A/N: Okay, you guys need to READ THIS: My laptop is nearly shot. I got a new charger, but my laptop battery is on its last leg. I'm going to update as much as I can before that happens. And you guys should also check my profile regularly because it's what I use to keep all of you updated on what's happening. So if you haven't checked my profile recently, DO IT NOW! Lol :D Please enjoy!

Sesshoumaru's POV

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Chapter Twenty-Four: Moments

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"Tell me, Kira," I intoned lightly, glancing up from the scrolls spread across my writing table, "when do you plan to marry Chisaki?"

Shock contorted his expression before he quickly schooled it back into one of blank indifference. "I cannot say, Sesshoumaru. I suppose when I feel the time is right."

I arched a brow in incredulity. "When the time is right?" I repeated. "And how are you to know when that time will be?"

My questioning was making him extremely uncomfortable, and I laughed silently at him as he shifted uneasily. "Well . . . I'm sure I'll know it when it happens."

"You sound as if you do not believe your own words, Kira. And, if I did not know any better, I would say you're more than a little nervous when it comes to the prospect of marriage." Standing from behind my table, I gestured for him to follow and left my study. "I never thought a day would come where I heard the god of death making such feeble excuses."

I practically felt his sigh of exasperation as he moved to walk alongside me. "Sesshoumaru, simply because you yourself are so happily married does not mean it will end the same way for everyone, so forgive me for having a few reservations."

"Ah, but you forget that my wife had no interest in being married to me before coming here," I replied, and then smirked. "Though it would seem she's very interested now."

"Oh?" Kira said, looking at me curiously. "And what makes you say that?"

It took tremendous effort on my part not to grin like a fool. "Just the fact that I've asked her to marry me a second time of her own accord, and she's said yes."

Kira stilled in surprise, and then clapped me on the shoulder. "Wonderful news, Sesshoumaru," he said enthusiastically. "I can't even recall when the last wedding was, let alone the last one in your country."

"Indeed. It's been a while." We now walked the stone path that wound through the gardens, and I wondered how long it would be before Kira took notice.

Silence hung easily between us and, just when I had nearly convinced myself that Kira really was more dense than I'd originally given him credit for, he asked, "Where exactly are we going, Sesshoumaru?"

Finally. "Into the forest. This is the quickest way."

His confusion was palpable, which made this all the more entertaining for me. "For what reason?"

"If I were to tell you, it would ruin the surprise," I answered. "Your patience shall be rewarded."

And, at long last, we arrived at our destination. Towering trees circled us, and I led Kira onward. Soon, the sounds of feminine laughter and splashing reached us, spurring us forward and, as I stepped into the glen, I paused to look back at Kira. "You remember what you were saying about waiting for the right moment?" I asked while pushing aside vegetation that obstructed our view. He nodded, so I continued, "This may be it."

Two women stood knee-deep in crystal clear water, braiding lilies into each other's hair. The white of their underclothes turned transparent, clinging to their bodies, and left little to the imagination. Kira inhaled sharply, his breath seeming to catch in his chest, and I smirked in triumph. Perfect.

Hastily, I left Kira and moved silently along the bank, staying hidden from Kagome behind the heavily flowering plants. Then, once I was certain I was far enough from both Chisaki and Kira, I flexed my fingers and bid Kagome towards me.

With graceful steps, she edged away from her friend, letting my currents lead her. I found myself enthralled of her, watching her lithe movements. Her impossibly thick hair dragged the water's surface, creating ripples, and I caught myself envying every lily tangled into her tresses.

Gods, but did she know how she had me wrapped around her finger?

Finally, she walked onto the shore, her hands and eyes immediately seeking me. "Sesshoumaru?" she whispered unsurely, her sweet voice ringing in my ears. "Where are you?"

"Come this way, koishii," I murmured back, extending my hand to her. "Here there are no thorns."

Grasping my fingers, she slid easily through the brush and down the slight incline into my waiting arms, laughing when she nearly threw me off balance. "Do you think this worked?" she asked breathlessly, her azure eyes shining. "I would so love to help Chisaki with her wedding preparations!"

I pulled her close, chuckling, and touched her forehead to mine. "So long as you do not forego your own preparations, Kagome."

A familiar pink color painted her cheeks, and I felt her heart skip like a stone across water. "Well, that goes without saying," she responded unsteadily.

Suddenly, an ecstatic scream shattered the quiet of the forest, startling birds into flight, and I looked down at Kagome knowingly. "It would seem we were successful yet again."

"Oh, we should congratulate them!" Kagome tugged gently on my hand. "Let's go, Sesshoumaru!"

I, however, had different ideas. "Let them have their moment, Kagome," I said as I drew her closer, brushing my lips softly against hers, "so that we can have our own."

I felt her smile, and then was lost in the warmth of her embrace.

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A/N: Hope you all liked it! Sorry again for the delay in chapters, but I have a lot on my plate right now. Please review!