Strawberry Shortcake by sesshomarusama33

Waiting Game

Strawberry Shortcake:

Chapter 27

Prompt: Soundtrack Challenge, “A Little Pain.”

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Her body appeared at the bottom of the well, and when she looked up, she saw the wood of the ceiling of the wellhouse.

“I’m… back in my own time…” she said to herself, climbing out of the well, staring at the closed doors. She sighed, sitting on the lip of the well.

What had happened? She was talking to Sesshomaru, and he told her not to cry. She smiled, remembering how he pretty much ordered it from her.

They were so different, the Sesshomaru from this time, and the one she was face to face with just moments ago. He had allowed her such close comfort, and it confused her. He kissed her back, after all. Did he have feelings for her, then? Did he really care about her that much, that he was trying to make her feel better?

Remembering the words of Kaede, she frowned. So, she was sent back to help Sesshomaru? With what?

She gasped, shaking her head. There was no way…

The doors to the well opened, and there stood the man… well, being who plagued her thoughts.

His hair was black, short, but his eyes remained golden… for her. “Kagome…”

“Sesshomaru…” She whispered back, standing from the well with shaky legs. “Were you… waiting for me?”

He nodded, stepping closer to her. “I had almost forgotten,” he said, looking to the well. “What are your thoughts?” He asked, desperate to know what she would think now that she knew the truth.

“I’m a little confused,” she admitted, her legs wobbling terribly. So she didn’t dream this up, after all.

“I would be surprised if you weren’t. It took me five-hundred years to learn the truth.” He said, and with a burst of magic, his hair grew to his ankles, turning a beautiful white. His eyes remained the same, but were adorned with red stripes. Purple marred his cheeks, and the blue crescent moon appeared once more. Fur grew around him, protecting his shoulders.

She stared, awed, by the transformation. She had just seen him five minutes ago, but this creature was different from who she just encountered.

“Sesshomaru…”

“I ask again,” he said, holding a now clawed hand to her. “What do you think?”

She felt her heart race, and bit her lip. She loved this man, and she would not deny to say it to him again, no matter what he looked like.

“My feelings are the same,” she said, finding the strength to stand tall and approach him. “To me, the memory is still fresh. Do you remember, anything at all?” She asked, hopeful. He smiled, bringing his hand to cradle her jaw.

“I remember a strangely dressed woman attacking me with her lips.” He grinned, loving the blush that stained her cheeks. “I also recall a profession of love. Is this still applicable?”

She felt tears welling in her eyes, nodding. “Yes, of course it is.” She leaned into his hand, bringing hers to wrap around it. “I love you, Sesshomaru.” She whispered, her eyes boring into his own.

“It has taken me a long time,” he started, his other hand cradling her waist, “I understand now what I was unable to process then.”

“What would that be?” She asked, taking her hands into his hair. He took his hands so that he was holding her face, bringing her to his body gently.

“Redemption,” he replied, bringing his lips close to hers, “Affection.” He was only inches from her lips, his breath hot. “Love.”

She closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around her neck. She had been wanting to tell him her feelings for so long, and now, she knew his. The waiting game was over, and she felt her heart sing for the man who kissed her with sweet passion. 

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A/N: THREE updates!