I disclaim everything that needs to be.
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks
Note: The court system the Demons have is more Tudor-European than Japanese. Which is why Kagome doesn't need much training because she's studied it and kinda knows what's up.
Chapter 15: Hearts
The morning sun peeked through the windows of the bedroom. Kagome was sound asleep on Sesshomaru's chest, his length still locked inside her heat. He'd drifted in and out of sleep as the sun rose, letting the sweet sound of his satisfied mate's breathing soothe him. Her changed scent was enchanting. His own mixed with hers so perfectly, with the scent of the new life…or lives…that grew inside her. He pressed a soft kiss to her head, surprised when she turned and stretched towards his lips, moaning softly at his hard length squeezing between her muscles anew.
Sesshomaru met her lips and returned the growing hunger as her movement reminded him of the enchanting feeling of her slick cavern. Sliding his tongue into her mouth, he touched on her newly sharpened fangs, accidentally giving her a taste of his blood. His beast howled in pleasure, tinting his eyes red when she rocked against him at the taste. Kagome felt her mate's clawed hands move down her back, cupping her ass and gripping her hips and tilting them upward to quicken their pace. She dragged her tongue across one of his fangs, pressing herself closer as their mouths became ones without breath, each reveling in the taste of their mixed blood, saliva, and sweat.
They broke apart for air as Kagome threw her head to the side, baring her neck to Sesshomaru as she wrapped her arms around his neck in an attempt to steady herself. He snarled, licking her mating mark and growling his pleasure into it as he moved her faster, their bodies smacking into each other. Pumping orgasm after orgasm from each others bodies, Sesshomaru and Kagome were ripped over their final peaks. Their visions blurred black on the edges as they rolled against each other. Eventually, when the sun was nearing its peak in the sky, their bodies slowed, coming down from the stars.
Sesshomaru rolled so he was on top, caging Kagome in with his arms. She is so beautiful, he thought, taking the sight of her in. Those perfect sapphire eyes were closed, her long eyelashes brushing her, now flushed, tan cheeks. Her skin glowed under the sun, her sweat sparking in the light as she caught her breath. Slowly, she opened her eyes, finding amber ones examining her.
A soft smile came to her face, "good morning", her voice was gentle, innocent.
Sesshomaru chuckled, she still manages to look innocent after a night of carnal passion.
"Good morning, my little mate." He leaned down to kiss her nose, sliding out of her warmth. They both hissed at the loss of contact. Moving to lay to her side, he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"So, I'm really pregnant?" Kagome asked quietly, feeling his hands settle over her abdomen as he slipped behind her.
Nuzzling into her neck, Sesshomaru took an inventory of her scent. She smelled like herself, the gentle rain with a hint of honey. Frankly, his favorite scent in all the world. She smelled like him; earthy, like the warm wood of an oak tree. The mixture of the two, in their sex, was a scent he relished as he noted it. The final scent was an entirely new one. It was warm, like his, and sweet like hers. Almost like a warm peachy smell, calling to his instincts as the scent of their pup or pups.
"mm... yes, my little miko. You are indeed, pupped." He kissed her mating mark, "soon you will be beautifully heavy with my pups."
She sighed contently, snuggling into his embrace and closing her eyes, "that's exciting…I can't wait to see what we have," she yawned, "what they look like."
Sesshomaru growled low, lulling her back into sleep, "I love you, my mate…go back to sleep…this one shall wake you for dinner."
"hmm," Kagome hummed, "I love you too, Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru listened to her breathing slow and steady as she drifted to sleep, a smile on her face. Basking in the scent of them, he soon followed with his nose buried in her hair.
When he awoke next, it was to a soft knocking at the door. Sesshomaru slipped out of the bed, pulling a silk robe over his naked form.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken bowed when he saw his lord open the door, "the evening meal will be served soon. Shall I make arrangements for Milord and the Lady to be in attendance?"
"Yes, Jaken. We will both be there."
Closing the door on Jaken's final bow, Sesshomaru turned back to the sleeping human in his bed. She was stirring at the loss of his body heat and a small smile came to his face as we watched her turn, yawning before sitting up.
"mmm, Sesshomaru?" She called, rubbing her eyes, "it's dark again? What time is it?"
"Very near our evening meal, the sun is setting. After, the celebration. Or, your "big party". Which dress did you want to wear?" Sesshomaru moved to her wardrobe, looking at the array of silk kimonos and clothes from her era hanging there. The candelabra on the wall was lit, illuminating his skin in the warm orange glow.
He heard her move, getting out of the bed to stand next to him. She didn't bother covering her nakedness, ignoring the heated gaze he was giving her as she picked through her clothes.
"I'll wear this…" She pulled out a silver dress, one she'd almost chosen as her wedding dress. The strapless gown had subtle midnight blue crystals decorating the belt and train. It was definitely a "future era" dress, much more provocative than the dresses worn in the feudal era. She held it to her body before nodding, "They asked of my home, the future. I don't want to hide that part of myself. My style has always been a topic of discussion, hasn't it? It preceded me, actually, especially with my uniform and everything, why not keep it going?" She smiled.
"hmm…" Sesshomaru purred, slipping behind her to pull her into the warmth of his robe, "my rebellious mate. My perfect alpha." He reached around her and pulled out a suit from Kagome's time from the depths, tossing it onto the ottoman at the end of the bed, "I shall join you."
Kagome felt his arms snake around her waist, pulling her flush with his body. He let his hands wander down her soft skin to cup her ass. She moaned softly, the ambrosial scent of her heat tempting him again.
"we have to go…lest we be late…" he growled as he felt himself get hard against her supple skin, "you're making me insatiable."
Kagome giggled, "let me get dressed, Sesshomaru. We can play later."
He sighed, kissing her neck before releasing her. Moving, he worked on pulling on his silk boxers and suit pants, "only because my name from that pretty mouth brings me joy, little miko."
It'd taken almost no time for Sesshomaru to get the rest of his suit on, shoes included, so he watched his mate's gentle movements from where he sat on the bed. Slowly, Kagome lotion on her skin, working it into her muscles and joints. Not bothering with a bra, she stepped into a lace thong, missing her mate's fleeting wide eyed look at the garment he hadn't seen before. His eyes were locked on her a she stepped into her gown.
Sliding the smooth satin and tulle over her legs, she smirked watching his expression fade from general interest to lust as she jumped a little, getting the mermaid-fit dress over the curve of her ass. A soft growl came from his direction, changing her smirk to a wanton smile. Pulling the garment up and in place, Kagome looked over her shoulder and directly into her mate's eyes. She knew what she was doing to him, but he was right. They were going to be late and she refused to miss their mating party.
"Mate," she asked innocently, "will you zip up my dress?"
Sesshomaru's eyes were clouded in lust, the amber muted by the haze of desire. His mind raced with ideas to repay her for her teasing. He stood, slowly, taking the steps between them carefully. Kagome's skin burned with the warmth of his gaze as she gathered her hair over her shoulder, exposing the smooth skin of her back. Thinking her flawless, Sesshomaru's hands moved down her soft shoulders, over the slick satin clad curves over her waist, landing on her hips. Tickling her softly with his claws, he pulled the zipper up her back. Once closed, he let his hands run across her body once more, relishing in the soft moan he pulled from her. The dress fit her like a glove, showing nearly every physical perfection Sesshomaru saw in her. His mind raced at the thought of how they'd be ending their night, his beast howling in his head for a taste of her.
Leaning down, he left hot wet kisses on her shoulder as his hands roamed her body. Kagome, slipping her ring on her finger, smiled and gently stepped away from him. She ran a comb through her hair and pinned it into a messy bun, the bejeweled Western Crest comb holding it in place. The shoes she slipped on made her 3 inches taller, he noticed, as she walked over to kiss him one final time before leaving for dinner. Sighing, he held the door for her and followed her into the main dining room.
Their guests talked amongst themselves, the Court alive with the promise of celebration. They were ready to celebrate their new Lady, and their family. Kouga had finally stopped sulking, once he'd seen Ayame in Kagome's gift. The evergreen dress sparkled in the candlelight, the velvet curved and fanned around her body, showing off what she was hiding under her furs. His eyes barely strayed from her. Kagome thought to keep the dress long-sleeved, the Victorian style bodice more than enough for Ayame to wrestle with. Sango and Kikyo dressed in evening gowns they'd gotten in Kagome's time, too, their partners in suits. They looked even more regal, more exotic than the rest of the court, bringing a smirk to Lord Jahari's face. Their new Lady certainly knew how to stand apart gracefully. Her time was being represented by her friends, signaling her time in Court with solidarity.
Jaken was posed at the door, announcing people as they entered.
"Introducing Master Shippo, of the Tashio House. Prince of the Western Lands." Jaken crooned as Shippo nervously took a step into the room. His face flushed at the cheering of the courts at his arrival. He was dressed in the blues and silvers of the Tashio House. Both his jacket and pants were the dark blue and his shirt was silver, all gifts from Kagome's time with special customizations from her mother. The Western crest was embroidered on his left side of his jacket, and on the cuffs of his shirt. He eased at the sight of Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango. He knew the empty spots next to them were for him, so he hurried over, hugging Sango tight.
"Introducing Miss Rin, of the Tashio House. Princess of the Western Lands." Jaken nodded through Rin's entrance. She was far more confident, smiling brightly and moving right to her seat. Her silver dress was flowy with silk and tulle, decorated with tiny glittery crescent moons had the Western crest embroidered in the same place as Shippo's, their left wrists.
The clamoring room shifted into curious murmurs as Jaken prepared the final introduction.
"Introducing the Lord and Lady of the West. Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Kagome, of the Tashio House."
Kagome and Sesshomaru stepped into the room in their modern clothes, absorbing the gasps of awe. On her face was a graceful smile as the stronger demons in the room noted her changed scent, nodding in approval. His hand on her back, Sesshomaru led her to their seats, watching as she kissed their children and hugged their friends. They moved into their meal seamlessly, the Courts continuing their conversations as dinner was served.
Sesshomaru watched Kagome chat with her friends as he dipped in and out of conversation with Choro and Jahari, teasing Miroku and Sango about their relationship. She was happy, so much so that it radiated around her. Even if they weren't speaking to her, the entire room was effected by his mate's delightful mood and warm disposition. A smile smile came to his face; she will bring so much warmth to the palace. His beast mused, grateful.
His head snapped up to the door in recognition of a new aura and scent. He looked to Jaken, registering the anxiety in his face. Kagome reached for his hand under the table, sensing his unease. He took it, allowing her aura to wash over him.
The imp cleared his throat, "Introducing the Lady Mother, Lady InuKimi of the House Moon."
The demon that entered the room drew gasps from the crowd, followed by stunned silence. They rarely saw Sesshomaru's mother, and were certainly not expecting to see her celebrate her son mating a human miko. She was draped in night-sky colored silks and furs, her silver hair twisted into two intricate buns atop her head, draped in celestial sparking jewels. The magenta lidded eyes narrowed when they landed on Sesshomaru. Her walk looked more like a glide, and she landed in front of the newly mated couple scowling.
"Mother." Sesshomaru greeted, sounding bored, "before you unleash hell over whatever you happen to be upset over this time, I'll introduce my mate."
He stood, gently pulling Kagome to stand next to him, "Mother, this is Lady Kagome. The-"
"Shikon Miko. This one has heard. This is the tiny fire thing that managed to break and refashion a sacred jewel. To hold an extreme level of holy power, of which she has yet to master. To have humans, demons, Halflings, and Dai's alike bowing to her whim. Quite impressive for her to have even you bending to her, my son. From enemy, to ally, to peer…to lover? I would've thought pet before lover, surely. And a hand-me-down from that halfling brother of yours, too. A true revelation," She looked down her nose at Kagome, flicking her cold eyes from her son to his Mate, "This one is surprised to see that you have inherited your father's greatest weakness."
Kagome took in the woman standing before her, holding back any fear. The room had silenced around them, everyone wanting to see just what the Lady Mother's reaction would be to the human beside her son. InuKimi's head went to Sesshomaru's shoulders, and he looked down at her with mild irritation. His aura wrapped around Kagome's, soothing her own anxiety and giving her an insight into how he was feeling.
His voice was smooth, reminding her of her own when her mother irritated her, "She is my Alpha, Mother."
Amusement glinted in InuKimi's eyes, "Oh?" she smiled icily, "but are you hers?"
Kagome cleared her throat, drawing the attention in the room to her. Sesshomaru let his eyes wander to his little mate, watching her move to stand a little in front of him as she spoke directly to his mother. Her fingers were tightly locked with his, and he squeezed gently in support of her next move.
"Sesshomaru is my Alpha, as I am his. Lady Mother, I am honored by your presence, as I've asked if you'd be celebrating with us. As the Lady of this House, I welcome you. As your son's mate, I feel blessed to meet you." She dipped her head, giving a surprised InuKimi a gentle bow.
Sesshomaru smirked, he knew his mother had heard tales of his little miko mate. Kagome's fire temper, sparkling wit, and lightning personality preceded her; and he knew his mother was expecting some sort of outburst to her insults. One akin to the way she'd been seen speaking to him, maybe. Or the ways she'd been seen yelling at Inuyasha along their travels.
It was no secret that InuKimi found humans uncouth. Baiting a fight was expected. But he knew Kagome could read the room, read the culture he'd thrust her into through their mating. Being of the elite class of Demons, they had behaviors to maintain. Kagome understood all of this, from her studies of demon court to her own preferences in the modern era.
It was clear InuKimi did not expect his human to know of such formalities. Looking down at her, she smiled, "oh, Sesshomaru. You've tamed your little fireball, have you? Taught her how to simmer?" she felt Kagome's power prickle at the insult, "ah, perhaps not fully, as this one has offended her."
Kagome remained silent, knowing the demons in the room could sense her general emotions. They knew she was irritated, at least, and her eyes narrowed slightly despite her attempts to remain sweet. Her mate, on the other hand, felt the full extent of her rage through their mating marks. She was irritated that his mother disregarded her completely until she spoke. Annoyed that she was being called into question in front of everyone, and frankly, angry that the Lady Mother chose to make a scene while calling her class into question.Yet, she remained composed. Pride flowed through him as he stared at his mother, waiting.
"Kagome," InuKimi smiled, "tiny fireball. This one sees my son's desire to protect your honor. The interest, however, is in your desires." She leaned in close to Kagome's face, "this one congratulates you, tiny fireball. On the taming, the mating, and on the pup."
Straightening her furs, InuKimi breezed to her seat, the plates shuffled around to give her a space next to Kagome and Sesshomaru. The energy in the room eased, everyone in the court was all worried about what the Lady Mother would do if Kagome bit back at her. Instead, her classy answer impressed the Lady Mother, granting Kagome her respect. The meal continued and soon the ballroom was open for drinking and dancing. The celebration was underway, now, without a hitch.
*Later that evening *
Sesshomaru was never too far from Kagome as she floated around the room, thanking people for coming to celebrate with them. Her cheeks were flushed from the compliments she received on her dress, and Sesshomaru was very quick to point out the beautiful details. Mostly, though, he was silent. If he wasn't introducing Kagome, or pointing out her beauty, he merely stood coolly next to her. When they danced, he allowed himself to be lost in her. Her body was as close to his as it could be, for now, and holding her only reminded him of what was to come.
Kagome giggled at Miroku's sly joke, "Miroku, you know I have yet to attend a marriage ceremony for you and Sango."
Sango blushed, "Kagome we just haven't…"
"She is right. If it suits the two of you, you are more than welcome to have it in the Western Palace." Sesshomaru commented, handing Kagome a glass of water and taking a glass of demon-grade sake for himself from a passing server. Shippo and Rin raced around them, headed straight for the table of sweets laid out for the function.
"Oi, Kags! Why aren't you drinking?" Inuyasha hiccupped, noticing her water as he took another drink, "Kikyo isn't because she's pregnant! But you," he leaned in to sniff her, "oh shit!"
"Hush, Halfling." InuKimi's voice quipped as she walked toward the group, stopping Kagome's comment in her throat, "if and when she wishes to announce it, she will."
Excitement flashed in Sango's eyes, "Kagome, are you?" She looked from Sesshomaru to Kagome. Sesshomaru gave a sharp nod, affirming her suspicions. He was thankful the roar of the party kept the secret from demon ears. There were far too many scents for most of the court to distinguish her pregnancy, especially this early. The slayer threw her arms around her friend, "That's wonderful! I can't wait!"
Miroku stepped forward next, bowing his head to Sesshomaru, "Congratulations on this blessing, Lord Sesshomaru." He gripped Kagome's hands as soon as Sango released her grinning friend, "Kagome you are already a superb mother. The new addition will only add to such skills."
"GRANDMOTHER INUKIMI!" A small cheerful voice cried, running up to the Celestial Demon's side. Her brother was hot on her heels, jumping onto a swaying Inuyasha's shoulder, hindering his balance further with a laugh.
The older woman smiled softly, "Hello little firefly. You have found me at last."
Kagome smiled as Rin charmed InuKimi. It seemed like no one was a match for her little girl, no matter how cold.
"Rin found you at dinner! You were too busy for me! It's okay, you see my dress? My Mama got it for me!" The girl giggled, spinning to show off her new dress.
InuKimi nodded, "Indeed little firefly. This one sees how pretty you are. Your dress suits you. Your mother did well." She leaned down, dropping a graceful kiss on the top of Rin's head.
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, Rin tried to explain how different his mother was with her than him, but he'd never really seen it. He was glad to see it now, not only because it was sweet but because he'd taken note of the placement of the moon, and had been trying to subtly catch the children ever since.
"Rin," he called, drawing her attention, "who do you want to take you to bed?"
Kagome nodded, looking out the window at the stars and lifting Shippo into her arms, "It's almost bed time you two, Sesshomaru's right."
Shippo tried to stifle his yawn, "It's not too late Mama. You can put me to bed later."
She smiled, "no? I'm kinda sleepy. Maybe I'll go read a story and get tucked into bed myself. And then I won't be awake to kiss you goodnight." Watching Shippo shake his head furiously against her shoulder, she giggled, "thought so."
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, amused, "Rin?"
The little girl looked from her parents to her grandmother, "Can Grandmother InuKimi put Rin to bed?" she looked at the woman hopefully, "please?"
"Oh, yes, little firefly. This one will put you to bed." InuKimi reached down, gently taking her hand and leading her around to say her goodnights. When they got to Sesshomaru and Kagome, Rin kissed both of their cheeks.
"G'night Mama, g'night Papa. G'night Shippo!"
Sesshomaru smiled at her and sent his mother a soft look, "goodnight Rin. We will see you for breakfast. You resume your lessons tomorrow."
Rin nodded before being led to her room by her grandmother, excited at the idea of a bedtime story about her Papa when he was a child. Kagome shifted Shippo in her arms, heading to tuck him into bed as well. The party was still whirling around them, the courts drinking and celebrating to their heart's content. Sesshomaru followed Kagome and Shippo, watching as she supervised the bedtime routine.
"A story, Shippo?" Kagome asked, kneeling next to the tucked in kit on the bed. She slipped off her shoes, placing them next to each other before smoothing the blankets over him one more time.
He nodded sleepily, "one about the future."
Kagome smiled, "I'll tell you about the time my little brother played a prank on his friends, how's that?"
Sesshomaru smiled gently; she told the kit stories of mischief and fun, things that would ultimately aid him in his formal fox-training. Of which, he should start sooner rather than later, his beast reminded him.
Sesshomaru made a mental note to sit in on Kagome's lessons with Rin the next day, while he planned Shippo's schooling. Watching their mutual love of knowledge and learning warmed his heart. What's better, is the other Lords would see first hand his mate's intelligence, for they were bound to stop by. He was thankful for their guests, simply because it allowed him downtime to spend with his family. True, with all of the Lords at the Western Palace for the next few days, they would have their annual meetings and debates, but the courts in full were staying for a few weeks longer, at least, in their own estates, before migrating to the South for the winter. Autumn in the West was beautiful, far more so than the other Lands so most chose to spend their season in the region. Their mating fell at the intersection of the summer and autumn seasons, a perfect sign of prosperity for the West.
As Kagome's story finished, they noticed Shippo's slow and steady breathing. The kit was asleep. With a kiss to his forehead, Kagome stood, gathering the hem of her dress and her shoes in her hands to sneak out of the room. Sesshomaru silently shut it behind them, moving his hand to sweep his mate into his arms and speed to their rooms, listening to her giggle at the sound of their own door closing.
"I believe it is now…later, little mate."
She smirked as he set her on her feet, turning to show him her back. Shedding his clothes, first, he slid the zipper of her dress down slowly, remembering the look she gave him before she'd asked him to zip it up hours earlier. Her shoes were tossed in the direction of the wardrobe.
"oh," the seductive smile returned, "what shall we play, then?" slowly, she turned to face him, taking a few steps backward.
Sesshomaru's eyes tinted red, "capture the Miko." He growled softy, watching her face flush at the heat of his words. He watched her chest raise with the intake of breath. His gaze drifting lower slowly as she exhaled, a sigh of desire.
"ready…." She breathed, "…. set…go-" dropping her dress, Kagome quickly stepped out of the gown and leaped backward as Sesshomaru took a step toward her. He could catch her in less than a second if he wanted. His beast loved the chase. He howled in pleasure as he watched Kagome leap out of his reach as they circled the room, the sounds of her giggles filling the room.
Stepping up his pace, Sesshomaru backed his mate into the corner of the room nearest to their bed. Panting, Kagome's half-nakedness glowed in the candlelight, a light layer of sweat covering her. She lifted her eyes to her mate's, smiling.
"caught you…" Sesshomaru growled, the grit of his beast tinging the ends of his words. His eyes were almost completely red now, his beast salivating at the sight of her.
"so you did…" she breathed, "what shall you do with your prize?"
His beast flooded to control as Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around his mate and tossed her onto the bed. She bounced to her knees, bending her head down to rest on her forearms. Sesshomaru growled, lust clouding his red eyes as his beast recognized her submissive position. He closed the space between them, running his claws up and down her legs, landing on her lace covered hips.
His claws toyed with the lace, asking for permission. Kagome nodded against her folded arms, wiggling between his hands. One slice and they were discarded, Sesshomaru kneeling to run his tongue between the lips of her soaking entrance, reveling in the taste of her wetness.
"sweet and ready, bitch" his beast's growl warmed her thighs as he moved his head up, dragging his fangs along her skin. Hands at her hips again, his length rested on the curve of her ass. Longing, Kagome wigged her hips again, "please Sessh…" her voice was thick with desire, "I…"
Sesshomaru growled, cutting her sentence short as he thrust into her. Rutting their hips together.
Kagome cried out in pleasure as he gripped her hips, keeping a hard pace. Bending, her mate caged her in with his arms, using one hand to caresses her breast. He kissed and bit at the mating mark on her neck, his beast growling into her skin, "perfect bitch…my perfect bitch…"
Kagome moaned her reply, arching her back. Taking his hand from her chest, he ran his fingers through her soft black locks, gathering a fistful firmly in his hand to tug her head toward him. Slowing his pace, Sesshomaru nudged his mate's legs closed, moving her to lay on her side. The new position pulled a groan from the both of them, her sweet tightness even more exquisite at this slick angle.
"Fuck, Kagome…" the rough voice was that of his and his beast, "mmm", he pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.
Kagome returned it, using the arm closest to him to hook around his neck to bring him closer, digging her nails into his shoulder. They rocked against each other as their limbs tangled, driving them towards their peaks.
The pressure built and Sesshomaru slowed his movements, pulling almost fully out of her warm cavern just to press back in slowly. She gasped on his lips, tilting her head back.
"Open your eyes, Kagome," Sesshomaru whispered, moving a hand between their bodies to take her clit between his fingers, "look at me."
Kagome lifted her eyes to Sesshomaru's. The gold and red swirled around each other, clouded with love and lust. He growled at the sight of her looking at him, eyelids half-mast, and he angled his hips upward to brush her G-spot. Combining the movements, Sesshomaru eased his pace higher, watching his mate's eyes widen as she reached her climax.
Their eyes locked, Kagome moaned as she felt her walls squeeze around him, "mine, Sessh…"
Those were the words that sent him over the edge. Growling and grunting his release, his hips jerked against her.
Eventually, they slowed, and he leaned down to capture her lips, "yours, mate."
She smiled against his lips before returning the kiss. Twisting as he pulled out of her, Kagome moved to sit up. Running her fingers through her hair, she sighed. The comb was deeply tangled in her curls from their activities.
Sesshomaru pulled back the covers on their bed, watching his mate slide under them as she wrestled with the comb laced into her hair. Sliding into bed next to her, he gently turned her head away from him, moving to untangle the comb from her hair. Kagome leaned into her mate's hands, feeling him free the comb from her hair and massage her head. As he freed the last tangle, he kissed her head softly and slid down the bed, resting his head on a pillow.
"Sessh?" Kagome asked, turning to look at him.
"hm?" He tugged on her arm, asking her to lie down with him.
She moved slowly as she asked, "when did you know?"
He knew what she was asking. He'd asked her the same thing, before. She was asking when he knew that he loved her. Their lives had been so entangled over the years; they grew closer without any real intention behind it. They'd come a long way since his attempt on her life at his father's grave.
"You were teaching Rin about the stars..." he remembered.
*2 years ago*
Sesshomaru sat at the edge of the clearing near the Winter Palace, watching as Kagome and Rin lay in the middle, looking up at the clear night sky. For the last three nights they'd sat out there, learning about the stars and planets.
"look Rin," Kagome pointed, "There. See that big big bright one? That's Polaris. The north star."
"what's that one, Kagome?" Rin asked, pointing in a different direction. The star she pointed at was sparkling bright, and one of her favorites.
Kagome smiled, throwing a look in the direction of Sesshomaru, knowing he would hear her.
"That's Sirius, Rin. It's called the Dog Star. The stars around it make up the Canis Major constellation."
"a dog star!" Rin laughed, "like Lord Sesshomaru."
Kagome giggled, "close. Sesshomaru is a daiyoukai. His mother is an Inu Moon Demon, a celestial, and his father is the Inu General. Sirius was named for the Inu they are descended from."
Sesshomaru's ears perked up then, at her knowledge of his family lineage. His beast was the first to wonder, The star was his in some way? How?
Sitting up, Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru quickly, he'd almost missed it. The smiled returned as she continued her story, the demon's eyes locked on her.
"It's said that Sirius was a great Dog Demon. Canis Major means "The Greater Dog". He'd spent his entire life protecting his family. Teaching them the ways of the pack and leading them into greatness. But he was lonely. He had every happiness but love, so he crossed the night sky every night looking for the love of his life. He spent decades, centuries looking. Crossed the sky every night. Then, on the night of a full moon, he saw her. She was human, which confused him. So, he spent time watching her, learning about her, trying to understand why he was so drawn to her.
The moon was the biggest he'd ever seen it in the sky, he finally approached her. The woman, who was not quite as human as he thought, only said one word when he reached her," Kagome raised her eyes to look at Sesshomaru, "finally."
*present*
"So it was the story?" Kagome smiled, "really?"
"More so the way you were looking at me. I'd always been watching you, curious about you, drawn to you. After Naraku's defeat and I had you teaching Rin…part of it was because I wanted to see more of you. I wanted to learn more about you. I did, and after a little bit of time and my beast's constant commentary, I figured it out. There is no heart like yours, Kagome, and I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame."
"Hmm.." she mused, happy with his description, "I knew when you found me in the kitchen." She snuggled next to him with a happy sigh.
"I love you, my Kagome." Sesshomaru whispered into her hair.
"I love you too, Sessho" Kagome yawned.
*And that's that for now! I'm trying to draw this out a little bit! I have some plot points I wanna get to, but I don't want to rush them! I'm sorry it's been so long! I'm slowly but surely getting back together on these longer works though! Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *