Merely a Formality by Sage McMae

Merely a Formality

Kagome is on her hands and knees. Dirt is trapped under her fingernails and sweat beads on her brow.

In the past year that she’s lived on Jinenji’s farm, Kagome has learned to love the smell of fresh rain and ground soil. These are signs of a healthy harvest. The more plants they grow, the more medicine they can make, and the more people they can help.

She plans to deliver a batch to her friends in Edo and another to the northern wolf tribe. The numbing agent Jinenji concocted last month will certainly help Kenji. Kouga and Ayame’s pup is in the early stages of teething, which means no one in the pack is sleeping. Kagome is sure they’ll appreciate the gift.

With a sharp yank, she rids the field of a particularly stubborn cluster of dandelions. Weeding isn’t hard but it takes time. She knows she should have woken up earlier to get a head start on the field. Sleeping in may have felt good but now she’s stuck under the heat of the rising sun.

As she pauses to wipe her forehead clean, Kagome spots a figure approaching the farm. She squints, initially mistaking the visitor for an old friend. When the demoness draws closer, Kagome realizes she isn’t the Lord of the Western Lands, though she has a hunch they are related.

Her suspicions are confirmed a moment later when the woman addresses her.

“Are you the Shikon Miko?”

“Uh, yeah?” Kagome brushes herself off as she straightens up.

The demoness scans her disheveled appearance with thinly veiled disdain. “You do not appear to possess any great power.”

“Excuse me?” she cries incredulously. Kagome doesn’t know who this woman is but she’s about three seconds away from grabbing her bow.

“A pair mates for life. The best matches are those where both partners are equal in the strength of their character and their abilities,” the demoness informs her.

Kagome’s face scrunches up. “Pair? Partners? What are you talking about?”

“My son has informed me of your intentions. It appears he finds you an acceptable match. However, I remain unconvinced,” the demoness continues.

“Your son? Who’s your son?”

Surprise flickers across the woman’s face— the first real emotion Kagome has seen since the demoness appeared. “I do not find your antics amusing,” she responds sourly.

“Well, I’m not exactly happy with your attitude,” Kagome snaps, placing her hands on her hips.

“Such insolence,” the stranger says. “I should have expected as much from a human.”

“Hey!”

“My son takes after his father in the most unusual ways,” the demoness remarks.

“Listen, lady, I don’t know who your son is or why you think we’re together but I— Sesshomaru? ”

The Lord of the Western Lands appears between them. Even though he is facing Kagome, his head is turned to address the demoness. “Mother.”

“Mother!” Kagome shrieks.

“My beloved son,” the demoness grins. “I was having a discussion with your intended. It seems you haven’t shared the blessed news with her.”

Sesshomaru’s eyes narrow.

Kagome swallows nervously. She’s seen that look before— right before Sesshomaru killed Mukotsu. She wonders if he means to end her the way he ended the poison master’s life.

“This does not concern you,” he says.

“The union of my only son concerns me a great deal,” his mother argues.

Union? Kagome glances between them trying to understand what’s going on.

It’s true that she counts Sesshomaru among her friends. Defeating an evil half-demon overlord tends to bring people closer together, especially considering how he saved her life. He’s taken to visiting her at the farm on his way to and from Edo. Usually, he brings her a gift from his travels. Last time, it was a new pair of sandals. He remembered her mentioning that hers were worn down. 

Regardless of his kind gestures, Kagome doesn’t remember agreeing to marry Sesshomaru. He certainly never asked.

“Whether I have chosen a mate or not changes nothing. I will continue to live my life as planned,” Sesshomaru states.

“Taking a mate has a bearing on your future. You need to care for her and your pups. Do not repeat your father’s selfish mistakes,” Sesshomaru’s mother chides.

“I am not my father,” he returns, anger reflected on his metallic gaze.

“No, even at his worst he was not as foolish as you.”

“Hey, you don’t know what you’re talking about!” Kagome shouts. She pushes past Sesshomaru and marches up to his mother. “He isn’t foolish or selfish. Sesshomaru's a devoted father. He's constantly traveling to Edo to check on Rin and he still finds time to manage the Western Lands. Maybe if you spent more time with him instead of lounging around in your palace, you’d know that.”

The demoness stares at Kagome. For a moment, the field is quiet. The breeze doesn’t rustle leaves. Birds don’t fly overhead, chirping. Everything is still in anticipation of the response.

The woman’s lips curl into a shrewd smile. “I see it now. Very well,” she says, speaking over Kagome to her son. “I will make all the necessary arrangements. Everything should be prepared within a fortnight. Is that agreeable?”

“Fine.”

“Until then.” Sesshomaru’s mother bows her head and disappears in a burst of light.

Kagome gapes at the empty spot the woman occupied. Her head is spinning from the conversation. Between the accusations that she wooed Sesshomaru to being called his mate, Kagome isn’t sure where to begin.

“Miko.”

“That’s not my name,” she grumbles. He knows how much she hates being called that.

“Kagome—.”

“Why does your mother think we’re together? And did she just agree to plan our wedding, because I don’t remember agreeing to that? In fact, I don’t remember agreeing to any of it!”

“You cared for me,” Sesshomaru reminds her.

“What? You mean when you were sick?”

“I do not succumb to illness,” he returns.

She rolls her eyes. “You were unconscious with a high fever. What else would it be?”

“Not an illness,” Sesshomaru replies cryptically.

“Okay, fine,” Kagome relents, waving her hands back and forth, “you weren’t sick, but that still doesn’t explain why your mother thinks we’re a couple.”

“Demons acknowledge mate claims based on traditional customs, such as when a female cares for her intended during certain cycles,” he explains.

“Cycles? As in…?” she trails off uncertainly.

“Mating cycles. I was not ill. I was in rut.”

Kagome’s eyes go wide. She staggers back at the implication. Kagome had known something was off about him that day, but she never expected this. Her cheeks flush as the memory of that day floods her mind.

The sun is setting over the farm. Jinenji is finishing up with the final row in his patch while Hina prepares a hearty stew for their dinner. Kagome can already smell the spices wafting through the door flap of their hut. She wipes her hands on her pants, grateful to be done for the day.

“I’m going to go wash up,” she calls over to Jinenji.

He waves in acknowledgment.

Kagome follows the dirt road past the farm toward the village. About halfway there, she turns left, cutting through the high grass to the river.

This section of water is calm. It flows easily over the rocky bottom, drawing wildlife and the occasional villager. Kagome comes here often to bathe. She may have left modern times but her hygiene habits remain intact.

As she splashes cool water on her face, Kagome feels the pulse of youki. She straightens up, looking around for the demon. His signature is powerful but it is also familiar.

“Sesshomaru?”

There is no answer.

Frowning, Kagome begins walking along the riverbank. She follows his energy signature to where a portion of the river breaks off to form a stream.

Kagome shucks off her shoes. After a long day under the sun, the water feels refreshing. She’s careful not to slip on the rocks. They’ve been worn smooth by the stream. It’s not an ideal walking path but it’s the only one.

The sides of the stream are filled with dense foliage. Kagome would have to cut down the shrubs to be able to pass through.

She rounds a bend and comes across a cave. His youki is far more noticeable from here. It makes her skin prickle.

“Sesshomaru?” Kagome calls into the dark hollow.

Once again, there is no response.

Worried, she enters the cavern. The opening is narrow. Kagome is forced to hunch over to pass through.

Though the ground is damp, there is no flow of water inside the cave. Kagome holds one hand out in front of her to avoid running into anything. She keeps her other hand on the side wall to help guide her as the cave grows darker from the lack of sunlight

“Sesshomaru?” she tries again.

A noise comes from up ahead. It sounds like something between a groan and a whimper.

In her haste to reach him, Kagome trips over her own feet. She doesn’t let that slow her down. Her mind is racing with images of Sesshomaru bleeding out or having been poisoned. Kagome doesn’t know any poison strong enough to overwhelm his powers but she’s sure one exists.

Stumbling blindly through the dark, she finally manages to find him. He’s lying on the ground. His breathing is labored and his skin is hot to the touch.

Kagome isn’t prepared for this. She’s not strong enough to move him and, even if she was, she doubts he’s in any condition to travel. If Kagome wants to help him, she’ll have to do it here.

She takes a deep breath and focuses. Reiki pours out of her, concealing their location and reinforcing it with a protective barrier. The glow of her energy illuminates the interior of the cave.

Sesshomaru’s armor lies discarded on the ground. His slash has been removed and hankimono hangs open. As she moves closer, Kagome tries not to stare at his chest.

Keep it together girl, she reminds herself.

His skin is flushed. The color enhances the appearance of his markings, which seem to glow in the dim light of her reiki. Kagome rests her wrist against his forehead, covering the crescent marking. Heat sears her skin, causing her to gasp and immediately withdraw. 

She doesn’t have any experience with demon-born illnesses. Shippo has never been sick before and neither has Kirara. Kagome worries that if she mistreats Sesshomaru, his condition will worsen. 

The only thing that she can do for Sesshomaru is to watch over him. 

Kagome returns to the river. She rips her left sleeve free and dips it into the cool water. With a twist, she rings it out, then heads back into the cave.

Sesshomaru hasn't moved.

Carefully, Kagome kneels at his side and places the damp cloth on his forehead. His brow creases.

"It's okay. I'm here," she reassures him, sliding her hand into his.

There is a low murmur. If he is speaking, Kagome can't make out the words. She gives his hand a squeeze and begins gently dabbing at his face.

She repeats the process several times until it appears his fever breaks. By then, the sun has set and the sky is speckled with stars.

Kagome stifles a yawn as she settles down next to Sesshomaru. The inaudible mutterings continue. She takes it as a sign that he will be alright.

When she reaches up to check his forehead, Sesshomaru grasps her wrist. Kagome gasps surprised. His eyes remain closed yet his grip is firm.

"Sesshomaru?"

"Stay."

"I'm not going anywhere."

He makes a humming sound and rolls over. His arms wrap around Kagome, pulling her against him.

"Sesshomaru?"

His only response is to bury his face in the crook of her neck. Seconds later, she hears his breathing even out.

Kagome suppresses another yawn. Eventually, her fatigue wins out and she too drifts off.

Kagome's blush intensifies as she recalls how she spent the evening. Though her decision may be seen as risque by those in this time period, she doesn’t regret it. Sesshomaru is her friend. She couldn’t leave him there by himself. Kagome had to make sure he was alright. 

Of course, if she had known the cause of his condition, Kagome never would have spent the night in his arms.

“Nothing happened!” she says resolutely.

“I am aware.” 

“Then why is your mother planning our wedding?” 

“It is not a wedding. She is preparing for our mating ceremony. It is an occasion where the families of the male and female gather to wish them well on their choice to be bound together,” Sesshomaru explains. 

“That’s not an answer,” Kagome points out. “How did your mother even know about that night?” 

“I told her.” 

“What? Sesshomaru!” 

“I fail to see the issue.” 

Kagome pinches the bridge of her nose. When she speaks, she has to fight to keep her voice even. “The issue is that your mother now thinks we are together. I mean, we are— as friends, but not romantically. You don’t feel that way about me and—.”

“I do.” 

Kagome drops her hand away from her face. “Huh?” 

“I do feel that way. I followed the proper courting etiquette. I have spoken with your friends about my intentions and seen to your needs,” he tells her. 

She realizes that the gifts he’s been leaving for her aren’t tokens of friendship. Each item was carefully selected. The blanket he brought for her in the spring was for protection against the chilly nights. The sewing kit was so she could patch up her clothes. Her sandals were so she didn’t cut up her feet when walking back and forth to town for supplies. Without taking away her independence, Sesshomaru has been caring for her.

“But I’m human,” she replies.

It’s a stupid thing to say. Kagome knows Sesshomaru’s view of humanity has changed over the last few years. Not only did he raise Rin, but he took in Kohaku when the boy had nowhere else to go. Sesshomaru has shown great compassion for humans, especially children. 

Kagome suspects that if they were to mate and have a child, he would be an attentive, albeit overbearing, father. The thought warms her chest. She can picture him cradling a little purple bundle with a pair of silver-white ears sticking out of the top. 

“If you are averse to the idea—.”

“No,” Kagome quickly cuts him off. 

He tilts his head skeptically. 

“I’m not. I just,” she pauses, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. “I didn’t know how you felt. I thought you only saw me as an ally.” 

“You have been more to me than a mere ally for some time now,” Sesshomaru confesses. 

Kagome bites her lower lip. “That day, when I found you in the cave— did you plan that?” 

“No,” he answers. “I have fought against my baser instincts for several months now. I could not deny the urge any longer. I thought it best if I distanced myself from you but I could not travel in that state. I resigned myself to the cave to prevent anyone from discovering me.” 

“But I did.” 

Sesshomaru nods. "I believed it to be fate but I can see now that such thoughts were foolish. In the future, I will ensure I have ample time to return to the Western Lands. I will not inconvenience you again.” He bows and turns to leave. 

Kagome grabs his hand. “Sesshomaru, wait. What about your mother?” 

He pauses but doesn’t face her. “I will inform my mother that she is mistaken.”

“And the ceremony?” Kagome asks. 

“Do not concern yourself. It is merely a formality."

His indifference stings. Kagome can feel him slipping away. It's only then that she understands how much she's come to rely on him— not for the gifts but for the company. Sesshomaru has been a constant visitor at the farm. Kagome has seen him more in the past twelve months than all her other friends combined. She looks forward to speaking with him and misses him on the days when he doesn't stop by. The thought of losing that— of losing him —causes her to tighten her hold on his hand.

“Will you be passing through here again soon?” 

He doesn't answer.

“If it's not too much trouble, could you visit the day after tomorrow? I should be done with the fields by then. I was thinking of taking the day off to travel up to the lake. If you’re around, I could make lunch and we could go together,” Kagome suggests. 

Sesshomaru turns around. “You still wish to spend time with me?” 

“Yeah,” she confirms. “I thought we could go on a proper date.”

“Date?” 

“It’s a human courting custom. When people are interested in each other, they make plans together. You can take a trip, or do an activity like painting, or just spend an afternoon talking together over tea. It doesn't have to be anything formal. Dating helps people decide what they're looking for in a partner and how to move forward with them, if they're the one they choose to be with,” Kagome explains. 

“And if the person you date is the one you choose?” Sesshomaru inquires. 

“Then you get married,” she answers, “or, in this case, mate.” 

He brings her hand to his lips and kisses it. “I accept your proposal.”

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Author's Note: This fic isn't beta'd. I procrastinated and I didn't think it was fair to ask anyone to rush through it. Thank you for reading!