Sequel to Azure.
The school was relatively quiet, considering the archery team had won their third consecutive championship. Kagome tapped her desk with the back of her pencil, wondering if they should hold a school-wide celebration.
She'd kept up with the themed dress-up days since Sesshoumaru had held the gallery two years prior, as the students were always on their best behaviour a week prior. The archery team, in particular, kept the rest of their classmates in line so they wouldn't lose out on the privilege.
Kagome had had to supplement her wardrobe, but that was also due to the influx of after-school activities she was now partaking in. A knowing smile tugged at her lips. She'd hidden the lacy bodice of her dress with a well-placed sweater, but she couldn't wait to take it off and revel in Sesshoumaru's heated gaze when he picked her up for dinner.
He hadn't told her where they were going but had hinted at it being the same place they'd gone on their first date. It was a little early for their anniversary, but their schedule didn't always coincide, so he probably didn't want to chance missing the milestone. All she had to do was make sure there were no incidents between now and the bell, and she'd be able to leave on time.
Her door slammed open, Ginta and Hakkaku giving her harried looks. "Sensei, come quick!"
"Souten and Shippou are fighting again!"
If not for her current company, Kagome would've let out a string of curses that would've even made her police officer brother blush. It served her right for even letting the thought pass through her mind.
The twins looked panicked enough that she knew it wasn't one of their regular altercations, so she squared her shoulders and quickly followed them down the hall. "What started it this time?"
"Souten got tired of Shippou bragging about being first to compete," Ginta said.
Kagome scowled. "They are both aware that it is done alphabetically."
"Which is why she threw the first punch," Hakkaku muttered.
"If there is any damage to school property," she continued, "they will both be held liable and suspended from the team." She'd had enough of their petty squabbles. The kit had a crush on Souten, and while he wasn't shy about showering her with attention, Souten was a more private person—and unskilled when it came to accepting compliments.
They rounded a corner, and she could hear the din from the nearest classroom. The door was cracked open, likely from Ginta and Hakkaku's stealthy escape, and she patted them on the shoulders. "You will not be punished for alerting me to the situation," she promised.
The twins shook their heads, uncaring of retribution, but let her go in first. She was tempted to let the door crash against the wall but doubted anyone would've heard it. The entire class was crowded in the middle of the room, screams and insults being thrown in every direction, and Kagome had to push her way into the centre.
"Enough!" she bellowed. What kind of example are you setting for—" The group instantly quieted, giving her room as the rest of her tirade died in her throat. Souten and Shippou both sported wide grins, not in the least bit dishevelled from what she thought would be an all-out brawl, but it was Sesshoumaru, kneeling in the middle of the circle, that caught her attention.
"What are you doing here?" she breathed, blood rushing to her face. He'd long since landed a full-time contract at another school, giving them no reason to keep their relationship a secret, but he was still supposed to be at work.
He gave her a soft smile—one she was still getting used to, as it made her weak in the knees—and then pulled a small box out from behind his back. No words were said—none were needed—as he opened it to reveal a sparkling ring inside.
The room was deathly quiet now, the entire class looking from one adult to another, and Kagome's eyes filled with tears as she tried to get her brain to function. Shippou eventually nudged her in the ribs. "You're supposed to say yes, sensei." There was a collective groan, but it was enough to break the spell, and Kagome managed to nod.
The din from before was nothing compared to the volume of their victory cheers, the students congratulating themselves on a job well done. Sesshoumaru slipped the ring onto her finger, then pulled her close. "I had planned on something a little more private, but they would have none of it."
Kagome finally found her voice, hugging him fiercely. "It was wonderful," she whispered. She barely had enough time to kiss his cheek before her hand was pulled away, students demanding to see her ring.
"It's so pretty, sensei!"
"You've got good taste, Taisho-sensei."
"Aren't you gonna kiss her now?" Shippou received another smack upside the head, this time from several of those around him, and more smacks muffled his indignant response.
"Don't ruin it!"
"He'll kiss her later!"
"Do you want to get suspended for real?"
His friend bombarded him, turning their collective attention long enough for Kagome to steal a real kiss. "Are we still on for dinner?" she asked.
Sesshoumaru wrapped an arm around her waist. "Of course. We are celebrating."
She bit back a giggle when Souten tugged on Shippou's ear. "What if I'd said no?"
Her now fiancé raised his chin. "Why do you think I allowed them to be a part of it? I will use whatever means necessary to guarantee a victory."
"Maybe I should give it back just to teach you some humility," she mused.
Amber eyes flashed. "There is as much likelihood of that as there is of me resisting the lacey ensemble you are hiding under your sweater." He'd leaned closer, muting his words between her curls, and Kagome couldn't suppress a shiver.
They would have lots to celebrate that night.