Scene 25 ------------------------------------------- One Week Later

For the past week, Sesshomaru has slowly grown more accustomed to small showings of affection toward his mate. Kisses, nuzzling, holding him as he sleeps, and sharing more bathtimes. But still he initiates nothing further. Today, he is meditating in the alcove when he hears a scream in their bedroom. In a white blur, he appears in the room. He finds Inuyasha cowering in a corner, beside the full length mirror on the wall, hugging himself.

Sesshomaru- Koi?

The Alpha Inu's eyes quickly scan the room to locate the threat as he moves protectively toward his mate, who looks to be in near shock.

Sesshomaru- What is it? -- Was someone...?
Inuyasha- (Whimpers) I-It's me... I'm.. d-deformed...

Sesshomaru hesitates, then turns to look back at his mate.

Sesshomaru- What?

He quickly helps Inuyasha stand and begins to look him over. When he tries to open the red robe he's wearing Inuyasha turns away refusing to let him.

Inuyasha- No!! -- You can't...

Inuyasha bows his head and blushes. Sesshomaru does take note that his middle is beginning to protude.

Sesshomaru- Puppy, it's just a little extra weight...

Now Inuyasha glares up at him over his shoulder.

Inuyasha- Weight?!! Oh, tell me you did not just say that...!

The hanyou angrily turns and throws the robe open now.

Inuyasha- This... These! -- Are worse than a little extra weight!!

Sesshomaru tilts his head, immediately fascinated with Inuyasha's newly developing body. Three extra sets of nipples down his chest and slightly bulging stomache. When his Alpha slowly smiles, Inuyasha's anger once again turns to embarrassment. He closes the robe and starts to slink away to return to the bed, but Sesshomaru reaches out and gest ahold of one of his arms.

Sesshomaru- Oh no... I wasn't laughing at you... Come here.

Inuyasha lowers his ears as he allows Sesshomaru to wrap him up in his strong arms.

Sesshomaru- This is actually a very good sign, Pup.
Inuyasha- I look.. hideous...
Sesshomaru- You look.. like a mother.

Sesshomaru lowers his head to nuzzle one of Inuyasha's ears.

Sesshomaru- An Inu mother.

The demon Lord positions Inuyasha back in front of the mirror and works to robe open gently.

Sesshomaru- These are a sign that your body is accepting your pregnancy... Our growing puppies, Koi.

The hanyou swallows. The sight of Sesshomaru's hand cupping his new nipples, one at a time, begins to arouse those feelings that he's been struggling to keep away from. Sesshomaru picks up on his mate's dilema and allows Inuyasha to squirm away from him again.

Sesshomaru- They're filling up nicely.. You'll have plenty of milk for them.

He watches Inuyasha nod slightly and crawl onto the bed. The young half demon pulls the thin blanket over top of him, then hugs a pillow. Sesshomaru moves closer to the bed, sniffing quietly.

Sesshomaru- 'Yasha,.. how can you be.. like this out of...

Inuyasha growls.

Inuyasha- It's a human thing! -- Just go away..! I'll.. take care of it.. myself...

The full demon hesitates, then quietly leaves. He paces in the outer room as he feels his mate's arousal and frustration. Sesshomaru finally closes the link between them and moves the stone panel, beside the main doors, that resonates his voice throughout the castle.

Sesshomaru- Jaken!! Bring me Father's journal from the library!

Sesshomaru them moves away to sit on the chaise lounger. The bell finally chimes.

Sesshomaru- Open!

The Toad imp hurries in struggling beneath the large book.

Jaken- T-the book.. y-you re-quested,...

Sesshomaru rises and takes it from the small demon easily. He then moves to the desk with it.

Sesshomaru- There is one more thing I require of you, Toad.

Jaken looks up at his master nervously.

Jaken- H-hai?
Sesshomaru- I will tolerate no disrespect to my mate... You have heard ones speak ill of our union...

Sesshomaru half glances toward the imp when he doesn't answer.

Sesshomaru- You will take names from now on when you hear such words... I will deal with them when the seperation is over. Leave me now.

Jaken scurries out of the room quickly. Sesshomaru moves to lock the door behind him, then returns to the desk to begin looking through the thick book.