"You must practice your best manners. You must not speak unless prompted. Do you understand?" Izayoi kneeled in front of him. Her smile was warm and calm. Still, there was an air of desperation in his mother's scent. It was prevalent enough to override the constant overtone of herbs. He nodded obediently as she smoothed his hair into place. She hugged him and he buried his head against her.

"I love you, Inuyasha." She kissed his hair between his ears.

"I love you, Mother." Her hands cupped his face gently. She stood up gracefully, taking his hand. They walked slowly outside and down the stairs. It was early—so early that the sun had not risen yet. The grass was very damp. Inuyasha ached to remove the leather shoes from his feet. His mother had expressly forbid him doing so. First impressions will matter, Inuyasha. He was both excited and terrified.

"I have never met your brother before. I am nervous too." Izayoi smiled at him as he struggled to stay apace with her. "Your father told me that he does not waste words." The message Mother had sent had agreed to meet over the hill from their town. They were climbing the stone steps which led to the clearing. He could hear her heart quicken as they reached the top. She paused to catch her breath. He watched her hand lift to press against her abdomen. She squeezed his hand.

"Can you breathe Mother?"

"I am quite well." Izayoi smiled. She waited until her heartbeat had calmed to proceed forward. They proceeded towards the stone bench erected there. Mother often brought him here to escape the eyes of the others.

"Where is he?" He was breathless as he surveyed the clearing. The birds were chirping; gathering their morning meal. He watched excitedly as a nearby fox crept towards a pair of nearby squirrels. It sprinted forward as the birds took flight.

"Patience, Inuyasha. He will be here." Izayoi's hands smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles over her lap.

"What else do you know about him?" He giggled and chased a nearby sparrow. It took to the air and landed across the field.

"He is a warrior. He has no sense of humor." She tsked her tongue as he began to bend towards the grass. He immediately straightened. "He is quite respected for his skills. Your father loved him very much. He was very proud of him."

"I am going to be a warrior too!" He picked up a nearby stick and began to beat the tall grass with it. "Just like Father. We could travel wherever we wanted. Where would you like to go?"

"I have always wanted to see the ocean." Izayoi tilted her head. She smiled at him sadly.

"The ocean?"

"There is water as far as the eye can see, far to the east. The fish are as large as your arm." He turned to face her. "They say that it feels wonderful to bury your bare feet in the warm sand."

"There would always be food there!" He beamed at her. She leaned forward. The recent droughts limited the amount of food available in the region. "Even a half-breed like me could feast there, right?"

"Inuyasha! What have I told you about such language?" He could feel his ears flatten at the disappointment in her voice. He lowered his face ashamedly. "You should never refer to yourself that way."

"I'm sorry, Mother." He climbed onto the bench beside her. He laid his head in her lap, clutching onto her legs. Her hand touched his head softly; she began to stroke his head. He knew that he was forgiven. He sat up when the wind shifted in their direction. "Can you smell that, Mother? Someone's coming!"

"I am only human. I cannot smell anything." She laughed softly. She rose, bidding him to do the same. Her hand remained steadily on his shoulder as a ghostly white figure emerged from the trees. It nearly blinded him in the growing sunlight. He did his best to remain calm and still as Sesshomaru approached. He remained several strides distant. He was still forced to tilt his head backwards to see his face.

He is so tall—as tall as a samurai! He wears armor too. He inhaled deeply. His hand grabbed onto Mother's skirts so fiercely it hurt. His brother's pale eyes remained on Mother's face. He would not gaze downwards. His mother bowed respectfully. Inuyasha did his best to mimic her gracefulness. He nearly fell forward.

"Thank you for coming, Sesshomaru-sama." His mother spoke softly. The giant remained silent. He waited breathlessly to hear his voice. He shifted his feet. His mother's fingers tightened their hold on his flesh. He felt his ears twitch nervously. He wanted desperately to cover them. The villagers always stared at his ears when they moved.

"I am grateful that you have chosen to consider my petition." He could hear the apprehension in her voice. "You must have traveled far."

"Where are the So'unga and the Tetsusaiga?" The voice was curt. Powerful. Aggressive.

"The swords?" He looked upwards. A single, slim sword rested against Sesshomaru's hip. "I do not know, milord."

"If you attempt to deceive me, you will suffer." The boots took a step closer. His mother did not retreat as Sesshomaru loomed over them. The aura surrounding his elder brother darkened threateningly. He flinched despite his attempts to be brave.

"Those swords carry powerful auras. I trust that you would sense their presence." Mother's voice was polite but unwavering.

"Hn." Sesshomaru turned to leave.

"Milord! Sesshomaru-sama." Izayoi's voice commanded him to stop. "Have you no compassion? He is the blood of your blood—your younger brother."

"He is not my kin." Sesshomaru's anger rose quickly. Inuyasha yelped in fear as his hand curled around his mother's throat. "Do not think to inspire affection in me, human. You caused my father's miserable death. I would kill you without hesitation."

"Why have you not?"

"You smell of death already." Sesshomaru's nose wrinkled.

"Take him with you." Izayoi whispered. "You could care for one another. You might find that you like him…he takes after your father so."

"I will kill him." Sesshomaru's voice darkened. "You will continue to wither and I will end his life with my bare hands. That is his fate." He withdrew his hand.

"Your father told me the riddle of the Tetsusaiga." Izayoi's hands squeezed his. "I will tell you in exchange for your oath. You must be his guardian until he is of age. You cannot kill him."

The pale eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Or would you dishonor your father's memory by harming his child?"

"You dare threaten me?"

"It is not a threat. You want to claim the So'unga and the Tetsusaiga as your rightful inheritance. This is the only way." Izayoi inhaled as deeply as she could manage. "Your blood-oath, Sesshomaru."

"I give you my word that I will do no harm to Inuyasha until he is of age." The words were spitefully offered.

"And?"

"The brat may follow me after your death." The shadows on his face promised violence and cruelty. "Now honor your words or I will kill you both."

"A place that is seen, but remains hidden. Protected yet not known to its protector." He could hear the relief in her voice. Her free hand reached upwards to press against her abdomen. "He told me that it would make sense one day."

"Hn." Sesshomaru's eyes scanned over her suspiciously.

"I think the message was meant for you." Izayoi's inhaled sharply; he raised his eyes towards his mother. His breath caught in her throat as his mother's body dropped to the ground.

"Mother!" He dropped beside her. "Mother? Mother!" He felt the panic begin to rise in his chest. His eyes observed the long, white legs of their visitor. He finally found Sesshomaru's eyes. "Help me! Help my mother! Please!"

"Humans are weak. They die." There was a slight snort.

"I have to get her to the village. She is sick!" His hands shook. He did not want his mother to die. He pressed his claws into his palms. "Will you…will you help me take her there? I can't carry her."

"It is not my concern. I will return." The deep, powerful voice was quiet as he turned away.

"Wait!" The emotions in her chest were almost overwhelming. "Please. Please help me! My mother is sick. If you are my brother, don't leave me alone." The sounds of the leather boots moving across the grass did not cease. He began to cry. "Sesshomaru! Don't leave me! What am I going to do?"

He buried his face into his mother's shoulder to muffle his sobs. His mother's scent did not mitigate his torment. He was dreading his lonely journey back to the village. He would have to beg the elders to send men here to retrieve her. What if they refused? How could he leave her alone in this condition? He was angry! The hero he had wanted had turned into his villain. What if his mother died while he was gone? What if she died alone and sad?

I hate him. I hate him! His fingers dug into his mother's kimono. I will never forgive him for abandoning Mother this way. I am going to grow up and become strong like Father. I am going to make him sorry for hurting Mother.

Inuyasha woke with a start. Misaki was tucked warmly against his chest. The newly finished crib sat unused in the corner. He pressed his nose into Misaki's hair to verify her existence—he could never smell anything in his dreams. Her familiar scent helped to slow his heartbeat. It had been years since he had dwelled on the days surrounding his mother's death. His mother's ancestral home had been destroyed by a fire at his birth, leaving her with no fortune. She had raised him in the modest castle grounds of her distant relatives. He could still remember the ache in his chest when her cousins turned him out into the forest after her death…despite his mother's pleading. For two days, he went hungry and ran from the youkai in the forest. And then Sesshomaru had found him.

Misaki squirmed. Her tiny hands touched his nose and his lips.

"I'm always going to protect you." The emotions in his chest were still powerful from his dream. He had spent decades banishing his mother's last days from his immediate memory. He would never allow his daughter to know that kind of anguish.

"Pah." Misaki's hands curled against his jaw. "Pah." He leaned upwards to look at her face. The baby's beautiful blue eyes watched him carefully. She knows exactly who I am; she just doesn't know what the sounds mean.

"That's right, squirt. I'm you're pa." He lowered his head to rest his head against her tiny chest. The steady thud of her heartbeat comforted him. He felt his daughter's legs kick against his shoulder and arm lightly. Her hands reached upwards to grab one of his ears. The baby's tiny fist pulled. Ow.

"What do you say we go find your ma?" He reached for his haori and slipped it over his shoulders. Misaki held up her hands for him. He kissed the space between her ears before tucking her into his arms. He followed Kagome's scent outside along the familiar route down to the village. He nodded his head politely to the villagers who greeted him and his child. Fifty years ago I was an outsider but Misaki will grow up normally. She should be able to play with other kids safely here. They will not shun her or beat her up…I hope. Kids can be mean little bastards. The women around here still don't want their children playing with Yuki and Airi after they saw what happened to Kaede's home. At least they have each other to play with.

"Your mother knows better than to wander down here without telling me." He adjusted Misaki's posture. "She should have woken me before she left. You'll never do that, right?" Her ears twitched. "Keh. I know you will. You little scamp." He continued around another corner. "You're going to be like Kagome, always going off without telling me. Just to make me worry. I'll get Shippo to help out with you. Keep you out of trouble." He stepped away from the wall and moved towards the river where he could smell his wife. Misaki's nose lifted into the air. "Yeah, that's your ma. Smart girl."

"Inuyasha!" Kagome beamed. He immediately passed over their daughter. "What a happy baby—did you have a nice nap together?"

"You shouldn't have left without waking me, wench." He exhaled irritably. "It could be dangerous. There are still youkai that would like to get hold of you."

"Daddy worries too much." Kagome made a face, lifting Misaki to eye level. Her tiny hands reached out to touch her mouth. She giggled when Kagome made a silly face at her. "You two were too cute to disturb…all snuggled together." His wife's happy expression helped to ease the worry in his chest. Kagome will never suffer the way Mother did. I will always be here to protect my family.

"Father!" Yuki sat beside the bastard. He was only wearing his hakama and was covered in a mixture of mud and strands of grass. There was a deep hole beside the river. "Mud!"

"Indeed." Sesshomaru's eyes examined his son's mud puddle. Yuki's muddy hands landed on Sesshomaru's thigh as the boy scrambled upwards.

"Airi!" Yuki jumped into the water, sending a wave of water over Sango, Mayu and the children.

"Yuki-chan!" Kagome giggled. "You little scamp." Hitomu began to cry inside Sango's arms. The former taijiya bounced her crying toddler gently, trying to soothe him from the surprise.

"It is only water. Please don't be scared." The taijiya patted his bottom. Her free hand slid towards her slightly expanded abdomen. She sighed.

"It's ok Yuki-chan. Sango's baby is ok." His wife called out. He was clinging to the edge. His wet bangs hung in his eyes. Mayu moved forward to support him. "Will you bring him here?" There was a pause. Mayu's eyes dropped as she set Yuki's feet on the edge again. He immediately came forward to hug her around the neck. "There's my good boy. You didn't do anything wrong. Babies just cry sometimes because they do not understand."

Mayu's right hand was curled on the riverbed. "I will go get—I will be back." She climbed out of the river. She grabbed her blue kimono from the grass and slipped it over her white under-kimono. She disappeared into the forest.

"Do you want Inuyasha to make some mud pies with you?" Kagome asked sweetly. "Inuyasha loves mud."

"Kagome—"

"Go play with your sister. Go." She gently pushed him towards the rest of the children in the water. "There's my good boy." She did not even notice.

It is unfair.

Mayu moved as quickly away from the river as she could. She traveled farther into the forest. The movement helped to steady her nerves—watching her son be mothered to by another woman in front of her eyes hurt. He had turned to her without a thought. She did it in front of Sesshomaru too. The shame burned through her chest. She sat down weakly on a fallen log, inhaling the scent of the rotting, mossy wood. She twisted her hands into the vines which had grown around it. She stared at the family of ants she had accidentally disturbed, angrily trying to defend their home.

It is almost a relief that I will not have any more children. I am not a very good mother. She could still feel the hands holding her down. She could still picture that horrible, curved weapon descending. She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply; she forced her mind to be utterly blank. If I do not think about it, it does not exist. She pressed her hands between her knees and trapped them there. Do not think about it. It never happened. She forced her mind to turn blank.

She felt herself slide from the log as she suddenly felt…trapped. Despite the warm grass underneath her feet, she could still feel the rough wood underneath her surrounding her. Haru was pacing in front of her. She forced herself to inhale. The scents of the forest surrounded her. It helped with her sudden dizziness. Haru would pace for hours, back-and-forth.

"Mayu? Oi, Mayu." She felt rough hands on her arms. She protested. "What are you doing? The ground's covered in ants, stupid."

"I'm dizzy." She exhaled with relief when he let her be. She focused on regaining her breath. I am not in that room. I am outside. I have fresh air.

"Are you sick? Why are you dizzy?" She felt a male palm on her forehead. It was rough with calluses. She felt smaller hands touching her face—it startled her. She forced her eyes open. Yuki patted his hand against her head.

"Help me with these ants, would you?" Inuyasha used his enormous sleeves to knock the crawling insects from her shoulders. Yuki immediately obeyed. He smiled at her as he began to brush them off her arms and her ribs.

"Thank you." She sat up straighter. Her head was still spinning but it was manageable.

"You're pale as shit. Let me take you back to Kagome." Inuyasha leaned forward on his knees. Kagome. Anger rose in her throat. "What do you think, Yuki? Does she seem sick to you?"

"Pale." Her son's hands touched her wrist. His fingers were placed wrongly, but his expression was serious. "Sick."

"Kagome's trying to show him healing techniques." He snorted.

"Of course she is." The words surprised her. She pressed her lips together.

"Eh, Yuki." Inuyasha nudged him. "Do you remember our conversation?"

"Gome." Yuki tilted his head back. "Auntie." Her eyes snapped to his little face. He patted his hands on her legs. "Not mother."

"Right. And what does that mean?"

"Gome love me?" Yuki responded questioningly.

"Kagome adores you, kid. That isn't what I meant. What else did I say?"

"Moth-er." Yuki clutched onto her kimono. "My mama. Like lady humans." His miniature features were solemn. "Right?" It knocked the wind from her lungs. She let his small hands grab onto hers fiercely. He matched his palms against hers, measuring their length.

"Are you going to answer him or not?" Inuyasha lifted his eyebrows.

"I—Yuki I—" His big, amber eyes looked up at her through his unkempt bangs. She reached forward to brush them into place. She brought Yuki into her lap as gently as she could. She cradled his tiny face in her palm. She pressed her nose against the crown of her head and inhaled. His young, muddy, healthy scent was a powerful balm to her fear.

"Mama? Mayu?" Yuki pulled on the fabric against her abdomen.

"They're just tears, squirt. She's ok." His voice rumbled. She wiped her face against her sleeve. I did not realize I was crying. She felt the log behind her shift as Inuyasha shifted to lean against it. He crossed his legs beneath him.

"Still play?" Yuki tugged on her clothing. "Do you play?"

"Yes, we can still play games." She hiccupped against her sleeve. She exhaled hard, lifting her eyes towards Inuyasha. He stretched his shoulders slightly, staring at the forest. "When did you…when did you tell him?"

"A few days ago. After I knew he was going to be safe." He reached out to tousle Yuki's hair. "Do you mind? I figured…you've been preoccupied."

"I—" Shame forced her to lower her eyes. "I do not mind."

"Then answer me something—why do you flinch when you look at him?" Inuyasha reached up to casually scratch at his collarbone. He was watching her from his peripheral vision. She let her hair fall between them. She forced herself to focus on the searching amber eyes gazing up at her. "Oi—what is it?"

"I…I cannot." He smells like Sesshomaru, even if he is half human. He smells of the forest. She examined Inuyasha's face. His eyes have a kindness. From what I have seen, he has a gentle heart. He loves my son.

"Then I'll tell you something. Just promise you won't tell anyone, you got it?" Inuyasha caught Yuki's eye. "That goes for you too runt. This stays between us. It's a man's promise."

"Man promise." Yuki repeated. He grinned.

"So here's the deal." Inuyasha shifted towards her. He tucked his arms into his sleeves. "I got pissed when Misaki was trying to play with Sesshomaru because that bastard made my childhood a fucking nightmare—sorry." He looked at Yuki. "Don't tell Kagome."

The boy giggled.

"I got scared. I don't want him to crush her feelings. I—" Inuyasha's cheeks reddened. "I care about the bastard. I haven't cared about him in years. Hell, he's tried to kill me and Kagome. But the past few years have been different. He has even slept in my house. Why in the world would I care about him?"

Yuki touched her hair, pulling on the strands.

"Shit. That's a weird question for you, isn't it?" He snorted. "You love him, don't you?"

"Y-Yes." The vulnerability in his face unarmed her. Inuyasha is afraid that he will lose Sesshomaru's respect if he learns about his feelings. "Did Kagome tell you?"

"Nah." He scratched the side of his head. "It's pretty obvious."

"Oh." She felt her cheeks flush with warmth. My humiliation is complete.

"You might want to talk to Rin though. She keeps talking about 'all the pretty babies' you're going to have." His expression fell as she suddenly burst into tears. "Shit—what did I say? Hey. Don't cry!"

"I cannot have any more children." She managed. The words came easier than expected. His arm descended on her shoulders. The gesture was comforting. "The day after Yuki and Airi were born, the kuro miko used a blade to…oh, kami! When I woke up, they were gone. I was delirious with pain. I do not remember much after that. I did not see them for days."

"You see these beads?" Inuyasha's free hand tugged. "Kagome put these on me the first time we met. The only reason I'm still wearing this stupid thing is because I'm a half demon. If I ever lose control of myself, it gives Kagome and my friends an advantage if they have to stop me. Sometimes I worry…what if Misaki has the same problem?"

"They put the brand on my shoulder while I was with child because I tried to run away. I thought…I thought the miko's powers might cause me to miscarry. Or that my children might be born ill."

"I was terrified that Misaki would be born deformed. I've never met a half demon with children." The arm around her shoulders applied more pressure. She avoided his expression. Yuki was examining the claws on her hands. "I was worried about what that might do to Kagome. I've caused her enough heartache. But fate was kind to me. Our baby is perfect. She called me 'pa' this morning."

She looked up.

"I grew up without a dad but I'm going to do the best I can. I'm—I'm tired of being terrified that something will happen to her." Inuyasha exhaled. "Aren't you?"

"Yes." My children are safe here. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha will protect this village. Tukiyo will never be able to hurt them again.

"I'll talk to Kagome. She shouldn't have done that." Inuyasha promised. "She didn't mean anything by it. She loves Yuki, you know. When Sesshomaru first brought him here there were a lot of sleepless nights. She didn't know how to take care of a baby."

"I-I am sorry. I am very grateful to you. Yuki has been well taken care of. He has a very good home here." I did not know if Sesshomaru would be able to care for him, but he has been perfectly happy.

"But you're here now and she keeps acting like his mother." He shrugged. "I get it. You deserve to be with your son. And he deserves to know you too."

"Blue." The boy smiled when Inuyasha patted his head. She allowed Yuki's hands to pull her chin downwards to reach the markings decorating her cheek. "Same. Blue, Mama." Affection bloomed in her chest. My son likes me. He knows I am his mother.

"Yes—blue." She could not refuse a smile. His fingers carefully traced her swirling mark.

"If you're ready, we should be getting back." Inuyasha extended his legs. She examined him carefully. For someone so young, he has a strange wisdom. "Airi was looking for you when I left. She wanted—" She turned towards him. She hugged him around the neck. "What's this for?"

"For taking care of my son." She felt tears at the corner of her eyes. She closed them. "For your kindness." His arm adjusted to lie across her back.

"Oi—no crying. I mean it." His voice was stern. It made her giggle. She wiped the tears away.

"No crying." Yuki repeated. She felt his hands on her waist.

"You've got friends here. We'll help you." Inuyasha promised. "Just…don't be pissed at Kagome. She really likes you."

"You are a good man, Inu-Yasha." She kissed his cheek. Yuki giggled as Inuyasha's ears twitched uncontrollably. I do like his ears.

"Mayu." She jerked, startled. Sesshomaru stood on the edge of the clearing. He must have approached from downwind. He moves so quietly. Her eyes were drawn to the reed container hanging from his right hand. The rich, potent smell drifted their way.

"Milk!" Yuki abandoned her lap in an instant. He pressed his hands against Sesshomaru's leg, tugging. "Milk, Father!"

"Your human monk has returned." Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed.

"Good." Inuyasha nodded his head. Sesshomaru let Yuki's hands support the weight of the container. The liquid nearly spilled on the ground as Yuki set it down. He fiddled with the lid. She smiled as he yipped in happiness and began to drink greedily. He smiled at her with a white liquid mustache adorning his upper lip.

"Where did you get the milk?" He looks so happy.

"Miroku must have brought back a cow for Kagome." Inuyasha shook his head. "I'm going to have to build that fence now."

"Attempting to replace your dead miko?" Sesshomaru's tone surprised them both. She watched Inuyasha wince. The arm around her back went slack immediately. "Is your human female not sufficient?"

"Sesshomaru-sama!" Mayu saw his surprise. I have not spoken to him in days. I cannot let him believe…that we would…!

"So what if I am? What the hell do you care?" Inuyasha's words shocked her. What is he doing? She went stiff as Inuyasha's lips barely missed hers as he pressed them against her cheek. A large, pale hand grasped the red haori in front of her. She was left alone on the ground. Inuyasha swiped at Sesshomaru, but the elder's superior reach gave him an advantage. She flinched as Sesshomaru slammed him against a tree.

"Let go of me!" Sesshomaru easily held his younger brother in place. "What is your problem?"

"Sesshomaru-sama, you made him angry. He was only teasing!" She quickly made sure that Yuki was safe. Her son was still focused on his treat. "Please do not fight!" Fear began to claw at her chest.

"You know not your place." Sesshomaru's hand squeezed his throat. Inuyasha landed a punch on his shoulder. He did not even feel it. Yuki protested as she cradled him in her arms. She quickly returned his container to him.

"Look at her! You're scaring her, idiot!" Inuyasha snarled. "Why do you freaking react like this?"

"What did you say to her?" Sesshomaru demanded.

"I was just TALKING to her! She was sad! I knew you weren't going to fucking do it!" Inuyasha's pitch made her ears ache.

I'm tired of being terrified that something will happen to her. Inuyasha words echoed. Yuki chewed happily on the edge of the reed container.

"I'm not interested in her! How dumb can you be?"

"You have a type, little brother."

"Stop!" Both siblings looked back at her in surprise. "Sesshomaru, we were talking about the children. Please put him down."

"Return to the village." Sesshomaru's furious eyes returned to Inuyasha's face. Kami, I cannot let this happen again! Inuyasha does not deserve it.

"We were not—kami. Sesshomaru, he was being my friend!" Sesshomaru was easily fending off his sibling's attempts to get free. He is waiting for us to leave. He will not fight Inuyasha while Yuki is near.

"Mayu. Do not disobey me." Sesshomaru slammed Inuyasha's shoulder hard. The hanyou winced. She hugged Yuki closer.

"Mama?" Yuki asked hesitantly. His father's pointed ear turned in their direction.

"Do you seriously think I would make a move on your girl?" Inuyasha's ears flattened. "In case you haven't figured it out, she's fucking lonely. She spends all of her time avoiding my wife and worrying about her kids dying. You're not exactly the best company either, bro."

"You kissed her. Do you think me a—"

"You brought up Kikyo just to piss me off. I was angry!" Inuyasha yelled. "Don't you get how stupid this is? I'm in love with Kagome! Mayu loves you!" His expression fell immediately as his eyes turned in her direction. She knew instantly that he was sorry. Her anger was just as swift.

"Oi, I didn't—" Inuyasha finally pushed away from Sesshomaru. "Mayu. I'm—"

"Inuyasha, leave." Sesshomaru ordered sternly.

"You'd better not do something stupid. If you make her cry, I'm coming after you." Inuyasha made a sound. "Mayu. Call me if you need help, ok? Don't let this bastard bully you." She kept her eyes on the ground. She heard his footsteps against the grass as he walked away. The anger in her breast was far easier than the rising panic. She took hold of the reed container in Yuki's grasp and took a sip. The liquid was slightly warm; it soothed her suddenly dry throat.

"Good?" Yuki smiled.

"Good." She examined the rough edges along the top. Yuki's teeth had done a fine job of adding bends and tears to the crafted reed. I hope this was not expensive.

"Hn." White silk entered her vision. His large white hand surrounded hers. She surrendered the liquid without protest. Out of curiosity, she watched through her bangs as he raised the edge to his own lips. Yuki giggled as Sesshomaru returned the container to him.

"Your brother cares for you, you know." She ground her teeth together.

"Yuki," Sesshomaru ignored her. "Did Inuyasha speak to you about Mayu?"

"Yes." Her son's fingers tangled into her hair.

"Do you remember the battle beneath the castle?" Yuki's eyes perked up. He grinned.

"Father fight!" Her son lost his focus. The reed container tumbled to the ground before she could catch it. She watched the liquid seep into the ground beneath Sesshomaru's boots. "Pow-pow!"

"I received a note in your handwriting. Akiye forced you to write it." Sesshomaru continued. Calm.

"Yes. I-I'm sorry." Her son was still reliving his imaginary part in the battle. "Your mother put our son in danger. It is my fault."

"I would have brought him to you." She looked up. He tilted his head.

"But—I abandoned him. I was—I was counting on you to be angry with me. I thought you would throw it away; you would have avoided the battle." He did not know about my curse at the time. I was so foolish! I let my son walk into danger. "I went to your rooms. I thought you would be there, rather than on the ground."

"You brought a basket to the taijiya." She could still picture the toys. She had taken them from the nursery. Anyone could have seen me. They would have told Akiye. I might have put Airi in danger.

"I j-just wanted to see him." She inhaled sharply. She could still feel tears at the corner of her eyes. "I wanted to know that he was safe. Why—why did you bring Sango? Especially while she was pregnant?"

"It annoyed Mother." Sesshomaru answered.

"You knew that I would hear about it."

"Indeed." At least he did not deny it. "You arrived in my rooms shortly after our arrival. You wanted to see my human."

"I—" She felt her cheeks flush. "Of course I did. I thought she was—"

"Rin." Sesshomaru finished.

"Rin!" Yuki repeated. He had been listening intently, but most of their conversation was uninteresting to him. "Rin. My Rin." She kissed the crown of his head.

"Mayu." His fingers reached forward to touch Yuki's hair. "Which child is the elder?"

The sorrow nearly overwhelmed her. Despite her captivity, she had seen their children's birth. She had seen their first steps and heard their first words. "I…I went into labor on a cold winter's evening. Yuki was born first. Airi followed shortly after. They…they were born just after the sun had risen." Sesshomaru's fingers touched Yuki's face. The boy did not understand. He attempted to bite his father's fingers. "I—I am sorry you were not there to name them."

"My mother interfered. She is to blame."

"Haru told me that they only required one child. She told me they would drown the one Akiye did not pick." And that they would make me watch. She squeezed Yuki. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "T-they took Airi away from me. I thought Haru would keep her word. I f-finally convinced them not to w-waste him. That is when I brought him to you." She felt Yuki's hands wipe at her face. She went stiff as Sesshomaru's arms wrapped around her. It was awkward. She shifted Yuki between them. She tucked her cheek against the hard plane of his chest. The solidness comforted her. The large, steady heartbeat against her ear was powerful. The smaller heartbeat against her hand was faster. Her nose was filled with a familiar combination of soap, soil, silk and leather. She relaxed slightly.

"Haru told me—" Fear stopped her. How can I? What right do I have?

"Ask."

"Do you truly think you are the first he has made with child? He is his father's son."

"She said that I was not—that there have been other females. Other children." She swallowed hard. "Is—is that true?" I worked in the nurseries. None of the others ever talked about Sesshomaru having children, or having made someone with child. Haru lied. She must have.

"No." The single syllable betrayed anger.

She shuddered. His hand slid up her back. She lifted her head. The sunlight filtered through the trees to make his hair shine. His pale amber eyes caught the light, making her blink. Yuki is fortunate to have inherited his father's looks. She stood up on her toes as he leaned forward. She used his right shoulder for leverage. Her lips met his gently. Sesshomaru's kiss was smooth, leisurely. She felt his hand curl her hair behind her ear.

"What poor village did you rob, Houshi-sama?" Sango examined the chickens, cow, calf and horse with distrust from the fence line. Hitomu burbled on her back.

"My dear wife does not trust me." Miroku shook his head. "Disparaging my name in front of our son! I am an honest monk, Sango. They are fair payment for my services." The human monk readjusted his staff before moving to place the new fencepost into the ground. Her husband followed him with a hammer.

"You should be arrested." Inuyasha snorted.

"Well, we can't all be as charming as you, Inuyasha." Miroku winked as Kagome scattered feed. The small, squawking chickens flocked to her immediately. "Who would have thought you were such a ladies' man? Flirting with Mayu. After all these years—"

"Oi, shut up about that!" The sound of skin smacking skin reached her ears. "Kagome—you know I wasn't—"

"I understand Inuyasha. All is forgiven." She moved forward to kiss her husband on the lips. "I know you did not really kiss Mayu. Sesshomaru just made you angry." Her friends returned to their work. His shoulders relaxed. He was expecting me to be so angry. She found their daughter wandering amongst the hungry chickens. Her husband glanced towards the woods. Again.

"I am sure they are safe. They left together, didn't they?" The absence of Sesshomaru, Mayu and the children had worried him.

"You don't think he—he wouldn't leave her somewhere, would he?" His ears twitched. "There is a reason she didn't tell him she loved him, Kagome. The bastard does things like that."

"Your empathy is admirable, Inuyasha. But I do not think you need to worry." Miroku kneeled beside the fence. "Sango and I agree. Let them be together. It is far past due."

"You don't know him like I do, moron." He made a sound before retrieving up his hammer. While Kohaku held the fencepost in place, he began to hammer the post into the ground.

Mirou and Sango exchanged a look.

"You are overly worried. Inuyasha." Sango retrieved Hitomu from her back. "You say that Mayu talked to you. How did you manage that? The rest of us have been trying to connect with her for weeks."

"That's a stupid question. You're humans." Inuyasha shrugged.

"Mayu doesn't care about us that." She stopped Misaki from grabbing a chicken's feathers, no matter how soft they looked. Inuyasha has told us several times but I still do not understand either. Why would she talk to him? True, he has become more open and caring in the past few years but even I could not get through to Mayu.

"I just—I know Sesshomaru better than you lot."

"Do you still wonder why Sesshomaru brought Yuki to Kagome? He could have found another woman. Any paid nurse would have done the job." Miroku stopped, leaning back on his splayed knees. Inuyasha's ears flattened.

"Kagome is a pushover sometimes because she wants to help people. He knows that." Inuyasha scoffed. "He probably figured that he could bully her."

"I am not a pushover!" Her friends ignored her. She stomped her foot. She muttered in irritation as she kneeled to kiss Misaki. "I am not a pushover. I like to help people. Is that such a crime?" Even Misaki ignored her, toddling after a nearby chicken.

"Come now, Inuyasha." Miroku grinned. "Have you truly not noticed? Kagome is tall, dark-haired, and curvy. She has blue eyes. She has an ample—" He paused, glancing at his wife's raised brow. "Heart."

"What are you saying?"

"Mayu has a compassionate heart. She loves Sesshomaru and her children." Sango continued.

"Are you idiots saying that Sesshomaru wants Kagome? I'll kill him!" Inuyasha straightened. His hair was growing in volume by the minute. She could practically see the smoke rising from his head.

Miroku burst out in laughter. Even Sango could not resist joining in. Poor Inuyasha. His head is about to explode. I completely agree with him. Mayu and I are not that similar. Miroku wiped tears from his eyes as he fought to gain control of himself.

"I am saying that Sesshomaru obviously respects your good taste in women." Miroku held up his arms as Inuyasha aimed another punch at him. The monk's ringing laughter made her cringe. "You should be flattered!"

She looked at Sango. Even she was giggling. Miroku's head was trapped underneath Inuyasha's arm. So what if Mayu and I share a few similarities? Does that mean that Sesshomaru brought Yuki to me because I am like his mother? Because I was like the mother he had lost? In her mind, she could still picture him standing on the grass across the bank. She could picture baby Yuki, desperate for love and attention. She would never forget those big, sad eyes. If Mayu was as affectionate to Yuki as a baby as she is now, it is no wonder that he cried so. He must have been so confused.

"You do seem to share a 'type', Inuyasha." Sango smiled at their friend, despite his tormenting of her husband. "Your brother seems to realize it."

"We do not! And quit calling him that!"

When I met Inuyasha, he always had such loneliness in his eyes. When Sesshomaru told me that Mayu was not happy, I saw it again. She watched Inuyasha and Miroku's antics while Sango teased. Yuki missed her before he got older and forgot who she was. It must have been unbearable, if Sesshomaru missed her too. What if he loves her? He would never tell her. If he does, then the past few days have been hard on them both. She loves him but she is afraid that he does not love her back. So much time wasted by Akiye standing between them. It is Inuyasha and I all over again.

What does it all mean?