A/N: Originally posted to IYIssekiwa for their prompt Raise or Raze. Won first position.
Momoko's words fell like thunderclap upon Sesshoumaru's ears. Groping for his chair, he let himself fall in it. The dying rays of the sun filtered through the glass windows and tinged his white hair red.
His daughter – his own flesh – had asked him if she meant anything to him! If he despised her for being a half-demon!
How could Momoko even say such a thing?
Footsteps echoed inside the room. Rin sat down opposite to him and started fanning herself. She was well into her third pregnancy. Usually her plump hands and swollen figure would fascinate her husband to no end but today he sat silently, absorbed in his own thoughts.
"What's wrong?" Rin asked.
Sesshoumaru looked up. "Momoko asked me if I despise her," he stated icily. He wouldn't let Rin see his turmoil – that'd be beneath his dignity.
"Probably because of the way you treat Inuyasha-sama," Rin replied casually.
"But she's my blood, my daughter," he protested – this time with more emotion. "I named her after my favourite flower!"
"Really?" Rin frowned, "That's your favourite flower?"
Sesshoumaru stared at her as if she was insane.
"You see!" Rin spread her hands out, "If you continue to raise these walls around you everybody is going to get the wrong picture. I mean, if I didn't know that plum is your favourite flower, it's obvious that Momoko doesn't know it either!"
Sesshoumaru sighed – did Rin want him to wear his heart on his sleeve now? He shuddered at the very idea.