Sequel to Chapter 28 (SessKag, Paramedic, Scarlet)


Kagome wasn't sure if it was due to her connections or his, but Sesshoumaru was discharged a lot quicker than a regular patient, the doctors signing off on his papers within minutes of his breakfast being served.

He'd sniffed at the tray, and she'd offered to get him something else, but he merely pushed it toward her instead. "I doubt you have thought of your own sustenance since I arrived," he said, giving her a pointed look.

"Well, no, but—"

"I may have a cut on my neck, wife, but you are the one who offered up her blood to save me. You need as much care as I do." She couldn't tell if the title was meant as a jab, his gaze unwavering, but she ate the food all the same. It was bland and lukewarm at best, but it did wonders for her empty stomach.

The nurse looking after him came in and removed the IV, complimenting him on his appetite after such an ordeal, and he smirked but didn't say anything. Once the instructions for his post-care had been discussed, which weren't many, considering his daiyoukai status, he was given the all-clear to go home.

It wasn't until they got outside that Kagome realized neither of them had a car. She pulled out her phone and handed it to him. "Is there someone you can call? You didn't have a phone or any ID on you last night, which was why an ambulance was called in the first place."

"They will find none," he said, taking hers and punching in a number. "I specifically leave them at home so no one can bother me."

"Why would you do that?" she asked. She couldn't imagine a bar being much of an escape.

"I deal with a multitude of decisions every day. The bar provides me with a few hours of simply listening and mixing drinks. It is a stress reliever."

"I can understand that, I suppose. As a paramedic, we're required to take a certain amount of time off and check in with a counsellor or therapist for scheduled meetings." He nodded, then turned away, murmuring into her phone.

Kagome took the chance to admire his profile. It wasn't like she hadn't thought about him in the years since she'd been back, but there was something to be said for seeing him in person. The stripes on his cheeks were darker, cutting across high cheekbones and a firm jawline, and she barely kept herself from drooling.

She'd been surprised when his records had come back clear of any other spouses under his emergency contacts. Not that they'd needed one with her there, but how was he still single? Maybe he'd recently broken up with someone and was currently in the market, looking for something new.

The memory of their conversation about the conversation she'd wanted to have with him resurfaced, and she blushed, finally turning away. She desperately wanted to let her mind run away on her, to fill in the blanks of everything he could possibly mean, but though it had been less than ten years for her, it had been over 500 for him, and anything could've changed.

"Jaken is beside himself but will be here momentarily," Sesshoumaru said, holding out her phone. "He almost did not pick up due to the unknown number."

Grateful for the distraction, she slid it into her scrubs pocket. "Not the location he was planning on picking you up from, huh?"

"He does not agree with me working at the bar but understands the necessity." He ran a hand through his hair. "His workload at the hotel has increased since I began my employment, and he refuses to admit he is capable of running it without my help."

A few cars honked at the intersection across the street as she stared at him. "You own a hotel?" she asked incredulously.

"Only one in Tokyo. But there is another in Hokkaido, and two more to be built in—"

"And you'd rather work at a bar?" she interrupted. "Do you even need to work?"

"I do not need the income if that is what you mean. The manager and I have an understanding—"

Kagome groaned, running both hands down her face. Only Sesshoumaru would build an empire from the ground up and then become bored with it. "I shouldn't be surprised," she muttered.

"Would you prefer I said something that was surprising?" His tone was softer, and she shuddered at what it could entail.

"Maybe not," she said, backtracking. "I'm still not over the fact that you were the one covered in blood when I showed up." She'd probably have nightmares about that for weeks. The image instantly took hold, and Kagome stared blankly at the sidewalk. She thought he said something, but a shiver wracked her body, unable to look up even when he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I am alright, Kagome."

"But you weren't," she whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. "You were always so untouchable during battle, and all it took was a rogue piece of glass—if I hadn't been there—" He pulled her close, one arm locking around her shoulders as her tears overflowed.

She hadn't wanted to think about how close she'd come to losing him. Being separated and never knowing what his answer would've been kept him alive albeit out of reach, but now that he was here, a tangible force she could touch—everything felt raw, and all she wanted to do was curl up in his lap and never let go.

"I was so scared."

"Yet you persevered and saved me."

Kagome shook her head. "My blood saved you. Katsuki could've done the same thing. Or anyone else with spiritual power—" Her eyes widened as he tilted her chin up, lips pressed against her forehead.

"Yet you are the one who risked your job and reputation. You are the one who stayed by my side until I awoke." His eyes bore into hers. "Does that count for nothing?"

She could barely breathe, let alone respond, his proximity sending her senses reeling. He was just being grateful, and she was tired; there was no way that the kiss meant anything more than that.

"You are overthinking things, wife." The edges of his mouth quirked, and she flushed.

"You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

Sesshoumaru shrugged. "I am not sure yet. It has a nice ring to it." Her mouth fell open, feelings of hysteria washed away by his soft chuckle. "You were always so expressive. It makes me curious as to which emotions are the most obvious."

A few immediately came to mind, and she couldn't hide her blush. "That's cheating. If I'm so easy to read, you have to be too."

He tilted his head in thought, fingers drumming against her side. "I suppose you will have to spend more time with me, then. The kit claims to be a mind reader when I visit."

"Shippou's alive?"

"Hnn. You are welcome to join me on my next trip to Canada." Her shoulders slumped that he didn't live closer. "The cities are too crowded, the electricity too dense. The last time he and his mate were here, she caused a five-kilometre blackout around their hotel."

"Souten?" she asked. She couldn't think of anyone else that had an affinity for electricity. Though she hadn't seen him for centuries, so for all she knew, it could've been anyone.

"Indeed. However, I would advise wearing rubber bracelets. Their children have their mother's powers but their father's affinity for mischief and will likely find a new game of 'hide and zap' highly entertaining."

Kagome finally relaxed. It sounded so domestic and wonderful. "When did you plan on going next?"

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "Did your partner not speak of you having the rest of the week off?"

"You want to go now? You just got out of the hospital!"

"Then I am lucky my wife is also a paramedic and will be around in case I relapse."

She tried to cross her arms, but it was difficult when he was still holding her so close. "It would serve you right if Shippou's kids aggravated your wound and you were bedridden for the entire trip."

"Is that a yes?" His tone was so hopeful that she found herself agreeing without considering the consequences.

"But if you introduce me as your wife, I'll zap you myself." She kept trying to get the upper hand, but he only smirked.

"And what if you have agreed to it by then?"

"Agreed to what?" He couldn't possibly be insinuating—

A sleek SUV pulled up to the curb, a pair of golden inuyoukai stepping out and opening the door for them, soft murmurs of relief were heard as she followed Sesshoumaru into the back seat. "Stick around and find out Kagome." He offered his hand to help her in, and she didn't hesitate but spent the trip avoiding the knowing looks from the pair in the front seat, Sesshoumaru's arm securely around her waist.