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Kagome twirled in front of her full-length mirror. It had been a present from Mama when she'd moved into her own apartment. She'd cited the need to check the entire ensemble daily, but Kagome knew better.
After the jewel had been wished away and she'd been forced back to her own time, the only thing that had kept her going was school. Formulas and facts were concrete—things she could memorize and then berate herself for later if she missed something. There were no emotions involved. The books didn't need to be saved or fed.
There was no world to save anymore, just textbooks to be consumed and classes to pass. She'd dived into her classes, earning her top grades and her place as class president in her final year of high school. The nomination had come as a surprise—she'd tried to turn it down several times—but the rest of the council wouldn't hear of it, and promised to support her every step of the way.
The camaraderie had reminded her of her lost pack, giving her something to fall back on when depression threatened to drown her. It also forced her to put more pride into her appearance.
After she came back, the only thing keeping her going was her grades. What was the point in even brushing her hair? Makeup and clothes had no effect on her test answers. But part of being on the council was keeping up appearances, and she'd slowly, painfully, dragged herself out of the despair she'd been wallowing in.
Hence the mirror.
Mama hadn't pushed, but she hadn't sat idly by, either. If an effort were to be made, it would be a whole effort—right down to her shoes. She knew Kagome didn't care about name-brand price tags, but she'd make sure the clothes she did have were pristine. They'd gone through several types of detergent until Kagome had found one she liked. Getting dressed was a lot easier when she wasn't overwhelmed with modern-day fragrances.
Twirling again, she dipped her head, inhaling the soft scent of jasmine. It wasn't enough to be overpowering, just enough that she caught a whiff when she moved her head in the right way. It reminded her of open fields, of the few times they'd been able to relax between attacks. Images of swaying wildflowers, of carefree laughter and summer sun filled her mind, and a smile touched her lips.
It had taken a while before she'd been able to smile at all, let alone while thinking of them, and she'd all but given up hope until Mama had contracted a renovator to revamp the shrine. The plan had been in the works for a while, but there had been too many options and not enough reviews.
Mama wanted someone who would understand her vision, someone who would keep all of Dad's hard work intact. The first few companies wanted to completely redesign the shrine, assuring them that it would bring in way more revenue. Mama didn't care about revenue. She cared about memories. In the end, she'd settled on a lesser-known company, the logo of a wolf howling at a crescent moon catching her eye.
They'd had a few small projects, but all the customers were local and had raved about the company's happiness guarantee. It felt like a much better fit for a shrine that had been in the family for generations.
Which was how Kouga had ended up on her doorstep.
She hadn't recognized him at first. He'd grown since she'd last seen him, and all of his youkai traits had been carefully hidden behind a glamour. Claws, fangs, and pointed ears had been erased, and his once-vibrant eyes were dulled to a deep indigo.
His laugh was the same, though. It had taken one snide remark from Mama about a rival company for his shoulders to shake, and Kagome had nearly flung herself at him. They'd both been surprised by the reaction, but when he'd learned how long she'd been alone, his arms had tightened around her, stealing the very breath from her lungs.
Ginta and Hakkaku had come the next day, close to tears before they'd even arrived. Only severe threats from Kouga had prevented them from showing up in the middle of the night. They'd been beside themselves, convinced they'd seen the last of her, so it had taken some time to convince them she wasn't going to disappear again.
And then Inuyasha.
She'd thought she'd been prepared. All the sleepless nights, surviving on nothing but the hope that they'd be reunited, had provided endless possibilities for what was to come. In the end, no words were needed, just his arms around her as they'd collapsed against the stone walkway in front of Goshinboku. Shaded from the elements by the elder's branches, they sat in silence, taking in each other's presence until the whispered words of "You smell the same" set them both off.
She'd found her family.
The joy at finding someone had been so overwhelming that it had taken a while before she'd noticed the air between Inuyasha and Kouga had shifted. The constant bickering had been expected, especially with Kouga rubbing in the fact that he'd found her first. Constantly. But there was a subtle tenderness between the insults, and she was surprised to realize she didn't resent the loss of what could have been.
She was happy he was happy. It had taken speaking it out loud, her hands on his face, to convince them both of that, but she'd meant every word. All she wanted to know was that it had been worth it, that the strife and nightmares and sacrifice had made a difference. Youkai and hanyou were hidden, but they were protected.
They'd won. In more ways than one. Now they could focus on silly day-to-day life, losing themselves to the mundane while revelling in the fact that they hadn't just survived but thrived. The rest of their pack was spread out, but the train system helped, turning the shrine into a meeting point.
Even Sesshoumaru had visited—he was the business end of Kouga's restoration company, oddly enough—offering stilted but genuine gratitude for her care with Rin. As adverse to technology as he claimed to be, he was her go-to for communication between everyone else.
He'd spent most of the last 500 years travelling, refusing to fall into the habit of remaining stationary for too long. He'd put her in contact with Shippou—that reunion had been almost as bad as Inuyasha's—and was never out of reach, even in the middle of the night.
Kagome still suffered from insomnia, and while modern lighting had most youkai hibernating during the winter months, Sesshoumaru was too involved with his business to completely separate himself from society.
It was strange to think that he'd acquired the role of friend, but she couldn't see it any other way. He required less sleep, so even if she texted him past midnight, he usually responded. It didn't happen too often, as she didn't want to take advantage. Plus, she knew he was busy, even with Kouga being the front man.
Sesshoumaru was calm. There was no other word for it. He knew enough about her now to read her emotions and provide her with whatever reassurance—or truth—she needed at the time. He was also a food connoisseur, though he'd yet to admit it, and always knew which restaurant or food stall suited their moods. It was why she was extra excited about tonight.
Both he and Kouga had managed to get the night off, so all of them were going to the Chichibu Night Festival. She'd never been to one before, as she was always stuck up at the shrine handing out charms, but Mama had insisted this year, gifting her a beautiful new kimono for the occasion.
She did another twirl. Even the fluorescent lighting of her apartment couldn't dull the vibrant blue of the fabric. She'd been worried about the contrasting cherry blossoms sliding over one sleeve and around the left side, but the lavender obi brought it all together.
She thought about adding an accessory to her hair, but figured she'd find something at the festival. It had been a while since she'd bought herself anything, as she hadn't seen the point, but it was her first year with her old friends, so it was time to celebrate.
Casting a final glance at the mirror, she wrapped a few stray curls around her finger, making sure they framed her face, then nodded in approval and grabbed her bag. She was intent on having fun tonight—and look amazing while doing so.
"Why did you get your own?" she asked. "We could've shared."
Plopping a takoyaki into his mouth, Inuyasha managed to chew the entire thing before speaking again—a feat in itself, if she was being honest. "Youkai still revert to basic instincts when it comes to food. It's a weird protective thing." He held up his hand. "I've got the bite marks from Kouga to prove it." A raised eyebrow had him stuttering. "It's from trying to take the last steak yesterday!"
"Sure it is," she said with a derisive snort. Everyone knew that winter wasn't actually his favourite season. He just said it was so the long sleeves and high collars would cover the marks. Kouga was sure to have just as many, but he was less modest about hiding them, much to Inuyasha's chagrin.
"Keh, see what happens the next time we have a barbecue, wench," he said, sliding the next piece of takoyaki around in the soy sauce. "You even reach towards Kouga's plate, and you'll end up losin' a finger."
Pausing, Kagome took a bite of her own, making sure not to spill anything on her kimono. "Is that why you always hoard Mama's cookies after you visit?"
A colour akin to his fire rat bloomed on Inuyasha's face, and he looked away. "Her shiroi koibito are the best. I ain't sharin' them with anyone."
"I'll be sure to tell her that." She grinned, knowing that the information would result in an even larger batch the next time he visited the shrine. Her mother's soft spot for the hanyou hadn't diminished, even in the years since Kagome had returned, so she was often delivering treats on Mama's behalf when Inuyasha was too busy to go himself.
Inuyasha enjoyed the doting, especially in the form of baked goods. He still didn't like desserts, but Mama always knew how to balance out the sweet with the savoury, leaving his mouth watering and his tummy full. Kagome had followed her footsteps, sort of, as it had been an easy way to fill in the gaps between classes in university. Her archery didn't need work, and after a few national competitions, she was ready for something new. Something experimental.
She had copies of all her mother's recipes, but nothing ever turned out just right. They were good, and no one complained, but they never tasted exactly as she remembered. Eventually, she'd started coming up with her own, combining unusual flavours with the basics of her mother's recipes, and she'd enjoyed those a lot better. It had been a while since she'd spent any real time in the kitchen, but now that the term was over, maybe it was time to start up again.
"Does it differ between breeds?" she asked, returning to their conversation. "Or is it just a canine thing?"
Inuyasha smirked. "Don't let Kouga hear ya say that. He enjoys feeling superior to us mutts."
"And I'm sure you never retaliate when he does." Inuyasha gave her an innocent look, and she shoved him. "I still can't believe you two get along so well while still bickering like you did back then."
His shrug did nothing to hide the emotions in his eyes. "I don't think we'd survive without bickering. I love the bastard, but he gets on my fucking nerves."
Kagome cooed, then ducked the playful swipe of his claws. "What? You're cute!"
"Yeah, yeah." He glanced at the stalls. "I hafta remind him to keep it to himself when Sesshoumaru's around so he doesn't lose a limb."
Rolling her eyes, she dropped her paper plate in a receptacle. "Sesshoumaru wouldn't actually hurt him."
"Only because there's no food involved." Inuyasha pushed his bangs out of his eyes. "I still don't know what the big guy eats, but at least they're not fighting over side dishes. It's bad enough having to make sure he always gets the bigger portion at home."
Kagome frowned at her friend. "What are you talking about? We share food all the time."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "That's different. You made food for the pack back then. It was commonplace."
The loose curls bounced as she shook her head. "I mean Sesshoumaru and me." Inuyasha snorted so hard that some of the soy sauce went up his nose, and he ended up bent over with her hand on his back as he tried to clear his airway.
It took a few moments, and his eyes were watery when he raised his head. "Damn it… warn a guy before you play that kind of practical joke!"
"It's not a joke," she argued. "Watch." She walked over to a booth selling dango and ordered a double portion. Inuyasha followed her, one brow raised in disbelief. Kagome waved a dismissive hand at him. "Unlike some people, Sesshoumaru actually likes sweets." Heading toward their meeting spot, Inuyasha texted his mate to make sure they'd be there soon.
They didn't have to wait long; Sesshoumaru's silver head bobbed above most of the crowd as he and Kouga appeared from the other side of the festival. It was still weird to think of his mate and his brother working together, but they were both alphas, and therefore, their influence spread wider than regular youkai.
Kouga flashed Kagome his usual grin, going in for a quick hug as he complimented her on the new kimono. She reciprocated as best she could with full hands, then bowed in greeting to Sesshoumaru. He returned the gesture, and her smile was genuine as she held up her plate.
Inuyasha's eyes remained fixated on his brother, even as Kouga's arm went around his neck, his teeth nipping at his ear. "Miss me?"
"In a sec," he replied.
A soft growl sounded in his ear, but he grabbed Kouga's collar, turning him around. "Look." They both watched in surprise as Sesshoumaru inspected the plate, eventually pointing to one of the green-coloured dango. Kagome perked up, poking it with her toothpick and offering it up to him. Sesshoumaru didn't even bother with taking it; he leaned down, lips closing over the confection before dragging it off the toothpick with his teeth.
Inuyasha's mouth fell open.
Kouga's muttered curse had him jumping, and Inuyasha tried to hide his reaction against his mate's sleeve. "Since fucking when?"
"I have no idea," came Inuyasha's whispered reply. "K'gome was surprised about the food being a territorial thing. Had no idea what I was talkin' about."
Dark brows raised. "Did you show her your hand?"
Pursing his lips, Inuyasha shoved him. "Yeah, and she thought it was from something else."
Mischief swirled inside blue eyes, his voice instantly lowering. "Those are different. You should show her your—"
"I ain't showin' her that shit!" he retorted, fully shoving him away. He loved the guy, but he was incorrigible and completely unabashed when it came to PDA. It wasn't that he didn't like it, far from it, but Kouga knew how much he liked it, and Inuyasha had never figured out how to hide his reaction when he did it.
Just to prove his point, Kouga blew him a kiss. "Guess I'll have to inspect them later to make sure they've healed properly."
Ears twitching, Inuyasha hid his now reddened face. "You do that," he grumbled, knowing full well what was bound to happen. Kouga flashed him another grin, and Inuyasha rolled his eyes, his own lips twitching.
Sesshoumaru and Kagome had yet to rejoin them, content to chat within the little bubble that was somehow keeping others from intruding. Festival patrons side-stepped the couple, leaving their conversation undisturbed as she offered him another helping.
Inuyasha rubbed the back of his head as Kouga clicked his tongue. "Think he knows?"
"No idea," Inuyasha said. "He'd know more about the courtin' rules, but that kind of official shit doesn't happen anymore." His brother also had the emotional fortitude of a stick, so he might have been just as clueless as Kagome.
"Maybe he just likes her company?" Kouga offered, slipping his arm around his waist.
"No one just likes Kagome," Inuyasha replied with a snort. "You either wanna kill her or die for her."
His mate's head tilted to the side as he contemplated that thought, his mouth eventually curving up into a smirk. "He's already tried to kill her, though."
"That's my point."
Tapping Inuyasha's side with his thumb, he began to drag them closer. "Think they need our help?"
Inuyasha shrugged, but it was half-hearted. "Depends on how hard you push." He ended up rolling his eyes again at Kouga's feigned look of innocence. Either things were about to go horribly wrong, or slightly right, and he only hoped it was the latter, because as much as they'd fought in the past, he did actually want his brother to be happy.
Kagome chewed on her lip as she continued to pace the kitchen. She knew the next batch wouldn't be ready for another thirteen minutes—the three timers she had strategically placed around the kitchen told her as much—but she was still worried about messing up.
The conversation about youkai being territorial about their food had lingered far after the night of the festival, quietly festering until she couldn't ignore it anymore. She'd made a list of all the times she and Sesshoumaru had shared food, and even she was surprised at the number.
Could it mean something?
Did she want it to mean something?
Her lip continued to play victim between her teeth until the tangy taste of blood hit her tongue. Sighing, she strode to the sink and splashed cold water on her face. It was too late to question things so much, especially with how her doorbell would ring in less than an hour, signalling his arrival.
She'd told him there was a new treat that she wanted him to try, conveniently leaving out the part where she'd made it herself. Shiruko wasn't something typically served at festivals or street markets, as it was best eaten fresh. There also wasn't much flair to the presentation, so she figured it was the easiest option. It was a nostalgic dish dating back to the Heian period, so it might be something he recognized and was therefore more likely to accept.
The realization that she'd gone out of her way to find something he would accept had Kagome leaning against the counter, stomach fluttering in anticipation. Because she did want him to accept. She enjoyed his company—immensely, if she was being honest with herself—and wanted their food sharing to continue.
The flutters turned leaden, sinking to the bottom of her stomach at the thought he might reject her, that all of Inuyasha's side comments had been completely fabricated. She tried to run a hand through her hair, pausing when her fingers brushed the clips pinning back her bangs.
Checking the timers, she scurried to the bathroom, pulling the clips out before grabbing her brush. The trinkets sat on the edge of the counter as she fixed her hair, glinting at her in reassurance.
If she truly meant nothing to him, he wouldn't have bought them for her, right?
Kouga had been acting weird the night of the festival, pushing her toward all of the jewellery booths. She'd always shied away from such extravagances; mostly because she couldn't afford them, but also because anything around her neck reminded her of the jewel. It didn't matter the size of the chain, it always weighed her down, choking her regardless of how loose it was.
There had been a few kanzashi that caught her eye, but it seemed like such a frivolous purchase. She didn't frequent festivals, so what was the point? The kimono from her mother could be used for all kinds of formal and semi-formal events, plus Kagome knew she looked amazing in it.
The clips, though…
Truth be told, she hadn't even noticed them with all the things Kouga was holding up to her. She'd laughed it off, shoving him ahead of her to another booth, and in the end, she hadn't purchased anything.
Sesshoumaru had. Sometime in the scuffle, he'd managed to not only buy the clips but keep them hidden until he'd dropped her off. Kouga had booked extra time off and decided he wanted to celebrate the completion of their latest project, leaving Inuyasha to ask his brother to drive her home while he dragged his inebriated mate away.
Sesshoumaru hadn't refused, much to Kagome's relief, but had held fast to her wrist after helping her out of the car, placing the small package in her hand. The design was subtle but intricate; delicate flowers had been folded from paper, the silver lines contrasting nicely with the deep blue and matching her kimono perfectly. She'd worn them every day since.
That, in itself, should've been telling, as she couldn't be bothered with any kind of accessory, but she'd been so focused on their friendship that everything else had fallen by the wayside.
What else had she missed?
Forcing herself not to gnaw her lip again, she checked the ingredients, then pulled out the proper bowls and serving utensils. She wanted everything ready to go by the time he got here. That way, if she was completely deluded in their bond, she could pretend like it was just a normal day.
He arrived right on time—she shouldn't have been surprised—and she offered him a genuine smile before ushering him inside. He had to duck under the doorway, and she prayed her blush wasn't as obvious as it felt when she found herself crowded by his presence.
Clearing her throat, she showed him where to hang his coat, then gave him a tour. The apartment wasn't much, but it was enough for her, and she could call it home. It was a single floor, and more modern than she was used to, but Mama had been willing to help out, and her balcony offered a lovely view of the city. She even had a pull-out couch for anytime the girls, and now Inuyasha, wanted to stay over.
She'd honestly expected the latter to happen more often, especially with who he was mated to, but Inuyasha continued to surprise her with his determination not to go to bed angry—or pouting, for that matter. She was really proud of him.
If only that confidence would transfer to her in this moment.
She still wasn't convinced that sharing food was that big of a deal, as Sesshoumaru had never mentioned otherwise, but her view of him had already shifted due to Inuyasha's interference. There was no going back now.
Motioning him to the table, she did a final check of the shiruko, grasping the tray to keep her hands from shaking as she placed it in front of him. She served him first, hoping it wouldn't go unnoticed. A raised eyebrow was his only response, and she let out a nervous laugh.
"I made a list of all the treats we've tried and found the traditional side lacking." She managed to sound as haughty as possible by the time she finished talking, and was rewarded by a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth.
"You are the only one who would make a list of desserts, Kagome," he replied.
The sound of her name made her heart flutter, and she once again cursed herself for not recognizing it sooner. "Maybe," she admitted, "but you've yet to tell me your favourite, so I have to keep testing you."
"Do not expect me to gush over anything."
That made her laugh. "But you do! More than anyone else!" She started counting off each place they'd tried recently. "You don't say anything, but your face speaks volumes. You went back for seconds at the festival."
"Only because I knew you would not finish it yourself," he countered. "You should not waste food."
"Liar."
His mouth twitched again. "Not about food. And never to you."
There was that damn flutter again. Not wanting to give herself away, she tapped the side of his bowl. "Then I expect a detailed assessment of this dish." He regarded her for a moment, then rolled up his sleeves. Kagome waited until he'd taken the first bite before doing the same, trying to keep her eyes on her food, or even his face, instead of the way his forearms clenched.
This was not the time to suddenly become aware of how attractive he was. For all she knew, this was a huge misunderstanding, and he'd end up leaving without anything changing. The flutter told her exactly what she thought of that option, and she tried to suppress it, downing another bite.
"What do you think?" she asked. His bowl was half empty, and he hadn't pushed it away in disgust, so her hopes were high.
His sigh was contradicted by the warmth in his gaze. "I am chagrined to admit how accurate you seem to be about my taste buds," he said, stirring the azuki beans around. "The combination is far more flavourful than what we usually sample."
The bottom dropped out of her stomach, and she swallowed the emotion clogging her throat. "Really?"
"Indeed." Another bite had his eyes closing. "It is very nostalgic. Where did you purchase it from?"
She'd had a whole speech prepared to ease him into the idea of them becoming something more, but it all fell by the wayside at the content expression on his face. "I made it." His hand froze in the middle of the final bite, amber eyes pinning her with an intense stare. Kagome managed to set her spoon down, clasping her hands together in her lap while she held his gaze. "Is that alright?" she whispered.
He didn't blink, but the marks on his face appeared to darken. Even with a glamour, she'd recognize him instantly, but she far more enjoyed it when they were alone, and he could remove it, short hair included.
Slowly lowering his spoon, he continued to watch her. She couldn't tell what he was thinking now; all emotion had been washed from his face, and she was reminded of how closed off he'd been before. One hand clenched into a fist, knuckles turning white before he lay his palm flat against the table.
"Are you aware of the significance of such an offer?"
Offer. He'd said offer. Which meant he knew exactly what it meant as well. Kagome swallowed slowly, trying to remember all of the very valid points she'd come up with before, but her brain remained resolutely blank, leaving her to come up with new ones.
"Inuyasha told me youkai are territorial about their food," she blurted, swallowing again. Her face grew hot the longer he stared, her fingers beginning to twitch against her lap. "But you've never had an issue with us sharing." Slit pupils had shrunk into points. Kagome wanted to throw something at him, to scream or beg him to say something.
His face was placid, and his aura was now void. What was he trying to hide? The blood drained from her face as a horrifying thought occurred to her. Had she completely miscalculated? Had they been spending time together simply because everyone else was busy?
Did he hang out with her because he was bored?
"Have you ever shared food with anyone else?" The question halted her downward spiral, leaving her in limbo as she stared at him. He still wasn't giving anything away, one hand clasped around his spoon while the other flexed against the table.
Taking the bait, Kagome bit her lip. "I brought everyone noodles when we were searching for the shards, but no one ever ate from the same bowl."
"And now?" he pressed.
Racking her brain, she eventually shook her head. "Nothing outside of giving Mama the leftovers when I try new recipes." Some of the colour returned to her face as she forced a smile. "You're the only one I've ever thought of sharing my food with directly."
Before she could blink, before she could utter another word, she found herself in his lap. She hadn't even heard the chair scrape against the floor, and her hands flew to his shoulders, eyes wide as she stared up at him. "What are you doing?"
"Making a claim before you can change your mind." His mouth descended, and any argument she had on the subject was quickly forgotten.
The heat from his forearms seeped through her shirt, the hand around the back of her neck keeping her in place, but moving was the last thing on Kagome's mind. Her eyes had already closed, senses alight as his lips moved against hers in a sensual dance she didn't know he was capable of.
She suddenly realized how cold she was, even with the shiruko, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing their bodies together. His resulting growl had her humming in pleasure, and when she opened her mouth, he didn't protest.
Dessert had been delicious, but he was pure indulgence. There hadn't been enough time between her conversation with Inuyasha and inviting Sesshoumaru over to daydream about what kissing him would be like. It was never something she'd thought about doing, and now, there nothing else she wanted to do.
Fingers tangled in her hair as he slanted his head, deepening the kiss. She tried to move closer, to pull him closer, but he growled in warning, the grip on her hair tightening enough to yank her away.
"Don't stop," she whined, tugging at his shirt.
He chuckled, but it felt forced. "Don't tempt me."
"Didn't I do that already?" His eyes darkened, and Kagome blushed fiercely. "I meant the shiruko!" she amended.
"More than you realize," he muttered, slowly leaning back against his chair. His fingers were still in her hair, keeping her from leaning in, slit pupils blown wide as he took in her dishevelled appearance. Kagome wasn't sure what she looked like, but she certainly felt dishevelled.
Still gripping his collar, she fiddled with the buttons. "So…" She trailed off, nibbling on her bottom lip. "So this is okay?" she asked.
He considered her carefully, the tips of his claws brushing the back of her neck. Goosebumps roughened her skin, and she shivered in his lap. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, causing her blush to return, but she took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders.
"I want it to be okay," she stated, voice steadier than before.
His response was to yank her head to the side, throat bared as she caught a flash of fang. Air stilled in her lungs as he dragged his teeth along her skin, heat pooling low in her stomach. His hand flexed against her hip, a growl caught in his throat.
"Be sure, Kagome," he warned. "You would not be some passing fancy."
She wanted to revel in his words, in the way the claim sent electricity shooting through her, but she bit back a whimper, trying to control her reaction. "Why didn't you say anything sooner?" she asked.
"Youkai do not deal in words," he replied, teasing the bottom of her ear. "Verbal contracts are too easily broken."
"But—" That didn't make sense. They'd been eating together for months. She tried to say as much, but it was getting harder and harder to concentrate with the way his mouth was moving against her neck.
"By the time I realized humans are not as stringent about sharing food, it was too late to broach the subject." He finally pulled back. "No other steps had been taken, so I assumed it was just an act of friendship."
"It was," she admitted, "but only because I didn't know!" Adding in the last part so he wouldn't pull away further. "When Inuyasha told me the significance, it made me realize that I did want more." She released his shirt long enough to cup his face. "I like you. A lot."
Leaning into the touch, he kissed the middle of her palm. "The feeling is mutual."
Kagome beamed, thumbs stroking the stripes on his face. "Then we can keep sharing food?"
"As long as some of it is homemade," he replied.
Her smile only widened. "Why don't we make some together next time?" His growl of satisfaction was all the answer she needed.
"Can you add another place setting?" Inuyasha called into the living room. "Kouga just texted and said Ginta's well enough to make it now." The sound of clinking glassware had his hopes soaring, but they were quickly dashed when Sesshoumaru walked back into the kitchen.
"I managed to maneuver the chairs, but there are not enough plates."
Inuyasha cursed as he checked the oven for what felt like the hundredth time. He had a feeling that was going to be the case, but hadn't bothered with asking Mama H for extras since half of Kouga's pack was down with the flu.
This was the last time he hosted New Year's.
Luckily, he hadn't been put in charge of food. Everyone was bringing a dish to share, and he could handle reheating the stuff Kagome had made the day before. "Can you call K'gome, then? Maybe she hasn't left the shrine yet."
Sesshoumaru gave him a nonchalant shrug. "It is unnecessary."
Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha turned the oven off but kept the door shut to preserve the heat. "In case you've forgotten how to count, we're down a plate."
Sesshoumaru handed him the pair of oven mitts he'd left inside the fridge. "Kagome and I will share one."
He pulled the mitts on, then stomped into the dining room. "How's that gonna work when you're across from each other?" he asked, doing a final count himself.
"I rearranged the chairs," came his brother's reply.
Inuyasha was about to blast him for rearranging anything, especially since he'd spent an hour trying to figure out where to put everyone, then caught sight of the plate between what would end up being Kagome and Sesshoumaru's chairs. Instead of leaving the place settings empty, the plate had been purposely stationed between them, leaving equal room on either side.
The napkin—why they couldn't just use power towels, he'd never know—had been folded into a heart and placed in the centre of the plate. Clicking his tongue, Inuyasha returned to the kitchen.
"As long as you don't mind sharing," he said, pulling one of the trays out of the oven.
Sesshoumaru's smile was small, but no less startling. "It has never been an issue with her."
"So it seems." They worked together to get the main dishes ready, steam rising from the pans as they were placed on the table. "Does Mama H know?" he asked eventually, eyeing his brother.
Sesshoumaru gave him a droll look. "Why do you think Kagome was adamant that you find a date that accommodated everyone's schedule?"
Whipping off one of the oven mitts, Inuyasha smacked his brother in the back of the head. "And you didn't think to let the rest of us in on it?"
Sesshoumaru didn't even flinch. "She wishes it to be a surprise."
Inuyasha tried to smack him again, but he was too slow. "Like it wasn't obvious after that stunt at the festival."
"Humans are less adept at picking up such nuances," he replied, side-stepping his next attempt to hit him with the mitt.
"Including her," Inuyasha muttered.
"Agreed."
Snorting, Inuyasha grabbed a beer from the fridge, offering one up to Sesshoumaru, who took it with a slight incline of his head. "Did she actually confront you about it, or did you have to tell her?"
"She made me dessert." Sesshoumaru's expression turned smug as he took a swig, leaving Inuyasha slack-jawed.
"She made you food?" Inuyasha sputtered.
"That is what I said."
Inuyasha continued to stare, eventually whistling low. "Shit. She wasn't kidding about you two sharing food." The dango hadn't been the only thing Kagome had shared with Sesshoumaru at the festival, so Inuyasha had known it wasn't the first time they'd done it. Still, it was strange to think about Sesshoumaru sharing food with anyone.
The fact that Kagome had taken it a step further and made him something from scratch told him how far she wanted to take the relationship. Inuyasha had always thought of her as a sister, but now it was looking like she'd be one for real.
The kitchen went silent, and Sesshoumaru took another drink, turning the bottle around in his hand. "You are not upset?" The tone of his voice told Inuyasha his brother didn't give a shit what he thought, and he laughed.
"Even if I was, would that stop you from doing it?"
"Of course not."
"Exactly." He clinked his bottle against Sesshoumaru's, then leaned against the counter. "Wouldn't stop her from doing it either." He took a drink, enjoying the fact that they weren't at each other's throats, regardless of the conversation topic. "As long as she's happy, that's all that matters."
"I can promise that," Sesshoumaru said. The weird thing was, Inuyasha believed him. Clinking their bottles again, he managed another swig before the doorbell rang.
"Here's to hoping the rest of the pack takes it as well as me," he said, setting the bottle down.
"I will not be the one they answer to, if they don't."
Inuyasha was still laughing when he opened the door.