Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this topsy turvy tale… especially for the underestimated one. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Chapter 72: Bar the Door
Sesshoume stiffened when the door slid open and Kagomaru stepped outside. Would his intrusion undermine her advantage?
Hair loose, sleeping robe rumpled, he stepped off the porch and offered his hand to her father. “Hello, sir. Visiting?”
The Western Lord stood. “I am here for Izayoi.”
Sesshoume ground her teeth.
But Kagomaru said, “Lady Izayoi is in my family’s care. You’ll have to ask my wife about that.”
As he returned to her side—slightly behind and steady—Sesshoume seized the offer of authority and pressed her added advantage. “Go home, Father. You will not make our den your brothel.”
Original Posting Date: August 16, 2017
Prompt: Teeth, suggested by Vitreous
Words: 100
Summary: She was the most sought-after demoness at court, but no suitor could conquer her. He was only trying to feed his family when his stray arrow felled a mythical beast. A kind-hearted man. A fierce lady. A romance told in bits and pieces. Genderbent SK. Begins here. To scroll through archived chapters, use the Clumsy tag. To suggest a one-word prompt, visit the Clumsy Prompts post.
FORTHRIGHT 
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Another phenomenal chapter, and so soon, too! You are positively spoiling us fans! It’s so wonderful! Of course, perhaps I’m a bit biased because this was my prompt (and I’m absolutely preening about your selection, by the way) and I am always weak for the use of teeth in the expression of emotion (so understated but so profound! Sesshoume’s silent disapproval was absolutely palpable!), but this story is really taking on a great shape. It would be very easy to lose the essence of the characters in a gender-swapped fic, but you do a really great job of expertly blending their canon characterization with a (very!) original plot. Here, instead of losing who they are in their normal forms, you add a new layer to our understanding of them as people. You really do a fantastic job balancing SessKag dynamic (which at its best characterized by mutual respect, support, and understanding, which I think is one of the reasons why this pairing has been and remains so popular) with the gender imbalances tradition and society call for in the world you are constructing for us. I love Sesshoume’s demand for equal treatment and her stubborn pride, but even more than that I adore Kagomaru’s respect for his wife and the subtle ways he stands up to her father. It’s a quiet rebellion, but it speaks volumes about his character (bravery, respect, the whole nine yards) and the attention he pays to the details that matter so much to his wife. It’s starting to become really apparent why this relationship is going to work out for our main couple, and that’s a fantastic thing to see and quite difficult to acheive when the main plot of this chapter isn’t even on relationship building, but rather on the Western Lord’s search for his paramour (main squeeze? Fling?? Mate??? Wife????). Bravo.
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Bravo I agree there’s so much to like about the subtle layers of this plot that SO MANY THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
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SO MUCH to fit into the remaining chapters. Let’s hope I can hit 100 with style.
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I agree that the SessKag dynamic has loads of appeal. I’m glad you think it’s survived the gender bending. ::twinkle::
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Look at you! Two updates! You’re on fire! It’s so wonderful to read your words again! I’m super glad to see you updating Clumsy – and I’m ever looking forward to that anticipated final chapter of Imperceptible. I’m sure you’re busy with deadlines and your own original writing – which is something else I’m definitely looking forward to – but it’s the little things that count. Keep up the excellent work! (◕▿◕✿)
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I’m attempting to hit my stride again. Clumsy is supposed to update on Tuesdays and Fridays.
…this week for sure?
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SAVAGE, Sesshoume, I LOVE it. Putting Inu-papa in his place!!
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She’s not one to hold back. ::twinkle::
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