It wasn't the morning sunlight peeking through the window that woke Kagome, nor was it the cheerful chirping of birds outside. Instead, it was a low, unfamiliar sound vibrating behind her. A deep resonant hum that was almost like…a purr?
She blinked her eyes open, the remnants of sleep clouding her senses as she became more aware of her surroundings. The warm body pressed against her back. The heavy arm draped possessively over her waist. And the distinct sensation of claws grazing her skin, just light enough not to hurt but present enough to tickle her.
Curiosity tugged at her as she carefully turned her head, her heart skipping a beat when her eyes landed on him. Sesshoumaru's face was relaxed in sleep, his usual intimidating mask replaced with a peaceful expression. The faint rays of morning light spilled across his features, illuminating the soft silver of his hair and casting a warm glow over him.
Her lips curved into a smile. He looked so… young like this. So unguarded. Almost harmless. The thought was fleeting, chased away by the sharp press of his claws against her stomach as his fingers twitched in his sleep. His hips shifted slightly and Kagome froze, the heat rushing to her cheeks as she became acutely aware of the hardness pressed against her lower back.
The memories from last night and the position they were in finally sinking in. She bit her lip, unsure whether to move or stay perfectly still. But the purring sound continued, soft and steady, vibrating from deep within his chest. It was oddly soothing.
Carefully, she reached down to brush her fingers over the hand resting on her stomach. His claws stilled under her touch but he didn't wake. Instead, his grip tightened slightly, pulling her closer as though even in sleep he wasn't willing to let her go.
Unable to resist, Kagome turned fully to face Sesshoumaru, being careful not to wake him. Her fingers traced the magenta stripes along his cheek, marveling at how soft his skin felt. She lingered there, letting herself take in every detail of his face—the elegant curve of his nose, the way his lashes rested against his cheeks, and the faint parting of his lips as he exhaled slow, steady breaths.
The purring quieted as his golden eyes blinked open. They softened immediately when they met hers.
"You are staring," he mumbled, his voice thick and gravelly from sleep.
Kagome's flush deepened, spreading down her neck as his amber eyes locked onto hers. Despite her embarrassment, she didn't look away. "It's hard not to," her fingertips lightly tracing the magenta stripes on his cheek. "You're far too beautiful for your own good."
A soft huff escaped Sesshoumaru. "Flattery will not save you," he said, though his tone held more affection than warning. Then, without preamble, he moved.
Sesshoumaru pounced, pinning her beneath him. One knee wedged between her legs as his long hair spilled over them like a silver curtain. His lips descended to her neck, seeking the mating mark now transformed into a delicate purple crescent at the base of her throat. His nose brushed over it, inhaling deeply as his lips followed, placing sweet kisses along the mark that bound them together.
The connection between them felt alive, thrumming with energy. Kagome sighed as she felt her emotions mirrored back to her through their bond—her happiness, her contentment, and the warm spark of desire that was quickly spreading down to her core. It was as though her very soul was calling to him and the ferocity of his answering need was making her dizzy.
His fangs grazed the sensitive flesh of her neck trailing down to her collarbone. Sensing the direction his intentions were heading, Kagome wiggled beneath him, her hands coming up to press lightly against his chest. "We can't," she groaned. "We need to get back to the village with the jewel."
Sesshoumaru paused for a moment, his amber eyes narrowing down at the pink marble above her breasts as if considering her words. But then a wicked smirk curved his lips, and he leaned in to nip gently at the soft curve of her right breast. "They can wait," his voice a husky growl. "My mate's needs come first."
Before she could protest further, his lips closed over the tender peak of her breast. "Sesshoumaru," she managed, her voice a mix of exasperation and surrender.
The demon lord chuckled, a dark, velvety sound that made her toes curl. "Do not worry, mate," he murmured against her skin, his fangs teasing lightly at her already sore nipple. "I will not take too long."
And as his hands roamed her body with an aching slowness that left no inch of her untouched, Kagome couldn't help but think that perhaps her old companions in the village really could wait.
No more rainstorms interrupted their journey as the couple made their way back to Edo. The skies remained clear, but Sesshoumaru's relentless appetite for Kagome's attention ensured she was far from at ease. Though the trip only took two days, Kagome found herself both relieved and exhausted by the time the village came into view, her body craving the rest she knew she'd get once they landed.
The moment Edo appeared on the horizon Kagome's euphoric haze evaporated, replaced by a wave of nervous anticipation. Reality loomed large as the familiar rooftops of Kaede's village came into focus.
Sesshoumaru landed gracefully outside Kaede's hut. Before Kagome could fully take in her surroundings, a blur of motion shot toward her.
Shippo and Rin barreled into her, their small arms wrapping tightly around her legs. Their excited chatter overlapped as they simultaneously signed to her, showcasing what they'd learned while she was away.
"We practiced every day, Kagome!" Rin signed enthusiastically.
"Yeah! Even when Inuyasha complained about it!" Shippo added, his hands flying as he struggled to keep pace with his words.
Kagome laughed, crouching down to hug them tightly. The sheer joy radiating from the children was infectious and though their energy was overwhelming her heart swelled.
Behind them, Kaede and Miroku emerged from the hut, watching the reunion with warm smiles. The monk opened his mouth to greet her but froze mid-motion. Then he simply waved instead, as though still unsure of how to address her.
Kagome rose, releasing the children, ready to share the news of her restored hearing and completed jewel when the sound of crashing footsteps caught her attention. Inuyasha burst through the treeline with Sango riding on his back. The pair skidded to a stop near the group and as Sango slid off only to deliver a firm shove to Inuyasha's shoulder.
"Go on," her tone leaving no room for argument. "Say what you need to say."
Inuyasha grumbled under his breath, his ears flattening as he shuffled forward a few steps. His golden eyes met Kagome's briefly before darting away. Sesshoumaru's sharp gaze bore into him from behind Kagome in an unspoken warning.
The half-demon's claws twitched at his sides, his shoulders tense as he stood before Kagome. With a deep resigned breath, he raised his hands. His rough attempts at sign language were clumsy but earnest and his brows furrowed in concentration as he began to communicate.
"I'm sorry," he signed. His golden eyes flicked to Kagome's face, searching for her reaction before continuing.
"I didn't tell you about Sango and me… because we didn't want to hurt you." His fingers faltered slightly, the words coming together awkwardly, but his meaning was clear. "I thought… if you knew, it would make things harder for you."
Kagome's brows knit together, her lips parting as if to speak, but she stayed silent letting him continue.
"You were always… someone I cared about," he signed, his movements becoming slightly more fluid as he gained confidence. "But it was different with Sango. She… understood things about me I couldn't explain. And you…" His hands hesitated, hovering midair. "You deserve someone better than me."
Kagome's heart clenched at his words, but she kept her expression neutral.
Inuyasha exhaled sharply, his ears flattening against his head as he resumed. "After you got hurt… I didn't know how to face you. Seeing you like that—hurt, deaf—it was my fault. If I had been faster, stronger…" his hands clenched into fists for a second. "I thought… staying away would make it easier. For both of us."
Kagome stepped closer and reached out, her fingers brushing against his arm but she didn't interrupt.
"It was stupid," he admitted, his hands moving again with renewed determination. "I thought if I stayed away, you wouldn't hate me. But I just made everything worse."
A flicker of guilt passed over his features as he added, "I know ignoring you was wrong. I didn't know how to help you, so I didn't do anything. I'm sorry, Kagome. For all of it."
Tears welled in Kagome's eyes as she watched him. Inuyasha's hands stilled and his gaze dropped to the ground as though bracing himself for her judgment or physical blow.
"Inuyasha," she said softly, causing his ears to perk. His head shot up and wide, disbelieving eyes locked onto her shock flickering across his face at the sound of her voice.
Before he could speak, Kagome took another step closer and reached for his hands, clasping them gently in her own.
"I don't hate you," she said firmly, though her lips trembled slightly. "I never could. Yes, it hurt. It hurt a lot. But you need to understand—what matters most to me is honesty. That's all I've ever asked for."
Inuyasha blinked rapidly, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. He looked as though he wanted to argue or say something, but Kagome pressed on.
"No more secrets," she said, her tone resolute as she met his gaze. "No more lies. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that we can't protect each other by hiding the truth."
She chanced a look over her shoulder, her eyes softening as they found Sesshoumaru. A smile curved her lips and she turned back to Inuyasha with a light squeeze of his hands.
"You're my friend, Inuyasha. You always will be," she assured him. "But we can't move forward if we keep dwelling on the past."
Pulling away from Inuyasha, Kagome pivoted gracefully and approached Sesshoumaru. The demon lord stood tall, his golden eyes tracked her every movement. Kagome reached for his hand enveloping it in both of hers.
Turning back to face the group, Kagome offered them a radiant smile. "If it weren't for Sesshoumaru," her voice soft but unwavering, "I probably wouldn't be able to hear ever again. Naraku would still haunt me." Her gaze returned to Sesshoumaru, her voice dipping into a near whisper as she added, "He saved me. He helped me complete the Shikon Jewel."
She reached beneath her collar and pulled out the glowing orb, its pink light casting a soft glow over her fingers. The collective gasps from her friends filled the air but Kagome paid them no mind.
"And," she continued, lifting her chin up slightly, "he became my mate."
The declaration hung in the air, silencing everyone as they processed her words. Inuyasha's mouth opened slightly, his brows furrowing in disbelief. Sango clutched Miroku's arm, both their eyes wide with shock, while Shippo and Rin exchanged confused glances.
Kagome didn't give them time to recover. With a playful glint in her eye, she stood on her tiptoes and grabbed Sesshoumaru by the collar, yanking him down toward her. Her movements were bold but her touch was tender as she pressed her lips to his in a kiss that spoke volumes.
Sesshoumaru's eyes briefly flickered with surprise before they closed, his hands settling on her waist to steady her. The kiss was an undeniable display of their bond that left the group utterly flabbergasted.
When Kagome finally pulled away, her cheeks were flushed but her smile was unwavering. Sesshoumaru's cool expression had softened just enough to reveal the faintest trace of warmth in his gaze.
Kagome turned back to the others, her hands still resting on Sesshomaru's chest. "And I wouldn't trade it for anything."
The silence that followed was heavy, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Sango smiled first, nudging a stunned Inuyasha with her elbow before placing her hands over her slight baby bump. "Well," she said with a teasing lilt, "I guess we're all full of surprises today."
Even Miroku couldn't resist a grin, bowing slightly toward Kagome and Sesshoumaru. "May your union be blessed," he said, though his tone held a hint of playful reverence.
Inuyasha crossed his arms and let out a quiet, reluctant snort, but his lips twitched as though he were suppressing a smile. "Figures you'd go for the guy who's emotionally stunted," he muttered, earning a laugh from Kagome.
Rin and Shippo rushed forward, their initial shock forgotten as they peppered Kagome with questions. Sesshoumaru allowed it, his hand brushing lightly against Kagome's as though silently reaffirming their bond.
For the first time in a long while, Kagome felt a profound sense of peace. Unfortunately, it did not last long as Jaken appeared with Ah-Un only to stutter and gawk at his lord holding hands with a human.