika envisioned herself and Sesshomaru dressed in the traditional wedding attire. She had to admit she was more than a little excited.
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"You know, you're more than welcome to come with me, Inuyasha," Kagome said as she perched on the lip of the well. "He won't be too busy to talk to you. I'm sure."
Inuyasha stood with his back to her. He crossed his arms for emphasis and told her, "Keh! I said I'd think about it."
Kagome sighed and shook her head. He was just too stubborn for his own good. She knew Sesshomaru in her time would be willing to talk to Inuyasha, if the hanyou would just break down and seek him out.
"I'll be back in three days, though I hope to see you before then," Kagome called, then with a slight hop, she was drifting down through time and the familiar blue glow of her ancient transport.
She hefted her backpack and climbed the waiting ladder. At the top, she paused to take a deep breath, then smiled. Was she ever glad she had convinced Inuyasha to get her there on a Sunday. A whole day with no school, or shard hunting, for her catch up on some relaxation time. Maybe even hang out with her friends some.
The smell of her mother's delicious cooking greeted her as she entered her home. Her saliva glands kicked into high gear, and Kagome had to lick her lips to keep from drooling. It was good to be home.
"Mom, I'm back!" she shouted as she tossed her pack to the side and ran into the kitchen.
"Kagome, honey, welcome back," her mother called from the living room. Mrs. Higurashi walked in holding two large, white envelopes in her hand. She smiled at Kagome as if she knew some exciting secret.
"You mean Sesshomaru is getting married here in a month?" Kagome repeated and she dropped weakly into a chair. Her mother sank down beside her and nodded, an excited grin still plastered on her face.
"I thought we didn't do weddings," Kagome told her. "We're such a small shrine."
Her mother chuckled softly. "That is what I told them at first, but when I found out who it was, I just couldn't turn them down."
Mrs. Higurashi slid the envelopes across the table to her. "And these came in the mail just yesterday."
Kagome lifted the first one, with her family name written in gold lettering across the front. It looked eerily like a wedding invitation. She gasped when she saw the beautiful script and delicate paper of what was definitely a wedding invitation for none other than one Daiginkeiko Reizo and a Kitoku Maika.
Her shrill squeal echoed around the room and Kagome's eyes misted. "I knew they could do it! I can hardly believe it, though. After all these centuries the ice lord is finally getting married." She passed a hand across her face and added, "I'm so happy for them. And they invited us! Are having it at our shrine! Oh, Mom, that will be so much work."
"Maika assured me that all the details would be handled," Mrs. Higurashi said.
Kagome nodded, her mind already planning out what she would wear. "Oh, I can't wait to tell Inuya-"
What would Inuyasha have to say about his brother getting married?
"Inuyasha..."
"Why don't you take a look at that other envelope, sweetie," her mother prodded gently.
Kagome started. She had completely forgotten the other letter her mother had given her. This second one was addressed to Inuyasha care of Higurashi Kagome. She scowled as a sealing spell tingled against her miko senses. Did Sesshomaru really think she would go through someone else's mail? Well, maybe she would have just peeked a little if it didn't have that darn spell on it.
Her curiosity was piqued now. Why on earth would Sesshomaru not want her to see an invitation? What else had he written in there that he didn't want any but Inuyasha's eyes to see?
Darn him! She just had to know what was in that invitation. Without even a word goodbye, Kagome was up and sprinting towards the well. A few seconds later, she struggled over the lip of the well.
"Inuyasha!" she shouted. "Inuyasha!"
Scarcely a minute later, Inuyasha skidded to a stop a few feet from the well on full alert. His eyes scanned the clearing warily, and his nose twitched.
"What is it, Kagome? What's wrong?"
Kagome tilted her head and looked at him. "Wrong? Nothing's wrong."
He relaxed and glared at her. "Then why the hell did you come back screaming my name for, baka?"
Kagome smirked and announced, "Special delivery for one Inuyasha," as she waved a small, white paper in the air.
"What? A delivery?" Inuyasha questioned, utterly confused. "Did you hit your head when you fell through the well?"
But then his nose detected a familiar scent on the paper. His eyes widened. "What is that about, Kagome?"
Kagome pouted. "I don't know. It's sealed so only you can open it."
Now equally intrigued, Inuyasha carefully took the note from her. He sniffed it again. That was definitely Sesshomaru's scent. Underneath a bunch of other smelly human scents, but it was there. Hesitantly, he broke the seal exhaling as he felt the magic dissipate into nothingness. What would his brother be sending to him?
Slowly, he tore open the outer covering and extracted a delicate looking formal paper and a smaller, coarser paper that was folded up inside it. These smelled more strongly of his brother. And only his brother.
Warm breath tickled the back of his neck. Frowning, he stuffed the papers into his kimono and turned around to glare at Kagome, who leaned back and blinked at him with wide, innocent eyes.
"Do you mind?" he said firmly. "It was my name on the outside, and the seal would only break for me. I think that means this is private stuff between me and Sesshomaru."
Kagome huffed and crossed her arms. "Fine, but you better tell me what it says. I had to come back five hundred years to deliver it, you know."
Inuyasha waited until Kagome had returned back to her time before he ran a short distance into the forest and perched in a tree limb. Once he had made sure there was nothing in the immediate vicinity, he pulled the now wrinkled papers from his fire rat. The first, more delicate piece turned out to be an invitation to a wedding ceremony. It was beautiful, but impersonal, the kind of thing that every guest would receive.
Inuyasha smirked at seeing his brother's pseudonym beside the name of that youkai woman they had seen him with at the fair. So, some unfortunate woman had finally caught that bastard's eye. Took him long enough.
For a while, he just sat, flipping the paper through his fingers, trying to figure out what Sesshomaru meant by sending him an invitation. Was it in earnest? Did Sesshomaru really expect for him to show up for this ceremony? The dirty hanyou, the shame of the family. Or was he simply rubbing it in Inuyasha's face that the killing perfection had now achieved perfection in every aspect of his life? Had Sesshomaru sent this only out of obligation to whatever familial ties he considered to exist between them?
That couldn't have been it, could it? Considering that technically Inuyasha didn't exist in that time, Sesshomaru had every excuse not to include him. Those thoughts did little to comfort him, though. Inuyasha clutched the other folded note that had been inside the invitation. He knew it was a personal message from his brother, however he was a little scared to see what was written inside.
Turning it a few more times between his fingers, Inuyasha slowly unfolded and smoothed the paper. There was thin black cord bracelet attached at the top corner. Confused, Inuyasha pulled it off, slipped it over his wrist for later examination, and moved on to the note itself.
His brother's unmistakable handwriting marched across it in smart rows and elegant script. The bastard even did that perfectly. Inuyasha had barely learned to scrawl out a few simple sentences in the time before his mother died, and whatever else he had learned was either by his own efforts or Kagome's.
Finally, he buckled down and slowly read the message:
Inuyasha,
I know that we have not been on the best of terms during the time we have known one another, and I admit I am culpable for the majority of that estrangement. I have done a number of things to you in the past that I do and do not regret. One of the things I do not regret was allowing you to live as an infant. My greatest regret, however, is allowing you to live as an outcast rather than my brother.
This is something I hope to atone for. I do not expect forgiveness or even understanding on your part for all the ills you have suffered at my hand; for in all honesty, I do not deserve it. My invitation to you was extended with sincerity, and I would be honored for you to attend as my relative, my kin, my brother.
I also understand that you harbor a very reasonable distrust towards me, and that you probably have doubts regarding my intentions even as you read this, which my saying that over the past centuries my attitude has changed would do little to alleviate. In an effort to prove to you my honesty, I implore you to at the very least speak with me. If it were possible, I would meet you in your time at a location of your choosing. Since that is not possible, I ask that you meet me here, at a location of yours or Kagome's choosing unless you wish to allow me the choice. I give my word that I will be unarmed, though I encourage you to bring Tetsusaiga.
Please, allow me the chance to correct my mistakes with you. We are all the family either of us has now. It is high time that we act as one. If you will speak with me, send word through Kagome.
Your brother,
Sesshomaru
P.S. I have included an illusion charm (the black cord attached at the top corner) for you to use during your visits to Kagome's era. Wear it on your person at all times while it is activated or the illusion will vanish. To activate the charm, simply twist the knot. Repeating the action deactivates it. Whether you choose to speak with me or not, the gift is yours. May it serve you well.
Inuyasha crumpled the paper in his hand and frowned at the black cord on his wrist. Some of the words he didn't understand, but he did get the gist of it. So, Sesshomaru wanted to play nice now? Pretty words on paper meant nothing from a guy who had pretended some demon was his mother in order to get a sword. And why the hell had it taken him five hundred years to come to this conclusion? Certainly there had to have been an opportunity or two before now for them to reconcile.
This was his chance, though. The chance to confront his brother about how he had treated him. And maybe, just maybe, it really was his chance to have the brother he had always dreamed of having.