I do not own Inuyasha.

xoxo

Dear Lord Akihiro,

The plan will commence, and I will be starting my son's vigorous training tomorrow. Inform Ryuukossei about all our present progress.

Sincerely,

Lord Inutaisho

He signed and called for his most trustworthy general to send the message. Inutaisho sighed tiredly, rubbing his temples soothingly. But, unfortunately, the splitting headache only seemed to worsen. Suddenly, the scent of orchids and water became distinguishable. A pair of arms wrapped around his neck, and his headache didn't seem to bother him anymore.

He opened his eyes lazily and grinned teasingly, "Hello, Shizuka-koi. How was your sleep?" He tilted his head to look at his mate. Shizuka's lavender eyes looked lovingly into her lover's molten amber ones. She smacked his shoulder lightly and mockingly said, "I would have gotten much more sleep if you weren't so mischievous last night." Inutaisho chuckled and pulled her into his lap, and kissed her softly.

They parted, and he said huskily, "Perhaps we should wake up Sesshoumaru before we do anything, ah… inappropriate." He smirked at the flushed and dazed maiden and tangled his hand into her indigo hair and leaned down slightly to kiss her again. Sometime later, after they finished their share of paperwork, Inutaisho and Shizuka were happily spending their idle time together. But their peace always seemed not to be.

"Papa! Mama! Can I go play in the gardens?" Sesshoumaru, the heir to the Western Land, slid open the shoji door noisily and ran into his father's study while laughing excitedly. His long silky silver hair was dishelved slightly, and his white haori and grew hakama was messily done- a common habit of his. He glomped his parents enthusiastically, "Can I, can I? Huh, Papa, can I?" Sesshoumaru's bright gold eyes twinkled in delight.

Shizuka and Inutaisho chuckled softly at their pup's antics. The identical golden pair of eyes of Inutaisho's softened, "Perhaps after you are done with your day's studies." They laughed when Sesshoumaru's response was a cute pout. Shizuka picked him up as her elaborate kimono clad form walked out of the library to go to the dining room. Inutaisho followed them silently, lost in thought.

"But Papa, I'm already 5 summers old! Can't I study later?" Sesshoumaru willed his eyes to tear up. Shizuka looked at him sternly and said, "That trick of yours won't work anymore, Maru-chan!"

Aw, and I was so close! Sesshoumaru folded his arms and turned his face stubbornly. Shizuka smiled while carrying him saying, "You may be 500 or even 1000 summers old, but you will learn that you can never be too old to learn." Shizuka added, "And you will always be our cute pup, Maru-chan."

"This Sesshoumaru is not cute!" He protested fiercely, glaring hotly at his mother. Katsumi just smiled and kissed his forehead tenderly.

"Inu-kun?" Shizuka inquired, concerned, "Are you alright, you seem strained…" He was usually so enthusiastic, and full of life- one of his many traits that wooed her into accepting his Mating Proposal.

His head snapped up, his reverie broken. "Yes, Papa. Why do you look so sad? Because whoever made you sad will have a piece of me!" Sesshoumaru declared, his chubby arms waving about and eyes set in determination and righteous anger. Shizuka nodded in agreement, her facial expression mirroring her son's.

Inutaisho grinned cheekily, "I am well, you two." He winked, "Why wouldn't I be with this amazing body…?" Inutaisho gestured to his firm built body. He remained smiling where he was as he watched his family's bright and content faces. They laughed at him and turned around the corner.

And his smile fell.

xoxo

Please review, don't be shy- I won't bite.

-KnA