Intoxicated by thetroll

Chapter 1

Kagome is singing off-key and at the top of her lungs as she slides open the door to their room with enthusiasm.

Sesshomaru sits on their futons. He’d heard his mate coming down the hall—and some distance before. Evidently, he thinks, her meeting with his mother to discuss her new status as his mate went well.

“Oooh,” she purrs, dropping to the ground before Sesshomaru. “What have we here?”

At least that’s what he thinks she’s saying. She’s slurring her words so intensely that he can’t be absolutely certain. 

One whiff as she leans closer confirms his suspicions. His mate is absolutely, positively not the least bit sober.

“How much did you drink?” he asks her flatly, folding his arms across his chest.

She giggles. “Shhh! Sesshomaru doesn’t know.”

His brows raise. “Kagome,” he begins, but the mild rebuke dies on his lips as she reaches for the lapels of his clothing.

“So soft. I wanna wear it.” She sighs as she tugs his clothing. “Gimme.”

Sesshomaru sighs as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “No.”

“Why? You’re so mean.” She sits back, sulking, and she looks so damn adorable that his resolve wavers. “I’m going to tell my mate!”

“You’re going to complain about me to myself?” he drawls, becoming more amused by the minute. He’s never seen his mate this intoxicated before and suddenly it’s more charming than it is annoyance.

She huffs, but her gaze suddenly rivets to the kiseru in his hands. “Ooh I want to try.” She grabs it before he can process her request and takes the large inhale of a novice before she begins hacking loudly.

“Little fool.” Amused, he takes the pipe back. “You did not like it before, either.”

“I can learn,” she insists, eyes shining. “Sesshomaru likes them.”

Evidently his mate stands little chance of recognizing him tonight. He makes a mental note to lecture his mother later about allowing his mate to drink to such excess. “Do you plan to do everything your mate likes?”

“No.” She blinks. “Yes? No!” She shakes her head. “You’re really pretty.” She leans closer before she jolts herself back. “But I’m mated and I only want Sesshomaru.”

She’s still slurring her words but he’s so charmed by her display of fidelity that he has to stop himself from reaching for her. Nothing could be more attractive to his kind than loyalty and fidelity, but she is in no shape for the reward his instincts want to offer her.

“Sleep, miko,” he says gently, moving away from the futon. “We’ll speak in the morning.”

“Sleep?” She blinks again. “Can’t. Waiting for Sesshomaru. Don’t wanna sleep alone,” she mumbles.

He softens further. “He will be here shortly,” he reassures her gently.

“Really?” She looks around before sighing. “I am really tired. His mom talks so much about duty and it’s so boring. I just want to help people.” She pouts. “Who cares about ceremony, anyway?” 

And then she sighs heavily. “Sesshomaru does. So I have to try.” She stares at her fingers as if she’s never seen them before. “Ooh I have nails. Wow, they look so smooth!”

Just like that, the moment between them is gone, but Sesshomaru tucks her words away to discuss with her later. If she’s so opposed to ceremony, then he will simply find another way. He doesn’t care who he offends so long as his mate is content.

If she wishes to aid others less fortunate, he will ensure she has every ability to do so.

“Rest.” He gestures towards the futon.

“‘K.” She toddles over and falls face-first on the futon. She mumbles something else, but her blanket absorbs the words.

Chuckling, he helps her into bed. “Rest well, little mate.” 

It’s only when he hears the telltale small snore that he allows himself to join her lest he disturb her sleep. 

In the morning, he will change whatever he must to ensure her comfort in their new home, but for now, all he wants to do is hold the mate who stole his heart close to his chest and ignore the world for a little while.