Chapter 6: Dinner and Movie

Kagome happily skipped into the kitchen to see Sesshomaru cooking dinner. The rest of her afternoon was spent with Sango and Kikyo's reference notes from 'the book'. She made sure to leave the notes in her purse. There was no way she'd let him read it.

"Hello," she giggled as she hugged him from behind, "how are you?"

"Hn." was his reply.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Kagome let go of the embrace and turned to face him.

"Omelette." he said pointedly, and expertly flipped said omelette in the pan without a spatula.

"Wha! I can't even do that! How'd you do that?" Kagome exclaimed.

He smirked, "I'm just that good."

"Psha, show off" she grumbled, "Sango lent me the Notebook, I haven't seen it in forever!"

Sesshomaru sighed, "Whichever movie is fine." he wasn't looking forward to smelling her tears. However, it would bring more cuddles. He plated the omelettes and brought them over to the couch.

"Yay! Let me go change." Kagome rushed to the bedroom and got into her fuzzy pajamas.

Sesshomaru set the plates of food on the coffee table and went back to the kitchen to turn off the lights for the movie. He settled onto the couch and started eating. Kagome got the movie started and snuggled next to him.

"Ahh..." She opened her mouth and motioned for him to feed her.

He scoffed and fed her a bite, "I made one for you too."

"I know," she said with her mouth full, "Mmm this is good. Thank you." and grabbed her own plate.

"Hn."

Sesshomauru was desperately trying not to fall asleep during the movie. But once the soft and squishy emotional moments were causing Kagome to struggle with her tears, he pulled her closer to console her. She was beautiful even when she cried. He nuzzled her hair and breathed deeply, enjoying her scent.

Kagome was a blubbering mess by the end of the movie. She snuggled closer to Sesshomaru and looked up at him.

"How can you NOT cry?" she whined as he wiped away her tears with a smirk, "you're such a cold-hearted youkai."

"I can guarantee you that I am not." he softly kissed her forehead.

"Love you." Kagome stated, her mind still caught up in the movie's storyline.

"I love you too, Kagome." Sesshomaru replied. They cuddled comfortably for a moment longer. "Did you want something to drink?" he asked.

"Just water." she said as he grabbed the dinner plates and headed to the kitchen. The apartment was still dark and she couldn't see much. "Oh, can I have juice instead?" She jumped up at her indecisiveness and followed him to the kitchen, only to crash into one of the dining room chairs. Cursing, she struggled to right the fallen chair. Sesshomaru turned on the lights to find Kagome picking up his jacket that had also fallen to the floor. There was also the envelope by her feet.

He froze. Her gift was in that envelope.

Her curiosity always got the best of her as she picked it up and opened it.

"Kagome-" he started, his mind grasping to find some sort of explanation.

She pulled out the ivory pendant and gasped, "Sesshomaru, what-" and glanced at him with confusion.

Sesshomaru was at a loss for words. "Um." he was stalling for time.

Kagome raised her eyebrows in surprise. Sesshomaru never stuttered. She could practically see his desperation.

"Um." he repeated, his mind drawing a blank.

"...Sesshomaru?" she squeaked out, tears coming to her eyes. A million questions were racing through her head. Who was this for? Why did he have this? Why was it empty in the middle? Why was it in his jacket? Where had he gone today? Was he seeing someone else? Why would he-

He sighed, defeated, "It's for you."

She stared down at the necklace in her hands, still confused. His hands closed around hers and gently sat her down on the chair. He sat beside her and explained, "I had this made for you."

She still gaped at the necklace.

"There's this tradition in the Taisho family." He paused, unsure of what to tell her. "In order to show one's utmost gratitude, respect, or love, a token is given. For example, my father bestowed upon Inuyasha and myself the Tetsaiga and Tensaiga."

"Weren't those made from his fangs?" Kagome asked.

"Yes, that's part of the tradition. The gift of one's self." He stated, giving her time to process. "This," he motioned to the pendant, "is part of me." he placed her hand on his side.

Kagome felt his heart beating as her hand was pressed against his ribs. She suddenly recalled the surgery he went through a few months ago.

"The surgery was for this?" she squeaked out again, still in awe.

"Yes."

"For me?" she asked.

He chuckled, "Yes, for you." and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

This was entirely unexpected. She and Sesshomaru weren't much on gifts, let alone jewellery. She thought they had a mutual understanding that gifts weren't needed. Hell, cooking dinner was romantic enough.

"It's not finished yet." He continued, "This is where your Shikon to Tama will rest, if you'll have me."

Part of him, and part of her. That itself was more beautiful than the pendant. Once complete, the carved ivory inu would be protecting the Shikon no Tama. His words rang in her head.

"Wait, are you proposing to me?!" She stared at him.

"Well, no," he saw her eyebrows raise even higher at him, "not yet."

She sat there, shocked to no end. Sesshomaru sighed lightly and gathered her hands in his again. Looking into her eyes, he said, "Kagome, I love you. I would do anything for you. Will you accept this part of me? Will you have all of me?"

Kagome could tell she was about to cry again. She smiled and nodded, "Yes."

Sesshomaru gave her one of those rare genuine smiles and gave her a long kiss. She broke the kiss with a tearful laugh.

"You know I hate surprises." She said, laughing.

He chuckled and gave her a hug, "I know. I'm sorry." He kissed her again and wiped away her tears.

She stared at the pendant again. It was gorgeous. She could tell it was Totosai's work right away. The legendary jeweler had strong ties with the Taisho clan. Her eyes trailed to the envelope as Sesshomaru busied himself with the dishes.

"I was at Totosai's today. Rin and Shippou say hi by the way." Sesshomaru stated.

"Oh, how are they? I haven't heard from them lately." Kagome asked, peeking into the envelope again. She found a smaller bag labelled 'Miroku' and opened it.

"They're doing well." he smirked, reminding himself to make an 'interrogation' lunch meeting with Shippou. He turned to see her looking at the set of rings. "Did Miroku tell you already?"

"He told me this morning," she paused, "Why didn't YOU tell me before?"

He shrugged, "It wasn't my place."

"But you're my boyfriend! You should tell me everything!" she giggled. "or should I say fiancée?" she got up to hug him and nuzzle his neck.

"It is a necklace, not a ring." he clarified and looked her in the eye with a grin, "I'll leave that to you."

She blinked, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"We'll pick out a ring together. Whenever you're ready." he said with a smile.

"Oh." she smiled shyly, "okay." She gave him a hug. "I love you Sesshomaru."

"I love you too, Kagome." he hugged her back and gave her a quick kiss. "Dessert?"

She grinned, "Yes please!"

He smiled and turned to the freezer. She was so predictable.

He froze again when he felt her hands on the tip of his ears and heard her giggle. Maybe not so predictable. He growled playfully.