Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of its characters.

Chapter Forty-Eight: Restless

Kagome was about to call Chie and ask her to bring something for lunch when Inuyasha surprised them, entering their room with a tray full of food that could be enough for the three of them. Muteki and Toga were tired after a morning spent playing and running around, and she wanted them to eat before going for a nap.

The half-demon laid the tray on the tea table, and the pups immediately took a seat in front of it, ready to eat everything they could. "Be sure to leave something for mama," he instructed them; they nodded eagerly and then dug in, immediately creating a mess of rice and vegetables all around them.

Kagome tried to reach them; she was hungry too, after all. Inuyasha intercepted her and pulled her in a tight embrace, tucking her head under his chin and rubbing circles on her back. She linked her arms behind his back and leaned against his chest, She had noticed the stiffness of his posture and was waiting for him to approach the subject. For a couple of minutes, they could only hear the tapping of chopsticks against the rice bowls and the sounds of dishes being moved around.

"You won't believe everything that happened this morning," Inuyasha finally said after what seemed an eternity.

Kagome looked up at him, peering into his eyes, trying to find the answer there, but they were strangely void of any hint. "Is it safe to speak of this in front of the children?" she inquired.

"They won't be listening, too busy trying to scarf down as much as they can. I think I'll have to go back to the kitchen later since they won't be leaving you anything, even if I've specifically asked them to," he chuckled.

Kagome shrugged. "It's not a problem; I'll ask Chie something warm once you told me what happened today," she told him just before she dragged him to the other side of the room, where they took a seat on a pile of comfy cushions. Inuyasha immediately sat her in his lap and hid his face in her hair, wanting to be as close to her as possible.

"Sesshomaru seemed... strange. Before he left, he made sure I was okay and even thanked me. But that's not everything..."

"What then?"

"I dunno, it's like he wanted to tell me something else; his eyes were certainly trying to. At the same time, he was holding back."

"Well, maybe he really wanted to, but he couldn't find the right words. It's Sesshomaru we're speaking about; it's a lot the fact he thanked you."

"Yeah, that's the bastard for you." Inuyasha closed his eyes and brought her again flush against him, his body almost trembling under the emotional weight. "I think... I think everything that happened during the meeting made him realize something. The elders kept speaking about my parents, comparing this situation to theirs, and I kept defending Rin. Maybe this time, he couldn't deny the connection or the bastard can really be something other than a cold-hearted asshole. I don't know, but I swear I almost smelt guilt on him."

"Well, Koibito... I think it's easy to say that seeing you – the son of the woman he had refused and the demon he didn't back up back then – going to great lengths to help him and his human mate made him definitely guilty, even if it's hard to believe he even knows of such a feeling. Rin changed him; surely it's not the same demon we knew nine years ago. It was high time he started seeing things like they are. I'm sure Sesshomaru will need some time to fully comprehend everything he suddenly realized. But maybe he will even find a way to apologize to you."

Inuyasha nodded but didn't add anything else.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Kagome inquired then.

"I... I..." he slumped his shoulders and struggled to find the words. "Sesshomaru isn't the only one who made the connection. Being there, seeing those angry faces, disapproving looks, made me wonder how lonely my mother must have felt," he confessed. "The old man wasn't always with her, her family judged her for her choice, and then she was left alone with a half-demon son. I guess it isn't a surprise she died young."

"I think your mother resisted as long as she could and that you were what made her going forward," Kagome offered, trailing her fingers gently on his cheek.

"Yeah... Maybe. But right now, it makes me feel bad because I've never realized how she really felt; I never saw her shed tears if not one time I asked her what a hanyou was. How could I not understand how much she was suffering behind the smiles and the hugs she reserved for me?"

Her hand reached the other cheek, and brown met gold, a new determination in Kagome's eyes. "I want you to listen to me well, koi. You were a pup, just like ours are right now. Do you ever let them see how worried you are over something? When the cats attacked us, did you show them your fears? You want the best for them, and you make sure to be their rock; you let them know they have nothing to fear when next to you; you make sure they'll keep their innocence as long as they can. That's what your mother tried to do. She didn't want you to see her anything but happy, and even when she wasn't, she tried to be it for you. And... As much as you are your children's rock, they are it for you too. When I see that Muteki and Toga are good and happy or aren't concerned about something, when they smiled at me, showing me those little fangs, they make my day better than before; they let me forget everything else. And you did that for your mother, Inuyasha; you did that. You made her days better, and you've been her rock throughout her last years."

"But..."

"You weren't selfish or a bad son. You were her light. I don't want you ever to think of it again. Whatever happened before you were born wasn't your fault. How could you think it was when we still live in this reality two hundred years after?" she pecked him lightly before continuing. "Sometimes I wonder how much longer we'll have to wait before demons start accepting half-demons... before or after they will start hiding from humankind?" she sighed.

Inuyasha removed her hands from his face, not before he kissed her fingertips tenderly, and then tucked her head under his chin. "I think we will have to wait much longer for that, koi. But as long as we will have a place to call home, where we are accepted, I'll be fine."

They stayed like that for some time, lost in the warmth the embrace gave them, completely unaware of their surrounding until a loud bang made them jump. They immediately turned to the source of the sound, and Kagome watched agape as her sons roughhoused on the floor and thrown all over the place.

Inuyasha shut his eyes and brought a hand over his temple before sighing loudly and reaching for his sons. They stopped as soon as they noticed him next to them and even dared to look up at him sheepishly. The half-demon grabbed them both by the scruff of their necks and raised them in the air so that they were at eye level. They had grains of rice stuck in the most unthinkable places, soup stains on their clothes, and daring to touch a strand of hair, he noticed a greasy, sticky texture.

"What did I say about food fights last time something like this happened?" Inuyasha inquired, his tone cool and steady. They were times he had to pull his Assholemaru-pose and assume a stern, controlled facade, just like Kagome had her sit boy voice. His sons needed to understand when they had pulled too hard, and it was time to stop playing.

"It is absolutely forbidden to play with food. Next time, as a punishment, we will stay home and study instead of playing with the village children," Muteki and Toga recited contritely.

"And what were you doing now right under our eyes?"

"It's not my fault!" Toga wiggled, trying to weasel out of his father's grip. "Muteki stole me the last rice ball," he declared, pointing at his older brother and gifting Inuyasha with the puppy-eyed look. "Daddy, don't punish me."

"Liar! I took it first; it was mine! You had more; it's not my fault if you eat less than the ones on your clothes," Muteki bit back.

"I only dropped one!" Toga hastily replied. "Mommy! Muteki is making fun of me again," he cried, turning towards her mother, who had reached them by now, looking utterly dismayed at their sight. They just had a bath, for Gods' sake!

"Your clothes are proof again, whinyyy." Muteki stuck his tongue out at him.

"ENOUGH!" Inuyasha finally shouted when he had had enough of their shouting match, raising his voice to counteract theirs. "Stop screaming, stog wiggling, stop bickering!" He reached the cushion previously occupied by Kagome and him – it was the only clean place in that room now – and he flopped them down there. By now, the two pups looked completely ashamed, face down and lips pouting. Toga started to sob quietly but stopped as soon as he saw Inuyasha stern gaze.

"You know I don't like to be like this, pups," he started; Kagome snorted, and he turned his death glare to her. She zipped her lips in response, and he turned to gaze down at their sons again. "As I was saying, you know I don't like you two fighting, especially over something so stupid. Since you ate all the food, even if I had asked you to keep something for your mother, I was going to ask Chie to bring some more food anyway. You definitely didn't need to stick rice all over and underneath your clothes." He gestured to their poor state; Toga's hair was still dripping a suspicious substance. He kneeled and inspected him more closely. "Look at you, Toga. How in the world did you manage to get food on your belly button?" he asked, stunned, raising his shirt. Mentally he was patting his back for not letting an f-word slip even once; he was getting pretty good at it when talking in front of his kids; after seven years, he had to.

"We are so sorry, daddy," they declared at the same time, still not looking up at their parents.

"You can look at us, you know? Your father is not gonna look daggers at you," Kagome told them gently. "No crying either, Toga, there's no need."

They nodded and waited for their father to proclaim their punishment.

"What were your plans with them today, 'Gome?"

"Uh, Asuka and her sisters are coming to drink tea with us and meet Rin. I figured they could spend time playing with their children as they did this morning. Even if I wanted them to take a nap before, I even bathed them before lunch. I should have known it was a bad idea, but since they were practically dead on their feet, I imagined they wouldn't have the force to do something like this." She sighed in dismay.

"Yup, definitely a bad idea," her mate agreed. "You pups will come with me, then. While I speak with the First Commander in my office, you will be studying. I don't care if you don't have your writing and reading materials here; we'll find you something else to practice on. Is that clear?"

It seemed like they wanted to complain about the unjust treatment, but they shut their mouth after another death glare from their father.

"Yes, daddy," they hastily complied.

"And what about food fights, again?"

"Food fights are absolutely prohibited," they repeated.

"Very well, let's hope this time you'll remember it for good. Now, go having another bath with your mother."

Kagome burst out in laughter. "Nu-uh, Mister. Do not even think about it. I am going to prepare for this afternoon meeting; they will be here soon after all. I already bathed them once today. It's your turn now, have fun, boys."

She kissed both of her sons on the head, avoiding every unclean place. Then, she pecked Inuyasha on the lips before she disappeared in their sleeping chambers, leaving a befuddled half-demon behind.

Inuyasha peered down at his sons again; they had expectant looks on them, and he sighed hard again. I knew it would be a long day.

When Sesshomaru reached Rin in their chambers, she was changing in less pretentious clothes, something comfier and fitter for an afternoon tea. Kagome had told her that morning she shouldn't worry about impressing the ladies she was would meet because they were affable and trusted. The miko was sure Rin wouldn't have problems with them.

In the morning, as she dressed for the meeting with the council, Rin had found out about the vast wardrobe Sesshomaru commissioned for her; some kimonos were too much for a girl who had spent all of her life in a village. Even if Sesshomaru had always brought her new cloth to make beautiful kimonos, and she had often felt like a princess among the other girls, nothing could compare to those. It had been her mate who had chosen for her a suitable kimono for the meeting, and she had let him do it because she hadn't the slightest idea of what to wear in front of some old demons who were going to judge her. Now, however, she wanted to wear something more comfortable; she didn't want to trip on many layers or fall under the weight of the heavy fabric. If Kagome said it was okay for her to dress more informal, then so be it.

She chose a Tsukesage of a pale yellow that darkened to orange on the edges with an intricate pattern of white flowers. She was adjusting the also orange obi on her still flat belly when two slender hands stopped hers and continued the work creating a complex bow that Rin would surely not be able to reproduce. She lifted her head to offer Sesshomaru a warm smile, then rested her hands on his, leaning back against his hard chest and locking her eyes with his in the oval-shaped mirror.

"How are you, Rin?" he asked in a thin voice, barely perceptible.

"I'm fine now, don't worry, Sesshomaru," was her reply. She really felt better now that she was again in his arms, feeling his warmth protecting them both, her and the pup.

Rin knew that he didn't like public display of affection and that she shouldn't expect something like that when they had company. However, during the last few years since he had begun courting her, Rin had noticed discreet changes that would have seemed imperceptible to anyone but her. She had spent so much time with him and knew his every move, every habit and reflex. She knew she was the only one who could claim such a thing; not even his mother knew him as Rin did. And she liked to think he had changed for her... because of her. Now, Sesshomaru indulged in gentle caresses, warm embraces and short kisses but so full of passion whenever they were alone that lightened up a fire in her every time now.

It made Rin feel everything he deeply felt for her; it made her feel loved, like the luckiest girl in the whole of Japan because she was the only one who had managed to worm her way into his heart.

Nonetheless, deep down, the nervousness for the incoming days, the introduction at court and the judgement she would face still made her stiffen her shoulders. She had meant it this morning when she had said she would face everything they threw at her and hold her head up high whenever Sesshomaru was next to her, but that didn't mean she wasn't supposed to fear a little bit. Rin could try to hide those feelings from her mate, but she also knew he wasn't so easily deceived. Yet, she appreciated he was willing to let it go without prying too much. If Rin understood Sesshomaru better than anyone else, the same could be said for him; she knew Sesshomaru realized her need to be silent about the matter. At that moment, he just wanted to spend a little more time in his arms, let him comfort her and smell his fresh scent.

"This afternoon, when you have tea with Mother and the other ladies, I want you to remain next to the miko," Sesshomaru told her after some time. He kept his tone firm to let her know that he didn't want her to fight him in that. "I know that everyone there is trusted; I already checked on the people Kagome invited. However, it would make me feel more relaxed if you could respect my wish," he explained.

"As you want, my love," Rin complied, not even thinking about not following his instructions.

Sesshomaru planted a kiss on the top of her head and turned her in his embrace, placing her hand on the crook of his arm. He led her outside of their private chambers and towards the tea room.

When the pair entered the room, Kagome was already there, talking amiably with Kimi. Sometimes Sesshomaru wondered how it was possible that the same woman who had long despised his father's true mate and hanyou son could now treat Inuyasha's mate as her own daughter and their sons as her grand-pups. Not to mention that Inuyasha even let them call her Obaa-chan. His mother now held Kagome in high esteem, and it wasn't rare to see them so comfortable around each other, even if they still maintained their usual attitudes. They simply had got used to the way the other was and accepted it.

They both noticed the newcomers and turned to them. Kagome immediately stood up to reach Rin and help her. Sesshomaru took notice of the way the miko was hovering over his mate; it made him inwardly sigh in relief. Even if he had never said anything openly, he trusted her and knew she was highly experienced as a healer. She would be the best choice to care for Rin in the following months.

"Oh, Rin, finally you're here! Did you already eat something? Did you rest? Are you feeling good? Did you get too stressed out this morning? Stress is not good for the pup!" Kagome babbled on, not really taking a breath between the several questions.

Rin giggled and placed a hand on hers to silently tell her to stop. "Kagome-chan, I'm fine, really. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were of big help during the meeting, and I had a nap before coming here."

"Then you absolutely need to eat something, Rin, dear," Kimi interjected. "I will immediately ask Chie to bring something appropriate." She turned to her son and watched him with a raised brow, waiting for him to say what he really wanted to say.

"Mother," he simply uttered with a firm and harsh tone. He had probably expressed everything he needed to communicate in that one word because his mother waved him off with a hand and slightly snorted.

"Don't worry, Sesshomaru. She is in good hands with us, and nothing will happen while under our care. We will have a fun afternoon, won't we, Kagome?"

"Of course," Kagome nodded, momentarily diverting the attention away from Rin. "I'll make sure that by the end of the day, Rin will have trustworthy companions for her life in the castle." She offered Sesshomaru a genuine smile, but he remained unfazed and kept looking at the miko sternly. Maybe, years ago, she would have been intimidated by his gaze – even if Kagome had never really been afraid to confront him –, but now she was immune to his manners. She rolled her eyes and mimicked Kimi's action. "You can leave us, Sesshomaru. Go make what you need to do; we will be fine." That said, she turned towards Rin and placed a plate full of several different snacks Chie had just brought in front of her, encouraging the girl to eat them all.

Eventually, Sesshomaru realized he wasn't needed in the room and decided to leave, even if his instincts were screaming at him to remain next to his mate, who was still a little tense because of that morning meeting.

"That boy," Kimi started once Sesshomaru was out of earshot, "one would think he could trust his mother after all these centuries."

"I am afraid you are asking for a different version of Sesshomaru, Kimi," Kagome commented lightly.

"I find his manners endearing," Rin offered with dreamy eyes while she was munching on a rice ball.

Kagome couldn't hold her laughter; only Rin could say something like that about Sesshomaru's icily behaviour.

"I think you two were probably the only persons who could willingly stand those two stubborn dogs' flaws," Kimi said. "You are probably a match made in heaven. But then again... you share a bond for a reason."

"Touchè. I couldn't imagine Inuyasha being different, even if some mornings I would likely turn off his rude-boy button. Especially when he says something very inappropriate in front of the children," Kagome laughed merrily. "I fell in love with him when he was at his worst, after all. I was very aware of his character, and I wouldn't have him any different."

Kimi looked at her smiling openly, reading all the love and affection Kagome had poured in those words, even if they had been said so lightly and, clearly, without really thinking about it. Sometimes it made her wonder how that kind of love could exist and if it was what Toga had felt for his Izayoi. Kagome had never been ashamed of being the true mate for a half-demon, someone who had always been rejected and belittled in this era. She had always defended him relentlessly, even when other demons had offended and threatened her whole family. She had proved to be a real bitch even if she hadn't a drop of demon blood in her and the best match for Inuyasha. Kimi had often wondered if her strong character came from being a future born or if she would still have turned out like that had she been born in the past. In the end, it didn't matter... because, after everything the pup had been through, wherever Kagome came from, she had truly been a blessing. Inuyasha deserved all the love she continuously showed him with.

"He's a very lucky pup, indeed. You make cute babies together too, Kagome," Kimi told her.

The young priestess turned red. "Come on, Kimi, don't flatter me. The boys took mostly after Inuyasha," Kagome stated, diverting her eyes and feeling shy all of sudden. It wasn't every day that Kimi offered such sincere and open compliments.

"You know it's not true, Kagome-chan!" Rin gasped. "Everyone knows that even if Muteki has Inuyasha's colours, he's your living copy. And look how cutie he is," she then peered around the room, looking for the missing pups. "Where are they anyway? I thought they were staying with you since the ladies that are coming are bringing their children too."

"Oh, well... they angered Inuyasha a bit, and he decided to bring them with him in his office. They will study a bit while he discusses some matters with the First Commander Katsuro," Kagome offered sheepishly.

Rin gave her a knowing look. "Is he making them study? Food fight again?" she pried.

"You nailed it, Rin. All it took was for Inuyasha and me to get distracted for five minutes, and they were covered in rice and soup from head to toe; I'd bathed them only half an hour before!" she huffed. "He's probably still dealing with grains of rice stuck in the belly button while we are talking right now."

"I would ask when you are going to have another one, but I can see you already have your hands full. Maybe you should wait another century. Meanwhile, we will spoil this other pup, won't we?" Kimi asked while brazenly putting her hand on Rin's still flat belly. "He or she won't be so much younger than your pups anyway. Let's just hope for their sake that they don't involve him or her in their super-enthusiastic ways; I couldn't imagine Sesshomaru with a pup like that."

"Definitely I'm not gonna have another one before the next two or three centuries; Toga has already been a surprise. I think I'm fine, for now. They still are young. Besides, my friend Sango is having her sixth one, and I can see how stressed she is. Her children are humans... just imagine how could I deal with more pups like mine," Kagome giggled, purposefully dodging the second part of the sentence. She still wasn't so good at lying in front of an inu-youkai who could easily sniff her out. Besides, more than once, it had seemed to her that Kimi knew more than she was letting on; she certainly wouldn't risk looking suspicious in her presence. She was as dangerous as Sesshomaru at that juncture.

"I don't know, Kimi-sama. I definitely would love a cutie and enthusiastic pup as Muteki or Toga," Rin said with dreamy eyes. "I loved seeing them growing up, and I am already used to their antics. I already have the experience required to raise this one here," she thought while patting Kimi's hand still on her belly, "since I helped Kagome-chan throughout the years."

"At least, you don't have to fear for your mate to be purified when the pup will manifest powers," Kimi laughed, remembering too well the day Toga, as a year old pup, accidentally purified his father. It was when they realized they'd have to start the training sooner than expected.

Kagome cracked up remembering the moment too, which had been hilarious even if later everyone else had been more cautious around the pup. They obviously couldn't do more with the training since he was still too young to understand how to control his spiritual powers. "Yes, Sesshomaru won't have this problem. I remember he refused to touch Toga for months after the incident!"

"Sesshomaru kept looking daggers at a little pup every time he was in the same room for months before he was sure he wouldn't purify him by accident too. A grown-up dai-youkai fearing a little child," Kimi shook her head, even if she was aware Toga would have likely done some damage if he had accidentally used his powers on someone other than his half-demon father.

"Will my pup have some fluffy cute ears like Inuyasha's?" Rin inquired.

"Everyone is hoping that," Kimi immediately answered. "I could finally pet them since Inuyasha doesn't let me and his children haven't inherited them." She pouted, a feature really odd on her normally composed face.

"I want to pet them too," Rin squealed, "but Kagome-chan and the children are the only ones allowed to do it, and sometimes he even complains about the way Toga mistreat them."

Kagome kept laughing, seeing how the feature Inuyasha had hated for most of his life was now the object of these women's awe. "Be sure he never catches you calling his ears fluffy and cute, Rin," she recommended when she had finally regained her breath.

They didn't have to wait long for Chie to announce the arrival of their first guests. Kagome had explained to Rin what she should expect from the meeting and described a bit the demonesses, trying to make her feel more at ease.

Apart from Asuka and her two sisters, Kagome had also invited Masako and Fumie, the only other two demonesses she truly trusted in the fortress. She may have met a lot of people during those last years, but after the last attack, she couldn't say she trusted everyone who wore a smile or had some nice words for her.

They needed to be even more careful now, and while she was choosing people to introduce to Rin, she had had no doubts on who was the most trustworthy. Hayato's family had always been one hundred per cent loyal, and Asuka had proven to be the best friend Kagome could wish for in the palace. She only hoped it could be the same for Rin. As for Masako and Fumie, the two of them had earned her trust, and with Masako now being the First Commander's mate, it wasn't uncommon to spend a lot of time with them.

Fumie was still unmated, and as far as the miko knew, she didn't even have a suitor at the moment; she still had to meet someone who caught her eyes, she had said last time they had spoken about it. But Masako had mated Katsuro shortly after their first encounter – after a long courtship. They had their first pup a couple of years later, a daughter as dark as her father, who had proved to be a little rascal when with Muteki and Toga. Kagome imagined Miyako would be disappointed knowing her playmates weren't there as she expected.

When Masako and Fumie entered the room, the little girl in tow, they immediately noticed the presence of another human. But they schooled their features and hid their surprise to avoid making her feel uncomfortable. It wasn't difficult to sense the girl's nervousness, even if she was sporting a gentle smile and her eyes were gleaming with curiosity.

"Kagome-chan, how wonderful to see you again. Katsuro told me you had some problems in your home village too; I hope everything is fine now and you and the pups are good," Masako greeted her with a hug. "Kimi-sama, it's great to see you too," she added, tilting her head.

The rabbit youkai repeated the pleasantries, then looked around the room as if she was looking for something. "Are you alone today, Kagome? I don't see the little lords."

"I'll admit we had a scare, as I imagine you did here, but thankfully it all ended well," Kagome offered. "My sons are currently with Inuyasha; I think Katsuro is currently with him right now too."

Little Miyako huffed in response as soon as she heard her words, pouting and crossing her arms in annoyance. "Daddy told me I would find Muteki and Toga here if I were to come with momma. Why aren't they here, Kagome-sama?" She tried to give the miko what should have been a stern glare, but she only managed to be cuter to everyone's eyes.

Rin giggled when she was the little girl complaining. She reminded her of Shippo when he was still a little kit. When Rin covered her mouth with a hand to not appear disrespectful, the pup's mother smiled and then winked at her.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Miyako-chan," Kagome started, "but Muteki and Toga have angered their daddy, who decided to bring them with him. Doesn't your daddy ever ground you when you're naughty?"

"No," she exclaimed, throwing her nose in the air. "My daddy loves me too much to ground me, and I am always a perfect pup," she continued with confidence.

Rin couldn't contain her laughter anymore and cracked up, the others following suit. "Oh my, what a spitfire at such a young age. I can see her father will have his hand full when she'll grow up," she said.

"You have a point, Miss. Miyako has her father wrapped around her little finger; he cannot resist her doe-eyes," Masako agreed, taking her time to openly observe the human girl. She certainly was a beauty, minute and gracious, but she couldn't understand why she was here. Had she focused on her more, she would have likely had a smaller surprise later on when the time came for Kagome to finally introduce her.

"I'm sure the same would happen if Inuyasha and Kagome were to have a girl, but right now, Kagome is the only victim of her sons' tactics," Kimi smirked.

"Yes, I am without doubts," Kagome nodded, then took Rin's hand in her and turned to the two other demonesses. "Masako, Fumie, I wanted to introduce to you Rin; she had been living in our village for some years now. Rin these are Masako, the First Commander's mate, their daughter Miyako, and Fumie."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Rin replied, slightly bowing. "Every friend of Kagome-chan is a friend of mine."

"The pleasure is all ours," Fumie stated for both her and Masako, offering another genuine smile.

She was about to inquire how long Rin was going to remain at court when Chie announced the arrival of Asuka and her sisters. Once the greetings and introductions were over, everyone took their places around the table, and the children created their own circle. Chie immediately set out the tea and snacks before retiring. Kagome decided it was of no good beating around the bush, and exchanging a look with Kimi, she left her with the task of introducing Rin since she was her son's mate.

"Ladies," the dog demoness started with her usual grace. "I am sure you all are wondering why we have asked you to purposefully come here today and why we wanted to introduce you to Rin." Kagome tightened her grip on Rin's hand in what she hoped was a reassuring way when she noticed the girl was starting to lose her composure. Turning her head, she also gifted her with a toothy smile that always comforted her sons. "You would have likely found it out in a few days anyway since we are currently planning a formal introduction at court, but we wanted to let you know in advance. We hope you all can offer her your unconditional support, just as you did years before with Kagome. Rin has been chosen by my son as his mate, and they have already bonded," Kimi finally said, enjoying the surprise on everyone face. She knew none of them had really noticed how Rin was coated in Sesshomaru's scent; they hadn't smelled her for real to not appear ill-mannered, and so, they couldn't have realized who she was beforehand.

She wanted to add Rin was pregnant, expecting the West's heir, but a pointed look from Kagome stopped her. She raised a brow quizzically, but she was careful not to let anyone take notice of it. Of course, anyone who saw the exchange between the two would have found it curious that a dai-youkai like her would follow a petite young human as Kagome. Yet, Kimi had learned to read her actions; she knew that with the priestess, there was always a hidden reason that should not be ignored. The demoness was certain Kagome would explain everything to her later and decided to keep it to herself. On the other hand, the news of Sesshomaru's mating with a human was already big enough for the other demonesses in the room, if their startled faces were a sign.

Silence followed her statement; they didn't expect something big like that when they had been notified Kagome had invited them over to the royal wing for an announcement. The human girl next to her was so petite, gracious and delicate that no one would have imagined Sesshomaru, the same fierce and cold dai-youkai, famous for his hate for humans, could choose her as life-mate, his bonded.

The more silence passed, the more Rin grew restless; it seemed like she was being judged again, and the lack of words wasn't a good sign for her. She imagined they were silent because they didn't deem her enough for him and not because they couldn't fathom Sesshomaru being changed up to the point to mate a human. After all, they didn't know her, and they didn't despise humans. How could they judge her? Kagome and Kimi knew why they were being silent, but for Rin, the silence was excruciating.

Eventually, Asuka recognized their mistake, saw the way Rin was growing paler and decided to speak up. "Oh, I am sorry, Rin-sama. We certainly didn't mean to give you the wrong impression," she started. "It's just... we didn't expect this kind of news when Kagome told us she would introduce us to someone new; we didn't know Sesshomaru-sama was currently courting someone." She stood up and then bowed low in front of the new Lady of the House; Kimi smiled pleasantly at the display. "I formally offer you my congratulations on your mating. I assure you, you will have my unconditional support and trust as the new Lady of this castle and as our Lord's mate."

Immediately, one by one, they all offered their congratulations and reassurances to Rin. They were happy to know that a young and simple woman like her had managed to break through Sesshomaru's heart, even going so far as to say that it was just what the dog demon needed, making his mother laugh and agree. It was time for Sesshomaru to start getting some of his father's good side and not just his mother's.

Rin raised her eyes and looked at every one of them, her mouth slightly opened in surprise, not expecting this kind of reverence, although both Kimi and Kagome had explained to her the basics. The latter nudged her inconspicuously, and Rin immediately answered since the ladies were still waiting for a response. "Thank you very much for your warm welcome; it means very much to me. Kagome-chan spoke highly of all of you, and I hope we will establish a good relationship with the years to come."

"I'm sure we will have our fun, Rin-sama," Fumie replied. "At the end of this meeting, you will be already part of our circle without any problem. We'll start telling you about how it works here at court if Kimi-sama and Kagome-chan haven't already told you everything."

"Of course," Tomomi continued, "after all, you have to be prepared to survive in the lion's den, and this means just one thing...".

"Gossip!" her older sister finished excitedly. "You have to know everything about everyone. Do you already know about Keiko and her group of ladies?"

"I can't wait to see her face when she finds out Sesshomaru-sama has taken a mate. If she was angered when Inuyasha-sama and Kagome-chan were introduced at court, I can't imagine now," Asuka chuckled.

The rest of the afternoon was spent like that, and just as Kagome had once told Asuka, sometimes gossip was one of the best choices when one wanted to bond. Everyone made Rin feel at home as they told her everything she needed to know and promised her they would soon offer her a tour of the castle and the valley. They also wanted to know more about her and her family. They were surprised to know Rin was an orphan. But when Kagome told them Inuyasha had acted as her guardian all these years, they thought it was normal that Sesshomaru had taken notice of the girl.

Obviously, Kagome had decided not to correct them. She thought it was better if everyone thought Sesshomaru had met Rin through Inuyasha and not the other way around. Better not let them know Rin had travelled with the dai-youkai as a young child.

A couple of hours later, Rin was more comfortable around the demonesses, and Kimi didn't smell so much anxiety coming from her. She had regained her way with words and had told her guests how she had been raised by Kaede-sama. She recounted how the old priestess, along with Kagome, had taught her as much as possible about herbs and medicine so that she could be of help, even if she didn't have spiritual powers. She explained she had helped Kagome and Sango when their children were born and that she had loved every minute of it. This way, she already knew in part how to be a mother and how to care for a baby.

Luckily, no one had noticed how sour Kagome's scent became the moment Rin started talking about how she was looking forward to being a mother when the time came and that having a child had always been her biggest dream.

A/N:

Miyako can mean "beautiful night child" when spelt with certain kanjis. I wanted to find a name that refers to her dark colours, but obviously, there aren't many names with dark in the meaning because it's believed to bring bad luck so I looked for names with "night" in their meanings.

I hope you liked the chapter; the next one will be updated in a week.