Brought the Sun and the Flowers by watermarkit

Chapter 1

A/N: This is the sequel to 24 Little Hours, part of the What a Difference a Day Makes series.

...ten days later...

Today was his follow-up appointment with Miko Kaede-sama.

Sesshomaru grudgingly opened his eyes to the bright morning light. He wasn't feeling his best, but it certainly was a vast improvement from his sudden illness not too long ago. The last ten days consisted of reluctant 'lazy days', as he would say. He hated not being productive.

The medication had run its course, though what exactly he got sick from was still unclear. Getting out of bed, Sesshomaru remembered that he should probably mention the pain in his lower abdomen to Kaede-sama as well. It had come up yesterday, and he couldn't figure out what it was.

Sesshomaru stepped into his shower and turned the water to a very hot temperature. It seemed to ease the pain slightly. He grunted and assessed how he felt. His sinuses had stopped giving him a migraine, and he was no longer dizzy or nauseated. It was just the lingering pain the sprung up out of nowhere yesterday.

He gave a sigh as he tried to relax. As far as his aura felt, it seemed like everything was back to normal. His instincts were in check, as usual. He scoffed at himself, remembering the day he fell ill. His instincts had one hell of a day, roaming free from his aura's confines. He growled lightly as he remembered his body's torturous urges. Shaking his head, he reminded himself and his body that his appointment was soon. He shut off the shower and grabbed a towel. There was no time to think of that.

Pulling out a hair dryer, he proceeded with the ritual preening of the day. Being presentable was something he always prioritized. As he brushed his hair, he flexed his left hand. It truly was astounding. Whatever Kagome had done had lasting effects. His arm felt better every day.

Content with the state of his hair, he shut off the lights and headed back to his room to get dressed. He checked the time; he would get something to eat after the appointment.

…

Kagome had woken up an hour ago but just couldn't bring herself to get out of bed. She flopped over and snuggled back under the covers. Her feet were getting cold. It was too bright to go back to sleep, she grumbled. Grabbing for her phone, she checked the time. It was already ten thirty. Her shift was at the clinic was switched around with Ayame's so she had the day off, thankfully.

Her stomach growled hungrily. Kagome sighed and still didn't want to get up. Curse the morning, she thought. Grumpily, she got out of bed and shuffled to her bathroom. Her hair was a mess, as usual. Not that she cared. Tying it up, she washed her face and freshened up. Throwing on some home-clothes, she sighed in content at the fuzziness of her sweater. She loved bumming around at home. Going out was overrated. And expensive, she added as she headed downstairs.

Good morning's were exchanged at the kitchen table with Grandpa and Mom. Souta was at a friend's house again for the day. Kagome made some tea and plopped down at the table.

"Any plans for today?" Kagome's mother asked.

"Nope, got the day off. Ayame's working for me." Kagome replied.

"Well I have some things to do, thanks for asking." Grandpa announced.

"Yes, Papa, I know." Kagome's mother giggled at her father-in-law.

Kagome offered, "Did you need any help, Grandpa?"

"The garden needs cleaning up, especially beside Goshinboku." he addressed the sacred tree formally, "We will have spring visitors soon."

"I can help after breakfast," Kagome offered. She would rather spend the day inside but if Grandpa said it needed to be done, you wouldn't hear the end of it until it was finished.

"Great! Your mother and I have some shopping to do. We'll be back later." Grandpa grinned as he got up to get his jacket.

"Hai, hai." Kagome replied, "Oh, Mom, can I talk to you?"

"Yes Kagome?" Mom asked, concerned, "How are you feeling? I can always clean up outside if you don't feel up to it."

"No, it's ok, I'll be fine." Kagome fidgeted, "Can you get me more pads? I'm all out."

"Of course, of course. Is there anything else you need? Do you still have enough pain medicine?" her mother worried. "You know how bad your cramps get."

Kagome saw Grandpa wander back into view, "I know, I'm okay for now. I have lots from last time!" she gave her mother a quick hug to stop the questions and moved to hug her grandfather. "I'll clean up the yard before you get back!"

"Oh good, we'll be out for lunch too so you have plenty of time." Grandpa patted her back. "See you later!"

"Later, Gramps!" Kagome smiled brightly. The door closed and Kagome gave a huge sigh. Darn Grandpa and his nonchalant guilt tripping. She finished her tea and made her way back to her room. She found an oversized long sleeved tee shirt to wear instead of her sweater and a pair of old jeans to change into. Pocketing her phone and dawning a bandana in her hair, she headed to the garden.

…

Sesshomaru walked his way through campus, noticing that the last of the snow was melting away. He was thankful, at the very least, that he could dress properly again. Instead of lugging around large snow boots and bulky winter outerwear, he was back to his more comfortable slacks, dress shoes, a longer coat with a slight collar. And a shirt, of course. A soft, comfortable cotton shirt with a couple buttons by his collar bone.

The clinic doors were just within reach, when a laugh caught his attention.

"Sesshomaru-sama!" a girl's voice called.

Sesshomaru turned to find Rin beside a youkai who was clearly his junior. "Rin." he greeted politely.

"How are you? I know you weren't feeling so well." Rin dragged her friend over to be part of the conversation. "Oh, this is Shippou! Shippou, this is Sesshomaru-sama."

Sesshomaru inclined his head politely and shook Shippou's hand. Shippou's grip wasn't quite as firm as he expected. A shy kitsune, Sesshomaru observed. Not a usual quality for a fox.

"N-nice to meet you Sesshomaru-sama. Rin has told me much about you." Shippou stuttered.

"Has she?" Sesshomaru quirked a brow at her, causing her to blush.

"Well, um, not -that- much..." Rin giggled, "So how are you feeling?"

"I have recovered, somewhat." Sesshomaru gestured towards the clinic, "I have a follow-up soon."

"Oh well, we won't keep you!" She grabbed onto Shippou's hand and waved, "Get well soon! I'll talk to you online!" Sesshomaru nodded and watched Shippou try to bow a goodbye while being dragged away by Rin. Quite a comical pair, Sesshomaru thought to himself.

Continuing to the clinic, he arrived at the front desk only to be disappointed that Kagome wasn't there. What was he expecting, anyways. Signing in with Ayame, according to her name tag, he sat down in the very seat he was in ten days ago. He crossed an ankle over his knee and straightened out the bottom of his pants.

What -was- he expecting? Kami, there wasn't a day that went by that he hadn't thought about her. Or smelled her...would he ever get around to washing that blanket? Dammit he had her number too. He just couldn’t bring himself to actually call. She had said to call if he needed her. And Kami, how he did need her.

Get it together, he snapped at himself. His hand gripped his ankle as he adjusted his state of mind. She wasn't that kind of girl. And this wasn't the place where he could indulge his thoughts.

He glanced at his watch and waited patiently for his name to be called. The waiting room was nearly empty. At least today it won't take as long, he hoped. The dull pain in his abdomen was starting to irritate him.