A Breath of Fresh Hair by Sereia

Chapter 1

A little birthday fluff for a fandom friend, and a continuation of a few chapters in the Kiss & Tell series based on her sketches.

Part 1 - SessKag, Resort Owner, Opalescent
Part 2 - SessKag, Researcher, Midnight Blue
Part 3 - KimiKagu, Hotel Concierge, Red

..::**::..

Sesshoumaru ignored the texts from his mother as he pulled on his swim trunks. His phone had barely stopped vibrating all weekend, and she'd resorted to using her girlfriend's phone to get through his filters.

What was the point of going on vacation if she insisted on bothering him the entire time?

Jaken and his brother were more than capable of running the resort while he was away, and though Inuyasha had given him a knowing look as he'd given him the list of incoming tours, he simply patted his shoulder and told him to introduce them when he was ready.

Clicking his tongue, he'd tried to deny there was anyone needing to be introduced, but his brother had walked away before he could voice such a claim. They'd have both known it was a lie, but there was no other way around it.

How was he supposed to introduce anyone when he was among the few people to know mermaids existed?

Besides, he'd only known for just over three months, and regardless of his mother's needling, he was enjoying keeping her to himself—especially when she smiled at him so.

Stuffing his phone in the nearest drawer, he didn't even bother with a towel, nearly sprinting across the beach as the sun broke the horizon. She didn't have a preferred time for their excursions, but Sesshoumaru found she was more excited about the treasures of the cove during the early morning hours.

He refused to wait any later to see her, anyway.

Waves crashed against the shore as he approached, and his steps never slowed. He walked into the water as it came up to meet him, welcoming him into its depths. Sesshoumaru secured his goggles to his face, then dove beneath the surface, tropical creatures instantly scattering.

Most of them disappeared into plants or sand, and silver strands floated around him as he adjusted to the filtered light. He stayed down there for as long as possible, trying to keep himself still so they'd come out of their hiding spots, but to no avail.

A webbed hand stopped him from rising to the surface, and warm lips touched his before his lungs filled with air. Sesshoumaru blinked in surprise; he hadn't sensed any movement, but there she was, sapphire eyes gleaming as she cupped his face.

Kagome.

She stole another kiss before grabbing his hand, tugging him through large tendrils of seaweed, and he struggled to keep his body moving at the same pace. Even after all of their time spent together, he still hadn't figured out how she moved so quickly.

The number of animals slowly increased, but there still weren't as many as usual, and she eventually turned her body upward. Her laughter flitted across the water as they broke the surface, and a scowl furrowed his brow. "Have I done something amusing?"

She shook her head as she pushed his hair out of his face. "You're scaring them," she said. "Your hair makes you look like a monster." He tried to ignore the way her fingers brushed his scalp as they ran through his hair, but her soft hums made it very difficult.

She tugged him over to an outcropping, hoisting herself up behind him as she did her best to tame the mess that was his hair. She pulled it back into a ponytail to start, but he physically winced at how much he looked like his father—plus, she said it wouldn't help keep it in one place.

Combing it out again, she folded each strand individually, braiding it down to the tips before tying a piece of seaweed around it. He found it ironic that she'd chosen a fishtail braid, but with how long her hair was, perhaps it was a style often adopted by her kind.

"That's better!" she said, draping it over one shoulder. "Now you won't scare anyone."

He caught her hand as he turned toward her, placing a kiss in the centre of her palm. "Not even you?"

She frowned slightly. "You've never scared me." He leaned closer, claiming her mouth until she was clinging to him, webbed hands flat against his chest. He pulled back just enough to catch his breath, and she ran her tongue along her bottom lip. "Do humans normally do that to thank someone?" she asked.

"No," he replied automatically. "That is only reserved for you." Her face brightened, and she kissed him again, then slid off the rock, beckoning him to join her. Flipping the braid behind him, he followed her, happy to spend the rest of the day beneath the waves.

..::**::..

She'd offered to fix his hair after spending several hours in the water, not wanting the salt water to ruin it, and he'd quickly drifted off with his head in her lap. The soothing sound of the waves lapping against the outcropping had eased him into a dreamless sleep, but her soft giggles drew him out again.

Her jewelled eyes sparkled down at him, and he simply turned his head, nuzzling her stomach, but the sides of his temples felt tight and bumpy, and a frown marred his brow as he tried to get comfortable.

Her laughter only increased, and he finally sat up. "I apologize for—" He tried to run his fingers through his hair, but they got caught. Glancing at his reflection, Sesshoumaru's jaw fell open at the elaborate but comical hairstyle she'd given him.

Kagome didn't give him a chance to retaliate, slipping back into the water as she continued to laugh. "It suits you." He grabbed her by the tail as she tried to escape, but she twisted out of his grasp, drenching him before diving under the water.

Growling softly, he followed suit, only to be met with a flurry of bubbles. They swirled around him, and he struggled to locate her, but before he could move further, her lips brushed against his. She was smiling, a few more bubbles escaping before air filled his lungs, and she grabbed his hand, leading deeper below the surf.

The rolled curls eventually came out, but he barely noticed, eyes following the glint of a pair of sapphire eyes, his arm wrapping around her waist each time he required air, mouths lingering. Even under the water, the taste was sweet, and he told her as such the next time they resurfaced.

A delightful blush spilled onto her cheeks, standing out against blue scales and finned ears. He cupped her face, chasing the colour to her neck. "I am off for another week. Will I get to see you each day?"

She hummed softly. "You might turn into a prune."

He smiled and kissed her again. "It will be well worth it."