Bittersweet Remembrances by Kitana Tsukino-hime

Harsh Lesson

Disclaimer: Inuyasha belongs to Takahashi-san. I as the Authoress of BR make no claim to it.

Proverbial Challenge, 2014

Prompt: Give neither salt nor counsel till you are asked for it.

Word Count: 600

Week: February 20, 2014

Coming back to himself, Sesshomaru crossed to the futon. A smirk that was still somehow gentle, gracing his aristocratic features. As he recalled an incident from within the first month after their mating. Though it was untrue at the time. He can look back on that moment now with fondness. Content in the knowledge of his chosen mate's strength. As his next words followed in his wake.

“Koishii...” Sesshomaru said, gently as his clawed hand ghosted over her left cheek, with a wealth of love in his voice.

This was a side to the Daiyoukai few outside of Kagome or his Pack ever saw. The softness inside him, he hid sometimes even from himself. Beneath a will of steel and an icy facade. Both though occasionally wrenching, very necessary. Lest the West show perceived weakness to her enemies.

“Do you recall our first fight?” he asked, the barest hint of mirth in his tone.

Kagome watched Sesshomaru from beneath inky lashes. Her cobalt gaze running with tenderness over the proud marks of his demonic heritage.

“Oh, indeed...” “Maito.” Kagome replied, a gentle laugh in her voice.

As Sesshomaru climbed on the futon behind her. Settling Kagome back against his chest. As his hands came to rest atop hers, over her belly. Feeling the life in Kagome's womb give a gentle kick. Acknowledging it's sire's presence as a gentle, soothing thrum reverberated from within Sesshomaru's chest. Soothing both Kagome and the pup that nestled safely beneath the beat of it's mother's heart.

Sesshomaru once more let himself drift into the sea of his memories....

Flashback

Though his countenance betrayed nothing, Sesshomaru was deeply worried. So much so, in fact, that he even now, paced before his large desk. Back and forth he went, trying, in vain it seemed, to find an answer for the sickness that had invaded the Citadel. Even his strongest General had succumbed, and now Keiji lay near death. The West could ill afford to lose him. Kagome sat on a cushion across from the Daiyoukai calmly sipping tea.

Unbeknownst to Sesshomaru his mate was well aware of his inner turmoil. Even from where she sat, Kagome could feel her mate's youki spiking in unconsciously agitated waves. What's more, she knew what had assailed the Citadel. And now, fought to steal Keiji's life. Despite the best efforts the healers of the West had given. Influenza...

Kagome knew what must be done, and so, began to speak.

“Sesshomaru, you know...” She began.

That was as far as she got before the Daiyoukai rounded on Kagome.

“I did not ask for your thoughts, woman...” Sesshomaru sneered.

“When I want your counsel I will give it to you!” he finished, on a snarl.

So lost in his own thoughts, Sesshomaru did not smell the salt of Kagome's tears... Nor see as she disappeared silently through the shoji screen door. It would only be later that the Daiyoukai realized his grave mistake. Several hours passed, and as night fell Sesshomaru still had no answers. So, sought to soothe himself with the warmth of his mate's flesh. And the gentleness of Kagome's love.

The Daiyoukai found himself shocked when Kagome tiredly shoved his hands away. Nicking herself carelessly on one of his claws as she rose, striding to the window. But not before he had seen the tears in Kagome's eyes. The words that followed hit Sesshomaru like a fist.

“Onegai...” “Don't touch me right now, mate.” Kagome said.

It was a harsh lesson for Sesshomaru. Learning when to ask for salt or counsel, with time.