Take Another Breath

The day of the ceremony finally arrived. Last minute preparations had the whole village scurrying about all day, while Kagome and Hikari helped Sango to get ready. Rin sat in a corner, watching everything with bright eyes; she was being very careful not to get her kimono dirty, or to accidentally mess up her hair; Hikari had put a lot of effort into the complicated design, and Rin was very much aware of it. Then again, she was also quite entertained, watching as the fiercely beautiful taijiya was transformed into a delicate goddess. Giggling to herself, Rin covered her mouth with her hand, not even able to stifle her laughter as all three women looked curiously at her.

"What's so funny, Rin?" Hikari arched a brow, paused with two sections of Sango's hair held in her clawed fingers.

"I was just thinking, Miroku-san is going to trip all over himself when he sees Sango-chan. She's so pretty today, he probably won't even be able to talk."

Sango blushed a bright shade of red, but Kagome and Hikari couldn't help laughing at the mental image of what Rin had said. The girl was probably right! Thus they doubled their efforts to make Sango even more stunning, as Hikari smirked and muttered just for the ears of her two friends to hear.

"Let's hope Miroku will be able to keep his hands off of you until tonight, Sango. I want to appreciate all this hard work of mine while I can."

There was much laughter in the hut of Kaede that morning.

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Morning waned to afternoon, and it wasn't until the sun began to set that Miroku and Sango were finally wed by Kaede. Rin was practically beaming as she spread the path up to the altar with flower petals; Sango looked resplendent in a kimono of dark red, with a pattern of cherry blossoms embroidered around the cuffs and hem. Miroku almost did have trouble speaking, and stuttered a bit when it came time for him to exchange his vows; Hikari had to bite down on her tongue to keep from laughing aloud when that happened.

Though the ceremony was long and involved, Sesshoumaru had difficulty concentrating on it. All his attention seemed to be focused on his mate, standing up near the altar with Sango. She was always beautiful, but today she seemed positively radiant. The kimono she wore was pure white silk, with an obi, slippers, and ribbon holding her hair back that were a soft golden color. Almost the exact shade of his eyes, he thought. But perhaps it was the glow of happiness in her eyes, and the smile lighting up her face, that made her so astoundingly lovely at that time.

Soon, the ceremony was over; Sesshoumaru was awakened from his musings by the cheering of the villagers as they rushed forward to congratulate the blushing bride and her beaming husband. Yet his eyes never left Hikari, who turned and met his gaze, offering a slightly shy smile before she moved through the crowd toward him. Due to her short stature, he lost her amidst the people for a few moments, and almost went in to find her himself, when she squeezed out of the press and ran to his side.

Slender arms wrapped around his waist, Hikari's cheek pressed against his chest. Sesshoumaru looked down at his tiny mate, his hands falling to lay against her back. The smile that spread across her face when she looked up at him made his breath catch, but he quickly recovered himself, and placed a light kiss on her lips, one hand lifting to let his claws brush her hair back from her face, his fingertips lingering against her cheek. "It pleases this Sesshoumaru to see you smiling again, my mate."

Hikari blushed, looking away from Sesshoumaru's intense eyes, to once more nuzzle her face into the softness of his haori. "I'm just glad to see my friends again. And to know that I didn't lose one of them, when I thought I had."

Sesshoumaru inwardly grimaced at the mention of Inuyasha. Shippou had filled him in after his return, revealing what had happened between Hikari and Inuyasha to make her so ill she closed herself off from the world. The thought that his hanyou half-brother had tried to steal his mate made his blood boil in his veins, and he unconsciously growled, causing Hikari to look up at him. Her happiness faded into worry as she saw the light in Sesshoumaru's eyes.

"Sesshy..." The nickname, unheard for so long, made Sesshoumaru's anger evaporate. Hikari must have seen it, because she smiled a bit when he looked down at her again. "Inuyasha made a mistake. But everything's okay now. You don't need to worry about that ever again. Everything is exactly as it should be."

"This Sesshoumaru was not.. worried about anything. I could easily defeat Inuyasha if it came down to that. Though the battle would hardly be worth the effort. One who would steal the mate of another does not deserve the honor of getting his blood spilled by his better." Sesshoumaru arched one silver eyebrow, his nimble fingers untying the ribbon in Hikari's hair. It went fluttering to the ground as he threaded his fingers through the snowy strands, savoring the silken texture.

Though the corners of Hikari's lips twitched with a threatening smile, she instead closed her eyes and reveled in the feel of Sesshoumaru's fingers in her hair. "I think he was surprised when I sent him away. He didn't understand that I'm determined to be your mate, and yours alone."

That got Sesshoumaru's attention. Curling his fingers in Hikari's hair, the other hand ran down to the small of her back, pressing her close against him. She gasped when his lips touched upon the mating mark on her neck, shivering as his warm breath whispered across her flesh. "And why are you determined to be only my mate, Hikari?"

Drawing back slowly, she looked up at him, her eyes gleaming with emotion. Her lips parted as she made to respond, but a throat clearing nearby distracted them. Both taiyoukai turned their heads, looking at the intruder with slight annoyance from Sesshoumaru, and a sense of relief from Hikari. Inuyasha and Kagome stood there with Shippou and Rin, who were giggling at the way their adoptive parents had been looking at each other. Kagome was unphased by Sesshoumaru's death glare, and grinned at the couple.

"Are you two going to stand there all night? We've got a wedding feast to attend!"

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There was much merrymaking in Kaede's village that night. The moon was high in the nighttime sky when Miroku and Sango finally made their departure to the hut that would be theirs for the next few nights, followed by catcalls and laughter. Though they said nothing, the look Kagome and Hikari shared said they were glad their 'marriages' had been private affairs; they could only imagine how embarrassed Sango was by all the noise.

Not long after, the village began quieting down. People drifted to their huts, some carrying sleeping children. The youkai guard, Jiro, accompanied Sesshoumaru and Hikari to the hut of Kaede, where the slumbering Rin and Shippou were tucked in. He settled himself outside to guard his Lord and Lady's 'children', while Sesshoumaru went off to check on Ah-Un. Hikari ventured to the outskirts of the village, and into the forest; she followed the scent of sakura blossoms, and soon found herself beneath one of the flowering trees.

A sigh of pure contentment fell from her lips as Hikari sprawled on her back, the soft grass cushioning her fall, and looked through the blossom-laden branches to the stars above. How long ago had it been, that she found herself beneath one of these trees, with Sesshoumaru claiming her as his mate? Lifting a hand to her neck, she absently traced the small mating mark with her fingertips, closing her eyes as she let her thoughts drift back to that night, more than a year ago.

That was how Sesshoumaru found her. Having gone back to the village, thinking she would have laid down to sleep with the children, he was pleasantly surprised to find that her scent led away from the group of huts, and into the cool darkness of the forest. The sakura tree brought back memories to the inu-taiyoukai, both good and bad, and he instinctively touched the small scarred puncture wounds on his own neck.

Hikari had been unaware of Sesshoumaru's presence until he set foot in that small clearing, and then she sat up, turning to look at him in silence. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright, her lips curved into a smile, and Sesshoumaru felt himself drawn to her as though she were pulling him by their bond itself. He sank into the grass at her side, taking her into his arms as their lips met. The kiss was not broken even as Sesshoumaru fell onto his back, dragging Hikari on top of him.

Shaking hands wandered to the cloth that held his haori closed, untying it, then slipping beneath the cool material to lightly touch his flesh. When Hikari felt Sesshoumaru's fingers, which were trembling almost as much as hers, attempting to untie her obi, she broke away from the kiss, sitting up and looking down at him with wide eyes. His hands quickly fell to the grass, though his golden hues watched her with wariness; was he afraid she would reject him? She bit down on her lower lip, wondering how best to say what she needed to.

"Hikari..." Sesshoumaru hesitantly reached up and touched his mate's cheek. Her skin was so soft against the backs of his fingers, and he longed to feel the entirety of her small body laying against his once again. "What is wrong, my mate?"

"Nothing. I just..." Hikari took a deep breath, looking away from Sesshoumaru. Her nervousness was plain, not only in her actions, but Sesshoumaru could feel it in their bond. Why was she nervous? Well, he wouldn't rush her. His hands came to rest on her hips, fingertips lightly touching her back, as he waited for her to speak. He didn't have to wait long.

"Rin said something yesterday. Something about you.. taking care of me while I was sick. What did she mean, Sesshoumaru?"

Sesshoumaru surprised Hikari by smiling. Any expression was surprising on his face, which was normally so apathetic, but one of happiness was even more so. He shocked her completely by chuckling. "Is that all that is bothering you? This Sesshoumaru will gladly explain. During the time I was away, I had tried every day to somehow penetrate the block you had put on our bond. The day it fell away, I was relieved to finally be able to feel you. ..Though had I known at what price it was removed, I would have preferred you keep it up. It was through our bond, weak though it was, that I found you were near to death. I.. persuaded.. the other Lords to sign the treaty, and returned to the Hall of the West."

He fell silent, and Hikari wondered if he was going to continue. Just as she was about to prod him to do so, he went on. "It was very.. unsettling, to see you in such a state. You looked as though you had passed from this world." He paused, looking vaguely uncomfortable, and cast his eyes aside. "This Sesshoumaru never left your side after that moment, until the night you awoke and asked if you had displeased me. Though it was quite disheartening, the state into which you fell after that."

"..I apologize, Lord Sesshoumaru. I didn't me--" Hikari's full apology was cut off as Sesshoumaru sat up and caught her in a kiss, silencing her effectively. His arms wrapped tightly around her, as though he feared she would disappear if he didn't hold on to her. She could sense through their bond that he did seem to be feeling something akin to that, and in an attempt to comfort him, her own small arms twined around his neck, her fingers buried in his hair.

Reluctantly tearing his lips from hers, Sesshoumaru loosened his hold on Hikari a bit, tilting his head to hide his face against her neck. "Call me Sesshy, 'Maru, anything but 'Lord Sesshoumaru'. I am your mate, Hikari.. you need not be so formal with me."

"I should show proper deference to my Lord and mate, shouldn't I?" Sesshoumaru growled, pulling back as his hands went to lay on either side of Hikari's face, forcing her to look at him. The emotion that burned in his eyes took her breath away.

"We are equals, Hikari. You are my mate, my Lady... You are a proud kitsune taiyoukai, purely bred and worthy of the station you now hold as my mate. Do not disrespect me, and you have no need to fear me. I would not hurt you."

By the time he finished this little speech, there were tears spilling down her cheeks. Curling her small fingers around Sesshoumaru's wrists, Hikari leaned forward and brought her lips to his. He could taste her tears on his lips, and he could feel her need through their bond. Running his hands down her body, he swiftly untied her obi and cast it aside; her kimono followed, as did his hakama.

Flesh against flesh. Her fingers running down his chest, marveling at the way his muscles rippled beneath her touch. His hands, so large and powerful, tracing her curves with such tenderness. Their kisses heated and frantic, tongues battling for dominance. A moan torn from her throat as he guided her on top of him, and filled her with one slow thrust. Everything was blurring in her eyes as they moved together; her body rising and falling, those strong hands tangled in her hair, baring her neck to the attentions of his lips.

Sesshoumaru carefully sank his fangs into the mating mark on her neck, reveling in the way Hikari immediately responded. He groaned as he felt her tighten around him, and growled when his body followed the mad dash into oblivion. She renewed her own mating mark on him as his seed spilled into her, white-hot as his blood when it filled her mouth. Both of them gasping, they met in a breathless kiss, which ended in giggles from Hikari as Sesshoumaru toppled onto his back, arms wrapping around her small body and pulling her down with him.

Her head lay on his shoulder, fingertips tracing an absent pattern on his chest. She looked up at him as one of his hands grasped hers, and their eyes met, the smile that Sesshoumaru wore inspiring one to bloom on Hikari's lips. Fingers twining comfortably, she laid her head down again and closed her eyes with a sigh.

Sesshoumaru watched her as she fell asleep. His Hikari. His mate. The mother of his pups, someday. He hoped. His other hand ran down her back as he nuzzled the softness of her hair, murmuring to himself.. and entirely unaware that Hikari heard every word.

"My perfect little mate..."

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Sunlight beamed down on the taiyoukai couple, causing Hikari to groan and hide her face in the crook of Sesshoumaru's neck, while he just smirked and pondered what method to use to wake her up. He settled on one that was rather fiendish, but not enough to make her mad at him. Indeed, she might even respond positively...

Hikari paid no attention as tendrils of pleasure ran down her spine, to coil in the pit of her stomach. Still half-asleep, she thought she was just dreaming. Images of Sesshoumaru's deft fingers bringing her to the height of pleasure, his lips against her neck... It took her several long moments to realize she was not, in fact, dreaming, and by then she was moaning Sesshoumaru's name as an orgasm stole all thought from her.

Panting in the aftermath of her ecstasy, Hikari lifted her head and looked at Sesshoumaru with wide eyes. He noted, with some amusement and a touch of pride, that she looked dazed and satisfied. Mission accomplished. He grinned as she finally caught her breath, her cheeks flushed prettily in the morning light. "..That was quite a wake-up call, Sesshy. You should warn people before you do things like that."

"..But that would take all the fun out of it. This Sesshoumaru likes waking you up with his name on your lips..." He growled suggestively and rolled them over, settling himself on top of her as she laughed quietly. Starting at her collarbone, he trailed kisses up to her ear, which he nibbled on, wondering how she could still be laughing. That was when he heard a throat being cleared not far away, and he looked up with annoyance plain on his features.

Jiro stood on the edge of the trees, trying not to look at his Lord and Lady. They were mated, why shouldn't they enjoy each other? It was rather amusing, though. "Um, forgive me, Lord Sesshoumaru, Lady Hikari. Rin and Shippou are awake and wondering where you were. I assured them I would locate you."

"Thank you, Jiro. Tell them we'll be back at the village soon." Though extremely embarrassed, Hikari managed to keep a straight face as she spoke, and even until Jiro was out of sight. Then she began laughing uncontrollably, turning to rest her forehead against Sesshoumaru's powerful upper arm.

Sesshoumaru looked down at Hikari as she laughed, both pleased that she was comfortable with issuing commands to his guards, and amused at the embarrassment he felt in their bond. "..Better Jiro than the children." He made to rise, thinking that they should head back to the village, and was surprised to find Hikari's legs wrapped firmly around his waist. His brow arched as he looked down at her, lips twisted into a faint smirk.

"Where do you think you're going? Don't start something unless you can finish it." Her dark eyes flashing with desire, Hikari propped herself up on her elbows and swept her tongue across the mark on Sesshoumaru's neck. He shuddered, but nipped playfully at her earlobe, his words a low growl as he lowered his weight on top of her, pinning her between himself and the ground.

"As my Lady commands..."

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A little over an hour later, Sesshoumaru and Hikari walked back into the village. The adults present could tell by the slightly rumpled state of their clothing, and the glow that seemed infused in the pale kitsune's face, what had taken them so long. Rin and Shippou were just impatient. The dashed forward, the young kit launching himself into his mother's waiting arms, while the human child clung to Sesshoumaru's leg.

"Okaasan, what took you and Sesshoumaru-sama so long?" The couple shared a glance that spoke volumes to the others around them, then Hikari ruffled Shippou's hair.

"Sesshoumaru-sama and I were talking about something and lost track of time, that's all."

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat, and his small family looked expectantly at him. That was when it hit him; these children were not his, but they were his family.. with Hikari as the perfect mate. "I think it would be acceptable if Rin and Shippou were to call me 'otousan' from now on."

Rin looked up at her idol, her eyes wide, while Shippou glanced warily at his mother.. who had fastened Sesshoumaru with a tear-filled gaze. "..Sesshoumaru, are you sure?" His nod of answer was met with a grin from Hikari, and an exclamation of joy from both children as they danced around their parents. Closing the distance between them, Hikari rose up on her toes and looped her arms around Sesshoumaru's neck, pulling him down for a kiss. Their lips met and fused tightly; something seemed to click within Hikari, and she nearly dragged Sesshoumaru to the ground right then and there. She hungered for him, her body seemed to be crying out for his...

Sesshoumaru not only felt the change in their bond, but when he drew back, panting slightly with his eyebrows arched in faint surprise.. he realized he could smell it. That scent.. he didn't know what it was intellectually, but his instincts knew. The beast within howled triumphantly, and he understood what had happened. Hikari had gone into heat.