A/N: Somehow the original Chapter 115 was skipped, so it's getting posted today and then the others will get updated in succession before the new one for today is posted. Sorry for the confusion!
"Is that a yes?" he asked after she'd kissed him thoroughly.
"It's a lot of things," she said, still smiling. "But 'yes' is one of them."
Claws brushed the back of her neck, and he pressed their foreheads together. "There are many steps I have missed in the official courting process, but I promise—"
Kagome placed a finger over his lips, stopping what she knew would be a long-winded vow of loyalty. "Just don't get cold feet, alright?"
He glanced down at his boots, brow furrowing. "It is nearly summer. We will not see a frost for months."
Laughter erupted, and she shook her head. "I mean don't suddenly disappear again." She slid her arms around his neck to emphasize her point.
Soft kisses trailed down to her neck. "Even if I tried, you would just hunt me down."
"I would," she confirmed. "So save me the trip." He chuckled but pulled her closer, drawing calming circles on her back. She'd put on a brave face, especially in front of Kagura, her sister never lacking in narrowed looks even though she'd left them alone to talk after their battle with Naraku.
His departures during those first signs of spring had left Kagome with a dread that had yet to be quelled, and she was terrified she was going to wake up and find herself alone in her bed, still waiting for the beast to return.
She hadn't tried to hide it from him, wouldn't have been able to if she tried, as each night she'd awoken gasping, reaching, and expecting nothing but air.
Sesshoumaru's hands had found hers each time, soft reassurances wafting into her ear as he surrounded her with fur and youki and him. She'd been embarrassed to show such weakness, especially after going so far to prove her strength against Naraku's ambush, but Sesshoumaru had never sneered, never uttered a condescending word. He'd simply held her until her trembling had ceased.
Much like he was doing now.
"I love you." The words seemed so silly, so empty compared to the torrent of emotions bubbling under the surface, but they felt necessary, so she left them hanging between them all the same.
A/N: I almost ended it on this chapter, but it took a turn, so the original plan for 120 is still in place.