Sesshomaru's Pov
Before we entered the dining hall, I separated from Raiju's side, which caused a pout to form on his lips. Looking up at him made me chuckle slightly at his behavior, before taking pity on him leaning up to place a small kiss to the corner of his lips which ended up making him smile.
Raiju turned to the servant, Rei. I believe her name was, who was in front of the sliding door and motioned her to open it. With a short bow, Rei moved swiftly while announcing our presence to everyone else in the room.
The loudness of the half breed finally ceased as we entered the room together, Rin was the first to call out to us, "Lord Sesshomaru, Lord Raiju! Good morning!"
Before I could respond, the half breed had started yelling at us as we walked around everyone to our seats, we both ignored him as Raiju helped me sit. Even though we both know I'm fully capable of sitting on my own and he only wants to keep his hands on me.
'Ah, what am I going to do with this touchy dragon.' I sighed in my head as one of his hands slid across my back while 'helping' me sit down. The half-bred was still yelling trying to get our attention, while Raiju motioned for us to be served.
A cup was placed in front of me by Raiju as his own was placed next to him. Within a few moments the scent of the tea lingered around me as I took its aroma in a calming breath as the half breed was still prattling on about Naraku, while his mate was supposedly trying to shut him up.
Our food had arrived and placed in front of us, we both started to eat in peace as the mutt finally got muted once his mate threatened him. Other than Rin and the small kitsune kit chatting, there wasn't much noise, although the demon slayer and the priestess kept looking between Raiju, me then each other.
It was honestly starting to tick me off with their looks, despite my thoughts about killing them both, it was cut short due to a hand suddenly on my lower back. Externally I didn't react since I knew it was Raiju, but my eyes darted to the man in question as I felt the pressure of his fingers gliding.
As his hand continued its adventure across my lower back and hip area, this man had his attention split between eating while listening to Rin and the Kit talk and occasionally put a word or two in-between bites of food.
Sighing softly at this mate of mine, I silently ate letting the touchy dragon do as he pleased. Picking up my tea, simply enjoying the aroma before taking a sip or at least tried to as I choked abruptly on the warm liquid.
Those mischievous fingers had glided across my back finding a hypersensitive spot at the base of my spine. Eyes were drawn quickly to the noise, as I turned my head away trying to cover my mouth with one hand as a coughing fit ensued. Setting the cup back down on the table as best as I could before Raiju appeared by my side in an instant.
"Sesshomaru! Are you alright?!" Raiju frantically steady me as I leaned over on myself. The hand that started this came sliding up to grasp my shoulders as his free hand grabbed his cup trying unsuccessfully to get my hand away from my mouth as coughs racked my body.
The coughing didn't stop as I glared up at him through my hair as I continued to refuse to move my hand from my mouth, his efforts be damned otherwise. So what he do insead is lean into my ear and murmur softly so that only I would hear, " To be honest, I rather see you choking on something else, but I'll settle for making you choke this time with only my fingers but I'll have to try the other ways I could use them next time. I'll have to save that spot in my memory for the future."
The coughing couldn't get any worse after he said that, whipping my head up to face him as heat exploded throughout me, opening my mouth to yell at him but the liquid in my throat reminded me that it was still indeed in there. The words got lodged in my throat as the coughing became worse once more.
The bastard rubbed small circles on my back as he tried to move his cup to my lips once more saying that it will help me. Giving him a glare, I moved my hand away allowing him to bring his tea to my lips. Taking slow sips, I was able to calm the fit down after a few moments.
Raiju still didn't move his hand from my back, as my fixed glare continued at him as he asked the usual questions of if I'm alright and such, which may have distracted us from everyone else in the room. Completely forgetting about the half breed's group, Rin and Jaken as well as the guards and servants that were staring at us for different reasons.
THIRD POV
As Sesshomaru and Raiju were in their own little bubble, the others around weren't. Everyone's thoughts ran in all kinds of directions when Sesshomaru started coughing, then took another direction when Raiju appeared at his side, at least those paying attention. (Cough Inuyasha cough)
Kagome had confided with Sango last night in their room about what she had witnessed in the hallway with the two demon lords the previous night. They were in a state of bewilderment about their relationship since they had only met for the first time that day, at least that's what they had suspected at first. Sango, after some thought explained to Kagome about the possibility that they were mates, only to end up with a blank stare from the girl, after a lengthy summarize explanation about mates and how some demons just exist waiting for their fated till death, while others don't and in the pact dynamic breeds like Sesshomaru and Raiju they will wait till they can't no longer or have to give up on waiting due to pack responsibilities.
It had brought up a landslide of questions in Kagome about Inuyasha but that's for another time. Both their suspicions were hardened as they looked on seeing Sesshomaru started choking on his tea with Raiju coming to his side. Inuyasha was all but inhaling his food, so he wasn't paying attention at all. Mirko was confused as he looked over to the girls, all three making eye contact then just dropped it for the moment as now was not an appropriate time to ask.
Jaken on the other hand was thinking differently even from Rin and the others. Jaken was in a state of shock as he never saw his lord like this so he was just staring as his little beak of a mouth hung open and before his screeching could start Rin shoved some food into his mouth, effectively shutting him up before he started.
Rin and Shippo were having a wonderful time with each other as they didn't get to see each other that much, but both shared a look when Raiju came to Sesshomaru aid once he started to choke. Rin was worried up till that point, Rin knew how to read a situation, something she learned when she was growing up in her old village. Rin knew something was going on between the two of them, her lord looked remarkably delighted after last night when he met the dragon lord. It wasn't that surprising to her once her lord started to choke, Raiju was the first one to appear at his side, she didn't understand their relationship, but she hopes as long as Lord Raiju makes her lord happy he stays. After sharing a knowing smile with Shippo they both return to their conversation and food after shoving some food into Jaken's mouth to keep him quiet.
When Lord Sesshomaru started choking Rei, Aoi and the few guards in the room had a slight panic attack since it was so sudden but remained composed, waiting to see if they were called to assist. When Lord Raiju appeared to the other lord's side coaxing him in drinking his tea, the Rei made quick work in getting Lord Raiju another cup of tea prepared to help with the Western Lord, especially if the rumor mill was true about the two Lords being together, no one dared be sluggish.
Though no one dares say a word anywhere near Lord Raiju nor would they spread any outlandish gossip, they owe Lord Raiju so much, but that doesn't mean there isn't any at all. All the servants and guards hope the rumor is true, that Lord Raiju has found his mate in the Western Lord Sesshomaru.
Raiju's Pov
This was not the outcome I was expecting when I started touching Sesshomaru's back but nonetheless I enjoyed having my hands on him as well as having him so close again. After giving him another cup of tea, his fit had finally calmed down, "Just take some deep breaths Sesshomaru, slow and steady."
Moving my hand back to his shoulder, I intimately pulled him against me while taking him completely out of his seat and half dragged/carried him across the small space to my seat where I placed him down on my lap sideways. His face became an intoxicating shade of red, most likely not helped when I nuzzled into his neck as his scent was making my dragon purr as I missed having him in my arms.
I was purring still nuzzling when Sesshomaru started to purr back, a small smile graced my face hidden by his neck though knowing he had felt it as he began to purr just slightly louder.
Our moment was ruined however by the half-bred talking loudly through surprising not yelling, " Why is that bastard in his lap?" All those in his group who seem to be minding their own business, sighed in sync even the kit had joined. The half-bred didn't get the hint to shut up, "Hey! What was that for! I'm just asking a damn question."
Sesshomaru, my beautiful gorgeous mate, only said, "Shut up half-breed." Before Inuyasha could open his mouth to certainly yell, the monk of the group spoke first, "My apologies Lord Raiju, Lord Sesshomaru but if you do not mind if I ask what exactly is the status of your relationship?"
Removing my head slightly so only an eye peaked over Sesshomaru's shoulder, raising an eyebrow at the monk. Nobody would dare ask that nor be so upfront about it, but I suppose that's humans for you. Sesshomaru was also eyeing the monk with a glare. My gorgeous mate looked breathtaking doing so but I figure I would humor the human.
"If you must know monk, Sesshomaru is my mate. I have waited a long time for him and now that I have him, I simply can't keep my hands to myself." The monk was cut off before he could respond back by the half-bred, "Wow, it sucks to be you if my bastard brother is your mate."
The snarl that ripped through my throat was loud and made the room shake a bit, it had put the group on edge as they jumped up from their seats. I was still sitting with Sesshomaru in my lap, but my eyes changed from the usual gold to the eyes of my inner dragon, my slitted blue eyes stared heatedly at the half-bred, even felt Sesshomaru growling softly and knew his eyes changed to reflect his inner beast.
"You are no longer welcome here half-bred; I have tolerated your presence since you arrived with my mate, but I will not allow anyone to insult my beloved whether he is your brother or not. What you implied is insulting and you're lucky that you're leaving with your head still on your shoulders as you're my mate's blood, no matter how tainted it is. Now guards escort them to gather their belongings then see them out. Let those on gate duty know the half-bred and his group are no longer welcome. Except for your kit, He's welcomed back though I implore him to rethink his choice of company even if it's for protection."
The guards made quick work as they moved from their hidden spots, gave a quick bow with a short 'Yes, My Lord!' and quickly moved the group from my presence, as Rin waved goodbye to the small kit as they were escorted out with the rest.
My dragon calmed down once they were out of the room and I resumed my place in Sesshomaru's neck and began to nuzzle him once more to sooth my scorching rage caused by the half breed, though it wasn't that long till my love was nuzzling me back.
Once we both calmed down, we finished our meal, sent Rin and Jaken off with Aoi, who will entertain the girl while we headed to my office. Knowing I officially claimed that Sesshomaru was my mate, I know in a mere few hours all the clan leaders are going to know about it and will be wanting to know when the bond ceremony will be occurring.
Knowing the impending headache I will receive later from the leaders, I shifted my attention back to my mate as we walked leisurely down the cleared hallways towards my office. Just like earlier that morning, he was tucked against me with his head on my chest, my arms held tightly across his back with my hand resting on his slim waist.
A smile spread across my face as I continued to gaze, only taking my eyes away once we reached my office, opening the door and swiftly moving across the room. Taking a seat behind my desk with Sesshomaru placed once again in my lap.
'At this point he should just get used to sitting here.' A mischief thought ran through me but didn't act to make it go further. We were quiet as we soaked in the warmth of each other, till I open my mouth to ask him a question,
"Sesshomaru, I wish to ask you something." Taking his head away from my chest, his gaze locks onto mine and I couldn't help it when I leaned down and kissed him. It was slow and sweet, just enjoying the sensations of each other's lips, my hand came up to grasp his face.
Once the need for air couldn't be ignored, I reluctantly pulled away slowly. I took a moment for my thoughts to collect themselves as we rested our foreheads against each other, watching as his eyes opened to meet mine... subconsciously stroking his cheek. I finally said my question,
"Sesshomaru, my mate, my other half...I ask to officially court you, to shower you with gifts and my love, so that I may show the world you are mine and no one can take you away from me just as I can't be taken from you. To be together forever with you."