Sesshoumaru's Holiday Romance by Luna

Chapter Twenty-Five: Peace

Standard disclaimer applies.

Merry Christmas! I hope you've all enjoyed this short drabble series, and that your day was just a little bit brighter after reading it!

Sesshoumaru's Holiday Romance

Chapter Twenty-Five: Peace

By: Luna

…

Little bells were attached to the red sleigh, and they chimed every now and then as Sesshoumaru and Kagome glided across the snow. The coachman kept his gaze respectfully ahead, sensing the couples need for privacy as he guided them along the path that would take them to the raising of the Christmas Star.

Sesshoumaru still had his arm wrapped around her, and she burrowed herself close to his side and reveled in the heat his body offered her. His cheek was resting on top of her head, and even from underneath the heavy jacket, she felt his thumb rubbing lazily over her upper arm. They didn't even need to speak; Kagome was happy with being held so close by him that she didn't feel the need to speak.

The sleigh started to slow down, and she felt his lips brush up against her temple as he murmured, "We are here."

Reluctantly, she pulled away, blushing when he held up his hand for her to help her down. Sesshoumaru gripped the coachman's hand, subtly passing a tip, and nodded in reply when the coachman tipped his hat in farewell. He reached for Kagome's hand. "Come. I hear music coming from over here."

It was so peaceful being with Sesshoumaru. She was so at ease; with her friends, the shadows of the past always clouded their eyes when they looked at her, and Kagome was so tense during their visits that she rarely had time to enjoy herself. With Sesshoumaru, he didn't seem to care about the state of her clothes, which were bought second-hand. He knew where she lived, so he must know her living situation. The fact that he didn't treat her as an object of pity warmed her heart almost as much as his regard of her warmed her soul.

Kagome leaned in closer to Sesshoumaru, wrapping her other arm around his as she clutched his hand tighter, hugging him to her. She felt Sesshoumaru's eyes on the top of her head, but didn't dare look up and reveal her feelings just yet. Wasn't it too soon? Love at first sight only happened in the movies… right?

"Kagome," his voice rumbled in his chest, and she could swear she felt the vibrations all the way to her toes. "I have something for you."

Surprised, she looked up without thinking, and was immediately ensnared by the heat in his eyes as he looked at her. She had to remember how to breathe before she answered him. "You have… something for me?"

Sesshoumaru nodded solemnly, the reached down until his hands dipped into his coat pocket; Kagome hadn't noticed anything in there since her hands had been warmed by the man at her side. A small velvet box was held in his large gloved hand, and Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she prayed it wasn't what she thought it was—that for certain would be too soon.

"W…What is it?" Her voice was a little whisper; she was almost afraid to open it. Since Kagome did not reach for it, Sesshoumaru opened it up himself, and Kagome's breath caught in her throat at the gift that nestled protectively inside the case.

Nestled on a bed of white satin lay a thin silver chain that held up a small, exquisitely crafted silver star with small diamonds outlining the edges.

"I asked the meaning being this symbol," Sesshoumaru started, worried at the way her eyes seemed riveted on the gift, but that she had yet to even reach for it. "I did not understand why humans were so focused on the concept." When Kagome's hands reached up to gently touch the corner of the box, Sesshoumaru was encouraged. "They say the Christmas star symbolizes high hopes and high ideals – hope for good fortune, and hope for reaching above oneself—as well as a symbol of promise."

Kagome's eyes filled with tears, and she couldn't stop them from overflowing. Her throat was too choked up with emotion to speak; she could only silently raise her eyes to watch him as he continued, his voice flowing smooth and warm like hot chocolate.

"This Sesshoumaru wanted to give you a gift to symbolize my promise to you. We do not know each other very well, but I've lived for a very long time already. I have the patience to wait until we do. Dogs are very affectionate; I will only see and care for you." Sesshoumaru was focused – he was always so focused – on her, and only her. It was as if the crowd around them did not even exist. "Be with me, Kagome, and only me. I can wait until you are ready to accept more than my companionship."

Kagome leaned forward and buried her face in his chest, crying silently as he slowly wrapped his arms around her trembling frame. She could practically hear the frown in his voice as he stated, "This was my declaration of intent, but not an intent to kill. Why are you crying?"

Kagome laughed before turning around and lifting her hair, silently offering for him to put on the necklace. When the star nestled against her skin, Kagome placed a hand over it and closed her eyes in silent thanks before she turned around and graced Sesshoumaru with a blinding smile.

"Didn't I tell you?" She reached up and grasped the ends of her scarf around his neck. "Humans cry for other reasons besides when someone's about to kill them," she pulled steadily on the scarf until Sesshoumaru's mouth was just a whisper away from hers. "Sometimes they cry when they too happy for words."

Kagome kissed him, and an instant later she was wrapped tightly in his arms, uncaring of the crowd, and kissed so thoroughly she was seeing stars.

She didn't care if it was too soon; Sesshoumaru just offered her a lifetime of this, and Kagome loved him too much to be stupid enough to say no.

…

Prompt: Peace

Posted on: December 25, 2011

Words: 996

Merry Christmas! If everyone has been good this year, I might be tempted to write for the sixth and final prompt, "Silent Night, Holy Night"

::smiles::