Title: It's because I care
Author: Angelicatt
Prompt: Seasons Challenge: Winter
Genre: Romance/Fluff/Humor
Rating: K+
Warning: Sesshoumaru talks a lot…more than the entire anime series put together.
Word Count: 5,893 (inc. Endnote)
Summary: Continued from #87 Cloud: Mama Higurashi and Sesshoumaru have a nice long chat.
A/N: Almost there…can you hear the bells chiming off in the distance? Originally posted on LJ 5/22/10
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but my own cracked imagination (& Toki-Mai)
Kagome fidgeted in her chair again for the hundredth time. At first the teenager talked while her mother ate, trying her best to elucidate all the important details, highlighting the daiyoukai's amorous confession, since she knew her mother was a romantic at heart, just like her. She picked her words well, managing to skirt over all the parts about the heavy petting session they had prior to coming through the well and of them spending the night together alone. When she was all done, they switched roles and the young onna devoured her homemade dinner, while the elder gave her a stern but sympathetic lecture on relationships, emotions and sex. A few times, her mother's rather graphic details of 'young love's relations' had her gagging on her food. 'Since when has Mama been such a hentai.' Explaining everything to her mother, had taken every ounce of resolve and she was bushed. The conversation had lasted the better part of two hours.
Chieko listened patiently while her only daughter talked about how much Sesshoumaru meant to her and how happy she was that he wanted to be with her. The poor child had been through so many heartaches in her short life and if this youkai was responsible for putting the shine back into her eyes; then maybe he was worth the chance to prove himself. Kagome had gabbed to her about him, in quite some detail on her past visits; starting back when he had joined with InuYasha's pack a year ago. She was not blind to the boost of confidence and self-worth that the Inu had provided the young miko with his intelligent, appreciative rapport.
As a full blooded daiyoukai, his every action was seen as a representation of himself. From what she had already been told, she knew him to be honorable, protective and attentive; not to mention that he was quite the looker from the little she saw. Mama Higurashi had been delightfully amazed to learn that it was his decision to travel through the well, in order to properly ask for her daughter's hand in marriage. Most humans in this era ignored the old traditions, instead focusing on newer Western ideals; but the unconscious male upstairs had risked his own health and wellbeing to uphold the values that Kagome had been brought up with. That was a definite plus in her books; even Jiji couldn't argue with that, even if he pretended to be annoyed that his miko granddaughter would be mating with a youkai.
All that remained was for the young Inu Lord to awake and make it official.
That would have to wait until tomorrow it seemed, as she noticed her teenaged progeny slumped uncomfortably against the table. She had had a long day and sleep was what she needed now. Chieko rustled Kagome from her doze and pushed her in the direction of the stairs.
The miko trudged like a zombie up the staircase, her brain on automatic pilot. She eased open her bedroom door and noticed immediately that Sesshoumaru had turned over onto his side; his face now facing the wall and the empty spot, where she intended on laying. This was a good sign, she thought. The humidifier was still churning out tendrils of mentholated steam. She took the time to visit the bathroom to use the toilet and brush her teeth, before crawling into the warm bed. It didn't take but a couple of minutes before Sesshoumaru's arm instinctively wrapped around her stomach, pulling her back against his chest. The low rumbling being emitted from him had her drifting off quickly.
S~*~*~*~*K
His brain was fuzzy, clouded and he felt achy but rested. There was spiced vanilla and jasmine in the air meaning Kagome was near; but there was also a lingering tingly aroma surrounding him that he could not place. It took him a moment or twelve before he remembered that he was no longer in the Feudal era; they had come through the well, and then there was the argument and then his collapse. 'Wait what? This Sesshoumaru does not swoon and faint like some feeble human onna.' his mind harped.
He really wanted to open his eyes and see if he was still lying on the ground, except he felt warm and comforted and had a soft heaviness pressed up against his left side. 'There was no way the miko would leave this one prostrate out in the open. So where am I?' The Inu Lord blinked once, then twice and his vision finally centered on the reason for the weight. His dearest onna was sleeping with her head curled up against his outstretched left arm, mokomoko draped on the other side and around her.
Golden eyes scrutinized their surroundings. They appeared to be in a bedroom, Kagome's perchance, given the strength of her scent, and in her bed no less. The room itself was not very big and contained a desk, a dresser, a bookcase and the bed. There were three doors and a window behind his head. 'Ah this must be the half-breed's preferred method of entry.' he surmised, recalling her stories of InuYasha popping up unexpectedly to drag her back to the Feudal era.
It was definitely morning on the other side of the window; however, the deep purple and green drapes kept the sun from being too glaring. The rays that did manage to get through ended up landing on a strange crystal that hung over the desk, which in turn cast rainbow lights like the sun beating down on packed snow, around the small space. He would have to remember to ask her what kind of magic that was exactly once she woke up.
"Anata, this one could get very used to waking up next to you like this." he cooed to Kagome's sleeping form.
He was so enthralled by the miko beside him and trying hard not to make any sudden sounds or movements that would rouse her that he missed when Mama Higurashi opened the bedroom door and stuck her head in.
"Oh gomen nasai Lord Sesshoumaru. I hope I did not wake you. I am Higurashi Chieko, Kagome's mother. How are you feeling today? I brought these clothes for you to change into, since yours are little dirty from your ...well, they need to be washed. I am afraid Kagome will probably not be getting up anytime soon. You both had an adventurous day yesterday and we were up quite late talking, so if you need any assistance my son Souta is in the next room. Please come downstairs for some tea when you can, we have much to discuss." Mama instructed the daiyoukai, before bowing and closing back the door. He could hear her whispering to someone just outside and then her footsteps disappeared.
Sesshoumaru remained in his semi prone position on the bed the entire time Kagome's mother spoke. She was kind and respectful and very straightforward. His heart lay frozen in his throat, as she watched her. It was obvious that this is where the miko got her fiery spirit from. Her mother's aura was as purple as the blanket on top of him and just as volatile as her daughter's. She was not a plain meek onna and he would have to be tactful when addressing what it is he came here to do.
He carefully extricated himself from the bed, as to not jar the petite onna from her much needed slumber. Now that he could see her more clearly in the light, she definitely looked worn out. A disgruntled sigh left his mouth. Wrapping both his mokomoko and the blanket firmly around her, he stood up slowly and walked to the dresser where the clothes had been left for him. It was a simple blue yukata and hakama set with a silver colored obi and a pair of white tabi; probably leftover from Kagome's deceased father.
There was a timid knock on the door and then a smaller, male version of the miko stuck his head in. This must be aforementioned younger brother, Souta.
"Ohayō Lord Sesshoumaru. I'm Souta. Mama told me to come show you how to use the bathroom, so you could wash up before you came down. It's right through here." the young male gestured, as he blatantly gawked at the nearly naked inu youkai.
Another of the doors in the room was opened and the daiyoukai stared confusingly at the various objects, as the small boy explained what each one was and how to use it.
"This is the sink. Left side is hot, right side is cold. See. This here is the shower…like a waterfall but inside and the tub. The taps work the same way. If you pull this button up the water comes out through up here and if you put this stopper here, the tub will full up and you can take a bath. Kagome loves taking long baths, sometimes Mama has to come drag her out before she falls asleep and drowns. Oh and this is the toilet. I know it might look a little strange but it's for when you need to pee or the other thing. Just push this handle down like this and it all gets sucked away. Here's a towel and a washcloth. This bottle is soap, this one is shampoo…ooh, don't use that one unless you want to smell like sakura. Ge! Here this one is shampoo and conditioner in one and it's unscented." he finished in a flourish and spun around to leave.
Souta stopped at the door and turned to look at the dazed daiyoukai, who just stood in the middle of the bathroom, holding his loaned clothes, towels and cleaning products.
"So if you are here, does that mean that you are going to be my gikei? Do you love my sister? InuYasha didn't and he broke her heart. I want her to be happy. If you can't treat her like she is the most important person in the world and like she comes first, then you don't deserve her." the child asked, arms folded and a pout on his face.
Sesshoumaru was impressed. Kagome's brother was proving to be just as intelligent, loyal and protective as she was and he reminded him greatly of another young male back in the Feudal era who had asked almost the same questions just days ago. He placed his load on the sink counter and looked the boy square in the eyes.
"Your sister is my soul mate and this Sesshoumaru has asked her to be my life mate. She has agreed but this one also wanted to get the permission of you and your elders to marry her in the ningen way as well, as she has implied that this is an important life event to your mother. That is why I have accompanied her to your time. My half-brother is a fool; but this Sesshoumaru does not share his idiocy. I am the Daiyoukai of the Western Lands and have amassed great wealth and power, none of which the miko seems to care about. She will be protected, she will be treated like the precious flower she is and she will be loved. There is no one more important in my life than her, except for my ward Rin, who is like a daughter to me. Is that acceptable to you Higurashi Souta?"
"Sounds good to me, but I am not the one you have to worry about - that would be Jiji. Last night when Mama told him how we had to carry your unconscious body upstairs and that you were sleeping in Kagome's room, he about flipped his shit. He's been in the shrine since dawn trying to come up with some kind of demon slaying sutras. He's about as harmless as a horsefly but he's Jiji. Anyways, I should let you wash up. Don't keep Mama waiting too long will ya." Souta responded with a casual shrug, before closing the bathroom door behind him.
The Inu from the past was left alone with his thoughts in a twentieth century bathroom that had more smells and modern conveniences than he ever dared to imagine. Ningen progress in the five hundred years between his time and Kagome's was turning out to be a mind-boggling feat.
Heeding the child's request to not keep the elder onna waiting, he stripped out of his fundoshi and stepped into the bathtub, trying gallantly to remember how to turn the 'inner waterfall' on. After playing with the knobs and the temperature some, he finally stepped under the stream for his first shower. It was mysterious and amazing and he finally understood why Kagome loved her hot baths at every onsen they came across. This inside shower thing could become addictive; he would have to try the tub another time.
He washed his hair with the shampoo/conditioner combo, remembering the steps from secretly watching the miko do it in the past. 'Maybe she will do it for me once we return.' his wayward mind pondered, as images of a naked Kagome sitting with his head in her lap, as she massaged his scalp in the sultry heat of the onsen, had him reaching for the icy cold water to cool his arousal.
Shower completed, he dried off and dressed in the simple clothing. It was not the silk that he was used to; but the cotton that the miko's casual wear were usually made from. It would do until his traditional clothes had been laundered. The memory of his disgraceful foray in the courtyard the day prior made him slightly perturbed. He would have to remember to compensate the family for the destroyed shrubbery and for the inconvenience of having to drag him upstairs.
Sesshoumaru walked out of the bathroom and walked back over to the bedside; gazing warmly at the still slumbering onna. Mokomoko was now completely entwined around her small frame and she was embracing it like it was a person. He bent and kissed her forehead and heard her murmur "Lubs you Maru" in her sleep, before turning onto her stomach. Content that she was thinking of him, even unconsciously, he headed for the bedroom door and stepped out onto the landing.
There were three other doors on the second floor, the one closest carried Souta's pubescent scent and he guessed that the others belonged to the elder Higurashis, who he could hear clearly moving around downstairs. It was now or never.
S~*~*~*~*K
Chieko had been pacing the kitchen floor, trying to figure out exactly what she wanted to ask the daiyoukai when he came to talk to her. There were a million things she needed to know, especially concerning the impending mating between her eighteen year old miko daughter and the mighty Inu Lord. It all seemed so sudden and she was very worried that Kagome was rushing into making a rash emotionally charged decision because of her past experience with InuYasha. She was a 'mom' – it couldn't be helped.
She, her father and son had long since accepted the fact that the teenaged girl belonged in the Feudal era. There was no way of knowing how much longer her quest would be; but obviously it was her destiny to complete it and she had already given over three years of her life to be the guardian of the Shikon jewel. And after their talk last night, it was obvious that the holder of Kagome's heart was on the other side of the well. Actually, he was coming down the stairs and heading straight towards her.
"Higurashi-sama, this Sesshoumaru wanted to thank you for being so hospitable to myself and for the care taken when we arrived. It was not the first impression this one had hoped to make. Moushiwake arimasen deshita." he apologized, bowing to the onna.
Mama was in mild shock. Sesshoumaru was bowing to her and asking her to forgive him for something that was totally out of his control. He was nothing like InuYasha had described and everything she had expected from Kagome's tales. He was raking up more and more brownie points with her and he didn't even know it.
"Lord Sesshoumaru there is no need to apologize to me and it is I who should be genuflecting in your presence. I am just grateful that we got you inside in time, before the situation become much direr. Kagome was very worried about you last night. Come and have a seat while I make some tea. Are you hungry? We are alone for the moment, my father-in-law is otherwise occupied in the shrine and Souta has gone to school." she informed him, an earnest smile gracing her gentle features.
"Tea will be fine. This..I do not require eating on a daily basis; however if you have any of those bocchan dango that Kagome is partial to, I would greatly appreciate some." he hesitantly responded, silently wondering why he felt the need to cower at the small onna.
"Ahh! Of course, I keep them on hand for her whenever she comes home. Usually it's your half brother on the other side of the table and all he ever wants is ramen. I never get a chance to make the fun stuff anymore." she half-heartedly pouted, as she pulled out the frozen dango and put them on the stovetop grill, while she prepared the Fukamushicha tea.
"Higurashi-sama..."
"Just Chieko please, honorifics are not necessary in this house. If we are to become family, may I call you Sesshoumaru as well?" she asked with a hint of cheekiness.
It seemed that she needed to goad him into talking. He was so different than his brother.
"Hnn. If you would like. Your daughter has never liked using my title either." the Inu noted absentmindedly. 'How much does she know? What does she know' he speculated.
"If you are wondering how I know, well a mother has her ways. I saw the courting mark last night for one and like I said earlier, Kagome and I had a long overdue mother-daughter talk and she pretty much told me everything. At least what she thought was appropriate for a mother to hear. I am not so naïve that I do not know when my child hides things from me; though, she and yourself are both adults and those are your personal matters. I do have some questions for you; but I believe you traversed the Bone Eater's well to ask me something first, didn't you?" Chieko stated, turning to look him straight in the eye.
He straightened up in the chair and rested both of his hands on the tabletop, took a deep breath and reiterated his earlier speech again.
"I, Sesshoumaru, Daiyoukai of the Western Lands and first son of the late Inu-no-Taisho loves your daughter Kagome Higurashi with every fiber of my being. I have been in love with her for over six months and it has taken me this long to figure out how to tell her. I was not aware that she also harbored similar feelings for me. Had it been known, it would have saved us from some nerve-wracking altercations, when we both had to pretend otherwise." he sighed heavily, pausing to collect his thoughts before continuing.
"I believe that she is my soul mate and I have asked her to be my life mate; but due to the fact that she is a shrine maiden, I humbly request your permission to marry her, as is the ningen tradition. She has spoken on many occasions of the importance of a wedding to onna in this time in order to maintain the honor of the family. That is why I have traversed the well. I will respect your decisions either way. Just know that I would do anything and everything to ensure her safety, protection and happiness over my own."
He released his breath and waited.
Chieko nodded and placed the tea and a plate of dango in front of him, before taking a seat on the other side of the somewhat rattled youkai. It had taken a lot of nerve to get that all out. Right now, he looked more like a love stricken teenager, than the powerful, ancient dai that he was. It was her turn to ask the questions though.
S~*~*~*~*K
"Kagome is a very exceptional individual. From her very birth, we all knew that she was destined to be something special. Her heart was always bigger than what the world would allow or understand. She was the apple of her father's eye up until the day he died. We, her grandfather and I, thought that that loss would make her retreat and even though it was hard on all of us, her especially, she continued to fight for what she thought was morally and ethically right. She is the type of person, who looks for the simple joy and beauty in everything and no one is exempt from her charms." she smirked at him when she finished that last part, well aware that he was living proof of that.
"When she first got pulled into the Feudal era, met InuYasha and began her quest, we knew that this is what the Kami put her on the earth to do. Don't mistake my acceptance of her fate as me not caring, I fret about her every second that she is on the other side of the well. In the three years she has been travelling and fighting Naraku, she has grown from the awkward fifteen year old, whose only concern was boys, fashion and school grades to this incredible woman, who has not only come into her powers but has also matured and been a positive influence for so many people around her. I know you do not particularly care for your sibling; however, even you have to admit that InuYasha is not the same brash, coarse boy he was before Kagome came along." she sighed deeply and began wringing the napkin in her small hand.
"Though I am grateful for everything he has done for her in the past; I do not think I can ever truly forgive him for hurting my baby the way he did with the whole Kikyou debacle. He continually toyed with Kagome's emotions and gave off repeated mixed signals to all of us. It broke her heart and depressed her so much, that we didn't think that she would ever recover from it. Then you joined the group and everything changed…for the better. Oh she didn't have to say a single word to me. I could see it in her eyes, hear it in her voice. My beautiful girl had blossomed and was happy again. I know exactly when she stopped lingering on InuYasha's rejection and realized that she was in love with you even before she did. I am sure that this all sounds fantastical and seemingly unrealistic but believe me when I say that you shouldn't have any doubts that Kagome loves you. And I say this with the utmost seriousness, please do not let it go to your head – remember I have heard all about your unbridled ego and superiority complex." Chieko grinned at him.
Sesshoumaru looked at the miko's mother with wide-eyed amazement, an eyebrow escaping high into his wispy bangs. 'This onna is far more intuitive that she appears.'
"You want to marry my daughter?"
He nodded in agreement.
"You say that she is your soul mate and that you love her; even though you have attempted to kill her in the past because she interfered with your altercations with your half-brother."
He nodded again, this time dropping his head to his chest.
"Obviously she has forgiven you or you wouldn't be here right now. Nevertheless, I hope you understand that you can not take her away from InuYasha, no matter how much he disgusts you. To remove her from his life would tear the very fabric of his humanity. He needs her, even if they will never be more than friends."
"This Sesshoumaru accepts the link between them, albeit begrudgingly. And I will forever feel the guilt of causing her any undue pain or anxiety in the past and endear to spend the rest of our lives making up for it." he responded nervously.
"I wouldn't worry about it. The guilt will eat you up from the inside if you let it. Kagome certainly has put it behind her and you should as well. Now what about your general distaste for ningens; surely joining with one was not in the cards and will surely bring about some discord with your kind; especially since she is a miko."
This question had been bugging her since last night's talk. There was a reason why there were not more hanyou – youkai and ningen just did not mix and there was never any account of a youkai mating with their sworn enemy, a miko.
"I once was of the misguided notion that all ningen were all the same selfish, greedy, uncouth and disreputable ilk. In the course of my lifetime, I have witnessed great atrocities penned by their hands in the name of 'the greater good' – all lies. This Sesshoumaru freely admits that my own biasness stems originally from the adulterous affair perpetrated by my father and Izayoi, InuYasha's mother, over two hundred years ago. While my own mother suffered, I was forced to be witness to such baseness and debauchery. It no doubt left me bitter." he sighed forlornly, it was not something that he liked dredging up.
"It was only after meeting my ward did my perception begin to change. Rin is much like Kagome - high spirited, open-minded and afraid of nothing, save the nightmares stemming from memories of her first death at the hands of those ookami." he sneered at the recollection.
"Nani? Rin was killed by Kouga's wolves? The same ookami that once kidnapped my daughter and has time and time again insinuated that she belonged to him?" Mama gruffly asked eyes locked on him with a frigid glare.
"One in the same. He has apologized for the act and has recompensed for harming one of my own. It was Kagome that stayed my poison claws when I demanded his life as payment; something about him having to live with his guilt for all eternity. She can be so soft-hearted at times; but, the ookami clan has proven to be worthy allies on our current quest." Sesshoumaru shrugged petulantly.
"There has been so much death already I suppose and she has forgiven Kouga too. I am guessing that he is not yet aware of your marked claim." Chieko inquired.
"Like the rest of the pack, he is not; however, all court youkai of importance will be informed once the announcement is made upon our return to the Feudal era – if I am granted permission to that is." He commented wryly, one eyebrow elevating into his bangs in question.
Mama said nothing and continued drinking her tea. The Inu still had not fully answered her question.
Sesshoumaru groaned despondently. It was so hard to get a read on the elder onna and now she was just sitting there quietly waiting…waiting for him to divulge any and all information that would potentially put her speculating mind to rest. Honesty was the only way he could assuage her fears.
"It is not in my nature to lie and quite truthfully my decision to mate with Kagome will cause some dissension among the older, less-forward thinking youkai. Nevertheless, this Sesshoumaru is without a doubt one of the strongest of the few daiyoukai left in existence and none of others would challenge my claim. She is the most powerful miko of any generation, even as untrained as she is and being the Shikon miko holds great weight when it comes to her position in society. For hundreds of years, the youkai court has complained about our inability to reproduce sufficiently and in terms of status; there is no other female in all of Japan that would or could ever be my equal besides your daughter. If anything, the other youkai will be jealous of me being her chosen, since it is usually the female who selects the male who can not only provide financially and physically for her offspring, but who is in some cases actually strong enough to make her submit." he enlightened the now startled onna.
"Submit! My baby does not possess one iota of a submissive nature. I hope you realize this." she huffed at him.
The daiyoukai could have slapped himself for putting his proverbial foot in his mouth. He should have known better than to bring that that up. Damage done, he had to backpedal.
"Gomen Chieko-san. I did not mean any offense by that. I am well aware that Kagome does not embody that predilection. It is one of the reasons why my feelings for her run so deep. Her independent mannerisms and her sometimes irrational behavior regarding such youkai characteristic has often been a source for great contention and even greater revelations. It is her very stubbornness that challenges my logic and keeps me on my toes. I would never ask or expect her to change. Her frankness will be a welcomed addition to our stagnant youkai realm."
"Well that is admirable of you. I am sure not many in your time truly grasp the uniqueness that is my daughter; though, I surmise it is because of the intimacy of your friendship, iie relationship that you have come to this realization." she commented.
It was not a question but a statement confirming exactly how well she understood the nature of their bond.
Sesshoumaru managed a half smile to the onna who would become his family soon. It seemed that they had crossed some imaginary boundary and that she had come to an understanding of the depth of his sincerity and devotion for the little miko.
S~*~*~*~*K
"So tell me, what exactly does a youkai courtship entail and how long does it last?" Chieko prodded the endearing Inu. He was definitely growing on her.
"The courtship mark is both a claim and means of defense. Lesser youkai will abstain from coming near Kagome in fear of my retaliation. I must now prove to her through my actions and offerings that I can provide for her and family; that I can protect and defend her and that she is honored, respected and will be venerated. Normally it is during this time that the couple becomes acquainted with one another – something that Kagome and I have already done successfully. I would prefer to spend the six or so months that it will take to complete the steps to learn about her life on this side of the well and of her family – you, Souta and her grandfather. She is already part of my pack and you will be too. I feel that there is much about this time I can learn in order to better understand what makes Kagome 'tick' as she would say. While I am doing this, I will provide a tutor of sorts to instruct her on the finer aspects of youkai culture, so she will be fully prepared to assume the role and responsibilities as Lady of the Western Lands once we have mated."
"When you do mate, will her lifespan change? I am concerned that once the jewel is made whole that the well will close and I will lose all contact with her." Mama asked quite optimistically.
She knew exactly what reaction her choice of words would garner, as she was rather looking forward to the prospect of calling the 'Ice Prince' her son-in-law.
Sesshoumaru did not miss her intimation. His trademark smirk graced his handsome face as looked at the miko's mother.
"Domo arigatou gozaimasu Chieko-san. As I am a daiyoukai, I will be able to grant her near immortality, similar to my own. It will not change her in any other way. So if the well does close, I will endeavor to ensure that you will see her again once Naraku is out of the way. May I ask though, what of her grandfather? Will he not be disturbed that you are allowing Kagome to join with a youkai?"
"Hah, that old coot! Just you wait until I tell him that we have a wedding to plan. You will see how fast those tired aged bones of his will get moving." she jested, shaking her head in glee.
Her baby was going to get married and mated to probably the most engaging, determined, altruistic, steadfast male she had ever met in her life. He was kami made and sent for Kagome – his cold strong darkness to her fiery flexible light. He would be her rock, her anchor, her port in whatever storm life threw at her. She would never be alone again.
There was something that she needed to give him though; something that had been in the Higurashi family since the Meiji restoration era, when the family first used the last name.
Mama had been given it upon her engagement to Kagome's father some twenty years ago, and Jiji's long deceased wife had been the owner before her.
"Excuse me for a couple of minutes Sesshoumaru." she told him and skipped up the stairs to her bedroom.
It was right where she had left it after her husband passed and she immediately got teary at the idea that it was time to pass it along. She all but jumped down the steps and made it back to the table before the Inu had a chance to finish off the pot of tea.
"Here, this is for you to give to Kagome" she told him, as she held out the bundle in her hands.
He looked at the antique lace handkerchief that was tied with a golden ribbon. It smelt far older than anything else in the home, except for his self, of course. Gently taking it from her with the tip of his claws, he placed it on top of the table and looked up at her in askance. She just nodded at him and wiped her red eyes with her napkin again. So he untied it.
It was a luminous square sapphire set into a white gold band, with two crescent-shaped ice diamonds on either side.
"It is the Higurashi engagement ring passed along from generation to generation to all the first born children. I was given it when I married into the family and now it is Kagome's turn." Chieko pronounced a little hoarsely.
"This Sesshoumaru is honored to carry on your tradition Chieko-san." the Inu responded sheepishly, with a bow.
"I do it because I care. You are a part of my family now. So how and when are you going to ask her officially." she smiled back at him.
Endnote: I utilized the prompt: Winter, in it's material form of cold, ice and snow 7x - the array of colors of the sun on snow, icy cold water to deadened any senses, frozen food out of the freezer, Mama's frigid glare, Sess' nickname 'Ice Prince' , the differences between Sess and Kagome and the glaring white diamonds on the ring.