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Chapter Text

Kagome Higurashi checked her watch after placing the final bowl of Lego on the desks at the front of her classroom. She knew they were supposed to be in separate rows, but she found the students much more engaged when they faced each other and were able to work in pods. They were only in second grade, so they'd have many more years of stringent school rules; plus admin had yet to complain, so until then, the groups would remain.

She'd always enjoyed working with children, often choosing part-time jobs where they were the focus, but after completing a generic degree in university, she hadn't known which field to enter. Granted, she hadn't chosen a specific field in the first place because she was still hoping the well would open and let her return to her friends, but after several years, she'd finally given up hope.

School had become her only means of distraction, keeping her focused with definitions and formulas and away from fresh air, rolling landscapes, and those she'd left behind. It had taken several months of cajoling from her mother before she'd even considered moving away from the shrine on the off chance the magic returned, but in the end, she'd known it was best for everyone.

The change of scenery had done her good, gaining her new friends and landing her a job at an elementary school. It had taken her a year before she'd stopped seeing familiar faces on every other student that passed through her door, but just when she'd thought the memories of her past would haunt her no longer, she'd run into Shippou.

Literally.

He'd been ecstatic to see her, nearly dragging her from the schoolyard with the promise of reuniting her with everyone else. Apparently, they'd spread themselves out looking for her, hoping to cover more ground after the bombings destroyed any clues they'd had regarding her location. Inuyasha had known she lived in a city but wasn't sure which city it was, as modern-day skyscrapers and pollution dulled his senses.

Kagome never thought she'd have dry eyes again after his familiar pointed silver ears had come into view.

Shippou had berated him for weeks, sliding in a snide comment about him being an old man and losing his hunting skills whenever he could, but she was so grateful to see them again that she hadn't even cared. She barely had the time to be mad, anyway, what with Shippou's family crawling all over her whenever she visited.

Youkai and hanyou were part of everyday society, though many were still wary about showing off their traits in public. It was one of the reasons Kagome had been hired at Mazeru. They had the highest mixed population in the country, and somehow, her work at the shrine hadn't been a deterrent. She'd thought about shutting herself off, especially after high school, but after a few weeks without an outlet, her reiki had built up to the point of making her feel like she was going to explode.

So, she'd found a different way of using it, focusing instead on healing and displacing negative auras. People of all heritages had signed up for her meditation classes, and she'd been surprised at how many of them had brought their children. Inconsolable wails had turned to peaceful murmurs while bathed in her power, and the parents were forever grateful.

She still held sessions at school, and admin continued to offer her the role of counsellor every year, but Kagome preferred her own classroom. It gave her the chance to create closer connections with her students, and she loved witnessing their progress in all areas of their studies. She might accept a change in position once she got older and couldn't move around as much, but for now, she was enjoying the hiccups that her classroom brought her.

The bell rang, signalling she had just under three minutes before the doors would open and the chatter from outside would spill into the building, and she checked to make sure the schedule for the day matched the notebook on her desk.

"Morning, sensei!" She turned around to find little Megumi already taking off her coat, backpack at her feet.

"Good morning, Megumi-chan. Why aren't you lined up with the rest of your class?" she asked.

The girl unzipped her backpack, pulling out a card with her name scrawled across the envelope. "Papa sent you a note and wanted me to give it to you before class started."

Kagome stifled a groan as she accepted the envelope. Megumi was Hojo's child, and while Kagome had initially been excited to have her in her class, she'd soon realized that Hojo was using his daughter to rekindle their high school relationship.

Her friends had pushed them together, and after the well had closed, she'd eventually given in to attempt some sense of normalcy, but she soon discovered that they weren't well-matched. Thankfully, his parents had agreed, forcing him to break it off with her because she wasn't influential enough. Their dreams of grandeur for their beloved son bordered on delusional, and Kagome was grateful to leave it all behind when she started university.

Yuka kept tabs on him, convinced they were meant to be together, but he eventually married some heiress and had Megumi, so Kagome thought that was the end of it.

How wrong she was.

She'd thought the girl was familiar when they first met, but Hojo was a common last name, so she'd dismissed the connection until the first meet-the-parents night. Hojo—she still hadn't known his first name—had greeted her with an overenthusiastic smile, intent on reminiscing about their high school days instead of telling her about his daughter. Kagome had forcibly changed the subject, though he'd let it slip that his wife had died a year earlier in a car accident. After some light but heartfelt condolences, Kagome managed to get some information on Megumi and how she'd done in her previous classes.

She'd thought that would be the extent of their reunion, but then Megumi started bringing her notes and cards and remedies like he'd given her in high school. She wasn't sure if Hojo was shrewd or old-fashioned, but he never sent any personal emails, so all she had were unsigned messages stuffed into Megumi's backpack. And while nothing could be misconstrued as a threat, Kagome was getting sick of him using his own child as a messenger.

She'd yet to respond to any of them, but maybe it was time she made it clear that he was crossing a line.

"He got you a card this time, sensei," Megumi gushed. "I think it has to do with Valentine's Day."

Kagome had to turn away to hide her grimace. "Oh, are you wanting to bring something in for the class?" she asked, hoping to manifest the idea.

Megumi shook her head. "Nope. Papa wants to spend the day with you!"

"But that's months away!"

Her outburst didn't faze the girl. "I know, isn't it sweet? Papa likes to plan things really far in advance." She changed her shoes as Kagome placed the envelope on her desk and headed toward the main door to let the rest of the children in.

"Your papa needs to remember that I'm your teacher," she mumbled.

"He knows," Megumi reassured her. "He talks about you all the time at home." She went about her morning routine as if they were discussing the weather, but not before getting one last shot in as Kagome's hand tightened around the doorknob. "Wouldn't it be fun if you married Papa?"

Inuyasha picked up after the first ring, not bothering with pleasantries, and Kagome wondered how many times she'd called around this time with the same complaint before he assumed it would be the same conversation. "What did dead-from-the-neck-up do this time?" he asked.

She groaned, flopping unceremoniously onto her couch. "Invited me out for dinner on Valentine's Day," she groused, draping an arm over her eyes.

"It's not even November!"

"See, I know that, and you know that, but apparently, asking for a date months in advance is normal for him."

There was a slight shuffling on the other end before he replied. "I don't get how this loser still hasn't gotten the point. I thought you'd told him off."

She sighed, pressing the sleeve of her oversized hoodie into her temple. "So had I, but according to Megumi, they still talk about me at home." She still hadn't figured out how to contact him without feeding into his delusions. So far, they were harmless, but even pulling him aside when he picked up Megumi would give him the opportunity to tell other parents they were a thing, and Kagome wanted to avoid that at all costs.

"He works a lot, especially being a single parent. Megumi is probably lonely," she said, tapping her fingers against her bent knee.

"That's not the point, K'gome—"

"I know, I have no sympathy for him. It's her I'm concerned about." She lay back against the side of her couch. "She's been through enough, and now Hojo is filling her head with thoughts of replacing her mother with me."

"I mean, ya can't really blame her. Your whole class probably wants you to be their mom."

"Not helping Yash."

"I know, I know." There was another shuffle. "You should just get yourself a boyfriend. That would stop the bastard from coming around real quick."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "I'll just sign up for one of those online dating apps: single and looking for someone to ward off a potential stalker. I'll have to beat them off with a stick." Inuyasha's chuckle calmed her like nothing else could, and she finally relaxed. "You could always help with that, you know."

His chuckle was replaced with a snort. "Yeah, I'll get right on that."

"I'm serious!" she said, sitting up. "The family reunion is coming up. You could be my date and play pretend for a day. It would be perfect."

"Why would I wanna act all lovey-dovey in front of so many people?" he asked.

"Because," she whined. "Megumi already mentioned how much Papa-dearest is looking forward to it. Mama thought it would be fun to invite some of my friends from high school, and Yuka can't keep her mouth shut to save her life, so now he's using it as an excuse to spend time with me."

Inuyasha made a gagging noise. "That's borderline harassment."

"Exactly. Please, Yash? I'd have way more fun with you there, anyway." Whatever childhood crush they'd had during their hunt for the shards had long since cooled—he spent just as much time with Souta as he did with her—but she could still count on him in a pinch. And this was a pinch.

He let out a long sigh. "Sorry, K'gome. Mama H already invited me, but Shiori and I are outta town that week. Gotta officially register our mating. You know I'd help ya out if I could."

Kagome flopped backwards with a huff. While Youkai and hanyou were widely accepted, they were still separated by the rules of the youkai council. They were a part of the United Nations and had a say in the laws pertaining to their species, but there were some things that humans were still not privy to. Inuyasha had only started getting involved after the bombings, but it was more out of devotion to Shiori than anything else.

He was happy to live as a human most of the time, but Shiori's work with barriers gave her prestige even some of the purebloods lacked. They'd rekindled their friendship while petitioning for the council's protection to include anyone with youkai blood, no matter the percentage, and if Inuyasha wanted to remain by her side and part of her life, he had to be on his best behaviour.

He'd done well so far, and wasn't any worse for wear, considering how closely they monitored his movement within the city, but it didn't stop him from complaining about it now and again. It was never in front of Shiori and mostly pertained to how he couldn't just show up to events and meetings in a t-shirt and jeans, but it still made him feel better to bitch about how tight the collars of the council were.

He snorted again, voicing his opinion before she could question where his mind had wandered. "You could always ask Sesshoumaru."

Kagome was glad she'd swallowed her water, or she'd have given herself a second shower. "Yeah, right."

"Why not?" Inuyasha asked. "Hojo would probably take it more seriously than if I showed up. And last time I checked, he ain't got nothing going on."

"It still doesn't compute in my brain that the two of you get along," she said, finally digging into her leftover noodles.

"500 years will do that." His soft tone spoke volumes. He'd mentioned they were civil now, maintaining contact on a regular basis, but hadn't divulged the finer details of why they could be around each other without breaking anything. Kagome had pressed him a few times, but Inuyasha always changed the subject, so she assumed it was some pact between brothers that only they knew about.

"So you've said." She twirled some noodles around on her fork. "Do you think he'd go for it? I don't want to push my luck when I might need a bigger favour down the line."

"Keh, won't hurt to ask. I think he's between projects right now, so it ain't like he's got a reason to say no."

Kagome's eyes flickered to the pieces of torn envelope and card in her trash bin. "At this point, I'll take what I can get."

Chapter Text

The day of the reunion dawned bright and sunny, the rain having tapered off long enough for the ground to be dry and welcoming. Kagome had offered to help her mother prepare the shrine for the event, spending the entire day prior hanging up lanterns and setting up tables for food.

Emiko Higurashi was the ever-doting host, going above and beyond to provide for her guests, though everyone was bringing a dish to share. It made for far less mess, and she'd been smart enough to set up an online sign-up sheet so they didn't end up with 20 desserts and no drinks. From what Kagome had seen, there would be a wide variety of food; all they had to do was provide the means to hold and serve them.

It also gave Gramps the opportunity to pull out his ofuda-making kits, using the scrolls and paints to entertain the children while their parents caught up. Kagome had set up her usual meditation circle, but she didn't think she'd need it much, as most of the guests were human. Maybe after the dessert was served and the children's sugar levels were sufficiently spiked.

A giggle escaped at the thought of a tsunami of kids rushing their parents, faces covered in chocolate and other sweets, and her mother looked up from the guest book. "Someone I should know about?" she asked with a knowing smile.

Kagome shook her head, checking her watch even though she already knew what time it was. "No one new, Mama."

She raised an eyebrow, then tapped a familiar name on the roster. "Someone old then?"

Kagome bit the inside of her cheek to keep from blurting out that she'd come close to setting that particular page on fire. Just the sight of Hojo's name set her teeth on edge. It would serve him right when she showed up with a daiyoukai on her arm.

She bit her cheek harder, forced to turn away from her mother as she checked her phone, rereading the conversation between her and Sesshoumaru. The thought of him not only showing up to the reunion but agreeing to put on a show to deter an ex-boyfriend was laughable, but according to Inuyasha, he'd agreed almost instantly.

Inuyasha let it slip that he was worried about Hojo getting physical as a failsafe, ensuring his brother's willing participation. Kagome couldn't imagine Hojo, of all people, cornering her in a dark alley, but if it encouraged Sesshoumaru to play the part of a smitten boyfriend, she was all for it. She only needed him for today, anyway, so what harm was there in upping the ante?

Checking her watch for real this time, she headed toward the stairs. "I should go get ready."

Her mother gave her a warm smile. "Your dress is in the guest room. Will your mystery date be wearing something to match?"

Kagome feigned embarrassment. "Maybe."

Mama's expression brightened. "I'm looking forward to an official introduction, then."

She waved over her shoulder, then hurried up the stairs, taking her time with her shower. A little product and a quick blow-dry set her hair in order, and then she slipped on the curve-hugging ensemble. The chill of autumn hadn't set in yet, so she could get away with not wearing a coat. The sleeves were long, but the skirt ended just above her knees, and she did a twirl in front of the bathroom mirror.

She'd been worried about asking them to match, but Sesshoumaru had been surprisingly open to the idea. It would also stave off any skepticism that he was exactly what he appeared to be: a friend helping out another friend. She assumed the matching part on his end would be nothing more than a tie, so the deep plum of her dress wouldn't be too much to ask.

She also loved that she looked like a million bucks in it. If she was going to fawn over a make-believe beau, she might as well look the part.

Twisting the side of her hair behind her ear, she pinned the curls in place with a clip she'd bought over the weekend. The matching outfits should be enough, but why not add a little insult to injury by wearing his crest in her hair? Besides, the hexagon-framed plum blossom was too much to pass up. Maybe she'd even get a reaction out of Sesshoumaru.

She wasn't looking for one, but the few times they'd seen each other, he'd been his usual impassive self, so she wasn't above trying to get under his skin to see if he could do anything besides scowl.

Chuckling to herself, she finished applying the light layer of makeup, doing little more than emphasizing her eyes and lashes. Being a teacher meant more focus went to lesson planning and making sure she had enough caffeine to keep her going throughout the day; she had enough accessories to enhance when needed, but she wasn't about to waste time putting on a face every morning. She had no one to impress over the age of eight, anyway.

Declaring herself ready, she descended the stairs, her mother's absence and the soft chatter wafting in from the courtyard signalling that people had already begun to arrive. Sucking in a calming breath, Kagome left the safety of the main house, shoes clacking against the gravel. She'd initially planned on wearing sensible flats, but given her date's height, and the way her heels elongated her legs in this dress, she was more inclined to weather a few blisters.

A few aunts and uncles she hadn't seen in years stopped her on the way to the stairs, swapping stories of what they'd been up to in the last few years. Kagome's smile and interest in their endeavours were genuine, but a brush of familiar youki had her stiffening, and she bowed, promising to catch up with them more later.

Her friends caught her next, Yuka looking around expectantly when she didn't immediately see Hojo. "So? How does it feel to be teaching your boyfriend's kid? Does she call you 'mom' outside of school? Are you listed as her emergency contact?"

If they hadn't known each other for over a decade, Kagome would've smacked her. "I told you, nothing is going on between me and Hojo. I'm Megumi's teacher. That's it." Eri nudged Ayumi, who handed over a wad of money, and Kagome shot her a grateful smile. At least someone believed her.

Yuka, however, was unconvinced. "Uh-huh. And that's why he was so excited when I mentioned the reunion."

"He was excited because he'd been hounding me for an invite, and up until that point, I'd managed to keep it at a no," Kagome snapped, quickly losing her patience.

"We were invited," Ayumi cut in, "why not him?"

"Because you're considered family," Kagome said, hands on her hips. "Though if you keep bothering me about Hojo, I'll be rescinding that title as well." Ayumi and Eri launched themselves at her, already begging for forgiveness. Yuka resisted for a solid ten seconds before being yanked into the group hug as well, all of them breaking out into laughter. "I missed you," she said, blinking away tears. Their annoyance only went as far as them bothering her about being single, and as long as she stood firm on her view of Hojo, she knew they'd be fine.

"You always miss us," Ayumi replied, tugging at a rogue curl. "Is that why you dressed up? I thought this was supposed to be casual."

Kagome's retort was muffled as someone called her name, and all four women looked up to find Hojo standing near the top of the stairs. She stifled a groan, but Eri caught her pinched expression. "Even if we're convinced, I don't think he is, Kagome." She leaned closer, whispering, "Do you need us to run interference until he leaves?"

Another brush of youki had a knowing smile touching her lips, and Kagome shook her head before dislodging herself from her friends' grips. "Don't worry. I've got this one covered." She winked, then dashed toward the stairs, leaving all three women to call after her. Even Hojo's eyes widened, though he quickly covered his surprise with a boyish grin, holding his arms out to her.

She kept her eyes on him as long as possible, relishing the moment when he realized she was running past him, before jumping into the arms of the man who'd just crested the top of the shrine steps. He caught her effortlessly, his complete lack of surprise only adding to their ruse. "I'm so glad to see you!" she gushed, feeling Hojo's eyes on her. "I was worried you wouldn't get the time off."

Sesshoumaru smirked as he set her down on the ground, their bodies pressed together. "It helps when I am the boss," he replied, amber eyes flickering over her shoulder before he lowered his mouth to her ear. "I take it the downtrodden whelp behind you is the one giving you grief?"

She wrapped her arms around his waist, nodding against his shirt. "Do you want me to introduce you?"

"Not yet," he whispered. "It is best to pretend he does not exist. Bring me to your friends." That she could do, and she turned enough to keep Hojo out of view, Sesshoumaru's arm slipping naturally around her waist as they made their way back to the slack-jawed group of women.

His hair was shorter than before, though she couldn't tell if it was part of a glamour or not. His markings were covered, but his ears and claws were on full display, showing off his youkai blood to anyone brave enough to make eye contact. And other than the initial brushes with his power, his youki was expertly suppressed, only noticeable to those with power themselves.

They stared up at the newcomer before Eri nudged both of them, collecting another round of bets, and Kagome made a mental note to buy her an extra present for her birthday. Clearly, only one of them knew her well enough to not only believe her about Hojo but assume that she had someone much better instead. It was still a lie, but Kagome would keep it going as long as needed. And with how they latched onto his every word, they wouldn't need much convincing.

The night was enjoyable now that she didn't have Hojo hovering over her. He honestly hadn't felt more than a fly buzzing around her head, but at least now he'd leave her alone. She'd deal with Megumi later, softening the blow with extra art time the following week.

She had to hand it to Sesshoumaru; he was a brilliant actor. He'd barely left her side since he'd shown up, answering all of her relatives' probing questions with stories of how they'd met and how he'd fallen head over heels the moment he'd seen her. Even Kagome had been enraptured with the tale, blushing at the right moments. Said moment had been because he'd caught her staring, but that was beside the point.

"Are you sure finance was the best job for you?" she asked once they'd escaped another group of twittering family members and the current wave of questions had quieted. A pale eyebrow raised, and she motioned between them. "You'd have convinced me that all that stuff about us was true if I didn't know any better."

He surprised her again by chuckling, then clinked their glasses together. "Perhaps it is because it is so outside the realm of possibilities that I find myself diving so far into it." Kagome raised her own eyebrow but didn't have the time to question it, as her mother had finally torn herself away from everyone else to check on her.

"I'm so glad this only happens once a decade," she said. "I'd never survive it otherwise."

Kagome patted her shoulder. "Have you eaten? I can grab you a plate."

Her mother shook her head. "Your friends were kind enough to guard me while I ate a few minutes ago—though they were close to stuffing the food down my throat if I tried to refuse." The two women shared a smile before Mama set her sights on Sesshoumaru, and Kagome inwardly winced. They hadn't spoken about what their story should be in front of those who knew his real identity—or at least how he was involved before. "It's a shame your brother couldn't make it," she said, tapping the bottom of her elbows.

Sesshoumaru bowed respectfully. "He sends his condolences and promises to make it up to you."

"I'm sure he will," Emiko replied, waving him off. "I'm more interested in how this happened." She pointed to the arm still wrapped around Kagome's waist, and she flushed, trying to step out of his embrace, but Sesshoumaru's grip tightened. "I'd always been told you were too uptight for something as humane as romance."

Kagome nearly smacked herself in the forehead. "Mama—" She jumped as his thumb stroked her side, and she looked up at him in confusion. It was one thing for him to act like her boyfriend in front of people he didn't know—or care about—but there was no point in deceiving Mama. She'd probably seen right through the act, anyway.

"I will admit she wasn't my type when we first met, especially since she was so adamant about siding with my brother, but her compassion and determination had me turning back to her time and time again." That was a very tame way of saying he hated humans and that her constant interference had them crossing paths throughout their quest to defeat Naraku.

Mama gave him a considering look. "And the others who travelled with you back then?" she pressed. Trust Mama to bring up Jaken of all people.

"My ward was as smitten with her as I was, which gave me the excuse to seek her counsel regarding human maladies." His thumb was still moving against her side, keeping her distracted enough not to interfere with their conversation. "And Jaken learned quickly not to criticize her in my presence in fear of retribution."

Kagome managed to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Now he was just outright lying. Jaken had nothing nice to say about anyone, least of all her. His loyalty lay with Sesshoumaru, and Rin by association, but that was it. It was laughable to think he'd change his mind about anyone else.

"I'm glad you convinced him to see the light," Mama mused, patting his arm. "I'd hate for Kagome to fall in love with someone whose friends didn't respect her."

Sesshoumaru met her gaze, the edge of his mouth twitching, but he nodded. "He has learned his lesson. More than once. Kagome is second only to myself, and he has made it his job to ensure those within my company are aware of where my affections lie."

Kagome tried to poke him in the side, contemplating using her reiki, but Mama was already being torn away by a gaggle of young cousins, all wanting to know if the stories Gramps was telling them about ghosts were true. Mama shook her head, then flashed a thumbs-up at Kagome before allowing the children to lead her away.

Kagome flushed, crossing her arms over her chest. "You didn't have to go that far. Mama would understand why you're here."

"And ruin the ambiance? I think not."

This time, she did roll her eyes, elbowing him in the ribs. "I still don't know what Inuyasha said to convince you to show up, but thank you. I don't think Hojo will be bothering me anymore." He'd slunk away soon after Sesshoumaru's arrival, though Kagome had been sure to keep the daiyoukai close on the off chance that Hojo popped up, demanding to know who'd stolen her away.

"The night has served its purpose," he replied, not taking the bait to delve into the conversation between him and his brother.

She frowned, not knowing how to take that, but mentally shrugged. "What do you want in return? Inuyasha didn't tell me what you asked for." He hadn't told her much of anything. He'd just said Sesshoumaru had agreed and then forwarded his contact information.

"Am I not allowed to simply aid a friend?" he asked.

Kagome snorted. "Last time I checked, we weren't friends."

"Time changes many things."

She scowled at him, realizing she wouldn't get anything out of him either. "I'm serious. I'll buy you dinner or clean your house or something. I never expected you to do this for free."

His thumb started moving again, and he led her toward the crowd. "The first favour is always free, miko."

Chapter Text

The only problem with Sesshoumaru's performance at the family reunion being so convincing was that it was so convincing. Now she had people she hadn't spoken to in years, along with her friends, blowing up her phone as to when they would see him again—which was why she was standing outside his townhouse with a bucket of cleaning supplies in her hand.

He'd meant what he said about the first time being free. He'd refused everything she'd offered him until she'd asked him to join her in a café with her friends. He'd willingly obliged, playing the part perfectly, but the soft, indulgent expression had disappeared once they'd rounded the corner, his arm slipping from her waist.

Her phone had then lit up with an email, a spreadsheet attached. "I'll expect it to be sorted alphabetically by tomorrow," he'd said, waving at her over his shoulder as he slipped into a high-end luxury car, his smirk hidden behind darkened glass. She'd stared in shock as he'd driven away, though she'd known there'd be a price for requesting his services again.

So, she'd organized the spreadsheet, created a slideshow for a company presentation, persuaded a high-end marketing company to help him advertise an upcoming event. And now she was prepared to clean his house.

Honestly, she was looking forward to the cleaning more than cold-calling other CEOs. There was a reason she was a teacher; she preferred interacting with others rather than being stuck inside an office all day. She wasn't sure how Sesshoumaru did it.

Sighing, she knocked on the door. At least this way, she knew what she was doing. She'd been helping clean the shrine since she was younger than her students. This would be nothing.

When there was no answer, she knocked again but was met with the same silence. Kagome looked around, calling out his name before noticing a doorbell. With how far up in the mountains his house was, maybe it was bigger on the inside, and he couldn't hear her. She pressed the button, but there was no chime, and she frowned. Why would he ask her to clean his house when he wasn't even home?

She turned to leave but paused when a low beeping sounded from the doorbell. "Come inside, miko. I will be home later." The door whirred, and when she tried the knob again, the door slid open, the alarm panel blinking green.

"Anything's possible when you've got money to burn," she muttered, placing her bucket of cleaning supplies on the floor. "I guess I'll start here." He hadn't mentioned any rooms being off-limits, but she wasn't about to poke her nose into any of his business. The hall and open rooms would be safe, right?

She located the kitchen first, filling up the bucket and adding in a mixture of chemicals. The soft scent of citrus wafted through the house, and she let the water sit as she pulled one of the barstools away from the island. She'd never considered herself short before, but Sesshoumaru was clearly the only one who lived here because everything was several inches out of reach.

She'd always assumed Jaken to be in charge of everything, even in his personal residence, but Sesshoumaru had yet to mention the kappa outside of their conversation with her mother, and she suddenly wondered if he'd made it through the last centuries since they'd last met.

Mama hadn't prodded her much about her relationship with Sesshoumaru, but the questions were subtle and similar to the ones she'd asked about Inuyasha. Mama knew her relationship with the hanyou hadn't gone past friendship and didn't push anything more than that, which Kagome was always thankful for.

Her relationship with Sesshoumaru was odd, one she couldn't even label considering the circumstances, but she supposed they were friends. Friends usually traded favours, right? She clicked her tongue. She couldn't remember the last time she'd cleaned Ayumi's apartment or helped Yuka with work, but she'd cancelled a timeshare on Eri's behalf, so there was some crossover with Sesshoumaru.

She dusted the top of the cabinets then climbed down the stool. Dunking her cloth into the warm water, she wiped down each door and handle before moving into tabletops. She was actually glad that Sesshoumaru wasn't home at the moment. It would give the chemicals time to dissipate into the air before he returned. Her concoction was less potent, especially to those with a stronger nose, but it was still potent enough to bother those with sensitive noses.

Though his glamour covered his markings, the restraint of his power was solely his own, so she didn't want to overwhelm his senses with her cleaning supplies. Was she feeling a little overworked with everything he was demanding in return? Sure, but he'd done her a favour, no questions asked, and so far, it had worked beautifully. Megumi was still her usual bouncy self, but the letters and messages from Hojo had ceased.

He'd even stopped showing up in the middle of the day with things his daughter had 'forgotten' at home, using them as an excuse to bypass the office's security and interrupt her day. Kagome shuddered at the thought of being alone with Hojo, forced to remove him from her classroom and berate him in the hallway, but ever since the reunion, he'd been far less inclined to speak to her. He also avoided eye contact when he picked up Megumi after school.

For once, she was grateful for Yuka's meddling. She was all but convinced a marriage proposal from Sesshoumaru was right around the corner and had clearly communicated the same thing to Hojo. It once again brought Sesshoumaru's acting skills to light, and, glancing around the kitchen, Kagome broke her rule of not delving into his personal space and opened the fridge. What she found inside was much to be desired.

She knew youkai didn't require as much food as humans, but that didn't mean they didn't have to eat. Inuyasha and Shippou loved to stuff their faces, and even Sesshoumaru had filled his plate at the reunion. He'd started with mostly fresh produce but had snuck a few bites of fragrant sunomono, and Kagome had found the sight highly entertaining. She'd never imagined Sesshoumaru eating, never mind trying to eat clear, slippery noodles without spilling anything onto his tie.

She slowly closed the fridge door. She'd never properly thanked him for showing up to the reunion. She'd fully expected him to show up in a purple tie or maybe a cufflink, but his tie had been a crisp ivory, standing out against the plum fabric of his shirt. No one had denied who she'd belonged to that night.

It had been temporary but effective, and he still hadn't revealed what Inuyasha had said to compel him to help, but she could at least prove she'd appreciated the gesture.

He'd said he would be home soon, but most of his previous requests had come after 6:00 p.m., so if she hurried, she could have something ready by the time he showed up—and still have his place cleaned.

She was putting the finishing touches on the garnishes when the front door opened. Kagome slid the knives into the dishwasher so all he'd have to do was add his dinner dishes and turn it on. There had been an unopened pack of dishwasher pods in the pantry, so his lack of food could've been due to his not wanting to waste turning it on for a single bowl and spoon.

Wiping down the counter for the final time, she turned as he entered the kitchen, amber eyes widening when he noticed her standing over the stove. "You are still here."

Kagome blinked in confusion. "Yes? Why wouldn't I be? You told me to clean the house."

He set his briefcase down in the doorway, his free hand running through his hair like he wasn't used to the length. "A simple wipe down of the cabinets and vacuuming the carpets would have sufficed."

"I did that," she replied, motioning to the gleaming doors and countertops. "I didn't go into any of the other rooms, so if you want those cleaned, you'll have to let me know which ones I can go into."

Another drag of his hand loosened his tie as he leaned against the kitchen island. "I did not expect you to spend your entire evening here, miko."

Kagome shrugged. "It's Friday. I didn't have any other plans." His eyes lingered to the point where she started to fidget, so she motioned to the stove. "I figured you'd had a long day, so I made dinner. It's not much, but you should have enough for leftovers tomorrow." She tapped the fridge door. "The sunomono noodles should be done, so you can add your toppings."

His expression darkened. "You were not obligated to do this."

She hoped her smile was reassuring. "I know, but I never got the chance to thank you for coming to my rescue during the family reunion, so I figured this was the next best thing." His hands tensed against the countertop, but she waved a wooden spoon in his direction. "That 'Lord of the West' attitude may have worked back then, but you don't scare me, Mr. Taisho."

"Miko—"

She brandished the spoon like a sword. "And if you put my hard work to waste, I'll book a tour of your company for my students and tell them to paint a new mural on your walls." They were at a standstill, neither moving a muscle, and she raised her chin defiantly, daring him to call her bluff.

The side of his mouth twitched, as it had done on that first night, and something passed through his eyes, softening the hardened lines of his face. "You would do that."

"You bet your ass."

He sighed, then waved her away from the stove, inspecting the food. Kagome gloated as she collected her supplies, checking to make sure the bottles were firmly sealed so she wouldn't leave any strong scents behind. Securing her bucket, she reached for her coat. "Considering you live alone, it should be a while before—" Blue eyes widened in surprise as he set two bowls down on the island, already grabbing chopsticks and napkins.

"How do you take your tea?" he asked, clicking the stove on to boil the water.

Kagome's mouth snapped shut, the question she'd been about to ask lost as he looked at her expectantly. She'd never planned on staying, but he certainly did, and he was so matter-of-fact about it that she ignored her instincts to leave. "A bit of honey would be great if you have it."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "You did not go through my cabinets?"

She was insulted at how genuinely surprised he was. "Unlike some less scrupulous characters, I have integrity."

His smirk returned. "So much that you hired me so you could lie to your friends."

"That doesn't count! It was for self-preservation," she argued.

"Indeed. And I would give you the benefit of the doubt if it had only been the one time." He served up the food, expertly placing the garnishes on top.

"Every time after that was your fault." His eyebrows rose skeptically, and she snorted. "You were too charming. Now everyone wants to spend more time with you." He took a few bites, and Kagome preened at the pleased look on his face. She wasn't as good a cook as her mother, but she could hold her own with a few dishes.

"Including you?"

It felt like a loaded question, but she shrugged nonchalantly. "You have your moments."

He placed his chopsticks on the island before grabbing the kettle, the scent of jasmine quickly overpowering the cleaning supplies. "I will endeavour to remain in good standing, then."

Chapter Text

For the third time that day, Kagome found herself staring out of the window, forced to shake her head to refocus. She had things to prep for tomorrow—and next week—but her mind kept drifting back to her dinner with Sesshoumaru.

There hadn't been any reason to stay, other than his assumption she would, the second bowl staring up at her expectantly, but their conversation had eased as the night wore on, and before she'd realized it, several hours had passed.

Sighing, she leaned back in her chair. Could she consider them friends? She hadn't planned on seeing him more than the one time at her family reunion, but they'd played their cards too well, and now everyone thought they were a couple. Even Inuyasha was beginning to ask questions, and he'd known about the plan to deter Hojo from the start.

She supposed she hadn't helped, considering how many times they'd hung out since then. Cleaning his house and making him dinner had become a regular occurrence, though the shift had only happened that first night.

Which was why she was so distracted by trying to put a label on their relationship. She saw him almost as much as her friends, and though some of those outings overlapped, most of the time, they spent time alone. He much preferred her cooking than any restaurant, and Kagome was less on edge within the confines of his home. She'd yet to bring him to hers, but the thought of forcing him into her tiny apartment when he was used to a house had her second-guessing herself.

Groaning, she smacked her cheeks, then quickly finished prepping the art project they'd be doing the next day. Her students would return from music class soon enough, and they still had an hour left in the day. She didn't have time to be daydreaming about a non-boyfriend.

She managed to get the supplies put away before her class scampered through the door, knowing they'd have a million questions if even the tiniest scrap of blue construction paper was visible. As it was, they wanted to show her the rhythm sequence they'd learned from music, which left only thirty minutes to review their English vocabulary before it was time to clean up.

A swirl of coats and backpacks intermingled with cheerful goodbyes, and soon, they were lined up at the door. The bell wouldn't ring for another minute, but Kagome took them outside, letting them soak up the sunshine before their parents and guardians picked them up.

Megumi stayed by her side, hands clenched around the straps of her bag, and Kagome knelt beside her. "What's wrong, Megumi -chan? You were so happy to see the sun come out today."

The girl nodded, then sighed. "I wish the sun made Papa happy, too. He's been extra busy lately."

Kagome bit the inside of her cheek. She knew exactly why Hojo was busy, as he was the type to bury himself in his work when he was upset about something, but there wasn't any sympathy left for him. He'd made his choice, and so had she. He was just upset that their choices hadn't aligned. "Don't you have a special daddy-daughter date this weekend?"

Megumi nodded. "He promised we'd go for ice cream after."

"Good! Make sure you hold him for that. Maybe you can convince him to make sundaes at home." She watched the idea turn around in the girl's head, slowly taking root before she clapped her hands together.

"We can buy toppings when we go grocery shopping!"

Kagome matched her smile. "That sounds wonderful. And that way, you can get more than one kind of ice cream."

"And sprinkles, too!" Megumi started listing off all the different kinds of things she wanted to add to her sundae, going as far as to add in ramen noodles, and soon the rest of the class was joining in, the ingredients becoming more ridiculous by the second.

"I have never heard of kimchi-flavoured ice cream before," a deep voice said. "Is it a new trend with school children?"

Kagome jumped to her feet, eyes wide with surprise. "What are you doing here?" she asked, wincing at the tone.

Sesshoumaru took it in stride, his suit jacket hung over one arm. "The forecast called for more rain, and you do not like wet feet."

A blush stained her cheeks, as she had said that, but it had been weeks ago and only a passing complaint when she'd shoved a new umbrella into her shopping cart. However, a soft tug on her skirt stopped her from questioning his motives, Megumi staring up at the youkai in wonder. "Who's that, sensei?" The rest of her class nodded in unison, some climbing over others to get a better look.

Kagome's blush darkened, as she knew there was no way to avoid answering, and she stepped aside. "This is Taisho Sesshoumaru. He's a—" She looked up at him, at a loss for words. "—friend." But the title did nothing to deter their curiosity.

"A friend?"

"What kind of friend?"

"Looks like a boyfriend."

"That's not right, sensei's married."

"Not all teachers are married."

Kagome groaned, for once thankful for the bell—and their short attention spans. They all straightened at the sound, bowing in unison before waving goodbye. Megumi hung back, as she always did, dark eyes still on Sesshoumaru. He raised an eyebrow, but the girl held firm, eventually leaning closer to Kagome. "I can see why you chose him over Papa."

Kagome's mouth fell open as the girl bowed again, this time to Sesshoumaru, then darted toward her father, waving to both of them. Kagome echoed the movement as she ensured each child found their designated grown-up.

"I take it that was the child of the man in question?" he asked.

"That would be her," Kagome replied, hands clasped in front of her. "She's very sweet and hardworking. But her father—"

"Cannot take a hint."

"Exactly." She watched as Hojo took Megumi's bag, concentrating so as not to miss any details of her day as they walked toward the parking lot. His look of longing, however, was not missed—by either of them—and Kagome stiffened as Sesshoumaru leaned closer, lips brushing her cheek before he turned them around and led them back inside. "Was that necessary?" she griped, skin tingling where he'd touched her.

"I was making a point," he replied, unrepentant. "You voiced the need for my services was to dissuade a specific individual from crossing boundaries you had been adamant about. Would such displays of affection not do exactly that?"

She had, and they would, but that didn't explain the rapid way her heart was beating against her ribs. "Just keep it to a minimum when I'm at work," she said. "There's a boundary there, as well."

"As you wish."

She eyed him warily. He'd said he'd shown up because of the weather, but he couldn't have known Hojo would pick Megumi up today. Half the time, she went to an after-school daycare because he worked late. "I still have a few things to do before I can leave," she murmured, inching toward her desk. Sesshoumaru wasn't the most patient person, so if he had to wait around while she organized her classroom—

"I assumed as much," came his easy reply. "Our reservation is not until six."

Kagome blinked in confusion. "We have a reservation?"

The edge of his mouth twitched. "I would not be a good boyfriend if I picked you up from work only to take you straight home." She continued to stare, and he rolled his shoulders. "You have cooked enough meals at my home; I wish to repay you."

The tension that had been building slowly dissipated. He just wanted to repay her for cooking for him. That was all. That she could handle. She offered him a grateful smile. "That sounds wonderful. It shouldn't take me that long to get ready." He inclined his head, wandering around the room as she wrote down some notes about her class's progress. He was far less imposing here than at his home. She always left thinking he had some hidden agenda.

Their conversations felt genuine, but this was still Sesshoumaru; he'd never shown up during their hunt for the shards without an ulterior motive. First it had been the pearl, then Tessaiga, which had gone on far longer than it should've.

He paused in front of a display of awkwardly cut hearts, the writing inside each one slanted but sincere. "You condone love letters at this age?" he asked.

Kagome chuckled, joining him in front of the display. "There are different kinds of love. They're too young for the romantic kind, but we work on gratitude and showcasing our love for everyone in our lives." She pointed to a light blue one in the centre. "This one is about his mother's cooking. And this student loves when her brother picks her up from school; he's away at university, and she only sees him during holidays."

"Hnn." She eyed him warily, wondering if he was just humouring her, but he pointed to a mauve one, the lines a little smoother. "And this one?"

A soft smile touched her lips. "That's the one we started with. We read a story, and I explained that I love it when people are honest." He said nothing, tracing the lines of her words with a single finger, and she eventually pointed to a green one, breaking the silence. "This one actually reminded me of you. The little girl loves frogs, especially when she chases her mother around with them because she tends to shriek."

A frown marred his brow. "A shrieking frog reminded you of me?"

Kagome shook her head. "Not you. Jaken." She leaned against the wall. "He'd shriek at you all the time, but you never got rid of him."

"That is not to say I never tried."

She outright laughed, shaking her head. "Probably for the better. Rin would've killed you."

"Indeed." His tone wasn't as sombre as she thought it would be, and she went back to her desk.

"How's he doing? Still barking orders when someone insults you?" she asked, shuffling things around for the next day.

"He spends most of his time at the beach," he replied, still reading over the other hearts.

Kagome raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't peg him for such an unpredictable habitat," she admitted. "Though I suppose he enjoys the water?"

"He enjoys it because Rin does."

That gave her pause, and she straightened, watching for any telltale sign of emotion. "Is she buried there?" she asked softly.

He stiffened in surprise, then turned to face her. "Did Inuyasha not tell you?"

Kagome crossed her arms. "Unless it's about a ramen restaurant or a new pocky flavour, Inuyasha never initiates any conversation. And I can't say you ever came up." He continued to stare at her, and she flushed. "Sorry, that was insensitive. You probably still think about her—"

"She mated an otter demon," he cut in, eyes dancing with amusement. "They live on the coast, so that they are close to his family. Jaken manages their estate when they travel south."

Her mouth dropped open. "You did that on purpose!" she accused.

"Perhaps. But you brought it on yourself by not asking first." She scowled but said nothing, banging a binder against her desk before he took it from her hands. "Are you finished?" She was tempted to throw it at him, but he placed it exactly where she'd planned on putting it, leaving her surprised yet again.

He continued to tidy up her desk, and she watched in fascination as he put everything in its proper place. "Do you expect me to ask about things like that?" she eventually asked, curiosity winning over anything else.

"Do you wish to ask about things like that?" He finally met her gaze, expression placid, and Kagome chewed on the inside of her lip as she gave it some real thought.

"I guess so. If you're willing to talk about it." She shrugged on her coat.

"It would depend on the one asking the questions."

Her eyes narrowed again, but she flipped her hair over her shoulder as she passed by him. "Guess you're lucky I'm so attractive then. I can distract you with my good looks into giving me real answers."

"Why do you think I have spoken so candidly before?"

Chapter Text

"You didn't have to travel so far out of your way," Kagome said, taking in their surroundings. It was a good thing she'd finished as quickly as she did, as it had taken them close to an hour to reach their destination. She'd expected some high-end establishment, with each dish costing more than she made in a week, but the restaurant was surprisingly quaint.

Situated in what seemed to be the middle of nowhere, they'd parked on the edge of a large forest, her hand in his as he led her through the trees. She'd taken it all in stride, figuring he was more apt at using his senses along the dirt path, but even as they'd given their names to the maître d', her fingers had remained between his. It wasn't until they'd approached their table that he'd relinquished his hold, pulling out her chair so she could sit down.

She made a tongue-in-cheek comment about it having taken 500 years for him to turn into a gentleman, but he wasn't fazed, stating his mother would be happy to hear it, as she'd been trying for the previous 500 years to teach him some semblance of manners when he was around others. The conversation shifted, Kagome immediately latching onto the information about his family, and it wasn't until their drinks were served that she'd reminded herself they weren't actually on a date.

"I do not normally have an excuse to partake in their menu," he replied, "but the occasion called for something special." There was a slight dip in his tone, and Kagome hesitated as she reached for her glass.

"Did it?"

"Hnn."

She bit the inside of her cheek. He'd been using that phrase—if she could even call it one, considering it didn't include a vowel—a lot more often, and it was starting to grate on her nerves. He was typically more outspoken when there were members of her family or one of her friends around, so maybe that was why he resorted to single-syllabic responses when they were in public.

Not including when they were alone in his home, anyway.

Sighing, she went back to the menu, finalizing her selection. She was chagrined to admit she waited for his response when she told him what she'd decided on, but he inclined his head, complimenting her on the flavour combinations.

"Considering how much you don't cook, I didn't peg you for a connoisseur," she said, handing her menu to the server.

"One must be an expert in many things in order to be successful," he said, raising his glass in silent cheers.

She mimicked the movement, enjoying the tartness of the pureed fruit before meeting his gaze over the rim. "Is it your plan to keep me on my toes the entire night?" He was doing a good job so far, as she was still reeling from the fact that he'd shown up at her workplace.

"Perhaps," he mused, swirling the ice in his drink. "But it is up to which body part you balance on."

Kagome choked on the next gulp, managing to put her cup down before she dropped it. Had Sesshoumaru just made a pass at her? Even as the thought formed, it was immediately dismissed. This was Sesshoumaru. He never made a pass at anyone—least of her. "You almost had me there for a second."

He chuckled, folding his hands under his chin. "You seemed tense. Was it a rough day?" They moved into safer territory, touching on their week and what work would have in store for them after the weekend.

The conversation once again flowed easily, only pausing when their food arrived, and Kagome gushed about the dishes to the point where Sesshoumaru offered her a bite of his. She didn't think any of it, leaning across the table to take the food off his fork, and it wasn't until his snort ruffled her bangs that she realized how close she was.

She slowly sat back in her chair. "Thanks. I don't think this place makes bad food."

"You would be correct," he replied, eyes gleaming.

Swallowing again, she returned to her own plate, focusing on her food instead of the growing heat in her face. He made it so easy to forget they were nothing more than friends—and even that was a stretch.

They finished the meal in silence, the only sound being their forks clinking against their plates. Sesshoumaru appeared relaxed, offering up the dessert menu when the server returned. Kagome vehemently declined. She needed to get out of the restaurant and clear her head.

He didn't argue, placing his card into the billfold before she could even open her wallet, and her scowl was met with indifference. "I told you it was payment for your cooked meals," he reminded her. "It would be pointless if I allowed you to pay for yourself."

Pursing her lips, she got to her feet, jerking when his palm flattened against the small of her back and guided her out of the front doors. He'd been doing that more often, too, though it was always in front of someone they knew. Kagome had taken it all in stride, though the heat of his skin against hers had initially been jarring.

She'd had it coming, considering how she'd thrown herself at him at the shrine, but she'd assumed that she'd have to be the one to initiate each time. She wasn't sure if it was pack dynamics, as Shippou had always curled against her when they'd been searching for the shards. Kouga had mentioned it several times, thinking it would lure her toward his den, but Sesshoumaru had always kept himself apart from everyone else.

"Why did you agree to this?" she asked, unable to quell the uneasy curiosity swirling inside her. "To pretend to be my boyfriend," she clarified after he raised an eyebrow. "What's in it for you?"

"I have my reasons."

Kagome shook her head, turning to face him as soon as they rounded the corner. "That's not good enough. Inuyasha calls you out of the blue to fake-date someone you barely interacted with? There's more to it than reasons." Her hands went to her hips, foot tapping impatiently.

His head tilted to the side as he gave her a considering look. "Would you believe I thought it might be amusing?"

She crossed her arms. "If you were Miroku, maybe. But you weren't even close to being as handsy as he was."

"Time changes many things, miko."

Kagome threw her arms up in the air in exasperation. "Not that much. Not people like you."

He stepped closer, towering over her, and she scowled up at him. "And what would you know about 'people like me'?" he asked dangerously.

She held up her hand, counting off the items on her fingers. "You still live alone, you haven't mentioned any close friends or relatives, your phone never goes off when we're together, and you'd rather stay home even though you have money burning a hole in your pocket."

His eyes narrowed with each accusation. "I had thought it bad manners to be distracted by a device while out with a significant other."

"See? There you go again, spouting things that make no sense."

"You cannot have it both ways, miko. Either I can play the role of an adoring partner or a passive one; which would you prefer?"

He was putting words in her mouth, which only confused her more. "I just want a straight answer, Sesshoumaru. You know why I'm in this situation. Why are you?" His gaze shifted to something over her shoulder, arm snaking around her waist before she could turn around, mind going blank as his head dipped.

It was the first time he'd kissed her, and Kagome was instantly distracted by the sensation of his body pressing against hers, the heat from his hand burning through the back of her blouse. She knew she should be focused on whoever was behind her—there was no reason to kiss her otherwise—but any logical thought was quickly overrun as his tongue slid along her bottom lip.

Kagome's stomach clenched at the same time her knees gave out, and she was left grasping at his collar. A surprised gasp gave him better access, and the taste of his saké, along with something much more decadent, exploded onto her tongue. Her hands slid up around his neck, and she felt his growl all the way to her toes.

She could smell the pine of the surrounding trees, but it could just be him, and she pulled him closer to find out. They needed to put on a good show, anyway. She leaned closer, brushing the back of her fingers along the hidden marks on his face.

His claws dug into her back, and she broke the kiss, eyes searching when he didn't let her move more than an inch away. "Who was watching?" she asked breathlessly, her mind finally forming a coherent thought.

"Watching?" he echoed, thumb tracing her bottom lip.

"You only get handsy when someone's around," she supplied feebly. "To keep up the ruse."

"Hnn." His eyes had darkened to caramel, still focused on her mouth, and she shivered. He'd yet to release her, a breeze sneaking through the trees and into her hair. His arm slipped around her waist, leading her back down the dirt path to his car, not once commenting on who would've needed that level of convincing.

She found herself leaning into the embrace, unable to do anything but, and when he didn't pull away, even when she knew they weren't being followed, a new kind of heat bloomed in her chest.

Maybe there was more to his reasons than she thought.

Sesshoumaru waited for the light of Kagome's apartment to turn on before returning to his car. He'd barely slid into the driver's seat when his phone rang, and he sighed before sliding his thumb across the screen. "Hello, Mother."

"Why do you always sound so cross when I call?" she asked.

"Because you usually demand something from me in the process," he replied.

Kimiko clicked her tongue, the sound loud in his ear. "Not always," she hedged.

"But today will be no different."

"I am merely calling to remind you of next month's gala," she sniffed.

Sesshoumaru checked the date on his watch. "I have not forgotten."

"Good. I am sure you have also not forgotten what people will say if someone of your calibre arrives empty-handed."

His fingers tightened around the steering wheel. "It is not about me—"

"Of course not," his mother cut in. "But you are still expected to bring someone." There was a rustling of paper. "I will send you a list of females to choose from."

"That will not be necessary," he replied.

"Do not take that tone with me, pup. You understand more than anyone the importance of keeping the council happy in this regard. If you shirk tradition, it will reflect poorly on those around you."

Sesshoumaru pinched the bridge of his nose. "I am aware, Mother. I merely meant that your help is not needed."

There was a long pause before his mother spoke again. "I do hope you are not speaking of that harpy from the northern phoenix clan."

Amber eyes flickered towards Kagome's apartment. "No," he said, voice firm. "A bird of a completely different feather. And morals." A smirk touched his lips. "Though no less volatile."

Another pause. "And you did not think to introduce her to me before now?"

"No." He could picture her pinched expression and gloated as he drummed his fingers against the dashboard.

"Fine, keep your secrets. But I expect a formal introduction when the time is right," she said curtly, hanging up before he could get another word in. Placing the phone in the centre console, he started the car, peeling out of the parking lot, the engine barely making a sound.

The miko might balk at the thought of such a prestigious event, but it would save them both a headache by showing up together. And if it shut his mother up, all the better.

Chapter Text

"You seem happier lately."

The statement hung in Kagome's mind, repeating itself like a mantra even as she left the lunchroom. She hadn't felt any different, but all the other teachers at the table had chimed in, either agreeing or wondering about the reason behind it. Her routine hadn't changed much; the only difference was that she wasn't jumping every time someone knocked at her classroom door.

It was going on three months of being Hojo-less, and even Megumi had stopped commenting on how good they looked as a couple. Kagome had never wanted to hurt her, especially when she'd talked about wanting her as her mother. Many of her students saw her in that role, but having it reinforced at home didn't help, and if it hadn't been for Sesshoumaru, there would've likely been a public confrontation.

Or a restraining order.

Kagome knew he was harmless—he'd never given her any indication that he was violent, and Megumi was well-adjusted, even when he worked late—but maintaining the boundary between her professional and private life shouldn't involve her students.

Thinking about her private life had "You seem happier lately." running through her mind again, she couldn't stop the heat rising to her cheeks. Was she less stressed because Hojo was leaving her alone? Absolutely. But she'd be lying to herself if she didn't include a certain daiyoukai in the same category.

There hadn't been an overt change, and they hadn't really spoken about it, but ever since he'd kissed her in the forest, he'd been more generous in his public displays of affection, even when no one was around. There hadn't been any steamy make-out sessions—they definitely needed to have a conversation before that happened—but he always kissed her goodbye when he dropped her off at her apartment, and she could sense the restraint rippling beneath his aura.

She'd been tempted to stoke the flames with her own power, but until there was an official label, she wasn't about to push anything.

They'd continued their role of allies in the hopes of deterring Hojo's advances, and she knew she wanted more, but although he was warmer than she'd ever known him to be, Sesshoumaru was still, well, Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha was much easier to read, even through his bluster, while his brother was just as likely to insult you as he was to save you.

And this came from personal experience.

Heaving a sigh, Kagome slumped into the chair behind her desk just as her class returned from break. Knowing the routine, they put their coats away and changed their shoes before settling into their tables. She knew she had a few minutes to collect herself before they'd need her attention—or, at least, she would've if Megumi hadn't heard her sigh and approached her desk.

"Are you alright, sensei?" she asked.

Kagome plastered on a smile. "Of course, Megumi-chan. I just have a long list of things to finish by the end of the week and I'm trying to figure out which ones to do first."

The girl tapped her chin, deep in thought, then grinned. "You should have the prince help you!"

She felt the beginning of a blush tint her cheeks, and she rubbed the back of her head to cover it up. "Which prince is that?" Megumi gave her a deadpan look, and Kagome burst out laughing. "Sorry, I forgot how smart you are."

She preened, then turned as one of her friends beckoned her back to the table. "He'll probably help you if you ask. He likes to do things for you."

Kagome raised an eyebrow. "And why do you say that?" she replied, honestly curious how the girl picked up on so much without her knowing.

Megumi snorted as if it were the most obvious answer in the world. "Because he likes it when you're happy." The blush returned, and Kagome couldn't do anything to hide it. "Smile at him after school, sensei. You'll see what I mean."

Now she had two thoughts rolling around in her head, and even though they were part of the same thought, they were still fighting for dominance and making her dizzy. Megumi patted her hand as she passed by, taking her place at the end of the line before giving her a thumbs up.

Kagome pursed her lips, but she couldn't fault the girl, especially when a tendril of youki brushed against the side of her arm as she stepped through the door to greet the parents. Each student gave her a wave before they ran to their grown-up, but Megumi hung back, giving her an expectant look before tilting her head in Sesshoumaru's direction.

Biting the inside of her cheek, Kagome turned her body enough to catch his eye, flashing him what she hoped was a bright smile. He blinked in surprise before his posture relaxed, expression softening as he inclined his head in response, and her heart clenched painfully.

Had he always been that obvious?

Megumi tugged on her sleeve, forcing her to bend over before giving her a reassuring hug. "See?" she whispered. "I told you." She patted her arm again, then skipped off toward her daycare, grinning madly.

Kagome managed to keep it together as her class left for the day, grateful that Sesshoumaru kept his distance until the last child turned the corner out of the courtyard. The crunch of gravel signalled his approach, fingers sliding up the back of her arm to echo his earlier greeting. No one was around, so there was no point in keeping up appearances, yet his lips still made contact with her temple.

"Good day?" he asked.

Kagome couldn't contain her smile this time. "Something like that." He followed her into the classroom, settling into the chair at the carpet as she tidied her desk. She never felt smothered by him, even when he showed up at her work, and though she still wasn't exactly sure what his job in finance entailed, she had a feeling he cut out early anytime he came to see her.

"Are you free for dinner?" he asked after a few minutes, chin in his hand.

"Would it have stopped you from showing up if I wasn't?"

"No, but I find myself wanting to extend our time together." A few well-placed words were all it took to have her smiling again, perking up at the thought that even if she'd been busy, he would've stopped by to see her. That meant something, right?

Trying to keep her reaction casual, she rearranged the pens in her desk drawer. "You could always text me ahead of time."

"I would rather see you in person." He'd been inspecting an art display, but amber eyes slowly slid in her direction, and Kagome could barely remember the cold and calculating Lord of the West from centuries prior. He looked so different, the dress shirt and slacks doing nothing to hide the power underneath, and she suddenly wanted to know what it would be like to climb into his lap.

He caught her staring—and likely what she'd been thinking about, considering the way he tensed—and she cleared her throat, making a few notes about her day so she'd remember where to start tomorrow. "Are we going anywhere special?" she asked. "Or am I cooking?"

"I would not show up unannounced and force you to provide the meal, Kagome," he said, features pinched in a slight scowl.

She couldn't suppress the shiver that wracked her body the moment her name escaped his lips, and it distracted her long enough for him to corner her behind her desk, hands on either side of her chair. Swallowing slowly, she met his gaze. "I don't mind cooking for you." The last two words slipped out without permission, but she had no time to take them back, his mouth descending upon hers.

She responded immediately, back arching for a better angle as she gripped the front of his shirt. She was beyond caring that a colleague could walk in on them at any moment; all she cared about was the rapid beat of his heart against her palm and the decadent taste of spice and autumn rain.

His chest vibrated, a growl stuck in his throat when he pulled back, Kagome's lips thoroughly swollen. "This is not the place for this," he murmured, though he didn't sound as confident as before.

"For what?" she asked dazedly. That earned her another kiss, one that had claws digging into the back of her neck, and another growl was ripped from his lips when she moaned softly. He looked dishevelled, but there was no way Sesshoumaru could be anything but pristine, so she had to be seeing things.

Breathing deeply, Kagome rolled her shoulders before getting to her feet. The action forced Sesshoumaru to take a reluctant step back. He was still encroaching on her personal space, but she found it wasn't enough for her to say anything, and she grabbed her bag from under her desk.

"Do you have a preference?" he asked, offering his arm.

Kagome's hand slid easily around his bicep. "For food? Not really. You always find fun, new places for us to try, anyway."

They paused so she could lock her door, and Sesshoumaru waited expectantly before she grabbed his arm again. "Something with a little more legroom, perhaps." She didn't know which one of them said legroom would be for, but she had a feeling she wouldn't be concentrating on the food much.

He never failed to surprise her when it came to his taste in cuisine. She never considered him a connoisseur, especially back then, as she'd never seen him eat. Inuyasha was ravenous even as a hanyou, so someone with Sesshoumaru's power would require twice as much food, but his clothes—his white clothes no less—were always in perfect condition, not a speck of dirt or food on them.

So when he took her to places like this, a small, family-owned café filled with fragrant sandwiches and decadent parfaits, it only left her desperate to discover more about him. This time, he ordered for both of them, promising to cook for her himself if she didn't enjoy the selections, and Kagome had to stifle a giggle at the haughty expression on his face.

"That confident, are you?"

"I would like to think I know you well enough to procure the right dishes," he replied, resting his chin on both hands as the server walked away, menus under her arm. It felt like a loaded statement, but she planned on enjoying herself, so she let it go.

For now.

"I'll make sure to tell you if anything tastes wrong," she said cheekily, mimicking his posture.

The edge of his mouth quirked, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Do as you please."

Her smile only grew. "I will. And I'll enjoy every minute of it." He continued to stare, and she raised her chin to challenge any comeback he may have, then jerked when his shoe brushed against the inside of her leg. The tables were old but solid, the wood covered in long tablecloths and hiding their lower halves from view.

The edge of his shoe continued its movement, tracing a path along the inside of her calf before sliding back down, and Kagome's hands clenched in her lap. She took it back; he was still as devious as before. Moreso, perhaps. But two could play at that game.

She leaned back in her chair, pretending not to notice his teasing, and the next time his foot made a pass, she zapped him. Sesshoumaru started in surprise, and she blinked innocently at him. "Something wrong?"

His fingers flexed, and he reached for her. "You know exactly—"

"I thought you wouldn't be caught dead here," sneered a voice, causing them both to jerk apart, and Kagome stared up into a pair of icy green eyes. The woman stood a solid six feet, though several of those inches were due to her designer pumps, and though she wasn't as tall as Sesshoumaru, she was no less intimidating.

Dark roots gave way to flaming red hair, giving her the appearance of glowing embers, though the disdainful expression on her face showed no warmth whatsoever. Kagome glanced between the two youkai—the woman was a bird of some sort, but she couldn't pinpoint which—and since she was glaring at Sesshoumaru, Kagome assumed they knew each other.

"I believe I said I would never be caught dead here with you," he replied.

The woman bristled, eyes flashing as dark nails tapped against her hips. "I never pegged you to scrape the bottom of the barrel, Taisho-san. If this is the current company you're keeping, I'm glad it never worked between us."

Knowing they weren't close enough for her to refer to him by his first name had a wave of relief washed over her, but Kagome was still on edge. She couldn't tell if they'd been together and split or if it had been one-sided on her part. Either way, Kagome wanted her to leave, and she cleared her throat. "I don't believe you were invited," she said.

The woman immediately spun in her direction, the tips of her hair catching fire, and Kagome realized she was a phoenix. They were as elusive as daiyoukai and just as powerful. What had Sesshoumaru done to piss this one off?

"I could say the same about you, you filthy little mortal. Just because he kissed you once in the woods doesn't make you special." She flipped her hair over her shoulder, the flames somehow not spreading to her clothes. "Now be quiet. The adults are talking." She turned back to Sesshoumaru, shifting her weight to something more seductive. "I'd be willing to take you back," she drawled. "If you begged for it."

Kagome didn't even try to stop herself, instincts taking hold as she grabbed her glass of water and dumped it over the woman's head. She made a point of shaking the last few drops out, ensuring she knew it had been done on purpose.

The phoenix sputtered as her hair went out, claws already lengthening. "You little ingrate. How dare you!" She grabbed the nearest fork, intent on doing far worse damage, but Sesshoumaru caught her wrist, preventing her from spilling any blood. Kagome hadn't been worried. She'd never given up her training, and her power buzzed beneath the surface, waiting for the woman to give her a reason to bring it out.

"You have already crossed several lines, Honou," he said, voice low. "Leave now before the authorities are involved." With how he emphasized the word, Kagome knew he didn't mean human police and wondered how much authority he had in the youkai world.

She looked ready to call his bluff, so Kagome stepped closer, daring her to try something, and the woman flinched, yanking her hand out of Sesshoumaru's grip. "My father will hear about this," she hissed, glaring at both of them.

"Be sure to remind him that you were the one to break the agreements of our betrothal in the first place," Sesshoumaru said smoothly, relaxing back in his chair. She turned with a huff, half stomping out of the café, and Kagome waited until the door shut behind her before sitting back down.

"You have the worst taste in friends," she said, using a napkin to soak up the water that had dropped onto the tablecloth.

"I assure you, Kagome, she is no friend of mine."

"Just an ex-fiancée."

He observed her for a moment, his expression giving away nothing. His shoulders eventually slumped. "A union arranged by our parents centuries ago." He left it at that, and Kagome had to bite her lip to prevent herself from demanding more information.

Centuries, maybe, but time moved differently for youkai, so it might've not felt as far away as that. She avoided his gaze with the excuse of inspecting the décor. Had he agreed to the union? How long had they been engaged? Had he chosen her?

Her mind whirled as the ugly hand of jealousy took hold, fingers clenching as she tried to keep from shaking. No, that couldn't be true. They'd discussed all sorts of things from his past, and the harpy hadn't been mentioned once. His mother had forced it on him, and Honou had gone along with it for as long as it suited her.

He reached across the table, covering her hand with his own. "You need not worry about her coming back. Phoenix's tempers are short, but her type is known to be flighty when it comes to confrontation. My rejection was more obvious with you here."

The hope that had been building was quickly snuffed out.

All his gestures, all the small considerations, the displays of affection meant nothing. The connection she'd thought they'd had was merely a farce—the same farce she'd asked for in the beginning. And she'd known there was a reason behind their first kiss. She'd known someone was watching them but had used it to create the fantasy that he actually liked her.

He didn't like her. He was using her, just like she'd been using him.

Kagome slowly pulled her hand away, forcing a smile onto her face—it almost painful to do so, considering the concern in his eyes. "It's fine. I'm not worried." And she wasn't; at least, not about the woman coming back.

All she needed to worry about was how she would put her broken heart back together after he dropped her off at home.

Chapter Text

Kagome trudged around her apartment, the stench of cleaning supplies following close behind as she scrubbed every possible surface. She didn't actually like cleaning but had offered to do it for Sesshoumaru because it felt like something she couldn't screw up. She did, however, see the benefits of deep cleaning when depression was clawing at your insides, desperate to drag you down into the depths of despair.

As long as she kept herself busy, she wouldn't think about him.

It had been several weeks since she'd seen him, using the excuse of preparing for upcoming report cards and the school festival taking up all of her free time. She'd kept her text responses to one-word answers, ignoring his whenever she could. Eventually, he stopped trying to contact her, leaving her to wallow in her misery.

Until today.

Today, she'd shut her phone off because she'd had seven messages from him when she woke up, another coming in every fifteen minutes since then. She'd read the first ones, and after realizing he'd just been wondering if she was free that day, she hadn't wasted any time shutting the device off.

She'd been tempted to throw it against the wall but wasn't in the market for a new phone.

Sighing, she grabbed a new scrubber and headed for the bathroom, only to be stopped by a firm knock at the door. She frowned, checking her watch. Her food wasn't set to show up until noon, which meant they were an hour early, but maybe she'd punched in the wrong time when she'd put in the order.

Throwing the scrubber in the tub of bleach water, she pulled off her gloves before opening the door. She froze in the middle of thanking the delivery driver, eyes widening at the sight before her.

Sesshoumaru had already been devastatingly handsome in pale silks and armour, but seeing him in a dark formal kimono, lavender plum blossoms around his shoulder and wrists, had her brain short-circuiting. His normally free hair was intricately braided up one side of his head, matching amethysts adorning his ears. She would've groaned out loud if she could find her voice.

How was she supposed to get over him when he showed up looking like this?

"You are not ready," he stated, a frown pinching his brow.

"Ready?" she echoed, mouth agape.

He sighed, pushing past into her apartment. He wrinkled his nose at the strong scent of chemicals before locating her phone and turning it on. His scowl only deepened when his features were lit up by her home screen, tongue clicking as he showed it to her.

There were over 20 text messages and five missed calls. All from him.

"Why did you turn off your phone?" he asked.

She snatched the device from him. "I was busy." A quick scroll through the notification informed her that they had plans today, ones she had agreed to before she'd developed feelings and gone into hiding. "I'm sorry, I totally forgot—"

"Which is why you still have an hour before we are set to leave."

Her brain short-circuited again. "What? No! I couldn't possibly—"

"You are still a creature of honour, are you not?" he asked, hand stroking his pelt. She suddenly realized his markings and fur were on full display. "You agreed to this event and have yet to offer a reasonable explanation for your refusal."

She gave him a helpless look, panic rising as she shook her head. His frown remained, but he pulled her close, cradling her head under his chin. The proximity did little to calm her heart, but she forced herself to breathe, eyes fluttering closed as the scent of pine and power filled her lungs.

"You have enough time to get ready," he murmured, misinterpreting her reluctance. "Go bathe, and I will procure your outfit."

She couldn't imagine what outfit she had that would put her in the same boat as him, but she nodded numbly, allowing him to usher her into the bathroom. His lips brushed across her temple in a reassuring caress before the door clicked behind him, and Kagome's traitorous tongue almost asked him to join her.

No. She was supposed to be getting over him. Knowing what he tasted like was one thing. Knowing what he felt like was something else altogether. She'd never be able to walk away after that. Running her hands down her face, she turned the water on, leaving it colder than usual to try and clear her head.

She could do this. She'd get through the last obligation, and that would be the end of it. It had to be. Her heart couldn't take it otherwise.

"You still haven't told me where we're going," she said, gazing out the window. She'd somehow forgotten about the kimono her mother had gifted her when she'd moved out, the lavender silk working its magic to make her eyes stand out more than usual. She snuck another look at Sesshoumaru. Had he dressed himself in the same colour on purpose? And if so, when had he seen the kimono in her closet? He'd been to her apartment a few times but never in her bedroom.

She stifled a snort. Knowing him, he probably owned a kimono in every colour imaginable, and she was letting her mind jump to conclusions. The kind of conclusions that made her stomach clench because they spoke of their relationship being more than what it was.

Blinking rapidly so the tears wouldn't form, she shifted in her seat, giving him an expectant look. "Is it a festival of some sort? This is a lot of traditional clothing, even for you."

"It is a festival of sorts," he echoed, turning another corner.

So helpful.

The landscape continued to pass them by, the skyscrapers and streetlamps long gone. She wasn't sure if they were heading toward or away from the mountains, but they were certainly nowhere near the city. Her view was obstructed every so often by towering trees, but the ground was still lush, and she longed to yank the pins out of her hair and run through the grass barefoot.

"Will I know anyone there?" she probed. "Or is this more of a corporate thing?"

"A little of both." She whirled around, about to blast him, but bit her tongue at the amused expression on his face. "There will be others in attendance that you are acquainted with, Kagome." He turned back to the road. "Though it may be a little while before you are able to speak with them."

Dark brows raised, but he pulled off the main road, the once smooth rise turning bumpy before he parked within a small grove of trees. Kagome frowned at the sight of other cars without their drivers, and she moved to open her door, but Sesshoumaru beat her to it, offering his hand to help her out.

She took it without thinking, unable to pull away when his fingers intertwined with her own. Blood pounding in her ears, she allowed him to tug her into the middle of the clearing. She searched for a venue or even a banner, but there were only cars, and she looked at him in confusion. Expression unreadable, he finally released her. "We must fly the rest of the way," he stated.

She couldn't stifle the groan this time. It was one thing to hold his hand, but being held by him, for who knew how long, was more than her heart could bear. She opened her mouth to say as much—or at least to come up with a plausible excuse—but the sting of his youki had the words dying in her throat. Their gazes remained locked as flames erupted around him, tousling their hair as his eyes turned crimson, markings bright and jagged across his cheeks.

His maw elongated, and Kagome was reminded of the beast within as his pelt fused with his body, giving way to silken fur as he bent over on all fours. A normal person, a sane person, would've run, or at least stepped back, but her feet were frozen to the ground, eyes wide as the transformation finished. His power was immense, skittering along her skin and leaving her flushed and chilled at the same time.

When the wind finally died down, he was still watching her, paws pressed into the dirt. She remembered him from before, though she still lacked the common sense to fear for her life. She could blame it on the presence of Inuyasha and her belief that he would never allow harm to come to her, even then, but the warm coil of pure fascination ignited once more, and she stepped forward.

Arms raised, she beckoned him down, gasping softly when her hands slid through his fur. Even now, she expected him to push her away, but he was surprisingly still. Power rippled like a breeze, and her fingers flexed as she cupped his face. Crimson eyes fluttered closed a moment before his nose pressed against her neck, and Kagome hummed, stroking the underside of his jaw.

He was beautiful. But, then again, he'd always been that way.

Her eyes soon slid closed as well, and she leaned her head against his, aware but uncaring that the slightest movement would put her in contact with his fangs. Realizing she was likely one of the few he'd allowed this close, her heart sank into her stomach.

She'd never escape him now.

She wanted to stay, wanted to claim what he so freely offered because in this moment, it felt like so much more than a simple touch. There was trust and companionship and the way her body tingled every time he touched her, and her heart screamed at her to make it real

But it was nothing more than a ruse, and at the end of the day, her heart would be screaming for a different reason. She blinked back tears, knowing there would be no way to fix her makeup before they arrived at their destination, and forced herself away, trying desperately to keep herself in one piece.

His head tilted, eyes searching, but she smiled, patting the bridge of his nose. He shifted, giving her better access, and Kagome realized what he meant by flying, doing her best to scale the mound of fur before sitting at the base of his neck. Her fingers itched to touch his ears, but that would be a step too far, even for her, so she gripped his fur, thighs clenching on either side as he leapt into the sky.

There were more ladylike ways to sit—ones that would keep her kimono from wrinkling—but Kagome would take a few creases over plummeting to the ground. This position gave her a better view, his paws brushing the treetops as he raced into the mountains. No roads could be seen, and she wondered at the guestlist. Those born with the gift of flight would have no issue scaling the rocky terrain, but others would have their work cut out for them, considering the density of the underbrush.

A hiss escaped her lips as they approached a barrier. It was stronger than what she was used to, and certainly meant to keep creatures of lesser power out, so she encased them in a bubble, making it large enough to protect his massive frame. His head tilted as power washed over him, their surroundings shimmering in and out of focus, but he continued his descent.

She would've preferred to stay in the sky, as arriving meant she would have to face the reality of the label of what they weren't, but all too quickly, the ground rose to meet them, the lush grass of a hidden glade softening their landing. She spread out her aura, sensing multiple people nearby, but Sesshoumaru wasn't concerned, so she pulled her reiki back, pearlesque feathers mixing with his flames as he returned to his humanoid form.

"You always make an entrance," someone called from the treeline, the voice gruff but amused, and Kagome turned toward the sound, unable to stop her power from sparking around her fingers. The man stopped, eyes wide as he stared at her before he ran a hand through his hair. "You read the invitation, right?"

"I did."

The man eyed her again, and a pair of golden warriors emerged from the treeline. They both wore pale blouses and dark slacks, their hair intricately twisted into buns on top of their heads. Long spears were clasped in their hands, and Kagome automatically stepped in front of him, eyes narrowing.

The trio jerked at the movement, and the male bent at the waist, his laughter loud and boisterous. "Damn, you know how to pick 'em."

Sesshoumaru chuckled, wrapping a reassuring arm around her waist. "They are merely the greeting party."

Kagome didn't take her eyes off them. "Last time I checked, a greeting party didn't require weapons." He nuzzled her temple, distracting her long enough to usher her closer.

"Only to deter those foolish enough to stumble upon the barrier."

The man snorted, flipping familiar red hair over his shoulder. "No one's supposed to get anywhere near it, but we felt the power surge and thought someone was being extra stupid."

Kagome frowned, but Sesshoumaru's thumb stroked her side. "There are high-ranking officials attending. One might feel the need to do some damage in order to take several out in one go."

She bristled. "Doesn't the council keep track of that? Should I be worried about it on the other end?"

The redhead sighed, waving his hands. "It's nothing like that. Just a precaution, I swear. We were just—"

"Hiroki has inherited the predisposition for mischief and curiosity from his father," Sesshoumaru supplied. "Whom he is about to inform of our arrival." His expression hardened. "Especially since he seems to have missed the memo on what his paternal grandmother looks like."

Hiroki blanched, backing up in panic. "You never said she was the one who—"

"Kimiko-sama was very clear about the guestlist, was she not?"

"Yeah, but anyone could have that name! And it's supposed to be youkai only—"

Sesshoumaru made a shooing motion with his hand. "Go and apologize to both of them before I decide a true transgression has occurred."

The man, now looking very much like a boy, bowed deeply, then scampered away, and Kagome finally noticed the two tails protruding from his pants. The twin guards bowed as well but remained at their post, allowing them to pass without incident, and she gave Sesshoumaru a confused glance as they followed the same path Hiroki had taken.

"Should I be worried?" she asked.

Sesshoumaru snorted. "Not in the slightest. But Hiroki will likely receive a firm scolding when his parents find out what happened."

She pursed her lips, forced to concentrate on not tripping over a protruding root before the ground levelled out into a stone-covered path. Flora sprouted up around them, luring them further into the unknown, and once she could hold herself upright without his help, she pulled away from his grip.

His arm loosened but didn't release her, and there were too many people around for her to pull away without making a scene. She looked around for a familiar face but none had come into view, and she tilted her head in Sesshoumaru's direction. "Are you going to tell me anything about why we're here? A business event is still business, regardless of those attending," she hissed. "And why was that guy so scared once he realized who I was?"

"Because he has grown up on stories of your bravery and compassion from a firsthand source."

She rolled her eyes. "Who would tell stories about me?"

"Everyone." The word had her stilling, mouth falling open at the knowing smirk on his face.

After the well had closed, she'd thought that was the end of her adventures. She'd helped secure Naraku's downfall, but so had a lot of people, and some of their names had shown up in her grandfather's scrolls. Each tale was about someone of youkai origin, minus the slayers that had fought alongside them, and she hadn't spent much time on those particular stories as hearing the recollections about Sango and Miroku had been too much.

There'd been a few wayward stories about someone with immense power, but the authors had accounted it to someone akin to a god, so they'd been immediately dismissed. The ones about the youkai would've been as well if they hadn't ended up in Gramps' collection, and Kagome would be forever grateful he'd never gotten rid of them.

"I'm not that important," she whispered, old insecurities resurfacing. She'd helped, but if she hadn't been there to tip the scales, someone else would've.

They finally stopped, Sesshoumaru's youki pressing down on her shoulders as he bent his face dangerously close to hers. Those around them gave a wide berth, but he paid them no mind, his gaze hard and unrelenting. "You will speak no more on the subject of your influence on others, Kagome. Just because you were not around to see the outcome of your actions does not mean they were meaningless." The venom was clear in his voice, his arm ironclad around her waist, and she nodded stiffly, licking her lips unconsciously.

She wanted to close her eyes, to shut out the sight of the feral expression on his face. She shouldn't be having those thoughts about him, especially in public, but the proximity, mixed with the way he was vehemently trying to convince her of her worth was a heady combination.

Amber eyes flashed before they slid to her mouth, and she felt the sting of his claws against her skin. The sound of the other guests fell away, and she blinked owlishly up at him, tongue flicking out again. Sesshoumaru cursed under his breath, and she struggled to remember why she'd been trying to distance herself from him, fingers grabbing at the collar of his kimono.

He looked willing to comply but suddenly straightened, hushed whispers slowly getting louder before an unfamiliar but powerful tendril of youki brushed against the small of her back, forcing his hand out of the way.

"Dear me. Do not tell me you were about to make a scene in my personal garden." The voice was female though authoritative, and heat rose to Kagome's face as she turned to greet the guest, eyes widening as the woman glided to a stop in front of them.

"I would not dream of it, Mother."

Even without the title, Kagome knew they were related. The female's hair flowed freely down her back, pausing only over the furs around her shoulders before contrasting against bright fuchsia silk. Her crescent mark stood proud in the middle of her forehead, accented by the single set of stripes on either cheek.

Kagome attempted to bow, but Sesshoumaru's hand returning to her hip prevented her from doing so, and her head whipped around. "Let me go! You're being rude!"

There was a click of a fan, and the woman's shoulders trembled as mirth filled her eyes. "You said she was a bird but failed to mention her claws were just as sharp as a harpy," she mused.

"Were you expecting anything less?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"To be honest, I half expected you to skip the ceremony entirely."

A scowl darkened his features, and Kagome elbowed him in the side. "If we're late, it's my fault," she offered. "I'd gotten my dates mixed up, so I wasn't even ready when he showed up." A pale brow rose, and Kagome bowed as best she could. "I'm sorry if it's caused any inconvenience."

The woman eyed her carefully, sliding her fan shut before smirking. "The kit mentioned she would be quick to defend you. How delightfully refreshing. I do hope you plan on sticking around for the whole evening. From what my son has said, it will not be long before we are celebrating your union as well."

She handed Kagome a business card, then flounced away before she could contradict her, the name Kimiko Hizuki scrawled across the dark canvas in silver lettering. Kagome didn't have time to process the latter half of her words, the former sticking out in her mind as she whirled around. "Are we at a wedding?"

Chapter Text

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow as he escorted her through the elaborate garden, flowers of all kinds sprouting up around their feet. The other guests were all content to mingle, some lingering longer than others, but their stories remained the same: it had been ages since they'd gathered, and they were all looking forward to the new couple's union.

The couple had yet to be named but were clearly well-known, and when there was finally a pause in the conversation, Kagome yanked Sesshoumaru off the main path, eyes blazing. "Alright, I want answers," she snapped.

"You have but to ask," he replied easily.

She shoved a finger in his face. "Don't start with me, Sesshoumaru. You haven't given me a straight answer since you picked me up this morning. Are we at a wedding?"

"Hnn." He stroked his pelt. "Though it is not the same as humans view it."

She held onto her anger even as her curiosity spiked. "How so?"

He sighed, though not in exasperation, and his head tilted to the side as he struggled for the right words. "There are different levels of bonds within the youkai world. A human wedding would be the first. A mating would be second."

"And this?" she asked, waving a hand in the air.

He lowered his voice. "A bonding."

Kagome's mouth fell open. Even in the modern age, youkai bonds were almost unheard of. You could have more than one mate, but a bond was the literal weaving of the souls. Those involved were left vulnerable for weeks, their bodies left weak and unstable as they got used to the shift in the very fibre of their beings. They were usually masked behind the ruse of a mating, with only those tasked with protecting the newly formed couple aware of their location after the fact.

There were intricacies that even Kagome wasn't aware of, but she knew a bond went much further than a mating. A mating was a claim, stopping anyone else from trying to hone in on someone's territory and offering up protection, but a bond opened up a connection between the pair. They would always know where the other was, able to communicate with words if close enough and emotions or sensations if not.

A bond also guaranteed that one would never live without the other, evening out their lifespans depending on their species.

Her mind spun at the implications of people seeing her and Sesshoumaru together at this kind of event. "And you thought this would be a good idea to bring me without even mentioning who the couple is? They probably think I'm party-crashing!"

He frowned at that. "They will be grateful I was able to find a way for you to earn an invitation, considering your heritage."

She should've seen it coming, the barb adding itself to the collection of nettles preventing her from fully enjoying their time together—from confessing. It had been nothing more than a few prickles when he'd shown up at the shrine, keeping her in line as they continued their charade of being a couple. But the sting had been steadily growing since their confrontation with his ex at the café, clawing at her insides until she was forced to acknowledge it.

It returned full force, branching out around her heart like the thorns of a barberry. He'd only brought her here to bypass the rules around humans. "Who is the couple?" she asked, swallowing to keep her voice steady.

"Kagome!" She spun around just in time for Shiori's arms to wrap around her neck. Kagome froze, arms open but unmoving as the hanyou squeezed her tightly. "What are you doing here? Kimiko-sama told us we weren't allowed to invite humans!"

"You didn't sneak in, did you?" Inuyasha asked, stepping up beside his mate. "I can distract the old bat long enough for you to escape—" He yelped when Shiori tugged on his ear.

"Don't you dare! Kimiko-sama has put her heart and soul into this event, and you promised to behave."

"I am!" he protested. "But K'gome is outnumbered, and I ain't gonna stand by while she—"

"Your interference will not be necessary," Sesshoumaru cut in. "She is here as my guest. And Mother is already aware of her presence." He gave his brother a meaningful look, Inuyasha's eyes widening in surprise.

"She made it past the barrier?" Shiori asked.

"With ease," Sesshoumaru confirmed. "And with Natsu and Fuyuko present."

Inuyasha snorted. "I bet they loved that." He met Kagome's gaze, managing to untangle her from Shiori without ruining their hair. "I'm glad you're here," he said softly. "I wanted to tell ya, but youkai rules are different."

"Is this why you missed the reunion?" she asked, finally finding her voice. Normally, she couldn't shut him up about work, but he'd been extremely quiet about his 'out of town' plans, other than registering the mating. She'd had no idea it consisted of all this.

"Think Mama H will let me off with a warning when she finds out?" he asked hopefully.

Kagome shook her head, hugging him back. "Not a chance."

He sighed dramatically. "It was worth a shot." He eyed his brother over her shoulder, then stepped away, his hand slipping into Shiori's. "Put in a good word for me, anyway, will ya?"

"Only if you behave yourself like Shiori said." He looked between the two women and cursed, but Shiori's smile was bright and cheerful, and she thanked Sesshoumaru again for pulling enough strings so that Kagome could attend.

"No strings were pulled," he replied evenly, and Inuyasha shook his head before tapping Sesshoumaru's shoulder with his fist.

"You won't have much time between the ceremony finishing before Mimi gets her claws into her. I vote for you cutting out early."

Sesshoumaru's mouth twitched, but he couldn't hide his smirk. "Unnecessary, little brother. She has already made an impression on Mother."

He eyed him warily, shaking his head as Shiori tugged on his hand. "I doubt you've told her why Mimi wasn't baring her claws in the first place, though." That shut him up, and Inuyasha smirked, fangs poking out over his lip as he waved to Kagome. "Don't cut him any slack, K'gome. He deserves to get tortured a little."

She waved back, though her attention was splintered. She should've been glad at finally getting a straight answer out of Sesshoumaru, gladder still that Inuyasha's secrecy at where he'd been recently was coming to light, but the thorns around her heart were too much for her to enjoy anything. "I'm happy for them."

"As I expected you to be."

She numbed herself to the pain, rolling her shoulders back. "I'll stay for the ceremony, but I want to leave after that. They're the only ones I know here." She paused, unable to stop her gaze from following the redhead helping people to their seats. "Hiroki?" she asked.

"The firstborn son of your kit," he replied. "He has been away for school and was absent when you were introduced to the family." Shippou had told her they were missing someone at their last get-together, but she couldn't recall a name, so she hadn't thought much of it. She could see the resemblance now. Hiroki's hair was darker, as were his eyes, but the cadence of his voice was the same, as was the way his tails twitched when he was in trouble.

"I'll say hello before I leave," she amended. "You can come up with an excuse for your mother as to why I couldn't stay."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "It would unwise not to attend the banquet," he said quietly. "We are expected to greet them as a couple."

Her hands clenched into fists. "Pretending for my friends was one thing, but this is different. Your mother is here and commenting on how permanent I am," she bit out. "You can't just make up stories in front of your family!"

"I have yet to do so." The complacency of his tone set her teeth on edge, power flaring. She had no time to act on it, however, as the soft melody of a harp wafted up from the back row, and a hush came over the crowd. Kagome bit her tongue but glared at him so he'd know the conversation wasn't over.

Once the ceremony had concluded, and the happy couple had been sequestered away by Kimiko and the pair of golden guards from earlier, Kagome dragged Sesshoumaru under the branches of a nearby wisteria tree. It didn't hide them completely, but it gave them some semblance of privacy. "You're making it out like we're in some sort of relationship!"

"We are."

Kagome sputtered, tempted to singe off a lock of his hair, regardless of the dress code. "Isn't that something we both have to agree on?"

His hand shot out, and he pinned her against the tree, towering over her. She expected rage or at least frustration, but when she looked up at him, there was neither. He leaned down, hands on either side of her head, claws digging into the bark as he caged her in. Even in the vulnerable position, she refused to give him an inch, and she raised her chin defiantly.

The movement only caused his eyes to darken. "Are relationships not customary when emotions are involved?" All the colour drained from her face, ice washing over her and through her heart.

Was this his plan from the beginning? To make her fall for him just to throw it back in her face? Was he still seeking revenge for giving Inuyasha Tessaiga all those years ago? Did he blame her for losing his arm?

And most importantly, how long had he known?

She knew she wouldn't find her voice to argue his claim, but she knew she couldn't stay. She'd explain it to Inuyasha—and somehow find her way down the mountain. Ducking under his arm, she darted out of the wisteria, trapping him behind a barrier as she ran through the garden. She sidestepped the other guests, managing to avoid them and their questions. She thought she heard her name off in the distance, but she didn't slow, eventually shedding her shoes in favour of a quicker getaway.

She'd been fighting it for so long she couldn't even pinpoint when it had happened. Yes, it had been a ruse, but they'd fit together so easily that it hadn't been hard to pretend. So, she'd continued to pretend; pretend she didn't look forward to his calls, pretend she didn't look for him when she dismissed her students, pretend cleaning his house wasn't just an excuse to see him.

Pretend she didn't care.

Because she did. She cared way more than she should. She cared enough to risk getting arrested by starting a fight with his ex. She cared enough to memorize his taste in food and tea just so he'd gift her with that slight smile when they ate together. She even cared enough to make small talk with Jaken, calling him up when she knew Rin wasn't home and gushing about how well-kept his lord's estate was.

But mostly, she cared enough to think she could change his mind about playing pretend, even though, in her heart, she knew he'd never seen her as anything else.

A sob was ripped from her chest, causing her to stumble over a root, but she kept herself upright, reaching for the nearest tree to steady herself.

It was her teenage years all over again.

She may have aged, but her taste in unobtainable men hadn't, and here she was, crying over someone whose only crime was not loving her back. And she couldn't even be mad at him because she'd set the rules in the first place. A ripple of lavender caught her eye, and she stuffed her fist into her mouth to stifle the next sob.

She'd never be able to wear this outfit again. The colour of his kimono would forever haunt her, the exasperated look on his face in her doorway shifting to one of amusement when she realized he was still one step ahead of her. He'd known she'd forgotten the date, so he'd shown up early to give her extra time to get ready. How could anyone else compete with that?

She'd joked about using dating apps when they'd first concocted the story about her using a fake boyfriend, but Inuyasha would probably encourage her to start using them for real after this. He'd want her to date someone he deemed 'normal'.

Kagome snorted. She didn't even know the meaning of the word.

Now that she wasn't attending the ceremony, she didn't care about ruining her make-up and wiped her eyes. Her hands were stained with black streaks, the matching eyeshadow he'd forced her to use leaving glimmering trails in their wake. She probably looked a fright, but she didn't care. She was done caring. She just wanted to go home.

Collecting herself as best she could, she pushed off the tree, using the incline of the ground to guide her feet. She'd barely reached the other side before she was yanked backwards, and Kagome cried out as her back made contact with the rough bark.

Sesshoumaru's hair was dishevelled, some of the braids having completely come loose. Kagome stared up at him in horror, her hand automatically raising to heal the reiki burns on his ears, but she snapped her hand back, pressing herself against the tree. "Why did you follow me?"

"Why did you run?" he countered.

Was he going to make her spell it out for him? Enraged, she shoved at his chest, reiki crackling between her fingers. "You were about to throw it in my face!"

"Define it," he said, barely moving an inch. He grabbed her wrists, holding them away from his person as she tried to zap him again.

"Why should I?" she asked, glaring up at him, rage overriding her shame and heartbreak. "You've clearly got it all figured out."

He lowered his head, their noses brushing against each other. "I have clearly missed something if 'it' is causing you such distress."

"Why wouldn't it cause me distress? My heart hurts every time I look at you because I know you'll never want me the way I want you!" Her chest was heaving again, and she tried to stop herself, but the words tumbled out, lining up purposely as she left herself exposed to his laughter—and rejection.

He didn't pull away in disgust, but he didn't mock her either, leaving her struggling against his hold. He'd heard the confession. Why wasn't he letting her go?

A sigh escaped his lips, and he straightened but didn't step away. "As I said, there is no issue."

"There is when I want more than casual dating," she griped.

"Was your offer not a serious one?" he asked, genuinely confused. When she didn't answer right away, he clicked his tongue. "I never took you for the promiscuous type, Kagome. I entered into the agreement with courting in mind."

"But courting leads to mating," she sputtered, trying to find level ground. "Shouldn't you love me back?" Sesshoumaru gave her a deadpan look, and she kicked him in the shin, wishing she still had her shoes so she could do more damage. "Don't you dare! You've never once said—"

He released her wrist, deadly claws wrapping around her neck as his thumb traced the line of her jaw. "I do not require words to express how I wish you to be mine."

"Yes you do!" she seethed, knocking his hand out of the way. Every touch had heat shoot through her, distracting her from the emotional turmoil thrashing within her mind. She was already feeling lightheaded from running away, and she wasn't convinced she hadn't passed out somewhere and was now hallucinating the entire encounter. "If you need the words, then so do I. You can't just expect me to figure it out by guessing."

"Have we not been spending time together?" he asked, leaning closer. She couldn't see anything but him, his hair falling around his shoulders like a curtain of silver, blocking out the surrounding foliage.

"As an exchange for getting rid of Hojo," she reminded him.

"That was the first time. You had no reason to continue the ruse after the fact." She opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off. "You could have told your friends that my schedule was full. Or that we had parted ways. Instead, you begged for my company, insisting on creating the basis of a relationship bent on something more."

"You could've said no at any time!"

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Why would I do that? It would only deny me the pleasure of your company."

She shook her head, refusing to believe it. There was no way. He couldn't have felt something that early on. Not when she'd done so much to hide it. It would mean she'd been denying them both, that all those lingering kisses outside her apartment could've ended in something more.

She caught the slightest movement of his chin, head dipping as his eyes darkened, and he inhaled deeply. She'd seen that expression before, and she gripped the collar of his kimono, unsure whether she was pulling him closer or pushing him away.

"Do you deny our connection?" he asked, fangs a little longer than before.

For self-preservation, she wanted to say yes, but her body wouldn't let her. The subtle shake of her head was enough for him to swing her into his arms. His mouth claimed hers before she even knew where they were going, and she shuddered at the power rippling beneath the surface.

The layers of her kimono didn't allow for much movement, and it was harder to wrap her legs around his waist than his neck while in his true form, but as it was, he was already setting her down, and she gazed around dazedly at the inside of a well-kept cave. She wasn't given the chance to question the location before his mouth was on her again, hands delving into her hair as he pulled it free from the pins and hairspray.

"I much prefer you with it down," he rumbled as dark waves cascaded down her back. She shivered at the hooded look he gave her, then realized he was pulling at her obi and started doing the same to his.

He wanted her. He wanted her permanently. Enough that he'd sequestered her away in a den when they were supposed to be celebrating his brother and her best friend. "The bonding," she said, though her hands didn't still.

"Is a private affair that even I am not privy to," he replied, giving up and tearing the lavender silk from her shoulders. "The couple is separated from the public, so there are no interfering powers." She gasped as pieces of her clothes littered the floor, but his claws were already in her hair, pulling her closer.

This time, Kagome didn't deny him anything.

She grasped at his lapels, arching as his tongue invaded her mouth. His grip gave little room for movement, as if he thought she might pull away at any moment, and she struggled to keep herself steady as his claws brushed the back of her neck.

"I had hoped you would wear the hairclip from before," he breathed before latching onto her neck.

Her hands finally made their way inside his kimono, nails digging into his shoulders. "You noticed that?"

"I notice everything." There was something hidden behind the words, a dark promise that had her searching for his mouth again, but he avoided her touch as the rest of her clothes fell to the floor. She shivered involuntarily, but it was more because of the way he was looking at her than the temperature.

His pelt slithered down his body, softening the ground beneath her as he lay her down. Power buzzed under her skin, keeping her comfortable as he loomed over her. "Everything?" she asked. Amber eyes roved over her body, and she squirmed when they lingered between her thighs.

She'd fantasized about him looking at her like this—more often than she cared to admit—but she'd never known she'd feel this warm. She moved to sit up, both hands reaching for him, but one of his own spread wide on her chest, keeping her still. Kagome's breath stilled in her throat as his head descended, the stripes on his shoulders poking out from under dark silk as his tongue traced a path across her hipbone.

Grief was replaced with heated anticipation, and she watched as he spread her thighs, barely given a moment to process what was happening before his tongue was inside her. She cried out, power surging between her fingers and the pelt beneath her.

He tasted her like a man starved, his ministrations only increasing when her hands found his hair and pulled him closer. He nipped at her thigh when they clenched around him and stopped him from moving. She whimpered at the reprimand, forcing herself to relax so he could continue to ravage her.

He seemed to enjoy her hands in his hair, so she kept them buried in the silver strands, grinding against his face when her fever reached its pitch. Her thighs tensed again, but there was nothing she could do to stop it, writhing against the ground as electricity shot through her. She felt his fur stand up on end, and when she finally opened her eyes, his were staring back at her, smug but intrigued.

Her entire body was flushed, so a little extra blood to her face didn't make a difference, but she didn't look away, and he alternated between kisses and nips up her body until he was hovering above her. His lips glistened with her arousal, and a spark of daring took hold. She grabbed his face, sliding her tongue along his bottom lip to collect the juices before kissing him soundly.

A growl echoed through the cave, and he flipped her over with ease, her vision spinning as she gripped the pelt. Her arousal slid down her thighs, coating him thoroughly as he slid between drenched folds. She gasped as the head of his length bumped her clit, and she heard his growl of approval before he did it again. Muscles clenching, she pushed back against him, burying her face into the plush fur.

"Sesshoumaru," she begged, toes curling in anticipation and want.

He leaned over her, caging her in as he slid through her again. "Tell me your desires, and I will grant them, Kagome." His voice was barely more than a whisper, teetering on the edge of control as the tips of his claws pierced her hips. "I will give you anything."

She reached between her legs, gripping him firmly as she placed the tip at her entrance. A hiss escaped his lips, and she gazed at him over her shoulder. "All I want is you." He took her to the hilt before she could change her mind, and she thought she caught a glance of crimson in his eyes, but her arms gave out before she could be sure.

His youki was imposing, caressing her like an extra set of hands as he hammered into her. Each thrust felt like it went deeper than before, and she was quickly brought to the brink again, unable to stop herself from screaming as waves of pleasure washed over her.

His pelt softened the blow of her face falling against the ground, his rhythm relentless. Claws dragged and gripped, fangs doing the same, and she knew she'd be covered in marks by the time they were finished.

She relished the thought of being claimed by him further.

A snarl sounded in her ear, and one hand slid down her stomach to where they were connected. "Did you just think of something lewd? You are tighter than before." She shook her head against the pelt, shivering at the tone of his voice. "Tell me." The soft command had her tightening again, and his snort ruffled the hair at her neck.

Digging her nails into her palms, she pushed up enough to turn her head. "Inuyoukai mark their partners, right?" she whispered.

His eyes were already crimson, but the stripes along his cheeks turned jagged at the implication. "Do you wish to be marked by me?" The words were guttural, and if he hadn't been leaning so close, she wouldn't have been able to make them out. She managed a single nod. He sat back on his heels, bringing her lower body with him as he forced her to wrap her legs around his waist. "I will enjoy claiming you."

The promise of what was to come had him pounding into her again, taking her to the hilt each time. He felt bigger, but that could've just been the angle, and Kagome scrambled for purchase, trying for more leverage. It was unneeded, as his hands held her still for his pistoning hips, and another scream was ripped from her lips as heat tore through her.

She couldn't control her reiki this time, power exploding in time with her release, and his own rose to meet it. Instead of the usual clash, they wove together, prolonging the paroxysm as he yanked her backwards, forcing himself as deep as he could go. She felt the muscles of his length roll as he spilled himself inside her, claiming her just as thoroughly inside as he had outside.

She'd been on the brink of relaxing, though still held up by his fingers digging into her hips, but every muscle seized as the pressure where they were connected increased. The combination of their power swirled around them, her skin in constant flux as her mind tried to catch up with the whirlwind of their coupling.

They stayed that way for a while, though for how long Kagome couldn't say, and even when his grip on her thighs slackened, he was still plastered against her back, arms wrapped tightly around her. He nuzzled the side of her neck, fangs dragging against the spot he would leave a mark.

His mark.

Kagome sucked in large gulps of air, trying to calm the rapid beat of her heart, but she soon realized that the constant fluttering was solely due to him and not their recent activities. He seemed to be aware of it, hands continuing to wander even after he pulled away, cleaning her thoroughly.

She watched him in fascination, idly wondering when he'd gained the forethought to have supplies for that, but he quickly returned to her side, lips teasing her skin. "I always knew you would be this responsive," he said, holding her close.

Kagome crossed her arms over her chest, turning her face away. "I'm still mad at you."

The lack of access to her mouth didn't deter him, and he buried his face against her neck, fangs dragging against a particular place that had her gasping. "It loses its credence when you are naked."

She made a feeble attempt to push him away. "Then I'll just put my clothes back on."

He smirked against her skin. "You are welcome to try, but as I recall, you have little more than scraps left." Kagome flushed down to her toes. She didn't need to look around to know he was right. Their thoughts hadn't been on decorum; she wouldn't be surprised if his clothes sported some rips as well.

Whatever argument she could've had was quickly forgotten as she left herself unguarded, giving him the chance to claim her mouth. Each swipe of his tongue had her pressing against him, hips grinding against him as he settled between her legs. A simple kiss and she was already seeking the delicious friction from before.

Claws dragged down her thigh, raising it over his hip as he sank back inside her. Kagome's back arched off the ground. She was still sore, but her body was already accommodating, stretching around him as he took his time to fill her completely.

"Will they notice we're gone?" she hedged, sliding her arms around his neck.

"The only one expecting us is Mother," he said, pulling out enough to adjust their position before thrusting forward. "And she has known my intentions from the start."

She groaned, yanking on a lock of his hair. "From now on, any intentions are to be told to me first. Directly. No preamble or metaphors."

"As you wish, mate."

All the air left Kagome's lungs, and she stared up at him in shock. It was one thing for him to claim said intentions, but giving her the label freely was another matter entirely. He hadn't marked her this time, not in the permanent way of his kind, and she waited for him to take it back or excuse the outburst. Instead, he leaned closer, thrusts slowing as he kissed the middle of her forehead.

Her heart nearly burst from her chest.

"We definitely need to work on our communication," she whispered, but the thought was instantly splintered as his hips snapped forward, and he took her to the hilt. "Later," she amended.

"Later," he echoed, concentrating instead on other ways to convey his claim on her. By the time they were done, she couldn't even open her eyes, her head tucked under his chin as he held her close. Soft affirmations were whispered against her temple, and she hoped he heard her response before sleep claimed her.

Chapter Text

"Sensei, who's heart is this?" Megumi asked, standing at their display at the front of the classroom.

Kagome frowned, unable to see which one she was pointing to from across the room. "Whose name is on it?" she asked, reminding the small group of girls she'd just left to put their names on their papers.

"I can't read it," Megumi said, going up on tiptoe. "Someone hid it behind another heart, but I've never seen that kanji before."

Kagome moved closer, noticing the dark blue paper for the first time. That colour hadn't been one of the options she'd given her students when they'd first started, so someone must've added it after the fact. She distinctly remembered disposing of any scraps from their other art projects as well, and while it was still part of the display, whoever had written the note had clearly tried to hide it on purpose.

She raised a hand to tear it away, especially if it was a prank and contained something inappropriate, but paused as she recognized the writing. Leaning closer, she flushed when she read the name at the bottom.

"Who wrote it, sensei?"

"No one important, Megumi-chan," she replied, reaching again to remove it, but the girl got in the way, holding onto her hand.

"It must be someone important! It says they love 'sensei'!" she said. The heat in her face increased. He must've added his own heart after she'd explained what it meant but hidden it enough for her to walk by it several times each day and not notice.

Kagome had a feeling this had something to do with why Inuyasha still refused to divulge anything about how he'd convinced Sesshoumaru to pretend to be her boyfriend, along with why the brothers got along so well in the first place. But they were staying very tight-lipped, even after her name had been added to the council's registry of couples planning on mating that year.

It was fine. Once they were bonded, Sesshoumaru wouldn't be able to keep anything from her. And she planned on tearing every little scrap of information on why he'd found it so easy to pretend to be her boyfriend in the first place.

She'd eventually gotten around to apologizing to Kimiko, along with Inuyasha and Shiori, for missing the banquet. However, none of them seemed surprised that she'd been absent in the first place. She'd hounded Sesshoumaru for more information, trying to fill in the blanks as best she could, but keeping her guessing had turned into his favourite pastime.

It was fine. Whenever he got exceptionally haughty, she threatened never to cook for him again. And considering she now lived with him, he found it very difficult to resist—especially when she made something for herself and paraded it under his nose.

She patted the girl's head. "You're right. We'll leave it up there. Why don't we find some extra paper and add a few more since you've finished your work?" Megumi perked up at that, releasing her hand in favour of grabbing her lucky pencil, and Kagome retrieved her phone from her desk drawer, sending a quick message.

Found your heart, she said.

You will have to be more specific, came his reply.

Kagome rolled her eyes. Your message on my board.

Took you long enough.

She scowled at her screen. Did you write more than one? Why did I have to be specific? she asked. The three dots signalling his response were still bouncing when Megumi returned, and they cut out some hearts together, the girl suggesting they do enough for everyone in the class. Once she left to hand them out to the other students, Kagome snuck a look at her phone.

You are my heart, Kagome. I have been without it for a very long time. I was wondering if you would ever find it.

She groaned softly, dragging a hand down her face. Not 'get it back' but 'find it', as if he'd planned on giving it to her from the start. Megumi, along with a few of the other students, asked if she was feeling alright, and Kagome waved them off, redirecting their attention to the new hearts.

No wonder the stories about him falling for her had come so easily at the family reunion. It hadn't been an act at all.

Art by JulytheArtist