since sess isnt going to participate in valentine’s day, i will touch on the yōkai equivalent : mating rituals! instead of gifting prospective partners chocolates, or flowers for a yōkai they take a more . . . practical approach. at least, in part. matches are only made possible by the pursuer proving their worth in strength first and foremost, and ability to provide. emotions are not typically present in yōkai partners -- at least, not always / initially. but even still, someone like sesshōmaru would still desire to prove his capabilities as a strong partner by presenting his intended with gifts he hunted. strong beasts, other yōkai, their enemies or perhaps other suitors, to show how unworthy they were. that is typically how it begins; and then, depending on the yōkai, the gifts may be more personal. handmade kimonos or garments that hold a personal touch ( in seshōmaru’s case, perhaps colors of his crest / house; or colors / patterns he knows they prefer and that look good on them ); weapons crafted for their use and protection; possibly small trinkets or jewelry that the one he is courting likes, not but in excess. even he, as yōkai noble, prefers not to have much in the way of jewelry, in part due to personal taste and to be practical, given that he spends much time being engaged in battle. these are all traits of showing strength, dedication, a willingness ( and ability ) to provide for various needs; not only the base ones, like protection and food, but also that he knows their preferences, has watched them with a keen eye, and listened with a keen ear, and tailored his courting style and gifts to compliment them and their interests / desires, while keeping true to his own traditions and desires.
