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 10: A Walk to Forgiveness
The ride to the dinner wasn't very long. It was being held at the conference space near her school, and the entire hall was decorated in gold and black. The van dropped them off at the front doors, and the group followed Kagome when they'd left.
Sakura had taken a little longer, parking, but soon she was walking into the venue to find their table. To her surprise, next to her very full table, were the Hojo's. She noticed Sesshomaru's slightly annoyed look, of course the two were sitting very close to each other. As if Sesshomaru sat in that spot to block Hojo's view of Kagome.
"Hello Mr and Mrs Hojo, Kyo." Sakura greeted
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow; no one had used Hojo's first name up till this point, he noticed.
"Hello Ms. Sakura," Hojo smiled politely
"Oh Sakura! I'm so happy you're here!" Hojo's mother jumped up, "Did you see the program? My Kyo has won an award!"
"That's wonderful, Hanako. My Kagome has, as well."
"Impressive," Hojo's dad gruffed, "such a sickly girl getting an award for outstanding academics?"
"Benjiro!" Hanako Hojo scolded her husband, "Even Kyo tells us how smart Kagome is. She's absolutely brilliant. Didn't Sesshomaru tell us that they read literature together?"
Kagome blushed from her table but didn't say anything. She'd already gotten through the awkwardness of saying Hello, introducing her family, and she didn't want any more. It was Sesshomaru who spoke up.
"Kagome is an incredible talent, in more than one skill. Even when abroad, she had a heavy focus on her studies." He was tired of the whisperings about Kagome. Most of these humans hadn't seen or heard from her since she was 15. Showing up with him, and the kids, sparked rumors and so much whispering.
"I'm sorry," Kagome apologized softly, "I didn't realize my showing up would be such a huge deal."
"I am here to celebrate you," Sesshomaru leaned closer to kiss her cheek before finishing, "This one knew you were adored and envied."
"Envied? What are you hearing?" Kagome asked incredulously.
He just shook his head at her, "why did you not speak of your reward?"
"The award? Honestly, I didn't know. I saw it when we sat down," she gestured to the program on the table.
"Hojo is reading an excerpt of an essay he wrote?" Sango asked, reading, "The essay is called 'Moments of Affection', wonder what that's about."
Inuyasha looked at Sesshomaru's slightly sour face, "Havin fun? You get over people talking about her eventually." laughing when he didn't respond, "Makes you wish you could read their minds, huh?"
"Absolutely not. I need no more bile."
"The whispers are getting to you, huh? She does look nice in her dress." Inuyasha baited.
Sesshomaru growled, getting Kagome's attention.
"Can you not rile him up tonight?" Kagome whispered at Inuyasha, annoyed.
"He's mad at them, not me." Inuyasha raised his hands defensively.
"What are you hearing?" Kagome asked her mate, "seriously."
"Comments about your body. Envious ones from girls who thought you'd show up on the brink of death, disgusting ones from boys who seem to have forgotten what you look like. That's the tame of it." His voice was a growl in his throat.
She sighed, "sometimes I wish Grandpa said it was boarding school. Being sick just comes with so many other dramas."
Another classmate rushed to the table, interrupting Kagome's thoughts.
"Oh my goodness, Kagome you look great! I'm so surprised to see you! Mizuki said she saw you with a hunk so I had to check it out for myself."
"My fiancé, Sesshomaru Tashio." She i ntroduced.
"That name kinda sounds familiar, are you like famous," the girl asked
"No, just a well known family." Kagome explained, she had no idea what was attached to the Tashio name in her era.
The girl shrugged before giving one more wave, walking off. Her spot was soon replaced by another classmate, a boy this time.
"Um, Higurashi? I just wanted to say hi…um and it's nice to see you feeling better." The boy's eyes lingered on Kagome's chest, "you look really pretty."
"Thank you," Kagome nodded graciously, "This is Sesshomaru. My fiancé."
"Ah, yea," the boy shifted in his too-small suite jacket and chuckled, "I'd heard bout that. It's nice to meet you. You're lucky for sure.'' At Sesshomaru's curt nod, he smiled, "um, I'll see you around Higurashi. Happy Graduation."
"Popular, you are." Sesshomaru commented dryly.
"Sessh," Kagome started before she was interrupted again. This time it was the Vice Principal's voice announcing that dinner was being served. Waiters armed with trays of plates floated to the tables into their correct spots.
Soon, the table was engrossed in their meal. Instead of talking to Sesshomaru, Kagome focused on Shippo and Rin, doting on them.
Sesshomaru was feeling progressively worse. The whispers he was hearing about his mate were getting to him, coupled with Hojo's constant staring and every other minute a dirty human boy who smelled of fresh arousal walked up to his mate to boldly salivate over her. To her face. To his face. He looked at the program again, finding relief that Kagome's award was being presented soon. But not before Hojo's speech. He picked at his food, impatient.
Hojo blushed when the Vice Principal gushed over Hojo's writing ability. Apparently, he'd written this essay for a creative writing course, and it had gotten the highest grade, even bringing the teacher to tears. The teacher sent it to a writing contest, and here they were. When she said his name and invited him to the stage; Hojo blushed darkly, adjusting his shirt before walking to the stage.
When the claps died down, Hojo spoke. His voice was shaky and nervous, but he read:
It's all in the tiny moments of affection, how I knew it was real. The way she smiles when I've given her a gift. Knowing I would give her anything she wanted. Anything she needed. If only she'd tell me it was me.
Knowing that laying my life in front of her isn't enough. I must fight for her. Make her understand that the one she was searching for, with that faraway look in her eyes, was me.
How I wanted her to see me. To notice me. Anything. Like a starving soul, I slurped every drop of attention she reluctantly gave. Moments where a hand brushed hers, a hug lasting a beat too long, a lingering glance as we said our goodbyes.
That, will have to be enough. Until I can open my heart for her to accept.
Hojo finished reading, taking a deep breath. He looked at Kagome's table. Sesshomaru looked furious. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair. Kagome was whispering in Sesshomaru's ear, but apparently it had no effect on him. His face didn't lose its glare, and it followed Hojo all the way back to his table. When he got closer he heard Kagome sigh.
"Fine, if you're gonna be like this. I'm gonna drop it and you can stew."
Sesshomaru lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug. She was unconvincing in her attempts to calm him. Every word of Hojo's little essay portion unnerved him. His instincts were screaming to deal with Hojo the way he knew. The boy was bold enough to moon over his mate to his face. He'd touched her, hugged her, no doubt pressed his grimy hands into her back as an attempt to pull her closer. His jealousy was getting the best of him, he knew. But he couldn't stop himself, especially after all he knew of Hojo. And now, all the whispers added a new topic- Kagome for the subject of Hojo's essay.
Sango and Miroku tried to distract Kagome. It was almost time for her award and she looked miserable. Shippo crawled into her lap, trying to comfort her too. Rin, pulling a paper doll from Sakura's purse, offered it to Kagome, who accepted it with a sad smile.
"It's gonna be okay, Kags." Sango said softly, "he's just upset at what Hojo said."
Kagome nodded, "Stupid jealous dog. He won't even listen."
"It's his instinct, Kagome," Miroku said softly, "Dai as he is, some things cannot be helped."
Kagome sighed, shaking her head. She looked up again when the Vice Principal's voice came across the microphone again.
"Now, we're presenting the award for academic resilience. Kagome Higurashi has not had it easy in the last few years. And even though she was plagued with sickness for most of her academic career, she managed to get excellent grades in her classes. Presenting Kagome Higurashi, the winner of the Academic Resilience Award! Come on up, Kagome!"
Kagome took a deep breath before kissing Rin and Shippo on their cheeks as she stood. Slowly, she made her way up to the stage. Once there, the Vice Principal motioned her to make a speech.
A blush darkened her face, "Thank you, really. This was something I didn't know of until I arrived tonight, so forgive me for being unprepared." The crowd giggled and she continued, "Mostly I want to thank my family for being so supportive with my needs, my friends who helped me study during those long nights, and my fiancé, who challenges me every single day."
Sesshomaru let himself smirk at her thanks, she was articulate and beautiful up there. He was proud of her. Gently, he lifted his wine glass to toast her, watching as the room followed his lead, coupled with applause as she carefully walked back to her seat with the crystal statue.
The event continued around them, but the mood on Kagome's side of the table was icy. She wasn't speaking to Sesshomaru, and he wasn't speaking to her. They both were going to great lengths to speak to the people around them, the distractions effectively taking them through the rest of the night.
Even the van was void of the couple, riding back to the Shrine in near silence. Both Rin and Shippo had fallen asleep on the ride home, so Kagome gathered them both in her arms when she got out of the car. Sesshomaru shifted her award into one hand and took a step in her direction to help her, but she waved a hand soundlessly, walking up the stairs to her mother's room to put them to bed.
Sesshomaru watched as their friends exchanged sad looks before going to their own rooms. Sakura, Jii-chan, and Souta gave him sad smiles before retiring themselves. He was alone, trudging up the stairs to Kagome's bedroom.
He expected her to be in there, it didn't take long to put sleeping children to bed, but she wasn't. He sighed, putting her award on the desk before slowly getting undressed. He was fully in his pajamas, journaling at the desk when Kagome finally stepped through the door, holding her shoes in one hand.
Soundlessly, Kagome undressed and hung her dress back in the closet. She unhooked her necklace, returning it to her jewelry box before slowly taking each ring from her finger.
When she'd pulled a t-shirt over her head, Sesshomaru finally spoke.
"He loves you."
Kagome looked up from the drawer of sweatpants she was combing through, "what?"
"Kyo. Hojo. You expect me to believe that nothing's ever happened between you two. Or any of the other pathetic little hard ons floating around you tonight."
"Of course nothing's ever happened! Are you being serious right now?" Kagome was annoyed, very close to angry. Sesshomaru was speaking from pure jealousy and she was shocked the words were even coming out of his mouth.
"See? Can't even muster up the words. What would they do? Steal you away for a quick rendezvous in a hall closet?"
"I can't even believe you right now, do you hear yourself?" Kagome pulled on a pair of sweats Inuyasha had gotten one of the times he was here.
"Just answer the question."
"Sesshomaru," she sighed, "I'm not doing this right now. Can we just go to bed?"
"Not until you answer, Kagome. What's this denial for? Do you love him? After everything?"
"Don't accuse me of loving anyone. If you don't believe me then I don't know what you want from me." Kagome said, heading towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Sesshomaru's shock registered in his voice.
"To go sleep in my mom's room with the kids. I can't be in here right now." She slammed the door behind her and Sesshomaru smelled her tears as soon as the door closed. He wanted to go after her, but realized she was probably too angry to listen to his apology.
Sesshomaru didn't know how long he'd been standing there. A knock at the door startled him out of his haze, Kagome wouldn't be knocking.
"What is it?"
Inuyasha opened the door slowly, "I know you don't want to hear this right now."
"You're right."
"I'm sayin it anyway. She's crying, I know you can smell that. She's hurt that you'd think she'd lie to you. That jealousy is tough, I know, but your beast is louder than mine. Let him check and see if she's lying, ya know?"
Sesshomaru sat on the bed, "Go away, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha nodded, knowing what he said struck a nerve with his brother. He slowly backed out of the doorway, closing it. At the click, Sesshomaru curled himself into the bed, around her pillow, and tried to sleep.
He fell into some sort of fitful rest, taking comfort in the scent of her in the room. When he woke up, he looked at the clock. 9 AM. Kagome was supposed to be at school at 9 to get ready for graduation. He's woken up in time to attend, but not accompany her. Sesshomaru knew she'd already passed through, silently getting everything she needed from the room. The only thing different about the otherwise untouched room was a note on the desk.
He picked it up, looking at his mate's handwriting:
I love you
Sesshomaru sighed, after calming down he really took in what Inuyasha said. And he was right. Kagome would be the most devastated if he didn't trust her. And his behavior last night showed that he may not. He was angry with himself for letting his jealousy get the best of him.
Standing up quickly, Sesshomaru jumped in the shower and got dressed. The khaki pants and linen button down were perfect for a summer graduation. He went to check on the children first, finding them in the kitchen with Inuyasha eating breakfast.
"Kagome took her mom, Gramps, Souta, Sango, and Kikyo with her to save our seats." Inuyasha asked the question Sesshomaru didn't ask, "I got the kids up and ready. Miroku is almost ready too. Taxi'll be here in 15."
Sesshomaru nodded, "Thanks."
"Hard night I'm sure," Inuyasha nodded back, "Kags is hard to fight with, crybaby."
"Stop being mean about Mama!" Shippo argued, "She cried all night, even when she was sleeping."
Sesshomaru felt horrible, and Shippo's comment only made it worse. He heard the taxi pull up in the driveway, at the same time Miroku entered the kitchen, dressed and ready to go.
They found the rest of the group quickly after they arrived at the auditorium was filled with families as the center stage held the chairs of graduates. Sesshomaru found Kagome easily, sitting in her cap and gown, three seats away from Hojo. His heart swelled with pride during the ceremony when Kagome's name was called. Their entire group cheered as she walked across the stage, receiving her diploma as one of the top students in the class.
At the end, it was announced that there would be a reception in the courtyard, and everyone filed out into the decorated space. The graduates arrived first, waiting around the tall tables for their families. Sesshomaru hung back and let everyone congratulate her first, including the children. When they'd cleared to get drinks and snacks, Sesshomaru stepped closer to his mate.
He paused, hesitant, "This one wishes to speak with you, if you allow it."
Kagome studied his face, he looked openly miserable. She'd been watching him throughout the ceremony and the sad look only left his face when she crossed the stage. Then, it glowed with pride, until she was back in her seat and he was back in his thoughts. She decided to give him a shot.
"Yea, let's sit over here." Kagome turned and walked toward a bench. Shippo and Rin were playing nearby, Kagome watched them for a while before speaking.
"So?"
"This Sesshomaru…" he started, "This one…" he started over, "I'm sorry, mate."
"Oh," Kagome's hard mask fell, "it's okay."
Sesshomaru shook his head, "It's not. I do not mean to mistrust you. Those whispers about your body. They were saying all of the things they wanted to do to you. And that stupid speech, he's obsessed with you. I couldn't bear it. My worry took over. I should've trusted you," he slid off the bench, kneeling in front of her, "I should've listened to you."
"Your pants," Kagome tried to stop him, "Sesshomaru it's okay. I understand. I'm sorry too, I should've tried to talk to you before I left this morning."
"This is not your doing." Sesshomaru sat back on the bench, pulling her close to him, "I'm sorry Kagome. I will not doubt you, I swear it."
Kagome leaned up and kissed him, sighed happily into him when he returned the kiss.
"I hate sleeping without you." He whispered when they broke apart. It felt like a weight had been lifted.
"I know. Me too."
"We haven't done it long, purposely. But I will never allow the choice to be made again, Miko."
Kagome giggled, "fine."
They settled together on the bench, watching their family and friends mingle around. Everyone seemed to feel better once Kagome and Sesshomaru , and they left them alone to enjoy being in each other's arms again. It was hours before either said something.
"You are incredible," Sesshomaru said softly, "So brilliant. So loved."
"Oh?" Kagome mused
"I am proud of you. And proud to call myself your mate."
"I love you."
"I love you too, Kagome."
"Well, I'm glad you two are getting along again but Mama Sakura says it's time to go." Inuyasha jogged up to them, "ride's here."
Kagome nodded, standing up. They followed Inuyasha back to the van, the sun starting to set. Kagome stayed curled up next to Sesshomaru throughout the ride home. When they arrived, they ate dinner together and chatted about the next day's wedding. It wasn't until her mother mentioned separating in the morning did the weight really land on her. She was so excited to marry Sesshomaru. He loved her so intensely, enough to indulge in an entire human wedding just because she'd dreamed of one as a child. She loved him with the same fervor, only hoping to show him the amount of devotion that she got from him.
She watched as her mate helped her mother clear the table, get the children washed up and put to bed. He said their goodnight before gently lifting her into his arms and going up the stairs. They showered together, kissing sensually between washing each other's bodies, and when they got out he dried her before himself, lifting her back into his arms to carry her to bed.
On the nightstand, Kagome's phone consistently buzzed. Texts were pouring in from classmates about the party, graduation, her 'American' friends, Sesshomaru, Hojo's essay. It never stopped.
Kagome ignored her phone completely, laying on Sesshomaru's chest and reveling in his strong heartbeat.
"We're getting married tomorrow." she whispered.
"It's my honor," Sesshoamaru kissed the top of her head, "my utmost privilege to commit to you in every way."
"My culture and yours," Kagome kissed him again, earning a happy growl. He lifted her to his lips, kissing her hard before rolling himself on top of her, palming her sex. She moaned, getting a soft nip near her mating mark. When her breath hitched, he whispered, "must be quiet mate. Your family home is not soundproof like our home is."
"Our…" Kagome bit back another moan, "Sessh."
He slipped two fingers inside, "yes?"
"Fuck…"
He didn't need her to finish her plea, with one swift motion he sheathed his rock hard length in her sweet cunt. He covered her mouth with his, moaning into each other as he lifted himself in and out of her. Sesshomaru held her by the hip, effectively keeping her in place to plow into her. Kagome mewled and made sounds under the hand Sesshomaru was using to cover her mouth. He watched her face, grunting when her walls clamped down on him as she was thrown into an unexpected orgasm. Slowing as she writhed, Sesshomaru smirked.
"You seem to like it rough, mate."
"Shut up," Kagome panted, "when we have sex I don't really care what you do, I just dont want you to stop."
Sesshomaru chuckled, pulling her close, "do not tempt me. One day this one may never stop."
*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 *