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“I heard Shippou and Inuyasha discuss a wonderful custom yesterday,” the monk said.
“Oh? And what kind of a custom is that?” his wife asked, sounding sceptical.
“It is part of the winter celebrations from Lady Kagome’s time. It’s called a mistletoe.”
“That’s an odd name.”
“It’s the name of the plant used in this custom.”
“A plant? How is it used?”
“A mistletoe is an invitation to exchange a kiss.”
A soft laugh followed, as well as a light smack.
“As if you don’t already get to exchange all the kisses you want,” the slayer grumbled, affection evident in the tone of her voice.
As it sounded like some kissing might be about to happen in the immediate future, the silent observer of the conversation turned to leave.
It was just as well. He had a custom to honour.
*
Kagome stepped out from her hut, pulling her overcoat tighter around herself to keep from the cold, and almost walked right into the daiyoukai standing before her door.
“Sesshoumaru!” Kagome clutched at her chest. “Good morning. I didn’t know you were coming to Edo today.”
“I had an important errand to see to,” he intoned, his hooded eyes boring into her.
Kagome tried not to squirm under his intent gaze. “Uhh, really?”
“Indeed.”
Then he held out his hands. “Here.”
Kagome stared at the clump of sorry-looking green plants on Sesshoumaru’s palm. There seemed to be some kind of fern in there. And mugwort. She’d been learning a lot about plants since she’d returned to live in the Feudal era. But she had no idea why Sesshoumaru would be presenting her with any. Was this some weird youkai thing she hadn’t heard of? Or was he trying to be helpful after seeing her many trips to gather herbs for cooking or medicine?
In any case, he definitely seemed to be expecting some kind of a response from her.
Kagome plucked the sad little clump from him and offered Sesshoumaru an uncertain smile. “Thank you?”
He stared at her. Kagome stared back, thoroughly confused. Then, he growled and left Kagome blinking at his retreating back.
*
The mistletoe custom had gripped Sesshoumaru’s interest. He’d thought to finally have found a way to communicate with the miko in a way she’d understand and make his intentions clear. He’d been harbouring said intentions for a long while now, but had found no fitting occasion to act on them. After all, he had never had a reason to court anyone — even in the manner of youkai that he was familiar with. He had even less experience in courting a human and had no examples to model his behaviour after.
He’d truly believed the mistletoe to be the solution to his dilemma, but now it was clear that in his excitement he had overlooked one crucial flaw: he did not know what a mistletoe was . Or where to find one. He doubted the monk would know, either, and he was certain that his foolish half-brother would prove to be entirely unhelpful.
Still, despite this difficulty, Sesshoumaru did not falter. He was patient and persistent and fully committed to this search for the mistletoe. Even if he had to scour all of Japan, he would find the right plant. Eventually.
*
Kagome stomped over to where her friends had gathered by Kaede’s hut and plopped down with a groan.
“Did you get another visit?” Sango asked.
“Yes! I did. Today I got plum blossoms. It’s not even January yet, where the hell did he find plum blossoms?”
Kagome tucked the delicate cutting out of her sleeve and showed it to her friends.
“Ooh, it’s so pretty!” Rin sighed.
“I wouldn’t mind getting some flowers every now and then,” Sango said, slanting a glance at her husband.
“It’s the fifth time this week. I have no idea what’s happening and my brain hurts. Is this some obscure youkai thing?”
“It’s not something I’ve ever heard of,” Miroku said.
“Me either,” Shippou chimed in.
“Then why does he keep bringing me plants?” Kagome despaired.
“Maybe he wants kisses,” Shippou suggested.
A stunned silence settled over the group.
“ What ?” Kagome choked out.
“You know, like with mistletoe.”
Kagome gave Shippou a long look, even as Rin giggled. “How do you know about mistletoe?”
“Inuyasha told me.”
“How does Inuyasha know — Never mind.” Kagome shook her head, more confused than ever. “I don’t think that’s it, where would Sesshoumaru have learned about mistletoe, anyway?”
The shock was dissipating now, giving way to laughter.
Miroku was fully chuckling. “Can you imagine Sesshoumaru trying to find mistletoe to bring to Lady Kagome?”
“And how disappointed he must feel when he gets no kisses in return.” Sango laughed.
“Guys, it’s not funny,” Kagome tried to interject. But the laughter was contagious, and a few stray giggles bubbled in her own throat. Maybe it was a little funny. But only because the idea was so stupefyingly impossible.
*
Two days later, there was a knock on the door of Kagome’s hut. She shook her head even as she rose to go answer it. She felt the prickling of youki along her skin, even if the precise hour of the visit hadn’t been clue enough.
She opened her door and found Sesshoumaru at her doorstep.
“Good morning,” he wished her in an even tone. Then, he proffered a plant, as if bestowing her some precious gift.
Kagome stared at the sprig in his clawed hands. Unbidden, the echo of Shippou’s words came to her. She plucked the plant he was giving her, blushing as her fingers brushed his callused palm.
Kagome looked up from under her lashes and found Sesshoumaru’s usual hooded gaze on her, as intent as it was expectant.
And then another thought followed the memory of Shippou’s suggestion. What if... ?
Kagome bit her lip. Sesshoumaru’s golden eyes sharpened.
Nerves fluttering in the pit of Kagome’s stomach, she rose on the tip of her toes and gave Sesshoumaru a shy kiss.
A growl rumbling in his chest, his arms immediately came around her, clamping her to him in a possessive grip. His lips slanted against hers, turning what had been soft and hesitant into a smouldering declaration.
A mystery solved at last.