The Tides of Time by Priestess Skye

Spring - Beginnings

Title: Beginnings

Author: Priestess Skye

Prompt: Seasons Challenge - Spring

Genre: introspective, romance

AU/CU: Canon Universe

Rating: PG

Summary: Right now, everything seemed wonderful and perfect

The sound of pouring rain echoed through the stronghold. Sometimes it was loud, causing her to run to the nearest entrance way just to see how hard it was pouring down. And sometimes it was soft, a soothing, lulling light tap against the wood. If she wasn't careful, it was very easy to fall asleep to. Regardless of its might, it was something she enjoyed and took comfort in. No matter how things seem to change around her, some things stayed the same. It was a given that after the bitter cold of winter, spring would follow, and so would renewal.

Sighing, Kagome flopped back onto her bed, their bed, she thought with giddy pleasure. It wasn't much of a bed, a small mattress on the floor, but it belonged to them. She didn't ask for it, nor did she need it, but it was his gift to her, knowing she was used to one back home. It was kind and considerate, everything Sesshoumaru typically was not.

At least with others. It surprised her how considerate he could be when there was nobody else around. His stoicism often amused her, as did his silent glares when somebody dared to defy him. She could see the slight twitch above his eye at times, hidden so well that nobody would see it if they didn't know where to look for it. And yet, when they were alone, it was as if his very being was focused solely on her. To see that kind of intensity in his gaze was unnerving, and she often wondered if it was simply because everything was so new to them, or if it would always be like this.

The first year of marriage was always difficult, she was told. There would be times when he would frustrate her so much that she'd be tempted to leave or strike back. And there would be times when he would hurt her as well, causing her to second-guess her decision. While two people could be happy with each other, it didn't necessarily mean they could be happy living with each other. Her mother, often wise, could be wrong. Right now, everything seemed wonderful and perfect. She was given free reign of the stronghold, could visit Sesshoumaru when she liked, and didn't have a problem with any of the rules. And in turn, he paid adequate attention to her.

Well more than adequate, she thought with a blush. There were times when it seemed like an overabundance of attention, but then she wasn’t complaining either. How could she complain when everything in her life felt so right? Though they weren't technically married, as youkai didn't marry humans or vice-versa, what they had was still close enough to be considered as such inside her.

The near silent pitter patter of rain drops began to echo once more as they fell to the ground at a greater speed. The scent of spring permeated the area, a combination of the falling water and the new flowers barely open. Smiling, she moved toward the entrance way again. A large flash streaked across the darkened sky, and the distant rumbling of thunder could be heard in the background. They were in for a storm; it seemed, as the black clouds loomed ever closer. Suppressing a quick shudder, Kagome instead focused on the positive side. The storm would replenish their supplies and support the local crops. The storm would bring food and water to those who needed it. The storm did many positive things despite the ominous feeling she sensed. The storm wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Turning from the doorway, she nearly bumped into him, not having felt him arrive. Clawed hands gripped her shoulders, steadying her as she stared numbly at the white and red silk covering his chest. His armor plating had long since been shed as the days of battling foes were put to rest. They were home now, putting together a life of their own. They didn't require outside interference, nor did they welcome it.

"I was watching the rain," she stated, smiling, though she didn't look up at him.

"You're always watching the rain."

"Yes, but I like it."

"It is just rain." His hands continued to grip her, causing her to chew her lower lip both in contemplation and nervousness. She didn't know why she still felt so shy around him sometimes. They had seen each other at their best, and they had seen each other at their worst. This was the demon that had held her crumpled and broken body after the battle of Naraku. He was the one who nursed her back to health when there was nobody else to do it. He was the one who watched as she wept for Inuyasha. And yet, she could still feel shy around him.

"It's renewal. It's cleaning away all signs of winter and welcoming the spring. It's refreshing." Another flash of lightning lit the sky, casting a brief shadow around them. Shifting her head to the side she looked behind him, seeing nobody around. No doubt he had sent everybody away. Despite his noble lineage he enjoyed the quiet and solitude that could be so rarely found with Jaken constantly at his side. After spending many years observing him from Inuyasha's side, Kagome had thought she understood him. He wasn't as cold and heartless as she once thought he was. He adopted a little girl. He tolerated the incessant chattering of his companions; he never once truly tried to kill Inuyasha. Oh, he hurt him many times, and was a fierce opponent. But the intent was never there.

"What are you thinking?" He asked, breaking her train of thought.

"How things seem to change over time."

"It is inevitable."

She looked at him, mentally tracing the lines across his face. His stripes had always fascinated her; they were the first things she touched when he finally allowed her to lay her hands on him. "I know, but it's not always a bad thing. You've changed."

His right eyebrow lifted slightly, causing her to giggle. There were times when he struggled so hard to remain impassive, and there were times, like now, when it failed. "It's for the better," she answered his silent question, patting his hand on her shoulder in an attempt to appease him. "Come on, let's go inside."

"I thought you wanted to watch the rain."

"I did, and now I'm done. I can think of more interesting things to do on a rainy day." Reaching for one of his hands, she grabbed it, entwining her fingers between his. She watched as his brow lifted once more, and his lips quirked upward just slightly.

"Indeed."