ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Disclaimer: Yup, I don't own Inuyasha!

Beta-ed by Ceferadel.

Chapter 21 – Love in the Making: Lesson 4 (Humility)

Kagome sighed contently. It was a fine warm mid day. She was laying on top of furs on one of the castle's terraces that overlooked the garden. The furs were arranged in such a manner so her feet could elevate. Sesshoumaru said that it would help to ease the swelling on her ankles and feet, much to her surprise of his knowledge. She glanced at her left where Sesshoumaru was lying with his head propped on one of his hands. She was amused when she saw his slightly frowned face. She did not know he was capable of such facial expression.

He withdrew his hand that was on top of her abdomen. "He is supposed to move, but this Sesshoumaru does not feel anything."

Kagome's lips twitched up in watching his cute, 'cute' does sound strange to be associated to him, irritated face. "He's playing games with you." She took his hand and put it on the right side of her stomach. "Here. This is where I think his extremities are. Put your hand here and be patient."

"Hn."

"Hey!" Kagome said when Sesshoumaru lifted up her body and moved himself so he was sitting behind her. His hands immediately circled her abdomen.

"This is most comfortable." He said while putting his hand on her right side.

"Um…" Kagome was tense and hesitant at first, but then she could not deny that his warm body behind her and his comforting rubs on her stomach were indeed relaxing and comfy. She then dropped her head to his chest and snuggled looking for his warmth.

"Ow." She felt the baby kick and Sesshoumaru's eyes widened when he felt it too.

"He moved."

Kagome felt warmth flooding in her heart seeing the happiness and pride that emanated from his features. Sesshoumaru rubbed her stomach, letting out some of his youki to alert his son that his sire was near. "He will be very strong. He will do a lot of kicking and jabbing. But this Sesshoumaru believes that you will endure it with not much difficulty."

Kagome grimaced when he was right; another kick from her baby. "How do you know about that Sesshoumaru? Do you learn about human pregnancy? Or is it the same with youkai's?"

"Hn. This Sesshoumaru has source."

"What source?"

"A dependable one."

"Such as?"

"Hn."

Kagome huffed. "Are you too prideful to acknowledge that source? It won't hurt or lessen your greatness if you admit that you do need others. In fact, knowledgeable and powerful allies will add to your strength. Learn about that Sesshoumaru; understands humility. It will make you a much greater ruler."

He seemed to contemplate her words; his hand was still rubbing her stomach slowly. "Hn. Human midwife has more accurate knowledge about pregnant woman."

Kagome was astounded. "So all of your knowledge about my pregnancy is obtained from her?"

"Mostly." She felt the baby kick again and he rubbed her belly to sooth him. "She is most trustworthy and knowable of human pregnancy."

So he seeks information from a midwife? The great Sesshoumaru was asking a midwife about pregnancy? A human on top of that. She could not believe that he would do that for his child. Even in her time, not many fathers would consult a midwife regarding his spouse's pregnancy. Pregnancy was usually considered as a sole responsibility of the woman's.

Kagome then smiled. "I never thought I would hear you say such a thing Sesshoumaru. To admit that you need someone else; to acknowledge and trust other's knowledge and value. You've changed; I'm glad that you seek information from her. You know, right about now you may be feeling the true 'love' I keep telling you about." She felt his hand on her belly stilled. "Your true love for your would-be-child makes you seek the information to ensure his well-being during pregnancy." She gave him one of her sincerest smiles. "I'm happy for you, Sesshoumaru. You really can love."

He gazed at her intently. "And for your well-being also, my beloved mate." He leaned his face closer and kissed her; softly and slowly, savoring every inch of her soft lips. Kagome was lulled into a feeling of content, comfort, and safety.

They broke up the kiss contently, and Kagome held her breath when she saw his face. She was suffocated by the intensity of his gaze. She averted her eyes from him; her heart fluttered because of the obvious love that shone from his eyes. She felt he resumed his light scratches and rubs on her stomach; triggering another kick from her baby.

No, it can't be true. He truly loves me? Kagome bit her lip. Now… what should I do?

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Humility: Modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self.

AN: Kags, what take you so long to finally realize that he does love you???  Four more lessons to go and four more months of her pregnancy! Wonder when will Kags realize that she loves him too?

Stay tuned and keep reviewing!

©miwa03 – 2009