Chapter twenty-five

Sesshomaru walked into his room, and saw that Kagome was not there. He had wanted to speak to her and was disappointed to see the room empty. He knew she would eventually have to return to the room they shared so he lay back on his recliner to have a nap while he waited. As a lord he rarely napped but he hadn't been getting much sleep as he often watched over his son as the infant slept. Inu demons were fierce when it came to protecting their young. He thought of how this happened, how a human girl became worth of his heart as he drifted to sleep. He was however quickly woken by a knock at the door, he went to open it and in a blur of pink and white Rin flung herself at the shocked lord and hugged him.

"Rin, how do you fare?" It was a surprise indeed to see her, but he should have known she would make a trip after getting news of Akihiko's birth.
"Fine, in fact me and Kohaku have some news!" Rin gestured at Kohaku who was waiting at the door respectfully.
"You may enter Kohaku, and what news?" Sesshomaru said, admiring the young man's etiquette.
"I am with child, Kohaku and I are going to be parents!"
Sesshomaru graced her with a smile that he smiled rarely and congratulated the couple. Rin asked where Kagome was and so sighing inwardly he began to tell her and her husband everything that had taken place, watching her get mad during some parts or tearing up in others. When he had finished explaining Rin was silent for a moment, placing a hand on her still flat stomach.
"You care for her a lot don't you? Why not court her?" Rin finally said.
"It is more complicated than that, she is human and I am.."
"I am human, so what if she is? You already have a full blooded heir off her, how is it complicated?" Rin said cutting him off.
"Lord Sesshomaru may I be permitted to speak?" Kohaku asked. Sesshomaru nodded and waited for him to speak.
"If you care for something you gain in strength as you do what it takes to protect them. If you are worried about what the lords will think should you choose a human as a mate, don't be. Having someone to love and protect doesn't make you weak. You will only grow in strength to insure her everlasting safety."
Sesshomaru thought over his words, the young slayer was right whether he himself was ready to admit it or not.

Evening had arrived and Kagome still hadn't returned to their rooms but she did turn up to dinner and was surprised to see Rin and Kohaku. She was disappointed Sango wasn't with them but Rin explained that Sango was planning a trip up when she and Miroku found a good carriage to buy and a pair of horses to cart their large family to the west. Rin had asked to hold Akihiko after telling Kagome she was expecting and after congratulating the young couple she handed over her bundled sleeping son to Rin's eager arms. Kagome's heart swelled to see how Rin and Kohaku were looking at the infant, with Kohaku holding a tiny hand smiling down at Rin. They would make great parents. Sesshomaru inwardly smiled at the sight, Kohaku would be a great father and Rin a loving mother. Sesshomaru turned to Kagome who seated herself beside Rin encase Akihiko awoke and needed her. She hadn't looked at him since she entered the dining room and was beginning to eat her meal. He would speak to her tonight. It couldn't wait any longer.

After showing Rin and Kohaku to their guest rooms, Sesshomaru headed back to his own room and was glad to see Kagome who had just finished nursing Akihiko in bed.
"His fever?"
"Pretty much non-existent." He had made a great recovery. Sesshomaru would have to thank Tameka for her brilliant tonic's.
Sesshomaru held his hands out for her to give him the drowsy pup to put him into his bassinet to sleep and Kagome with a sigh complied giving her son a kiss before handing him over. Sesshomaru could tell his son was getting heavier and was pleased he was growing so well. After tucking him into his furs, Sesshomaru said goodnight and walked to face Kagome.

"We need to talk."