My new story…its Sessh/Kag if you don't like the paring, don't read the story.
**This is a rewrite in order to fit the story as its been progressing! I started this story so long ago it was time to update the writing, and a recent review I got reminded me of this goal! Thanks OnceUponABlueMoonDream !
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks. ** Movements in song
A New Day. Chapter 4
"Kagome I can't BELIEVE YOU. HOW COULD YOU BETRAY ME THIS WAY? WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE TOGETHER. YOU AND ME. YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE THE NORTHERN LADY, NOT THE WESTERN LADY." Kouga was getting progressively louder, setting down his bowl in order to wring his hands.
"Well, I'm happy for you sis." Hakkaku quipped, taking a bite of food, "you look happy."
"and that's what matters to us." Ginta finished.
By now, realizing he was being ignored, Kouga had lowered his voice into a grumble- eyes narrow. Kagome smiled at Ginta and Hakkaku before returning to her meal. Sesshomaru had said nothing, watching as she ignored the wolf completely. He looked at Inuyasha's face, red with anger. His eyes were glossy, and he looked disappointed. Sesshomaru let out a breath, knowing his mate would inevitably pull his weak-minded brother to the side to comfort him.
"He's upset that I never told him how serious my feelings were about you." Kagome answered his silent question softly, before setting down her nearly empty bowl. The mid-afternoon sun was warm on her face and it matched the warmth inside her heart.
"I hadn't realized you'd discussed it at all with him…" Sesshomaru replied.
"Well, we're friends," Kagome explained, "And he asked if I felt something toward you, and I was…. vague but honest." Her voice was quiet, "I truly think he didn't know how to react, so he didn't know what to say after that. He never brought the subject up again."
"hmm," Sesshomaru mused, "perhaps it's a lingering jealousy. Something to keep an eye on."
She flashed him a look, "God I hope it's not jealousy. I'd hate for him to spiral out considering he and Kikyo have been doing well in the last few months."
Sesshomaru lifted his shoulders slightly, shrugging at her before returning to his lunch. He watched as his mate stood, gathering the bowls from Shippo and Rin, before moving toward the wolf pack. Kouga had not touched his food, still wracking his brain about Kagome's announcement. He simply could not believe it. Ginta and Hakkaku handed their empty bowls to Kagome as she passed, all of their eyes on her as she kneeled in front of Kouga, bowls stacked in her hands.
"I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with this Kouga," she said softly, "I hope you'll eventually just want to see me happy and well-loved, regardless of who I'm with."
Kouga looked up at her sadly before responding, "I'll wake up from this nightmare, Kagome, you'll see."
Kagome gave him a sad, confused look before collecting the remaining bowls and meeting Sango in the middle of the camp. The two collected all of the dishes to be washed and walked together to the edge of the freshwater pond they'd been using for such purposes.
Sesshomaru could hear their whispers from where he was sitting, and he tried not to listen. Kouga was being dragged into the forest by Ginta and Hakkaku, the latter promising to be back by dinner time. Inuyasha wasn't glaring anymore, instead his face held a more reflective sadness.
It was a potential issue for the future. One Sesshomaru would think over at a later time, his mind was more focused on the apprehension in his heart. He felt nervous about the reaction of Kagome's family. He wasn't sure if she'd spoken about him at all, and if he shows up as Kagome's mate instead of Inuyasha….the thought left him uneasy. He stole a glance at Kagome and Sango at the pond, finishing up their washing. He felt compelled to pull her aside again to discuss things.
It's not too soon for him to meet her family, of course, but was it too soon to announce them as mates? Perhaps he should announce it as courting first. Regardless, he would consult his Kagome. The last thing he wanted was for Kagome's family to reject their relationship.
Shippo and Rin were coloring next to him, almost completely unaware of his tumultuous thoughts. He focused again on Kagome and Sango, done with the washing and now filling their water bottles up. Their conversation moved beyond Kouga's usual behavior and onto Sesshomaru's upcoming visit to the present era. To his relief, Kagome wasn't nervous at all. In fact, she was excited for her mother and grandfather to meet Sesshomaru. There were no worries about timing, about him showing up as a mate instead of Inuyasha. She was a little worried about Inuyasha's reaction, but less worried than Sesshomaru would've thought.
Kagome and Sango made their way back to where the group was sitting. Before she rejoined him, Kagome went to her backpack and dug around in its contents before quickly slipping something into her mouth. Sesshomaru didn't quite catch what it was, but decided he had more pressing things to worry about. Sango smiled as she approached Miroku, sitting next to him to join in his weapons maintenance.
When Kagome sat back down, Sesshomaru leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Tonight, I have some things I wish to discuss with you."
She nodded, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek before turning her attention to the children.
"kids?," her voice was sweet to kindly interrupt their coloring, "it's time for lessons. Do you want to show me what you've been working on?"
Rin's head popped up, "look Mama, I colored a picture of us!" She lifted the paper to show a group of four. The tallest was wearing a white kimono, obviously Sesshomaru, and next to him was Kagome, with long dark hair. Then, Rin had drawn Shippo a little taller than her, emphasizing him as her big brother figure, and then herself with long dark hair matching Kagome's. On the side closest to Sesshomaru, Ah-Un and Jaken with flower crowns on their heads.
"Rin, that's beautiful! You've included Jaken and Ah-Uh too, how sweet."
"Of course! Sesshomaru-Papa says he's my babysitter, so I had to." Rin's voice was amused.
Kagome smiled, "and Shippo? What did you draw?"
"this," Shippo held up his paper to show a detailed fox demon in its full form, "it's what I want my form to look like!"
"Oh Shippo!" she leaned in to look closer, "it's so detailed! I'm so impressed."
"Impressive indeed, Shippo," Sesshomaru's voice was only heard by the four of them, "and Rin, your kind heart is admirable."
Rin blushed as Shippo grinned, "thank you!" The two voices harmonized before packing up their art supplies and getting out the journals Kagome had given them for their studies.
"Are we doing herbs and flowers today Mama?" Shippo asked, flipping to an empty page.
"Yes, I want you two to look around the campsite, and the pond for a few minutes and find 4 different plants you think we could use for something." Kagome instructed, glancing quickly at the wild mint, rosemary, and other herbs growing in patches near the pond, "come back here when you've found them, okay?'
The kids nodded and hurried off to find their plants. As Kagome laid out a blanket in front of her for the kids to sit on, Sesshomaru took the opportunity to ask one of his questions.
"What does your family know of us?" Sesshomaru's voice was only loud enough for Kagome to hear.
"Of you and I's relationship? My mom knows that I feel…something for you. She knows about Rin, of course, she sends so many things back for her. I've been researching different ways to give me a strong enough soul connection to the children so they could cross over to meet them but I haven't found much."
"This one knows of a ceremony that could be done at our mating." Sesshomaru mused.
"Oh? I'd love to hear about it." Kagome looked up at him, ready to take notes.
"Later, beloved, when we discuss the mating plans." He smiled at her, "You are the teacher for now, and your pupils are returning."
He was right, Shippo and Rin were walking back with their little hands full of greenery. They sat in front of Kagome and spread their findings out on the blanket.
"Whatcha got?" Kagome smiled.
Rin went first, "I found mint, and these berries and Burdock!" in front of her were blackberries and some Burdock Roots.
"mm, good Rin! And Shippo?"
"Rosemary. I think these are leeks….and these water greens." Shippo's identifications were focused as he tried to remember the names.
"Good job, kids. All edible! Next, in your journals, we're gonna draw what we found and note how we identified it, okay? So, how do we identify the Mint?"
As Kagome continued her lesson, Sesshomaru turned his physical attention to his writings, and his thoughts to the other conversations he could hear around him.
Kouga wasn't speaking, he was sulking and Ginta and Hakkaku chatted and teased each other as they relaxed under the trees with their pack. Sango was helping Kohaku sharpen his weapons before he set out in the morning to scout a demon disturbance in a village close to Kadae's. They spoke softly to each other about Demon Slaying techniques, and Sango gave advice on the case. It was Miroku's conversation with Inuyasha that caught his interest.
"You're really not surprised at all, Monk?" Inuyasha was in disbelief, "I just never would have never expected Kagome to move so fast."
"They've probably been connected much longer than you initially thought." Miroku said sagely.
"She said it was a crush! Not a love thing."
"Is it so hard to imagine Kagome in love again?"
Inuyasha paused, "...no…I just….Sesshomaru? He's so icy, the prick."
"Hey," Miroku laughed quietly, "Maybe Kagome likes that."
"You're disgusting." Inuyasha grumbled as he stood from his spot next to Miroku and hopped into a tree for a nap.
Miroku laughed again before settling into his meditation.
As the afternoon drifted into evening, Kagome finished her lessons just as the sun was starting to set. Sango started preparing for dinner by starting hot water for rice. The children washed their herbs in the pond as Kagome checked the fishing trap, emptying it of enough fish for their camp.
The fire was just starting to grow as they walked back, the sun slowly setting behind them.
Kagome worked on preparing the fish to be roasted on sticks, Sango chopped up the herbs for seasoning. The blackberries were washed and split into two bowls for the kids' snack, to tide them over until dinner.
Inuyasha continued to sulk in his tree, while Miroku brewed the group's tea.
The group prepared and ate their evening meal relatively quietly, enjoying quiet side conversations. It wasn't until all of the bowls had been washed, cleared away, and everyone was settling in for the night, did Inuyasha finally address everyone.
"Okay guys, we're leaving early in the morning to get back to the village. So rest up. Kohaku will be heading southeast, he has a mission. I just want an easy morning, okay?"
"You're the one that doesn't like to be woken up, Inuyasha." Miroku teased.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes before looking toward Kagome, who was getting up, "where the hell are you going?"
"Just to the clearing, Inuyasha. I want to look at the stars without a fire backlight."
"Ugh," Inuyasha grumbled, "Take your new guard dog with you."
Kagome sighed, smiling. "Sessh," she looked at him, "Would you like to join me?"
"This one was already planning on accompanying you, Mate."
She nodded and looked to Shippo, "Sango will put you to bed, okay?"
He nodded, not looking up from the toy in his hand, "Night Mama!"
Kagome giggled, "Night Shippo. Night Rin."
Standing, Sesshomaru gave Jaken a look. The look was commanding him to watch over the children while they were gone.
Following Kagome to the spot where they first admitted their feelings for each other, he found her only a few steps ahead of him. He caught up to her quickly, slipping his hand into hers.
"So you wanted to talk about some things?" She asked as they sat in the grass.
"Your time, what you expect from me…things of that nature.
"Hmm," Kagome mused, "Well, we should plan to be back for a week. With Graduation happening, I know there's a few events I'll want to go to. Parties, maybe dinner. I know once we tell Mom about us she'll throw a wedding together, something very small just so she can celebrate with us."
"So…" Sesshomaru led
"I'll let you choose to attend whatever events you're comfortable with, graduation wise. You'll meet some of my school friends. And…Hojo."
"You're hesitant to explain that one. Who is Hojo?" Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her.
Kagome sighed, "Hojo is a classmate of mine. A friend. He's been pretty open about feeling more than that, but he knows I only like him as a friend. He's sweet, really, though he goes a little overboard at times."
"And what do the others think of him?" Sesshomaru was trying to keep the ice from his voice. Of course there was some weak hearted fool obsessed with his mate, when she wanted nothing to do with him.
"Inuyasha is not a fan. My school friends love him, they're always encouraging him to fawn over me- which I hate."
"Nothing then, to worry about." Sesshomaru's voice was a little short, causing Kagome to study his face.
"Non-threatening. I've never returned his feelings." Kagome leaned into his body, and he wrapped his arms around her, "I'm more excited about a wedding. Have you seen a human wedding?"
"Indeed, though I imagine the wording in your time may be different."
"Jii-chan is traditional, so maybe not too far off. I'm just going to be happy if it works and you really can cross over with me."
Sesshomaru kissed the top of her head, "If it's a bond, like you say- I'll be able to. And after our mating ceremony, the children will too."
"Really? What ritual of the mating ceremony does that?"
"It's called the Spirit Tie. It'll be the final step of the mating ceremony. After our Mating Tie, the children will prick their fingers and mix the drops in the ritual bowl to solidify the family unit."
"I see, I think I read something about the mating ties. You have to get the Elders' blessings, right?"
"I should've guessed," Sesshomaru mused, "your beautiful and studious mind. Yes, I'll have Jaken send for the Elders when we return from your time. In the meantime, I'll be marking you as much as possible before the mating night. To immunize you to the Dai venom, especially as I have poison in my blood. I wish to ease your body into its changes."
"Changes?" Kagome was curious
"Your body will adapt to the venom; changing your teeth, strengthening your sense of smell, and your sight. After we've mated officially, your health and lifespan will be affected."
"Hmm, makes sense." Kagome mused
The two sat in silence for a little while as Sesshomaru studied her in the moonlight. Slowly, he weaved his fingers between hers, raising them to his lips to kiss her fingertips.
"I've not said these exact words, Kagome, and I must…" Sesshomaru trailed off, "I love you, mate."
Kagome turned and kissed his cheek, "I know. I love you, Sesshomaru."
He pressed his lips to hers softly once, then again. Pulling her onto his lap, he kissed her lips, cheeks, and eyelids, making her giggle.
Sesshomaru paused, looking at Kagome's hand in his.
"Humans exchange rings, right?" He asked, his voice soft, "Similar to the courting and mating gifts given to a Lady."
Kagome smiled softly, "Where'd you read that?"
"One of your books. There's a ring you desire?" He asked again.
"We can go look at some, if that's what you want." She honestly was floored, never expecting a ring from Sesshomaru. At least in a traditional sense.
"I will honor your culture," He nodded, "I can also see in your eyes that you're surprised I've asked. Is this ring something you've imagined?"
"Most little girls in my time grow up dreaming about weddings and their rings, sure. Once I got here, I didn't think it'd….I just.."
"I understand," Sesshomaru kissed her hand again, "It's my desire to make all of your dreams reality."
Kagome smiled softly before leaning in to kiss him. Returning the kiss, Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. As they broke apart, he trailed his fingers along her shoulder blade toward her neck, lingering on the mating mark. They spent a while in each other's arms, kissing and talking until the moon was almost centered in the sky.
He kissed her forehead before saying, "The moon is high in the sky. We have a long journey tomorrow, and your rest is a priority."
Kagome yawned a little, "Probably should go get some sleep, wouldn't want to be too tired to see how you react to my time."
Sesshomaru smiled, lifting her into his arms as he stood. Carefully, he walked back to camp and settled them down near their sleeping children. Laying Kagome onto his lap, he kissed her one last time before settling into rest.
"Goodnight, mate." He said softly, feeling her smile into his thigh.
The next morning came quicker than he wanted. Her peaceful breathing comforted him, and he wished he could savor it longer. But Inuyasha was awake, and soon the rest of camp would be as well.
"Monk, get up. We need to get moving." He hurried the monk out of his sleeping bag, "Kikyo's gone ahead. And Kohaku's packing his things."
Miroku groaned and moved to stand, "so you're opposed to my making tea before we leave?"
"Ugh!" Inuyasha grumbled
"That's not a no," Sango said quietly, standing herself, "the fire isn't out yet."
"I'll help you, Sango," Kagome said quietly, lifting herself from her mate's lap and move towards the fire.
"This one will see to the children." Sesshomaru spoke only for Kagome to hear before turning to Rin and Shippo's sleeping bags, touching them gently.
The group gathered themselves almost soundlessly. Kouga and his friends were gone long before first light, and Kohaku was waiting for the tea before he headed off.
Moments later, they enjoyed their tea tea and packed up the camp. It was after they'd been walking a while, the sun rising over the trees, that Kagome spoke.
"Inuyasha, are you coming to Graduation?"
"Heh," He blew a raspberry, "don't think you need me there anymore."
"You're being really stubborn about this whole thing," Kagome jogged to catch up to him, jumping onto his back like the old times. He caught her instinctively, and carried her as she hugged him from behind.
"You are my best friend, Inu," she whispered in his ear, "that doesn't change, even if I've fallen in love. No matter who I've fallen in love with."
Inuyasha kept his voice too quiet for Sesshomaru to fully catch, "you think he loves you?"
"I know he does. This is really it."
"Fine," he said, letting her down gently, "It's tomorrow?"
Kagome grinned up at him, "Four days. I know Mama and Souta will be so happy to see you!"
"Heh," Inuyasha laughed as he waved Kagome off, "Gramps won't. Or Hobo."
"Don't worry, Jii-chan likes you!"
Inuyasha smiled and rolled his eyes, noticing now that they were getting close to their destination.
As they reached the edge of the village, they started talking about their plans while Kagome was in her era. Miroku and Sango were excited to get some alone time, Jaken was fully aware of his duties to look after Rin and Shippo. Inuyasha would, in a day or two, join Kagome in her time to celebrate her graduation. When they returned, her friends planned to celebrate with her, too.
Reaching Kaede's house, Kagome hugged her friends tightly, "I'll bring you all back everything you've asked for, okay? Be safe here while I'm away."
"We'll see you in about a week, Kags." Sango hugged back, "We'll look after the kids, too."
Sesshomaru nodded at them, "Thank you, for keeping Rin in your sights."
"Of course, Lord Sesshomaru." Miroku smiled
Inuyasha hopped into his favorite tree near Kaede's house, settling in for a nap. From the trees he grunted, "See ya in a few days wench. Sesshomaru, mind your nose."
With their final goodbyes, Kagome and Sesshomaru walked into Kaede's hut to confirm their suspicions.
*that's all folks! That's it for this chapter! These re-writes are hopefully giving more context to where the story is going, and I hope you like the changes! I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! There's gonna be some big changes for the next chapters! Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *