Dear All,
You are all so supportive of this story, and I am absolutely touched. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, they truly are incredible. As always, thank you to my super fabulous BETA Smortz who just plain rocks.
Now on with the story. Here is Chapter 4 of Keeping Faith, Someone to Protect
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Golden eyes watched her move about the room, kissing and hugging the different children, and even some parents. She laughed with them, and Sesshomaru could not help but feel as though the magic in the air radiated from her. She fit so perfectly within the lobby decorated by twinkling lights and boughs of garland and surrounded by happy children
"Beautiful isn't she? Especially this time of year; the holidays are always filled with warmth in this hospital, and it can be attributed to her. She is the radiance that this hospital thrives on." The masculine voice caught him by surprise, not that it showed on his features at all. He turned to a man in his early thirties with sandy blonde hair and warm brown eyes. "I am Dr. Adams." He held out his hand and Sesshomaru shook it.
"Sesshomaru Taisho."
"Ah, yes. Rin's father." He gave a soft smile there. "She is doing very well. Her condition has improved greatly." Dr. Adams watched as a magnitude of tension seemed to ease from the stoic man's posture.
"That is good. I have not yet met you, I had thought I had met every doctor on Rin's case." Sesshomaru mentioned, allowing himself to ease into conversation.
"I have been away for some time and only recently returned. Your father requested that I return early specifically for your daughter's case." Dr. Adams explained.
"That is a glowing recommendation." Sesshomaru replied, surprised that his father would do such a thing. He was oddly touched.
Dr. Adams gave a short laugh. "I suppose it is. I enjoy it here, so I did not need a reason to return. I see she has grown quite attached to young Shippou. I am surprised he took to someone so quickly."
Sesshomaru raised a brow. From what he could tell, the boy was as outgoing and friendly as could be. "I do not understand." He stated, his eyes landing on the little boy who was sharing a brownie with his daughter.
"Ah yes, you arrived afterwards. One of our young wards, Yui, passed away a few months ago. He and Shippou were inseparable for nearly the entire four years that Shippou has been here. They have similar cases, Shippou and Yui, both with very difficult and resistant strains. But he is looking well." There was something in the man's voice that spoke of great loss.
"Rin has a way of healing hearts, Jeremiah." The soft voice of Kagome filtered through the men's conversation.
"I can see that. It is a most wonderful gift. I can think of no greater gift for a place like this." He smiled at Kagome before pulling her into an embrace. Sesshomaru stiffened.
"You were missed." Kagome said softly. "Are you back?" There was a tenderness in her voice that did not sit well with Sesshomaru.
"I am. This is my calling. No matter what has happened, this is where I belong." Kagome grabbed his hand tightly in response to his words. "I have something for you, Kagome." He reached into the pack at his hip and withdrew a weathered looking book. Kagome gasped when he handed it to her.
"His Sketchbook? I can't possibly accept this Jeremiah. It was his most prized possession!" She argued, even as Jeremiah pushed it into her hands.
"When you look through it, you will understand. I think he would have wanted you to have it." Kagome's eyes began to mist with tears, and Sesshomaru began to feel anxious. What was going on? What was their relationship?
"Thank you, I will treasure it." One did not have to know her to hear the heartfelt promise in her words.
"I do not doubt that. Hitomi sends her regards. It was a pleasure to see you again, and a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Taisho. I am sure we will be seeing much more of each other. I will have one of the nurses set up a meeting with you and I to review your daughter's file more in depth. Now please, enjoy the holiday. If my instincts are correct, then the Christmas specials will be starting soon. Take care." Jeremiah Adams smiled at them before making his exit.
Kagome stared down at the book in her hands. Sesshomaru could briefly make out the name Yui Adams etched onto the book. "Yui was Dr. Adam's son, and Shippou's best friend." Kagome said softly as she began to open the book. Beautiful pencil sketches bloomed onto the pages, and Sesshomaru found himself impressed with the work of this child. "He was so talented, always sketching everyone and making beautiful pictures to hang on the walls. He passed away over the summer." He could nearly feel the torrent of emotions flowing through the woman. It mixed between sadness, love, happiness, and warmth.
"It seems he had a soft spot for you." Sesshomaru said, noticing that many of the sketches included the smiling woman. She laughed lightly, a light blush tinting her cheeks.
"He always used to say that since Shippou did not have a father like he did, he would take care of Shippou like Jeremiah took care of him. He was like Shippou's older brother. Whenever Shippou's health began to spiral out of control, Yui would sit with me at his bedside. He said I was family to him, and that when he went to heaven…" She paused at that, wiping a stray tear away, "he would spend his time looking over us. He had an extremely aggressive battle with A.L.L. that just…" She trailed off as she looked at Sesshomaru. She did not need to explain further. Sesshomaru may have only been here for a short amount of time, but he saw what she was speaking of in each child here. They were precious and special, and everyone here was like a family. To lose one must be hard on everyone. Sesshomaru silently thanked that since Rin's arrival no one had lost their fight.
"Mom!" The emotional moment was interrupted by the cheerful voice of Shippou. He came running over, his face oddly red.
"Shippou, hunny, are you all right? You're looking a little feverish." The worried tone replaced the former one, expertly hiding her emotional state. He waved her off.
"I am fine, mom, but the specials are starting soon so we need to exchange presents now!" He declared with an urgent look. He folded his hands and pouted his lips like he had often seen her do. She laughed warmly before pulling him into a hug.
"You got it little fox! Why don't you go bring Rin back to your room so we can give out the presents?" Shippou nodded his head enthusiastically before racing off towards where the sweet little girl was waiting, finishing the last bit of her brownie.
"We better get back, if Shippou misses How the Grinch Stole Christmas, he will be very sad!" Kagome took hold of his sleeve like a child and began pulling him towards the room. It was as though she herself was a child unable to contain her excitement. Sesshomaru did not know what compelled him to do it, but he twisted his sleeve out of her hand and clasped her hand within his own. She paused briefly to look back at him, a lovely blush settling upon her cheeks. He gently squeezed her hand and moved passed her, slowly pulling her behind him. She managed to work through her surprised stupor and catch up to walk beside him. She glimpsed down at the joint hands and tried to ignore the thrumming of her heart.
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"You're never going to guess what it is mom. Rin and all the other kids helped me make it. You're never going to guess though. Do you want me to tell you? I can tell you what it is mom." The excitement in the young man's voice was contagious.
"Shippou, let me open it! Don't tell me what it is; I want it to be a surprise, little fox!" The merriment in her voice only made her that much more adorable to Sesshomaru as he watched the exchange. The way she grinned at the two children with her own childish glee was endearing.
"Mom, do you want me to help open it? I can help open it! I wrapped it so I know how to open it." Shippou said in an as-a-matter of fact tone. Kagome laughed and pulled him on to her lap.
"Why don't you both help me open it?" She said, shooting her gaze to Rin. Rin grinned and raced over to Kagome.
"Okay, one, two, three!" Kagome counted. Three sets of hands tore into the wrapping paper. Within seconds, the rectangular package was unwrapped. Slowly, Kagome's hand reached out to gently touch the glass of the large frame. Her eyes sparkled with tears.
"Oh my…" a hand lifted to her mouth as if to stifle a gasp. Sesshomaru moved around and stared down at the frame. The picture was clearly taken around Easter, as the picture was of Kagome in bunny ears surrounded by a large group of kids who were also wearing bunny ears. Some nurses and other parents could be seen laughing in the background. Kagome sat on the floor with Shippou and all the other children gathered around her. Her face was filled with joy, as though the picture had been taken in the midst of her sweet laughter. Around the picture were handprints made of construction paper with names on them. Within the frame, in the corner, there was one additional picture. It was a picture of Rin and Kagome. Along the bottom was a small engraving that read: "These are the lives you have touched."
"Miss Kagome, why are you crying?" Rin asked. "Do you not like it?"
"Mom always cries when she's happy." Shippou said as he leaned against his mother tiredly.
"Do I like it? I love it! It's perfect, thank you little ones. Thank you so much." Kagome placed the frame down and gathered both children into her arms, tears still dripping prettily down her cheeks.
"Rin has one for you too daddy!" Rin said as she pulled away from the ever emotional Kagome to retrieve a small box.
"Open Rin's, daddy!" The little girl said as she hugged his waist. Sesshomaru reached down to pat her head before sitting in one of the chairs. She quickly climbed atop his chair and handed him the crudely wrapped little box. Sesshomaru opened the box, with Rin's assistance of course. Inside he found a very small box with a dried flower in it.
He gave her a smile. "This is very pretty Rin."
"Daddy, do you know what it is?" Sesshomaru looked at it closely, but his eyes had to be deceiving him. There was no way this was what he thought it was. But the tiny ribbon still twirled about the bottom was a clear giveaway. When he did not respond, Rin sighed.
"Daddy, you're so silly sometimes. It's a flower, silly. Rin kept it. Grandpa said that when daddy had me, he bought me a flower. Grandma put it in a box for me and Rin kept it because it showed how much daddy loved her. Rin wants daddy to have it now, so Daddy knows how much Rin loves him."
"Indeed it is, Rin. And daddy has something special for you." He reached down and plucked a box from his pocket. He handed it to her, and she giggled as she unwrapped it. Her little face lit up.
"Daddy!" Sesshomaru reached down and removed the necklace from the box. It was an exact replica of the very same flower she had just given him.
"See Rin, Daddy remembered."
"Awe, mom, it's not even your gift and you're crying!" The beautiful moment was interrupted by Shippou who threw a pillow at Kagome, who was indeed sniffling at the scene. Kagome laughed between her light hiccups. The children laughed with her, and so did Sesshomaru. The room was filled with joy.
"I have one too, Mr. Taisho." That caught Sesshomaru by surprise. He watched the little boy get up, though he seemed to be attempting to move too fast for his little body as he stumbled slightly. He saw Kagome frown from the corner of his eyes. Shippou brought back a piece of paper.
"I didn't know how to wrap it." He said sheepishly as he handed him the paper. Sesshomaru took it and nodded to the boy. He looked at the picture and felt the a spark shoot through his body. It was a picture of himself standing with Shippou. They were fishing. Behind them on a blanket sat Kagome and Rin with a picnic basket. It looked like one, big happy family. It made warmth spread through him.
"Well, some kids talk about going fishing and stuff with their moms and dads." Shippou began quietly, shuffling his feet nervously. "And Rin said that you like to fish. So I thought it would be nice if we went fishing and mom could make some food to eat at the park. Rin likes picnics." The flush on his cheeks was a testament to his nerves. The boy let out a slightly startled eep when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He snuck a glance up at Mr. Taisho.
"I think this is a great idea. I will take everyone fishing. I promise. I can teach you how to catch a fish every time you cast. I bet none of your other friend's dads can do that." Kagome's jaw hit the floor. It was the first time she had ever really seen Sesshomaru joke around with the children. He even winked at Shippou. If she was surprised by that, then she was floored when Shippou jumped up and hugged Sesshomaru while chanting "Thank You" over and over again.
"Okay! My turn!" Kagome shouted with a grin, trying not to cry again. Sometimes it was so nerve wracking to be a woman with all the constant emotions! She reached under Shippou's bed and pulled out two boxes. She passed one to each of the kids. Shippou eagerly tore through the wrapping paper.
"Wow, Mom!" He said as he pulled out the black velvet cape. The inside lining was a deep satin red, and along the black velvet were swirls of silver embroidery. It was clear to his impeccable eye that it was hand-made. Sesshomaru had to admit, she was quite talented. He quickly put it on and made his best magician face.
"How do I look?" He said, his voice going deeper as he tried to act more mysterious.
"Dashing and magical!" Kagome said.
"Oh Rin got one too!" Kagome laughed as Rin pulled out another cape, though this one was a lot shorter.
"Of course, every magician needs a beautiful assistant, don't you think Shippou?" Kagome asked. The boy turned red.
"I think Rin is a perfect assistant." He said, his blush intensifying. Sesshomaru chuckled, the situation too adorably funny for him to scowl at. Kagome turned to him with a grin.
"Then what I have for you will work well." Sesshomaru said. He reached into a bag at his side and pulled out a large, black top hat.
"Wow! A magician hat! That is so cool; mom, look it matches! Wow, I am a real magician now!" Shippou said as he eagerly put the hat on. "Thanks Mom! Thanks Mr. Taisho!" A knock sounded on the door and Shippou went to open it.
"Excuse me, Mr. Magician, I am looking for a little boy named Shippou and a little girl named Rin. Have you seen them?" The playful tone of Mickey sounded.
"Here Rin is Miss Mickey!" Rin jumped up and ran to the door. Shippou took off his hat.
"Mickey, I am here too!" He said.
"Oh heavens me! I didn't recognize you! Well I have some news! A little birdie told me that some Christmas specials are coming on, and guess which one is first?
"Ohh, How the Grinch Stole Christmas?" Shippou said as he jumped up and down in excitement.
"Wow! You're a mind reader and a magician!" Mickey gasped with a wink.
"Oh mom! We got to go now! How the Grinch Stole Christmas is on! Come on Rin, let's go get some popcorn!" Rin jumped up and with a swirl of capes they were gone.
"I think they liked it." Kagome said with an amused laugh. "Come on you big softie. Let's go watch some Christmas specials!" She leapt up with a giggle. As she beckoned to him with an enthusiastic wave of her hand, Sesshomaru suddenly found his life to be much more complete than it had been months before.
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The night was magical. He did not know how to elaborate beyond that, but it was. The children around him laughed as though they were not sick. They smiled as though they were not suffering. They clapped as though they had no worries. And in that moment, Sesshomaru felt himself inclined to believe that. Even little Haru whom had taken a harsh turn for the worse was present in the arms of his mother. For the longest time, Sesshomaru had thought his life to be content. However, when the lightest pressure was against his shoulder, his world suddenly grew that much brighter. Upon his lap was his daughter fast asleep, and leaning ever so slightly against his shoulder was a woman whom was slowly becoming a vital part of his life.
"Is there any room for me?" The unusually soft voice of a very tired Shippou made his heart tighten. He shifted Rin slightly which left a small spot between him and Kagome. Shippou half climbed in and curled against Sesshomaru's chest. As the three lay sleeping against him, Sesshomaru let a rare and genuine smile blossom across his face. He leaned down and pressed his lips against his daughter's head, then against Shippou's, and then against Kagome's. He stiffened. Hesitantly, he looked back down at Shippou. Slowly, he maneuvered a hand up and pressed it against Shippou. An inexplicable fear curled within him.
"Kagome." He said quietly, shaking his shoulder slightly to wake the woman. She pulled away, blinking her eyes slowly.
"Hmm?" She mumbled. She looked up at Sesshomaru curiously, then caught sight of the children resting against him. "What I would give for a camera. You really are a big softie."
"Kagome, Shippou has a fever." The smile slipped from her lips almost instantly. She reached up and pressed her hands against Shippou's head.
"Oh god. I need to go get Mickey." For the first time he heard a quiver in her voice that greatly unsettled him. His unease only increased as he heard the slight panic as she called to Mickey. Within a minute's time, Mickey was kneeling before him with the temporal thermometer.
"He has a fever, we need to get him to his room." Her voice lacked its exuberance, which only further unsettled Sesshomaru.
"Daddy, what's wrong with Shippou?" Rin awoke to the commotion to find Kagome biting her fingers and looking extremely distraught.
"Its okay, Rin. Shippou just has a little fever is all." Sesshomaru tried to comfort her. She didn't seem to take his word as she started to cry.
"Daddy, make him better." She cried, large tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Hey there sweetie pie," Kagome said as she knelt in front of Sesshomaru and Rin, "don't you cry! Everyone gets a little sick now and then. Now, don't you worry. It's Christmas…" Kagome was interrupted as Shippou jolted forward, his body heaving as he began to vomit.
"Oh god, Shippou!" Kagome cried as she held her son as he continued to heave.
"Get the children to their rooms please." Mickey said to Laura. The nurse nodded, though many of the parents had already taken their children when the commotion began.
"Daddy! He's not okay! He's not okay; you lied!" Rin began to panic. Sesshomaru swiftly lifted Rin into his arms. He was torn. He needed to get Rin out of there, but he felt compelled to stay. With one last look at Kagome, Sesshomaru quickly turned and took Rin to her room.
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Christmas was a time of magic, a time of hope. It was a day about believing in the impossible and embracing the fantasy. As Kagome sat next to the hospital bed, these things were lost upon her. For four years she had kept her resolve, had kept her strength but this one day threatened to take it from her. As the mother of a child with A.L.L. she had lived through the ups and downs of the disease, but it did not make any of those "downs" less terrifying. She moved from her chair to sit beside her still sleeping son. His fever was still high, and she could practically feel the heat wafting from his body. She bit her lip and fought down the tears. He stirred, blinking his eyes sleepily.
"Mom…?" His voice was hoarse, raspy as though he had been without water in the desert.
"Hi, little fox." She said with a soft smile. "Merry Christmas." She reached out and gently ran her fingers through his red hair, trying not to wince at the clamminess of his skin.
"Merry Christmas." He said back, a bit of energy sparking in his emerald eyes. "Did Santa come yet?"
"Of course, Santa is never late. How do you feel?" Shippou was quiet for a moment. Kagome bit her lip. Shippou did not like to lie, but he hated to tell her the truth sometimes too.
"Sore." Kagome must have visibly winced as Shippou immediately adverted her eyes. Soreness, though not uncommon, was usually not a good sign when already ill. Kagome smiled at him and ruffled his hair gently.
"Well, little fox, you were pretty active yesterday. I am sure that's all." He knew what she was doing, but he allowed her. At this point, he knew it really was not for him anymore, and he was okay with that. He smiled back at her. A knock sounded at the door before slowly opening to reveal Dr. Adams.
"Dr. Adams!" Shippou exclaimed, his little body jolting painfully. In his excitement, he forgot his current predicament. Kagome raised a hand to her mouth to hide her distress.
"Easy there squirt, don't go overdoing it. How are you doing? Your mom said you were being good, I bet Santa brought lots of gifts." Shippou beamed at him.
"Great! I am a magician now, mom made me a cloak and Mr. Taisho got me a top hat. I may have been a prankster before, but now it's official." Kagome laughed as she moved off the bed. Dr. Adams grabbed the chart and began browsing through it as he made small talk with the little boy he had grown to care so much for. The smaller than normal red-haired boy had been his son's best friend and so Dr. Adam's heart constricted as he read the notes. This case seemed eerily all too familiar.
"Shippou, how have you been feeling lately? And if you tell me fine I am going to steal your presents from Santa and keep them to myself." He warned, trying to keep his gaze serious. Shippou dipped his head.
"Dizzy and out of breath. My body has been sore, but not really sore, just achy. Like I need to be oiled like a robot." The last part was said with a grin.
"Shippou, why didn't you tell me…" Kagome asked quietly. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.
"I didn't want to make you worry. You were working so much you always looked sleepy."
"Shippou, baby, you do not worry about me. I am the parent, worrying is my responsibility." She reached out and clasped his hand.
"Well Shippou, you know the drill. We have to run some tests…" Dr. Adams paused, his eyes catching something on Shippou's arm. He moved forward and knelt by the bed. Gently, he lifted the sleeve of Shippou's hospital gown. He gave a tight-lipped look to Kagome. "Shippou, how long has this bruise been here?"
Shippou shifted to look at his arm. "I dunno. I don't remember getting it."
"Jeremiah, he didn't have that yesterday." Kagome said softly, her eyes meeting his. He sighed. She stood and turned away from Shippou, unwilling to allow him to see her fear.
"All right, squirt. We are going to have to do the pointy test. Do you remember what that is?" Shippou bit his lip. Kagome bowed her head.
"No, I don't want to!" He said fiercely. "Mom tell him no; I don't like that one!" His voice began to border on frantic as Dr. Adams stood and made his way to the door to motion over a nurse.
"Shippou, listen to me." Kagome said as she came to his side. "I know you don't like it, but it's so very important. Remember what you promised me, Shippou? You promised that you would be a good little fox and make sure to listen to the doctors. And you have been such a wonderful fox, but now you have to listen to them. They are going to make you feel better, don't you want that?" He reached for her, and she leaned down and pulled him into a soft hug. She could feel his little body shake.
"I'm scared mommy. I don't like the pointy test." His soft, raspy cries were like knives puncturing her heart.
"Shippou, you know Dr. Adams would never make you take it unless it was really important right? You trust him don't you?" She felt him nod against her shoulder. "I will be right outside you know that."
"Iwantyoutostay." The words came out as one, his plea muffled by her shoulder. She reached up and ran her hands up and down his back.
"You know I can't do that little fox. Don't worry though I will stay close." The door opened again, and this time it was another nurse wheeling in a cart full of tools.
"Hi Shippou, we are going to run some tests okay?" She said with a smile. Kagome stood and gave a reassuring smile to Shippou.
"I promise I will be right outside." She mouthed to him. The sight of his tearful green eyes and fearful expression broke her, and before the tears fell she exited the room with Dr. Adams behind her.
"Kagome." He said. She knew that voice. She had heard it before.
"I know, I remember." She said.
"I have to go over with you." He replied. She nodded and turned to meet his gaze.
"This is the third batch of treatment we have tried. It worked for a while, but if this is heading where I think we both know it is, we have to address the possibility of a transfusion."
"Jeremiah, we have been through this. I am not a match so I cannot even be considered as a bone marrow donor, and the only one who had been close will not donate. He is a selfish, heartless man. I have no other family, and you already know that a match for him is unlikely in the system."
"I know. I am running it now. We may be able to find a close enough match. I don't think we have a choice in this."
"You're the one that told me that a close enough match can be wonderful, or can quicken the end. And if that's the case then Shippou will spend the last few weeks of his life in torment and agony. How can I agree to that?" Her voice broke. She lifted her hand to her mouth as the tears began. She tried desperately to keep them in, but it was growing harder.
"Kagome, you know that I will do everything I can to help him. We can discuss this more when I have the lumbar puncture results back. As long as the blast cells have not entered into his spinal cord, he has a fighting chance." Kagome smiled a thankful, yet sad smile and nodded. Dr. Adams placed his hand upon her shoulder before returning to her son's room. As the door closed behind her, it was as though the dam had shattered. She leaned against the wall before sliding down to the floor weeping.
(A/N: A lumbar puncture is when they draw spinal fluid from the back. VERY PAINFUL and is the only way to test if the cancerous cells (blast cells) have entered the spinal column and brain.)
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A pile of wrapping paper was stacked neatly in the corner of the room and presents lay scattered across her bed. Despite the obvious Christmas morning, the room felt somber. Sesshomaru lay in bed with his daughter curled up beside him looking distraught.
"Rin is scared Shippou will go away." The small spot of wetness on his grey sweater was evidence that they had been in this position for a lengthy amount of time, and that the girl's tears had been flowing continuously.
"You must have faith, Rin." Sesshomaru ran his fingers over her head. It was not often that she went without a hat, especially since Kagome's gift. The wispy hairs tickled his fingers as they passed, but Rin seemed to neither notice, nor care about her baldness at this moment.
"But…"
"Rin, Shippou is a strong boy. Do you believe that?"
Rin nodded against him. "Yes daddy."
"Then you must have faith." Rin was silent after that, but Sesshomaru noticed that the tears seemed to have slowed significantly. This pleased him. As the two lapsed into a peaceful silence, Sesshomaru let his mind wander to Shippou and his mother. He found he, himself, was scared for the boy. Many times he had felt this way for Rin, but it was quite unusual feeling this scared for someone he had only met a month ago. In the very short time that he had come to know the Higurashi's, he had become quite used to having them in his life.
He reached over and lifted the picture that Shippou had drawn him. The picture itself had been ingrained in his mind, and the more he looked at it the more it pleased him. The joy radiating on the boy's face, the way he had drawn Sesshomaru's hand on his shoulder, the way he had drawn Rin curled against Kagome, they were all things he could clearly see, as though this picture was a real memory. Sesshomaru leaned his head back against the wall, letting his eyes slip closed. He would make this picture a memory, for Shippou. He would make sure the boy got better, and then he would take them all fishing just like he wanted. He would take them anywhere, just as long as they were all there.
The soft and slow breathing of Rin alerted him of her rest. She had slept so little the night before, having been so distraught of Shippou's sudden burst of sickness. He let his eyes travel over her. Her frame had thinned quite a bit, and her face had lost a lot of its childlike roundness. Her bare head only increased the obviousness of her illness. But these things did not sour his thoughts. No, for there were good things too. Her eyes were beginning to brighten, her hair beginning to grow. Her appetite was increasing, as was her energy. She was responding very well to the medication; the doctors had confirmed as much. He felt thankful because he knew one truth. He was nowhere near as strong as Kagome. He knew if Rin were in Shippou's shoes, he would lose himself. But Kagome, Kagome was a soft strength, an unbeatable one. Yet he knew that strength had its limitations. If anything were to happen to Shippou, he knew she would shatter. He would lose them both.
Sesshomaru moved slowly, easing Rin onto the bed so as not to wake her. Once free, he stood and stretched before making his way towards Shippou's room. He needed to make sure that they were okay. He could not explain the feeling, nor did he really care to. As he stepped from Rin's room, he noticed that the hall was filled with children. Parents sat with their children on the floor playing with their Christmas presents. Though laughter and excitement could be heard, he noticed more than a few glances by both the children and their parents towards Shippou's hall. It would seem that the normally gung-ho Christmas child had yet to make an appearance. At least that is what Sesshomaru had assumed. As he turned down the hall, however, he knew what they had been glancing at. On the floor sat Kagome, her knees pressed against her chest and her hands folded over them and covering her face.
Time slowed for Sesshomaru. A soft cry from the room could be heard, and he watched her curl into herself, her body shaking slightly. The moment did not seem real. She was beginning to fracture, it affected him on a level he had never felt before. It was as though a being of baser instincts took over and compelled him forward. He was before her in the blink of an eye, his large hands hoisting her up gently to pull her against him. Her startled gasp was lost in the fabric of his shirt. Her little hands reached up to fist within said fabric and her body shook harder.
"Not again! He can't be sick again! He was doing so well, he can't… he just can't!" She sobbed, the desperation and terror dripping from her words like poison, filling his soul with a sadness so heavy it nearly stifled his breath. She pulled back for a moment, her tear streaked face gazing up to his. "You don't understand, he was doing so well, this treatment was his last shot. I am not a match; I can't donate to him."
"Donate?" Sesshomaru asked. Did she mean that he would need a transfusion? He suddenly remembered her stating that children who needed transfusions because treatment was not working had a decrease in survivability rate, a steep decrease. She burst into sobs once more as she nodded.
"I'm not a match!"
"Hey hey hey." Sesshomaru reached up and caught her face tenderly between his hands and forced her to look at him. "I won't let anything happen to him." He did not know what made him promise that, but he could not stand the sight of her tears. The thought of something happening to that… that incredible boy tore him apart.
"You can't, he doesn't have a match, then…"
"I will find one. I will pay someone as much money as they need. Do you understand? I won't let anything happen to him." His voice grew quieter as he spoke, his intent shining in his voice. "I will protect him. I will protect you both." Her eyes were wide, still spilling with her sorrow. Her face was flushed from crying, and her lips slightly parted in surprise of his promise. The sweet look in those shining eyes was too much for him to take. Before he could second guess himself, he leaned down, capturing those full lips with his own. In that single moment, he gave more of himself than he had in any moment with another. The eruption within him was so powerful he nearly shuddered. The feel of her lips against his was electrifying, yet peaceful at the same time. Her small hands gripped his shirt tighter, pulling him closer which only pushed him further over the edge. Yes, they were his to protect; and he would take on the world to keep them safe.
Slowly, his lips left hers, but soon found place upon her brow. His thumbs reached up and wiped the traces of tears from her face. Her eyes closed, and he felt her lean against him and wrap her arms about his waist. He rested his chin atop her head and closed his eyes. He knew now that he would spend eternity protecting them just as he would Rin. That thought brought a warmth to his heart, because a man always protects the ones he loves.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Love,
Caleesci