#khm2023

[sereia1313]

Fragments

I might have gone off the deep end with the angst on this one... Don't worry, my Queen of Fluff crown is still intact, it's just going to take us a little longer to get to the happy ending this time. And once the rest of the weekly prompts for @kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri drop, I'll counter it with some fluffy one-shots!

Summary: She continues to appear at his side, steadfast in her loyalty but veiled in lies and secrecy. Yet, as Sesshoumaru continues to stew from his hospital bed, he soon comes to realize there is no escaping the miko's care--no matter how hard he tries.

Read it on Ao3, Dokuga, FFnet.

Sneak Peek

"What drugs have you given me?" he asked, teeth gnashing. "I cannot sense you. Or smell anything."

Her knuckles were white now, though she sighed and leaned back in her chair. "This hospital wasn't prepared for someone of your calibre to be admitted. We had to bring in a lot of the equipment from other specialists. None of the usual wards have been set up to separate you from everyone else, so dulling your senses was the only alternative."

Sesshoumaru growled again. His nerves were still frayed from waking up tied to the bed, and he wished to put his claws through something. "I am fully capable of healing on my own. Who are you to presume you know what is best for This One?"

"A friend."

Even without his senses, he could tell she was lying, and only the bonds around his wrists kept him from demanding the truth. During their few interactions in the past, he'd never known the miko to be deceptive, and it set his teeth on edge that she would keep something from him now—especially when it came to his own health.

"You should rest," she said, rising from her chair. "I'll let the nurses know you're coherent. They'll want to run some more tests."

"I will allow no one to touch me."

She paused at the door, shoulders squaring before she glared at him over her shoulder. "That's not up to you." Then she disappeared through the doorway, leaving Sesshoumaru alone with more questions than answers.

[cherisenae]

Week 3 Longing Tropes: Pining & Innocent Physical contact; Hues: White

I don't have a definite title yet, but I’m thinking “Whispers of a Desire Longing to Bloom”

Let me know what you think of the title 🤗

This is a wip.

I tried really hard to finish on time, but real life got in the way (e.g. thumb pain, physical therapy, etc). I want this to look amazing, so I’m going to work at my own pace now that the event is done. And I’ll definitely post the completed piece once I’ve finished coloring it.

@kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

The time of Kagome’s Flower Festival is almost upon us. Here are the weekly themes to help the seeds of creativity take root.

The specific flowers and tropes will be planted every Saturday!

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

🌸🌿☀️Week 1 - Beauty & Femininity☀️🌿🌸

Happy April 1st everyone! We hope the sun is shining wherever you are. Let's plant some seeds with these beautiful blooms, heavenly hues, and twitterpated tropes.

Don't forget to tag #kagshanakotoba or #khm2023 if you post your work on Tumblr and add it to the Ao3 collection (Kags_HM_2023) as well. Anyone who creates something for this week will get a special banner, and if you post something for each of the four prompts, you'll get a special completion banner at the end.

Happy creating!

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

🍃🦋🌴Week 2 - Adversity & Change🌴🦋🍃

Happy Saturday, everyone, it's Week 2 of Kagome's flower fest! Let's add some sunshine to your day with some new blooms, hues, and tropes.

Feel free to go back and plant some seeds for Week 1 as well, the garden is open all month.

Happy creating! Don't forget to tag #kagshanakotoba or #khm2023 if you post your work on Tumblr and add it to the Ao3 collection (Kags_HM_2023) as well. Anyone who creates something for this week will get a special banner, and if you post something for each of the four prompts, you'll get a special completion banner at the end.

[sereia1313]

Borage

🦋Hanakotoba Matsuri Week 02: Adversity & Change🦋

Prompt: Borage (courage), Cobalt, Character in peril

Level: Bloom

Read it on Ao3, Dokuga, and FFnet.

Summary: After realizing she's being followed, Kagome begs for help from a local celebrity.

Sneak Peak:

Kagome ducked down another aisle, heart racing, phone clasped tightly in her hands. She kept her breathing and steps even, darting glances behind her as she pretended to inspect items on the shelf. It didn't take long for him to follow, not even bothering to glance at the shelves as he meandered toward her.

She checked her watch, then sped up, heading down another aisle. Someone at the end blocked her escape, and she contemplated turning around, but she could already feel him behind her, and she increased her pace.

The closer she got to the end, the more she realized that she recognized the man comparing lip glosses, and in an act of desperation, she sidled up next to him. "Excuse me, are you the makeup guru Taisho Sesshoumaru?"

A perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose. "Yes. Do you require advice?" He looked her over, bright cobalt claws tapping against his chin. "You would not need much."

She flushed but shook her head, leaning closer. "I'm being followed around the store. Can you walk me to my car?"

[sereia1313]

Hyacinth

🪻Hanakotoba Matsuri 2023 Week 01: Beauty & Femininity🪻

Prompt: Hyacinth (loveliness), Fuchsia, Love at first sight/When she smiles

Level: Blossom

Read it on Ao3, Dokuga, FFnet.

Summary: Sometimes matchmakers can come in the form of lost toddlers looking for a dance partner.

Sneak Peek

The toddler blinked away tears, then reached up, tiny hands opening and closing. "Dance!"

Kagome curtsied, then grabbed his hands, swaying side to side before spinning the boy around. He let out a gleeful laugh, clapping his hands before reaching for her again.

"Masaru!"

He turned around, smile widening as a youkai Kagome had never met before approached them, slightly out of breath but glaring at the boy. "Unca!"

"You were told to stay at the table," the male admonished, Masaru uncaring as he grabbed her skirt again.

"Pretty."

Kagome was unable to smother her laughter at the willful expression on the boy's face, automatically patting his head. "We can finish our dance later. You probably have to eat first, right?"

"Nope." He shook his head. "Dancing."

The youkai sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "I apologize for my nephew's behaviour. He is due for photographs with the wedding party, but as soon as my back was turned—"

Kagome waved him off. "No problem at all! I'm sure there are lots of people clamouring to be his date tonight. I'm honoured that he chose me." She winked at Masaru, ruffling his face with the hem of her dress so he'd finally let go.

"I appreciate your understanding." He picked the boy up, bowing his head before turning around. "We need to go take pictures."

Masaru pouted, reaching for her over his uncle's shoulder, and Kagome waved at him. "We'll continue our dance later, okay?" It placated him long enough for his uncle to leave the room, and Kagome leaned against the nearest table, fanning herself.

Masaru's uncle was stunning.

[sereia1313]

Almond

🏹Hanakotoba Matsuri 2023 Week 04: Patience & Forgiveness🏹

Prompt: Almond (promise), Blue daisy (trust), Amethyst, Kidnapped

Level: Blossom

Read it on Ao3, Dokuga, and FFnet.

Summary: Sesshoumaru has made his intent clear, offering the miko a place in the west at his side--if she would only show up to accept the proposal.

Sneak Peak

"You should have been her escort," Sesshoumaru said, posture straight even though he wanted nothing more than to through his cup against the wall.

"I told ya," Inuyasha grumbled, stuffing his arms into his sleeves. "She needed to talk to her mother. Like a final goodbye or somethin'. I wasn't gonna interfere. Too mushy for me."

"But it would've ensured her safety."

Inuyasha gave him an incredulous look. "You do remember who we're talkin' 'bout, right? K'gome, Shikon Miko, short temper, completely capable of defending herself?"

Sesshoumaru pursed his lips. "I am well aware of her abilities."

"Yer also aware that if any of us make a crack about her not bein' able to take care of herself, we'll get us fried, right?" His brother sighed, then patted his shoulder. "Look, I know yer nervous—" Sesshoumaru shot him a glare. "—but we both know she doesn't want anyone else. She'll be here."

"I would not be so sure," Inukimi said, a smirk hidden behind her fan. "Rumours are flying, my son. They think you have been rebuffed."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. The demoness was known for causing drama, her favourite hobby being getting under her son's skin.

Sesshoumaru brandished his claws. "You will cease this drivel, Mother. I will not have Kagome's name tarnished before she arrives."

"If she arrives," she corrected. "Your beloved has yet to appear, and night is approaching. Give it up, my son; you are not the one she has chosen."

[sereia1313]

Gardenia

❄️Hanakotoba Matsuri 2023 Week 03: Passion & Longing❄️

A little gift fic for @mrfeenysmustache!

Prompt: Gardenia (secret love), Snow, Flirting under fire

Level: Blossom

Read it on Ao3, Dokuga, and FFnet.

Summary: "How long do you think they'll keep looking?" she asked, playing with the sleeves of her yukata. It was supposed to be a pleasant night, a layover while they waited for the snow to melt, but a few wrong words from Inuyasha, and things had quickly spiralled, forcing the group to split up within the walls of their host's abode, all hoping to escape unscathed.

Sneak Peak

"Are you sure we're safe here?"

"They will not find us here."

Kagome breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing against the wall behind her, heart still beating wildly against her ribs. The evening had started out normal enough, but they'd quickly found themselves outnumbered, having to take shelter in a closet in hopes the danger would pass them by.

"I could put up a barrier," she offered, squinting through the darkness.

"Unnecessary," Sesshoumaru muttered, keeping his youki contained. "Plus, it will give away our location."

"How long do you think they'll keep looking?" she asked, playing with the sleeves of her yukata. It was supposed to be a pleasant night, a layover while they waited for the snow to melt, but a few wrong words from Inuyasha, and things had quickly spiralled, forcing the group to split up within the walls of their host's abode, all hoping to escape unscathed.

"It will depend on their determination to exact justice."

"Justice?" she squeaked. "But they were the ones who—" His hand covered her mouth a moment before a myriad of footsteps rushed by the door, Kagome holding her breath and praying they'd keep going.

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

@chiaztolite 's fic is sweet, cute, and full of mysteries!

Who or what is the spirit bringing good fortune to Kagome's shop?

Will Sesshoumaru discover his feelings? Will he like her confections?!

We're waiting with baited breath to find out!

Thank you for participating in Week 2!!

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

Such an interesting start to what promises to be a wonderful fic @moon-ion! You don't often see Kanna working so well with her siblings. We can't wait to see what this reunion has in store for our lovely miko.

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]