"My old bones will need a rest. I have not the energy that I once did." Mikazuki sighed, leaning more heavily against Inuyasha's strength. Inuyasha tilted his head to listen politely. "There was once a time when I was able to fly and fight without rest for days."
Inuyasha does nothing politely. How irritating. The whelp chooses this moment to conduct himself with manners?
Rin walked beside him. Sesshomaru permitted the young girl to take his hand. He noticed her height—she now stood as tall as his waist. Once, she had not even stood as high as his knees. He could not conceptualize the speed at which humans grew. In only a year, the girl has become twice her height. Nothing concerning humans makes sense.
"Father!" Yuki forced his young legs to speed forward; the effort made his son breathless. "Look—for you!"
Sesshomaru paused in the path. Distance between him and his idiot sibling was always a balm to his nerves. He would also relish removing himself from his grandmother's presence. She would surely name her prize for winning their race at the most inopportune time to do her best to embarrass him even though she did not race fairly. If he were to mention her fraudulent win—by grasping onto his legs and using her superior size to set her paws on the ground first—she would wiggle out of any wrong. She would not accept responsibility.
Just as Inuyasha would.
"Shells!" Yuki held up his open palm. "For Father!"
Sesshomaru kneeled to accept the boy's meager offering. Yuki's gift was no more than a handful of broken hermit crab shells. Still, he nodded slightly to show the boy his thanks and tucked them into his armor.
Yuki's smile widened.
The young monk continued to follow the two ahead, moving around them. He was determinedly ignoring Sesshomaru's gaze. Mikazuki liked to play games, but he would not tolerate any infatuation with the human monk-even if she was only teasing him with her fondness for Inuyasha's human.
"See, Mayu?" Yuki's voice piped up. "Father like!"
"He did indeed." Mayu stood by his side, smiling at the proud boy. Her eyes shifted to meet his.
It relieved him that Mikazuki had been able to heal Mayu's arm. The idea of her limb rotting away because of the foolishness heroism of that girl disturbed him. He would have been required to kill her—the smell of dying flesh had set both of his children ill at ease. Now Mayu would no longer be in danger of losing her arm. Also, the miniature girl beside her was doing her best to sniff at Sesshomaru's cloak without him noticing. Perhaps she would begin to trust him now that Mayu was free from the kuromiko's curse.
Mayu's cheeks colored slightly as Sesshomaru continued to stare.
"Ex-cuze." Airi pulled on Mayu's skirts. "Mayu." The young girl came forward—in Sesshomaru's kneeling position, she was able to rest her hands on Sesshomaru's forearm. "Mayu say you help a-arm. Is true?"
One of the goals of their trip to Grandmother's residence had been for Mayu's healing. They had also required clothing, which Grandmother kept in surplus—one of her odder habits. She was becoming strange and outspoken in her old age.
Mayu nodded slowly and deliberately—he accepted her suggestion.
"Hai." He answered softly. On the other side, Rin patted his shoulder.
"I want say," Airi's tongue ran over her mouth. "Say thank to you. Not hurt more." The girl's gaze dropped to look at her own feet.
"You owe me no gratitude." He maintained his quiet tones.
"Sesshomaru-sama is being modest, Airi-chan. He cares about you. He wants you to be happy." Mayu added softly. "He did not want you to worry about me anymore. I am healthy again because of his kindness."
"True?" Airi's eyebrows came together. He did not respond, but the words seemed to have great effect on her. Her small, clawed hand rested on his elbow. She gestured to him with the other. Rin was pushing on his arm gently, nudging him towards his daughter. Sesshomaru leaned down slightly to allow her to touch his face—her small fingers seemed ironically tiny to have such sharp claws on them. She leaned up on her toes to press her lips against his face briefly. Faster than he would have suspected the girl's face was buried in Mayu's skirts.
"Airi-chan is very shy about affection." Mayu's lips turned upwards. "It means that she is very happy, Sesshomaru-sama."
"May I kiss you, my lord?" Rin's hands were firm on his arm. "Rin would like to kiss you too."
"Me!" Yuki blinked, eyeing Rin. "Me too!"
"Does she remain afraid?" He was concerned—the girl was refusing to emerge from Mayu's legs. She was firmly connected to Mayu's calf.
"Airi-chan is not afraid of you—she is shy." Mayu hesitantly reached out to touch his shoulder. "She will be herself around you once you are better acquainted. You have made great progress. She does not often show affection."
"I want to kiss Sesshomaru-sama first!" Rin crossed her arms.
"No, me!"
Sesshomaru rose to his feet. Airi's head turned to glance up at him, blinking.
"Airi-chan, would you like to walk with him?" Mayu suggested. Her tiny claws gripped Mayu's leg tightly, making her wince. He began to walk forward, ignoring the squabbling children.
"Hold fur?" Airi asked quietly.
"Sesshomaru," Mayu's voice stilled his feet. "What do you mean, Airi?"
"Mean spikes," Airi whispered. "Scary."
"Rin." Sesshomaru stopped the girl in her tracks. "Follow the monk to the village. Take Yuki. We will follow shortly." He could still see the human in the distance—they would be in no danger.
"Y-yes, Sesshomaru-sama!" Rin took Yuki's hand. "Follow me, little brother. We are going to find Kagome."
"Find 'Ome?" Yuki' face brightened, despite being sent away. "Find first!" The boy suddenly sped forward, following Miroku's path. "Wait, Yuki!" They watched as Rin and Yuki caught up with the human monk who turned to wave in their direction.
"Sesshomaru-sama?"
"Come." Sesshomaru led them towards a group of trees. Mayu followed his lead and sat down. He laid his swords behind him in easy reach. Inuyasha's girl had already warned him that she would consider them intimidating. She had been correct. He began to undo the buckles on his armor.
Airi watched every movement scrupulously.
"W-what are you doing, my lord?" Mayu watched him unwind the fur from his shoulder.
Airi cannot be allowed to fear me. I will not tolerate it.
"Do you see, Airi?" Mayu rubbed the girl's back. The girl had half-turned, glancing at him from beneath her bangs.
"Yuki say Pack," Airi whispered. "Scary."
"Yuki speaks the truth. He is your Pack. There is no reason to fear him. He is…" Mayu exhaled and leaned down to rest her forehead against their daughter's. She growled softly. Pack-Leader. Father. Her hands cradled Airi's face gently.
"Who you?" Airi whispered. Mayu leaned back slightly, blinking. He was also confused until the girl pointed in his direction and then towards her mother.
"Oh—" Mayu blinked. Her cheeks flushed. "Who are we to each other?" Airi nodded, shifting her green eyes in his direction again. Mayu's cheeks were pink—how amusing. The girl seemed to realize this as well. Her hair swayed as she turned. Her eyes stared at him.
"Who you?" Airi demanded. "Mayu mine. Hear me?"
Sesshomar blinked.
"Airi, do not be so rude." Mayu covered her face with her hands briefly. "Airi!"
"Why kiss?" Airi's eyes narrowed at him.
Sesshomaru was rather enjoying Mayu's cringing embarrassment and his daughter's protective glare. He assumed that she was trying to protect her relationship with Mayu. She did not want him as competition for her mother's attention. Her fearlessness impressed him—not many dared command him so.
"She kissed me, little one."
"Do not encourage her." Mayu nearly groaned. "She can be so demanding." Sesshomaru smiled at the unflinching expression on his daughter's face. She crossed her arms.
"No more kiss—you hear?" Airi pouted. "Swear."
"And if I refuse?" Airi seemed to be considering her options of attack. The girl growled to herself, looking elsewhere. It was several moments until she stuck her tongue out at him. She realizes that she cannot threaten me. She is intelligent, very intelligent.
"He is only teasing you, Airi." Mayu reached towards the girl. Her face was pink—the blue markings of her eye only made her blush seem more profound. "We have talked about this—you cannot growl at everyone."
"Hn." Sesshomaru took hold of Mayu's hand.
Airi stomped her foot.
"Airi—release him!" The girl's teeth landed on either side of his wrist. She growled; her jaw was not strong enough to even bruise his skin. Mayu flushed with embarrassment. "I am so sorry. She does not usually behave this way!"
"She is very possessive of you." He did not respond to the growling girl's demands.
"Airi is very shy and does not usually make friends her own age, so I am the one who plays with her. I…I suspect that she is nervous with so many new people around." Mayu exhaled. "With everything that has changed recently, I cannot blame her for wanting to keep me close."
"Hn."
"Still, you cannot continue to bite people. You are a big girl now." Mayu shook her shoulder. "Airi…"
"Little one, I have no intention of taking Mayu from you." Sesshomaru promised solemnly. The girl raised her eyes, although she maintained her hold on his wrist. He had not considered the effects of the situation from her perspective. The feeling was an emotion that he could not name.
"He loves you, Airi. He will not hurt you." Mayu rubbed her arm. "Please release him."
Airi did as she was asked, rotating her jaw. She fell rather harshly onto her backside.
"Sesshomaru-sama is…is my dear friend and a pack member." Mayu continued, folding her hands in her lap. She leaned down towards the girl. "How do we treat Pack, Airi?"
Sesshomaru was confused. The girl pouted.
"Airi…"
"Treat kind." Airi recited. "Trust."
"Good girl," Mayu smiled. "He helped you with your claws, did he not? Does he not deserve your trust? He removed the spikes for you."
"She fears my armor." Sesshomaru stated. Mayu nodded and tucked her long hair behind her ear.
"She means no offense, my lord. She is only a little girl. The armor is much larger than she is." Mayu shrugged one shoulder.
"Scary spike-man," Airi chirped.
"No-no-no," Mayu tsked her tongue. She tilted her head, examining their small daughter. She seemed to be at a loss of arguments to convince her.
What would Father have done? How would he convince a two-year old pup that her father was not someone to fear? Father had been good with dealing with children—he had retained that much from his distant childhood.
"Hn." Sesshomaru reached forward and took hold of Mayu's wrist. Despite the questions in her eyes Mayu allowed herself to be drawn closer. Airi's eyes watched as he rested his brow against Mayu's. He closed his eyes.
It was a natural motion—a sign of trust and safety. Given Mayu's permission to remain so close in range of his fangs and claws would speak to the girl's instincts. His ears were tuned towards Airi. The girl was still young enough to be ruled by her baser urges. He was pleased to listen to her clothing rustle and the grass shift. The tiny girl moved to stand between them.
"Look," Airi pleaded.
Mayu pulled away carefully—Airi was pulling on their clothing. Sesshomaru was glad to see her turning her eyes up to him. "Me too. Me?"
"Y-yes, Airi." Mayu answered after a pause. The flesh of her neck and collar were pink. She lifted Airi into her lap without looking at him. At the insistence of Airi's small hands, she tilted her head forward. Mayu rubbed circles on the girl's back, humming softly.
"See, Airi-chan? He is Pack." Mayu prompted the girl to turn towards him. The child still seemed wary but was no longer shying away from him. He reached forward to smooth a section of her hair with his fingers.
"…yes," she chirped. "Pack."
Sesshomaru could not deny the satisfaction that bloomed in his chest.
"This is my wife, Kagome." Inuyasha stated solemnly, keeping his eyes on the elderly youkai's face. Kagome moved her eyes back to rest on Inuyasha. Her husband was behaving rather strangely. He was standing tall with his shoulders back as he supported part of the woman's weight with his arm.
"You are very young." The stranger stated bluntly.
Kagome blinked.
"I mean no offense—humans always appear like newborns to me." The elderly woman continued in a soft voice. "Adults without fangs. It is distracting. But you are extraordinarily pretty." She smiled, patting Inuyasha's arm. "Do not allow me to continue—introduce me to your young wife to stop her staring at me so."
"…yeah. Kagome," Inuyasha seemed to be struggling with something. "…this is my old man's mother—Mikazuki. She was the one who flew over us earlier."
His father's mother? Inuyasha has a grandmother? Did she just call me a newborn?
"Where is your child? I would like to meet your family." Mikazuki ordered softly. Kagome was startled to watch her husband nod without a word. At least I understand his behavior a bit more. Inuyasha's grandmother! The inuyoukai that we saw was enormous—as large as the skeleton resting in his father's grave. He has always wanted to know his father—Inuyasha will probably do anything she says and be on his best behavior.
"Misaki is with friends. Your arrival with Sesshomaru made us nervous." Kagome managed. We saw her take Sesshomaru to the ground—where is he? "Is he here with you?"
"Kagome!" Rin walked towards them with Yuki in tow. "The Houshi-sama wanted me to tell you that he went to find Sango and his baby. I think he really missed them," she whispered.
"Inuyasha, my bones are tired. Please take me to your home. I would like to rest." Mikazuki pulled on his arm gently. She yawned into her sleeve. "I was once able to travel such distances with energy to spare. Perhaps I should not have goaded Sesshomaru into racing with me. I had forgotten what youthful energy he has."
"…sure. Kagome? Do you want to go home?" Inuyasha's ears flicked. In the days since Sesshomaru's departure they had gone home. The village was currently overly-crowded since Kaede's home was still being rebuilt. Kaede, Rin, Shippo, Kohaku, Sango and their baby were living under Miroku's roof. There was simply not room for her, Inuyasha and Misaki. That was not even considering Miroku, Sesshomaru, Yuki, Airi, Mayu, Jaken, and the occasional visit from Totosai and Myouga.
And now Mikazuki—when did the village get so big? We will need to build more homes soon.
"That is a wonderful idea." Kagome nodded. "I will go and get the baby. Rin? What about you and Yuki-chan? Where are Mayu and Airi?"
"They are with Sesshomaru-sama." Rin answered brightly. "He told Rin to bring Yuki to the village."
"Would you like to come with us or spend the night in the village?"
"I would like to come with you, please." Rin smiled. "May I, Kagome?"
"You may." Kagome smiled. "But first things first. Guard Inuyasha, will you? Don't let him wander off without me."
Rin giggled. "Yes, Kagome."
She turned in the direction of her friend's home, avoiding villagers on her way. From the noise coming from inside Miroku's hut, she imagined that he must be home. She knocked and received her invitation before stepping inside.
"Good aft—" Kagome stopped, blushing. She turned her eyes away.
Miroku finished kissing Sango, leaning back. The former taijiya blushed—as was her brother. Kohaku was steadily ignoring the happily married couple in favor of his warm tea. Kagome smiled at him instead—Kohaku was already turning into a tall and handsome young man. How old was he now—sixteen, seventeen? His shoulders were beginning to round out with his taijiya training. The planes of his face were beginning to square; he was losing his boyishness.
"Hi Kohaku." Kagome greeted. "How are you? How is your training?"
"Quite well—Totosai says that I am learning quickly."
"Has Miroku told you about our visitor? About—"
"Their grandmother? Yes." Sango blushed. Miroku held their baby boy Hitomu in his arm, gently cradling the infant.
"Hello, Misaki." Kagome cooed as Sango passed over her baby. She laughed, moving her feet. Kagome allowed the baby to grasp onto her hand, dragging her finger towards her mouth. The baby sucked on her finger, pressing her feet against her strongly. "It is good to see you too, Miroku-sama. How was your trip with Sesshomaru?"
"…strange. He is a very strange person." Miroku smiled crookedly. "I think that I will be staying in the village for a while. I have had enough adventures for the present."
"Good—because you are mine, and I will not relinquish you again soon." Sango squeezed his hand. "We missed you, Houshi-sama."
"I missed you," Miroku smiled. Kagome could feel her face flush at the atmosphere in the room.
"Kohaku, would you like to join us?" Kagome watched the young man squirm. He nodded quickly and followed her out as she exited. His face was very flushed. Kagome blinked at his height—he was as tall as she was now. "You've gotten very tall, Kohaku. You are becoming a very handsome young man."
Kohaku blushed again.
"…thank you, Kagome-sama."
"All of the ladies will be chasing after you soon." Kagome decided to tease him a bit. "You should visit the village more often. We have to start looking for your wife."
"I…I do not think so." Kohaku shifted, playing with the chain hanging from his waist.
"Would you like to go with us to visit with Sesshomaru's grandmother?" If her instincts held true, Miroku and Sango would need some time alone for quite a while. Kohaku needed a place to sleep tonight.
"Yes." Kohaku nodded. "Thank you."
"Come on Misaki—let's go and meet your grandma, shall we?" Kagome cooed. The baby shifted, mewling. "I just hope that Inuyasha will act like himself again soon. He is being too polite for my liking."
Kagome found Inuyasha and Mikazuki standing across the road from Kaede's hut. The debris had finally been cleared from the destroyed remains. Inuyasha and the men had been unable to immediately remove the wreckage because of the smell of poison. But, now there was the beginnings of a new hut in place. There was wood, tools, and the outline all ready.
Rin waved at her as she approached. She was holding Yuki's hand.
"Sesshomaru's little one destroyed this?" Mikazuki gestured. "She inherited the Dokkaso?"
"Yes. It was an accident. She didn't mean to." Inuyasha shrugged. "Kaede wasn't even upset. We're rebuilding her a new home. It would be going faster but the humans are in the fields working."
"Airi was playing with Yuki. She didn't mean to." Rin chirped.
"Why has Sesshomaru not volunteered to rebuild her home? His child is responsible." Mikazuki frowned. The lines in her face deepened.
"What?"
"He has been raised with better manners than this—what did he offer? Did he return the value of this home to its owner? Gold? In food?"
"I don't understand."
"That idiot boy—his daughter destroyed someone's home and he walked away? He offered no compensation?" Mikazuki scowled. Inuyasha blinked. Mikazuki turned, grasping Inuyasha's arm. "Will you walk with me? I need to find my foolish grandchild."
"Ah—yes." Inuyasha shrugged at Kagome's confused expression. He assisted Mikazuki in turning—her leg required her to lean on Inuyasha rather heavily as she did so. Kagome followed with a sigh—although, she would like to watch someone put Sesshomaru in his place. Just once.
They were on the outskirts of the village when Kagome spotted Sesshomaru in the distance. Mayu and Airi were following. The little girl was smiling and playing with the portion of Sesshomaru's cloak that she could reach—it swung temptingly with every step he took.
"Sesshomaru!" Mikazuki scolded. He stopped, narrowing his eyes. Airi stopped in her tracks, startled. "Why have you not offered to have the miko's home rebuilt?"
"Such matters are not my concern. Move." Sesshomaru ordered curtly.
"Your daughter is the one who destroyed the home—you owe her a debt. You were raised to honor your debts." She matched his tone. "I have seen no home in this village which belongs to you—Inuyasha says that you have none."
"I would never live amongst mortals and their hovels." Sesshomaru answered. "Neither would I lower myself to living in a cave."
"Then you still do not understand your position. Your education is sadly lacking, Sesshomaru." Mikazuki frowned. Sesshomaru remained silent. "You owe these little tyrants a den to mature in. You are a father and the lead of this little pack which you have built here. What will you do when your young lady bears more children? Will you raise your newborns in the woods with no shelter against the elements? Have you no instinct?"
There was a slight choking sound—Kagome's eyes were drawn to Mayu. The inuyoukai covered her face, which was a startling shade of pink.
Kagome emphasized. Poor Mayu—still, Mikazuki has a point. Those babies really do need a home of their own. Our home isn't big enough to house Mayu and the babies and they cannot stay in that shed forever. And it will be a while still under Kaede's house will be rebuilt—so where will they stay? Since it is the summer they might be able to camp outside they will need somewhere to live when the weather turns cold again.
"I am growing more certain that my presence is needed here—you have been a wandering bachelor far too long, Sesshomaru." Mikazuki exhaled. "I am going to send word to our craftsmen to repair that human's home, Sesshomaru."
"That is none of my concern, old fool."
"I am also going to instruct them to build a den—which you sorely require." Mikazuki snorted. "Even your father was not as dense as you are. You have forgotten the very basics of your early training."
"You will build it for yourself. I have no need of such." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. He continued forward, avoiding his elder by a hair's length. Kagome almost giggled at the way she crossed her arms.
"What a stubborn ass—where does he expect his children to sleep this winter if not in their own den?" Mikazuki muttered. "Is he so insensitive to his children's needs? Sesshomaru is no fool. He must realize that they cannot yet endure the open forest."
"He probably just expects them to bed down with us again." Inuyasha snorted.
"No—he is far too honest with himself. He has been trained to identify weakness; it is second nature to him. He recognizes that his pups are too young to be without a den. Yet, they do not have one already. Why is that?" Mikazuki fixed her eyes on Mayu. "Something happened which prevented it—involving Tukiyo."
"It's a long story." Kagome interrupted before Mikazuki could pressure Mayu.
"That conniving ass." Mikazuki's lip curled as she continued to mutter to herself. "His pride is going to get him killed someday." She looked up into Inuyasha's bemused expression. "He knows that his little pack needs shelter but he does not want to call for the craftsmen. He wanted me to become angry at him and take it upon myself."
"Why?" Inuyasha frowned. "That's stupid."
"Inuyoukai are not made to be solitary. There is a saying that we once borrowed from the ookami: 'The lone wolf goes mad'. Sesshomaru has lived as a hermit for centuries, forsaking his kind in search of his own answers. You must be something of a lone wolf yourself, young one." Mikazuki tilted her head in Mayu's direction.
"Come along, Airi." Mayu flushed, lifting the girl onto her waist. She quickly followed in Sesshomaru's tracks.
"What's a lone wolf?" Rin finally found an opening to speak.
"A rogue inuyoukai—solitary and lonesome." Mikazuki answered quietly. "I have never thought that he would find his own pack. I thought that I would pass onto the next world alone and that one day Sesshomaru would do likewise."
"But Sesshomaru-sama is not alone!" Rin stood on her toes. "He has always had Master Jaken and me and Ah and Un. And now he has Inuyasha, Kagome, the babies and Mayu too."
"Indeed." Mikazuki smiled. "Regardless of his own opinion—remind me of your name?"
"I am Rin," she answered proudly, hooking her hands behind her back.
"Well, Lady Rin, would you like to have a cup of tea? I am quite parched—and I still require my nap. Inuyasha, do you have paper and ink?"
"I do—Inuyasha does not like ink very much." Kagome touched his arm fondly. His ears twitched. "The smell can be a bit…strong when the well is opened."
"There is no shame. I could not bear the scent of ink for most of my youth." Mikazuki answered soothingly, leaning on Inuyasha. The old woman yawned; one of her fangs was missing. "If my senses had not dulled over the years I still would not be able to bear it."
"Hey—where is your—" Inuyasha gestured towards his mouth.
"I want rest, Inuyasha. Ask me your questions later." Mikazuki ordered wearily. "There will be plenty of time for questions."
Kagome touched Inuyasha's shoulder as she moved around the fire. His clawed fingers rested on Misaki's belly as she slept in her basket. Misaki drooled as she slept.
"She is such a good baby," Kagome exhaled happily. "She has been sleeping more solidly, have you noticed?"
"Keh—she's tired." Inuyasha shrugged. She noticed his ears flicker towards the other room. Mikazuki was snoring heavily in her sleep. She and Inuyasha had brought a futon from the village for her and dressed it with as many soft fabrics as they could find. She knew that he wanted to do good things for her.
"I think she is pretty cool." Kagome smiled. Inuyasha looked up. "I have never seen anyone yell at Sesshomaru that way. Do you really think they're going to build a den? What does that mean?"
"I—I dunno." Inuyasha shifted. He seemed uncomfortable. "They're going to build a place to raise the kids, I guess."
"They do not seem to get along very well, but he respects her." Kagome handed him a portion of stew. "She is more similar to you than to Sesshomaru."
"Do you think she—" He stopped, taking a sip of the stew in his hand. She waited for him to continue. He continued to gaze down into his dinner silently. His ears flicked.
"Inuyasha? You can ask me anything." She reached to touch his knee. Even now, there were times when he closed his heart to her. Still, little-by-little she was working with her husband to soften his heart and make him more open. For the sake of their baby, Inuyasha needed to be able to talk about the intimate things in their lives.
"Does she like me?" Inuyasha asked quietly. Her heart bloomed with love and affection—he wants to discuss it!
"Of course she likes you." Kagome rubbed her thumb back-and-forth over his knee. "She let you escort her about town and she was asking about your family. It means that she is interested in you."
The baby stirred—her legs extended, resting against the basket.
"What's wrong, kitten? Are you hungry?" Kagome lifted the baby from her basket. The baby shifted against her breast, mewling. She undid the ties of her shirt and slipped the fabric down her shoulder. The baby easily found her way and began to drink hungrily. "Kaede says that Misaki is very strong. Some babies in the village have trouble learning how to drink. Even Sango had to teach Hitomu how to latch on."
"Don't call her 'kitten'. That's just weird." Inuyasha snorted.
"But she is—who's my good baby?" She patted Misaki's bottom soothingly. The baby's dark ears twitched happily the way they always did when she was being fed. "No one has a prettier baby than we do."
"Keh—that's true." Her husband smiled. She switched the baby to her other breast when she began making noise. "Why does she do that squeaking thing though?"
"She likes it, I suppose." Kagome giggled. "I think it is adorable."
"Yeah." Inuyasha put down his dinner to lean over. He touched Misaki's ear gently. The baby stopped feeding from her and turned her face. She cried out softly. Inuyasha released her ear.
"Were your ears that sensitive when you were little?" She still did not understand exactly why Misaki did not want people touching her ears. Kagome imagined that they were sensitive, but no matter how gently they were touched she cried.
"…I don't remember." His voice was soft. After a few minutes Kagome was able to direct the baby towards her breast again. Inuyasha's arm fell around her shoulders warmly and she leaned into his chest. "I…I'm happy that we are home. It is nice to have some peace and quiet again."
I know what you mean. Kagome tilted her head back to kiss him. It was nice to know that everyone was safe and sound. Yuki and Airi were safe somewhere with their parents. Kohaku was dozing against the outside wall—he had eaten his dinner with a quiet 'thank you' and fallen asleep in the warm summer night. Sango and Miroku were probably still happy in their home in the village 'reuniting'.
Misaki truly is the cutest baby in the entire world. Maybe in a while we can think about having another—maybe a little brother with cute fuzzy ears and Inuyasha's attitude. Or a sister to play with. That would be so wonderful—children playing in the yard while I make dinner and Inuyasha chops firewood! Her heart was warm and happy at the image of a group of children running about with Inuyasha's ears and sweet little faces.
There was a loud, distinctive sound—Kagome pulled away from Inuyasha, disgusted. Her hanyou husband grinned as she covered her nose and the baby began to wail.
"Oh Inuyasha, gross! You're sick!"
"Keh—at least mine happen when I'm awake. You let 'em rip while you sleep." Inuyasha chuckled, returning to his dinner. "You could blister the hide off a mule, wench."
"I do not—take that back!"
"You should have warned me before I married you—the baby does the same thing."
Oooh—sit!" Kagome felt the blood rush to her face. "You…you guy." I was having such a beautiful daydream too. "Quit laughing!"
"Sesshomaru-sama!" Rin spotted her lord striding towards them in the difference. "Sesshomaru-sama, welcome back my lord!"
"Will you stop that yelling, Rin?" Jaken grouched behind her, tapping his staff against the ground. "Must you always be so loud?"
"But you are always loud, Jaken-sama!"
"Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin tilted her head back to see him. Her brave friend seemed strangely upset. "My lord, what is the matter?" Her eyes focused on the wriggling thing in his arms. "Sesshomaru-sama, what is that? Did you bring back a bunny for Rin? I love bunnies!"
The wriggling thing in his arms began to wail—it moved again. A chubby leg escaped from the blanket. Rin's eyes widened. "Sesshomaru-sama, that's a baby! Why do you have a baby?"
"What?" Jaken's voice was very loud. "Milord?"
Sesshomaru kneeled down silently. She immediately moved forward to gaze at the unhappy little face pushing against Sesshomaru's armor. The baby did not seem happy to be held—he was wailing loudly and his face was scrunched into a little scowl. Rin took in the baby's white hair and the little purple moon above his eyes.
"His name is Yuki." Sesshomaru said softly. Rin looked up at him—he seemed very tired and sad. "His linen is soiled."
"He needs changing?" Rin blinked. "I will, Sesshomaru-sama." She leaned forward to accept the weight of the baby. He was heavier than she was expecting and he seemed no happier than before. She touched his bottom gently. Sesshomaru-sama was right. The baby needed a clean diaper.
"You have a baby? Why did you not tell us milord? Do I mean so little to you?" Jaken was nearly in tears. "I have served you all these years loyally. When did you decide to have a child?"
Rin winced as Sesshomaru's arm moved swiftly and Jaken fell unconscious.
"I think we have some clean stuff on Ah and Un." Rin supported the baby's weight as she wandered over towards their friend. She was struggling to hold onto the little boy as she reached for AhUn's saddle. She was very glad when Sesshomaru undid the leather ties for her and revealed the cloth inside.
"Thank you—would it be ok if I used this?" Rin pulled out one of her old kimonos. "Would you help me rip it into a square? It is too big to use right now."
"How large?"
"…this much." Rin estimated, drawing a square against the fabric lying against the saddle. Sesshomaru's hand moved swiftly and the scraps dropped to the ground. "Thank you. Could we find some water?"
She followed him towards a nearby river. She had the scraps and the makeshift diaper in her hands as she plopped down onto the grass. The toddler in her arms squirmed unhappily as she undid his clothing and exposed his diaper. Rin held her breath as she removed his diaper. Sesshomaru-sama was watching her as she worked. She left the dirty one alone as she tried to figure out how to wrap the diaper around him. It was still too big for him but at least she could loosely tie it around him. At least he was clean again.
"I think he has a rash." Rin noticed the redness. "Does he? Why are his legs that color?"
Sesshomaru-sama remained silent.
The baby's wailing still had not stopped.
"Do you think it hurts? What do I do?" Rin blinked. "Do you have any medicine, my lord?"
Silence.
"It's ok baby—Rin is here." She touched the toddler's hands—his crying quieted a bit. "It's ok—you can stop crying. Just be still. I am going to help you." Rin left the baby on the grass as she went to search through AhUn's saddle for anything that would help. The two-headed dragon youkai made a sound, heads turning in Sesshomaru's direction. "It's ok Ah and Un. Do not worry." Rin patted their necks. The baby was loud and the noise was probably hard on their ears.
"I found this poultice that Jaken made for my feet—do you think it will help?" Rin brought the jar towards Sesshomaru. He ignored her in favor of the water. Rin undid the top of the jar and dipped her fingers into the green goo that she put on her blisters sometime. She spread it over the baby's red thighs and his backside gently.
"Is that better?" Rin wiped her hands off on the remaining clean scraps. His wailing finally stopped. Instead he whined and turned his head. "There you go, cute baby. You are with Rin now. Rin will take care of you."
The baby whimpered. Rin picked him up again and set him in her lap. She hugged him. His hands pushed against her chest and he turned away from her. The wailing started again. She set him down onto the grass. He wailed, shifting his feet.
"Sesshomaru-sama, what do we do?" Rin tried again. Her lord remained silent. "Do you think he's hungry? What does he eat? Is he your baby?"
Over the next days the little toddler boy cried. He cried when Rin touched him. He cried when Jaken spoke. He did not want to be held by Sesshomaru-sama. He hated the food that they brought him. Sesshomaru-sama was quiet and angry. She was sleepy from taking care of the baby and keeping him from crawling away from their fire. Sesshomaru-sama was quieter than usual and wasn't talking to them.
"Why isn't he eating?" Jaken glared at her angrily over their fire. "Aren't human women good with infants?"
"I do not know, Jaken-sama." Rin rubbed at her eyes. They were bleary and sore. Sesshomaru-sama had gone somewhere without a word again. The baby's diaper was completely clean again—Rin knew that he was uncomfortable.
"Do you want some mashed melon, Yuki?" Rin showed him the food. The toddler turned his face away and pushed his hands against the cup. He turned away from her onto his hands and knees; he began to crawl away. "Stop him Master Jaken!"
"You cannot leave the camp!" Jaken stood in front of him. He had been moving towards the trees surrounding them. "Do you understand?"
"Here, Yuki." Rin put her bowl onto the ground and poured some of their water into it. "Are you thirsty? Rin has water for you." She was happy when he turned around to sniff at the water. He began to drink. "Good boy! What a good boy you are."
"He is not a dog, Rin!" Jaken nervously looked around for Sesshomaru.
"He's still a good boy." Rin rubbed the little boy's head. He did not respond but at least he did not start crying again. The toddler yawned. "Are you sleepy? Would you like to take a nap?"
Yuki let her pull him into her arms so that she could set him down against Ah and Un. She leaned against the two-headed dragon's side. Yuki set his head down on her chest tiredly. She rubbed his head gently as she felt his breathing deepen. The poor little guy was pretty cute when he wasn't screaming his head off.
"Rin?" Kagome waved her face in front of the girl's unblinking eyes. "Rin sweetie, what are you thinking about?" She was surprised suddenly as the teenager suddenly wrapped her arms around her waist. Rin squeezed her tightly. "…what is this for?"
"I was just thinking about Yuki and Sesshomaru-sama and I wanted to hug you." Rin closed her eyes. "He really needed your help when we brought you to meet Yuki. I did not understand why he seemed so upset then but now I know why he was so sad. I did the best that I could but you made everything better for them."
Kagome touched the girl's hair. She looked over Rin's head towards Sesshomaru. Mikazuki's 'builders' had arrived and were standing with her across the field. The old woman was saying something to them, although she knew not what. Sesshomaru was ignoring them all in favor of Mayu; she was playing with Shippo and the twins.
I did not notice that day, but he was desperate. Sesshomaru was trying to take care of his son and I was too close to the situation to really see that.
"I am glad that I helped, Rin. You and Sesshomaru deserve some happiness." Kagome smiled as the girl pulled away. She looked so serious.
"I know that Sesshomaru-sama will never say thank you, but I know that he is very grateful to you Kagome-sama for everything that you have done." Rin bowed her head. "My lord is so much happier now, I think."
"Sesshomaru…is happy?" Kagome repeated. The words sounded strange.
"Sesshomaru-sama has the babies and you and Inuyasha and Mayu and myself and the Houshi-sama and Sango and his grandmother." Rin's voice managed in a single, endless stream. "And Airi is starting to like him a little, do you see?" Rin pointed.
Sesshomaru had wandered away from his grandmother and the burly male inuyoukai to stand with his children for a minute. Airi leaned against his leg as Mayu said something. Shippo's tail twitched and he pounced from Sesshomaru's other side. Yuki escaped from Mayu's skirts to watch, crouching down. He looked ready to spring.
"Mayu told him that Airi is afraid of his armor. That is why he is not wearing it." Rin whispered.
"I did notice." She smiled back. No one had yet been stupid enough to mention the armor-less taiyoukai. He still carried his swords but he was now a towering white mass. It was hard to look at him in open sunlight. He was a lot slimmer without it. "Is that why she is being friendlier towards him?"
"Yeah. She was calling him 'scary spike man'. He did not like that." Rin smiled. "Kaede is watching over his armor until their house is built."
"So when it is going to be built?" Kagome whispered back. "Where are they going to put it?"
"I am not sure. I do not think Sesshomaru-sama cares." The little girl giggled. The taiyoukai had kneeled to look at something Shippo was doing with his spinning tops. There was sparks appearing between his hands. Shippo is working really hard on his training. I'm proud of him.
"Sesshomaru—where will this house be built?" Mikazuki called.
Sesshomaru ignored her.
"Stubborn child—either you choose or it will be built in the middle of the village." Mikazuki snorted. "I will invite every farmer in the region to live with you. I will sit on the porch and tell stories about your childhood to every one of them."
Kagome knew that Sesshomaru could hear her but he ignored her. He tilted his head slightly towards Mayu. The young mother's eyebrows lifted significantly as she glanced towards the males.
"Let's go see what's going on, ok?" Kagome guided Rin forward with a hand on her shoulder.
"Sesshomaru-sama, I could not." Mayu shook her head gently. "I-It is not my place."
"The decision is yours." Sesshomaru said softly. He ignored her in favor of the sparks in Shippo's hands, which fizzled and became a little wooden doll. The kitsune offered the little wooden doll to Airi; her nose wrinkled.
"What is the problem?" Kagome intervened. Mayu crossed her arms. She kept her eyes down.
"Sesshomaru-sama has offered the placement of the den to me." She shifted, embarrassed. "But it is not my decision to make."
That's right—in this era, men are supposed to be in charge of building the homes for their family. They are responsible for every decision that gets made. Inuyasha would not let me do anything when he built our home. Miroku was the same way. But I do not think that Sesshomaru cares where it is. He does not want to live amongst humans.
"Is there an area that you prefer?" Sesshomaru stood, tucking his arms into his sleeves.
"I—yes." Mayu's face flushed. "Airi and I stayed in the area for several days. It is distant enough from the humans' village that I could not sense their livestock."
Why does that matter?
"Show them." Sesshomaru tilted his head slightly.
Mayu kept her eyes down, but Kagome did not miss the hurt in her face and body language. "I will do so. Please watch the children." Her long dark hair swayed as she turned, moving towards Mikazuki. Kagome crossed her arms, drumming her fingers against her arm.
"What is the matter with you?" Sesshomaru's eyes shifted quickly to narrow on her. "You are their father—you should be a part of this." Mayu wants you to take charge of building your home. Can you not see how upset she is?
"What business is it of yours, girl?"
"Mayu wanted you to make the decision. You upset her." Kagome wanted to smack him in the head—it was the only way he would learn. "Didn't you see her face?"
"I do not see the problem." Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "She has been given the choice." Kagome stopped for a moment. Over the years with Inuyasha, she had finally learned to stop and think about what it was he was trying to say…no matter how stupidly. In this era it sounded like Sesshomaru was being an uncaring jerk—but she came from modern Japan.
"You let Mayu choose." Kagome repeated. Sesshomaru's expression was clearly berating her for being a fool. She has been given the choice. The words repeated in her head—just like with Inuyasha, there was missing subtext. "Why?"
"No!" Airi's voice sharpened. Sesshomaru's attention immediately shifted towards the fallen girl. She was clutching her hand and pressing her lips together tightly. Sesshomaru nearly knocked her down as he moved forward—the son of a bitch was heavy. Rin helped her to maintain her balance. She was filled with anger until she saw the blood on Airi's hand.
"Sweetie—did you fall?" Kagome kept her voice calm. The skin was cracked as if she had skidded along the grass.
"She did—she tripped." Shippo's tail twitched nervously. Sesshomaru glanced toward him. "I am sorry. I wanted to stop her but she fell too quickly."
Kagome's eyes widened—Sesshomaru was already winding a strip of white cloth around the girl's hand. She winced and attempted to pull her wrist away.
"Mayu." Airi pouted.
Kagome looked: Mayu, Mikazuki and the male inuyoukai were already gone.
"Please?" Airi turned her wide, green eyes up towards her father. "Hurts."
Airi has to learn to depend of Sesshomaru for these kind of things. She will not always be able to rely on Mayu alone. Besides, this could be an opportunity for them to bond.
"Father?" Yuki's hands clenched in the fabric of Sesshomaru's knees.
"Comfort them," Kagome prompted quietly. She touched his shoulder gently.
"It is only a flesh wound. You are in no danger." He said. "Your skin will heal."
"Hurts." Airi repeated. Kagome remained silent as Airi's eyes turned onto her searchingly. "Mayu help. Where?" Come on Sesshomaru—comfort your daughter. She has to trust you to protect her and take care of these situations. She is a little girl who needs her father. Yuki is looking towards you too.
Sesshomaru did not speak—he unwound the cloth again. Airi's hand had already stopped bleeding. Airi flexed her hand and winced. She tried to retrieve her hand from Sesshomaru's grip. "Hurts."
"Father?"
"Hn." Sesshomaru held the girl's curled hand in his with a soft grasp on her wrist. His hands shifted to place his hands on either side of her tiny hand, with her palm against his left.
"Wow—Sesshomaru-sama!" Rin clasped her hands together. Airi was staring at her injured hand—well, her previously injured hand. The flesh was perfect again: white, soft and unmarred.
Kagome forced a hand over her mouth as the taiyoukai leaned forward. He. Did. Not.
"Well, little one?" Sesshomaru's voice was soft.
"You fix?" Airi blinked.
Miroku told us that his grandmother healed Mayu's arm—which is miraculous. But I had no idea that Sesshomaru could do the same thing! If he could do it, why didn't he just help Mayu? Unless…unless he does not use it very often and he was unable to.
Shippo's eyes were as wide as hers.
"Thank to you." Airi looked up at Sesshomaru with wonder. She held her hand against her chest.
"You are welcome." He lifted his hand to gently straighten her hair. The girl's face expanded into a breathtaking smile. She lifted her arms toward him.
Way to go! Kagome's face broke into a smile. Sesshomaru's hands lifted her so that she could hook her arms around his neck. I am so proud of him right now that I want to hug the big bastard. I am going to tell Mayu about this. She is going to be so happy.
"Not scary man." Airi tucked her head under his chin. "I sorry."
Ok—I am going to kiss the big idiot. Kagome could not help mirroring Rin by clasping her hands in front of her chest.
"Hn." Sesshomaru easily supported her weight. His face remained its usual stoic mask, but there was a visible satisfaction in his eyes that even he could not hide. Kiss her forehead, her hair—something, Kagome prayed silently. Sesshomaru gently released Airi to stand on her own feet again. The little girl was smiling at him.
"Play?" Yuki tugged on Sesshomaru's clothing. "We play?"
"Go." He gently pushed on Airi's shoulder. The little girl nodded and started running across the grass. Yuki let out a sharp yip and followed after his sister. "You may return to them." Shippo blinked at the amber eyes staring at him. He nodded nervously. "I will not be far."
"Y-yeah." Shippo smiled. "That was…that was very cool, what you did. Will you teach me? For my training?"
"No."
"Oh. Ok." Shippo lowered his eyes. Kagome wanted to comfort him. Why does he have to be such a jerk?
"I cannot teach you, kitsune. It is an inherited ability." Sesshomaru cast a glare in her direction. She blinked—is he a mind reader? How did he know what I was thinking?
"I understand." Shippo's tail twitched. "I'll watch them. They like my tricks. Do…do you like them?"
"Your training is progressing well." Sesshomaru affirmed. The kitsune's posture straightened happily and he nodded. Shippo turned without another word and raced on all fours after the twins. Sesshomaru rose to his feet.
Is this why Shippo has been spending so much time in the quarantine shed? I thought Shippo was terrified of Sesshomaru. Kagome's eyes widened. I asked him to let me know what was happening with Mayu and Sesshomaru but I never expected him to bond with Sesshomaru. Weird.