Love is in the Air by Ai Roku

Ninety-Nine Roses

Disclaimer: Inuyasha was created by Takahashi Rumiko-sensei

Prompt: Ninety-nine roses

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"Forever with Lord Sesshomaru!"

The childishly high voice of Rin rang out in melodious, if slightly off key exuberence as the group trekked along the country side.

Throughly charmed Kagome couldn't keep the grin off of her face as she listened to the little girl sing her adorable song.

"C'mon kid, give it a rest already, you've been singing that damn song all day!"

"Inuyasha, sit!!!"

The incensed miko stood with her hands on her hips, glaring down into the Inuyasha shaped crater, waiting for her foul mouthed friend to raise his head.

"What have I told you about cursing in front of the children, huh? On top of that you had no right to snap at poor Rin-chan! Apologize to her this instant, or so help me I'll never buy you ramen again!"

After securing a hastily stuttered 'I'm sorry,' Kagome sent one last glare at the still stunned hanyou, and stomped off to stand next to a smugly smirking Sesshomaru. A helplessly laughing Shippo jumped onto her shoulder and she takes the hand of a happily humming Rin before resuming the interrupted journey, while pointedly ignoring Inuyasha.

Later that day much to the hanyou's displeasure, Sesshomaru had called an early halt to the groups sojurn. Inuyasha had argued that there was plenty of daylight left, but had been forced to relent in the face of the taiyoukai's inplacable resolve; eventually retreating to the branches of a nearby tree to sulk.

Unconcerned with his brother's pouting Sesshomaru watched his miko digging through her pack for moment, taking the time to admire her, before finally approaching her.

"Kagome, This Sesshomaru humbly requests that you accompany me on a walk."

He is amused when she freezes with a package of 'ramen' half in and half out of her bag, staring up at him with surprise.

"Go on Kagome, I'll take care of this."

Kagome is relieved when Sango volunteers to take over making dinner. Knowing that her taiyoukai rarely asks for anything, especially while in front of other people, and happy to be able to spend some time alone with him; she relinquishes the ramen to her friend's capable hands and quickly stands, not wanting to keep him waiting.

After taking Sesshomaru's proffered arm they proceed into the forest, following a faint and obviously rarely used path to a destination only her inu knew.

He gently pulls her to a stop when they reach a small clearing by a stream. The clearing faces the mountains to the west and has a spectacular view of the sinking sun and Kagome is dazzled by romantic setting.

"Please excuse me for a moment, beloved. I shall return shortly."

Confused, she watches Sesshomaru leave the clearing wondering what was going on. Hadn't he taken her here so that they could watch the sunset together? 

Trusting that her mate-to-be had a good reason for leaving, Kagome lowered herself to the soft grass at the edge of the babbling stream, resigned to waiting.

"Kagome."

Turning at the sound of Sesshomaru's voice, Kagome felt her eyes widen in suprise.

There her taiyoukai stood arms full of japonica roses, their rich yellow color a striking contrast with his haori.

"It was brought to my attention, that human females enjoy being given flowers by their betrothed."

Standing up, and walking over to Sesshomaru with a delighted smile on her face, Kagome says,

"Let me guess, Rin-chan told you that right?"

"It was the womanizing monk actually." Sesshomaru replied, looking slightly uncertain.

Still smiling Kagome touched them gently, basking in their fragrance.

"They're so beautiful, and there are so many! Thank you so much Sesshomaru!"

Looking up at her betrothed, she's startled to see a disgruntled look on his face. Worried she'd said, or done something wrong she frantically asked,

"What's wrong?"

Seeing her frightened expression and smelling the sudden anxiety in her scent, Sesshomaru softens his features trying to reassure her.

"I had desired to present you with one-hundred, but I was only able to find ninety-nine, my apologies."

Remembering the significance of being given ninety-nine roses, Kagome grins at her love. Leaning up on her tip-toes she kisses his cheek and whispers, "I like ninety-nine better anyway."

Later that night, Kagome was daydreaming by the fire and quietly humming, when her reverie was suddenly and rather rudely interrupted by the shrill screeching of a certain hanyou.

"Kagome!!!"

Startled she looks up at Inuyasha.

"What is it, what's wrong?"

"That song, you were humming that annoying Song!"

Confused, Kagome looks around at her friends. Seeing that everyone except Inuyasha looked amused, she asked, 

"What song was I humming?"

Her eyes land on Sesshomaru as her inquiry is met several giggles and a disgusted snort. Raising one eyebrow, Sesshomaru simply stares back at her with what appears to be a very self satisfied smirk.

Finally a widely grinning Rin speaks up,

"You were humming Rin's Sesshomaru-sama song, Kagome!"

Kagome stares blankly for a moment before blushing in sudden realization.

Looking back toward the obviously amused taiyoukai, Kagome couldn't help thinking that she would indeed be perfectly happy to spend forever with her Lord Sesshomaru; and if roses were accurate fortune-tellers then she'd get to.

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Ninety nine roses mean forever.

I decided to use the kerria japonica rose for my story, they look a bit different from your typical rose, but they're still quite pretty.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thanks for reading!