A/N: So I'm not going to promise updating frequently anymore, especially now that I'm living the dream. I'm living in Japan for a few months so I'm really busy at the moment. This chapter is really, really, really, long...and explicit for all those of you out there that are as perverted as I am. I debated on waiting longer and doing more plot but needless to say, I saw the opportunity and jumped. I'm already working on the next chapter and it will also have mature content. I want to keep adding to this plot, but I also am kind of ready to give Maru and Sesshomaru their happy ending. What do you guys think? If I continue this story will probably be really long, but there will be more sexy scenes surely and a few tense spots. I already have a lot of plot done so it might be a waste to end it before hand. Anyways sorry for any typos and enjoy this super duper long chapter. Now I shall return to writing the next chapter...instead of doing my Japanese homework!
Maru sat still at the dressing table folding cranes while Kameyo tended to her hair and nails. The old inu had sent the others away to retrieve Maru's dinner after they had dressed her in her yukata for the night. The two had not spoken since they had been in the bath. Kameyo was becoming concerned with the hanyou's silence. She had been so energetic the whole day running from them but now after just a short time with Lord Sesshomaru she was quiet and submissive. It was funny to her how the two impacted each other so much. She had watched them both since they just days old and had taken much joy in caring for the two despite Maru's rebelliousness and Sesshomaru's attitude. The two had always had a push and pull relationship until Lord Inu no Taisho passed and Maru left the Western Lands to care for Lord InuYasha and Lady Izayoi.
It had brought Kameyo great sorrow the first time she saw Maru again, when Lady Rin had brought the hanyou back with her to the Western Lands, she was covered in wounds and scars from the centuries of fighting. The once cheerful girl she had watched grow up was a hardened warrior that allowed the playful personality of old days only come out around Lady Rin and occasionally Master Jaken. It was not until recently she had seen that playfulness to show with Lord Sesshomaru. The two had been rivals for so long that seeing the two smile at one another was odd and the long glances they occasionally shared were almost uncomfortable to watch. The two had grown apart, but were now coming back together in a very unexpected way.
Kameyo had thought they would love one another when they were children, but as they grew that love began to fade and was replaced with hatred and battles. Now that same love was growing again and Kameyo prayed that it would last. Despite the oddity of their relationship, it brought her joy to see them again as they once were. She knew that Lord Inu no Taisho would be more than thrilled to see them as they were now.
Kameyo finished with the kitsune's hair and took her claws examining them before she decided on her course of action, "What do you plan to wish for?" she asked as Maru stopped folding a crane to give the inu her hand.
"Huh?" Maru looked at Kameyo surprised by her sudden question.
Kameyo smiled, "You are folding a thousand cranes, Correct? What do you plan to wish for?" she asked the kitsune not looking up from her work.
Maru gave a small smile at the question, "I always wanted to do it as a child, but I never stopped and actually did it. I wanted to decorate Sesshomaru's study with the strings, but I haven't really thought about a wish yet" she told the inu as she watched the older yokai work.
"He would surely tear them down, my lady. I had a few of the court ladies take them down while the two of you were bathing, I'll have them bring them to your room later" she told her as she began on the kitsune's other hand.
"Thank you, Kameyo-san"
They were silent for the remainder of their time alone as shortly after two of the court ladies brought Maru's dinner. The hanyou did not eat much as she thought over the night's events. She could only imagine what Sesshomaru had intended once he came back from meeting with the general and his family. She only hoped that he did not have the same intensions of forcing her as Katsuro did. She did not pin him as one to do such a thing, but the memory of the heat made her wonder how much of it he could bare. She knew she could not resist her own nor could she resist the mark.
She knew that he would expect her to try and hide after the events earlier, but she knew it would only anger him. She wanted to know his thoughts on the matter however she was far too embarrassed by the subject matter to bring up the topic. She had accepted being his mate but she still was not used to the affection he offered nor was she used to the relationship it implied. She had no experience with the emotions that she had for the inu and she wondered how he felt and if he was just as confused as she was.
She knew his pride would never allow him to admit it if he even had such feelings. She could occasionally see an emotion she could not name as he watched her. She knew it was some sort of fondness, but she knew not where it had come from. Not long ago his eyes only seemed to hold contempt and hatred, but now his gazes were soft yet there was a fire behind those soft looks. His touches were even more confusing for her. As children they had shared hugs and she had kissed his cheek a few times, but he had never liked it.
Now he gave the kisses that made her heart race like when she faced a strong opponent, but somehow different. She couldn't figure it out no matter how long she thought about it. She was afraid of the answer she might get if she confided in another so she kept to herself trying to think it over like a battle plan during a war, or how you might read your opponent during a good battle. She pushed the thoughts to the side as she ate her dinner slowly. The food at the castle was always so good just as when she was a child. Only the best was served to the lord, his family, and guests. Maru missed catching and making her own meals even though they were never as tasty as what she received when at the castle. It was that same feeling that frequently lead her master out of the castle.
Lord Inu no Taisho had traveled often not just to protect his land and people, but also for that appealing freedom of going where one wished. The feel of the land and the cool breeze blowing on your face as you walked through a colorful forest in fall or by the sea in summer. Maru had enjoyed her travels with her lord though she enjoyed travel in general, there was always something about being with another that made it so much grander. She had only been back at the castle a little more than a day and she already missed her journey back with Sesshomaru. There was something so personal and lovely about their journey home. It had become one of her fondest memories alongside many joyful memories of children, their births, friends, and the peaceful days spent. Their journey had been almost as joyful as when Maru had attended the birth of InuYasha and Kagome's first child.
She remembered as she held the child on that day while Kagome lay in her futon recovering, InuYasha by her side distraught with worry, it had been so joyful as it was like she was holding InuYasha as a babe once more. The first time Maru had held a child was at InuYasha's birth, so much had happened that night that she did not experience the joy that he brought until several days later when she and Lady Izayoi had settled in a human village. Maru had disguised herself as a human while there. InuYasha was frequently upset with her appearance back then as he preferred to cling to her fluffy tail as a toddler while she did the house work after long days working in the fields. The fond memories always came back to her as she held children. The innocence that was there and miracle the of life was always such a grand thing and being able to witness it was wonderful for the hanyou.
She was brought away from her thoughts by one of the court ladies, "My lady, are you alright?" Maru looked at the woman before realizing she had not been eating her meal for quite some time.
"Yes, I am fine, I was just caught up in my thoughts" Maru told her as she stared at her meal, "Will you all sit down? I'm not used to such formalities" the two girls looked to their boss, who stared at Maru before nodding and smiling. Kameyo moved to sit across from the hanyou while the surprised court ladies scurried about to retrieve two more zabuton.
Kameyo looked to the hanyou while the other two were distracted, "You have grown so much, Maru, it's hard to remember the child I once nursed when Lord Inu no Taisho brought you back with him all those centuries ago" she told the hanyou while she ate.
"Maybe one day you'll have a hard time remembering me as the rascal you always had to chase about the castle" Maru chuckled as the other two court ladies sat down.
"I do not think I will ever forget that" Kameyo stated with a small smile.
After she finished her dinner, Maru returned to her room. She found the room empty and was glad Sesshomaru had not yet returned. She had decided she would no longer run away. Nothing would be resolved if she kept evading the daiyokai. The futon was already laid out for the night and beside the futon were the two strings of cranes she had already folded. She smiled as she sat down on the fluffy mattress and took to folding once more while she waited for the inu to return.
She took her time folding each crane. It eased her nervousness, but that nervousness was slowly being overtaken by drowsiness. The hanyou soon found herself laying down and slowly stopping her folding. She laid the unfinished crane down next to the pile she as beginning to form. She decided she would stop for the night as she laid her head on her pillow. She wondered why Sesshomaru had not yet returned. She thought he might be looking for her, but pushed that thought away as she knew the inu could easily follow her scent. He knew where she was. She tried to remember who the general was and if the inu who had been Lord Inu no Taisho's good friend and battle partner had passed on his position yet or if the daiyokai was still going strong.
Recalling the day, they had arrived back at the castle, she went over the many faces that had gathered to welcome the two. She remembered seeing the old man's face. Then she knew why Sesshomaru had yet to return. The old general had a habit of drinking till late, he had frequently pulled Lord Inu no Taisho into drinking games back when Maru was a teen. She had frequently carried the daiyokai back to his room after he had drank too much while Sesshomaru took to sending the general home.
Maru giggled at the thought of the general possibly doing the same with Sesshomaru. She knew that the wool would not be pulled over Sesshomaru's eyes and was sure the inu was trying his best to send the older inu home respectfully. She could soon feel sleep pulling at her body as she relaxed into the futon. She was soon overcome by sleep.
Sesshomaru, however, had just managed to send the general on his way. He was quick to change and return to his room. Maru had not looked for another room to spend the night in and was waiting in their room. However, he returned too late as the hanyou was far into the world of dreams as he entered the room. Sesshomaru cursed the drunken general as he moved to his side of the futon. He settled himself before watching the hanyou's sleeping face. She looked at peace unlike many other times when he had seen her sleep. Usually her face was wrought with fear and worry while she slept, but now she seemed calm and content. He was glad she felt safe within the castle, but a part of him wished she would be more warry of him.
He knew that her trust in him had grown and he was glad for it, but he had hoped she would at least stay awake to make sure he did not attack her. He sighed as he knew he would never dare attack the kitsune while she slept. He wanted her to desire his touch willingly. He had not wanted to use the mark to attract her, but he knew she needed to know of it. He had not even wanted to use the heat to mate with her. Yet he had been cold to her afterwards as he was ashamed he had been overcome by his instinct and had taken her without any concern of her thoughts and feelings.
He had not blamed her for running away. He had nearly given up when she had returned. He had been so shocked to see her on that bridge that day. He was brought back to reality quickly, however, when Katsuro had dragged her away once again. He was grateful that he no longer had to worry about her being taken away by another yokai anymore. Now he worried about garnering her affection. He did not think it would be so difficult, but the hanyou was almost completely oblivious unless he was extremely forward. He did not like using such underhanded tactics, but it was the only way he could make her see him.
He ran his fingers gently through her white hair as she slept. How did she feel about him now? He could only wonder. As teens, he had not known how to deal with his feelings for the hanyou. He had pushed her away as she was not an inu nor was she a full blooded yokai. Despite his hatred of hanyou and humans alike he could never hate her, however, he did not realize she was special until after he met Rin. Rin had made him see that he could show his affection for the kitsune, but by then he had already done so much damage. The woman he harbored feelings for no longer trusted him, she might have even hated him.
Slowly he was beginning to see the trust they once had form again and the glimmer of the affection from long ago return. On their journey back he felt as if they had returned to a much simpler time when they just enjoyed one another's company and acted as they liked toward the other. He tried his best not to scare her away with too many touches or too sudden of a kiss, but his will was running thin the longer he waited. He wanted nothing more than to ravage her, but he wanted her to reciprocate his feelings. He knew that his actions confused the hanyou but he tried his hardest to ease her into the idea of him being the same as he was before.
He knew he wasn't the same, he had changed so much, but he had returned to being someone who wanted to be close to her. His earliest memories of her were of her decorating his head in flowers and showing him his reflection with her fox magic. He always hated being covered in the flowers yet he always allowed her to do so though afterward he would immediately pull the flowers out of his hair, especially if his father or mother was coming.
He decided to push his thoughts away and settle in for the night. He placed a light kiss on the sleeping kitsune's forehead before pulling her close and finding his own peace for the night.
The next few weeks Maru spent her days trying to follow the rules. Every morning she would wake up in Sesshomaru's grasp and somehow slip away before he would awaken, and then go to Lady Kameyo if the inu wasn't already waiting for her. She would dress and then spend the day doing whatever duty Lady Kameyo said was required of her for the day. Every day was the same when it came to eating lunch as she always dined with Sesshomaru unless he was called away to tend to other matters throughout the Western Lands. Whenever he returned she would always greet him before begging him to take her along the next time, especially if Jaken was allowed to go. Some days she would spend her time in Sesshomaru's study watching him as he worked until he would send her away or the court ladies would come retrieve her for her bath.
She had not bathed with Sesshomaru since that time and was content with that as she was unsure of how she would handle such an event the next time. However, Sesshomaru still gave his advances. She frequently found herself wrapped in his arms or receiving affection she was not sure of how to return. Frequently embarrassment kept her from returning his kisses, but she had grown to return his embraces. Occasionally she would ambush him in the hall when no one was around. She'd grasp his arm and sometimes his waist. Frequently his response would be to pull her to face him or kiss her head or even her cheek. The kisses would usually lead to her retreat, but he would usually hold her to her advance by holding her tightly.
She loved the look he gave at those times. She wasn't sure of what it was, but it made her happy it was directed toward her. She found herself thinking of those glances and kisses more as the days passed. She imagined returning his kiss sometimes, but she would immediately stop such thoughts as she did not wish to think of his reply to such an action. In the mornings, she had grown fond of leaving a light kiss on his head before leaving. Her face was always red as she met Kameyo. The inu only smiled when she saw the kitsune though some of the younger court ladies would ask about her reddened face.
Today she sat in Sesshomaru's office reading a novel that Jaken had recommended to her. She would occasionally steal glances at the yokai while he concentrated on his work. She could not focus on her book as her thoughts frequently circled back to the inu sitting less than one jou[RB1] away from her. She stared at the yokai for a long moment not realizing that she had long since caught his attention.
"What is it, Maru?" he asked as his gaze turned to meet hers. The kitsune jumped as she turned away to hide her red face.
"Nothing" she replied as she turned back to the book.
He gave a small smile as he watched her for a moment, "Come here" he called to the kitsune as he laid down his brush. She looked at him uncertain before walking around the desk and settling next to him. He pulled her close, forcing her to lean on him as he returned to his work, "We will go for a walk once I am finished" he told her as she watched him.
She nodded as a smile snuck onto her face, "Okay."
It did not take the inu long to finish writing the letter, and soon enough the two were walking the garden enjoying the season's flowers. Maru walked close to the inu frequently bumping shoulders with the man. They came to stop under the yanagi willow they often played under as children, the tree was on the banks of a pond. Maru had often been scolded for swimming in the pond in her youth and had gotten Sesshomaru in trouble as well when she pulled him in when he would lecture her about it. Sesshomaru sat at the base of the tree leaning on the trunk while the kitsune took to removing her geta and tabi before dipping her feet in the cool water. Fall was already upon them, but the hanyou paid no mind to the almost frigid water, she was just happy to be outside for a while.
Her feet quickly grew cold though and she withdrew them from the water turning to meet Sesshomaru's gaze, "Stop staring at me" she teased as she stood and walked to a patch of chrysanthemum picking one and admiring it.
She smiled as she turned and approached the inu with the intent of placing the flower in his hair, knowing it would irritate him. She stopped in front of him giving a mischievous smile before kneeling in front of him. He glared at her as he knew her intentions as she leaned forward, she placed the flower behind his ear, only for him to grab her wrist and pull her into his lap.
She stared into his amber eyes as their faces were just a breath away from one another. Maru looked away from his heated gaze as his arm wrapped around her waist pulling her closer. He released his grip on her wrist only to find her cheek. He caressed the soft flesh of her cheek, gaining her gaze once more. Her reddened face came slowly closer as she lightly pressed her lips to his before pulling back once again.
Maru could feel her heart pounding hard in her chest, she wondered if he could hear it as her whole body felt hot. She had finally done it. She had kissed him while he was awake though it was more of a light brush of her lips to his. Sesshomaru looked at her shocked before pulling her gently forward and planting a soft yet firm kiss on her lips. They gazed at each other briefly before he moved to deepen the kiss.
Maru's whole body was on fire as she returned the kiss, his grip on her waist and neck tightening. The heat radiated from the places he touched and soon the kiss ended. Sesshomaru pulled back but not too far as he watched her determining how she would receive it. She stared back at his longing gaze, she was trying to sort out the feelings swarming her mind. She wanted to be connected him like that again. It was such a lovely warm feeling.
She leaned closer watching his eyes for any change that might be there, "Pardon my interruption, my Lord!" Jaken's squawking voice broke the silence. Maru pulled away and turned to see the kappa bowing just out of Sesshomaru's range. Embarrassed the kitsune went to stand, but was glued to the spot as Sesshomaru did not release his grip.
The inu was definitely not happy with the interruption as he glared at his servant, Maru could feel the coldness and annoyance that was surfacing as he looked to Jaken, "What is it, Jaken?" the inu asked the intimidated kappa.
The trembling imp did not dare look up at his lord as he scurried forward holding up a letter bound by a red piece of twine, "A letter has just arrived from InuYasha and Kagome, my Lord" he exclaimed as the inu took the letter and reading the writing on the exterior.
Sesshomaru looked up at the hanyou holding out the letter, "It is addressed to you" he stated as Maru took the piece of paper. She looked at it to see her name written neatly on the front. She recognized it to be Kagome's hand writing. She quickly opened the letter and read its contents before looking at Sesshomaru hesitantly. He looked at her questioningly as she handed him the letter, he quickly read the letter before sighing, "Jaken, call Lady Kameyo" he told the imp as he closed the letter.
"Yes, my Lord, what shall you request of her?" Jaken asked as he returned to his groveling position. He was surely worried of being hit like usual whenever he irritated Sesshomaru.
"Tell her to prepare clothes for travel for Maru and I" he told the imp.
"Yes, my Lor…For Maru-sama and yourself, my Lord?!" he exclaimed as Sesshomaru reached for his mate, pulling her close once more.
"Yes" he stated as he stroked Maru's pale hair. She watched him before he turned, looking to Jaken, who was staring openly, "Go, now."
"Y-Y-Yes, my Lord!" Jaken sprang to his feet and sprinted toward the castle to find Lady Kameyo.
Maru was about to comment on his harsh treatment of Jaken but Sesshomaru was quick to pull her into another kiss before she could utter a word. She watched him carefully as he parted from her once again. His face showed the slightest glimmer of disappointment as his hand found her face once more, "Once it is taken care of, we will return immediately" he stated.
Maru nodded in reply as she thought of the letters contents. She had not heard of Shippo having found love much less having a child that could become sick. She was glad to hear such news but under such circumstances she worried that she had received the letter too late.
"I assure you, Lady Maru, I arrived as quickly as possible!" Maru recognized Myoga's voice. She soon felt the bite of the flea and promptly squashed him before holding the flea yokai up.
"Of course InuYasha would send you" she whined as she glared at the tiny yokai.
"My lady, I meant not to disturb you, but Fuku is gravely ill. Not even Kagome can heal her. I told Lord InuYasha that you could heal any illness and so he sent me here to retrieve you. Shippo and his wife are very worried for their daughter" he told the kitsune hoping flattery would save him from being squashed once more.
"If they were so worried they should have sent a quicker messenger" Maru stated as Sesshomaru released her from his grasp and stood.
Maru watched him as Myoga began to explain his journey, "I arrived quickly, Lady Maru, Kirara and I left the village just this morning" he informed her as she stood to follow Sesshomaru.
Myoga soon managed to get away from Maru and landed on Sesshomaru's shoulder. Maru ignored the flea as he spoke to the inu, she was sure he would not take well to the flea as she left to go to Lady Kameyo and prepare to head to the village.
It did not take long for Maru to gather her things and change. She met Sesshomaru at the castle gate before joining him in the flight to the village. She could sense the tension, Sesshomaru had grown a bit closer to InuYasha, but the two still did not get along very well. She had noticed the inu had come to be kind toward his sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews as she had seen him tolerate the children and their mother a few times when he was in the village visiting Rin and her family. However, that did not mean he enjoyed visiting the village.
She assumed he would spend the opportunity to see Rin's grave and maybe her aging children. His attachment to them wasn't nearly as strong as that that he had with Rin. Maru would definitely stop by to see the elderly children. She debated on when to ask Sesshomaru about going to see Hosenki's son to retrieve a jewel she had asked the jewel maker to commission for her. She pushed the thought aside as she saw the village coming into view. They landed at the entrance before Kirara and Myoga lead the way to Shippo's family's home.
Maru entered the hut, the scent of death filling her nose. The girl's mother sat next to the futon holding the child's small hand, Shippo sat next to his wife holding her close. He looked up at Maru as she entered with Kirara and Myoga, his face immediately brightening, "Maru-San!" he exclaimed as he stood to greet the other kitsune.
Maru nodded in greeting to the kitsune before going to take a seat next to the small girl, she had her mother's facial features and her father's hair color though fox like ear's sat atop her head. Unlike her father, the girl was half human and displayed the common trait of ears. Maru looked over the child, she was not dead but close to it nonetheless. Maru lifted the small girl pulling the yukata down to look at her back. The skin there was white and flawless to those who did not know of the evil that laid its mark upon the child. Maru was sure the child had come across the burial ground of a long dead demon that had marked her in an attempt to resurrect itself. Maru summoned So'unga.
The terrible sword was the only item she had for such a task. Shippo stared at the kitsune as he watched in horror alongside his wife as the black mark appeared on the girl's back. It had grown very large in such a short time. Maru held the girl tightly as she pressed the blade to the mark, causing it to fade as the evil spirit attached to it was sent back to the depths of hell where it belonged.
She felt the girl go limp in her arms as she worked quickly, "Fuku?!" Shippo exclaimed as he realized what the process had done to his daughter.
"Do not worry, she will be fine" Maru told him as she used her fox fire to burn the yokai attempting to take the child to the netherworld. Maru laid the child back on the futon as color began to return to her face, the girl soon began to cough as she awoke and sat up. Maru searched through her bag as the child's mother hugged the girl, Shippo also joining the two in celebration as Maru removed two icy blue beads from her bag. Maru replaced the two beads hanging from the hair framing the child's face with the two blue beads, "Never remove these beads, they are what will protect your life, understand?" she asked the girl as she sat back.
The girl smiled as her weeping mother turned to the kitsune, "Thank you so much. We thought we would surely lose her."
"Don't mention it" Maru gave the woman a smile as she stood, "You'll want her to rest for a few more days before letting go back out and play" Maru told them as she began to leave the hut. Shippo followed the older kitsune.
"What are those beads you gave her, and how did you revive her? I never learned such a technique when I was training, not even the senior first rank kitsune I learned from could do such a technique" he asked the kitsune as they exited the hut.
"You won't find anyone that teaches that technique, I developed it when InuYasha was a child to protect him. It takes away some of the user's life, only those that are powerful enough can use it. It uses magic similar to that of Tenseiga. I would not recommend anyone using it" she told him as Sesshomaru turned at the mention of such capabilities, "The jewels are meant to preserve her life when I die. I connected her soul to mine like I did when I connected InuYasha and Kagome to extend Kagome's life despite her being human. Fuku will still grow as she would have had I not interfered, there is nothing more for you to worry about" Maru told him as Sesshomaru examined his mate. He had not known she was capable of such magic.
"Ah, well, thank you. We are indebted to you" he told the woman as he bowed to her.
Maru shook her head placing her hand on the kitsune's shoulder, "There is no need for that, I would have done it no matter what. So tell me, is InuYasha in or is he out?" Maru asked the now tall kitsune with a smile.
He smiled, "He should be home, since the baby has been born he stays home more frequently. With so many children, I wonder how Kagome manages to keep up with her duties as a miko" Shippo laughed at the mention of the family.
Maru gave him an interested look, "How many children do they have now? I haven't visited in quite some time" she asked the kitsune, excitement evident in her voice.
"Five now, I think this will be the last one. Kagome already had her hands full with the other four" he told her with a laugh.
"Well, I'll be going to visit them now. I'll see you again soon" she told him bowing.
Shippo bowed in return, "Farewell, and thank you again" he told her as she and Sesshomaru made their way through the village toward InuYasha and Kagome's hut. Maru pondered why the inu was still following suit. She knew he wasn't fond of his brother, maybe he wished to see the new child also. Maru smiled at the thought as they approached the hut, the four elder children were playing outside with a ball.
The eldest spotted them first, "Maru-oba!" he exclaimed pointing her out to the other children who squealed as well and ran to meet the kitsune. Maru waved at the children as they approached before they proceeded to tackle her.
She laughed as they berated her with questions. Their outburst had drawn the attention of their mother, who poked her head out of the hut. The woman quickly turned back into the hut calling for InuYasha before coming to greet them, "Long time no see!" the woman exclaimed as she greeted Maru and Sesshomaru. Placing the children down, Maru hugged the woman in greeting.
"I heard you had another child recently, I hate that I missed it" Maru told her with a smile as InuYasha exited the hut with the baby. His face immediately turned sour as he saw his brother and Maru. Maru smiled, and InuYasha knew all too well that it was not meant to be friendly. The kitsune was practically his second mother and he knew her just as well as she knew him. He approached and offered the babe to appease the kitsune and distract her from his reaction. Maru was more than happy to take the white haired child, all of the children had taken after their father though the girls looked like their mother in the face.
Sesshomaru and InuYasha took to glaring at one another as Maru cooed at the brown eyed babe. Kagome gave a nervous laugh before inviting them inside. The four children continued to play while the adults continued inside the hut. Maru stopped when she noticed Sesshomaru turn to go elsewhere.
"Are you going to see Rin?" she asked him as he approached. He looked at the child apprehensively before kissing the hanyou's forehead before turning to leave. With her answer and the children's sound effects at the sight of the kissing, Maru turned to enter the hut.
"I'm glad to see you have another beautiful child, I'm sure she'll grow to be just as healthy and lovely as the others" Maru told Kagome as she took a seat at the hearth with the child still in her arms.
"Thank you, Maru. I'm glad you came so quickly; we were very concerned about Fuku" Kagome told the hanyou as she prepared some tea.
"Of course, I was concerned as well when I received your letter. I was surprised that Shippo had married and had a child though, I had not heard anything from Totosai though I guess he did not think of it at the time's when I visited" Maru told her.
InuYasha scoffed, "Well, if he didn't get married and have children he'd end up an old hag like you."
"Remember that I am the old hag you used to cling to as a child" Maru told him giving him the look she had often used to scold him as a child.
InuYasha glared, "At least I haven't become weird like you, aren't you and Sesshomaru basically siblings? How did you end up in that sort of relationship?" he asked causing Maru to blush slightly at the mention, "From my understanding, the old man raised you alongside Sesshomaru, so isn't that kind of incest?"
"Sit boy!" Kagome exclaimed sending InuYasha to the floor.
"Hey! Don't act like you don't want to know too!" InuYasha exclaimed after he recovered.
"I wouldn't have asked like that, stupid InuYasha!" she exclaimed as she composed herself and turned to Maru.
Maru gave a nervous chuckle, "I suppose I should explain it better now that you are grown" she stated as she looked down at the baby, surprised that the child seemed drowsy despite the loud atmosphere.
"You think?"
"InuYasha!" Kagome scolded the hanyou before they both looked to Maru with curiosity.
"Well, Lord Inu no Taisho did raise me alongside Sesshomaru, but we never had the relationship that siblings would. I eventually took up the role as a vassal to Lord Inu no Taisho despite Lord Inu no Taisho wishing for me to see him as a father. Sesshomaru and I grew apart quickly as I began to follow Lord Inu no Taisho out more on his travels, it eventually became so that Sesshomaru and I were rivals and then enemies…"
"How do enemies become lovers?" InuYasha asked as he gave her an uninterested look.
Maru's face turned completely red at the mention of lovers, "I-I-I don't know, he just suddenly…" Maru trailed off at the memory.
InuYasha was shocked by the kitsune's reaction, he'd never seen her make such a face, "You two were never really enemies, right?" Kagome stated with a smile, "You just didn't see eye to eye for a very long time. Sesshomaru seems quite different now too…How has it been going since you returned to the Western Lands?"
Maru looked at the miko for a moment as she organized her thoughts, "Well, I'm not quite sure mine or his feelings, but it is nice to have a place to call home once again and not being chased is also nice" InuYasha watched her face closely. In all the time he had known the woman, he had never seen her make such faces.
"You are in love with him, aren't you?" he asked. Maru looked at the man shocked by his comment, she was surprised to see his own smile, "I'm glad that you have finally found your own happiness, I was beginning to wonder if you'd grow old alone because of that personality of yours."
Maru chuckled, "I could say the same of you. What would I have done if Kagome hadn't decided to love this stupid son of mine"
"I'm not stupid, old hag! If anything you ought to worry about yourself, I'm still young!" the hanyou growled as he stood.
"Do you even know how old I am, InuYasha?" Maru challenged as Kagome offered tea.
"I know you are not much younger or older than Sesshomaru" he stated.
"I'm younger than he is."
"If you are that old then you should hurry up and have your own kids before you get too old, since it's obvious you like children so much"
Maru glared at him, "I'll have you know your father was over two thousand years old when he had you, I still have plenty of time for child bearing."
"I didn't need to hear that" InuYasha stated feigning sickness.
"Have you and Sesshomaru spoke about having children yet, Maru?" Kagome asked. Maru blushed as she looked to the now sleeping infant.
"No, I want children, but I don't think I could do that with him yet" Maru told the woman.
"Why not, you've already done it once?"
Maru looked away from the hanyou, "The circumstances around that time were very different from now" Maru told him as he looked at her confused, "You see there are powers in this world that I didn't even know about until recently, be glad you married a human woman. Yokai can be very scary" she stated as she recalled everything she had learned since mating with Sesshomaru.
"I never thought I would hear you use that word" InuYasha stated as Kagome looked up in interest.
"How is it different, if you don't mind me asking?" Kagome asked the woman.
Maru stared at the woman trying to decide how to explain it without using great detail, "Well, partners can exert a certain type of…control on each other depending on whether either one or both have the right mark. Currently, I'm the only one with a mark between Sesshomaru and I" Maru told the woman as InuYasha gave a disgusted look as he tried to block out the conversation. Kagome seemed a bit confused by what the kitsune meant.
"I'm sorry I don't know what you mean by mark, is it like a tattoo or something?" she asked as she looked over the kitsune for any visible mark.
"No, it is a bite mark. Some yokai bite to mark their mate and prevent another male from approaching their female. It is less common for a female to mark their mate though I've been hearing that it becoming more common. InuYasha is only half inu yokai so the instinct to mark isn't as strong for him as it is with full blooded inu" she told the younger woman. Kagome's face was a light pink at the mention.
"Doesn't it hurt to be bitten like that?" Kagome asked genuinely curious of the idea.
"Um, it is typically done after that, so the body is kind of numb or preoccupied with other matters" Maru coughed slightly at the awkward air that entered the room at the mention of the topic.
"Oh!"
"Yes, well, on the topic of children once more. Kitsune only give birth in the summer unless they are hanyou then it might vary. My mother was a hanyou and my father was a daiyokai so I am mostly kitsune so I think I'll probably be more like a kitsune yokai and only be with child during spring. I also still have my own concerns and feelings about starting a family" Maru stated as she stroked the infants hair.
InuYasha narrowed his gaze at the hanyou knowing all too well what concerns she was speaking of. Kagome, however, gave a confused look, "What concerns might you have? You would surely be a wonderful mother as you already have experience birthing and raising children. I can understand it might be a bit embarrassing though" the woman stated with a blush. Maru tried her hardest to keep her composure and was glad when the children interrupted the conversation by barreling inside. Kagome stood to rush them back outside and away from the conversation at hand.
Maru's attention was soon drawn to InuYasha as Kagome stepped out of the hut for a moment to ensure the children were out of range. "You still have that sort of concern after all these years? You and I wouldn't exist if everyone kept to that stupid tradition" InuYasha raged at the kitsune. Maru averted her gaze as Kagome entered the hut once more.
"Tradition?" she asked as she returned to her seat, "What are you two talking about?"
InuYasha turned to his wife and blurted out angrily Maru's concern, "The old hag still believes in that dumb tradition of pure bloodlines among daiyokai. Even when my mother was alive she would talk about not wanting to get involved with others because of her own blood and all that stupid ettiquete and traditions."
Kagome looked surprised, "I didn't think any one of mixed blood would feel as such. You are both yokai and human, no matter who you chose that would happen. Do you plan on never settling down because of it. I'd imagine it would be quite miserable for you since you enjoy children so much." Kagome commented as Maru tried to conceal her face with her hair.
After a few moments of silence Maru sighed as she faced the two, "I know it is immature of me to have such concerns, but it is something I've faced for many centuries. I was always present whenever Sesshomaru's mother would bring up his mate and how she wanted him to mate a beautiful and strong inu daiyokai from a pure family. Lord Inu no Taisho had the complete opposite opnion, but being so young it stayed with me. My own father hasn't help either in shaping my opinion…" she was cut off by InuYasha.
"All that stuff doesn't matter. If he cared about that shit he wouldn't have marked you in the first place, you stupid old hag!" he exclaimed.
Maru stared at him shocked, she had known Sesshomaru did not care of her blood but she had always thought it was n in the moment sort of feeling. She had not even paid any mind to the fact that Sesshomaru was the kind of man to put great thought into everything he did and he surely wouldn't have mated her on just a whim. Tears threatened to fall as the kitsune contemplated the forced realization.
Kagome placed her hand on the kitsune's arm, drawing her attention away from her lap. The soft smile on the woman's face warmed the hanyou's heart, "Having known Sesshomaru for quite some time myself, I would say he wouldn't act as he does if didn't love you and you wouldn't put up with it either if you didn't have feelings for him too. Once you get better situated you should definitely talk to him about children. I'm sure he's put much more thought into everything than you think he has." Maru nods at the woman, giving her a small smile as InuYasha continues to angrily pout.
"Thank you. It is embarrassing to be at my age and have to seek out such advice"
"When you're a recently deflowered old hag, you end up asking stupid questions" InuYasha grambled.
"Sit boy!"
Maru couldn't contain her laugh despite the embarrassing jab. Her attention was soon drawn away from the quarelling couple as she noticed Sesshomaru in the doorway. His gaze was on the two, a disapproving look on his face. His eyes soon met the icy blue of Maru's. He took in the sight of her as she gazed up at him. The corners of her eyes were wet with tears but her face showed happiness instead of sorrow. Her kimono was slightly lose as the child she was holding had fisted the fabric as the small had turn in her sleep and had started to fist and suck at the covered breast. The sight had sent satisfied feeling through the male but also an instinctive pull for the child to be replaced with his own pup. The image that flashed through his mind made him want to drag kitsune away immediately to act on the instinctual pull to impregnate his mate. The image of Maru's stomach taut with pregnancy while nursing their most recent child almost made the yokai quiver.
He had thought of children with his mate before, but it wasn't until that moment that he knew he wanted a large family. He also wished for it to come sooner rather than later. He pushed his instincts to the side, however, taking Maru into account. The kitsune loved children and surely would eventually agree with him on having many children but she had yet to become too comfortable with kisses. An act much less intimate than that required to bring children into existence.
He focused back on the kitsune as she was. He kneeled beside her and watched as her confused look turned to embarrassment as she watched his knuckle remove the child's mouth from her breast only to have his hand rest there in its place. She hadn't even noticed the child suckling at her breast. She wanted to move away but soon the embarrassment subsided enough for her notice the look on Sesshomaru's face. It was a soft and gentle one, as he gave the smallest smile to the sleeping child sucking his knuckle. Maru's embarrassment soon returned when she felt a pang of heat that she had only known from the few times they had lied together. She cleared her throat with a slight cough and turned to Kagome, "I think she might be hungry" she chuckled drawing the woman's attention away from her glaring competition with InuYasha.
"Oh, no. I didn't think she'd do that to your beautiful kimono!" Kagome exclaimed as she rushed over. Sesshomaru withdrew his hand but made she to brush the hanyou breast and neck as he receded his touch. The blush decorating the kitsune's cheek darkened as InuYasha proceeded to gag at the scene.
"It is fine, it is an old kimono. A little drool from a child is nothing compared to what it has faced" Maru laughed as she tried to will the blush away, "We'd best be on our way back anyways, The Lord of the Western Lands already had a mountain of paperwork that I dragged him away from" she stated as she stood.
"Oh, yes. We hope to see the two of you again soon" Kagome stated as she followed them to the door. Outside the children quickly rushed over, berating Maru with questions. They wanted her to stay longer and play like they had been accustom to when she usually visited. She smiled and promised she would stay longer on her next visit. Sesshomaru's gaze only left the kitsune when it was drawn by the human in front of him. Kagome was making gestures toward the kitsune and the children, trying to get her message across about Maru's want to have children.
The human quickly stopped when Maru's attention was drawn to her, "Is something wrong, Kagome? Do you feel well?" the hanyou asked with a concerned look.
Kagome laughed nervously, "Oh, I am fine. There was a bug!"
"I didn't hear one" Maru mumbled as she stood. The finished their farewells soon. Maru was sure to tease InuYasha before she left, but left him with a hug and the demand that he behave and treat his wife well. The embarrassed inu agreed with a blush upon his face. They didn't act like it often but there would always be that maternal bond between the two despite their usual behavior.
Kagome only hoped that she had got her point across to Sesshomaru as she and InuYasha watched to the two leave. She hoped the look the daiyokai had given her meant he understood, but the stone faced inu was difficult to read even after many years of meeting. There was no doubt in Kagome's mind that Sesshomaru cared for Maru but as to where his thoughts lied on the topic of starting a family, it was a mystery. However, the brief scene between the two that she had seen after Maru had drawn her attention, gave her hope that he had a similar dream to Maru's.
"Don't worry, that dumbass is so helplessly intangled in that woman, it's nauseating. They're definitely both on the same page in that department. The getting to that point on the other hand is their problem. He's ready to pounce and she has no idea what to think" InuYasha told his wife.
"Oji-san is going to pounce on Maru-oba? Why would he do that? Is he being mean to Oba-chan?" their youngest son asked tugging on his father's hakama.
Kagome stared surprised at the young child and kneeled, "No, Maru-oba and Sesshomaru are fine. Daddy, was…" she trailed off not certain how to explain to the child what he had just heard.
"Go play with your siblings, you don't need to worry about those two idiots" InuYasha told the boy, who nodded happily forgetting the topic almost instantly. Kagome sighed and gave a nervous chuckle, glad she did not have to explain any further.
"Can't they just hurry and have kids so they can play together with our children and we can avoid these awkward conversations" Kagome sighed.
"Maru has never been that simple" InuYasha grumbled.
The two arrived back at the castle quickly and Maru was quick to excuse herself. Sesshomaru let her run this time as he headed back to his study to work some before dinner. He couldn't get the image of Maru with child out his mind. It was interfering with his work. He sighed and resigned from the idea of getting anything done that evening. He stood and left his study. Jaken was just outside the door, he informed the imp that he was retiring for the day, telling the imp to postpone dinner as he would be going to take a long bath.
"Yes, my Lord!" the imp squeaked as he bowed and scurried off to inform the rest of the staff of their Lord's orders. Sesshomaru turned and headed for the bath. He arrived and was greeted by court ladies at the entrance. Maru was in the bath, which made the idea more appealing. He asked one to bring him clothes as he entered the dressing room. Inside dressing room was another court lady, who quickly greeted him before opening the onsen door to inform Kameyo. Lady Kameyo soon exited the onsen and greeted Sesshomaru.
"She is soaking in the bath at the moment, Lord Sesshomaru. She seems a bit flustered, did anything happen during your travels today?" the old inu asked.
Sesshomaru removed his armor before replying to the woman, "She had a conversation with InuYasha and his wife while I visited Rin's grave, I am not sure what they discussed. She was already flustered when I returned" he told the inu. Lady Kameyo merely nodded before she and the other court lady excused themselves to give the two privacy.
Maru was confused by Kameyo's disappearance, but was glad to be alone even if it was brief. Despite the rules, she sank below the water and enjoyed the heat. She had hoped the bath would help deter the heat that had not left her since its onset at the village. She knew it was not her heat as it wasn't the season, but the image of Sesshomaru removing the child's mouth from her breast played in her mind endlessly. Other scenarios of him with their own child played through her mind, which only served to intensify the heat in her belly.
She soon resurfaced as being under the water made her dizzy. She heard the door to the onsen open and she turned to ask Kameyo why she had left, only to be metby the sight of Sesshomaru entering the room. Maru knew her face was already red but it felt like face was on fire as she snapped back around. She had hoped to avoid the daiyokai at least until she had calmed herself. His scent had almost made it unbearable on their journey back to the castle, and in the current situation she was having trouble keeping a clear mind. She didn't understand what was going on with her body as she listened to him wash himself behind her. She was too busy drowning in his scent, she didn't even notice him slip into the bath beside her. She gasped as his arm snaked around her waist and pulled her to his chest.
He buried his nose in her hair, leaving light kisses on her scalp, she squirmed in his touch. As the heat intensified at every spot their skin touched. She closed her eyes tightly shut, but instinctively leaned into him. Her mind clouded with the desperate want to sit in his lap, to rub against him, to continue what they had been doing earlier that day by the pond. She tried to pull her thoughts away from such but was pulled back down when his hands moved down her waist and back up her back. Sesshomaru pulled back, and gazed at rosy face. Her breath hitched in her throat, the look in his eyes was making her world spin.
Sesshomaru leaned closer, she thought he would kiss her but stopped just a breath away. She wondered if it was his way of asking her permission. Maru could no longer stand it. She leaned forward pressing into him firmly as they kissed. It wasn't enough, she wanted to deepen the kiss but inexperience left her clueless and her cloudy mind was no help. She could feel instinct creeping up and sending her reasoning out the window. The heat was unbearable, and she pondered if letting her instincts take over would lead to the relief she so desperately needed.
Sesshomaru leaned deeper into the kiss, one of his hands leaving her waist to tangle in the hanyou's pale locks. It wasn't until he pulled her hair away from his neck that he smelled the sweet and intense scent. He pulled away from the kitsune, a whimper leaving her quivering lips. She was completely gone to the heat. It was completely out of season. Kitsune went into heat in winter not summer, but the intense smell was no mistake.
Maru had given in to her instincts. Sesshomaru stroked her head and face as she panted. She moved into his lap, attempting to get closer. He wondered if being around InuYasha's newborn had triggered her heat and how much of it she would remember. His attention was brought back to the kitsune as she whimpered leaning into his neck. She was scenting and revealing in the pleasure of his scent. He could feel the light grinding of her hips on his leg. She was too far gone. He grabbed her and stood from the bath. She would surely faint if they continued in the hot water. In the dressing room he quickly dressed and threw her yukata around her, not even bothering to towel either of them off.
The court ladies were surprised when he exited with Maru sparsely dressed in his arms. "No one is to come to our room" he told Lady Kameyo as he passed. Many of the women's faces were painted pink as they recognized the scent coming from the Lady they tended to.
"Yes, my Lord. I'll be sure to keep the corridor empty for the night" she bowed as the daiyokai continued on with acknowledgment as he quickly walked to their room. He could feel her claws tighten at the fabric on his chest, her pants heavier and more frequent.
She called his name and he silenced her with a kiss, which she was all to happy to lean into. When he pulled away, her eyes bore into his, "Please, hurry. It hurts so much" she begged as she leaned into his neck her teeth lightly tugging at the skin. "I want to have your child. I don't want to wait anymore" she cried. His grip tightened around her. He knew it was the heat that was making her so bold, but knew the truth behind it. It had been so obvious in her fondness of children, how she had been almost demanding in wanting to hold InuYasha's child, and the content on her face as her wish came true. The thought of giving her what she wanted made him wild inside as his pace quickened.
Even though she had yet to verbally voice her feelings, it was all too obvious in her actions. She would not have kissed him earlier that day if she did not feel the same. It was not like her. She had always been true to herself. She never acted on a whim, it was something they shared in common. He pulled the door to their room open so hard, it almost broke. He quickly closed it and went to work removing the fabric covering them both. The yukata were both quckly disposed of as he loomed above the bare kitsune. Her body was flushed, her eyes teary but the desire behind them gleamed through. Her thighs were tightly clamped together, but Sesshomaru knew why, he could smell her wetness permeating the air. Her heat was barreling toward full force.
"Please, do something" she begged him as he continued to take her in. She was griping at her breasts, her nipples were hard little buds that even in her lost state, she was trying to conceal herself. She was lost to the heat but still as modest as ever.
"Don't fret, I will take care of you. It will subside soon" he told her as he kissed her forehead. She nodded and whimpered at the reaction the kiss caused her body. Sesshomaru was quick to go to work. His hands touch every part of her while he planted kiss all over her body. Her panting was quickly turning to gasps and moans. He laped his tongue over the mark once more before his hands moved to her breasts, slipping beneath her own to take the pert buds between his fingers. He groped her breast and twisted her nipples until wonderful noises left her lips, aging him on. He trailed kisses from her collarbone to her pert nipple. He kissed it lightly before taking it into his mouth. He sucked and reveled in the pleasurable sounds she made in return.
He would go slow in making love to her even if she wouldn't remember the night's events. He would treat her then just as he would have if she was aware. Slow, gentle, loving until she begged for his touch. His ministrations were causing the kitsune to rub her thighs together to obtain some relief. He smirked as he left the abused and red nipple to give the other the same attention. The same breast that had been nibbled by the babe earlier that day was now between his teeth, erecting unimaginable noises from his mate. He could on imagine his mate holding their child and letting it suckle the small bud in hunger.
The thought made his hips ache. He wanted to mate her then but he would wait. He wanted to draw out as long as possible even if it wouldn't be over after just one time. Whimpers peppered between her gasps and moans as she gripped at his hair. She pulling him closer but at the same time pushing him. Her hands soon gave up on such as they traveled down his back. He did not pay much mind to it until he felt her pulling his hips as lifted her own to met him. He let out a growl as he pushed her further into the futon. He sucked hard at the nipple as he grinded his hips into her.
She gasped as her hands returned to his hair, temporarily satisfied. Her face lifted as she continued to scent him, raking her teeth across his neck, sending her message of want and need. He pulled away from her nipple and mouth sucking at his neck. He pulled her hips further into his and thrusted hard and fast. Her gasps and moan were music to his ears as he leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on her lips before riddling his kisses all the way down her body. She spread her legs instinctively as he came closer to her opening. She whined when he stopped just above her entrance.
He looked up into those eyes so full of want and pleasure, he slowly leaned down placing kisses anywhere but her entrance. She begged and writhed below him until his mouth finally came to rest there. Her labored breathing quickened as he licked her wet entrance before stopping at her clitoris. It was there that he wrapped his lips around the red bud and sucked until she was crying from the pleasure. He soon put a finger to her entrance and she thrusting down, trying to slip it into her. She was growing impatient with his slow pace. He put an arm on her hips as he continued to abuse her flowering bud, pushing his finger in slowly and setting a slow pace.
"Please…i-i-it's not enough. I-It hurts" she begged shakily between moans. He complied with her begging and inserted another digit. She groaned, her hand pulling at his hair as he picked up the pace just a bit more. It wasn't long before he had a third finger inside her. He leaned back slipping her knee over his shoulder as he slowly pumped in and out. Tears were streaming down her face as she was drowning in the pleasure.
"Please, Sesshomaru, I don't want it" she begged.
He thrusted his fingers into her abruptly earning a groan, "Tell me, what it is that you want?" he asked her as he slowly pulled out of her.
She whimpered at the emptiness inside, "I-I-I w-w-w-want…" she trailed off panting as the heat finally settled in full force in her body, she swallowed before continuing, "your knot."
Sesshomaru almost couldn't contain himself at the request as he growled and plunged the digits back into her at an ungodly speed. Her moans grew terribly loud as she cried, "No, please. It's not enough!"
He did not stop until she was tightening around his hand as she finally reached her climax. She sank into the futon, quivering at the aftershocks. Curling into a ball she panted for several moments before searing eyes met his, the lust behind them was like nothing he had seen before as her eyes took in his body before settling on his nether regions. He grabbed her chin, pulling her gaze to his face as he slipped into her hot mouth. She moaned into the passionate kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him into her. He felt legs spread underneath him. He was at his limit, he couldn't fight against her demands much longer. He almost lost it when she grabbed him and rubbed against her entrance.
"Please…" she begged as she nibbled his ear, "I want it…inside" she went on as her other hand roamed his body, he could feel her light thrusts slowly pulling him inside her warm folds. "P-P-Please, I want your seed so bad I can't stand it."
He was gone at that, he plowed into her as she screamed her approval. The loving and gentle touches were gone and replaced with the animalistic fucking characteristic of heats. Her moans and gasps were frequently interrupted with her approval and demands. She begged for his knot as she trembled beneath him, she begged him to impregnate her as she rocked her hips against his thrusts. Her nails dug into his back as she leaned up to bury her face in his neck. She licked and sucked at the scent gland just below his ear. It wasn't long before he felt her teeth sink in and the breathy whisper declaring he was hers.
He gripped her tighter as he rammed into her velvety folds. She screamed in pleasure as she reached a second climax, but it did not stop her begging. He would give it to her. She would carry his child, he would make sure of it. He would release so deeply inside her again and again until her womb was overflowing with his seed. He thrusted forward once more, burying himself deep within her as she sighed and gave approving whimpers as she tightened around his knot. His release was long and afterward he slumped against her as she peppered his neck and cheek with kisses. He rolled over onto his back pulling her with him. They would be tied together for a long while, by the time it subsided, she would be ready once again. She laid on his chest as her breathing began to return to normal. Her face buried in his neck still. His hand rubbed gently at her back. The next time he would be gentler as he had intended to begin with, he wouldn't let her begging overcome him again.
They would rest for now. He would enjoy her now, the night was long, by morning she would be trying to run away. She would without a doubt be embarrassed by her heat and the acts they had committed.
A/N: A jou is a traditional Japanese measurement and is a little more than 3 meters.
Hope you all enjoyed that! Remember, the next chapter will also start off explicitly. If you don't enjoy that, you'll have to scroll quite a bit to get past it. I put plot even in my explicit chapters so you won't know what's going on next if you skip. I hope everyone has a great day, and I'll see you next time!