Chapter 41: Success!

Kaori's eyes fluttered open just after she stepped into the light from the door. She felt Sesshomaru hand still caressing her hand and squeezed it. Sesshomaru was alert, taking his head off of Kaori's and moving so he could see her face.

"Hey, welcome back," Sesshomaru said, returning to his original place, his head resting on Kaori's.

"It's good to be back," Kaori said. Her voice was so soft and quiet, it shocked even her.

"Hey, just take it easy. You have been out for a while," Sesshomaru said. He looked out the window. "Perhaps forty five minutes."

"Yeah, that's long. I fainted for almost nine hours once," Kaori said sarcastically. Her voice was still soft and quiet.

"Just don't talk. Relax. Myori should be in soon to check on you and see if everything went well," Sesshomaru said, taking a stray hair and putting it behind her ear. Kaori nodded and leaned into Sesshomaru's chest. She was glad to be back.

It was a little while before Myori returned and was overjoyed Kaori was awake. Kaori had told Sesshomaru (by writing it down on a piece of paper) that she was exhausted and somewhat dizzy. He understood, but told her to keep her eyes open. He didn't know if he could wake her up if she fell asleep.

Myori noticed Kaori did seem somewhat tired and her smile quickly faded.

"Sesshomaru, there might be a slight problem," Myori said. "We need you to nourish the child as soon as possible, but Kaori seems too tired. Is there any way you can do that?"

Sesshomaru did not understand. How the hell was he supposed to nourish the child when it was still growing inside Kaori? Kaori understood completely and nodded. Myori smiled weakly and left the couple. Kaori quickly scribbled down the general instructions.

Sash off and on doorknob outside

Relax and enjoy my company and let things "evolve" from there.

SLEEP!

Sesshomaru still didn't understand until Kaori wrote them in big bold letters. He was somewhat embarrassed, but did not show it. Reluctantly, he left the company of Kaori and stripped his sash off, tying it quickly and messily to the doorknob outside the room. He joined Kaori again and nearly covered her face in kisses. He started with her lips, working to her cheeks, forehead and neck. He nibbled under her chin, causing a moan instead of a yelp and he knew he needed to speed up.

Kaori realized that he was speeding up, missing some important areas that got her in the mood and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He looked up from kissing her abdominal section. She gave him a smile.

"Slow down and relax. We aren't going anywhere soon," Kaori whispered, moving his bangs away from his eyes. He smiled and moved up to kiss Kaori long and passionate. His lips never left skin, whether Sesshomaru was kissing her lips, neck or any other body part, Kaori just needed the comfort of his lips upon her skin.

Myori heard a scream down the hall from her study. She knew it was instantly Kaori's and not from pain. She smiled, overjoyed that Kaori was finally ready to have the child. She had witnessed sometimes a mother give up on her child during the session in the hospital and lose the child. Kaori had to be strong and she was doing mighty well.

Another scream was heard and a howl, oddly enough. Myori raised an eyebrow with curiosity, but she knew better. It was either another guest or she just learnt something new about Sesshomaru. She turned a document over that she was working on just as another scream filled the palace. Sesshomaru's name echoed down the halls, confusing many people. Gosh, they could be loud. She sighed, wishing one of these days she could be joined in passion with someone else like Kaori and Sesshomaru, but that rarely happened to their family. They usually were blessed with a one female child they had to give birth to and that was about it. Her mother had been lucky that she fell in love, but Myori didn't wish on miracles. She sighed as some servants entered her study.

"Lady Myori, who screamed Lord Sesshomaru's name?" Some servants asked.

"His lady. Now back to work. You should be working on supper. I am expecting dinner made on time this time," Myori said, glaring at the head servant. They all nodded, bowed and scurried out of there.

Kaori panted under Sesshomaru's body. She had no idea Sesshomaru howled when he reached a high pleasure point. Yes, she had heard him growl tons of times, but never howl out loud.

"Sesshomaru," Kaori panted in a whisper. She heard a grunt. "I never knew you howled. You've never done that in the past."

"I never knew either," Sesshomaru sighed. Kaori could tell Sesshomaru was still trying to regain control of his demon. His eyes had burned fire red the entire time, scaring her at first, but then it turned out to be the best time of both of their lives.

"Just relax," Kaori said, moving some hair from his face. They both were still panting, Sesshomaru more than Kaori, and dripping with sweat. His head was pressed into the bed with such force, Kaori was worried Sesshomaru might hurt himself. She whispered his name and simple nothings. He cooled down enough to relax, turning over with Kaori and laying on his back with Kaori on his chest. It's how they usually end, but the demon had taken over and demanded its way. Sesshomaru could no longer hold back that time and let his demon run wild. He was always worried it would hurt her, and now the child, but he could hear Kaori's cries over and over of his name and he even shocked himself howling for all the palace to hear. He still panted, the experiences running through his head while Kaori had calmed her breathing down enough to close her eyes and not hear her heartbeat in her ears. She could hear Sesshomaru's, which was pounding a mile a minute, but she just allowed him to relax on his own in his own pace enough to kiss Kaori's forehead.

"Thank you," Sesshomaru simply said.

"For?" Kaori asked, looking up at him.

"Not fearing me when my demon took over," Sesshomaru said, resting his head on the pillows. His entire body ached like never before.

"I feared you, but that just brought more of the passion," Kaori told him truthfully.

"Really?" Sesshomaru said, absent-mindly playing with Kaori's hair with his hands.

"Yeah. Just don't start the mood like that. Start about in the middle and maybe we can do this back at home, with no disturbances or ears listening," Kaori offered. "And I kept my promise."

"Yes, that you did, Kaori. That you did," Sesshomaru whispered, his breathing still trying to return to normal. He couldn't exactly control his heartbeat, but with controlling his breathing would help the heartbeat slow down.

"No more talking. It'll help if you keep quiet," Kaori said, rubbing imaginary circles on his chest. "Just relax."

"How am I supposed to relax, when you're naked, on top of me and the last three hours are still replying in my head?" Sesshomaru asked in a sharp tone. She knew he didn't mean it that sharp and smiled.

"I could get dressed. Or..." Kaori said, tilting her head up at him. "...offer another option."

"And that would be?" Sesshomaru asked, looking at Kaori from the corner of his eyes.

"A repeat? Just, if you can, quieter?" Kaori suggested.

"Man, you are crazy. I can barely breathe. You want me dying making love to you, don't you?" Sesshomaru asked, tilting his head back even more, getting a slight cramp out.

"That's an idea, but not just yet. If you don't want to, I understand. I mean, I am somewhat more experienced than you," Kaori said, looking down at her imaginary circles. She knew she had hit him right where she wanted.

"Ugh, you woman!" Sesshomaru said, rolling over so that he was on top again. "If you want another round, I'll give it to you."

"One change," Kaori said, placing a finger on his lips. "I'm the demon this time."

"Fine. You'll be the one making a fool out of yourself, not me," Sesshomaru sighed, watching Kaori's seductive smirk turn even more seductive as she transformed. "Now, let us begin, shall we?"

"I say when we begin," Kaori said somewhat forcefully. She turned Sesshomaru so that he was on his back again. She sat up and rested her hands on his chest. "Now we'll start."

Myori was making her way past the hospital and heard small moans of the names of Sesshomaru and Kaori. They could go forever, couldn't they? She sighed and accidentally bumped into a male.

"Sorry, princess. I didn't see you there," the male said.

"No, I wasn't watching where I was going," Myori said, fixing her hair again.

"Those two can distract people," the male said, looking at the room that Kaori and Sesshomaru were in. "I mean, the entire palace heard them."

Myori laughed. "They have to do some. I just didn't think it would be that loud, or long," Myori said between giggles.

"I agree," the male said. "By the way, the name is Rotush."

"Well, you know I'm a princess. My name's Myori," Myori said.

"Well, see you around. Maybe at supper. Perhaps not with those two. I swear, if those two show up and are all over each other during supper, I'm going to whack the brains out of that man. His father did it once, you know?" Rotush said. What was once a farewell turned into him sharing the story of Sesshomaru's father and Sesshomaru's mother that happened in one of the grand balls. Myori laughed continuously and Rotush seemed somewhat fascinated in Myori. He stopped in front of Myori's room and opened the door for her like a gentleman. "So, maybe, if you are free, you could come down to my room, if those two aren't still at it. I've been wandering these halls all day since they started. I am not staying in a room next to two love makers when I'm not doing the same to someone."

Myori laughed again and Rotush smiled. "If they still are, come to my room. I'll probably be in here, but if I'm not, I will be soon. You know, just to talk and... stuff," Myori said, lowing her head. She really didn't want to say what was on her mind, so she made a fool of herself saying "stuff."

"Yeah, and stuff. See you later, Myori," Rotush said, taking Myori's hand and kissing the top. She flushed and waved him off.

"I think I'm in love," Myori sighed after closing the door. She sunk to the floor, her eyes dazed, picturing Rotush with her, kissing, hugging, caressing... She sighed and shook her head. She had to get back to work!

Eventually, sometime just before supper, Kaori and Sesshomaru officially called it quits. Sesshomaru was barely dressed, sprawled out on the bed while Kaori quickly got dressed in a kimono. His eyes just stared at the ceiling, replaying that session.

"Sesshomaru, aren't you going to get dressed for supper?" Kaori asked, having some trouble with her sash. "Or at least get out of bed to help me tie this sash?"

Sesshomaru blinked a few times, like coming out of a daze and sat up. Kaori walked over to him, since he obviously wasn't going to get out of bed and got him to tie the sash. He laid back down as soon as he was finished.

"Want me to get you anything?" Kaori asked, walking over to the mirror and looking to see how good she looked. She looked normal, but she bet as soon as she walked into the dinning room, every male would be picturing her underneath them. She smiled weakly and placed a blue rose pin in her hair and smiled more confidently. She turned to Sesshomaru, but he was still staring at the ceiling. "I'll bring you up something."

"Not much. I think I've already had my dinner," Sesshomaru mumbled. "Maybe I'll have it for a midnight snack."

Kaori rolled her eyes and kissed Sesshomaru's cheek before she left. She was turning to leave his side, when he grabbed her arm and sat up.

"I'll come soon. Just give me a few minutes," Sesshomaru said and he quickly changed into his clothes. They had some wrinkles since they had been thrown to the ground messily, but once again, Sesshomaru had completely forgotten he had taken the sash outside on the doorknob. Kaori rolled her eyes as soon as he went searching for it as well as his pants, and she quickly got the sash while her found his pants balled under the sheets. He quickly finished dressing and getting as many wrinkles out. Kaori and Sesshomaru made their way to the dinning room.

As soon as they left the room, they saw Myori heading towards the dinning room herself. She waited for Sesshomaru to come out after fixing the room up a little (putting lamps upright and making the bed) and walked them to the dinning room.

To Kaori's surprise, no one turned to them and stared when they entered. Everyone just continued talking like normal. Kaori looked for any empty seats, but could find none at the section she was at.

"Since you are also a princess, you'll be sitting with me, my mother, father and all the other formal lords, ladies, and princesses of the lands. Most of them are here to see my parents," Myori explained. Kaori nodded, smiled and followed Myori to their section of the table. Here, the ladies, lords and princesses went quiet when they showed up.

"Sesshomaru," a few hissed while others glared silently. Sesshomaru just glared back, not a single word to anyone. Kaori hadn't even noticed.

Sesshomaru helped Kaori into her chair and sat next to her elegantly. The glares were still continuing.

"So, what were you guys talking about?" Myori asked her mother in a whisper.

"Why did you bring him here? Shouldn't they be sitting elsewhere?" Myori's mother asked. Myori's father wasn't present.

"Kaori is a princess and belongs here. He's her mate so he belongs here as well. Plus, he's the Lord of the Western Lands," Myori explained in a whisper.

"I understand your reasoning, but if a fight happens, this one is on your hands," Myori's mother said.

Kaori looked around. She at first thought everyone was glaring at her, but it was Sesshomaru they were glaring at.

"Lady Myori, why is he here?" One male spoke up.

"He's the Lord of the Western Lands. He belongs at this table. He is regal, is he not?" Myori said in a polite and elegant tone.

"Regal is not rutting with some human girl he picked of the path. The least her could have done was one that was pretty," another male said.

"I must say, she is not even dressed properly. What woman of this day and age wears white?" A female spoke up.

"Silence," Sesshomaru ordered. He was not going to let people put down Kaori.

"Why? It's not like we are talking about you. That human bitch doesn't need someone to be stuck up for. Let her know she's is the piece of dirt she is. Ugh, humans. They shouldn't even be in this palace. I'm disgusted," one spoke up, his nose high in the air at the end of his sentence.

"I know. She doesn't even sit properly. I mean, she sits like she's regal. I mean, she isn't so why should she sit like that?" Another female said, looking at her nails. "I personally agree with you all. Humans are pathetic and worthless. She wouldn't even be good enough to sit with the servants."

Kaori was hurt, but the thing was only Sesshomaru was trying to stick up for her. Myori whispered from the corner of her mouth, her lips barely moving, "If I stick up for you, I'm dead before I know it. Sorry."

Kaori just sat and took the insults. Sesshomaru looked at Kaori, his glare getting colder by each sentence insulting Kaori and her species.

"I said silence," Sesshomaru nearly yelled. "I never want to hear you speaking ill of her or her kind again!"

"Aww, I think Lord Cold-Face is gaining feelings for his bitch, don't you agree?" A male teased, a victorious smirk on his face. Sesshomaru lowered his face, trying his best not to just kill everyone with one swipe of his claws.

Many of the lords and ladies agreed. They nodded and conversation about Kaori and Sesshomaru started up. Kaori just hung her head and listened to as little as possible, but the mention of her being a bitch or his slave or someone looking for just a one night stand hurt a bit of her heart at every word. Sesshomaru looked over at her and saw her look of pain. It was worst than anything he had ever seen before. Sesshomaru had enough. He wasn't going to take this shit anymore!

He stood up, his fists hitting the table and rattling plates and glasses. "If you don't be quiet, I will slit all of your throats in a second," Sesshomaru growled. That section of the table went silent.

"Sesshomaru, just forget it. It's nothing," Kaori said in a whisper. She stood up silently, her head still hanging. "I'll be in our room."

Sesshomaru was nearly blown away. Why was Kaori leaving? He was going to stick up for her, but he could understand why she wanted to leave. Even if he got all these royal assholes to shut up, in the hallway she would hear whispers of her and Sesshomaru. He was silent and had no eye contact with Kaori as she left. He sat back down and tried to enjoy the meal. He ate absolutely nothing since he usually didn't eat at meetings and was already full from "something else," but he asked a servant to give the meal on a tray. Just as the dinner finished, Sesshomaru stood and left, ignoring everyone's attempts to talk to him. Myori just watched with some guilt that she had brought this on, but her thoughts were ruined by a strong, but gentle, hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Rotush smiling down at her.

"Hey, how about we go to your room now?" Rotush asked. Myori stood up and nodded, but she didn't say a word, worried she would spill how she felt about the entire incident. They walked down the hallways slowly and silently. Rotush kept looking at Myori with side glances while Myori found a fascination with the carpet. "Ok, spill. What is going on?"

Myori looked up and stopped before bumping in Rotush. He turned around and stood in front of Myori so that he would get answers before they continued walking.

"Well, it's about Kaori and Sesshomaru. I really screwed up and got Kaori picked on for being human and Sesshomaru tried to stick up for her but she just left and then he followed and I feel so bad," Myori said quickly and in one breath. She felt two hands on her shoulders.

"It's not your fault. I mean, he's always had problems with the royals, so it wasn't anything really new. But Kaori, I really think she just didn't want to have to pretend to enjoy her dinner with people who disliked her. I mean, I would do the same thing," Rotush said. He smiled comforting at Myori. "Don't blame yourself. Come on. Let's continue."

They never noticed, but they just stopped outside Kaori and Sesshomaru's door, but Kaori was sobbing so quietly, they hadn't heard a thing. Sesshomaru had no idea how to comfort her. She didn't want to eat or talk or be touched. He just sat at the edge of the bed, looking down at the carpet. He usually knew how to comfort her.

"I mean, were you like that?" Kaori asked all of a sudden.

"Regal, preppy rich boy?" Sesshomaru asked. It brought a small smirk to Kaori's face. "Actually, unfortunately, yes."

"You used to be like that?" Kaori asked, bringing her puffy, red eyes from her hands.

"Not anymore. I realized the error of my ways. They were so inconsiderate," Sesshomaru spat and Kaori just looked at him. He had changed more than she thought.

"Oh my gosh, Sesshomaru," Kaori said, quickly crawling to his side and holding his arm. "I felt so bad. They insulted me more than anyone else I know."

"I know," Sesshomaru said, flattening her now frizzy hair. "How about we leave tonight? I mean, we've done what we came here to do and we can just return if we need to."

"That's an idea," Kaori mumbled.

"So, how about we back your backpack and get out of here?" Sesshomaru asked. Kaori nodded and released his arm. He got up and quickly started packing things in a messy, but organized manner. Kaori just laughed as he messily folded some of her clothes and stuffed them in. He held the backpack with one hand and offered Kaori his other. "Let's go, ok?"

Kaori nodded, accepted his hand and they walked down the hall.

"Sesshomaru!" A voice called out. Sesshomaru turned, as well as Kaori, to see Rougo running down the hallway to catch up with them.

"This better be important," Sesshomaru nearly growled.

"It is. I've heard that you were after a fellow named Naraku?" Rougo asked.

"How did you know?" Sesshomaru nearly demanded.

"A fellow named Inuyasha is here looking for you. He said he found Naraku's fortress and will need your help," Rougo said. "Isn't he your half-brother?"

"Yes, but as always, he has a human's timing," Sesshomaru sighed. He got elbowed into the ribs by Kaori. He held the sore spot while looking at Kaori with an apologetic look. "Great timing, I meant. You know, both meaning it and sarcastically."

Kaori crossed her arms with a pout and said that they would see him. Rougo nodded and lead them down some hallways to a meeting room. Inuyasha paced the room by length while his friends sat in chairs. Once Inuyasha sensed Sesshomaru he looked at him and ceased his pacing. "About damn time!"

"What about Naraku and his fortress?" Sesshomaru asked. Kaori seemed wasn't angered anymore and more interested in dealing with Naraku.

"Well, we found him, but he doesn't know yet. I can't break through the barrier completely and we could use your help. I mean, you do have a score to settle, don't you? Kouga also has volunteered, but I think for other reasons," Inuyasha said, looking at Kagome. Sesshomaru glanced at Kaori before back at Inuyasha.

"Perhaps I will join this battle, but you must wait at least three more months," Sesshomaru said.

"Three more months! His powers would be more than now! I think that we should get him now, destroy him and then get on with our lives. Your revenge, Kouga's revenge, our Jewel Shards and everyone's happy," Inuyasha suggested.

"Three months wait or you will not have my help. And I will enjoy the information of your foolish death. Perhaps running into a pit or another arrow pinning you to a tree?" Sesshomaru said, turning his back to Inuyasha. "That is my final answer."

"Inuyasha, take it. I mean, Naraku will probably try to kill you with no guilt, but he wants me for his side and if we got together, he'll probably not set as many traps or obstacles for us to go through. It will be much easier to get him with Sesshomaru and me on your side," Kaori said to Inuyasha.

"Keh, like I need your help. I'll get him myself! I don't need your help. I'm probably stronger than you anyways," Inuyasha said, crossing his arms and turning his back to Sesshomaru.

"Translation, we'll wait three months," Kagome said to Kaori.

"No, we're going after him tomorrow!" Inuyasha snapped.

"We could use their assistance, Inuyasha. Stop being to selfish and accept that he will actually help you," Kagome said.

"I am not helping more so as assisting," Sesshomaru said from the doorway.

"Same thing," Kaori told him, rolling her eyes.

Sesshomaru glared at her from the corner of his eyes, but then closed them again. "We're leaving. Now."

Kaori said bye and left with Sesshomaru. They didn't run into anyone else and were heading towards Kaori's village. She wanted to check up on it and just relax for a small while. But as they neared, Sesshomaru landed abruptly. Kaori didn't understand until she finally saw the smoke in the sky.

"The village!" Kaori exclaimed. Sesshomaru and Kaori quickly hurried to the village on foot, the smoke too much for Kaori in the sky.

Every hut was on fire when they arrived. It was chaos everywhere, but at least people were leaving the village. Sesshomaru checked the huts for anyone stuck while Kaori helped people get out as soon as possible. She had just got the last of them when she saw Jaken running her way.

"Lady Kaori, Lady Kaori. Run! Run far away!" Jaken yelled to Kaori. He rushed past Kaori, still telling her to run. She really didn't understand why. She was still going to check if anyone was still in the village before she left. It was her responsibility.

Jaken stopped and turned to her, his small arms waving. "Lady Kaori, come on! Run before she comes!"

"Who?" Kaori asked, but then she saw a outline of a small figure in the smoke. "Her?"

"Yes, hurry. Please!" Jaken squealed, pushing at Kaori's leg so she would go. He gave up and fled for his own life.

"What could she do?" Kaori asked out loud. The smoke cleared a little and Kaori smiled. It was just Rin! Kaori hurried to the child. "Rin, we have to get out of here. Come with me."

Rin had no expression on her face, nor said a word. Kaori took the small girl's hand and started leading her out of the village when pain shot through her arm. The arm that was where Rin was. She looked down to see Rin holding a knife that was in Kaori's arm. She had a smile, but not one of her warm smiles. This one was dark, cold, evil even. Kaori released the small girl's hand and hurried away from her, pulling the knife out of her arm. She winced in pain, but it was just a flesh wound. She looked puzzled at Rin. What was going on with her?

Rin still said not a word, but her smile could almost tell Kaori what she was intending to do. Rin pulled another knife out of her pocket and held it like she was a trained assassin. Kaori was scared. If it was anyone else, she'd be dead. But it was Rin; she couldn't kill or even injure this small girl who warmed her heart so much.

"Rin, what's the matter? Talk to me," Kaori said, reaching a hand to Rin.

"I don't want to talk. I just want Sesshomaru to die!" Rin yelled. Her voice was dark and angry, but Kaori still didn't understand.

"Kaori, what's going on?" Sesshomaru asked, running to Kaori's side. He first smelt the presence of blood, then noticed it was hers. "What happened?"

"Rin, she's acting odd," Kaori said, never letting her eyes leave the girl.

"Rin?" Sesshomaru asked and saw finally saw the small girl. "How did she get here?"

"Jaken was here too and tried to warn me but I didn't understand. Why is she acting like this?" Kaori asked.

"Ok, you get out of here. I'm worried about you. I'll deal with Rin," Sesshomaru said, nudging Kaori away from the village.

"Ok. Be careful," Kaori said, covering her mouth with her hand and running from the village. The smoke was starting to make her cough, but she kept it in.

"Rin, give me the knife," Sesshomaru ordered, his hand out stretched to Rin. She waved the knife in front of her, taking a step back. "You really don't want to hurt anyone."

"I need to kill you. I need to kill you and bring Kaori," Rin said angrily, still madly swinging the knife. "I will not fail!"

She ran at Sesshomaru, but because of her size and lack of skill, Sesshomaru just quickly grabbed the knife and picked Rin up by the back of her kimono.

"What do you not want to fail? What is your mission?" Sesshomaru asked, slightly amused that this child was struggling madly with no chance of succeeding.

"I am not allowed to tell!" Rin yelled madly, struggling with Sesshomaru, though she truthfully had no hope.

"Just tell me. You never really have a mission. You always just went with whatever happened, not planned anything. So tell me," Sesshomaru ordered, shaking Rin a little. "Now."

Rin cough and Sesshomaru then realized the smoke had increased. Forgetting his orders to make Rin talk, he carried the child to safety. As soon as they were out of the village, he felt a slight prick on his skin. Rin had grabbed the knife again, scraped his chest and fled. Rin had a mission and priorities; some demon was not going to stop her.

Kaori ran to safety, but she was coughing her lungs out. Too much smoke was in and it was getting hard to breathe. Sesshomaru was seen at the corner of her eyes and patted her back softly. It helped a little, but she was still coughing, just not as bad.

"Take deep breaths and relax. We aren't going anywhere for a while," Sesshomaru said, sitting down with Kaori. She coughed a lot, but not continuously. She nodded between a few coughs.

"Where did Rin go?" Kaori asked once some breath returned to her lungs. She then started coughing again.

"Ok, no more talking until you can breathe again," Sesshomaru said. Her coughing picked up until she was wheezing. Sesshomaru removed her hand from her mouth and placed his mouth over hers. He breathed into her mouth at a steady, calm pace, so that soon Kaori's breathing followed. She kept her eyes closed, calming down and relaxing. He removed his mouth and brushed some hair from her face. "You all right now?"

Kaori nodded and wheezed a few times, but she was fine in the end.

Smoke died down as the last of the huts burnt to ashes. With no more fuel, the fire died as well. Kaori carefully searched the area, to see if they missed anyone and found that they had gotten everyone out safely. But Rin had disappeared. Jaken was still around and shared the entire story with Kaori and Sesshomaru.

Rin had gotten dull and unemotional one day after exploring in the woods. Jaken explained he was worried about her, since she didn't bug him as much, but Rin said she was fine and they continued living the way they were.

Rin then told Jaken she wanted to visit Kaori's village to see if Sesshomaru or Kaori were anywhere nearby so she could chat. Jaken thought nothing of her odd behaviour and agreed.

Just as they got close, Jaken accidentally saw something silver in Rin's pocket. The rest of the way, his goal was to find out what shimmered. It turned out to be a knife. He freaked and ran from Rin, and she pursued. He went to the village when Rin smiled evilly, lit a torch and started setting huts ablaze. Jaken got everyone out of their huts and that was when he saw Kaori. They knew the rest from there.

Kaori winced slightly as Sesshomaru tied a bandage around her arm, but stood for his concern and wore it so the wound healed. They hoped to run into Rin again to ask her what was her odd behaviour was about, but just not in the same way as before.

Sesshomaru was worried about the child. Had the smoke effected it? Sesshomaru got Kaeda to come over and Kaeda was shocked to find out that the baby was healthy and, to her surprise, the child and Kaori would survive during birth. Somehow, Kaori had gotten just the right amount of nutrition, emotion and life into the child that one didn't have to be sacrifice. Sesshomaru squeezed her shoulders and smiled. That night was a success.

Two months later...

Kaori rested in her room lying on her bed. She had gained weight in a considerably fast time, or so Inuyasha said. He visited with Kagome and saw the big improvement to Kaori's abdominal section. He fainted on the spot and he had to crash on the couch for the night. Kagome slept in a chair, but Kaori didn't mind the company.

Kagome was working on dishes downstairs while Inuyasha was still passed out on the couch. Sesshomaru was next to Kaori, hearing her tell another love story, just this one was more for mature audiences. He rubbed her arms and got this smirk on his face at the "interesting" parts and Kaori only knew next time they were alone, they would be trying new things.

Kaori rested her head on his shoulder, finishing the last part of the story. Sesshomaru kissed her briefly on the lips when she was done and slowly placed the book on a nearby table. His hand still rubbed Kaori's arm and Kaori almost absolutely knew what Sesshomaru was thinking of. He turned back to Kaori and kissed more passionately, and Kaori didn't mind, but when he rubbed big, slow circles on her enlarged stomach, she knew things were going to be going to another level.

"Sesshomaru, we have guests in the house," Kaori said, pushing Sesshomaru's hand away from her body. Yes, kissing was fine, and yes, it would be all right with her if they went farther, but she really didn't want Kagome having the shock of her life if she walked into their room.

"When they leave?" Sesshomaru asked. "I mean, I could snap Inuyasha awake instantly, or just throw him down the well, and then we'll be all... alone," Sesshomaru said, whispering the last part into her ear. She shivered and, out of habit, put her hands on his chest, but she had to remove them instantly. She wasn't going to be rude to Inuyasha. He just fainted and he needed to be reawaken on his own.

"Sesshomaru, later," Kaori said.

"Promise?" Sesshomaru asked, cupping her cheek while looking at her lips.

"I can't say that. I'm already a week late, so who knows. She might come today," Kaori said, looking at his lips and then his eyes. "But if you want any passion, kissing is just fine."

A smile lit up his face as he nearly smothered her with a kiss. It showed more passion than ever before and Kaori had to almost keep her mouth shut to suppress a moan. She fingered his hair and just relaxed into the pillow as Sesshomaru nearly detached her lips from her body. He was so violent, in a way, but careful not to hurt her. His fangs often brushed over her lip, making her shiver uncontrollably. He smiled and turned the once violent and passion hungry kiss into a soft, loving, gentle kiss that was more kisses and small licks than just getting as far as he could into her mouth. She smiled and kissed back with the same amount of gentleness and love, he could only smile.

"Your answer still no?" Sesshomaru asked between kisses. A trail of his saliva went from her lips, to her chin to her neck.

"Yes, dear. I really don't want Kagome thinking ill of us, like ravage beasts," Kaori said, tilting her head for more room for him. "And plus, your body is only seen by my eyes."

Sesshomaru smiled and placed nibbles and kisses on her neck, causing some small, short moans escape her mouth. Perhaps this was torture, but she was the one who asked for it.

"So, when do you think this stubborn girl will show herself?" Sesshomaru asked, light circles covering her stomach.

"When she wants to," Kaori said, sighing. "Perhaps I'll need a C-section."

"No. She'll be born naturally. You are going to push that girl out, or no more fun," Sesshomaru told her.

"You're the one who will be more tortured than me, so really don't say that," Kaori said, moving her neck away from him. A small river a saliva ran down her neck and she wiped it away with her sleeve. "Animal."

"What, you move," Sesshomaru said, wiping his mouth. "It wouldn't have been so messy if you had left me finish."

Kaori rolled her eyes and nearly rolled out of bed. "We'll finish this later. I think Inuyasha's awake."

Sesshomaru stood and walked downstairs, obviously faster than Kaori. Inuyasha was awake and the first thing he saw was Kagome.

"So, was it a dream? Is Kaori not pregnant?" Inuyasha asked.

"She is, it's true. Sorry dear," Kagome said, straightening his hair.

"Leave, now," Sesshomaru said, opening the door. "I want some alone time with my wife."

"Yeah, I heard you upstairs," Kagome sighed, rolling her eyes. "We'll leave you two to have your quiet time."

Inuyasha and Kagome left and Sesshomaru closed and locked the door. Quickly he closed the curtains and windows and then turned to Kaori. She stood in the middle of the living room, slightly confused. It was dark in their home, even though it was the middle of noon.

"Chapter thirty four, paragraph six. Let's get going," Sesshomaru said, and Kaori only felt kisses and then her back hitting a wall. "This might be difficult because you're pregnant, but I'll manage."

"Uh, Sesshomaru, remember chapter forty five, paragraph six, sentence thirteen?" Kaori asked, trying not to ruin Sesshomaru's mood.

He stopped and backed away from her a little. His expression showed him thinking. "The baby's coming?" Sesshomaru asked. Kaori nodded and Sesshomaru picked her up into his arms. "We need to get going!"