My new story…its Sessh/Kag if you don't like the pairing, don't read the story.
**This is a rewrite in order to fit the story as it's 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 ! Note: we're shifting from the songs, so expect big changes to explain things better.
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks.
Chapter 9: Shop till the Party Stops
Kagome ushered her friends into a taxi. They were going to a bigger mall that was a little further away, with more stores.
The Inutachi were in awe of the shopping mall bustling with people. They examined all the windows or the shops, amazed with all the different things they could buy.
Kagome smiled, letting them lead for the most part. She never imagined that her friends would get to see her era. Now that they were, she wanted them to enjoy it.
Miroku stopped dead in his tracks at a window with pink, red, and black decorations. The mannequin was wearing a pink lingerie set. His jaw hung open.
"Good, Miroku," Kagome giggled, "you found our first stop." turning to the children, handing them some cash, "Here's some money for you both. While we're in here, you go into that store," she pointed to the toy store next door, "and have fun."
They grinned at her before running into the toy store. Once they were gone, she motioned for the rest of her friends to join her in the lingerie store.
Looking around, Kagome was looking for Sesshomaru's reactions. But he was very calm, keeping his composure at the sight of all the things he could be potentially tearing from his mate's body. He let his eyes linger on one mannequin in particular wearing a mixture of red, white, and gold. Getting closer, he noticed the material, silk. Sesshomaru subconsciously licked his lips, before turning his attention back to his mate, who was tugging on his hand.
Her arm was full of the clothes she wanted to try on. She led him to the dressing rooms, where they found Miroku and Inuyasha waiting in chairs.
Kagome, having already talked through how to try on clothes, namely keeping their underwear on, started trying on the pieces she chose, with a mental note to buy the set Sesshomaru had been looking at.
Her first set was all red lace, slowing her skin underneath. When she stepped out of the dressing room, nearly every man in there stopped to stare.
"Thoughts?" The question was posed to Sesshomaru.
He answered her by standing up, lifting her into his arms and kissing her hard. The other men in the store glared and blinked away, with one exception. Hojo, standing near the perfumes, continued his glare as he watched the two break apart so Kagome could keep changing. The Kagome he knew would never do that. She was modest, a girl wishing her school uniform was a bit longer. Sesshomaru had changed her so deeply, he wasn't sure he could take much more.
Next to emerge from their dressing room was Sango. She was wearing a purple corset with black lacings, paired with boyshorts. Miroku fell off the chair he was sitting in when he saw her.
"That one. Yes. My dear Sango, you've won me over a million times over." He gushed, from his knees.
Sango blushed and giggled, "it's Kikyo's turn."
The group's attention moved to the last door. Kikyo stepped out in sheer pink babydoll slip, with pink fur lining the edges. When she turned to the side, she finally stopped masking her full scent and showed off the small bump growing in her stomach.
"Kikyo…" Inuyasha asked softly, "are you really…?"
"Look at your child, Inuyasha." Kikyo's voice was serene.
Taking the two steps to reach her, Inuyasha enveloped Kikyo in a hug as congratulations ringed around them. Internally, Sesshomaru's mind was racing. On the one hand, he was a little jealous that Inuyasha and Kikyo were having a baby before him and Kagome. He couldn't wait to see Kagome's belly swelled and heavy with his child. On the other hand, he couldn't stop thinking about the times where he almost lost his love.
Her comfort that morning had helped, but there were so many instances where he could've lost her forever. When he was with her, and they encountered a random demon, he was very confident in his ability to protect her. But he wasn't always with her, so he wasn't always sure of the outcome. To lose her, would be the end of him. He didn't know if he could live without her presence.
The girls had gone back into their dressing rooms to change, now that they had a good idea of sizing. Inside hers, Kagome was pacing. She was thrilled for Kikyo and Inuyasha, they were truly getting their second chance. But now it felt like a race. A race to the land of parenthood. Kagome and Sesshomaru had beaten them, technically, because of Shippo and Rin, but it was different now that Kikyo was pregnant. She sighed and put her street clothes back on, deciding to keep her other purchases a surprise. When she stepped out, she noticed that Kikyo and Inuyasha had cuddled up together, talking softly. Miroku had gone into Sango's dressing room to help untie her corsets. Sesshomaru was waiting with open arms.
Wandering the store a bit more, Sesshomaru's eyes went back to the set he liked before. He shook his head, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
"This one will go and check on the children." Sesshomaru whispered, "meet us there after."
Kagome nodded, looking at a silk robe on a hanger. Sesshomaru kissed her again before leaving the store. The moment he was out of the store, Kagome spun around and got the set he was staring at in her size. Carrying her purchases to the counter, she asked for her friends' purchases to be applied to the same card, when they finished.
Going back to her friends, she handed both couples some cash and agreed to meet them in a few hours at the food court, next to the Children's Play Area. After pointing out exactly where that'd be, Kagome walked out of the lingerie store into the toy shop where her mate and children were shopping.
Sesshomaru had been convinced to buy entirely too many toys, he thought, but knew the children were just excited. And like Kagome, he would give them anything they desired. Kagome's smile appeared at the counter where he stood.
"Looks like you two had a lot of fun," Kagome's giggles drew the attention of her kids, who were engrossed with the toys in their hands.
"Look, Mama," Rin said happily, "Rin got a dollhouse book!"
"Paper dolls, Rin Rin," Kagome explained, "Those are great to travel with if you keep track of all the pieces."
Looking at Sesshomaru she noticed the look on his face.
"She got the third person thing from you, you can't make that face when she does it in public" Kagome laughed again, "Whatcha got Shippo?"
"A trick," Shippo was wrestling with an optical illusion puzzle.
Kagome took inventory of the toys on the counter. Portable games, balls, tiny figurines, stickers. She shrugged, handing the credit card to the cashier, "If they grow out of them, we can use them for hand-me-downs."
Sesshomaru dropped a quick kiss on her cheek, happy that she was thinking about more children, at least in a passive way. Gathering the bags of now-purchased toys and gently pulling the two Kagome was holding from her hand, he let her lead him and the children out into the mall to find the next stop.
They didn't need to walk far to reach her destination, Build-a-Bear Workshop. Kagome laughed as she saw the kids' faces light up at all the options of stuffed animals.
"You can each pick two." Kagome said gently.
"Um, Sesshomaru," Shippo's voice was soft, "do you wanna help me pick?"
Sesshomaru nodded, "I will assist, Little Kit, but we must work together. You might understand your Mama's world better than I."
Shippo grinned, taking Sesshomaru's hand and yanking him in one direction. Kagome held her hand out to Rin and smiled, "ready?"
Rin nodded excitedly and dragged Kagome straight to a fluffy white dog. In the end, Kagome helped Rin make a white dog named Fluffy and a snow leopard named Gia. Shippo and Sesshomaru picked out a red fox and a panda, named Kieran and Sushi respectively.
When they'd packed up their Build-a-Bears into their to-go houses, Kagome led them through the bookstore and the children's clothing store. Sesshomaru was much more invested than Kagome thought he'd be on the opinions of the children's clothes. He wanted only dogs or foxes, if pictures of animals were going to be depicted, and he scrutinized the fabrics.
It all warmed Kagome's heart, she'd never thought this level of normalcy would happen for her. A family shopping day to the mall? A marketplace in the feudal era maybe, but never did she consider a mall. Seeing Sesshomaru be so sweet with Shippo was icing on the cake.
It was actually Sesshomaru who picked out the dresses Rin was going to wear to dinner that night, and at graduation tomorrow, one purple and one blue. Shippo picked out his own clothes, soft button downs with interesting patterns. Kagome picked out the casual clothes, to give to the Western Palace's seamstresses to replicate.
Once Sesshomaru collected the bags, they were finished. Right on time to meet their friends at the food court. Making their way over, Kagome was focused on what the children were saying, while Sesshomaru caught a familiar scent.
He'd scented Hojo around when they'd first arrived at the mall, and in the lingerie store. He only hoped the silly boy would not decide to make a public scene.
Hojo was eating lunch in the food court when he saw Kagome holding the hands of two unfamiliar children, Sesshomaru in tow carrying the bags of purchases over the day. When he heard Rin excitedly explain to her "Mama" the adventures she was going to take her new build-a-bears on, he lost all sense. He marched up to her as they got to the children's play center. Ignoring the glare that Sesshomaru gave him as he approached, Hojo persisted past the chill it gave him to get closer to Kagome.
She was explaining the rules of the play center before releasing their hands, ushering them towards the entrance.
"Kagome! Hey!" He said, waving.
"Okay guys, play nicely with the other kids!" She turned to look at him, "Oh, Hi Hojo." She smiled.
He gestured off to the side and was delighted when Kagome leaned towards Sesshomaru and asked him to keep an eye on the kids for a moment. Hojo noted the reaction, a dark glare before Sesshomaru nodded and lifted her left hand to his lips, showing off that ring.
Hojo tried to get Kagome out of earshot of Sesshomaru, leading her several shops downwind of the play center. The food court was still in view, and Kagome knew Sesshomaru could hear them if he listened. Satisfied with the distance, Hojo leaned in close, "who were those children?"
Kagome blinked at Hojo, "Oh, that's Rin, with the black hair and the orange shirt. She's almost 11. And that's Shippo, with the red hair and the black shirt. He'll be 10 soon."
Hojo's face darkened when he recognized the names, "And they're yours?"
"In a sense, why?" Kagome questioned
"Listen Kagome, I think Sesshomaru is too old for you. He's what, like 33? You're almost 19! If he has kids at his age, he's obviously a player. They don't look alike so they clearly have different mothers. And they're so close in age? You're going to get hurt, Kagome. He's no better than that Bad Boy you were dating all through school! Makes sense because they're brothers. If it were up to me, we'd be together." He explained, reaching for her hand.
When she stepped away he leaned in closer, reaching for her, "I know he's rich, Kagome. I know he's powerful. , with a lot of money. Fuck, he probably paid for your treatments!"
Kagome kept backing up, unintentionally back into Sesshomaru's line of sight, "Hojo what are you doing?"
"Come on Kagome," he said moving towards her, "come with me. And you'll never have to be forced into a marriage. Or raise someone else's kids. All because of your kind heart."
Kagome opened her mouth to respond but Sesshomaru's voice came before her's could, "Now then, if you're done trying and failing at stealing my fiancée, I'd like a word."
Hojo smiled, the nervousness evident, "let's have a talk then, Sesshomaru."
Kagome walked back to watch the kids play, sighing at the impending drama, and Sesshomaru led Hojo away from her, towards the back of the mall. They ended up in a quiet part of the mall, with little stores in place, and very few people.
"I know all about you, Lord Sesshomaru of the West. You're a very powerful and rich man. Or, demon, I should say. You do not deserve Kagome, she's a very powerful Miko." Hojo sneered, using all of the information he learned from working on Kagome's family's shrine while she was "abroad".
Sesshomaru smiled in a way that made ice run through Hojo's veins, "Kagome is my mate. I'm sure you saw my mark on her collarbone; she loves showing it off. You've seen her ring, the mark of your own culture. She is my mate, human, whether you like it or not. She chose a DaiYoukai, worth more than you ever could be. She could never touch you, after me." He let out a chuckle that terrified Hojo, "She didn't want you before me. She doesn't want you. She never did. Your little sweet act doesn't convince anyone. Especially after what you've done. I see right through you. Stay away from her. If you don't, I'll make you sorry you were ever born, let alone the day you dared to cross this Sesshomaru." He said, his voice low and terrifying.
"I'll do whatever I want," Hojo said, his voice shaking a little, "she only thinks she loves you. But she really loves me. She was a simple, sweet girl and you corrupted her. Manipulated her. Of course she wanted me. You dog, probably forcing yourself onto her to take her virginity. She was supposed to give it to me on our wedding night. She was supposed to learn everything from me."
Sesshomaru clenched his fist and opened his mouth to reply when a voice interrupted their discussion.
"Hobo? What the fuck? Sessh? Where's Kagome?" Inuyasha asked, looking at the two of them, taking in his brother's well controlled rage.
"She is with the children." Sesshomaru said through gritted teeth.
"I'm right here, actually. And I heard all of that. Honestly, I'm disgusted." Kagome said, coming up behind Inuyasha before he could reply.
"Fuck, Kagome…I" Hojo started.
"Just stop it. I know that you have feelings for me, and you have for a long time. I need you to know that those feelings will never be reciprocated. I love Sesshomaru, I love my kids, and I love my life. If you can't handle our being together, I need you to leave us alone. You will no longer be invited to the wedding and I will never speak, nor see you again. You will leave all of this drama behind, either way." Kagome interrupted, sounding like a true Queen in Sesshomaru's mind.
"I understand, Kagome. I just love you so much, I don't want to let you go." He pleaded
"I know you do Hojo. I know. But you're gonna have to let me go." Kagome then turned to Sesshomaru, "Love, why don't you, Miroku, and Inuyasha go play with Rin and Shippo? There's still a few more things I need to buy for dinner tonight. I'll take Kikyo and Sango with me."
Sesshomaru smiled at her dismissal of Hojo and the situation, "yes my love. I'll let them know where to find you" he replied, kissing her cheek and running his hand across the mating mark on her collarbone.
Kagome gave Hojo one last look, ordering him to leave her alone, and walked into the eveningwear store nearby. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha met with Sango and Kikyo, pointing them in the direction Kagome went as Miroku started playing with the kids.
While helping Sango and Kikyo find evening gowns for the dinner, Kagome found two dresses of her own that she decided to buy as options to wear to dinner. Trying them on, she let out a sigh of relief, she didn't want to squeeze herself into dresses that wouldn't fit, and Mama probably didn't have time to alter it. She looked at her phone, the dinner began in 3 hours.
"Time to go," Kagome smiled, going to the counter, "we have a dinner to get to."
Sesshomaru examined all of the purchases as the kids drank their milkshakes at the table. Miroku and Inuyasha had gotten their dress pants and button downs with little to no issues. Kikyo added 3 large bags of varying clothes from the maternity store. Sango bought journals and books, Miroku doubling the pile. Right as he finished taking inventory of all the new things; Kagome, Kikyo, and Sango returned.
"Taxi'll be here in 20 minutes." Kagome smiled, "Yum! You two lucky ducks got milkshakes!"
Shippo offered his cup to her, "Want some Mama?"
Kagome kissed his cheek, "no thank you, sweet boy. We'll make one later, sound good?"
Rin and Shippo nodded, happy. This was the best day, and it kept getting better.
Loading up all the bags, the InuTachi piled into their taxi and went back to the Shrine to get ready for dinner. Kagome made sure Shippo and Rin got their custom formalwear to change into, laid out shoes for Sango and Kikyo to borrow, and sent her friends on their way.
Now that it was time to get ready herself, Kagome wanted to shower first. Sesshomaru watched as she left everything she was wearing in the bathroom, leaving the door wide open. His gaze lingered on the possible invitation, before he dragged it to the clock. They didn't have time, really, so it would have to wait.
The steam poured from the bathroom as Kagome, wrapped in a towel emerged. She went to the dresser first, pulling out a black strapless bra and tossing it onto the bed. Sesshomaru kissed her before passing her to shower himself. He moved quickly, wanting more than a kiss before they left. As he was getting out, he saw Kagome gathering her jewelry from the bathroom counter.
Toweling off, Sesshomaru walked into the bedroom and watched as she put her jewelry away. As she picked out the silver stacking rings from her jewelry box, her hand lingered on a small black box that Hojo had given her during their sophomore year of high school. She didn't hear Sesshomaru step out of the shower and into the bedroom, and she let out a sad sigh.
"The human gave you that." He commented, "it still smells like him."
"Yea, he did. Hojo was such a nice guy, I wish he didn't get so out of control."
"You still think he's a nice guy after you heard what he said? You care for this disgusting human?" He asked, his jealousy building.
"I said was. And when I was 15, 16-he was a really good friend, that's all. I've seen and heard way worse from jealous mouths."
"You had no feelings for him?" Sesshomaru's instincts forced him to be extra sure.
"No," Kagome sighed, "I never have."
Sesshomaru said nothing as he dropped his towel to get dressed. He'd pulled on his underwear, and a pair of black dress pants when Kagome stopped him.
"Hey," She got his attention, "look at me?"
He brought his gaze up her body. The dress she chose was black, crossing her chest in a heart shape and hugging her curves until it fanned out at the bottom. It covered her feet, and he knew she'd be wearing heels that night. He could see that the dress had a silver undertone, instead of flesh toned, so she sparkled as she moved.
"You are stunning, mate." Sesshomaru's voice was soft.
"Thank you. You believe me when I say I've never had feelings for Hojo, right?"
"I trust you with my very life, little miko."
"Okay," Kagome smiled gently, "good. I think I'm going to wear my hair like this."
Fresh out of the shower, Kagome's hair was much curlier. She didn't brush the curls out into her usual bouncy waves, instead pulling it up into a high ponytail. Her neck was completely exposed. Securing her hair with a claw clip, Kagome moved on to her jewelry. The choker Sesshomaru picked out for her was first, then her rings, the stacked ones on the right and her engagement ring. Adding light makeup, she admired herself in the mirror as Sesshomaru finished getting dressed, adding a silver button down shirt and a blazer.
"I think it's pretty," she turned to Sesshomaru, "right?"
"You are ethereal, indeed," He looked into her jewelry box, "add these." He pulled out a pair of sparkly silver hoops.
"Oh," Kagome sighed, "my dad gave me these…he had them saved for my 16th birthday." she put them on, "they're perfect."
"Do you need help getting into your shoes?"
"After," Kagome said, picking up the cufflinks she bought him, "let me see your arms."
Sesshomaru held out his arms and watched as she tenderly secured the cufflinks. When she stopped, he put his hands on her waist and lifted her up. Walking to where she'd laid out her shoes, he carefully lowered her into her shoes, making sure she was steady on her feet.
"Ready?" she asked
He nodded, holding the door open for her to go first. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, they saw Sakura helping Sango adjust her dress near the front door.
"I've called a big van for you all, and I'll drive with Jii-chan and Souta." Sakura informed them, "Kagome you look so pretty! And Sesshomaru, you clean up as nicely as I expected."
Kagome blushed a little, "Thanks Mama, You look great Sango!" she complimented the purple gown Sango had chosen.
"I haven't really worn anything like this before," Sango blushed, "Miroku looks really good in, what's it again? A suit."
"I thank you, my lovely Sango," Miroku stepped into the entry way from the living room, "you two look great!"
Sesshomaru nodded his thanks before speaking, "Is everyone else ready?"
Miroku nodded, "Ms. Sakura even helped make sure the children were properly dressed."
"Thanks for your help, Mama," Kagome says gratefully, "especially with the kids."
"Isn't that the purpose of Grannies after all?" Sakura smiled, "I'm so happy to spend time with my grandpups."
"Grandpups?" Kagome smiled, "who told you it was that?"
"I did, wench" Inuyasha crowded into the entryway, "she oughta know all when Sesshomaru talks she's not confused."
"He's been very generous in saying 'children' around me," Sakura mused, "but it's true. I want to refer to them properly."
"This Sesshomaru is grateful for your assistance with the pups, it shows exactly where my mate learned her excellent mothering skills." Sesshomaru said formally as he tipped his head in a gentle bow.
"Ha!" Inuyasha laughed, "when he's nervous he reverts back to the formal bullshit."
"Inu, hush!" Kagome swatted at him, "don't make me ruin your suit by sending you into the dirt."
Inuyasha stuck his tongue out at her, sticking his head into the kitchen, "Hey twerp! Come show your mom what you're wearing so we can go. You too Rin, gotta fashion show for the Ice Prince."
Rin giggled before running at full force out into view. She'd chosen the navy blue dress, with the moon phases embroidered into the hem.
"Look Mama, my dress looks like the sky!"
"You look wonderful Rin, I'm glad you love it."
"There's a spot for my tail," Shippo came out of the kitchen next.
"I know, I had it made like that on purpose. Do you like it?" Kagome asked.
Shippo smiled softly, "It's comfy, and soft. Do I look okay?"
"Of course! You are cute as a button," Kagome knelt to kiss his cheek, "You look very grown up."
"Because I'm not a baby, Mama." Shippo rubbed the lipgloss from his cheek, blushing.
"I know, neither of you are babies," Kagome stood, "but you are my babies."
Rin smiled before turning to Sakura, "are we leaving now? Can we ride with you?"
"I wanna go in the one Souta's in," Shippo offered
Sakura turned her attention back to Sesshomaru and Kagome, "You two okay with that?"
"Granny Sakura is the hot ticket I guess. No real love for Mama in her pretty dress" Kagome fake sulked, "That's fine. We'll see you there."
Sakura smiled, taking the children's hands and walking them outside. Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, and Kagome followed, seeing the rest of their family and friends hanging out outside.
The van was just pulling into the driveway. When the driver stepped out, Sesshomaru scented him as a Badger demon.
"Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Kagome." He greeted, holding the doors open for them.
It was then that the group split, with Sakura taking Jii-chan, Souta, and the kids in one car and the rest of the InuTachi in the other.
*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 *