In the end, transitioning to life in the Western Fortress was easier than any of them had anticipated.
Though reinforced almost impossibly with impenetrable geography and unbreachable guard forces, the sheer size of the stronghold at least gave the illusion of freedom.
While the fortress itself housed high ranking generals and various political allies, who had proven their loyalty to the Western Lands time and again through territory defining battles and resource sharing treaties, the back end of the property served more as a large village.
Sesshoumaru's most trusted soldiers and advisors lived on base with their families, and enjoyed the protection offered by lending their own strength in return.
No attack had been forged since the death of his father, when ambitious would-be rulers sought to relieve Sesshoumaru of yet another birthright. After the battle that ensued, none would be so foolhardy as to test the new Western Lord again.
And though there was little chance that any would attempt to harm his young son, the demon lord would put little to chance.
Not necessarily under lock and key, Kagome and Inuyasha were given a large home in the rear of the property. The village beyond the fortress housed the most impressive warriors in the land, up to the edge of the sea where none could attack without alerting the guards well in advance.
The home was intended for Sesshoumaru to reside in, once he finally took a mate and began raising an heir. It was where he himself had grown up until he was old enough to take his more active role within the fortress.
But he had no qualms relinquishing the property for his brother's use. Most of his work was done in the bulk of the main fortress, and he would remain there for easier access to his soldiers and advisors.
He would visit his son daily, except when out on patrol. When his duties were through, he was permitted to spend time with the couple within their home. He even had a room of his own, where he could rest near his son while his parents were otherwise occupied.
But after six months cooped up within the protection of Sesshoumaru's stronghold, Kagome was beginning to get anxious.
That's why she was so excited to be getting a visit from Sango today. Even though the last time they had spoken, it hadn't been the most pleasant of conversations.
"I don't know what to say."
After she had given birth, Sango made the quick journey to Kaede's where Kagome was recovering.
She had yet to inform her friend of her newborn son's parentage, but after one look at him, she didn't need to.
The crescent on his brow caused the woman to stop in her tracks. And she actually stood with her mouth open for almost a full minute before speaking.
"How did this happen?" she gasped in exasperation.
The young half demon was drinking greedily from his mother's breast, and Kagome spared a glance- and a raised eyebrow- at the shocked demon slayer.
"I really need to explain it to you?"
The casual response had Sango taken aback. She damn near sputtered.
"You and Sesshoumaru?"
Kagome was prepared for her friend's incredulity. She was expecting to get a lot of that in her future. If not in regards to the identity of the father, then simply for the fact that her son was half demon.
She had hoped that her friends would at least be more understanding.
But Sango was unamused at the miko's flip reply. And she crinkled her brow as something terrible occurred to her.
"Did he force you?" she demanded, to Kagome's frustration.
"No! God, why is that always the first assumption?"
Sango eyed her friend dubiously.
Who was this woman? Surely not the same who had fought with her against Inuyasha's brother in the past. If it were, she would remember the cruel demon's numerous attempts on all of their lives.
"Because he's evil."
Kagome's somber gaze returned to the child currently sucking on her chest, and turned to something tender.
For some reason, Sango felt a little guilty bad-mouthing the baby's apparent father in his presence. Particularly with how helpless and innocent he appeared to be. Her heart softened a little.
"He isn't evil. He's been pretty wonderful about this whole thing, actually."
Something else occurred to her then.
"Inuyasha must be furious."
The half demon left shortly before she arrived to procure a few things for the pup. But she highly doubted he was taking all of this in stride. On a good day, he and his brother were at each other's throats.
"He's actually been pretty wonderful about this as well."
Kagome seemed far too at peace with this whole thing for the slayer's tastes. Then again, she had just become a mother a few hours ago.
To Sesshoumaru's child. She just couldn't believe it. Inuyasha was her dear friend too. It seemed like an especially cruel thing for Kagome to do to the one she claimed to love. She was somewhat offended on his behalf.
"How could you?" Sango frowned.
Kagome frowned back.
"No offense, but it really isn't any of your business."
"I just never thought... I don't know what to say."
"Say congratulations," she instructed, looking up from the bundle in her arms. "Say you are happy for me."
But she couldn't find it in her. She just watched the child feed quietly for a moment more.
"You cheated on your husband with his brother. It doesn't really warrant a celebration."
They left for the West shortly after that.
And the couple seemed to be thriving there. After corresponding through notes passed between Miroku and Inuyasha, the women became more comfortable with the situation, and each other once again.
It was no hard feelings. This birth wasn't easy on any of them.
And when Sango finally came for a visit, it was like old times once more. For the most part.
The women peered in at the boy, sleeping soundly in his very impressive room. A room, that frankly, was too good for an infant, in Kagome's modest opinion.
Not that her child didn't deserve the best. But he was a baby... at least, he had been.
"That's Kiyoshi? How?"
Sango's incredulity was understandable.
At 6 months, a child should be tiny. Only eating, and sleeping, and at best crawling about. But his particular child had demon's blood. Sesshoumaru's blood, to be specific. And he would not adhere to the expectations of mere mortal women.
"Demon aging," Kagome explained, gazing lovingly at her young son. "They age about a year for every month for the first year. After that, it slows down incredibly. It's a survival mechanism, meant to get them to their prime- and keep them there- as fast as possible.."
Sesshoumaru had explained it to her. Far later than he should have, in her opinion.
Apparently, Inuyasha was no different. Aging rapidly his first year of life, and then slowing his progress to nearly imperceptible, at least as far as a human was concerned.
She was grateful in the last few months, to have Sesshoumaru guide her through this process.
Because though he announced his disdain early on, he was one of the few in existence to witness the results of a powerful dog demon conceiving a life with a mortal woman.
In fact, he might be the only one with any experience in the matter- begrudging as it had been.
"So when he's one year old, he will look like he's twelve?" Sango asked, marveling at the toddler who was only an infant not 6 months prior.
"And act like it."
"But when he's, like, 10, he will only appear to be a teenager?"
"Pretty much."
Sango seemed overwhelmed at the news. As a demon slayer, she probably should have known that. But it explained why she had never encountered any demon babies in her travels.
"Sesshoumaru said that when he reaches his first century, he will only look about twenty in human years. Then, the aging slows even further. He will only age about a year for every hundred after that."
Sango shook her head.
"But Sesshoumaru only looks about twenty now, and you said he was around 700."
"It's even slower for demons," she explained. "Hanyous age a little faster." She looked back down at him tenderly. "Someday, god willing, Kiyoshi will look older than Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha will too. Weird, huh?"
Sango's attention drew to her friend, who was still gazing wistfully at the boy sleeping in his bed, and was struck with a harsh bout of sympathy.
"You will never live to see him fully mature."
Kagome was mortal. Giving birth to a demon would not change that fact. And while her son would be blessed with near immortality, his mother would get old and die, just like the rest of them.
She had never asked Inuyasha how old he was when his mother died. Even if she lived to old age, he still must have been no more than a boy. How hard it must have been for him to lose her so young. He knew how hard it would be on his own son as well.
At least this one would still have his father, and a bonus one to boot. But no matter how much love a child receives, no one can take the place of his mother.
But as bad as she felt for Kiyoshi in that moment, she felt even worse for Kagome. Her friend smiled sadly. It was not the first time the miko had considered this harsh fact. And it would not be the last.
"No. But the worst part is how fast he is growing now. I wish I had a little more time to enjoy him as a baby. But I blinked and he was a 6-year-old. It forces me to cherish each moment with him. I swear, every time I look at him, he has grown."
They left the room to let him sleep, and returned to the main room of the house.
"Where is Inuyasha?"
Sango reached out to receive the glass of wine she had been offered, and Kagome took a sip from her own glass.
"Working. Sesshoumaru has him doing odd jobs around the fortress. But honestly, I think it's just busy work. He told Inuyasha he doesn't need to do anything here, but you know male pride. He wants to feel useful."
Sango smiled. Inuyasha always worked so hard to prove himself. She was happy that, despite what his brother had done to him, he at least seemed to be setting him up comfortably here. She had a feeling the work he was given around the fortress was far more accommodating than the physical labor he had endured at the behest of the human villagers.
"At least I talked him out of going on patrols. He really wants to take a place in Sesshoumaru's army, but one father risking his neck is more than enough. Can you imagine what would happen if both of them were to fall in battle? I convinced him it would be best to stay here."
Sango understood her logic, but she knew Inuyasha well. Fighting was in his blood. She wondered how long it would be before he had her convinced to take his inevitable place among Sesshoumaru's guards.
"Speaking of which, Sesshoumaru should be back soon. He comes to visit Kiyoshi every day after his council meeting."
As if on cue, Sesshoumaru let himself in through the front door. His dominating youki filled the house instantly as he entered.
His sudden presence startled Sango initially. The last time she actually seen him, he had been her opponent in battle. Kagome's too.
But though just as large and just as fearsome as he had ever been, she couldn't help but notice there was something different about him. His aura exuded a calmness, and contentment that had not been there previously. But it was the smile he wore that rendered him almost unrecognizable.
He made his way over to them swiftly, and Sango had to will herself not to take a defensive stance at his rapid approach.
But Kagome made no move to recoil. Quite the opposite in fact.
She beamed at him as he advanced on her, and stretched her arms wide to receive his hug.
He had to bend far to slip his arms around her waist, and she wrapped hers around his shoulders in return. Sango's eyes widened as he kissed her on the cheek, before releasing her finally, and offering the slayer a slight bow.
"Taijiya," he greeted formally, straightening back to full height. "I trust your journey saw you here safely."
She shook herself from her shock, and tried not to buckle under his intense scrutiny.
"Yes. Thank you for having me."
He seemed aware of her discomfort, and took a step back at this realization.
He attempted to soften his approach to put the woman at ease, and turned his attention back to Kagome to aid him in his endeavor.
"Any acquaintance of Kagome is always welcome. This is as much her home as it is mine."
Sango watched the couple share a very friendly glance, and couldn't help but gawk at the sight.
"That is very generous," she finally managed to reply.
Her utterance seemed so snap him from his reverie, and he turned his attention on her once more.
"The guards treated you with respect?" he inquired, though it came off more as a demand. He appeared to be assessing her again. For physical damage or emotional distress, she could not be certain.
"Yes," she assured him. "They were thorough in assuring I came peacefully, but they gave me no trouble."
He was pleased at her response, but he still regarded her sternly. He lifted his chin a bit.
"That is their duty. However, they are under strict orders. If you feel you are being unduly harassed at any time, bring it to Kagome's attention, and they will be dealt with swiftly."
The newest additions to the fortress caused a stir at first, but any oppositions were handled very quickly, and very harshly.
It was clear to all of them who the hanyou child belonged to. But even a hint of disapproval saw any foolish enough to display it meeting their gruesome fates almost immediately.
Disrespect would not be tolerated. But after the first examples had been made, even those with simple questions regarding the circumstances of their leader's first born wisely kept them to themselves.
Everyone was very curious as to how their lord came to pupping a mortal miko. And even more interested in why she seemed to be raising the boy with his brother. And, for that matter, how he even managed to have a half-brother in the first place.
But Sesshoumaru made it more than clear to all of them upon their arrival; even the slight scent of treason or intended harm towards his son or his family would be met with his most brutal of responses.
As Sesshoumaru was the strongest of any of them by far, none would dare give him any reason to doubt their loyalties. In contrast, they seemed to be tripping over themselves to accommodate his new pack.
"Thank you, but that's not necessary. Everyone has been great so far."
He nodded, finally accepting her claim. "Excellent. Is there anything I can procure for you? Anything you desire?"
It was so strange to have him offering her things, and more than a little uncomfortable. She just wished he would leave them be, and take his intimidating presence with him.
It's not that he wasn't being perfectly cordial. It was just... off putting.
"Ah, nope. Kagome has me set up pretty good here," she lifted her half drank glass of wine as proof. "Thanks."
Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome, and offered a smile that relayed his approval, and admiration.
"Hn. She is always a most gracious host."
"Well, someone's got to be!" she accused in mock outrage. "We can't all scare off every visitor."
He only offered a dismissive shrug.
"I will protect my pack." He refocused his attention on his guest. "And as member of my brother's pack, such courtesies extend to you as well. If you require anything to become more comfortable, do not hesitate to inform me."
Sango was unprepared for his accommodating treatment, and didn't know how to respond. Luckily, she wouldn't have to, as Kagome commanded his attention with a change of topic.
"Kiyoshi is due to wake up from his nap. Should I grab him for you?" Sesshoumaru shook his head.
"I will collect him. You may give your guest the tour, if you wish. If you venture outside the village, take a guard with you. I believe Kai is unoccupied at the moment."
She smiled in agreement, and he made his way to their son's room.
Kagome watched him go with a pleased expression, and Sango could only watch on dumbfounded. When he was gone, she stared at Kagome with wide, disbelieving eyes.
"That's Sesshoumaru?"
"Isn't it adorable?" she grinned. "Fatherhood has softened him a bit."
"Not soft!" he shouted down the hallway, causing Sango to blush. She had to remember not to say anything insulting, as he would likely hear every word. Not that she necessarily had anything unkind to say, after his uncharacteristically pleasant display.
"Make no mistake, if you threatened Kiyoshi, you'd be in 30 different pieces on the lawn," Kagome informed her with a smile.
Sango's eyebrows rose at how the statement seemed to please her friend. Kagome had never been fond of violence, even when it was necessary. But it was understandable, that once a woman becomes a mother, her protective instincts concerning her young would make her much more fierce.
"When I first got here, one of the soldiers made a comment about my skirt... They are still picking pieces of him off the rooftops."
But then again, she seemed rather pleased with Sesshoumaru's protective instincts regarding her as well. She decided to let it slide.
"Yikes."
"Yeah, it hasn't happened since."
Sango chanced a look down the hall to ensure Sesshoumaru wasn't listening. But she knew that just because she couldn't see him, it didn't mean he couldn't hear them.
She lowered her voice, and leaned in closer.
"So how's he doing with all this. The last time I saw you, he was hoping to be a little more than friends."
"He's cooled off with all that," she assured her dismissively. "He's been so focused on Kiyoshi, nothing else seems to bother him. He and Inuyasha are even getting along great now."
"Amazing."
"I know," she agreed. "He's like a member of the family now. Things are good. I think he's worried about doing anything to disrupt our cozy little agreement."
Sesshoumaru had been given pretty much unrestricted access to Kiyoshi, provided he made no attempts to interfere with Kagome's marriage. So far, he was being true to his word that he would not.
"And Kiyoshi adores him. But he is always trying to break away to play in the main fortress. I can tell Sesshoumaru wants to start grooming his heir, but I put my foot down. I'm raising a son, not a little soldier." She studied the drink in her hand as she became introspective. "I don't know what I'll do when he gets older. He is already showing way too much interest in what father does. Guess you can take the soldier out of the Western Lands..."
Sesshoumaru emerged from the back with the half demon on his hip. His eyes sparkling dazzlingly, accompanying a prideful smile as his son gazed back up at him with a respectful awe.
When he was born, the silver puppy ears and half demon appearance made him look more like Inuyasha than his brother. But as he grew, and his face began taking shape, the boy was beginning to resemble his real father even more. Even ignoring his obvious markings, he was looking more like Sesshoumaru every day.
Inutaisho's genes must be strong, because beside the piercing blue eyes, the pup bore almost no resemblance to his mother. He looked more like the brothers had somehow conceived a child, though she wouldn't dare mention it.
"Have you been behaving for your mother?"
"Yes, father."
As what seemed to be a daily occurrence, the sight of them melted Kagome's heart.
Sesshoumaru's father had trained him well. He was strong, and principled, and many depended on his abilities to lead them. It would be considered a great success by any parent to have his son grow up to be capable of all that Sesshoumaru currently was.
But Kagome was aware of the cost that came with grooming the heir to the West. Strict training and a vicious upbringing aided in making Sesshoumaru the great lord he now was. And it came in lieu of a more affectionate, and perhaps more enjoyable childhood.
As much as Sesshoumaru wished his son to follow in his impressive footsteps, he was not completely devastated that it allowed him to have a relationship with his son that his father had not been able to have with him.
He didn't have to feel guilty about leaving him ill prepared, because that was not the life he would have.
Make no mistake, he would not leave the boy ignorant on how to thrive successfully on his own. But he was allowed to take a more relaxed approach to parenting when it came to him. And he found it not entirely unenjoyable.
"Does he speak the truth? He is aware that any misbehaving in your presence will deny him of our swordplay sessions."
"Swordplay?" Her question was not wanting for accusation. "Are you sure you don't mean his meticulous weapons training sessions?"
Sesshoumaru lifted his head and looked away.
"I am sure I don't know what you are referring to."
Kagome rolled her eyes
"Oh, please, Sesshoumaru. You really think I don't see what you are doing? You are trying to pass off his little soldier training as fun and games."
"He does think it's fun," he insisted, adjusting Kiyoshi more comfortably on his hip.
"He does? Or you?"
"Both of us," he admitted, somewhat defensively. "This Sesshoumaru had never the luxury of playing games as a child."
"And don't you want your son to get the chance?"
Sango watched transfixed as the couple bickered. Seeing them clash over raising a child was strange enough. But seeing how Sesshoumaru indulged her, as opposed to say, running his claws through her stomach, was just incredible.
"He enjoys the training," he insisted with a frown. "But if it displeases you-"
"I didn't say that," she softened, deflated a bit in defeat. "Just... don't go too crazy with it, okay? I see you sneaking little lord lessons into what is supposed to be his fun time."
He raised an eyebrow, which Kiyoshi was trying his best to imitate. Kagome was certain the boy would get it down eventually.
"Such as?"
"Yesterday, he came home reciting each province in the west, and the lord who oversees it."
Sesshoumaru scoffed.
"Geography and memorization are important skills to learn. You wish him to be ignorant?"
"Of course not." Kagome frowned at his obvious manipulation.
"The boy has an interest in these things."
"He has an interest in whatever his father is doing. You know he idolizes you already. I don't want him to miss out on his childhood. He is already growing too fast."
That, he was.
Sure, most parents bemoaned how quickly their little babies outgrew their need for mothering. But such was exaggerated in Kagome's case.
Her pregnancy had been rife with stress and uncertainty, having not even been sure of the father until close to the end of it. Not to mention it was shorter than most human's.
Then, as soon as the pup was born, he began sprouting as if in a time lapse video. It seemed that just as she was beginning to learn how to care for the child in his present state, he was already on to the next stage of life.
She was very quickly becoming aware that she needed to appreciate and treasure each day with him, because before she knew it, he would be nearly grown.
It was a difficult lesson for a first-time mother to learn. Made all the more difficult by the fact that she knew she would never experience such a thing again.
She would never again know the joy of pregnancy, and childbirth, and watching her seed grow.
She and Inuyasha had decided to adopt when the time was right. And she would love them all the same. But it hurt to know that Kiyoshi would be the only child that would ever truly be hers.
The fact that he grew so quickly made it an even harder pill to swallow.
The little boy drug her from her musings.
"Mommy, I like my lessons with father. Please?"
She looked at Sesshoumaru with annoyance. He seemed to be aware of her plight, and at least had the decency to look somewhat guilty.
"Why do I have to be the bad guy?" she lamented.
He turned his pup's attention back to himself, lifting him slightly.
"Come, Kiyoshi. Let us play."
"Alright! I want to show you my perfect stance for battle."
Kagome fixed Sesshoumaru with an accusing glare. But the sheepish way he returned it caused her to break.
His devotion to his son was just irresistible. Even when he played his little games, she knew he would do anything for them. Kill for them. Die for them.
And the fact that there were none who could accomplish the latter renewed the attraction she had felt the night she became pregnant.
Sesshoumaru was strong. And passionate. And very, very attractive.
Watching him dote over their child awakened things in Kagome which she was forced to repress at increasingly shorter intervals.
But she attributed it to the hormones.
Surely, any woman who experienced the father of her child taking such interest in care of them must unlock certain biological desires that could not be denied.
That had to be it. Because even though Inuyasha was just as devoted, and though she felt a deep appreciation for all that he did, her body did not react nearly as strongly as it did for Sesshoumaru.
But she was getting better at pushing those feelings aside. At least in his presence.
"Mommy, will you come and watch me?"
Before Kagome could respond, Sesshoumaru's scolding tone drew the boy's attention back to his father.
"Your mother has a guest."
Brief embarrassment passed over the Kiyoshi's features. He was aware of the extra person. And his training should have told him to assess the strange presence, and determine in what manner to address them.
But he was so excited for his father's proximity, that he had completely forgotten there was another human in the room.
Perhaps he failed to detect the human as a threat. But his mother was a human, and a very powerful one at that. His own powers were already coming into his own. And the holy abilities he housed were not to be taken lightly.
But just because this woman was not a miko, it did not mean she was not capable of inflicting great damage.
He highly doubted, however, that his parents would allow anyone in his proximity that would mean him any harm.
Still, the day may come where one of his parent's allies may become traitorous.
He was already learning that what he was, was considered offensive to most of society. But that was because they were scared.
People were scared of his mother.
They were damn sure scared of his father.
And they would be scared of him.
But he wasn't quite old enough to grasp the entirety of his predicament. So for now, he placed faith in his family. And besides, this woman had a friendly smile.
"Hi, I'm auntie Sango. I am very good friends with your mommy." She bent her knees slightly, and leaned forward to match his height.
"What about daddy?"
Sango's eyes widened as she regarded Kagome nervously.
"He means Inuyasha. Inuyasha is daddy, and Sesshoumaru is father."
She set her eyes back on the adorable half demon.
"Then yes, I am very good friends with you daddy too."
"And what about Father?"
This time, she turned her uncertain gaze to the demon.
She and Sesshoumaru were not friendly. Not until about 5 minutes ago. And though she had no problems placating a child- who happened to be the offspring of the frightening demon about which he inquired- she was not sure what Sesshoumaru would appreciate in relation to his ties to her.
Sensing her discomfort, and likely unable to answer the question himself, he turned the boy's focus back to his piercing gold depths.
"Do you wish to interrogate our guest, or would you rather practice your stations?"
"She can come too!" He turned his attention on Sango hopefully, excited at the prospect of a larger audience to impress. "Come watch us fight in the garden."
Sesshoumaru exaggerated his pleading eyes to match his son's. Kagome wanted to be angry at the shameless ploy to get her concede, but it was just too adorable.
"Tell you what. When your daddy gets back, we will all come down and watch you, okay?"
Kiyoshi smiled brightly, and jumped down from his father's arms. Determined and encouraged, he zipped ahead out of the room.
"I'm gonna practice until you get there."
His parents shared a playful smirk as Sesshoumaru followed him out. And Sango only watched, astounded at the new dynamic.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After the boys left, Sango and Kagome spent time catching up.
Their previous animosity was water under the bridge, and they easily slipped back into their sisterly roles.
The only thing missing was a hot spring, which Kagome assured there was a rather luxurious one waiting for them later.
When Inuyasha came home, he was pleased to see Sango there.
He was greeted warmly by the females, and accepted a glass of wine from his wife as he joined them.
"Hey Sango!" He kissed her cheek, pleased to see his old friend. "How is Miroku?"
It hadn't been to long since he had seen the monk, actually.
With his incredible speed, he had made several journeys back to the old village to check in.
Between Miroku and Kaede, their old hut was being maintained. Not completely abandoned, it was being kept up and waiting on them for their inevitable return... for now, at least.
Sango quickly filled him in, though there was little to tell.
"Sorry I'm late," he offered, giving his wife a quick kiss. "But guess what? General Jiro and his mate are pregnant again."
A small celebration had been held at the fortress, where congratulations had been in order.
Though the couple had given birth shortly after Kagome, they were very determined to bless the world with their offspring.
With the quick duration of demon pregnancies, it was a wonder to Kagome how humans managed to eventually overthrow them in the future. Such things, she of course, kept to herself.
"Already?" she asked incredulously.
"Yep. Don't waste any time, those two."
Inuyasha didn't miss it when Kagome became morose. Pupping was a praiseworthy accomplishment among demons, and deserving of celebration.
But each time the mate of a soldier became pregnant, Kagome became inexplicably somber.
He wondered at first if it was because they were youkai, but he quickly pushed that thought aside.
Kagome held no prejudice... obviously. So he wondered why a new mother would not be the first to congratulate the next couple to conceive. He eyed her with concern.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, that's great," she assured him. "I'm so happy for them."
That's what she always claimed. But he knew his wife well.
He was about to inquire, but she cut him off first.
"Kiyoshi is requesting our presence in the garden. Apparently, your brother has been teaching him how to sword fight, and he wants to show off a little."
Inuyasha smirked.
"I showed him some stuff yesterday. Maybe he can catch the bastard off guard."
"Inuaysha!" she scolded, and he smiled back guiltily.
"I thought we agreed, he is too young!"
"Never too young," he supplied. "Especially for a half breed. He's gonna have people after his ass from the second they see him."
At her worried expression, he softened a bit.
"And it will be their mistake. Between the three of us, he will be ready for anything. Ain't nobody gonna fuck with a daiyoukai with holy powers."
But his reasonable response did little to quell her concern.
"But what if they do?"
"Then he will be ready," he insisted. "Me and Sesshouamru are making sure of it."
She knew her son would not be ill prepared. But everyone seemed so eager for the half demon to grow up. It was a sentiment she did not share.
"I just don't want him to grow up too fast."
Inuyasha gently took her hand to comfort her. It was something he had been doing a lot lately.
"Kagome, hanyous grow up faster than you can blink. It's just how it is for them."
She knew he didn't just mean physically. Her son would be tested every step of the way.
But for now, she would pretend that he was just a little boy, who wanted his parents to come to his little league game. And of course, they all would.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Within the vast garden was a big, open field that served as something like a park.
On warm summer days, in times of peace of course, the residences of the fortress would pass the hours playing games with their families and lounging in the afternoon sun.
Sesshoumaru had never been one to spend his idle time on such frivolous activities. But then again, he had never really had an excuse before.
Sure, it was his fortress. He didn't need an excuse to do anything. But what had once been considered a great waste of his time, now seemed to be very worthy of it.
Everyone had noticed the change in him over the last few months, and none seemed to think it was a bad thing.
He seemed happy. And when their leader was happy, the rest of them tended to stay alive a lot longer.
A large space was cleared for the Lord of the West and his son to engage in their 'playful' sword fighting sessions.
Those present would gather, sitting off to the side, and take in the sight of the demon lord training his young son- and perhaps taking a few notes themselves.
When Sango arrived with Inuyasha and Kagome, Kiyoshi perked up despite doing his best to remain cool. Excitement radiated off of him, but determination as well, and he got into position opposite his father.
While the women sat in the grass off to the side to watch, Inuyasha ran off to have a quick word with one of the soldiers he'd spotted across the way. Apparently, he had been looking for him all day, and needed to relay something to him. He assured them he would be right back.
Sesshoumaru was stripped to the waist, along with Kiyoshi, as was the norm for any spars.
The sun gleamed off the demon's pale, muscular form enticingly, earning longing, intent glances from every female present.
This was also per the norm, and Kagome did her best to swallow down her jealousy at the attention he received.
But for some reason, when Sango acknowledged him, Kagome felt far less threatened. Perhaps it was because she was only human. Or perhaps, it was because she knew her friend didn't particularly like Sesshoumaru. Plus, she was spoken for.
Then again, so where several of the demonesses who were currently ogling her son's father shamelessly.
"Wow."
Kagome slid a smug sideways gaze to her friend, and lowered her voice.
"I know, right?"
Kagome was not a shallow person. But she couldn't deny how validating it was to be the envy of every female present.
They were all sick with jealousy when they learned she had mothered Sesshoumaru's pup. But though they hated her for it, there was a begrudging respect there too.
Kagome was not to be trifled with. He'd made that perfectly clear upon her arrival. But the fact that she was married to his brother took a lot of the spite out of their envy. She had no claim on him.
Which meant, he was still on the market. Not that he appeared to be taking advantage of that fact.
But he was a new father. Every free moment he had was dedicated to his son. They all figured that in time, he would be more receptive to their advances.
"I take back everything I ever said about him. I can see now why you let him-"
"Shh," Kagome scolded, but the women shared a knowing grin.
They watched in muted awe as the little sword fight played out.
Kiyoshi had been supplied with his own sword. It was the proper size for a child, but by no means less deadly.
Kagome had objected at first. But as the only one who he would be fighting against would be Sesshoumaru, and he would not let either of them get harmed by the blade, she finally agreed.
Sesshoumaru fought with Tenseiga. Not only would it cause the boy no harm, but it had its obvious benefits as well. Just in case.
"He is really trying to impress you."
Clearly recalling everything his father had told him, Kiyoshi was approaching this match with a great deal of seriousness.
But Kagome could tell how he was trying to catch Sesshoumaru off guard in any way he could.
"I know. It's so cute how he wants to show off for his mother."
Sango slid an accusing look Kagome's way.
"I wasn't talking about Kiyoshi."
The miko spared a very quick glance to her friend, but quickly returned it to the match, deciding to pretend she didn't hear it.
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Inuyasha returned to take his seat next to the women.
They were all enjoying the show, but halfway through, Kagome's attention drew to a couple of the guard's children seated not too far away.
They appeared to be about Kiyoshi's age, if not a little older. Both were dog demons, as most of the youkai in the fortress tended to be. She had no idea there were so many, as Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru were the only ones she had ever seen before moving there.
One had flowing auburn hair, and the other appeared to be blonde. Or gold.
She found her gaze lingering on the other children much longer lately. Particularly when they seemed to congregate.
She hoped their mothers were treasuring this time with them. But then, demons seemed to have centuries to make children. Maybe more. Seeing them all made her remember that she would never know motherhood again after this. At least, not completely. It was a depressing thought. But she tried not to dwell on it.
"Wow! So cool!"
The boys at her left were engrossed in the battle. She attempted not to be obvious as she eavesdropped. After all, there was no harm in living vicariously through other people's children.
"Kiyoshi is so lucky. I wish Lord Sesshoumaru would train me to fight." She smiled to herself at the auburn boy's comment. She had been worried that as a half breed, Kiyoshi would be treated cruelly. Like Inuyasha had been.
But ever since she had arrived, he seemed to make friends just fine. He was welcomed warmly into their midst by the adult youkai as well. And she knew she had Sesshoumaru to thank for that.
If he were anywhere else, with any other father, he would be shunned. Or worse.
But he would not endure the same hardships that Inuyasha had. If only his brother had stood up for him too...
"Kiyoshi is going to be the lord someday."
Kagome tensed at the boy's presumption, causing Inuyasha to do the same.
He had been listening as well, though not paying as close attention as Kagome. But he knew the subject was a touchy one for her.
"No he isn't," the other boy countered. "My dad said he won't take the title."
"Why not?"
"I dunno. Probably because he is a half breed. Lord Sesshoumaru needs a full demon to replace him."
Inuyasha put a comforting arm around his wife. He knew she was very protective of their son, particularly regarding his race.
"Don't listen to them, Kagome. They're just a couple punk kids."
A sad smile graced her lips as she turned to him.
"No, it's okay."
And she returned her attention to the little demons, smiling longingly at them as they bantered.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he pried, but she seemed to be in her own little world.
After a moment, she finally spoke.
"They grow up so fast, you know? I just need to enjoy it while I can."
He knew what she meant.
They'd talked about it before. Several times, in fact.
She wanted a big family, and he vowed to give it to her. They could adopt as many kids as she wanted, as soon as she was ready.
But he knew, deep down, that it wouldn't be the same.
She was meant to be a mother. She was born for it.
And the fact that she couldn't have children again because of him weighed on him heavily.
She could have left him when she found out he was sterile. And she probably should have. But she didn't. She vowed to keep her promise and stay with him forever. So he made his own vow, to himself.
He was going to do anything he could to give her the family she deserves.
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The friendly spar ended to excited applause from the bystanders. It was nowhere near as enthralling as a true match between the demon soldiers, but Kiyoshi performed quite well for a child of his age. It spoke well for his future, and by extension all of theirs, that the next generation would grow to fight impressively in battle. The fact that he was a half demon did not seem to matter.
And though Kagome didn't want her son to grow up in the violent world of war and battles, she was aware it was unavoidable in the times they were living in. And she couldn't help but be pleased that he would be able to at least defend himself.
Kiyoshi ran to his parents, to receive the praise he was due, and Sesshoumaru was not far behind, obviously beaming with pride.
His haori was still hanging off him, and tucked into his waist; showing off the impressive cut of his perfectly defined form. The sweat glistening on his body had more to do with the scorching mid-day sun than it did from any real effort he had to channel in his mock battle.
"Did you enjoy the match?"
His question was directed at Sango, as the proud parents were busy fawning over their young boy.
But having such a perfect specimen close enough to touch caused something in the slayer's brain to short circuit. Her mouth opened, but could not form words. And after a moment of this, Sesshoumaru cast a concerned glance to Kagome.
"Miko, I think your friend is having some kind of episode."
After assessing the situation, she rose back to full height. She tore her attention away from Kiyoshi and approached Sango at her side.
"Oh, she's fine. She just needs to cool off a bit."
A playful jab of the elbow pulled Sango from her stupor. And with an embarrassed blush, she offered a quick smile and crouched to congratulate the boy on an impressive match.
"I have to admit, he looks really good out there. You both do." Kagome's approval elicited a grin from the daiyoukai.
"Then you no longer disapprove of our lessons?" There was a hopeful tint to his language, and Kagome smiled in response. She wondered if she should be worried that it was getting harder and harder to deny him. He seemed to be breaking down her walls with stunning speed, but she just couldn't find it in her to care anymore.
"I guess I don't see the harm. As long as he's having fun." She shared a warm smile with him then. Sesshoumaru was most certain that the boy was enjoying himself. After all, he loved nothing more than battling with his own father when he was his age, and much older; even though his father had taken much harsher tactics with him. But then, he had always enjoyed those kinds of things much more than your average demon.
When Kiyoshi called for her attention, she joined Sango in their banter. Inuyasha took the opportunity to approach his brother, and praise him on a successful session.
"What're you doin' after this? You busy?" Inuyasha asked. Sesshoumaru noticed how he lowered his voice slightly.
"I have an appointment with my general," he informed him. "However, I am free after that. Why?"
"Can I come over in a bit? I need to talk to you."
His secrecy was not glaring, but Sesshoumaru could tell that something was amiss. His curiosity was piqued. He nodded once in response.
Satisfied, Inuyasha drew fractionally closer.
"Good. I'll come to your room after sunset."
"Make it my study," Sesshoumaru insisted. "I may not have any appointments, but there are several scrolls which demand my attention. Unfortunately."
Inuyasha nodded in agreement.
"Fine. After sunset."
And with that, he turned back to the others, to listen to Kiyoshi preen over his battle.
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As promised, Inuyasha arrived to his brother's study not half an hour after sundown, and Sesshouamaru couldn't say he wasn't pleased at the interruption.
But not only because he despised the mundane mounds of paperwork he was forced to rifle through. Over the recent months, he had actually begun to enjoy his brother's presence.
He was not completely satisfied with Inuyasha's place in Kagome's life, nor his own. But the three of them had evolved into something sustainable. Something almost comfortable.
Though there were many difficulties to sort through, one thing held them together snugly as glue. They each desired the very best for the child that had brought them all together.
Though not ideal, the situation was acceptable.
Sesshoumaru was eager to abandon his scrolls at his half-brother's arrival. And after pleasantries were exchanged, along with a glass or two of fine sake, Inuyasha finally dropped his bombshell.
"She wants another baby."
The demon lord stilled, his drink catching pause halfway on the journey to his lips, before eventually finding his voice again.
"Already?"
He had prepared himself for this inevitability. He knew Kagome had planned on raising more children. He just hadn't expected it to be so soon.
Inuyasha reclined casually in his seat, admiring his drink a second before bringing it to his lips yet again.
"Yeah. Kiyoshi is growing so fast; she feels like she missed out. Plus, I can tell she really wants him to have a little brother."
"I can assure you; it is highly overrated."
Inuyasha smirked.
"Keh, that's what I said. But I can tell she wants one."
Sesshoumaru eyed him contemplatively. Kagome and he had grown very close to each other over the past six months. Raising a child together had allowed him a very intimate place in both she and her brother's lives.
It came with caveats, of course. But in the end, he had deemed it all worth it.
He got to know his son, Kagome, and even his estranged brother far better than he had ever anticipated.
But he could not deny there were things he was still not privy to when it came to her, to his dismay.
Inuyasha got to enjoy this side of Kagome. Such access included knowing her physically; something he had not been allowed to do again. But also, there were insights to her personal desires which would only be shared with her husband.
Luckily, Sesshoumaru had access to him. So he was often informed of the inner workings of her heart.
"She told you this?"
"No. I can just tell. She gets this sad look when the other soldier's kids are playing with each other. Or when Jiro's mate got pregnant again, she got all depressed."
They each took a sip of their drink, before Sesshoumaru continued his inquiry.
"Has she any prospects for adoption?"
The hanyou eyed his brother cautiously.
"That's where I was kinda hoping you would come in."
Inuyasha leaned back in his seat, and his brother followed suit. He appeared to be studying his drink, though his mind was a million miles away.
Troubled by this recent turn of events, Sesshoumaru pushed away his upset.
Kagome's happiness was at stake, and he had already decided to do whatever he could to help her obtain it. Even at the expense of his own.
"Hn. Does she wish for a demon or a human child? Demons would be longer lived, obviously, though they are harder to come by." He seemed to be thinking out loud. "Not many youkai would willingly abandon a child. Perhaps there is an orphan of a fallen soldier I can procure, though the mother-"
"I think the best thing would be to have another half breed," Inuyasha interrupted his musings, effectively stopping the demon short.
Brief confusion flitted over his features, before he gave the statement some thought.
"Half breeds are uncommon. You are aware of this."
"I know. But I think it would be best for Kiyoshi to have a brother of his own blood. She wants to give birth again."
He was visibly startled at the news. He did not hide his incredulous reaction to the outrageous statement, and Inuyasha squirmed uncomfortably at the anger slipping through his brother's tightly controlled façade.
"You would allow another demon to touch her?"
The prospect of another youkai having Kagome did not please him. It was bad enough that she was laying with the hanyou.
"I love Kagome. You'd be amazed what I would be willing to endure for her."
Sesshoumaru's tight grip on his glass relaxed slightly as he took in his brother's earnest expression.
"Not as much as you might think."
With all they had been through in their difficult past, it seemed they had finally found the common ground they needed to bridge the gap of their distaste for one another.
No matter how they felt about each other, they both cared for Kagome. Both loved her. And there was no doubt in either of their minds about the other's dedication to her.
Sesshoumaru was shocked at his brother's willingness to allow such a thing. In the past, he would never have entertained the idea, opting to leave his wife childless in order to keep his pride intact. What had changed?
He supposed that his own part in this little drama had quite a bit to do with it. For maybe the first time, he felt bad for what he had done to them.
But in the end, Kagome would be getting what she had always pined for, and that was what mattered.
And if her husband could take such a heavy blow to see her happy, he decided that he could as well.
"I suppose I could find a suitable demon who would be acceptable."
He began the maddening task of rolling through his mind's rolodex to find the best candidate with the most complimentary traits to pass down. But genetics were not all there was to be considered.
The demon would need to be one who was certain to treat her with care. One who harbored no ill will towards humans. But just the thought of anyone touching Kagome caused a possessive jealousness to build in his chest.
Sensing his dangerous rage, Inuyasha released a humorless snort.
"Keh, you really are dense. You think I would let just anyone sleep with my wife?"
Successfully pulled from his unhappy task, Sesshoumaru seemed startled as he regarded his brother with confusion.
"I want Kiyoshi to have a brother," he leaned forward, determined to get his message across. "A full brother."
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened as he interpreted Inuyasha's meaning. And hope clawed to the top of a thousand other emptions, but only for the briefest of moments. He viciously squashed any prospect of getting what he desired. He refused to get his hopes up again.
"She has expressed this?" he demanded urgently.
"No-"
"You view this one as some sort of donor?" he spat angrily. "Seed on command?"
Sesshoumaru's sudden fury took Inuyasha aback. His confusion was more than apparent.
"I thought-"
"You thought wrong." The demon lord stood, and turned his back. As if looking at his brother a moment longer might end more violently than was desired.
Inuyasha sensed the sudden danger, but still stood to approach his seething half-brother.
"I thought you would be happy."
"Happy?" Sesshoumaru turned, the menacing look in his eyes caused the other to back up a foot. But the demon followed him, beginning a slow, dangerous approach.
"Yeah, I mean, I know how you feel about Kagome-"
"That is precisely why such an arrangement is unacceptable."
He was close now. Too close. But Inuyasha was swimming so deeply in confusion that he ignored the murder that was literally an inch from his face. He shook his head.
"You lost me."
Sesshoumaru retreated, turning his back on him again. He took a moment to gather himself, closing his eyes in an attempt to calm down.
"Did you not consider how painful such a thing would be?" he asked softly. He would only get silence in response.
"Having her. Watching her swell with my child, only to be kept at arm's length once he is born?" Inuyasha stilled at the confession as his brother continued. "Watching another man take the place I desire by her side. Watch my pup call him father. Having my word overridden by one who had no part in creating him?" He laughed his irksome, humorless laugh. "Pardon This One for not leaping at the opportunity."
He returned to his seat, and lifted his glass to his lips. He took a long sip, before making his heart-wrenching confession.
"I barely survived last time. I cannot go through that again."
Inuyasha watched as his brother finished the rest of his drink in a single pull.
He never really considered Sesshoumaru would feel so strongly about it. He never considered he could feel so strongly about anything.
He had assumed he would jump at the chance to be with her, if only for a night.
"I'm sorry. I thought-"
"Go."
Inuyasha stood silently for a moment as Sesshoumaru poured himself another drink.
He had come to learn his brother's interest in Kagome was more than just a physical infatuation. But he hadn't realized until now the depth of Sesshoumaru's feelings for her.
He thought he was the one getting screwed in all this. That perhaps their petty rivalry had the most to do with his brother's actions that night.
But looking at him now, the guy looked absolutely tortured. Sounded it.
His wife had slept with his brother. But in the end, he had ended up with her.
Sesshoumaru was the loser in all this. And that was not a position the Western Lord usually found himself in.
Sesshoumaru ignored him as the half demon regarded him sadly, before Inuyasha finally acknowledged his dismissal.
He left the daiyoukai to brood in peace, as he had much to mull over himself.
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A/N: If you have any issues with the parental dynamic, try to associate to a step parent situation...
Picture, if you will, a mother who has married a step father, with a brand new child. The boy will have his blood father, but he will not be raised by him. That is- very loosely- what this is referring to. So I hope that helps to reconcile this in your mind.
Thanks for reading! I hope you are all being safe!
