Melt by Sage McMae

Melt

Flecks of white descend upon the forest. Minuscule shards of ice hit the treetops, causing a symphony of pitter-latter sounds as they hit leaves, branches, and eventually the snow-covered ground.

The first blizzard of winter is always a magical time of year. Kagome enjoys watching how the chilly weather transforms Edo. Inside the frost-covered huts, hearth fires provide a warm glow. Outside, the semi-frozen river moves slower than during the rest of the year.

She stands outside with her face tilted toward the sky. It’s bitter cold but Kagome doesn’t mind. She savors the feel of each snowflake as it hits her cheek. For a second, the frozen particle exists. Then it melts into a tiny droplet of water— forever changed by the heat.

Kagome smiles.

Winter hasn’t always been her favorite season. Her opinion has changed over the last couple of years. The shift is due to one particular demon lord who has been described as frosty in his own right.

During Kagome’s three-year absence, Sesshomaru advised Shippo on how to prepare for his ranks. He identified a tutor to aid Shippo in his training and checked in on the kit each time he visited Edo.

Kagome isn’t certain what prompted Sesshomaru to take Shippo under his wing. Maybe it was because they both had lost their fathers or perhaps it was because they enjoyed tormenting Inuyasha. Regardless, Sesshomaru became the role model Shippo needed.

Unlike Inuyasha’s style, which was to yell and smack the kit, Sesshomaru developed a system for encouraging Shippo to excel. If Shippo was successful in his exercises, he was allowed to use his abilities to prank Inuyasha. However, if he failed, he had to assist the villagers with their daily tasks, which included babysitting Sango and Miroku’s twin girls.

Needless to say, Sesshomaru’s plan worked. By the time Kagome returned, Shippo had achieved his seventh rank and was in training for his eighth.

Kagome is proud of him. She always knew Shippo was talented. Watching him follow through on his plans to become a stronger demon comforts Kagome.

While in Tokyo, she thought of her friends every day, especially Shippo. He was the youngest but also the one with the lost potential. Kagome had worried what trouble his antics would get him into if he wasn’t careful. She’s grateful to Sesshomaru for watching over him.

A voice calls to her. “Kagome!”

She glances over to find Kohaku and Rin heading toward the bridge. Kagome gives them a wave.

Sango’s younger brother has a sled tucked under one arm and his other wrapped around Rin’s shoulders. It appears to be under the guise of helping her through the snow but Kagome knows better.

The two often spend time. They have a bond similar to what Kagome shares with Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango. Traveling companions tend to maintain a close relationship even after the journey has come to an end.

Kagome anticipates that in a few more years, their relationship will develop into something beyond friendship. She suspects Sesshomaru knows this, which explains why he looks like someone spit in his tea.

“She won’t be a child forever,” Kagome reminds him.

“Hn.”

“I know you’re upset but Kohaku is a good person. He loves Rin. He would never do anything to hurt her.”

Sesshomaru doesn’t give Kagome any indication that he has heard her.

She sighs, shaking her head. “If you’re going to be like this all day, I’ll go by myself.”

He blinks. Suddenly, his attention is on her.

Kagome laughs. “Gotcha.”

He frowns. “You are unfit to travel that distance unaccompanied.”

“Sango will go with me. You can stay here with Miroku watching Hisui and the twins,” she proposes.

“I think not.”

“Fine, then I’ll take Inuyasha.”

“The half-breed doesn’t have the patience for this,” he returns evenly.

“Must be a family trait,” Kagome retorts.

Sesshomaru’s eyes narrow.

She laughs, nudging him playfully with her elbow. “Oh, come on. It was a joke.”

“I am not amused.”

Kagome rolls her eyes. “No kidding.”

“I do not understand how you can be so cavalier about this,” Sesshomaru remarks.

“You’re acting like this is the end of the world. It’s not! Everything is going to be fine. You don’t have to worry,” Kagome assures him.

He doesn’t appear convinced.

She slips her hand into his. “Sesshomaru, I’m not going to promise you that nothing bad will happen. What I will tell you is that Kapkeyk is the best midwife around. You don’t have to worry,” she says bringing his hand to rest on her stomach. “This baby and I are in good hands.”

Kagome is in the early stages of her pregnancy— she’s barely begun to show —but Sesshomaru detected the change in her scent weeks ago. It was what prompted him to seek counsel with healers across the country. When Kapkeyk confirmed their suspicions, Sesshomaru had immediately transformed from an attentive mate to an overprotective one.

No one— not even Kapkeyk, the only midwife who passed his rigorous interrogation —has been able to calm him. Kagome thought a trip to Edo would help.

If she’d know Kohaku was visiting, Kagome would have suggested they go to see Sesshomaru’s mother instead.

“I would prefer if you allowed me to carry you,” Sesshomaru states.

“What’s wrong with me riding A-Un to the midwife’s house?” Kagome asks.

He frowns, dropping his hand. “There are several risks— none of which I am comfortable with taking.”

“I’ve ridden A-Un plenty of times. I can handle it.”

“Mate.”

Kagome glares at him. She hates when he calls her that.

Sesshomaru doesn’t use the term often,— he’s learned to call Kagome by her name —but when they argue he tends to use the term. He views it as endearing. Kagome sees it as manipulative.

“Kapkeyk is on the coast! I’m not letting you carry me that far. You can either come with me and let me ride A-Un or you can stay here and I’ll go by myself. Your choice.”

“Kagome.”

She can hear the irritation in his voice. It doesn’t affect her. Kagome has seen Sesshomaru angry and she’s seen him absolutely furious. This barely registers on the scale.

“Why don’t you ride with me? It would be more romantic that way, plus you’ll get to check on the baby whenever you want,” she says, gently patting her belly.

He takes a minute to consider her suggestion before agreeing.

Sesshomaru wastes no time helping her mount the two-headed dragon.

Kagome sighs. “I can’t wait until this baby gets here. You don’t let me do anything.”

He settles in behind her and leans forward to whisper, “As I recall, I did permit you to do something this morning.”

Her cheeks burn.

“I would not be opposed to revisiting that particular activity once we return home,” he adds.

And just like that, Kagome’s ire melts away.

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Author's Note: Thank you for reading! This was a last-minute change to my SessKag Week posting schedule. I couldn't get into the headspace for Count Me Away Before You Sleep, so I wrote some domestic fluff instead. It's unbeta'd so all mistakes are my own. Anne is a shout-out to my friend, rey-kapkeyk, who has supported me not only in this fandom but in the Reylo fandom too. She deserves all the love for her amazing artwork and constantly being sweet!