Beat

The doctor pulled over a cart with machines on it and happily set about her task. Meanwhile, Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru. "I can understand this isn't your cup of tea," she said softly, so only he could hear. "So thank you, for coming."

It made him uncomfortable to be put on the spot like that, especially by her. He frowned, but said nothing, merely continued to hold her hand.

Kagome smiled, understanding somehow and turned back to the doctor. When she pulled the gown up to settle under her breasts and expose her still flat belly, Kagome grinned. She was so excited she didn't even shudder when the doctor put that cold gel on her stomach. When she began to swirl the little sensor around in the gel and finally settled it on one point, she took a deep breath, almost unable to contain her enthusiasm.

Sesshoumaru studied the miko while she wasn't looking, the way the doctors hands moved competently over her belly, and wondered. This was the first time he had even seen such pure joy on her features and it reminded him so much of Rin. But there was no pain with the thought, only mild musing. So focused on his thoughts was he that he didn't notice either woman's excited, joyful gasps.

"Sesshoumaru, look!" Kagome tugged on his hand, her wide blue eyes dancing, as she pointed to the small screen on the other side of the table. "That's its heart beating, that sound you hear!"

The daiyoukai stared at the screen and though his face was a study in cool indifference, his heart skipped. He couldn't tell exactly where the baby was on the screen, couldn't even tell it was a baby. It was probably too early yet for that. But that tiny heartbeat, that steady staccato as it drummed, filled him, lifted him. It healed the remaining cracks left from Rin's demise and as he turned to the Miko, he allowed the smallest of smiles to form.

o.O.o

Word Count: 333