A Simple Gift by piratequeen0405

A Simple GIft

Dinner finished, dishes washed, Sesshoumaru put the last of the copper cookware away, marveling at how differently their second anniversary was proceeding relative to the first. The first ill-fated event was marked with forgetfulness, hurt feelings, harsh words, and him sleeping on the couch. This night he had choreographed to the last detail, planning each step with the artistic perfection of a master. He took the afternoon off work, slaving in the kitchen preparing her favorite seared sea scallops and mushroom risotto, the recipe only acquired after a large bribe was paid to the chef at La Vignette. He was ready when she got home, presenting her with a lovely bouquet of white poppies and chocolate cosmos, the second anniversary flower. "You've done your homework," she grinned in appreciation when he'd told her.

He filled two glasses with champagne and sat next to her before the fireplace. Around the stem of one flute, a garnet tennis bracelet dangled.

"How beautiful...garnets? Second anniversary gemstone?" He smiled with satisfaction, happy that no gesture was lost on her.

"A toast, Kagome, to two years." The champagne flutes tinkled as they touched, but he noted, she did not drink. "Is something wrong? It's Rosé Clicquot."

Instead of answering, she pulled a thin, narrow box from behind a pillow. "For you, my love."

"What's this?" he asked, befuddled.

"Just open it."

Inside was a white plastic stick, six inches long, with a pink plus sign near one end.

"Happy anniversary, darling. Or should I say...Daddy."