Michiko was sitting in the bathing pool with her legs drawn up, arms crossed on her knees, appearing bored, watching the maids undress Kagura; quite a feat considering the elaborate formal attire she'd been wearing along with a great deal of jewelry.

Kagura was intensely relieved that it was over; all the hurting, all the waiting, the ceremony... She was finally Sesshoumaru's mate. Indescribable joy filled her heart. Still, she was surprised at just how nervous she was about what was to come next. After all the wanting, all the longing, all the desire; why should she be nervous? And yet she was.

The maids had left her in just a thin shift, which she removed easily. She was made slightly uncomfortable by Michiko's gaze on her. The older woman spoke suddenly.

"Stop worrying. I can smell your nervousness. From what I can see, you have no cause to worry. Sesshoumaru's just a man, at least when it comes to this. He'll love your body. Believe me, girl, I know what men want, and you've got it."

At least somewhat reassured by her mate-mother's slightly odd comfort, Kagura slipped into the bath herself. It was, as far as she could tell, either a natural hot spring or it was heated by magic, for she saw no other way the water might be warmed. The bath itself was almost as big as a room. Kagura took the mildly rose-scented soap the maid handed her and set to work washing the sake scent out of her hair.

Rin joined them soon. Atsuko joined Arisu, Shinju, and Takara kneeling in a tidy line against one wall. Michiko actually seemed fond of Rin, making jokes with her and teasing her about one of the servant boys who had seemed taken with her. Kagura did not join in their laughter; she was lost in thought.

For all her normal confidence, and despite the fact that she had been created with a somewhat flirtatious, seductive manner, Kagura found herself genuinely scared of what was to happen between her and Sesshoumaru this night. It wasn't for lack of desire, certainly. Her thoughts for the last few months had been, it seemed, only about Sesshoumaru and/or the idea of making love with Sesshoumaru. Still…she was a virgin. Granted it was fairly likely that with all of her fighting and activity, especially in her first life, she might no longer bear the barrier which would mark her as one. But it was not pain which she feared anyway. Despite Michiko's words, she feared she wasn't good enough for her mate. He had been with women before, even if it wasn't often, and those women had probably been with others before…they would be skilled and knowledgeable. She had lots of knowledge in her head, but no practice. What if she didn't pleasure him?

"You're still worrying aren't you? Inexperience, hmm? Would you like some tips?"

Kagura thought one of her eyebrows might have just twitched.

"No! I mean…no thank you, that might be sorta…awkward…getting tips from his mother, you know…"

Michiko laughed. Rin seemed to be ignoring them completely now, washing her hair. After a time of silence, Michiko rose out of the bath and began dressing.

"Come along Kagura, that's enough stalling, we've been in here for an hour."

Kagura rose hesitantly, more nervous than ever. The maids offered her towels and eventually helped her into a clean, sheer, white shift. She was appalled when she realized they weren't going to dress her any further. Instead they draped a dark red cape over her and tied it closed at the throat, pulling the oversized hood so far over her head that she had to look down at her feet to see where she was going. They led her through the house, down the hall where her room was, and left her outside Sesshoumaru's door. Rin hugged her comfortingly, and Michiko gave her a wink and a mischievous smile. Then she was alone in the hall, knowing her mate waited on the other side of the door.

She tapped on the doorframe with much more timidity than was usual for her.

"Come in, Kagura."

She entered, nervous beyond belief and puzzled by it. This was Sesshoumaru. The man she loved; had loved for nearly the entirety of both her lives. The man who loved her. What in heaven's name was she afraid of? Slowly, she slid the door away and entered.

……..

Sesshoumaru was looking out over the ocean, but as soon as he heard her enter he turned and walked towards her without hesitation, pushing back her hood and smiling at her.

"You're nervous, aren't you?"

She nodded, her lovely scarlet eyes flitting back and forth, avoiding his. He chuckled quietly, circling around her to run his fingers through soft waves of damp raven hair. Behind her, he pulled her close and rested his chin on her shoulder, breathing in the scent he loved most in the world. He kissed the tip of a pointed ear before whispering softly.

"There is nothing to fear, Kagura. Nothing will happen here that you do not invite or desire."

He felt a shudder move through her as his breath crossed her ear, and smiled somewhat smugly. He spoke the truth; if she did not wish to consummate their relationship this night, he would never even consider pressuring her. Still, he had little doubt that he would have her before the night ended. Probably more than once. He smirked at the thought.

He left her and moved back to the window.

"Come and see the sunset, Kagura. It's rather impressive tonight."

She approached him, slightly more relaxed now. She'd been holding her long cloak closed tightly, now she let go and it spread open slightly as she moved, allowing him to admire her form beneath the thin shift she wore. Their arms brushed as she moved to stand next to him. She gasped; delight writing itself over her lovely features.

"It's beautiful!"

He smiled, pleased by her enthusiasm.

The sunset over the water was incredible. He watched the orange light blend into her red eyes and thought that even the ocean and the sun could not compare to her beauty. He watched her as she watched the sun sink. He wasn't entirely sure how long they stood there in silence, but eventually the most impressive part of the sunset had passed, and he moved away, sitting cross legged on his futon and motioning for her to join him. Instantly he saw her tense again.

Still, despite her obvious anxiety, she moved to join him. She stood in front of him, and he uncrossed his legs and moved to the edge of the bed, touching two clawed fingers under her chin.

"Where has my brave, passionate, impudent sorceress gone? She seems to have been replaced by a blushing bride."

She smiled slightly at his teasing. Suddenly he saw mischief in her eyes. He watched her fingers touch the strings holding her cloak on, and smiled as she unfastened them. She let it drop and joined him on the futon, while he watched her with hungry eyes. The thin material that now covered her left very little to the imagination; and it would appear that his imagination had done her injustice. She looked even more perfect than he had thought she would be.

Something suddenly occurred to him, and he moved closer to her, resting one hand on her waist and the other against the side of her face.

"Kagura, do you still have Naraku's mark?"

"Huh? Oh, the spider? Actually, oddly enough, yes. But it's really small now. Like this." She made a circle with her thumb and forefinger. "And it's just down on the small of my back now, instead of being so huge and obvious. I hardly mind it now that Naraku's gone. It's more like having Youkai markings, now, instead of it being a brand to mark me a slave. Does it…will it…annoy you?"

"No. It is a reminder of your past. Even though that past was an awful time for you, it is a part of your life nonetheless. It will serve as a reminder to me of my failure to protect you; of how I chose to remain in stubbornness and pride, and let you die. I will always protect you now, Kagura. As long as I live and am able."

For a moment he thought she might cry, but then suddenly brightness and mischief glinted in those beautiful, unique eyes, and in the next moment her scent and taste filled his senses as she kissed him. He smiled against her mouth. It was going to be a long, pleasurable night.