A/N: Hello, hello. Thank you for the suggestions to my question. I am still on the fence as to what to do but I have a feeling Rin will want to return sooner than later. We will see how it goes.

Enjoy!

Sango talked incessantly about Izumis news that she and Kohaku were expecting their first child together.

"She's more happy about them having a baby then she was she when we were." Miroku joked getting him a glare of daggers thrown at him from his wife.

"You know what Kohaku went through. Even after everything happened with Naraku he just seemed so lost at times." Sango retorted

"Kohaku has always been very strong, even when he didn't remember who he was." Rin said. "There were many times he protected me and saved me when we were small."

"I know it's just, he's my little brother and I have always wanted to protect him. It is a relief to know that he has someone else who loves him and cares for him in such a way." Sango replied.

"Izumi loves Kohaku very deeply and he returns it and then some." Rin smirked to herself. "I wonder how they're all doing."

"I am sure they are all just fine." Kagome assured. "Relax. If anything they would send someone to let us know. Honestly I'd prefer it if you stayed here until you give birth. Having twins is dangerous and here you have us."

"Iku is more than capable to help me. I have Izumi, Emi, and Sana. Thank you Kagome but I cannot stay that long. Both Izumi and Iku are going to have their pups by years end, Iku will need me to help her." Rin stated.

"It's hard not having you around. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that you are living your life but…we miss you and Sesshomaru." Kagome said softly.

"Rin, sure. Sesshomaru, ha! Don't make me laugh." Inuyasha said. "What's his problem with me being with Hotaru by the way?"

"Lord Sesshomaru does not have a problem with you being around Hotaru,

Inuyasha. He…he was trying to figure out how you were making her laugh."

She did not want to say he was jealous. She was certain Inuyasha would relentlessly tease her mate, that would put him in a sour mood.

"Well if he didn't always have such a nasty look on his face then maybe his kid would like him more." Inuyasha said.

"Hotaru loves her father. Lord Sesshomaru is a good parent to all of his children." Rin defended.

"Inuyasha." Kagome hissed out casting him a glare. "Apologize!"

"Why should I? Sesshomaru's a jerk. I don't know what you see in him Rin."

"Sit!" Kagome shouted as she stood angrily. With a violent pulling around his neck Inuyasha fell face forward to the ground. "Rin I am so sorry. He doesn't mean it."

"It's alright Kagome. I think I will get going for the day once I say good night to Lady Kaede." Standing herself she took Hotaru from Sango and bid her farewells.

Coming across the elderly priestess she sat with her in the garden the same way she did when she was younger. Kaede held Hotaru taking in her features.

"What fine children ye have Rin. The labor and birth was not too hard on ye from what Kagome has said."

"No my lady. It wasn't." She replied.

"I was worried with how small ye have always been but the strength ye carry was more than enough to bring such a beautiful child like this in to the world." Kaede said.

"Thank you Lady Kaede. Hotaru is very much loved by so many people and cared for. It makes me so happy that all of the little ones in our pack have such a large family to always be there for them." Bringing her gaze to her daughter and adoptive mother made her eyes begin to well.

Kaede was old and it may be the only time Hotaru would meet her. Maybe it would be the last time they would see one another. Wiping her eyes and taking a breath they sat in silence as the sky streaked with magnificent colors.

"I must be turning in. There is much work to be done tomorrow." Kaede said handing the infant back to her mother.

"I can help you. I don't mind." Rin said quickly.

"It would be much appreciated Rin." Kaede patted her on her protruding belly before going inside her hut. Rin sang to Hotaru as they walked to the tree of ages where Sesshomaru usually sat as it was right outside the village.

"My lord." Rin greeted as she approached. Opening his eyes she wondered if he had been asleep. "Sorry for disturbing you husband."

Standing he reached out for her hand.

"Come Rin." Entwining her fingers with his he led her to the bone eaters well. She always loved the field that surrounded it especially in the summer.

As they approached the lightning bugs began to twinkle in the grass and around the surrounding tree line.

"This reminds me of when I was younger, when we would come here at dusk and you would help me catch the lightning bugs in my hands." Rin reminisced.

"I had thought perhaps you would like to show them to Hotaru, seeing as how they are her name sake." Sesshomaru smiled as she nodded her head quickly.

Her eyes widened as her smile grew taking up her face. Crouching down he placed his hand down over the blades of grass and waited being perfectly still.

Slowly cupping his hand over the extended one he trapped one of the small insects and stood. Opening his hand enough he held it up for Hotaru to see.

She hit his hands with both of hers and squealed with happiness smiling as brightly as her mother.

"Do you see what papa has Hotaru? Isn't it pretty?" Kissing her daughters cheek as she held her Sesshomaru released it placing his hand to the back of her head running his claws gently through his daughters fine hair.

"Our little lightening bug." He said softly as she began to coo and gurgle. Lowering his head he nuzzled the top of her head with his cheek breathing in her scent.

With a small smile Rin passed the back of her free hand across his forehead. No one knew him the way she did, the way his children did, and she was just fine with that.

Inuyasha or whomever else could say nasty things, call him cold, expressionless or distant but she knew the truth now in the last year more than ever. He had so much love in his heart, he was just wary of who to give it to.

Holding her gaze with his they conveyed everything they needed to say to one another without uttering a word.