Disclaimer: Inuyasha is Copyright of Takahashi Rumiko

Nothing Without The Other

Chapter 31

Rin stood on the top of the hill beside Sesshoumaru, gazing over the Western Land's in all its morning glory. It was a breezy day, complete with clear skies and a bright sun. Spring had finally arrived but for once, she had no desire to go out and enjoy it. Where she wanted, more than anything, was to stay at the estate and work to make sure the Western Lands remained peaceful.

Her heart had begun to swell with pride ever since Sesshoumaru had declared that he had taken her to be his mate. With that pride had come such a powerful sense of honor and duty that at times she barely knew how she contained it. As Lady of the Western Lands, she intended to stand beside Sesshoumaru and help him in every possible way to maintain control over the land and keep it in the family until eternity.

But something still troubled her. Her mate had somehow transfered his feelings to her and just like him, she did not trust the quiet manner in which Lord Shunsuke had departed. Nor did she like the smirks she had received from Yoko. They had been gone for two days and a sort of eerie peace had washed over the lands. She knew then and there that part of her role consisted of constant worry.

"The meetings went surprisingly well," Sesshoumaru interrupted the silence after a while.

"I think you were far too worried," she told him. "Knowing Iida was going to be there should have given you some comfort."

He turned and walked down the hill. "I did not know Iida had taken over. That information was conveniently left out."

Rin smiled, recalling the playful nature of the young crane. "Even when you received word that his mate was expected to give birth?"

"There were no names mentioned. I assumed it was Lord Goro's mate," Sesshoumaru admitted.

"He surprised you then."

"He tricked me."

She bumped into him lightly. "Well he is an excellent ally. If it was not for him, Lord Tsutomu may not have opened up to you so quickly."

"Hai. He would have been too affected by your charms to pay this Sesshoumaru any attention."

"As Lady of the Western Lands, it is my duty to charm your allies. They may find you too cold and boring," she teased.

"Hnn."

She frowned, noting that her teasing was not getting the response she would have liked. "Lord Shunsuke still troubles you."

"Hai. I do not consider him a threat, but I think he will do something foolish. I know I can handle him."

She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "It would simply be annoying to deal with."

"Hai."

"Sesshoumaru," she said, pausing for a moment.

He turned to her. "Hnn."

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you."

"Rin. I..this Sesshoumaru..." he trailed off when she began to laugh.

She shook her head lightly, as if shaking off her laughter. "Gomen ne, Sesshoumaru. It is just so amusing to see you stumble over words. Demo, I know it is still difficult for you to verbalize your feelings. You don't have to say it."

"It is unaccept-"

"Yamero," she said softly. "I know you love me. You tell me all the time, even if you don't say it."

He simply stared when she framed his face in hers hands and met his eyes, smiling softly up at him.

"I see it in your eyes, just in the way you look at me. Know one but me would notice how they soften and brighten, because such a look is only for me. I feel it when you hold me at night. I witness it when you get up at dawn just to train me. You tell me you love me practically every day, I feel a little guilty for not doing the same."

Sesshoumaru took one of her hands and brought it to his lips. "When you speak such words, this Sesshoumaru is reminded of just how much you complete me."

She smiled and leaned up on her toes. "I try."

He leaned down, wrapping is arms around her to support her, and kissed her lips.

"Ew, they are just like Haha-ue and Chichi-ue."

Rin blinked and turned, immediately spotting Kazuo carrying Ito on his back. "What do you mean?"

"Chichi-ue always kiss Haha-ue," Ito informed her, peeking over his brother's shoulder.

"I didn't want to see them kiss, so I came to look for you," Kazuo told her, disappointment clearly in his voice.

Rin slipped from Sesshoumaru's arms and leaned down in front of them. "You know, some day you both will kiss girls."

"Ew! Never!" Kazuo shouted in disgust.

She laughed at the seven year old and took Ito into her arms. "Well Sesshoumaru and I were just returning. How about we go play a little before lunch?"

"Playing is for little boys," Kazuo told her, standing up straight. "I'm getting so strong now that I might hurt Ito on accident."

Rin beamed. "Is that so?"

"Yeah."

Sesshoumaru looked at him with interest. "Prove it."

Kazuo looked up at Sesshoumaru, trying not to feel intimidated. "How?"

"Plant your feet into the ground and hold on to my arm," Sesshoumaru told him, holding his arm over the pups head. "I'm going to try to lift you. If you're really strong, I may have a hard time doing it."

Rin saw him hesitate for a moment before giving in and taking hold of Sesshoumaru's arm. He tried with all his might to keep his feet on the ground and she was surprised to see Sesshoumaru going along with it by putting the smallest amount of effort possible into lifting the young boy. After many 'strained' attempts, Sesshoumaru lifted him a few feet off the ground.

"You are quite strong," Sesshoumaru told him.

Kazuo smiled knowingly. "Arigatou."

As they walked back to their quarters, Rin noticed the way Ito would slip Sesshoumaru occasional glances. It seemed the silver-haired four year old was just as curious as she had been when she had the pleasure of meeting him. Except he was shy, maybe even afraid to confront the youkai he had been told was his uncle. She was not surprised. Sesshoumaru did not spend much time interacting with his brother's children. In fact, beside those few moments with Rei, this was the first time she could recall him being with the boys.

"Ito," she said quietly. "Would you like your Uncle Sesshoumaru to hold you?"

He laid his head on her shoulder and looked over at Sesshoumaru in silence, fumbling with the collar of her kimono.

Sesshoumaru softened his gaze before looking at the pup. "Don't be afraid, little one."

"Yeah, Ito. Be brave like me!" Kazuo told him.

Ito looked over at his brother before holding his arms out to Sesshoumaru almost shyly. Sesshoumaru held him in his right arm, allowing the pup to lay against the fur on his shoulder. Ito stroked it in growing curiosity, looking up at Sesshoumaru to see if he would object. Seeing that it was safe, he gave his uncle a small hug and smiled in satisfaction.

"There you two are," Kagome said when they reached him and then, without warning, snapped a few pictures.

"Haha-ue!" Kazuo whined.

"Kazuo!" Kagome mimicked, knowing her son did not like being caught off guard.

Rin laughed. "Did they tell you what is for lunch?"

"Iie, but it should be ready soon. We want to eat in the garden if thats alright with you two."

Rin looked at Sesshoumaru and took his silence as a yes. "Thats fine. Is Rei awake?"

"Inuyasha just put her down for a nap. And it looks like Ito will need one after lunch," Kagome said, noting the tired expression in her son's eyes.

"I want to stay with Uncle Sheshoumu," he told her, clinging to his uncle.

Kagome and Rin giggled at his botched pronunciation of Sesshoumaru's name. Sesshoumaru said nothing.

"Oi, Kagome, where's that little cradle thing?" Inuyasha said as he stepped from the garden, stopping in surprise when he saw Sesshoumaru. "Keh, well aren't you just father of the year, Sesshoumaru."

"I'll get it, Inuyasha. Kazuo, come help Haha-ue with the cradle."

"Okay," he said, quickly following her.

Fumiko arrived with three other servants, each carrying trays of steamed vegetables, rice, sashimi, and tea. She followed Sesshoumaru and Rin out to the garden, placing the trays on the blankets Kagome had set up earlier. Then they all sat and ate cheerfully, talking about nothing in particular. Their peace, however, was interrupted soon after.

Hideki stepped from the veranda, waiting for permission to approach before he did. "Lord Sesshoumaru, I have urgent news. And a letter."

Sesshoumaru rose and took the scroll, reading over it quickly. "Where are they?"

"Less than a days journey from here, my Lord," he said. "And they are armed."

Rin quickly rose to her feet, feeling a sense of dread wash over her. "Sesshoumaru...what is it?"

He turned to her. "The clan between my borders and Lord Shunsuke's. They intend to declare war if I do not renounce you as my mate and Inuyasha as a heir. They are already prepared for battle and awaiting my response."

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--/-- Yamero:Enough --/-- Arigatou:Thank You --/-- Oi:Hey --/-- Hai:Yes --/-- Iie: No --/-- Demo:But --/-- Sashimi:Raw fish, usually dipped in soy sauce or wasabi --/--

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