Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They had been roomies for a few months before she noticed The Mug. It was one of hers, cobalt blue with golden stars all over, and a single crescent moon. She'd had it for so many years that she had forgotten it. Until she realized she was washing it every day.

At first she thought that maybe it was just because she washed it and put it in the same spot every day that he simply grabbed it for convenience’ sake. On a whim she decided to move it to a different spot, and see what he chose. The same whimsigoth mug was back by the sink the next day, and the next, and the next. No matter where she moved it, he always found and used it.

When she casually mentioned it to him she could swear she saw his ears turn pink as he muttered something about “superior heat retention.” before making a hasty exit. She decided not to push him on it, for now, and she stopped making him hunt for it every morning. Things continued on as normal, but Kagome didn't forget.

Then one morning she just couldn't sleep and ended up being awake before Sesshoumaru for the first time since moving in. From her spot in the living room she heard him walk into the kitchen and rummage in the cabinets for his morning tea routine. Coming out of a meditative state she was just in time to witness him breathing in the aroma before doing what could only be described as a little happy dance before taking the first sip.

Her jaw dropped as she watched him smile and hug the mug to himself before giving one more happy wiggle. She immediately closed her eyes again and focused on slowing her breathing so that when he spotted her he'd think she was still deep in meditation. She wasn't going to be the reason he stopped doing his happy dance, she wanted to see more of it.

Sesshoumaru never said anything about how his tea supply never seemed to dwindle after that day, but she could swear there was an extra wiggle in the happy dance whenever certain blends appeared.

Chapter Text

“Sesshoumaruuuu! I want it! Stop being such a tease and let me haaaave iiiit!!!!”

The little miko was hopping up and down trying to get hold of a box of candy she'd brought back through the well. A box that the much taller daiyoukai was holding well out of her reach, much to her frustration and Inuyasha's amusement.

“No, miko. The last time you ate these sweets we lost an entire day's travel because you took on some form of madness that ended with my brother in a crater, the houshi on fire, and the kitsune hanging from a branch by his vest. After which you capped the mayhem by biting This One on the cheek and dashing off into the forest forcing us to hunt you down.”

“Oh come on it wasn't that ba-”

“You used your reiki and left your bite mark seared into This One's skin!”

She had just enough shame to look slightly abashed at that one. “Okay fine, so maybe I got a little carried away last time. I promise not to do it again. Just give me the candy!!!” More futile hopping followed.

“This One said ‘no’, miko.”

“Seesshooumaaaruuu!” Even more hopping, combined with attempts to drag his arm down.

“DOWN GIRL!”

Everyone froze, even Inuyasha stifled his laughter as they all waited to see what Kagome's reaction would be.

“What. Did. You. Just. Say?”

Staring down into eyes that were now an enraged indigo, Sesshoumaru considered his options. He had centuries of experience in battles, both against armies, and one on one. He knew every tactic, every strategy, there was no doubt in his mind that he knew exactly the best course of action to take in this situation. Throwing the candies behind her he sprinted in the opposite direction.

“Geeet back here, you coward!”

The howls of his brother's laughter followed him through the trees as he dodged bolts of reiki.

Chapter Text

Of all the things Kagome could have, and did, imagine about what it would be like to see her feudal companions in the modern era, Sesshoumaru's comfy mode had never appeared anywhere on that list.

He was Mr. Custom Made Three Piece Suit. Always so put together, never a hair out of place (stupid, effortlessly gorgeous hair), never a spot or stain. Always pristine, just like he had been back then. If she had ever considered what he might wear at home she'd assume it was traditional clothing like a yukata, or maybe hakama.

Which is why her first visit to his home left her with her jaw on the floor when he greeted her in worn out jeans, gray t-shirt, and an open flannel button down, with rock music blaring in the background. Staring in surprise all she could manage to get out was “Are you listening to Nirvana?!”

“Hnn. Come in, Kagome.” He sauntered back to his couch and settled down cross-legged on what could only be described as a nest made from mokomoko, reaching for the remote. “Do you like action films?”

“Action films? What is this, 90s revival night?”

“I find the fashion and media of the 90s to be among the more palatable of recent cultural trends.”

“Recent? That was 30 years ago!”

“You say that like 30 years is a long time. Now, have you ever seen Lethal Weapon?"

Chapter Text

“There ain't no way I'm letting the bastard court ya, nevermind mating! It ain't gonna happen!”

He knew Kagome was gonna be pissed at his reaction, but she'd get over it. Not like she could have already developed any kind of feelings for the ice prince or anything. Besides, as her alpha she couldn't go against his decision anyway.

Crossing his arms he braced for the screaming tantrum and repeated sittings he knew were coming his way. What he got, was singing.

“Cause if you liked it then you should have put your teeth on it

If you liked it then you shoulda put your teeth on it

Don't be mad once you see that he want it

If you liked it then you shoulda put your teeth on it

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, o-ohh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, o-ohh...”

His half-brother just smirked smugly as he let the tiny woman lead him away from camp, still singing.

The Hanyou took a good ten minutes to dig his jaw out of the dirt. “What the hell just happened?!" He shouted, moments before he was hit by a flood of mushrooms singing the same song.

Eventually he accepted their mating and even came to a resolution with his half-brother. But centuries later he still spent most of 2008 avoiding almost every form of media and cursing Beyoncé whenever her name was mentioned.

Chapter Text

It was a beautiful morning. The air was cool and crisp, their clearing was full of beautiful flowers that perfumed the air, and despite the urgency of their mission, everyone was feeling a welcome sense of peace that day.

Until....

"Aaaaiiiiieeeee!!!!!!" The toad went flying into a tree trunk, propelled by a rather severe jolt of reiki.

"Sesshoumaru! I am going to kill your frog!!!" The Miko's aura was sparking with rage and even the daiyoukai was cautious about approaching her.

"What has This One's vassal done to displease you so much, Mate?"

"HE USED MY COFFEE POT AS A FOOT BATH!!!"

"Hnn. Jaken?"

"*groans* Y-yes, my lord?"

"I suggest you run."

Chapter Text

Her climb out of the well was intercepted by a clawed hand reaching into the darkness for her. Taking it she was easily lifted out of the shaft and into the arms of, “Sesshoumaru?! I thought you weren't going to be able to meet me tonight. What about the council meetings?”

“This One convinced his Lady Mother to take his place in the delegations. There were more important matters to attend to.”

The soft color that he loved so much dusted across her cheeks. “And just what are these important matters?” She asked with a sweet smile that just begged to be kissed. So he did.

“I wanted to dance with you.” The soft gasp of surprise would have melted his heart if she hadn't already thoroughly done so.

He pulled her close and began to sway them through the steps, waiting until she was lost in the rhythm before calling up his youki and lifting them up into the starry sky, steps never faltering as he continued to lead her in the dance.

Kagome had closed her eyes when they first started dancing, content to feel the warmth of his embrace as he guided her. It wasn't until she felt his pelt wrap around her in response to a shiver that she looked around and realized they were dancing in the sky.

She already cared for him deeply, and she was so very close to falling fully in love with him. This beautiful act had just pushed her nearly over the edge.

And then, he started singing.

His head was nestled against hers as he held her close, softly crooning an ancient song of devotion and promise, his feet never faltering as they moved in time to the music. And she felt her heart take that final leap.

By the time the song ended there were tears in her eyes and a smile on her face like he had never seen before. He wanted to make sure it never left.

Pulling back just far enough to look her in the eyes he whispered, “I came tonight because I have realized I cannot be happy when you are not by my side. I would ask, Kagome, for your promise to be mine, forever.”

The kiss she gave him in answer burned brighter than all the stars put together.

Chapter Text

Kagome's eye twitched. THIS was what Sesshoumaru had been hinting about for the past year?!

She stood outside the shiny new storefront of what was clearly intended to be the first of many links in a chain. Giant letters over the door proudly proclaimed the name of the trendy new coffee shop: Jak-En-The-Pot. Her eye twitched again. She was so going to chew his ass for this.

Stepping inside she was immediately accosted by a costumed mascot that looked like a 7 foot tall version of Jaken, offering her a flyer on the opening day specials. Including things like Frog Toe Joe, and a Ramen bowl titled Cup-O-Imp. Was he serious?!

Her rage filled musings were interrupted by the sudden squawking cries of “My Lord!!!! She's here!!!” her head flew up just in time to catch the sight of silver hair disappearing towards the back entrance.

Forget the lecture, she was going to purify his ass for this!

Chapter Text

Boredom is a dangerous thing for a daiyoukai. He started the Café as a joke to rile his mate up (worth it), when he had nothing else to do. But now it was just a headache to deal with the constant supply chain issues, health and safety codes, employee behavior, and most especially, customer complaints. How was it possible for people to read the item description, order it, and then be upset when they were given exactly what they asked for?!

“E-excuse me, Mr. Taisho?” Oh great, another employee here with another banal issue or perhaps a question he had already answered many times over.

“Yes, what is it?” He sighed.

“Sorry to disturb you sir, but we have a tableful of crane youkai complaining that there isn't any actual imp in the Cup-O-Imp.

He felt his eye start to twitch. “Send Jaken to handle it. I'm going home early.”

Chapter Text

The taciturn demon sat at a table in the darkest corner of the bar, wallowing in self-pity. He had been nursing the same bottle of tequila for half the night. It wouldn't get him drunk even if he chugged it, but he enjoyed the pathos it lent to the situation. Not that he'd ever admit it. To anyone.

His sullen reverie was interrupted by the appearance of his least favorite canine companions. Once Kagome finally got it through both their heads that she didn't want either one of them they had become fast friends. And, it seemed, decided their life's mission was to make his hell.

Tonight promised to be an exceptional example of that if their overly exuberant good cheer was anything to go by. They hadn't even started drinking yet and both were so caught up with laughing that they couldn't even properly speak.

“Hey, Ice Prick, laugh, we, we got laugh, something to show you!” His half-brother dissolved into childish giggles. The demon sneered at his lack of decorum.

“Yeah, you're gonna love this one Dog-Breath!!!” More raucous laughter. He grit his teeth.

“Show me whatever farcical thing it is that you've done now so you can have your juvenile laughs and be on your way.”

Some semi-official document was dropped in front of him, congratulating the wolf on his work in conservation, specifically his discovery of a new species of pine tree. His eyes narrowed as he finished reading. “Would you care to explain to This One why a tree now shares my personal appelation?”

“I'd like to know too!” The Miko chimed in as she joined their table. The two mutts across from him burst into even louder laughter than before. “What's so funny about a pine tree named after Sesshoumaru?” She tilted her head in confusion as she stared at her friends’ antics.

Gasping for air they finally told her, “It's because he doesn't have to guts to tell a girl how much he likes her!”

“So he's done enough pining to fill a whole forest!”

The two fools devolved even further into their own self-amusement, but she turned those enchantingly blue eyes directly on him. Sweet sincerity drenching her scent and aura as she asked him, “You're afraid to confess to a girl?? Do you need some help?!”

He was going to kill them both.

Chapter Text

Of all the things humanity had made up over the ages to feel special, Valentine's Day had to be the worst. Every. Single. Year. Sesshoumaru's locker and his person were accosted, assaulted, and overwhelmed with chocolates from every girl in every grade.

And never a damn one was obligatory. Noooo, they ALL had the delusion that they would be the one to win his heart with a box of overly sweet junk that he wouldn't even eat anyway. And don't even get him started about White Day. The school would stink for weeks with the scent of their disappointed aspirations when he gave nothing in return.

Snarling in frustration, he pulled yet another frilly, overdecorated box from his locker. This one had been doused in some cloying scent that made his head throb. He decided the garbage was too good for this one and reduced it to a puddle of goo with his acid.

Leaving it on the floor as a message to others he headed towards his next class, only to be arrested by the sound of excited squeals. Some girl was carefully picking up the remains of the card attached to her mutilated confections. Waving it like a trophy she shrieked out a victorious cry of “SENPAI NOTICED ME!!!”

Oooh, how he hated this day.

Chapter Text

Kagome was going to kill them both. Ever since they found out she was pregnant both her mate and her best friend had turned into absolute velcro puppies and dogged her every step. Between the two of them, she hadn't had a single moment alone in months.

“Seriously, Sesshoumaru I am fine and I do NOT need you to hold my hand while I walk to Sango's hut.”

“It is my duty as your mate to ensure the safety and well being of you and our pup. I will not abandon you to possible danger.”

It would be sweet if it weren't so suffocating.

“Sesshoumaru, I'm sorry to do this but you've forced my hand.”

As a look of growing horror dawned on his face she pulled out a slingshot and launched a ball as far as possible. “Fetch, boy!”

Chapter Text

Music was something that Sesshoumaru could enjoy, but it had never been a large part of his life. His father had not deemed it a necessary part of his education, and his mother chose not to argue it. He didn't mind it, but that's about as far as it went. Until Kagome.

When the Miko came to reside with him as his mate she began hosting concerts regularly, and as the years passed she brought more and more styles of music to his awareness. Often telling him of the impact various composers would have upon the future both on people and music itself.

Over time he developed some appreciation and preferences for himself, but still music had never fully reached him. He enjoyed it more because his mate did than for its own sake.

And then just around the turn of the 21st century his gentle mate discovered a new wave of hard rock bands that inspired a most welcome new phenomenon. It was now common for him to enter the kitchen and find his sweet little Kagome dancing around the room and banging her head to the harsh chords and drumbeats.

It reminded him of the warrioress she had been in days gone by, and he relished the return of that side of her nature. There was little reason nowadays for her temper to be set ablaze with that beautiful righteous fury she bore. He savored any moment that could evoke such memories.

He loved every facet of his mate, her gentleness was always a balm to his spirit. But seeing her wildness stirred his soul in a completely different way. More often than not, the song would end with him shutting off the stove and pulling her close to whisper “dinner can wait”.

Chapter Text

Of all the things that could have made Kagome wish she were still back in the feudal era, internet videos were not something she would have had on her list. Until the damn husky trend started.

She came home one day to find her mate staring at his phone as the most horrendous cacophony poured out of it. As she approached he lifted his gaze to her, his eye filled with a crazed light.

“Sesshoumaru...you okay?”

“Let me sing you the song of my people.”

Chapter Text

There was unrest and suspicion all through the small border town. Livestock had been turning up dead and drained on farms and ranches all over the county. The M.O. was always the same, two puncture wounds and no other damage anywhere on the carcasses.

“Authorities have thus far been unable to come up with any leads as to the perpetrator of these attacks. Many locals have begun whispering tales of a monster known as the chupacabra, a creature said to-”

The news broadcast was abruptly shut off as a petite woman stormed through the house in search of her mate.

“SESSHOUMARU! What did I say about using the local livestock like a juice box?!”

Chapter Text

The two idiots at the bar were snickering again. He could feel the headache beginning to bloom as they cast surreptitious looks at him before leaning back in to confer with each other. He had no doubt that they would soon come swerving drunkenly into his lane to visit yet another imbecilic “prank” upon him.

Sure enough about five minutes later they collapse into his booth, cackling and grinning like they've just heard the world's best joke. He considers dripping some poison into their beers.

“Hey, puppy breath! We got another surprise for ya!” The wolf plunked a pot up on the table. A willowy plant with bizarre blooms resided in it.

“And what, pray tell, is this new ignominy that you intend to heap upon This One?”

“Oooh, a bleeding heart plant, I love those!” Her soft coo immediately had him stiffening in his seat. Did these idiots time these things so she'd show up at the worst possible moment?! The miko didn't notice his reaction, too busy gushing about the gruesomely named flower in front of him.

“-so beautiful, but the legend behind them is so tragically sad. Have you heard it?”

“No, ‘Gome. Why don't you tell us aaaalll about it?!”

“Oh sure! Many centuries ago a young lord fell in love with a lady from a neighboring land. He adored everything about her and wished to win her heart. He offered her wondrous and heartfelt gifts to express his love and admiration for her. But she rejected every one, and in his pain and sorrow he stabbed himself through the heart with his own sword. The different parts of the blossoms are said to represent the different gifts, and the drop at the bottom of the plant is the wound he gave himself.”

“Damn, what a cold bitch!”

“Oh, I don't know. I always preferred to think that perhaps she just didn't understand. She was from a different culture so perhaps she didn't understand their significance? It's still tragic but at least she's not a villian for it.”

Her gentle words made the two drunkards crack up all over again and she looked at them in confusion. “Why is that so fu-...wait. Did you jerks bring this to make fun of Sesshoumaru again?!”

She turned to him, her eyes burning with righteous indignation, and painful sympathy. “Sess, are you sure you don't want me to help you figure out how to talk to this girl?”

He wished the earth would just swallow him alive.

Chapter Text

Sesshoumaru groaned as consciousness finally returned. While not fully debilitating, this new generation's youki dampeners were not the most pleasant of experiences. He could certainly do without the searing headaches they caused.

Glancing around his cell he was mildly interested to note that they had been considerate enough to leave clean straw for bedding. Not that it would do them much good in the end. The forced removal of his personage from his own lands was not something that would go unpunished. But for now, he could afford to bide his time.

Eventually they came for him, the silly priests posturing and preening as they crowed about their victory over the great Daiyoukai of the West. This was his second favorite part. Masking his amusement behind his normal bland facade, he never failed to irk them as their taunts and barbs garnered no reaction. Their frustration was always so satisfying.

When the amusement wanes he deigns to speak, asking a single question. “What of the Lady of the West?” That one always confuses them. They know his mate is a human, they expect her to be useless. Often they admit as much to his face. What comes next is his favorite part.

A concussive blast rocks the building. Shouts of confusion and outrage are swiftly replaced by fear as they discover that her shout wields far more force. Her vocal reiki had proved to be effective against more than just youkai, forming into a solid wall of energy capable of knocking his own formidable self back a few steps. Against any lesser being it was devastating.

He leaned back against the wall of his cell, at ease as he took in the growing scent of fear from his captors. The shouts had died away, replaced by heavy thuds and the sound of bodies hitting the walls. Drawing ever closer until the door to his cell began to shake with the force of the heavy blows raining upon it.

As the hinges gave way, and the door fell forward into his cell, they were greeted by the sight of a petite raven haired beauty in green hakama and a white kimono. The giant hammer slung over her shoulder sparked and sizzled with her power. She was absolutely intoxicating. He considered it worth the kidnapping if it meant seeing her bathed in her power like this.

The priests in his cell were foolish enough to attempt an attack instead of surrendering to the lone woman who just took out an entire temple of their comrades. A few swings later and she was breaking the reiki barriers in his shackles, laughing at him as she did so. “You really need to stop playing the damsel in distress so much.”

“Why would I do that when being rescued is so very entertaining?”

He absolutely did not yip when she zapped him with her reiki.

Chapter Text

‘A local coffee shop burned down today. Witnesses report seeing a flickering yellow light before the place suddenly went up in a massive conflagration. No injuries have been reported at this time. Authorities are invest-’

Had he been a lesser youkai, he would have fled at the first brush of the crackling, rage filled aura that approached his office. But he was a mighty daiyoukai and he would not be cowed by his mate, even if she was terrifying.

“INSURANCE FRAUD, SESSHOUMARU?! YOU COULD HAVE JUST SOLD THE BUSINESS!”

“That would have required more effort than it was worth. This method was both more efficient and more entertaining.”

“They're investigating the incident Sesshoumaru. Soon they're going to call and question us about it, what are you going to do then?!”

“Nothing. The business was registered in Jaken's name. The problem will not be ours.”

Her aura darkened ominously and Sesshoumaru decided that perhaps he was a lesser youkai after all.

Chapter Text

It was such a beautiful day for a visit to the dog park. The air was cool and comfortable, a gentle breeze was blowing, the sky was full of puffy white clouds. Dogs of all sizes scampered and played together across the park. It was idyllic, it was serene, it was...broken by the sight of a tiny, angry woman dragging a giant white dog to her car.

“I can't believe you!” She shouted from the driver's seat. Stormy blue eyes met unrepentant gold in the rearview mirror as he shifted forms in the darkness of a tunnel.

“The mangy cur had the temerity attempt to mount and subdue This One. My response to the blatant indignity was quite restrained.”

“You shaved him with your claws, in a matter of seconds! How did you expect me to explain that?”

“Why do you think This One sought you to take our leave so quickly?”

“Sesshoumaru! I swear, if you get us banned from one more park I am going to purify your fur so that you have a permanent poodle cut!!”

“You wouldn't dare!”

The crackle of reiki across the steering wheel suggested it might be a better idea not to push the subject.

Chapter Text

He needed to find a new bar to frequent, perhaps one in another country. Just so long as his brother and the mangy wolf couldn't find him and continue this puerile mockery any longer. For weeks now they kept popping up whenever he sought to be alone. Always with some ridiculous flower designed to mock him for not speaking of his feelings to the object thereof.

And of course Kagome was always there to witness it, and renew her offer to assist because the hopeless little romantic just couldn't bear the thought of her friend being lonely. He wanted to be irritated by her, but he just couldn't be. She was too sincere in her offer. Maybe he should just kill the two idiots. That might be the easiest way out of this. He could do it without using his youki or poison, so she'd never know.

Allowing that amusing line of thought to bolster his mood he stepped into the bar and made his way towards his favorite table. Only to stop dead when he realized that not only were the idiots and the miko already there, but this time there was a large pot filled with multiple plants sitting in the center of the table.  He tried to slip away before they saw him but a happy cry of “Sesshoumaru!” and a soft hand reaching out to drag him to their table swiftly put an end to that hope.

With a heavy sigh he accepted the drink she offered and downed it in three swift gulps before addressing the pair of hyenas across from him. “sigh Alright, let's get it over with. What inane jokes have you imbeciles decided to foist upon This One now?”

“It's an aspen sapling, some four o'clocks, and bur-clover.” It was Kagome who spoke, the other two simply trading amused glances. That she knew the plants wasn't surprising, but their lack of boisterous cackling was. He narrowed his eyes, wondering what the catch was, but she continued speaking.

“The aspen represents caution, but sometimes fear. Since four o'clocks represent timidity, the aspen would be fear. The bur-clover is occasionally used to represent blindness, but more specifically a statement that the recipient is blind to what is right in front of them.”

Ah, there was the expected cackling. “Awww, is the poor little puppy too scared to talk?”

“No treats for the puppy til he learns to speak!”

His rough snarl did nothing to quell their mirth. “This One does not give heed to your petty jokes you pair of- ”

“Actually, I brought this one.” She interrupted.

“You, Miko?” His tone incredulous. “This One would have thought such petty antics beneath your dignity.”

“Had I done it just as a prank, then yes, it would be. But that wasn't my intent here.” Her tone was challenging, as was the look in her eyes as she stared him down.

“You consider This One to be a blind coward?” He hissed.

“As it stands, yes. How long have you been pining for this woman without saying anything? How many years of happiness at her side has that cost you? Even if she had said no that would have freed you to let her go and find someone who would actually appreciate and care for you the way you deserve.”

A subtle shift in the confidence of her speech, a softening into wistfullness there at the end flipped a switch in his mind. Kagome suddenly found her feet dangling a foot off the ground, as a very insistent daiyoukai swooped her up and cut off her air supply in the most pleasant way possible.

When she finally broke away to breathe he leaned in and whispered, “and now, Kagome? Do you still think me a coward?”

Her face dimpled into a mischievous smirk as she said “Mmmm, I don't know. You still haven't actually confessed anything.”

He immediately charged for the door, the miko slung over one shoulder, cackling more than the other two combined.

He supposed he wouldn't kill either of them tonight after all.

“Ha, I told you so! You owe me five bucks, Kouga!”

But, he wouldn't take the option completely off the table either.

Chapter Text

It had been a long and difficult journey. They had faced many battles together, struggled and worried and fought side by side, never knowing if they would survive the day. But at long last it was over and they could finally be together.

Taking his precious miko into his arms, he looked deep into her loving eyes and told her, “Kagome, I have a confession to make.”

“You do?” She whispered. Would he finally say it? Would he finally tell her those sweet words she had been longing to hear?! “What is it?” She was already leaning in for the expected kiss.

“I am not really a demon.”

RECORD SCRATCH

“Wh-what?!”

“I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I couldn't risk Naraku using the knowledge against us. The truth is-” His beautiful, ethereal face split in half pulling away to reveal the interior of a robotic chassis being piloted by a tiny creature with furred tentacles. “-I'm an alien.”

Kagome's terrified scream morphed into the shrill tones of his alarm clock as he shot up out of his nightmare. Shaking himself to clear away the cobwebs of the dream, Sesshoumaru decided that extra spicy tacos after midnight were probably not a good idea.

Chapter Text

Sesshoumaru was staring at the small pile of tiny items in loud, colorful wrappings that had spilled from the giant yellow bag. The smell was, unusual, but not unpleasant. It did nothing to explain the nature of the items however.

“Miko, what are these?”

“Oh, those are chocolates. They're a sweet candy that originated overseas.”

“And what is...’fun size’?”

“The candies come in different sizes. Fun size is just what they call the little ones because it sounds more appealing than saying something like ‘small candy’.”

“So a thing that is small and tastes sweet is considered to be fun sized?”

“Mm, sure. That works I suppose.”

“Does that mean then, that you would be considered fun sized, little Miko?”

As she watched the predatory smirk lift the corner of his lips, Kagome tried very hard to remember that running from a predator is a very bad idea.

Chapter Text

“Mate?”

“Yes, love?”

“Would you still love me if I were a worm?”

Kagome's eye twitched. She really needed to find a way to keep Sesshoumaru off of the internet. But, if he wanted to play stupid games, then fine.

“What kind of worm, darling?”

“What does that matter?”

“Well, it depends. If you were a parasitic worm then obviously not. But if you were an earthworm I would love to put you in the garden for the sake of the soil, or perhaps given your nature you'd be an especially large specimen and you'd make fantastic fishing bait.”

Her mate's derisive snort was her only answer and she smiled to herself as she mentally added a notch to her side of the scorecard.

The next morning when Kagome awoke, she reached across the bed seeking her mate's missing warmth, only to find something fat, slimy, and wriggling under her fingers.

“DAMMIT, SESSHOUMARU!!!”

Chapter Text

“Mate, This One requires your assistance immediately.”

Glancing up from her desk Kagome rolls her eyes at the pup standing in the doorway.

“Very funny Satoshi, go put your father's sword and pelt away before he sees you dragging it around the house.”

“This One is not our son, nor is this a joke. This One encountered a dark miko whilst on patrol and is in need of-”

“Young man, I will not tell you again. And you do not want to still be dressed up like that when your father returns.”

“Wench, listen to me!”

“Excuse you?” Rising from her seat she began to storm her way across the room as only an angry mother could, only to be halted mid stride when she finally registered his youki signature.

“Se-Sesshoumaru?! What?”

“Finally, as This One was saying-”

“Is this what you looked like as a child?”

“Yes, but that is hardly-”

“SQUUUEEEEE!!! OH MY GOSH YOU WERE THE CUTEST LITTLE PUPPY, EVER!!!!”

“Mate, control yourself.”

“I just want to squish your little chibi cheeks!”

“This is serious, woman!”

“gasp I should tell your mother about this!”

The tiny demon lord paled. “You wouldn't dare!”

Chapter Text

“Sesshoumaru, what was all the commotion outside?”

“A number of the delinquents who dwell in the area were causing a ruckus outside. I have sent them on their way.”

“Is that your way of saying the neighborhood kids were playing and you shouted ‘get off my lawn!’ at them like a grumpy old man?”

“Hmph, This One is neither grumpy, nor old.”

“Says the 1,000 year old daiyoukai who is pissy about a 10 year old possibly getting near his prize azaleas. I'll be sure and make something soft for dinner so it won't hurt your aging teeth to chew it.”

She suddenly found herself being thrown over her mate's shoulder and carried off to their bedroom.

“This One will show you the difference between being aged and being experienced.”

“Now do be careful darling, I wouldn't want you to hurt your back trying to prove you've still got it.”

A deep growl was her only warning before he threw her on the bed and pounced.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Kagome was miserable. High summer, in the feudal era, with absolutely no modern conveniences like air conditioning, was the worst possible time to be heavily pregnant...with twins. The sweltering heat was enough to leave her tossing and turning all night long, or at least it would be if her belly hadn't been too swollen to move.

She was grateful that her mate didn't need sleep like she did, it kept her from feeling too guilty for complaining as often as she did. Such as now; “Pregnant women ought to be granted the ability to levitate. Gravity is too cruel in this state!”

A low chuckle sounded in the darkness next to her, causing her face to twist in hormonal ire. “Sure, laugh it up you mutt. You're not the one who hasn't seen your toes in two months and can sleep on your stomach whenever you want! I don't even like sleeping on my stomach but it's all I want to do now?!”

“Forgive me, Koi. I wasn't intending to mock you. I was just amused that you seem to have forgotten that your devoted mate is a very powerful daiyoukai.”

“And what has that got to do with-” Her words were interrupted by sudden swelling of youki that wrapped around her and lifted her off the bed, turning and cradling her body to ease the pressure of her growing belly.

He lifted them both out into the garden, rising high enough that the night breezes could fan her heated skin. She melted against him, sighing with relief. “This is heavenly, Sesshoumaru.” Her voice already fogging with sleep.

Gentle claws combed through her hair, eyes soft and pleased at the sight of her comfort. “Rest now, Koi. We can stay here as long as you need.”

Chapter Text

The predator moved with his usual grace, silently padding along the hallways, seeking his prey. The poor unsuspecting female stood with her back turned to him, oblivious to the looming threat. With quiet glee he lifted his phone and began filming his conquest.

“11 million hits and counting.”

“....Sesshoumaru, what are you doing?”

“It sounds like a dog toy.”

“Excuse you, sir?”

“But actually this, is the sonorous war cry-”

“Don't you dare say it!”

“Of a very angry frog.”

“Oooh that is it! I am canceling the internet, AND inviting your mother to stay for a month!!!”

“Ferocious.”

Chapter Text

The fat old cat sat on the decayed wooden steps, lazily yawning and licking his paws. It spent a portion of every morning here, always waiting until the girl had left for school before emerging and going about its feline business. It was the same routine every day, and Buyo was bored. But duty was duty, so he sat in dark and washed his paws and waited. Every single day.

The cat stretched, and yawned and slowly made his way out to the well house as usual. Something felt different today, there was a strange charge in the air and it set his fur on end. Instead of the usual paw washing routine the cat prowled restlessly around the well house, unable to sit still, anxiously listening for the usual sound of the girl's cheerful farewell so he could escape back into the sunshine.

Instead the girl followed her brother's call and came down the steps seeking him. It was time. Buyo jumped in front of her, startling her so she'd jump closer to the well. And as the light burst forth and phantom hands reached out to drag her down, he leapt away, watching to be sure it all happened as it should.

As the boy ran away calling for his elders the cat ran to the edge of the property and into the trees that bordered the place. Shaking off the glamour of an old, fat housecat, a sturdy little twin tailed nekomata took off through the trees until it came to a small house on the opposite edge of the woods.

Hopping up on the windowsill, Buyo mewed a greeting to the green eyed young man within. “So it's finally happened, has it? Well done, Buyo. Kirara would be proud."

Chapter Text

“KA-GO-MEEEE !!”

“Stop yelling Inuyasha, I'm right here! What do you want?!”

“Get yer damn cat offa me!!” Red sleeves flailed wildly, a fat feline clinging to one via teeth and claw. The hanyou grabbed the cat's hind legs and tried to yank it away. “Leggo you stupid cat!!!”

“INUYASHA! Leave Buyo alone!”

“Leave him alone? He's the one who came after me! Tell him to leave me alone!”

Buyo suddenly sprang free as a piece of fire rat fur tore off in his teeth. Dropping to the floor the cat eyed the inu-hanyou with clear disdain before sauntering out of the house, prize in maw.

“Honestly Inuyasha, do you ALWAYS have to antagonize my cat?”

“Keh, whatever. Hurry up, we gotta get back.”

Waiting until the flare of magic in the well died down, Buyo sauntered out into the treeline, scampering along until he came to a pair of booted feet. Dropping his prize he was rewarded with a dried fish as a smooth baritone voice praised his efforts. “Good kitty.”

Chapter Text

Sesshoumaru sighed in satisfaction as he removed his shoes, and his glamour in the entryway of his home. It had been a long day and he just wanted to relax by ordering Chinese take out and going to bed.

Going in search of his mate he poked his head into her office first. No sign of her, but her browser window was open to a baby website, multiple tabs displaying multiple car seats and their stats and safety ratings. Had his mate been keeping secrets?!

Sesshoumaru had just wanted to relax, and go to sleep early, but after this he certainly wouldn't mind celebrating all night instead. Following his nose he found Kagome out on the back porch taking in the view. Slipping up behind her, he wrapped her in a loving embrace, nuzzling and kissing her throat. “I have missed you, Koi.”

“Mmmm, I missed you too darling. I'm glad you're home. I need your input on something.”

“Would it have anything to do with what is on your computer, perchance?”

“Oh you already saw, perfect! I wanted to get your opinion on which one you think he would prefer.”

“He would prefer?”

“Yes, love. I want to get one he'll like the look of and enjoy riding in.”

Now he was confused. “Infants do not have preferences such as that.”

“Oh, don't be mean! I know Jaken can be a pain but he isn't that bad.”

“...Jaken...”

“Yes! He finally had a growth spurt and he needs a bigger car seat. He's very excited about it so make sure you mention it when you see him, okay. It's a really big deal for him.”

“....If you will excuse me, mate I am going to go hunting. I feel the need to kill something right about now.”

Chapter Text

It had been a very long week. If he didn't know better Sesshoumaru would swear his beloved mate was going insane. For days now everything he said or did was wrong, and left him with a wife who was either enraged or heartbroken by his words and deeds. Every attempt to decipher the problem was met by even more confusing reactions, with her either blowing it off and swearing she was fine or being mad at him for hovering. He was almost tempted to stay at his office overnight but he knew for a fact that she would hunt him down and it would all be so much worse if he did.

Stepping inside he wrinkled his nose as the mingled scents of frustration, confusion, anger, and sadness hit him all at once. Enough was enough, he was going to find out what was going on once and for all. Following the trail of bitter scents he tracked her to the spare bedroom that they never used. She was standing in the middle of the floor, biting her nail and glaring at the perfectly suitable forest green wall. If looks could kill that wall would be rubble right now.

“Mate? What is wrong?”

She jumped a little at the sound of his voice before letting out a frustrated wail. “Everything! Everything is wrong Sesshoumaru! What on earth were we thinking. This room is terrible and we'll have to completely redo it. Who could live in this?!”

“It is a perfectly adequate room, Kagome.”

“Adequate isn't good enough!”

“What has brought this on? You have always liked this room, you chose the decor yourself.”

And that was the wrong thing to say. Everything bled out of her scent except pure, unadulterated sadness as her face crumpled into tears. “I knew you wouldn't understand! You just don't get it, it's all wrong!!!”

She was sobbing into his chest now and despite his frustration and bewilderment his instincts immediately pushed him to comfort her. Holding her close he rumbled a soft soothing growl low in his chest, and trailed gentle kisses over her head and down her cheeks.

But when he reached her throat something else suddenly leapt out at him. A very soft, very subtle shift in her scent that had him freezing in shock for a moment before dropping to his knees and burying his nose in her belly.

“Sesshoumaru! What are you doing???”

Glowing golden eyes raised to meet tear-filled blue and she gasped at the sight of his full, joyous smile before he drew her down to him. Wrapping her in a tender embrace and kissing her slow and soft, pouring all of his love into it. “You have given me the most amazing gift, my precious Mate.”

Confusion flickered in her gaze briefly before her eyes lit up with realization, one hand pressing to her abdomen. “You, you mean?”

“You are carrying our child, my love.”

Her happy laughter suddenly shifted back to tears as she wailed out “I told you this room was all wrong! We can't put a baby in here!”

“Shh, it's alright Mate. I promise that anything our little one needs will be provided. Come now, you should rest. What would you like to eat?”

She was immediately grumbling about being babied herself and he suppressed a chuckle. The next several months were going to be a crazy ride, but now that he knew why he was prepared to weather the storm. He just hoped they could both survive her reaction to his protective instincts.

Chapter Text

“Here Hojo, take these to the truck please!” Kagome passed over another plastic tub filled with water balloons. They were at the Alpha Sigma frat house prepping for the campus wide pledge balloon battle. Kagome was going to be taking part with her sorority Delta Nu, but Hojo had called begging for her to come help when several of his pledges had come down sick.

As she was headed back to the door with yet more balloons she heard a derisive snort from the common room. “Got something to say there, Sesshoumaru?” she asked the sardonic sophomore.

“I simply find the lengths that pledges will go to in order to be accepted to be ludicrously absurd.”

“Not all of us can be legacies who get in on their daddy's name, Sesshou.”

“I have repeatedly said not to call me that.”

“You have also repeatedly refused to stop being pompous and arrogant. I'll stop when you stop.”

“I would hardly call behaving with dignity and self-respect ‘pompous’ Ms. Higurashi.”

“There it is again. Keep it up and you're getting a balloon to the face Mr. Hoity-Toit.”

“You would not da-”

His words were drowned out by a very well aimed balloon smacking him right in the face. Kagome's victory dance was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a sodden male in her personal space.

“While I can admit that I respect a person who follows through on what they say.” His voice softly menacing as he spoke. “Rest assured that I will not forget this, Ms. Higurashi.”

As he disappeared down the hall, Kagome wondered if it was too late to transfer to another school.

Chapter Text

Kagome thought the portable DVD player would be a great idea. She'd download a collection of shows both educational and entertaining, bring a solar powered charger so she could keep using it til it finally wore out, eventually she'd put it in a box and store it until she could toss it out in the future where it wouldn't mess with any archeological discoveries. Yep, great idea.

Until Sesshoumaru discovered anime. Specifically, Sailor Moon.

“Sesshoumaru!!! There are youkai attacking. WE DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR A TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE!!!”

“On the contrary, dear Mate. There is always time to present oneself with style and prestige.”

“Spinning in circles whilst throwing youki glitter, before shifting into dog form and striking a pose is NOT prestigious!!!”

“It is Moon Prism Power. Would you deny me my birthright?"

If she didn't love him so much she'd purify him right here and now. As it was, she swore she was going to bash that machine to bits as soon as they got home. Thank goodness he hadn't discovered Jo-Jo's Bizarre Adventure yet.

Chapter Text

“Sesshoumaru?”

“Yes, Koi?”

“Would you mind explaining why my computer's search history is full of terms like ‘Mafia infrastructure’ and ‘yakuza guidelines’, and our streaming feeds are nothing but The Godfather, Goodfellas, and organized crime documentaries?”

She had The Look. The one that meant he had better tread very carefully. But, he was always a man who considered his words before speaking, he could afford a moment for caution, to choose his words with precision. This is what he trained for, he could handle this.

“It was, research.”

“And why, pray tell would you need to research organized crime?”

“You seemed displeased that I sought to pin the blame for the coffee shop on Jaken, so I chose to take steps to rectify the matter.” That should do it, his little mate had always valued compassion and mercy. She would be pleased.

“You are attempting to cover insurance fraud by starting an organized crime ring?”

She did not sound pleased.

“It... seemed the most efficient method?”

She raised one eyebrow. This was very bad.

“I do not share my bed with crime bosses. So you either knock this shit off right now, or you and Jaken will be bunking with Inuyasha for the next century.”

A demon of his caliber could withstand any storm. He would not be swayed “Mate, I will not-”

“AND I will be inviting your mother for an extended stay.”

“ever do anything that would bring you such discontent. I will handle the situation by other means.”

With one last glare she turned and walked away, calling out over he shoulder, “I already invited Kimi for dinner tonight, by the way.”

...Maybe some time with his brother wouldn't be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

“What's a cute little thing like you doing all by herself on such a beautiful day?”

“Oh, I'm not alone, I have this big guy to keep me company!” The young woman patted the dog beside her, scratching his ears as he leaned possessively against her, glaring up at the human male.

“Sure, dogs are nice.” The man leaned in even closer. “But wouldn't you rather spend some time with a guy who knows how to make a girl feel good?”

The dog lunged for the man, snarling and snapping as the petite woman hauled on his leash, trying to restrain the massive animal.

“I'm so sorry! He's a rescue, I'm still trying to socialize him!”

“Jeez lady, that thing’s a monster!” The man snorted in disgust as he quickly made an exit.

As soon as he was out of sight the dog looked at the woman and snorted.

“Don't give me that, claiming you're a rescue makes it much easier to get away with you trying to eat any guy who hits on me.”

He leaned over and licked her, getting half her face in one swipe.

“Auugh! Dammit Sesshoumaru! What have I said about scent marking me in dog mode?!”

Chapter Text

Rain fell soft and steady. A gentle pattering that cooled the oppressive summer heat as it quenched the thirsty fields. A young woman sat against an old well, watching the drops fall as she lazily waved a small wand through the air.

“Strange to see a Miko blowing bubbles in the rain.”

“Perhaps. No stranger than seeing a daiyoukai with an umbrella though.”

He glanced at the contraption above his head briefly, uttering a “hnn” that sounded almost like agreement before he sat, sheltering her beside him. They quietly watched as the iridescent bubbles floated away, only to burst when they met with a falling drop. After long quiet minutes he spoke again.

“Why create the bubbles if they are only going to perish in moments when they meet the rain? Is it not a waste for them to last so short a time?”

She smiled softly. “I don't think so. Bubbles aren't meant to last anyway. And just because something won't last forever, that doesn't mean it isn't still beautiful.”

Her eyes stayed on the bubbles as they floated softly across the field, and never noticed his gaze settle on her for a long moment before he said. “That is true.”

Chapter Text

He had spent centuries honing his skills. Tested his mettle against the fiercest warriors, matched wits against the greatest strategists, pitted his body against the strongest opponents. He was the pinnacle of strength, power, and intelligence. No mortal being could stand against him and hope to win.

He might have pitied them, but they had brought this fate upon themselves and deserved no grace from him. Raising Bakusaiga he engaged the enemy with an echoing roar.

Kagome stood in the doorway and looked over her formerly pristine backyard, now littered with blood, feathers, and the disheveled form of her mate. Her lips pressed into a thin line of displeasure. Looking down at her battered and bruised daiyoukai she gently lifted his chin to stare deeply into his eyes and tell him “As soon as the bleeding stops you're cleaning up every bit of this mess. And I expect it to be done before our guests arrive.”

He jerked away and attempted a menacing snarl, but she thumped his nose and said, “I told you not to harass the geese while they were nesting. You brought this upon yourself.”

She turned her back and stormed inside, the click of the lock letting him know exactly how she felt about his antics. He considered giving chase, but the flash of a black and white head and flapping brown wings made him think that perhaps it would be prudent to continue playing dead just a bit longer.

Chapter Text

The midwife placed the tiny, squirming bundle in his hands and for the first time in his life, Sesshoumaru became unsure. The babe was so small, he could easily cradle it in one hand. It weighed nothing, he was afraid to move lest he accidentally fling his child across the room. He sat frozen, paralyzed by the enormity of the smallest creature he had ever beheld.

His mate lay nearby, teetering between exhaustion and awe as she watched him cradle their firstborn child. “You won't break him, my love. I promise.” She said with a smile in her voice. “Go ahead, look at him. You'll both be fine.”

He stared down at the baby's scrunched up face, the tiniest little nose that twitched in his sleep, the smallest little mouth that still suckled in his dreams. Everything about him was so minute and delicate. With ginger, tentative claws he unwrapped the cloth to uncover his son's head, revealing tiny fuzzy ears in a thatch of curly black hair, and a tiny little crescent just visible underneath messy waves. Little hands, still clawless, stretched and waved, before wrapping around one large finger. Tiny golden eyes blinked open, and stared, trying to take in this new world.

Sesshoumaru's breath stilled in his lungs when his son looked up at him, gold meeting gold for the first time. He thought he had learned what love was when he found his mate, but this, this was something else altogether. Something he couldn't have ever fathomed until it was here in his arms. A life so massive in import and meaning, yet so tiny and helpless. Looking to him for care and support and....

“I understand.” He murmured.

“What was that, my love?” Her voice was drowsy, already more than halfway asleep.

“I understand...why my father was so willing to race to his own death, in order to protect my brother.” The baby started to fuss and he pulled his son close to his chest, crooning an ancient lullaby he didn't even realize he remembered until that moment. It soothed the little one almost instantly and he stared down with a sense of wonder incomparable to anything he'd ever felt before.

Leaning over to his sleeping mate, he kissed her cheek tenderly before whispering “Thank you. For giving me something to protect.”

Chapter Text

“Sometimes I find it hard to kiss you.” He said, warm lips roaming across soft skin. “Because I can't stop smiling.”

A smile of her own bloomed across her face as she paused to murmur, “I don't mind it.” She kissed along his cheekbone before continuing, “I like feeling your smiles against my skin, knowing that no one else will ever get to experience this.”

He claimed a full, deep kiss from her. Slow, languid, ending in a smile that kissed its way up to whisper in her ear. “Only you, Koi. My beloved.”

Chapter Text

"Sesshoumaru, when I said I needed a spa day this was not what I had in mind!”

“Nonsense my mate. This is the finest spa in Tokyo, they will be able to provide any service you desire."

“Sesshoumaru, this is a DOG salon!”

“And they have always provided This Sesshoumaru with the highest quality service and care. This One's coat has never been glossier.”

“Which is fabulous, except for one small detail.”

“Which is?”

”I'm not a dog!”

“.....Ah...yes. Just don't request the poodle trim and you'll be fine.”

Chapter Text

He had changed schools, but it hadn't helped. The first day he set foot on campus every female gaze had locked onto him, expressions running the gamut from hungry to downright avaricious. And not a single damn one of them ever even tried to actually talk to him.

It was always questions. Questions about his favorite color, or food, or his coffee order. Always obvious, clumsy attempts to find a way to curry favor, never actual interest in his person, just his face, just the “mystique of his demonhood” as one particularly sickening female had put it. She had no idea how lucky she was that his father had forced him to ingrain self-control into the fiber of his being. As it was, she still wondered about the random ‘chemical spill’ in science class that had reduced her school books to goo.

And now it was Valentine's Day, again. For the first time in his life he considered feigning illness, or just outright skipping class for the day, but the temporary relief wouldn't be worth the retribution from his father. Steeling himself he went out to face the worst day of the year.

True to form his morning was full of special chocolates that came in overdone packaging doused in perfumes, or coated in the scent of the gifter's desire. He had resorted to breathing through his mouth to try and stifle the smells as much as possible.

Then came lunch, and he tried to hide himself away but even in the furthest corner of the campus, hidden behind an old gnarled tree, one of them found him. He felt her approach and he couldn't hold back the small growl that escaped. A smirk graced his lips when he heard her steps pause, but then she kept moving. Did none of these females have any sense?! He refused to look up, refused to acknowledge her at all.

The girl set a small box on top of his bento, then simply left without a word. No lingering, no giggling, no simpering. As if that wasn't surprising enough, her gift was plain. A small brown box, unwrapped, undecorated, the only scent on it the girl's own. He had grabbed it up intending to destroy it when he realized that the clean, bright aura surrounding it was quelling the other scents around him, the cloying remnants of all the many perfumes that clung to him were gone.

Intrigued, he opened the box and found a small charm inside. It was a cheap gift shop trinket, a replica of some supposedly legendary gem. Nothing special at all, but the note that came with it, that was something unusual.

’I noticed that the absolute miasma of perfumes floating around the school today was bothering you. The blessing on this charm should counteract that. Hope it helps.’

He stared in disbelief for a moment. There was no name, not even an initial, and her own scent was muted too. Nothing to give a clue as to who she was. Just a gift that was thoughtful, that showed consideration. Was it possible that there was someone at this school that actually saw him as a person?

He needed to find out who she was. Her attempts to remain anonymous only cemented his decision on that score. She was the only female to treat him like he had a soul in years. He wasn't about to let that go.

Hastily repacking his school bag he attached the charm to the side where it was visible to all. He knew the female student body would explode when they saw it, he was looking for the one who wouldn't.

The one who noticed, Him.

Chapter Text

Sesshoumaru had made many advances in softening his personality in the centuries since he mated his vivacious miko. He had attempted, achieved, and accepted many things that would once have merited nothing more than a flick of his acid whip to remove the annoyance to his person. He was, overall, quite proud of himself in that regard and considered himself rather open minded considering the centuries of programming his upbringing had instilled.

Yet, today, he could not hold back the trademark sneer that had once been his default reaction to...almost everything.

“Mate!” He barely tempered the snarl in his tone as he called out to her.

“Yes, my love?” She popped into the doorway, a bright smile on her sweet face.

“Explain.”

“You said you wanted to be the ‘Lord of The West’ for Halloween this year.”

Holding up the bright red pearl snap shirt, furred chaps and ten gallon cowboy hat, he snarled “This was not what I meant!”

His mate had the audacity to laugh.

Chapter Text

Kagome was positively giddy. Sesshoumaru had agreed to take her flying for the first time, but had been called away to deal with matters at the Shiro before they could arrange a time to do it. He'd been away for a month and the anticipation had been building non-stop. Finally he had returned and promised to take her that evening after his visit with Rin.

She spent the day in a state of excited nerves, fussing over every possible detail because she wanted to look her best. Her hair nearly revolted after the tenth time she restyled it, and her outfit was only spared a similar fate because village mikos were not known for their extensive wardrobes.

He finally came for her just as the sun began to set. She nearly swooned at the thought of how romantic it would be to float through the skies with him as the air was painted in the myriad hues of the fading day.

Her heart fluttered in her chest as she took his hand and felt his youki begin to pool beneath their feet. Tucked against him, he held an arm around her waist for stability as they rose into the air. The breeze blew past, the trees rustled below like a fluffy, verdant carpet. It was just the two of them alone in the world as he flew them higher and faster over the terrain. It was wondrous. It was magnificent. It was....nauseating.

She managed to block out most of the embarrassment by focusing on how grateful she was that the youki cloud was big enough to support her while she was keeled over losing her last meal. That is until she heard a sardonic voice behind her quip “Had I known you were a projectile weapon yourself, I would have viewed you as a worthy ally much sooner, Miko.”

Chapter Text

“What are you watching, Koi?” His mate was cocconed on the sofa in a pile of blankets with a small mountain of popcorn, and a soda cup the size of a young child.

“It's a John Wick marathon!’

“A what?”

“It's where they play all the movies in a series back-to-back. These are about a retired assassin who gets back into the business to take revenge on the guys who killed his dog and stole his car. He's basically the world's least killable assassin.”

“This Wick male believes himself the best? ”

“Well yeah, you should see his kill count. Come watch with me!”

“Thank you, Koi. Unfortunately I have some business I must attend to.” Pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head he slipped out of the room.

A few days later .

“-amous actor Keanu Reeves reported missing. Authorities currently have no leads as all eyewitness reports simply claim that a bright light was seen entering his domicile momentarily before launching back up into the sky.

“The internet is teeming with speculations ranging from government conspiracy, to alien abduction, and even the rapture, citing that Reeves is the only human pure enough to be taken. If anyone has any credible tips please cont-”

The TV was shut off with a decisive click before a petite woman very calmly, very purposefully walked down the hallway to her Mate's private study. Entering without knocking, she spoke in a dangerously sweet voice. “Sesshoumaru, my love? Would you happen to know anything about the news report I just saw regarding Keanu Reeves’ disappearance?”

“Ah, yes.” He looked....chagrined? Since when did he even know that emotion? “ Ahem This One did in fact journey to Reeves-Sama's home with the intent of proving himself the worthier assassin. Imagine This One's surprise to learn that he is in fact, not an assassin at all, but rather a performer.”

“You don't say?”

“Indeed. In fact he has helped This One immensely with advice on coming to terms with This One's self-perception. It turns out that he is actually a genuinely nice human. And also adept at the art of bonsai care.”

Following her mate's glance she turned her head to see that she had completely missed the presence of a very quiet, gentle man on the other side of the room. He looked up from trimming a bonsai long enough to give her a gentle smile and a wave before going back to his work.

“You still haven't returned him home?!”

“This One may need to seek further advice of his wisdom.”

Kagome felt a vein in her forehead start to pulse.

Chapter Text

“Cheersh!” Slurred the inebriated hanyou. “Here's to anuthrr yrr a ya still havin’ that fossilized stick up yer- hiccup!”

Sesshoumaru was wondering yet again why his precious mate was so insistent upon him spending ‘quality time’ with his annoying half-brother. 

‘Appy birthday Ol’ man!” 

“This One is not as you say, old.”

“Pssshh, When you were born the Dead Sea was still jus sick!”

Maybe he could convince Kagome that the whelp had wandered out of the bar and into traffic while he was busy paying the tab. 

Chapter Text

The packs had joined up six months ago and the daiyoukai was starting to doubt his abilities for the first time in his life. He had accepted the alliance with his half-brother for one reason, and one reason only: to win the favor of the strange little Miko. And yet, despite the Miko's open and accepting nature, Sesshoumaru still found himself at a loss when it came to catching her interest. 

Hunting for her and protecting her during battles hadn't worked. Everyone in her group took turns with providing and protecting each other. She had viewed him doing the same as a sign of accepting his half-brother's pack. Not a complete loss, as the notion had clearly pleased her, but not at all a success either. 

He had tried a show of wealth, but the young woman simply took the gold he offered her and used it to purchase supplies for the pack. He gifted her silk and she made new clothes for the children. Any combs, kanzashi, or jewelry given were assumed to be meant for Rin and merely handed over for safe keeping. 

He trained shirtless whenever the packs stopped to rest, hoping his flawless skills and perfect physique might entice her. She simply chattered about the summer heat and how she didn't blame him for shedding the heavy silks while he practiced and wished she could get away with less clothing as well. His invitation to do just that was laughed off as a joke. 

Her innocent humility was as maddening as it was enticing and if it weren't for the way she sometimes blushed and smiled at him when she thought he wasn't looking he might have given her up as a lost cause. He felt like a blind man stumbling around for a light in the dark, until finally the kit granted him a vital piece of intel that gave him a way to breach the Miko's emotional defenses. 

“Hey Rin, could you show me how to make a flower crown? I wanna make one for Mama!”

“Are you still trying to cheer Lady Kagome up?”

“Yeah, she says she's not in love with Inuyasha anymore but I can tell it still makes her sad when he runs off. I'm trying to give her warm fuzzies.”

“Give her what?”

“Warm fuzzies. I heard her telling Sango it was her favorite feeling and she gets it when people do nice things just to be nice. She used to always complain that Inuyasha never would even though it didn't have to be something big. So I'm gonna show her she doesn't need him to have warm fuzzies.”

Sesshoumaru tuned the children back out after that. The kit's intentions to care for his adoptive mother were admirable but if the Miko wished for attention from a potential lover then perhaps his actions might be more likely to succeed in giving her what she wanted. The miko desired to feel warmth and “fuzzy”, and that was something he was sure he could accomplish. 

Kagome was sitting just close enough to the campfire to be able to turn the meat that they were cooking for dinner. It was the hottest part of the summer and she didn't want to get any warmer than she had to. 

Suddenly she found herself enveloped in an avalanche of thick, rich fur. It was the softest, most luxurious thing she had ever felt. It was also the hottest. 

Peeking out from under the fluffy oven she spotted Sesshoumaru sitting close by, looking at her with an almost expectant look on his face. 

“S-Sesh? What's going on?”

“This One heard that you enjoyed the feeling of being warm and fuzzy. Mokomoko is singularly suited for such purposes.”

“Warm and fu-” Then it clicked and her confusion melted into a bright smile. She swore she saw him perk up when she did. 

“That is so sweet of you, thank you so much for thinking of me like that.” 

“You are welcome...Kagome.” 

With another sweet smile she let the fur slip from her shoulders as she scooted closer to the suddenly pensive Inu. As she leaned her head against his shoulder he asked, “Do you not wish to be warm and fuzzy?” 

“Mmm, don't worry, this does the trick.” She could explain what the warm fuzzies really were later. Right now, as his arm tentatively wrapped around her shoulders, she was too busy simply enjoying them.

Chapter Text

The art of coffee was as precise and starkly beautiful as the art of the sword. Sesshoumaru took pride in his method, and the preparation of the morning coffee was almost a meditation in its own right. The precision of the ratios of water, beans, heat, and time. The pungent aroma that was the herald of success. He savored the act of making the perfect cup of coffee each morning.

If only his eternally immature sibling would stop sniggering like an imbecile over some amusement known only to his puerile brain.

“Is there a reason, Inuyasha, that you find it necessary to interrupt my morning routine with your inane giggling?”

“Noooo, not at all. Just...in a good mood, that's all.”

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed but before he could say anything more a Miko in the form of a heavily sleep deprived hot mess stumbled into the kitchen and half collapsed into a chair.

“Long night, Koi?”

“Praypers.” Came the mumbled reply.

“Come again?”

“Praypers. Hadda write sooo many praypers for the fes'val this af’noon.” The hand waving a disheveled stack of ofudas and sutras provided more info than the slurred response.

“Ah, I see. Here, your coffee is ready for you my industrious mate.”

“Wh-hold on!” Inuyasha's stuttered exclamation came too late as Kagome took the mug and downed it in several large gulps. The last one causing a gagging fit.

“Sesshoumaru, what was in that?!”

“That, dear mate, is a question I believe the hanyou is best fit to answer.”

The hanyou in question was suddenly pinned by laser blue eyes filled with stirring wrath. “Inuyashaaaa. What. Did. You. Do?”

“I...I didn't know that was your coffee! I swear!”

“What did you put in my coffee, Inuyasha?”

“.....fish roe.”

“WHAT?!”

“I thought it was Sesshoumaru's! I really did!”

“It has been centuries and you are still not aware that I always serve my mate first?”

“You're not helping!”

“I didn't realize you expected me to.”

“Aww come on. You still got your coffee, ‘Gome!”

“Inuuuyaaashaaa.” The sing-song tone sent a thrill of fear along his nerves. He looked back at his irate friend in time to see her picking up a binding sutra. “Unlike my grandfather, my sutras actually work.”

“I would run if I were you, little brother."

Five minutes later his mate returned and fixed him a glare. “Now. Do you want to tell me just how he slipped fish roe into my mug without you noticing, Dearest Mate?”

Chapter Text

Kagome crashed through her front door, dropped the grocery bags on the kitchen counter, and haphazardly shoved the cold goods into the fridge leaving the rest strewn on the counter to deal with later.

She stumbled into the living room and collapsed on the couch, only then realizing she'd forgotten to remove her shoes when she came in. The normally small issue was the straw that broke the camel's back and the overly stressed woman threw her head back to sob out her frustration.

Her cries were cut off by the press of warm lips against her own, while gentle hands removed the too tight shoes from her feet, undid the choking top button of her blouse, and released the many pins holding the heavy mass of her hair in place. All without breaking the kiss that was swiftly melting the tension away.

When he finally pulled back her eyes still sparkled with unshed tears, but the tightness has gone from her expression, and the set of her shoulders had eased. “I thought you were working late tonight?”

He shrugged “I was needed here far more urgently.”

She wrapped her arms around him with a sigh. “How do you always know?”

“It is my job to know what you need. How else am I to ensure those needs are met?” He smiled as she melted even further into his embrace. “Now, there is a bubble bath waiting upstairs and dinner will be waiting when you come back down.” With another soft kiss he lifted her off the sofa and carried her towards the steps.

Laying her head on his shoulder she whispered, “I love you, Sesshoumaru.”

“And I you, my Kagome.”

Chapter Text

The girl lay on her bed. Ears covered by a pair of giant headphones that filled her mind with chords and melodies made of yearning and regret. She was trapped. The dead well mocked her every time she left her house. A constant reminder of everything that had been stolen from her. The chance she had lost because she was too scared to risk her heart. 

After the fiasco that had been her infatuation with Inuyasha she had decided to be smart. To be cautious. To never again mistake the adrenaline rush of being saved from imminent death as a deeper connection. She would be mature, and wary, and never give her heart away again. Not unless she was absolutely sure she had his.

That surety finally came the day he followed her into the meido. The day he stood by her side and trusted her to know what the right wish would be. The day he tried to offer her everything. Only for the two of them to be torn apart and thrown to the opposite ends of time. 

It had been a year. A year since she had stormed out of the well house and all across the shrine grounds looking for him. Believing that he would be there, waiting. He was honorable to a fault. He wouldn't have abandoned her simply because the well took her from him. 

But he wasn't there. He never came no matter how many days she waited. For a time she chose to believe this meant that she would eventually find a way back. That he didn't come because he didn't want to risk ruining their chance to be reunited. Eventually that hope died too. If he loved her, if he wanted her, then he would have given her some sign. He wouldn't have just abandoned her like this. Unless, he couldn't. He couldn't come for her if he had died. 

She clung to the thought, even as it broke her heart. If he died, it meant he had still loved her. It meant she could weep for bereavement, and not for another heartbreak caused by abandonment. 

So she held her loss close to her heart, and she lay on her bed, listening to music that reminded her of the way he moved when he fought, and the urgency in his aura whenever he came to her rescue. Songs that echoed the unfulfilled longing she felt while she drifted in the velvet blackness of memory. Content to trade one trap for another. 

Chapter Text

As usual, the daiyoukai appeared from nowhere. Seeming to simply melt into existence nearby. Kagome was proud of herself for sensing him soon enough that she didn't jump in surprise when he suddenly stepped out of the treeline right in front of her. 

“Hello Sesshoumaru. What can I do for you?” She asked, affecting a bored tone as she attempted to keep walking past him with her basket of herbs. Her progress was halted by a clawed hand that gripped her bicep firmly.

“You will explain what you have done.”

“What? I haven't done anything.”

“Then why, pray tell, is This One unable to shake you from his thoughts? Whether waking or sleeping you permeate This One's mind with thoughts of you. They will not leave, will not halt, will not be quelled regardless of the method used to eradicate them.”

She froze. ‘Did he just say he couldn't get me out of his head?’  “I couldn't say, Sesshoumaru. I certainly haven't done anything to try and force you to think about me. Seems you either hate me or love me so much that I'm occupying your every thought. Either way, it sounds like a personal problem to me.” She turned to leave with an internal smug smirk, when the grip on her arm halts her again.

Turning to look at him she is surprised by the sudden softness in his gaze, his hand rising to cup her cheek in a touch far more gentle than she thought him capable of. “Perhaps,” he said quietly, “it is a problem we can share.” His lips met hers, warmer than anything she'd felt before. The gentle heat flowing through her from head to toe until she felt herself melting under his touch. Gratitude that he had regained his left arm fluttered through her thoughts, because right now it was the only thing keeping her on her feet.

When he finally pulled away she was gazing up at him, starry-eyed and dazed. “Se-Sesshoumaru?”

“Yes, My Ka-”

“-Gome!!! Wake up! The sun's already up and we gotta get going!”

She bit back the urge to sit him into a crater. Was it too much to ask for five fricken minutes past sunrise?!

Chapter Text

"Hey! I said I wanted sprinkles!!!"

"And I have added sprinkles."

"I can still see blank ice cream, I want more!!!"

As the child wailed about the perceived dearth of sugar on top of more sugar while the mother chided his service as an employee. Sesshoumaru found himself almost grateful that demonkind was so rare now. He'd never live it down if someone saw him like this.

Sesshoumaru stared down the barrel of a Rollsuck Extrema. With his heightened senses he could smell every particle of the clog that prevented proper function. 
He *really* wished that were not the case. 

"I suggest that, in future, you endeavor to clean the piles of animal refuse with a paper towel and scrub brush rather than your vacuum."

"I fail to see the issue here."

"You were just supposed to comb out his undercoat, maintain his general skin and fur health!!!"

"Which I have done."

"YOU SHAVED A MOON AND STRIPES INTO THE FUR ON HIS FOREHEAD AND SNOUT!!!"

"Again, I fail to see the issue here."

"You lived in the U.S.?"

"Hn, when we had to leave Japan for a time in the 40s. Inuyasha and I found work delivering dairy goods."

".....No wonder there's so many jokes about Mommy and the milkman!"

Chapter Text

A clawed finger pressed the ‘End Call’ button with careful deliberation. A calm, steady hand laid the phone on the table oh so gently. Measured steps moved down the hallway to the living room where his intended was sprawled out on the plush sofa, trying to decide which wedding invitation pattern she preferred.

“Kagome, I have to step out for a bit.” He said in a pleasant, even tone. “I will, hopefully, not be gone long.”

Sitting up from among the small mountain of options, the blue eyed beauty squinted at him suspiciously for a moment before asking, “What did Kagura do this time and why are you trying to hide it from me?”

“How did you know?”

“You only carry yourself like that when you're forcing yourself to remember what your mother would do if you melted Kagura. But normally you're more than willing to rant about it. Now, spill.”

“She burned down Hojo's booth at the local farmer's market.”

“.....Hojo had a booth at the farmers market? Selling what? He can't even grow mold despite never washing his dishes!”

“It would seem that he refused to take no for an answer when he attempted to induct Kagura and my mother into his MLM scheme.”

“His....oh no....don't tell me.”

“It would appear that essential oils are highly flammable.”

Kagome blinked slowly several times as she tried to process this information. “Wait, you said your mother was there? Why didn't she stop Kagura?!”

“.....Mother started the blaze. Kagura merely enhanced it.”

“WHAT?!”

“Apparently Hojo stated that she could benefit from the use of a certain oil to ‘reduce the appearance of crow's feet in a woman of her years.’ “

“Nooooooo!” She collapsed back onto the couch, laughing semi-hysterically. “So did she call you to come and post bail for them?”

“She requested that I use my dokkasō to destroy the evidence.”

“And you're going to?!”

“Of course not. I am on my way to the county jail to get photographic evidence of her being held behind bars. I'll be able to use them against her for years.”

He left the house to the sound of Kagome's helpless laughter, looking forward to the expression on his mother's face when she realized why he had come. Maybe he would leave a tip in the jar at Hojo's booth as a thank you for this opportunity.

Chapter Text

Valentine’s Day, while not quite the same as in America, was definitely still a day filled with twitterpated couples and lovey-dovey goings on. Everyone on Kagome's office floor was chattering about sweet things their partners had done, a few were cooing or crowing about romantic messages they had received. The entire office was abuzz with romance ans happy smiles that day.

Kagome's phone had not chimed once, no matter how many times she checked to make sure the sound was on. She did her best to focus on her work instead of her unresponsive phone screen, but was it really so much to ask for a simple Valentine’s text?When she had found Sesshoumaru again in the modern era she had been thrilled to find out he also held hidden feelings for her. And though much had changed in the intervening centuries, he was still reserved with how he expressed his emotions. Especially in any context that could potentially become public. Kagome did her best to be understanding, but it was hard on days like this when everyone around her was drowning in public displays of affection and romantic bliss.

The sound of swords clanging suddenly filled the air and she dove for her phone, the custom tone telling her that she FINALLY had a message from Sesshoumaru. Eager fingers unlocked the screen and opened the message to see:

The garbage disposal has been acting up. I have arranged for a repairman to arrive this afternoon. S.

Kagome sat back with a groan. Serves her right for always picking the ones with no concept of romantic expression.

Chapter Text

They hadn't had a date night in ages and Kagome was almost giddy with excitement. She had showered, shaved, plucked, primped, curled, coiffed and every other term needed to make herself up fit to go out on the arm of her devastatingly gorgeous youkai. She looked, felt, and smelled incredible and she couldn't wait to see the look on his face when she came down the stairs. 

Idly wondering what he would be wearing and secretly hoping they'd matched without trying, she walked into the kitchen seeking her dashing paramour. Only to find him ensconced at the dinner table dressed in old sweatpants and a thermal shirt with the sleeves pushed up, hair tied in a messy topknot, sporting the spectacles that she swore were an affectation, and surrounded by an entire miniature village and several dozen tubes of paint all in varying shades of red. 

“Wh-what are you doing? I thought we were having date night...?”

“Indeed, I was most pleased when you said you wanted to paint a town red. While most miniature projects usually demand a more realistic approach for various reasons, the notion of using a tonal approach to create the idea of realism while blending art styles and genres together is an intriguing challenge that I am most eager to....” He paused, having finally looked up and taken in her fancier than normal appearance...and her less than pleased expression “Why are you upset, Koi?”

“Sess....‘paint the town red’ is a saying for going out and having a wild, fun time. It isn't a literal suggestion for a craft project!”

“....I have misunderstood.” Before she could say another word he was gone, speeding up the stairs before reappearing next to her only minutes later. The sweats and thermal had been traded for crisp slacks, a black silk shirt that made him seem to glow, and a tie that matched her dress exactly. His messy hair was now in a high ponytail, showing off his pointed ears the way she liked best. With a soft kiss he told her, “Apologies for the miscommunication, Koi. Shall we go?”

As they headed for the door, Kagome noticed a metallic glint from his shirt pocket. “What is that?”

“Alazarin Crimson. Just in case you want to get literal later.”

Chapter Text

Kagome wasn't entirely sure whether she was hallucinating or lucid, but at this point she wasn't going to question it. She had no idea where or how he had laid his hands upon her mp3 player, much less figured out how to use it, but she was thanking every kami she could think of for the sight that currently met her eyes.

The clearing that was normally reserved for training and sparring had suddenly become ground zero for feudal era karaoke. And there, in the middle of the grassy field, Sesshoumaru, Lord of The West, was doing his level best to match Cher's notes as he belted out the lyrics.

The sight of the normally stoic daiyoukai rocking out with her headphones had her weeping over the camera that had been destroyed in their last battle. She sat in the bushes stifling her giggles, grateful that he was too distracted to realize she was watching.

Kagome and Sango agreed that this was the most amazing thing they had ever witnessed, until the next day when Miroku stumbled across the same sight and taught him some new moves.

Chapter Text

“Oh Sesshoumaaaruuuu!!!”

His ears twitched at the sound of his mate's voice. That tone meant she was either incredibly pleased, or exceedingly displeased and she wasn’t close enough for him to tell by scent. Moving swiftly through the house he located her in their kitchen. Opting to err on the side of caution he slipped behind her and wrapped her in a warm embrace. Leaving gentle kisses against her cheek, he purred his most soothing rumble as he asked, “Yes, mate?” 

“Sesshoumaru, darling, would you be so kind as to explain this.” She smacked a piece of paper onto the counter and his eyes widened in fear as he realized his idiot assistant hadn't made sure to skip their address when sending out the mailers.

“When it comes to frigid pleasure The West Is Best! Bring this coupon to the grand opening of Lordly Cone for a free extra large SoftShoumaru frozen yogurt. You'll be saying “My Lord!” with every lick.” Blue eyes pinned him like a laser beam. "Care to tell me just exactly why the general public is being invited to repeatedly lick a treat named after my mate?”

The chill in her tone as she spoke sent shivers down his spine. If he didn't think fast he was in for a very long cold spell of his own in the bedroom. 

“...This was all Jaken's idea."

Chapter Text

Rain fell steadily from the sky, the chill autumn weather made all the colder by the frigid downpour. A small wand wafted through the air, filling the space of the engawa with iridescent bubbles that drifted lazily before facing their imminent demise upon encountering a single drop of rain.

The one wielding the little wand seemed to view them as a matter of contemplation. Wave after wave of bright, brief, aerial baubles fluttered through the air only to swiftly fall, and be replaced by yet another wave.

“Strange to see a youkai blowing bubbles in the rain.”

“No stranger than a miko in a demon lord's garden.”

“Mmm, indeed.” She sat down beside him, folding her umbrella and pilfering the wand for herself. “I got called to help with the wounded in a village that recently got raided. Decided to stop in on my way back home.”

“You are welcome to stay the night if you require lodgings.”

“Thank you, I had wanted to keep going after visiting so I didn't lose too much time, but not with this rain.” An involuntary shiver was met with sudden warmth as soft white fur was draped around her.

“Careful Miko, else you will catch a cold and be forced to stay longer.”

“And such a terrible fate that would be.” She said. “Woe unto me for I must lay in a fancy bed and relax until I have recovered!”

He pretended to ignore her antics, reaching over and reclaiming the wand for himself. But she saw the way his eyes crinkled, and knew he was amused by her. Snuggling further into the warmth of his pelt she watched as he continued to blow bubbles, occasionally attempting to meld some of his poison into one of the diaphanous spheres.

“What are you doing?”

“Testing the use of dokkaso to preserve them.”

They watched as a poison laced bubble crystallized, before falling to the ground and shattering. He brushed the shards away and blew another round, watching them drift in silence.

“Why?” She asked after several minutes’ quiet.

“Because,” He said, meeting her eyes, “Some beautiful things are worth preserving.”

Chapter Text

“Miko.”

“Yes?”

“Where are This One's boots?”

“Haven't the foggiest idea.” Dark eyelashes fluttered innocently over blue eyes that radiated sweet innocence.

He didn't buy it for a second.

“Miko.”

“You mispronounced Kagome.”

“No other being is brazen enough to touch This One's belongings. And no other holds your strange obsession with the idea of This Sesshoumaru wandering out unshod like a wayward pup.”

“Walking around barefoot is good for you! And it feels amazing on soft grass! And even so, I couldn't tell you where they are. Go ahead, have a sniff. You can tell I'm not lying.” True, he could not scent any dishonesty on her, but the sugary scent of her mischief was thick enough to choke. The twitching at the corners of her mouth wasn't helping her case either.

Golden orbs narrowed in suspicion. “You had the kit hide them so you could truthfully claim a lack of knowledge.”

“Mmmmaaaaaybe, maybe not. Either way, I guess you'll just have to wander around and sniff them out.”

Ah, so that was it. She thought herself clever did she? Well, two could play at this game. Walking over to the grinning young woman look down at her and asked “Are you happy now?”

He expected some sort of victory teasing and, hopefully, the reveal of his footwear. He got a devious smirk and a strange twist of reiki that briefly nullified his youki, causing him to drop to the ground from his lofty height of floating just above the grass.

“Did you really think I wouldn't notice you floating?” She asked through her laughter. “Do give me some credit, Sesshoumaru.”

That's how she wanted to play is it? Very well, he was game. With a smirk he dropped into a predatory crouch. A glint of fang gleaming as he slowly smiled at her. With a squeak of terror she took off, racing at top speed across the clearing. He let her make it halfway before giving chase, pouncing and taking her to the ground before she made the treeline.

“You have lost, Miko. Admit it.”

“Did I? Tell me, wasn't it lovely to feel the soft grass under your feet as you chased me down?”

His eyes widened in shock. The little minx had actually managed to trick him into doing exactly what she wanted, and he had fallen right into her trap. With a small huff he silenced her smug crowing the easiest way he knew how. Though the hum of satisfaction against his lips let him know that she wasn't going to let him forget this any time soon.

“Papa!!” The sound of his son's voice pulled him out of his memories. Turning his focus to the blue-eyed child beside him he couldn't hold back the smile that always took over when his children were near. “Papa! I can't find my boots anywhere!”

“Hmm, then I suppose you will just have to go without them.”

Chapter Text

The morning sun was warm and bright on Kagome's face. Too bright. She squinted and groaned as the intrusive rays made the headache she was currently suffering from pound even harder. Why did her breathing sound so loud? And what the heck was that rumbling noise? It sounded like a two stroke engine right next to her head.

Cracking one eye open and seeing nothing but sky, Kagome slowly turned her head and was met with the sight of pale hair, and magenta stripes. His slow rhythmic breathing accompanied by the low rumble he always insisted wasn't purring.

‘Oh no...’ Suddenly she remembered flashes from the night before. Celebrating someone's promotion, high-end sake, Miroku with a suspicious gleam in his eye... Just what exactly had they...?

“Miko.” His own pained voice cut through her fuzzy thoughts. “Would you care to explain this?” He raised their hands, joined together by a pair of handcuffs.

Her head hit the ground with an agonized groan. She was NEVER drinking again.