ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Disclaimer: Yup, I don't own Inuyasha!

Warning: -none- just some fluffiness at the end.

Beta-ed by the magnificent Ceferadel.

Chapter 29 – Family Moments

Kagome was awakened from her morning nap by the sound of her baby crying. She opened her eyes to see a nervous looking Hikaru standing not far from the shoji screen while carrying a crying Kazukimaru. She was alerted and got up in an instant.

"What's wrong, Hikaru?"

"Kazukimaru-sama has not stopped crying since he woke up, my lady. I do not know what to do. Sumire-sama and Hana-san are not in the castle right now. Forgive me to have bothered you, Kagome-sama. I know my lady is too exhausted after last night feeding but the prince..." Hikaru rambled on in apprehension.

Kagome smiled; feeling relief for nothing serious had happened to her baby.

"No, it's okay Hikaru. A little sleeplessness won't bother me to take care of my baby. Bring him here."

Hikaru breathed out in relief and walked closer to her lady. Kagome smiled when she received her crying Kazukimaru. She rocked and cooed at the baby.

"Maybe he's hungry, Hikaru."

Kagome smiled when Kazukimaru stopped crying and begun sucking on her breast. "It's okay, Hikaru. Kazukimaru is just hungry." Kagome stroke her son's soft tuft of hair lovingly. "You may go back to your work now. Just leave Kasukimaru with me."

"Yes, my lady." Hikaru bowed and then left the chamber.

Kagome positioned herself comfortably on the feeding cot while watching her feeding baby. The feeling of happiness and pride overwhelmed her. She was the woman who had given birth to this wonderful baby; this perfect baby who had an angelic face with two colored eyes, this baby who had a unique power of reiki and youki flowing inside his veins, this baby who was the heir of one of the Great Cardinal Youkai Lords. You're an amazing baby, aren't you Kazukimaru?

Kagome kissed her baby forehead and then leaned back to her feeding cot. She let out a content sigh. The cot felt so comfy and she was feeling so tired. She had not got enough sleep last night. Slowly, her eyes were becoming heavier. She yawned and after awhile she began to doze off. But when she almost fell asleep she shook her head; willing herself to stay awake. Nope, I can't sleep yet. She stared lovingly at her baby. I have to look after him. Stay awake for your son, ka-chan! Kagome admonished herself.

Despite her resolution, Kagome's tiredness made her doze off again. But now, it was Kazukimaru's fussing that woke her up.

She jerked back to awareness. Hm? Is he full already?

Kagome lifted and burped him; and then rocked him in hope to be able to make him sleep. But Kazukimaru continued to fuss and eventually, he cried again.

Kagome's second attempt to feed him was rejected. Kazukimaru choose to keep crying loudly. So he really is full. But why is he still crying now? Kagome bit her lips; trying to comprehend what was going wrong with her baby. Then upon realization, she palmed her forehead. Silly me! He must have wet his diaper! Kagome smiled at her silliness. Sorry baby, ka-chan forgot about your diaper. She then hummed a song to help Kazukimaru to relax while proceeding to change his diaper. But her humming stopped when she found out that there was nothing wrong with Kazukimaru's diaper. What? His diaper is clean and dry. Kagome lifted his feet to check on diaper rash. No diaper rash either. So, why is he crying?

What did I miss? What other reason for a baby to be crying? Kagome then decided to cuddle him and sing him a lullaby that usually would calm him. To her surprise, Kazukimaru's crying was not stopping. Okay, what is wrong with him? Is he feeling cold? Kagome thought while wrapping Kazukimaru with the extra cloth she had and shutting all of her chamber's windows. But he was still not stopping.

Is it because of gas? Kagome then hold her baby upright against her shoulder to burp him. Kazukimaru did not quiet down. She tried another position to let out the gas, if there was any, facing down in her arms. But Kazukimaru just continued crying.

Is he bored? What's wrong with you, baby? Are you sick? Kagome was in panic. She could not bear to see her baby crying like that. Tears began to prick at her eyes.

Why are you so miserable Kazuki? What's wrong? Kagome stood up and walked around the chamber while rocking her baby. "Ssshh... ka-chan's here." She kissed and hugged Kazukimaru close.

After about five minutes and the crying not stopping, Kagome slumped back on her futon. She was too emotionally exhausted. She rocked the crying Kazukimaru in her arms back and forth. "Sssh, sssh…" Kagome started to cry along with him. "Ka-chan doesn't know what's wrong with you Kazuki. Please, please tell ka-chan. Please stop crying. Please…"

And so she continued rocking Kazukimaru while both cried in their desperation.

0000

When Sesshoumaru went back to check on his mate and pup he found them asleep soundly in the futon. Kazukimaru was happily and quietly sleeping in Kagome's hold; while he noticed that his mate was sleeping with worries and exhaustion lingering on her face and faint streaks of tears on her cheeks.

What had happened? Sesshoumaru questioned inwardly.

He walked closer and could not help the feeling of pride and contentment that built up in seeing his peaceful little family. The life of Sesshoumaru, the Western Lord, was perfect; he had the power and intelligence strong enough to maintain the stabilization of his vast land, he had loyal subjects who supported and would die for him, and now, on top of all that, he had a loving mate and a powerful prided heir. He never knew just how much he actually craved for them; to be welcomed home by these cherished ones.

He noticed Kazukimaru squirmed. Glancing at his sleeping mate, Sesshoumaru decided that Kagome still needed some more time to rest. He then bent down to pick the fussing Kazukimaru up and could not stop himself from stealing a kiss on his mate's parted rosy lips. Sesshoumaru just loved this wonderful woman, who had birthed him his perfect heir, so much. He relished in her addicting peach and honey taste.

The squirming Kazukimaru in his hold forced him to end the kiss. He was demanding his otou-sama's attention. Sesshoumaru's expression softened. It seemed like his heir was reminding him to let his oka-sama rest.

Sesshoumaru stared at his small pup; so fragile yet holding such an enormous power beneath. Sesshoumaru was looking forward to the day when he would start teaching his heir all the things that he needed to survive in this world, to be a strong and terrible lord, and to protect all that he loved. He glanced at his serenely sleeping mate. And your oka-sama will teach you something that even your otou-sama is unable to teach; the greatest powers of this world, the power that can make even the fiercest warrior bend down on his knees; the power that was lost to us youkai. It is the power of compassion and love. And your oka-sama is the most perfect teacher for it.

Sesshoumaru then stood up and started walking out with Kazukimaru in his arms. But that teaching will only happen if your oka-sama chooses to stay with us. Kazukimaru, my heir, we must persuade her to choose us over your half-breed uncle. Otou-sama trusts that you will not disappoint in doing this responsibility?

Sesshoumaru was amused when Kazukimaru suddenly stared at him with his gold-chocolate eyes as if he understood and agreed with his internal musing. But suddenly Kazukimaru blinked and scrunched his face. Realizing the start of a cry, Sesshoumaru slightly fastened his pace toward Kazukimaru's nursery.

0000

The sun was almost set when Sesshoumaru felt Kagome's reiki moving closer toward his study. He then heard the soft taps of his mate's feet and then the sound of his shoji screen being opened. He lifted up his head to see Kagome peering inside his study apprehensively.

"Umm… Sesshoumaru? I'm sorry to have bothered you but the maids said that Kazukimaru is with you?"

"Hn. Indeed." He gestured to his left where a silvered hair baby was sleeping soundly on top of a comfortable and warm looking pillow.

Sesshoumaru saw the way Kagome's eyes lit up and how her face brightened upon seeing their pup. She quickly moved towards the pup and cooed at his sleeping face. Sesshoumaru was pleased seeing her so healthy, happy, and fresh. The exhaustion that was shrouding her this morning was gone. She also smelt like the flower soap and warm mineral water. So she has taken a bath.

Kagome seemed to notice his attention on her. She stared back at him and then flashed him her sweet dazzling smile that Sessoumaru knew she always use to persuade the maids and guards to get them do what she wanted. Sesshoumaru raised one of his eyebrows.

"Sesshou, I don't want to pick Kazuki up and bother his sleep. So I think I'll be distracting you a bit here."

She then walked to the pile of rugs that were on one corner of his study.

When she made a move to lift the rugs, Sesshoumaru quickly walked to her side and snatched the rugs from her. Ignoring her protest, Sessoumaru brought the rugs to between Kazukimaru's pillow and his seat and arranged it to be a seating for her.

"I can do that by myself, you know."

"You will not do anything menial during your recuperating time, especially not in this Sesshoumaru's presence."

"It's just a pile of rugs Sesshoumaru."

He did not answer. Instead he picked her up bridal style and carried her to the rugs.

"Now I may not walk by myself either?" She asked in irritation.

Sesshoumaru put her down. He let his cheek linger longer then necessary on hers. "You may. But for now let this Sesshoumaru spoils you." He then kissed her cheek softly and chuckled inwardly in feeling her shiver and seeing her spreading blush. "Sit here."

000000

Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru when he sat back on his seat. Her heart was still beating fast and she could feel that she was blushing. She felt like a silly love struck schoolgirl once again. Falling in love with this supposed to be evil lord was not something she had anticipated before. But it tasted sweet just the same.

Kagome smiled shyly. For a long time she was only sitting there, content in watching the handsome and serious looking Sesshoumaru working on his paper. But being silent was really not one of Kagome's admirable traits.

"When I woke up this afternoon I was so scared because Kazuki was not beside me. You should've seen the way I searched in panic around the room and made a mad dash to the nursery." Kagome saw him stopped his writing. "Mou, you're so mean Sesshoumaru. You should've waken me up and told me that you were going to take Kazuki."

"The maid had been told to."

"Yes. Eventually she told me, but not before I'm in the verge of crying." Kagome quickly cut him off before he was able to say anything. "But, it's okay. I know why you did it." Kagome smiled softly when Sesshoumaru turned his head to stare at her. "Thank you my lord, for paying attention to my welfare. I was truly exhausted that time, the night feedings and Kazuki's crying. It was so considerate of you to order Fukki to prepare a hot bath for me. And knowing Kazuki was safely with you, I could truly relax for the first time since Kazuki's birth. Thank you Sesshoumaru. You are truly a perfect mate."

No words from Sesshoumaru; he was only staring at her with his intense gaze. So Kagome had to decipher by herself what went on in his mind. She absently realized she had slowly gotten better in reading Sesshoumaru's mind. Just like now. What she saw from his intense stare, made her heart beat faster again.

Desire and overflowing love, was directed only to her. Yes; Kagome had known. Without him saying it she already knew. With the care and attention he had bestowed upon her; with many traditions and habits that he had bent for her; even the blind could see; that the mighty Lord of the Western Land somehow had developed a deep feeling for her. Kagome was still too unsure to name it as love. But she was sure that it was close enough.

Seeing his intense gaze, Kagome could not help but being drawn to him. She saw Sesshoumaru's golden eyes glowing brighter; his smooth pale skin and his beautiful markings getting clearer; she felt his hands softly caressing her skin on top of her kimono; and his warm breath tickling on her parted lips. His masculine scent overpowered her mind. And she willingly fell deeper into Sessoumaru's embrace. And when their lips touched, Kagome felt like coming home. She closed her eyes and clutched the front of Sesshoumaru's haori; savoring his sweet kisses deeply. She loved it when Sesshoumaru's arms were around her body. His warm embrace had become the safest haven she knew.

Kagome was dazed when they ended their kiss. Sesshoumaru was still kissing her face and jaw and ear. Kagome giggled. "I truly was distracting you from your responsibility here."

"Hn. This Sesshoumaru does not mind." He murmured.

"But I do mind." She giggled more while squirming away from his hold. "And so does Sumire-sama, and the Elders, and all of your subjects. What they'll think of me, a bad mate, distracting their lord from doing his endless responsibility." She teased him.

Kagome ignored Sesshoumaru's light growl of displeasure. She moved towards Kazukimaru and kissed her sleeping baby. "Kazuki looked so peaceful sleeping near you in your study. Maybe he'll grow to be a scholar just like his otou-sama." She smiled and turned her face to Sesshoumaru. "I trust you can look after Kazuki a while more Sesshoumaru? I won't want to bother you now, so I'll just be outside and be back when he's awake."

But not five steps further from her baby, a sudden cry pierced the stillness. It seemed like Kazukimaru did not want his ka-chan to leave the room; to leave his otou-sama. Kagome quickly walked back and cradled her baby lovingly. "You're awake, Kazuki? There, there oka-chan is here. Eh? Are you hungry, baby? Let's eat then." She was on her way out of the study with Kazukimaru in her arms when she felt someone lifting her up. She clutched her baby tight.

"Sesshoumaru!"

Sesshoumaru put her back to the makeshift seating beside him.

"Umm… I think I better feed Kazuki in the nursery. That way we won't bother you."

"You both are far from a bother. Feed him here."

"Um…" Kagome was still uncertain. But Kazukimaru's crying stopped her indecisiveness. There was nothing to be shy about around Sesshoumaru anymore anyway. "Okay…"

So Kagome busied herself with Kazukimaru's feeding while Sesshoumaru went back to his paperwork.

Kagome occasionally glanced at Sesshoumaru; thinking for reasons of why he insisted she and Kazukimaru stayed in his study while he was obviously had a lot to do. What was the point of them being here if they were ignored? But realizing the many tasks he had to endure, preparing for the ceremony and all, Kagome tried to bear the silence. She bit her lips in restraining herself from engaging another distracting conversation with her busy mate.

But after a while, Kagome felt a tingling sensation on her spine. It was warm and building up slowly. She was surprised when she realized that it was Sesshoumaru's youki; embracing and engulfing them, circling them in a wave of protection. Kagome smiled. So she was not being ignored after all. She paid his gesture back by playfully letting out her reiki to caress Sesshoumaru's neck. He stiffened at first but then he let out a very tiny smile that Kagome had to squint hard to see.

Kagome let out a content sigh. What a perfect loving family she had. Her beautiful baby was in her arms and her perfect mate was beside her and protecting them always. Now if only she could make this all last forever.

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AN: I think tending for a crying baby is not as easy as it looks. It's sometime hard to understand their needs. But I know that a mother would know what best for her baby. Little Kazukimaru in this story was crying for no apparent reason because he just wanted his mother to rest beside him. Isn't he the sweetest thing? ^^

And Sesshou is such a sweet mate… *sigh*

Do you think it's enough for the fluffiness for our favorite pairing, because this story is going to go over to the dark side again.

Until next chapter! I just love your reviews! Thank you dear friends!

©miwa03 – 2010