The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Reception

Chapter 157 - The Reception *Omen* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

The couple cleaned up in the spring as best they could without any supplies or towels while Kagome explained how she would be making her own birth control using Kaede's recipe instead of getting it from her time. Sesshoumaru had been unable to keep from chuckling as his angel relayed her concerns of being a baby factory. It was a rather humorous image, his sweet miko surrounded by dozens upon dozens of pups of all ages, but he agreed with her. Avoiding being intimate with her entirely during her fertile period would have been torturous, so he was pleased that she found a solution.

Sesshoumaru shared the highlights of what had gone on during her absence, minus Tsukiko's death. He told her about his conversation with the children, which earned him an enthusiastic kiss. Kagome was thrilled to hear that her mate-to-be had accepted her kit as his own, and she was sure that Shippo was just as pleased. The child needed a father figure, and Inuyasha had never been a viable option. He was still too young and wild to be a good example, and Miroku wasn't much better.

When they reached Kaede's hut, both the elder miko and Sango had knowing looks on their faces,  causing Kagome to blush like a tomato while she did her best to avoid eye contact with the women. She collected her things, making sure that her bottles of potion were closed tightly. She always used plastic soda bottles rather than water bottles because they were thicker and more durable. Empty water bottles always got crunched in her bag, making them useless. She tucked away her textbooks and did a quick once over of the hut to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything important.

Kagome thanked Kaede for her hospitality and assistance, and waited while Sango did the same before heading out to join Sesshoumaru waiting a short distance away. No one wanted to walk for days, so the taiyoukai formed his energy ball and transported them to his palace in seconds.

The miko hadn't been expecting the reception she received. As soon as her feet touched the ground, two very happy children tackled her. Once she freed herself from clingy little limbs, Inuyasha swept her into his arms. Adjusting to life in the palace was tough for the hanyou and without Kagome; he hadn't known what to do. With her by his side, he could be comfortable anywhere, but by himself he felt awkward and out of place. He had never missed the girl so much in his life.

Even Miroku desired a hug, one that was supervised by two sets of golden eyes. The monk knew better than to even think of groping her, though. He barely got away with it with Inuyasha. There was no way he was going to risk the dismemberment that would surely follow if Sesshoumaru thought he touched his mate-to-be inappropriately. The monk also made sure to embrace Sango, who blushed and pulled away quickly, fearing his wandering hand. She missed him, and she didn't want to have to knock him unconscious right away.

Even the servants came to welcome their new Lady back to the palace, respectfully bowing as she passed. Each greeted her cordially, something that surprised not only Kagome but also Sesshoumaru. He worried that it would take time for everyone to accept that he had chosen a human miko as his mate, but apparently he had worried needlessly. They seemed quite happy with his choice, but he imagined, it was probably more that they were relieved she was replacing his tyrant of a mother, and he didn't blame them. They would quickly learn that their new Lady was exponentially more patient and kind than his mother had ever been. Still, he took it as a good omen. If the servants in the Western palace could so easily accept a human as their Lady, perhaps the rest of his people would as well.