#khm2024

[justafewsmallsteps]

Late, but I’ve been dying to make some work for @kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri ! Here's to make up for Week 1 where I chose the red hibiscus to represent passion. Along with it I wrote a (kinda spicy) little prologue to this piece, which I'm now titling Genki. This can stand alone though!

Genki, The Prologue (((Word Count: 933 /// Warning for Alcohol use and dubious consent)))

This was a remarkably dumb idea. That thought briefly flitted about in Kagome’s mind, but was overshadowed by the vodka-induced adrenaline telling her to go for it. She was in her final semester of university. She’d been stressed and uptight and severely lacking a social life or any real kind of self-indulgence for over a year now, and once this break was over, she would return to Tokyo and strap in for the toughest final stretch of her academic career. Her friends had pestered her nonstop about what a shut-in she’d become, and Kagome was tired of being known as the group’s wet blanket. So tonight, just tonight, she would allow herself to have fun. 

And tonight, at this random party in Osaka, fun was a very attractive guy that she dragged into a corner to make out with aggressively. He was so pretty—at least that’s what she believed. Her eyes were closed and she was pretty drunk, so maybe he was average looking in sobering daylight, but perhaps not. He was admittedly a clumsy kisser, shy and cute, and somehow that was turning her on more. 

She didn’t ask his name, nor did she give hers. It went against all her instincts. She was always known for forming connections and bonding with people. Her friends told her she wasn’t the type to throw caution to the wind. She’d never have a wild hookup. She’d always been so responsible. Kagome didn’t take pride or shame in that as an attribute, but god she hated being told what she wasn’t capable of. She was capable of dressing up and going out, she was capable of drinking too much and loosening up, and she was absolutely capable of finding a hot guy to have sex with in a closet. And she was here now in her skimpy red dress to prove it. 

“Is this a good idea?” The hot stranger asked, panting as Kagome hiked up her skirt and began fumbling with his jeans. 

“I don’t know. I don’t want to think tonight.” She finally got the button undone and pulled his pants down. 

“You’re okay with this? I think we’re both—“

She shoved her mouth on his fervently, tongue thrusting back into his mouth, hoping she could convince him to shut up before he made too much sense. 

“Drunk,” he finished, but sounded out of breath and dopey. 

“I’m okay with this.” He was single. He said he was clean. Those were the only two extra qualifiers that she had needed before she threw herself into his arms. “You want me?” 

It was apparently a struggle for him to answer her properly when her hand was already in his boxers, but he managed a, “Yes,” into her shoulder as she pushed them down. 

They were in a closet for heaven’s sake. There wasn’t much time or space, but Kagome was wasted and determined as she wrangled them onto the floor, straddling him in the cramped space. 

“Good, because I want you,” she confessed into the crook of his neck. 

Apparently that hit some kind of switch, because at that moment he grabbed her hip with one hand, and yanked her panties aside with the other, entering her with a groan.

“Oh! Oh yes.” She threw her head back as she clung to his shoulders. They weren’t wasting any time. “Yes, yes, yes!” It was amazing. She’d never felt this hot in her life. “How is this so good?” 

“No clue,” he replied. “It’s you, I swear. Or the alcohol.” 

She would’ve laughed or thanked him or something, but she was so caught up in the moment that she simply nodded. In the darkness, every sensation seemed to multiply—the squeeze of his hands, the heat of his lips, the oh so satisfying way he fit into her. 

“Yes! There! There, there!” It only took a few minutes of rocking up and down, but Kagome was so turned on that she reached her peak just moments later. “So good. You’re incredible!”

In turn he finished to her encouraging moans. 

And that was that. After only a brief moment to collect her breath, Kagome kissed his cheek sweetly. “Thank you. That was amazing. That was just what I needed and so much more.” 

“Y-you’re welcome,” she couldn’t make out his expression in the dark, but his voice was shaky.  

“Do you mind staying back for a minute? I… I’m trying to prove something dumb to my friends, so I’ve got to disappear.” 

“You have to?” He was so cute that Kagome almost gave in and asked his name, but she was stubbornly holding onto her pride, so she got up before this turned into something more. It would be just like her to get all mushy and exchange numbers and make it all romantic. No. Not this time. 

“I have to,” she confirmed. “But it’s not because of anything you did wrong. You’re really wonderful and you seem very nice.” 

“You too.” 

“Too nice, according to my friends. Nice and boring.” 

“You ain’t boring, that’s for sure.” 

She giggled. “Just for tonight.”

“Lucky me.” 

“I’m glad you think so. I’m really happy it was you, for the record. I hope you don’t feel like I used you, whoever you are, hot stuff.” 

He almosted coughed at the nickname. “You made my night, I promise. Get out there and give ‘em hell.” 

Kagome nodded, her legs a little wobbly. Then she turned the knob and let herself out, emerging smug and satisfied, but with a slight pang in her heart for the guy she’d left in the closet. 

No, she assured herself. No regrets.

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

Happy Birthday to the wonderful woman that is Kagome! Thank you to everyone who participated in tending the garden this year!

Week 01: Endurance & Energy

Fire by @mrfeenysmustache Genki by @justafewsmallsteps Fortune Winner by @legofanguy Don't Toy With Me by @sereia1313 Lovers by @steamytales

Week 02: Independence & Spirituality

Refuge by @mrfeenysmustache Case of mistaken identity by @legofanguy1999 Village life by @legofanguy Memory Lane by @sereia1313

Week 03: Abundance & Fertility

fertility and abundance by @mrfeenysmustache Potatoes by @justafewsmallsteps A new life by @legofanguy Shut Up and Tell Me I'm Pretty by @sereia1313

Week 04: Innocence & Clarity

Water by @mrfeenysmustache Say Hello to My Little Friend by @sereia1313

[sereia1313]

Memory Lane

💨@kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri 2024 Week 02: Independence & Spirituality 💨Flower: Queen Anne's lace (refuge), Dandelion (resilience) 💨Element: Air 💨Trope: Magical accidents, Mistaken identity

Summary: Sometimes the best memories are hidden and just need a little prodding.

Read it on Ao3 and FFnet.

Sneak Peek

A scuffle inside broke her out of her musings, and the front door opened with a bang, Kimiko looking slightly dishevelled as she led a silver-haired daiyoukai onto the front porch. "Kagome, Mother is having a bit of an episode. Would you be a dear and watch her until she calms down?"

"Of course." She guided the woman to one of the rocking chairs, amber eyes wild as her head darted around.

"Thank you," Kimiko said, already trying to compose her hair. "Normally, I would do it myself, but with so many people—" She sighed and shook her head. "Perhaps I should not have brought her."

Kagome waved her off. "It's fine. Once she's more of herself, I'll bring her back inside." She patted Kimiko's arm. "And he wouldn't have forgiven you if you'd left her out."

She let out a forced chuckle. "How is it no one has snatched you up yet? You help so many yet ask nothing in return."

Kagome managed to keep the blush from spreading too far, masking it with a shrug. "I love being here with everyone. A partner would only complicate things."

Kimiko clicked her tongue, but someone called her from inside, and she squared her shoulders before opening the door. "Call me if you require help." Kagome waved her off again, then sat in the chair opposite the ancient daiyoukai.

Youkai aged much slower than humans, but only daiyoukai lived long enough to see multiple millennia. Koraino Hikari was one of the few who would see her fourth in the next few years, though she wouldn't know it.

Even youkai were not immune to things like dementia.

[legofanguy]

Inuyasha: Fortune winner

This is a entry for @kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri event week 1 Endurance & Energy. I used the prompt Rags to Riches.

Kagome Higurashi buy a scratch card, hopeful to win some cash since she is living on the streets for the moment. Using a coin, Kagome stratch the scratch card and find quite a surprise as she got three stars, which means that Kagome has won the lottery.

A few months later, Kagome is enjoying the view of the city from her apartment building, and she almost forget about her life on the streets.

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

You've outdone yourself with this one @mrfeenysmustache! Kagome is every bit the goddess you portray her to be.

Water

For week 4 of @kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri!

[justafewsmallsteps]

Another quick art and ficlet for @kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri ! This one focused on Week 3, Fertility and I used the Yellow Rose (new beginnings) as my inspiration flower. I started writing this while I was pregnant 2 years ago, but didn’t get around to finishing it until now.

Title: Potatoes Word Count: 1113 Rating: T Pairing: Inukag Warnings: Pregnancy

Try as she might, Kagome couldn’t help the uncontrollable (and unreasonable) flood of negative emotions that came with her unfulfilled pregnancy craving.

Wacdonald’s, of all things. Of course she was craving one of the most unobtainable foods possible in Sengoku and one of the easiest to find in her modern Tokyo. 

She didn’t really feel regret at leaving the modern world behind, not with Inuyasha and a life of friends and nature to surround her, and yet… 

Kagome found herself seething in angry tears. Angry at her body, angry at her attitude, angry at life. While she was always an emotional person, this hormone-induced storm was driving her crazy. She felt everything stronger, and no amount of logic or sleep was pulling her out of it because when she really really thought about it, it was all so unfair. She was raging at the world for making her choose between one family and another. The past was her future, and the future was now her past. But why did she have to choose? Why couldn’t she have a child with the love of her life and introduce her baby to her mother and grandfather and brother? Her righteous sorrow and her selfish cravings swirled into an indistinguishable mass of feelings. One second there was joy, another pain, the next irrepressible annoyance. She was guilty that she felt this way, upset as a tantruming toddler over a greasy burger and salty fried potatoes. 

And ultimately she was sad to be so far from her mother. 

Her thoughts turned to her poor husband. 

Inuyasha had been very sweet since she’d gotten back, and her pregnancy ramped up his doting completely. From warming her bath, to fetching her the ripest fruits, to building her the most comfortable approximation of a mattress possible, she felt spoiled and grateful. But her pregnancy-addled brain and hormonal body had her feeling so at odds with her heart. She loved being here. She loved her friends and the family they found in each other. She loved Inuyasha. 

Yet she longed for the crepes at the Shinjuku station mall, ice cream from a stand, steak from the grocery store cooked at home… her mouth was practically a waterfall at the thought. But by far the biggest craving was a Wacdonald’s cheeseburger with extra cheese and a side of fries dipped in ketchup. Make that two sides of fries. She could cry thinking about it, which she knew was stupid. 

It didn’t help that so many things made her feel nauseous. She’d helped out with pregnant mothers before, giving them herbs to help, learning from Kaede the rough timeline. She’d given reassurances and her best empathy, but in the throes of morning sickness Kagome wished to strangle her past naivety—and as much as she adored Kaede, the woman never actually had to go through pregnancy. 

Sango helped the most, understanding her anger, giving practical advice to give her the slightest relief. After all, carrying the twins had been an ordeal.

But Kagome was tired of ginger root and plain rice. 

She was tired in general. It has been such a joy to find out she was pregnant, and the first few weeks were a breeze. Then the morning sickness kicked in and subsequently kicked her ass. Morning sickness. God, it was unending sickness. Any time of the day sickness! She huddled under her blanket, willing the fatigue and nausea away. 

Then Inuyasha emerged from the door with her requested pile of potatoes. His look was apprehensive. He wanted to help her in any way he could, knowing that his wife often repressed cries for her mother. 

“I scrubbed ‘em already, and the pan’s good to go.” 

“Thank you, Inuyasha.” 

“I’ll cut ‘em too. It’s supposed to be like sticks, right?” 

She nodded. “Not too thin though.” Her husband was really good with a knife. She might be envious of his skills if he wasn’t such a good partner. 

Before he could start chopping, she stopped him. “Wait! Maybe cubes are better. They’ll move around the pan more easily.” 

“‘Kay,” he replied easily. 

Kagome stifled a groan as she slowly got up. Inuyasha had set the pan to heat already, so all she had to do was add the oil. 

“This look alright?” Inuyasha asked, checking in with her about the size. 

“Those look good.” 

Something about the sound of him chopping away triggered something. Everything triggered some emotion or another—but the domestic simplicity of their lives came at her full force as she heard the rhythmic sounds of their knife hitting their wooden chopping block. 

“It’s wonderful,” she whimpered, tears gathering in her eyes. 

“Woah, woah!” The hanyou turned around in concern, his hand immediately at her back to try to comfort her.  “Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” she lifted her head and sobbed, unable to hold it back. “It’s just the hormones, but I do think you’re wonderful. I’m so lucky to have you!” she wailed. 

His entire being was on high alert since she got pregnant, and even though he knew emotional outbursts were bound to happen, he still went into overdrive trying to make sense of it and fix whatever he could. “T-thanks.” 

“Thank you for getting me potatoes so we could try making fries. I’m sorry I’m probably going to hate it or throw it up but it’s the closest thing I have to Wacdonald’s.” She wiped her face with her sleeve and sniffled. 

“I told you, woman, I’ll do anything I can. I’m sorry we don’t got wako’s or whatever here.” 

“I’m being unreasonable.”

“It’s normal. You know it is. I know it is. You shoulda seen Miroku while Sango was having her cravings. Damn near swindled every ingredient from every vendor in every town just to find something she couldn’t remember the name of.” 

Kagome gave a watery laugh. “That makes me feel better.” 

“We’ll make something good, and if you hate it and retch I’ll make you two something else.” 

‘Us two,’ Kagome thought in awe, placing her hand on her belly. “We appreciate you.” She sent him a smile and got on her tiptoes to kiss his jaw. 

“Yeah, yeah. If you’re done, I’m going to go finish cutting now,” he brushed off, trying to hide his blush as he turned around. 

“Okay, but we’re following you,” Kagome declared. As her husband resumed chopping the rest of the potatoes, she wrapped her arms around his middle and rested her cheek against his back. 

“I’m gonna be done in five seconds, you know.” 

“Go slower.” 

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, but the quick beat of the chopping slowed to a different, sweeter ballad, and Kagome hummed contentedly along.

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

Event Schedule 2024

Happy March everyone! We hope the sun is shining wherever you are. Let's plant some seeds with these beautiful blooms, enchanting elements, and twitterpated tropes.

Don't forget to tag #kagshanakotoba, #kagsflowerfest or #khm2024 if you post your work on Tumblr and add it to the Ao3 collection (Kags_HM_2024) as well. Anyone who creates something will get a special banner for that week, and if you post something for every week, you'll get a special completion banner at the end.

Read the rules here, and reach out to the mods through the page if you have any questions.

Happy creating!

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

Congratulations @sereia1313! You completed all four prompts for Hanakotoba Matsuri 2024. Thank you for growing and tending such beautiful gardens this year! We hope to see even more bloom in the future 🌸🌷🌻

[sereia1313]

Don't Toy With Me

🔥@kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri 2024 Week 01: Endurance & Energy 🔥Flower: Red hibiscus (passion), Poppy (peace) 🔥Element: Fire 🔥Trope: Stranded in a deserted location, Struck speechless

Summary: After a startling confession, Kagome must decide whether to take it seriously and what the ramifications will be if she does.

Read it on Ao3 and FFnet.

Sneak Peek

Inuyasha had found her as soon as she graduated high school, giving her those three years to make sure he didn't mess with the timeline. It had been one thing to see him again, but seeing Shiori, too, had given her hope that others had survived.

Shippou eventually found the time to fly back to Japan to see her. He'd hit maturity in the last 500 years, now standing taller than Inuyasha, which he rubbed in at every moment. Their fights were far less emotional than the brawls they used to have, though the teasing was still there, and it warmed Kagome's heart every time she got to see everyone.

Sesshoumaru had been a surprise. Even more so when he showed up with Shippou the second time. Apparently, they'd gone into business together, creating a line of long-lasting toys that even youkai toddlers couldn't destroy. They'd recently opened a new location on the mainland, which Shippou was overseeing, but Sesshoumaru was more intimidating when it came to ensuring supplies were delivered on time, so he'd been flying back and forth when Shippou needed backup.

She started writing the kit regularly, but since he was so busy with the new shop being built, her correspondence had had to go through Sesshoumaru, and soon they'd been conversing almost daily.

It was odd, considering they'd barely spoken in the past, but he'd become much more relaxed in the last five centuries. He was CEO because it allowed him the freedom to travel, but Shippou had sent her candid shots of him in the back of the shop, sleeves rolled up as he worked on new toys.

She wasn't sure when they'd passed the label of friends, but she looked forward to her time with him when he was in town. He had a surprisingly dry sense of humour, one that Inuyasha had had to explain, but it seemed time did wonders for clearing the air. He was Inuyasha's kids' favourite uncle.

"You should just marry me," he said, laying an arm across a bent knee.

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

💨 Week 2 - Independence & Spirituality 💨

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

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

Don't forget to tag #kagshanakotoba or #khm2024 if you post your work on Tumblr and add it to the Ao3 collection (Kags_HM_2024) 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.

Wanting to plan ahead? Check out the event schedule. Need a refresher on how it works? Check out the rules.

Happy creating!

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

This was such an interesting spin on the prompt @legofanguy1999! It's always wonderful when she isn't bothered by it.

Inuyasha: Case of mistaken identity

This is a entry for @kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri event week 2 Independence & Spirituality.

Kagome see a old man injured on the road and run over to help him. As Kagome check any wounds, the old man open his eyes and seem to recognize Kagome as he said, "Kikyo..." Kagome pause as this old man seem to know Kikyo, her past incarnation.

Back at her home and after dropping the old man at Kaede's place, Kagome wonder about the old man as Inuyasha come in.

After telling Inuyasha about the old man, Kagome ask him, "So, do you know him?" and Inuyasha said, "Yeah. That old man must be a bandit that Kikyo and I fought off when he and his band of bandits try to raid the village decades ago. I'm surprised that he is alive."

[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 Monday, and keep an eye out in March for the full prompt list!

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

[sereia1313]

Say Hello to My Little Friend

💦 @kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri 2024 Week 04: Innocence & Clarity 💦 Flower: Delphinium (generosity), Blue lotus (triumph) 💦 Element: Water 💦 Trope: Accidentally winning the day

Summary: Kagome is on her way to an interview. What's a few surprises along the way?

Read it on Ao3 and FFnet.

Sneak Peak

"Hold the door!" someone squawked, and Kagome's hand automatically darted out to stop them from closing. A small green youkai waddled towards them, using a gnarled wooden cane for support, and she tried to shuffle backwards, the person behind her yelping when she stood on their foot.

Whispers of "No room" and "Catch the next one" sounded in her ear, and even though she knew it would make her a few minutes late, Kagome stepped out of the elevator, offering up her spot. The imp stared at her for a moment, then nodded his head, cane clicking against the floor. Kagome bowed in return, watching as the doors closed and resigning herself to waiting for the next ride.

[kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri]

💦 Week 4 - Innocence & Clarity 💦

Happy Monday, everyone, it's Week 4 of Kagome's flower fest! Let's add some sunshine to your day with some new blooms, element, and tropes.

Feel free to go back and plant some seeds for Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3 as well, the garden is open all month.

Don't forget to tag #kagshanakotoba or #khm2024 if you post your work on Tumblr and add it to the Ao3 collection (Kags_HM_2024) 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.

Wanting to plan ahead? Check out the event schedule. Need a refresher on how it works? Check out the rules.

Happy creating!