Kagome couldn't focus, her thoughts scattered, and Naraku's eerie silence wasn't helping. Usually, his voice crept into her mind, taunting her relentlessly, but now? Nothing. Was he actually afraid of Sesshoumaru? The thought seemed ridiculous, yet here she was, unnerved by the quiet.
Heading downstairs, she was met with a sight that stopped her in her tracks. Her grandfather was standing on his tiptoes, slapping a powerless charm on Sesshoumaru's forehead as if it would do anything. Souta was doubled over, laughing so hard that tears streamed down his face, and her mother, looking as though she wanted the floor to swallow her whole, stood with her hands covering her face.
Sesshoumaru, on the other hand, was completely still, enduring the old man's antics with the patience of a saint—or perhaps a predator deciding whether its prey was worth the effort.
"Huh? Why didn't it work?" Grandpa muttered, squinting at the charm as he continued pressing it onto Sesshoumaru's crescent moon like it was a faulty battery.
A quiet huff escaped Sesshoumaru's nose, the demon lord clearly beyond annoyed. His clawed fingers gently but firmly wrapped around Grandpa's wrist, pulling the old man's hand from his forehead. The restraint it took not to swat him away like he would Jaken was immense.
"Sesshoumaru," Kagome called out loud as she descended the last step, trying to suppress the laughter threatening to bubble up at the absurdity of the situation. "Grandpa, that charm hasn't worked on anything in decades. Please, let him go." She signed the last part slowly in hopes the elder was able to read her movements.
Her grandfather looked back at her, frowning. "I knew that crescent moon looked suspicious! It's always the good-looking ones you have to watch out for."
"Father!" Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed.
Sesshoumaru merely raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. "It appears your charms are… ineffective," he said with his usual icy calm, though there was a flicker of amusement in his golden eyes.
Souta, still laughing uncontrollably, gasped between breaths and signed, "This... this is the best day ever."
Mrs. Higurashi finally regained her composure and clapped her hands together. "Alright, everyone! How about we let Sesshoumaru breathe and go change? Father, maybe save your charms for actual demons."
"I did!" Grandpa insisted, looking affronted. "But apparently, this one's immune!"
Kagome shook her head, biting back a laugh as she entered the kitchen, shooing her grandfather away before turning to Sesshoumaru. "Why don't you head upstairs and change? We can go shopping, and with any luck, Grandpa will be asleep by the time we get back."
"I want to go!" Souta jumped in between them, eyes wide and hopeful. "Please?"
Kagome could never say no to those big brown puppy-dog eyes, and she shot Sesshoumaru a look. The demon merely gave a slight shrug of approval, silently agreeing to let the boy join them.
Half an hour later, the trio found themselves wandering through the aisles of a nearby grocery store. The hum of the city and distant chatter of other shoppers filtered in and out of Kagome's growing awareness, but it was the soft giggles from a group of schoolgirls watching Sesshoumaru that she could really do without. Glamour or not, Sesshoumaru's handsome features drew attention, and the way he stood there, examining a box of sweets with his usual intensity, only made things worse. She could almost feel the stares from the girls at the end of the aisle, clearly smitten by the mysterious "tall, sexy, and brooding" figure.
Turning away in search of Souta, Kagome nearly jumped when a yellow box was suddenly thrust into her face.
"What flavor is this?" Sesshoumaru asked, his gaze fixed intently on her.
"Banana," she answered, trying not to blush under his piercing stare.
His expression didn't change, but there was something almost... dissatisfied in his eyes as he stepped closer. "What is that? A type of fruit?"
Kagome felt her back hit the shelf behind her as he moved in, his large frame casting a shadow over her under the harsh fluorescent lights. His proximity sent warmth spreading through her, and for a moment, she found herself speechless. She quickly spelled out *banana* in sign language, trying to keep her cool. But with him standing so close, looming over her, she was on the verge of reaching out to touch him, maybe just a little—
The sight of a hand tugging on Sesshoumaru's black t-shirt snapped her out of her trance. It was Souta, once again coming to her rescue.
"Have you tried banana milk?" the boy signed up at the demon, an innocent grin on his face.
Sesshoumaru blinked, his intense expression shifting from Kagome to Souta. "Banana... milk?"
Souta nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, it's a drink. You might like it."
Sesshoumaru seemed intrigued. "Very well. Show me."
Much to Kagome's relief, Souta managed to keep Sesshoumaru fully engaged for the rest of their shopping trip, which turned out to be unexpectedly delightful. With their items paid for and bags in hand, they began the walk home. The cool evening breeze swirled around Kagome as she closed her eyes to enjoy it, letting the day's small worries fade away.
But all it took was a single moment for things to go sideways.
A motorbike, frustrated with traffic, suddenly hopped the curb, barreling onto the sidewalk right in Kagome's path. Unaware of the vehicle's approach, Kagome opened her eyes just in time to see the flash of black metal speeding toward her. Before she could even process it, she was swept off her feet, pressed tightly against a broad chest, strong arms anchoring her safely.
The world seemed to stop for a heartbeat, her senses flooding with the warmth and scent of Sesshoumaru. As the shock settled in, her body began to tremble, the adrenaline leaving her shaken. Prenatal vitamins, banana milk, and all manner of grocery items lay scattered across the pavement, but Sesshoumaru didn't let go, his hold steady and reassuring as he watched her, gaze sharp and protective.
A few concerned pedestrians, including Souta, quickly gathered up the fallen groceries, returning the items with nervous glances toward the couple. Once everything was packed away again and intact, Sesshoumaru still held her close. Only when Kagome's heartbeat calmed did she manage to look up, offering him a small, grateful smile.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the lingering noise of passing cars.
Sesshoumaru's golden eyes met hers, his expression stern and a little shaken. He didn't answer right away, his jaw visibly relaxing as he gave a slight nod before finally easing his hold. With one hand, he picked up the bags, and with the other, he reached out to hold hers, guiding her the rest of the way home with quiet determination.
As they climbed the final steps to the shrine, Sesshoumaru released her hand, as though relinquishing her safety was an unthinkable act until they were securely back. For a moment, they stood side by side, her hand still tingling from his grip.
Deciding it was best to start the journey before dusk settled, Kagome zipped her overstuffed yellow backpack, barely able to squeeze in the last of her essentials. And in a cheeky moment of opportunity, she'd slipped a few extra things into Sesshoumaru's bag when he wasn't looking.
When he returned from the bathroom dressed in his traditional silk robes, fur pelt, and armor, Sesshoumaru wordlessly picked up both bags. Kagome followed close behind, watching the sway of his silver hair as he descended the stairs.
At the door, Mrs. Higurashi was waiting, hands raised to sign as she met their eyes. "Promise me you will both be careful."
Kagome signed back with a warm smile, "We will, Mama, promise," then leaned in to hug her mother tightly.
Sesshoumaru gave a short nod in agreement, his eyes catching Souta's, who looked noticeably deflated. Sensing the boy's disappointment at their hasty departure, Sesshoumaru laid a hand on his head—a gentle, almost fatherly gesture he'd reserved for Rin. When he withdrew his hand, Souta grinned up at him, barely hiding his awe.
"Come back soon," Souta signed, before hugging his sister one last time.
In the background, Grandpa stayed rigid, casting Sesshoumaru one last suspicious glare but waved to Kagome as she stepped outside. As the door closed behind them, the house suddenly felt quieter, almost hollow. Souta quietly returned to his room, and Grandpa grumbled something about "demonic auras" before heading off for a nap.
Mrs. Higurashi lingered in the foyer for a few minutes, watching the empty doorway with a bittersweet smile. Just as she turned toward the kitchen, a soft knock came from the door.
Curious, she opened it and her smile returned.
"Welcome back," she greeted warmly, stepping aside to let the visitor in.