Kagome reclined against the cushions, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the cover of the book she held, but her mind was far from the words on the pages. She couldn't shake off the worry gnawing at her, like an insistent itch under her skin.
Sesshomaru's sudden departure had left her unsettled. Though she knew him to be formidable, even he wasn't impervious to danger. But then, she scoffed at her own concern. Sesshomaru, wounded? The idea seemed almost laughable. He was a creature of unmatched strength and resilience, capable of facing down any adversary with the grace of a predator.
Yet, the memory of their first encounter lingered in her thoughts. The image of him, wounded and weakened, as she had pulled the Tessaiga from its resting place, flashed vividly in her mind. It was a reminder that even the mightiest could fall, even if just momentarily.
As she pondered, her gaze drifted towards the open window, the silvery light of the moon casting an ethereal glow across the room.
Two months had passed since the fall of Mount Hakurei and the disappearance of Naraku. Sango and Inuyasha had turned their efforts towards rebuilding, seeking solace in the familiarity of their routine. They had used it to distract them from the disappearance of Kohaku and Kikyo.
Miroku, on the other hand, had journeyed to pay respects to his late Master, leaving Kagome with an abundance of time to herself. Inuyasha's occasional visits to her time served as brief respites from the weight of their shared past, a chance for fleeting moments of normalcy amidst the chaos.
But Kagome's own focus had shifted. With Naraku's absence, she had seized the opportunity to hone her skills, to prepare herself for the inevitable confrontation that loomed on the horizon. Under Kaede's guidance, she had delved into the depths of her powers, pushing herself to new limits with each passing day.
Her training had been rigorous, testing her patience and resolve. The bow had become an extension of her being, each arrow a manifestation of her determination to protect those she held dear. And yet, amidst the solitude of her practice, an unexpected presence had interrupted her solitude.
Rin's cheerful voice had shattered the silence, her arrival accompanied by the unmistakable aura of her lord and protector. Kagome had paused, her hands stilling as she turned to face the young girl, her heart warming at the sight of her radiant smile.
"Hello, Rin," Kagome greeted softly, setting aside her bow to kneel before the girl, her eyes flickering towards the figure that stood behind her. "Lord Sesshomaru," she acknowledged, a hint of reverence coloring her tone.
In that moment, as she gazed upon the stoic demon lord, Kagome bowed her head in respect.
"Miko," he gave a curt nod. "Where is my brother?"
"You will find him at the Demon Slayer village, however, if you have the time, you could wait for him. He is due to be here soon."
His gaze flickered towards the west, where the village was. He finally turned back to her, "This one will wait."
Then he turned and sat at the base of a tree, her attention was diverted to Rin who yanked on the hem of her dress.
"Lady Kagome," she smiled. "Do you have the crayons?"
She smiled, "you will find them in my bag. I also brought you a new type of utensil to use, they are called markers."
Kagome watched with a sense of satisfaction as Rin dashed towards her bag, her laughter echoing through the clearing. Retrieving the crayons and markers, the young girl's eyes sparkled with delight.
"Thank you, Lady Kagome!" Rin exclaimed, her excitement palpable as she clutched the art supplies to her chest.
With a warm smile, Kagome nodded, her attention briefly drawn back to Sesshomaru who remained a silent observer nearby. His presence, though imposing, seemed almost tranquil amidst the serene backdrop of the forest.
Returning to her practice, Kagome resumed her stance, the familiar weight of the bow grounding her as she focused on her target. With practiced precision, she drew back the arrow, feeling the tension thrumming through her muscles.
A soft glow enveloped the arrow as Kagome channeled her spiritual energy, infusing it with a vibrant hue. With a release of breath, she loosened the arrow, her eyes tracking its trajectory as it sailed through the air.
A burst of brilliant color erupted as the arrow found its mark, embedding itself squarely in the center of the target. Rin cheered, her applause mingling with the rustle of leaves as Sesshomaru observed the display with a measured gaze.
Kagome's heart swelled with pride, a sense of accomplishment washing over her as she turned to face the demon lord. Despite his stoic demeanor, she sensed a hint of approval in his gaze, a silent acknowledgment of her growing strength.
With a graceful movement, Sesshomaru rose from his seated position, his regal bearing commanding attention as he approached Kagome.
"Miko," he spoke, his voice as impassive as ever, yet tinged with a subtle note of respect. "Your skills have improved."
A flicker of surprise crossed Kagome's features at the unexpected compliment, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru," she replied, her tone sincere as she bowed her head in acknowledgment.
She had been surprised then, it had been the first time that he had paid her a compliment. That he had said something that was even remotely kind to her.
"Lady Kagome!" Rin bounded towards them, her artwork in hand, "do you think it looks like Jaken?"
Kagome couldn't help but stifle a laugh as she gazed down at Rin's drawing, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Despite its lack of artistic refinement, there was a certain charm to the depiction of Jaken, captured in all his fiery and squawking glory.
"It's... um, quite a resemblance, Rin," Kagome managed, struggling to maintain her composure as she glanced over at Sesshomaru, unsure of how he would react to the caricature of his loyal retainer.
Sesshomaru regarded the drawing with his usual impassive expression, his golden eyes betraying no hint of amusement or irritation. Instead, there was a subtle softening around the edges, a flicker of something almost akin to amusement dancing in their depths.
Rin beamed at Kagome's response, clearly pleased with her creation. "Thank you, Lady Kagome! I worked really hard on it," she chirped, her enthusiasm infectious as she turned to show the drawing to Sesshomaru.
For a brief moment, Kagome held her breath, wondering how the stoic demon lord would react to the less-than-flattering portrayal of his servant. But to her surprise, Sesshomaru's lips quirked upwards in the faintest hint of a smirk, a rare display of amusement that took Kagome aback.
"It is... adequate," Sesshomaru remarked, his tone dry yet tinged with a hint of amusement, causing Rin to giggle in delight.
Kagome couldn't help but smile at the interaction, a sense of warmth blooming within her chest at the sight of Lord Sesshomaru's unexpected indulgence. In that moment, she realized that perhaps there was more to the enigmatic demon lord than met the eye, a depth of character hidden beneath his stoic facade.
As Rin continued to chatter excitedly about her artwork, Kagome couldn't shake off the feeling of gratitude that swelled within her. It amazed her how such a small girl could still retain her innocence and naivety in thei age but she suspected that it had something to do with the fact that Lord Sesshomaru protected her from seeing and experiencing such things.
Kagome sighed, setting the book aside with a heavy heart. No matter how hard she tried to distract herself, thoughts of Sesshomaru inevitably crept back into her mind, like persistent tendrils refusing to be ignored. It was a disconcerting realization, one that left her feeling unsettled and strangely vulnerable.
In the beginning, his presence had been a source of curiosity and apprehension, his enigmatic nature stirring a mixture of intrigue and wariness within her. But as time passed and their interactions grew more frequent, Kagome found herself drawn to him in ways she couldn't quite comprehend.
At first, she had attributed his visits to a sense of duty towards Rin, a responsibility to ensure her well-being in his absence. Yet, as their encounters became more frequent, Kagome couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more beneath the surface, an unspoken connection that defied logic and reason.
She had caught glimpses of it in the subtle shifts of his expression, the rare moments of vulnerability that flickered across his features when he thought no one was watching. It was as if there was a part of him that longed to break free from the constraints of his stoic facade, to reveal the depths of his true self hidden beneath layers of indifference and detachment.
And then there were the moments when their gazes would meet, a silent exchange of understanding that transcended words.
Closing her eyes, Kagome let out a weary sigh, her thoughts spinning in circles as she grappled with the conflicting emotions that tugged at her heartstrings. She knew that she couldn't continue to ignore the growing bond between them, nor could she deny the undeniable pull that drew her towards him.
Kagome blinked, momentarily disoriented as she registered Sesshomaru's presence in the room. A faint blush dusted her cheeks as she realized she had been caught in a moment of vulnerability, her thoughts drifting into the realm of dreams as she succumbed to the weariness that weighed heavily upon her.
"Did this one wake you, Miko?"
"No, I... I must have dozed off," she admitted, her voice slightly hoarse from sleep as she straightened, trying to shake off the remnants of drowsiness that clung to her like a stubborn fog.
Sesshomaru regarded her with his usual stoic expression, his golden eyes inscrutable as they met hers. There was a hint of something unreadable flickering in their depths, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken bond that lingered between them.
"I had been waiting for you to return is all," Kagome added, her words trailing off as she shifted uncomfortably, the stiffness in her limbs a testament to the awkwardness of her position.
Kagome's heart fluttered as she watched Sesshomaru's gaze soften, a rare display of vulnerability that sent a surge of warmth through her. She couldn't help but wonder at the significance of his actions, at the unspoken bond that seemed to be forming between them.
As he settled onto the floor platform beside her, Kagome felt a rush of anticipation mingled with uncertainty. Would this become a common occurrence for them, to sleep side by side like this? Was it normal for them to share such intimacy, or was it merely a result of her indebtedness to him for saving her life?
Lost in her thoughts, Kagome was startled when Sesshomaru's voice cut through the silence, his words carrying a weight of concern that tugged at her heartstrings. "Miko, you require rest," he stated, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes.
Her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude at his concern. "I suppose you're right," she admitted with a sheepish smile, realizing that she had been lost in her thoughts for too long.
As Kagome nestled closer to Sesshomaru, she couldn't help but feel the weight of his words settle over her like a warm blanket. His fur enveloped her in a comforting embrace, the sensation both grounding and exhilarating. It was a moment she wished could stretch on for eternity, cocooned in his presence, surrounded by the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Sesshomaru... yesterday, before the demon birds attacked, when you called for me," Kagome began, her voice soft yet tinged with curiosity.
Sesshomaru glanced down at her, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his golden eyes as he flashed her a teasing fang. "You wish to continue where we had left off," he remarked, his tone playful yet tinged with a hint of something deeper.
Kagome felt a flush spread across her cheeks as she sat up straight, meeting his gaze with a determined expression. "You know what I'm trying to ask," she insisted, her voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Sesshomaru's lips as he nodded in acknowledgment. "You are speaking of our soul bond," he stated, his voice carrying a weight of significance that sent a thrill through Kagome's veins.
"What does that mean exactly?" Kagome asked, her curiosity piqued as she leaned in closer, eager for answers.
"You, my dear little Miko, are my mate," Sesshomaru replied, his tone soft yet tinged with a quiet intensity. "Our souls are bound to one another, now and for all eternity."
Kagome's breath caught in her throat at his declaration, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. The concept of being soulmates with the powerful daiyokai was both exhilarating and daunting, a truth she wasn't sure she was ready to fully comprehend.
"You... you mean I'm your mate?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath as she tried to process the magnitude of his words.
He nodded, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes with a depth of intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "Yes, you are my mate," he confirmed, his voice steady despite the gravity of their conversation. "It is how you are able to sense me, even when my yokai is concealed, how you can feel my presence before others, why you are so unequivocally drawn to me."
Kagome's cheeks flushed with a mixture of disbelief and exhilaration. The idea seemed both impossible and yet undeniably real, a truth she couldn't ignore any longer.
"But... but you've tried to kill me before," she protested, the memory of their tumultuous past casting a shadow over her newfound understanding.
Sesshomaru's expression softened, a hint of remorse flickering in his golden eyes. "Yes, but it was because I had not recognized our bond for what it truly was," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret.
As Kagome reflected on their journey together, she couldn't deny the undeniable truth that their relationship had evolved into something far beyond mere animosity or obligation. What linked the two of them is beautiful and intimate. It had become a bond forged in fire and tempered by time, a connection that defied logic and expectation.
"But... what does that mean for us?" Kagome questioned, her voice trembling with emotion as she searched Sesshomaru's eyes for guidance.
A flicker of tenderness softened Sesshomaru's features as he reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from Kagome's face. "It means that we are bound together in a way that transcends time and space," he explained, his voice a soothing melody that washed over her like a gentle breeze. "Our connection is as eternal as the stars themselves, and together, we are stronger than any obstacle that may come our way."
As Sesshomaru's clawed hand reached up to stroke her cheek, Kagome couldn't help but shiver at the intimate touch. His words sank in slowly, each one carrying the weight of their shared history and the undeniable connection that had been building between them.
"That sounds beautiful," In response, Sesshomaru reached out, his strong arms enveloping her as he pulled her close, causing her to tumble ungracefully into his lap. Kagome's heart raced as she felt the warmth of his embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoing her own. "Does this mean that we are dating?"
He chuckled, "in yokai custom it would be considered courting."
Kagome's heart raced with excitement as she squealed with girlish delight, unable to contain her eagerness. "How does courting work?" she asked, her eyes shining with curiosity as she leaned in closer to Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru couldn't help but be captivated by her enthusiasm, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he adjusted her on his lap, relishing the newfound intimacy between them. Cupping her face gently in his hand, he allowed himself to indulge in the impulse he had long suppressed.
"Courting in yokai custom involves many rituals," he began, his voice low yet filled with a sense of reverence. "Each ritual serves to demonstrate what a mate entails, such as acts that will demonstrate my strength, control, protection, and my ability to provide for your every whim and desire."
Kagome's breath caught in her throat at his words, her gaze locked with his as she processed the implications of his statement. "Every whim and desire?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, a hint of uncertainty mingling with her curiosity.
Sesshomaru nodded, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes with a depth of intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "Yes, every whim and desire," he confirmed, his voice tinged with a hint of promise. "It is my duty as your mate to ensure your happiness and well-being, to anticipate your needs before you even realize them yourself."
Feeling his clawed hand grip her hip, Kagome's breath caught in her throat as his claws slipped under her shirt, sending a shiver racing down her spine. The sensation of his touch against her skin was electrifying, igniting a fire within her that she had never experienced before.
For a moment, Kagome was lost in the intensity of their connection, the heat of his touch searing through her like a flame. There was a rawness to his desire, a primal need that both terrified and exhilarated her in equal measure.
But as quickly as it had begun, the moment passed, leaving Kagome breathless and longing for more. With a soft exhale, she met Sesshomaru's gaze once more, her eyes shining with a mixture of desire and uncertainty.
A flush spread across Kagome's cheeks at the thought of such devotion, the idea of someone caring for her so deeply both thrilling and intimidating. Yet, there was a part of her that longed to explore this new chapter of their relationship, to discover what it meant to be courted by a powerful daiyokai like Sesshomaru.
With a flutter of excitement in her chest, Kagome leaned in closer, her eyes alight with anticipation. "I feel honored to be courted by you, Lord Sesshomaru," she admitted.
His gaze burned crimson as he captured her delicate neck in his grasp, his touch both possessive and tender. Leaning closer, he rubbed his cheek against hers, a gesture both intimate and primal.
With a gentle tilt of her head, she surrendered to his advance, feeling a shiver run down her spine as his tongue traced a tantalizing path along her neck, igniting sensations that pulsed through her entire being. As he nestled his face against her skin, she couldn't help but release a soft, involuntary moan, his name escaping her lips in a breathless whisper.
His response was a low, guttural growl, vibrating against her, sending waves of comfort and desire coursing through her veins. She whimpered as she felt the faint pressure of his fangs grazing her flesh, a sensation she secretly relished, though she had never dared to admit it aloud.
Gently, he laid her down upon his soft fur, his claws tightening in a grip that was both exhilarating and reassuring, causing her toes to curl with pleasure.
"S—Sesshomaru..." she murmured, her voice barely audible above the beat of her own heart.
His clawed hands shifted, sliding beneath the curve of her thighs, their touch both commanding and gentle as they spread and lifted, granting him access to the space between them. A rush of heat flooded her cheeks as she felt the firmness of his presence pressing against her, igniting a primal urge deep within her core.
Her breath hitched as he moved against her, his hips surging forward in a primal rhythm that sent a wave of desire coursing through her body, nearly coaxing a moan from her lips. The sensation of him against her, powerful and unyielding, stirred a primal longing within her, setting her ablaze with need.
Her nails dug into his shoulders, her desperation evident as she pulled him closer, the distance between them unbearable. "Please..." she pleaded, her voice a breathless whisper, thick with longing and desire.
His response was a low growl, his words dripping with both hunger and restraint. "Please what...?" he snarled, his eyes flashing red with the struggle for control. She watched, captivated and somewhat fearful, as his beast threatened to break free, the stripes on his face expanding and his fangs lengthening in response to the primal urge surging within him.
"Sesshomaru?" she called out, her voice a mixture of concern and curiosity, breaking through the charged atmosphere that enveloped them.
Something stirred within him, causing him to release her, his ears twitching as he tensed, his yokai surging in response to an unseen threat. With a fluid grace, he rose to his feet, his presence radiating power and authority as he prepared to confront whatever lurked beyond their secluded haven.
As she watched him, a shiver of apprehension ran down her spine, wondering if it was the same entity that had drawn his attention earlier, a force that seemed to hold a mysterious allure even amidst the danger it presented.
"What's going on?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she sat up, her gaze darting between him and the doorway where the unseen threat lurked.
"Just my general," he replied, a note of irritation lacing his words as he acknowledged the unwelcome interruption.
"You have a general?" she queried, surprised by this new revelation.
He nodded curtly, bending down to press his cheek against hers in a gesture of reassurance. "I must deal with him, otherwise he will continue to interrupt," he explained, his tone firm yet tinged with a hint of frustration at the disruption.
Realization dawned on her, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she understood the gravity of the situation. "Oh," she murmured softly, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment.
"I will return, koi," he reassured her, his voice a low rumble as he licked her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine and causing her to squirm involuntarily.
"Hurry back, please," she pleaded, her gaze pleading as she watched him stand by the door. "I'll miss you."
A smirk played across his lips at her admission, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes as he took in her earnest expression.