Archive of Our Own ^beta

Sesshoumaru was the hardest person to track down. And that was after lumping him in with every other creature at the shiro, including Jaken, who went out of his way to avoid her.

Kagome sighed, the beginning of a headache already forming between her temples. Why did she do this to herself? She knew better than to bite off more than she could chew, yet here she was again.

Breathing deeper to centre herself, she sent her power skittering along the floor and into the surrounding gardens. The cherry trees were in full bloom, soft petals swirling through the air off swaying branches. It was where she spent most of her time, hidden between the flora whenever lords from neighbouring kingdoms chose the western keep as their meeting space.

Ideally, she should've been in the room during the treaty discussions, but her presence at the shiro was enough. A casual visit at the behest of Rin led to rumours circulating the stoic western lord and his relationship with now a second human. Kagome had approached Sesshoumaru immediately, assuring him she had nothing to do with the rumours.

She'd been worried that he'd think she'd done it to further her reputation, or at least kick her out of his home. Surprisingly, Sesshoumaru had calmed her down and admitted he'd been the one to stoke the flames of the innuendo.

Apparently, the daimyo were more likely to agree to trade routes if they thought the elusive daiyoukai was favourable towards humans.

Kagome wasn't sure which bit of information surprised her more. No one else seemed put off by it. Rin had never lingered when the whispers were at their loudest—she hadn't even tried to encourage the rumours herself. It seemed Sesshoumaru was paired with someone new every few moon cycles, so it had become old news. It was the first time he'd been paired with a human, however, and though Kagome had never considered him paired with anyone, the sound of her name along with his caused her to look at him a little longer.

It had also caused her to stay a little longer, though that was more due to the success of the treaty talks. Rin was happy to see her extend her stay, offering her more in-depth tours so she didn't have to rely on her poorly drawn map to find her way back to her room.

She’d also convinced Sesshoumaru to open the gardens for more than just growing medicinal herbs. He’d already relinquished a small area outside Rin’s room for her to test the durability of summer versus winter plants, but with Kagome there, the soil was soon overrun. This led Sesshoumaru to reluctantly open up the rest of the gardens to them as a means of pleasing his ward.

If she weren't in the middle of locating him, Kagome would've smiled. He was ever the indulgent father-figure, and though Rin never asked for much, he was more than willing to accommodate her whims, regardless of how long they lasted. As it was, the healers within the shiro had welcomed the change in greenery, and now Rin had the entire southern wing to dry and muddle herbs.

It was where she was right now, leaving Kagome to look for Sesshoumaru by herself. It was better that way, as this request didn't need an audience, but she couldn't help but think he'd be more inclined to accept if Rin was around to persuade him.

She shook her head. No, she needed to do this alone. She'd been here long enough that they'd shifted from allies to friends; he wouldn't have allowed the rumours about their involvement to spread so wide if he didn't trust her a little.

Squaring her shoulders, Kagome sent her power further, one tendril recoiling as it found its mark. She almost rolled her eyes—she should've known he'd be training.

There were multiple places for soldiers and servants to harness their abilities—most of which came under Sesshoumaru's personal tutelage—but he always saved his personal training for when he was alone. She'd helped set up a barrier around the room, hiding his aura from anyone in the shiro to maintain a semblance of secrecy about his true power.

The war against Naraku was over, but he was always ready for the next challenge.

She marched towards the room with purpose, keeping her head and hopes high that he would accept. He had no reason to say no, and if he did, she'd just mention he owed her for the magical deterrents around the room.

No one said the Shikon Miko wasn't above blackmail.

She turned the last corner, fully prepared to bang on the door, but it slid open before she could even raise a hand. Silver hair was pulled back into a haphazard bun on the top of his head, sweat glistening along a broad chest, and she forced herself to keep eye contact. "I hope I'm not disturbing you," she said.

A pale eyebrow rose. "Would it matter if you were?"

The edge of her mouth quirked, one hand on her hip. "Not really. But you couldn't have been doing anything important."

She'd thought to get a rise out of him, but he merely sighed, shaking his head. "I cannot tell which of you is rubbing off on the other," he said, leaning against the doorframe. Kagome raised an eyebrow in mimicry, and he pushed his bangs out of his face. "Rin often states I spend too much time in here."

Kagome perked up at the news. "On that note," she said, balancing on the balls of her feet, "I'd like to plan an event. A get-together of sorts in the eastern gardens. Say, a week from now?"

His sigh turned into a groan. "The lords have only just left," he replied. "And now you wish to invite them back?"

Kagome shook her head. "It wouldn't be anything extravagant. In my time, there were festivals when the cherry blossoms were in bloom, and since you have so many of them—"

He waved her off. "Do as you please, miko. Just as long as it does not interfere with the rest of the shiro."

She clapped her hands together, unable to hide her excitement. "And you'll be attending, right?"

He'd already stepped back into the dojo and met her gaze over his shoulder. "Is it a requirement of allowing you to plan such an event in the first place?" She nodded firmly, and he sighed again. "If I must."

He hadn't thought a week was enough time to plan a festival, but the miko seemed to have everything well in hand. He'd become curious when she asked him for nothing else save the location, quietly seeking her out to see if he needed to send messengers into any of the nearby villages for supplies.

She'd waved him off, giving him that odd, secretive smile before telling him to return to his duties. She'd all but slammed the door in his face, though no one else had been in the room with her, and his frown had only deepened when he'd questioned Jaken about it.

His vassal had no knowledge of the event, which led to him squawking all the way back to her room. Jaken had never learned how to keep quiet, though he was oddly adept at keeping secrets. When he finally emerged, he looked sincerely chastened, though there had been no spark of her power to put him in his place.

He'd bowed to his lord, assuring him that the woman had everything well in hand. The only information he left him with was that she'd decided on a theme of pastels for the dress code, and that Sesshoumaru would stick out if he didn't dress accordingly.

Pursing his lips, Sesshoumaru left to check his closet to ensure he had something appropriate, as anything contrary would likely incur the miko's temper. It had been a while since he'd been on the receiving end of it, but it wouldn't do well to anger the woman he was rumoured to be courting.

There were enough residents in the surrounding village that it hadn't taken much more than a few walks through the market with her and a single conversation in front of the lords to fan the flames of their delusions. The panic on her face when the rumours had reached her ears had been entertaining, as she'd thought she'd worn out her welcome regardless of how much she'd helped with Rin.

All in all, he'd barely noticed her presence when she'd arrived. What had started as a check-in with his ward had expanded into a visit that spanned several moon cycles, which only furthered everyone's speculation on the true meaning behind her appearance.

Word had spread about her leaving the village by the well. According to Rin, it had started as a trek to visit the slayer and her newly rebuilt village. Sesshoumaru was sure it had to do with the slayer's brood, as she'd just given birth to her third child, but while the monk was well-versed enough in healing practices, there was something about the miko that calmed even the most anxious heart.

Sesshoumaru had seen it himself with how quickly his brother's bloodlust was quelled at the sound of her voice, though he hadn't understood it at the time. He'd thought her a witch, a practitioner of the dark arts, and wanting to manipulate the jewel for her own selfish means.

However, each encounter left him with even more questions, especially when it came to her incessant need to put herself in danger for those she'd barely met. He'd more than proven his lack of caring for human life, yet she was more than willing to aid Rin without so much as a backward glance.

He'd kept expecting her to call in the favour—she'd accumulated more than enough to do so—but when he'd eventually questioned her on it, she'd looked at him like he had two heads. Not wanting to embarrass himself further, he mentioned it to Rin, who'd given him a warm smile.

"Kagome-sama doesn't keep track of favours, Sesshoumaru-sama," she'd replied. "She helps people because she wants to."

He hadn't believed her at first, constantly on edge for whatever the miko's request would be, but as time passed, the request never came. She kept to herself, tended to Rin, and wandered the gardens. He'd noticed the increased footfall during the spring months, so the request to open up the areas to more than himself hadn't come as a surprise.

Everything she needed for medicinal pastes and potions lay within the boundaries of Rin's private garden; the miko's treks between branches lined with blossoms or fruit seemed personal—personal enough that he'd never interfered.

Tilting his head at the memory, he selected a kimono he'd yet to wear. Instead of the harsh lines of his symbol, Sakura blossoms branched out over his shoulders and sleeves, darkening from pink to fuchsia at the tips of the petals. His symbol made a statement, ensuring his enemies knew of their death before it reached them, but this design was simpler, softer.

It spoke of peace.

He wasn't sure if the miko would understand the significance, but it was more than adequate for her dress code. He set the ensemble aside, wondering if the requested colours had a deeper meaning, making a mental note to question her the next time their paths crossed.

As much as Jaken assured him that the event was on track, Sesshoumaru found himself on the receiving end of an interrogation for the next several days. Questions about which fruits were in season and which spices they paired well with followed him around the shiro, going as far as to ask about his preference for sweets, reassuring him no extra trips were needed to procure ingredients.

Sesshoumaru had never given it much thought—he ate far less than a human—but since there would be a crowd in attendance, he offered up as much expertise as he could. It wasn't much to begin with, but Rin had insisted on him trying any new dishes that came out of the kitchen when they'd first returned home, so he did have a preference when it came to certain flavour combinations.

Spice was balanced with sweet and salt, as he found he didn't like it when foods strayed too far to one side. The miko's eyes lit up with each conversation, meticulously scribbling notes across a scrap piece of parchment before she offered him gratitude with a smile. She'd then remind him of the time and date of the event, making him promise not to be late.

He frowned at that. It was her event; what did it matter if he arrived after her? As the host, wasn't it her job to greet the guests? She'd scurried away before he could question her, leaving his curiosity to be dismissed by the shrug of a shoulder. His role was minimal; all he had to do was show up.

He wasn't going to show up.

Kagome bit into the end of her thumb, staring at the ensemble laid out on her futon. She'd been dropping hints all week, even going as far as to rope Jaken into things after he had the audacity to accuse her of interfering with Sesshoumaru's work.

Apparently, he'd believed the rumours about them already being an item, and assumed she was jealous of all the time he was spending negotiating the trade routes. She'd quickly set him straight, and the imp had actually offered to help. Kagome still couldn't believe it.

Maybe she'd rubbed off on him more than she'd thought.

Sighing, and forcing herself not to touch her hair, she finally reached for her kimono. The design was more important than the ensemble as a whole, but if he didn't show up to see it, what was the point?

Then again, if she didn't show up, there was even less of a point, so she might as well get dressed.

Keeping the folds intact, she wrapped the fabric around herself. The silk was pale pink, purple butterflies flitting up her sleeves and legs. She'd fallen in love with the fabric during her journey west but hadn't had a reason to wear it. Her miko robes were expected while she was training Rin or healing those in the shiro, and she couldn't be bothered to dress herself up on a regular basis.

Not today, though. Today was special.

Her fingers paused as she adjusted her obi, and she glanced at herself in the mirror. Nothing about her hair or outfit was out of place, but anxiety about the upcoming event was causing her brows to furrow and her hands to shake. Closing her eyes, she forced herself to take a few deep breaths.

It was fine. She'd prepared everything beforehand, and he'd never refused her invitation outright. This was just her nerves getting to her.

Heart beating wildly, she finished getting ready, doing a final twirl in the mirror to psych herself up. Then, she strode down the hall as quickly as the multiple layers of silk allowed, keeping her eyes on the door to the eastern garden to stop herself from turning back.

Each side of the shiro was magnificent in its own way, but something about this wing created a better blend of fresh air and sunlight. The trees were taller, the grass lusher, and she swore even the blossoms were brighter.

Spring was her absolute favourite time of year. Fresh life cascaded across the land in a kaleidoscope of colour that had her missing out on sleep just to catch a glimpse. Fragrances lingered along the breeze anytime she was outside, the sweet scent of Sakura luring her through the doorway and into a storm of pink petals.

It was heaven.

Suddenly, her impending meeting didn't seem so worrisome. How could he not show up on a day like this?

She didn't allow herself to search for him. He would arrive when he saw fit, and until then, she wasn't going to do something as juvenile as pace. Sesshoumaru was the type to make an entrance, which usually involved arriving after everyone else, so she knew she'd be waiting a while.

However, she'd barely reached the second row of trees before the door opened behind her. Kagome's head whipped around, a single curl flying as she caught sight of him.

Gone were his usual armour and harsh crimson hexagons, soft stencils of Sakura blossoms in their place. She'd almost thought the kimono was pure white, and that some of the blooms from the trees had landed on his shoulders before she realized they were part of the pattern.

Kagome released the breath she'd been holding, her face lighting up into a brilliant smile even as her words came out as a whisper. "You came."

Sesshoumaru glanced around in surprise. He'd expected a bustling crowd of people, his ears already twitching at the thought of the chatter he would have to endure. What he hadn't expected was the miko to be standing in the middle of the garden in front of a simple spread of treats.

She was alone. And the blanket only had two place settings.

He stepped off the engawa, sliding the door closed behind him. "Am I early?" he asked.

She shook her head, hands clenched together. "You're right on time." She motioned to the blanket before kneeling down. Steam seeped out from a teapot, and she quietly arranged the cups before pouring his first.

The grace of her movements had him pausing; it seemed she'd practiced more than the art of archery. When she only poured two cups, Sesshoumaru closed the distance to the spread, settling down across from her. She waited until he lifted the cup to his lips before partaking in her own, her eyes cast downwards and covered by dark lashes.

"Is it to your liking?" she asked.

An odd lilt in her voice gave him reason to believe there was more to her question than just the tea, but he nodded. "It is not overpowering." He replaced the cup, still watching her. "You have yet to inform me as to why we have gathered here today." He finally looked around. "And why everyone else is exceptionally late."

"There isn't anyone else."

Sesshoumaru raised a single brow, waiting for her to continue. Her hands became entangled in her lap again, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth.

A deep breath steeled her nerves, though he couldn't imagine her being nervous about anything, and she finally met his gaze. "You're the only one I invited."

His second brow shot up to join the first, both hiding beneath his bangs. Her gaze was steady, as was her voice, all her insecurity and worry culminating between her fingers, but that was quickly diminished as she dished out the sweets. There was a slight spice interwoven between the wafts of sugar, and he noted the colour of the treats.

"Is this why you have been hounding me about my palate the last several days?" It was an innocuous enough question, but there was a distinct flush to her cheeks that wasn't there before.

"I didn't want to give you any reason to leave early," she said, pushing the plate closer to him.

Sesshoumaru ducked his head, catching her gaze and forcing her to lift her head. "And why would I do that? You still have not stated why subterfuge was necessary."

The spark returned to her eyes, and her chin lifted of its own accord. "I should think it was obvious by now."

"There is nothing obvious in our world, miko," he stated. "Creatures of all kinds rely on ambiguities, allowing their messages to be misconstrued in order to further their advantage." He left his food untouched, keeping their gazes locked.

"Says the one who started rumours of us courting to cement peace treaties between himself and neighbouring villages."

"Rumours you never seemed to have an issue with." Her mouth fell open, and it took all of his training to keep his mouth from quirking. He hadn't actually started them; he'd just allowed them to fester after the negotiations between the youkai lords and human daimyo had eased.

"Only because you didn't have an issue with them!" she sputtered, hands flying. "And by the time the treaties had been finalized—" Her face turned red again, jaw snapping shut.

"Do not stop now, miko," he advised. "We were about to have a breakthrough."

She pursed her lips, eyes flashing. "There didn't seem to be a point in stopping them," she mumbled.

"Why?" he pressed. He was still shocked that she'd managed to plan such a get-together right under his nose. She'd made it seem like it was to be some elaborate event based on her 'flower-viewing festivals' in the future, complete with charms and paper lanterns.

And an audience.

If she was this conniving when it came to her personal affairs, he could only imagine how she'd be when politics were involved. He relished the thought.

He'd never actively considered pairing himself with anyone—there were too many requests to count, and they all involved securing a future based on his land and wealth. The closest they came to wanting him for him was seeking his protection.

The miko could protect herself.

Sesshoumaru leaned closer. "What do you wish of me?" he asked, genuinely curious. She had everything she could possibly want, more so if only she asked, but the miko had never struck him as someone who flourished under the weight of silks and wealth.

He watched as she squared her shoulders, shock once again stilling his movements as she tilted her head up and pressed a kiss to the ancestral mark on his brow. The touch lingered, as if pulling away took every fibre of her being. Amber eyes were blown wide when she did. Her face was flushed, but her expression was determined.

"To make the rumours true," she said, voice unwavering.

"Is that all?" he blurted. Power flared indignantly, but he caught her hand, keeping her off balance as he placed a matching kiss to the inside of her wrist. "You demand so little."

"Give me time and I'll demand a lot more than that!" she snapped, though she didn't pull away. "You'll be sick of me before you know it."

Sesshoumaru snorted. "It is unlikely. You have already charmed most of the residents here. There would be an uprising if I dismissed your claim." He finally allowed himself to smile, the movement of his lips against her skin causing her to shiver.

"Is that what I'm doing?" she breathed.

"Indeed." He leaned back but didn't release her hand. "No one else could lure me out for a public appearance such as this."

She gave him a guilty smile. "I wasn't sure if you'd accept if you knew it was just me," she admitted.

"I much prefer your company over those whose constant dribble threatens to put me to sleep," he retorted.

"Does that mean you're willing to try all the food, too?" she asked hopefully.

He intertwined their fingers, thumb stroking the curve of her hand. "I am willing to try many things where you are concerned." He'd thought the light that shone out of her when he'd first arrived was blinding, but the miko had a habit of proving him wrong.

It was something he was looking forward to.