Sana was a little taken aback that Nen was not posted at the main house but Nagi stood where he normally did. Keeping it to herself she went up the stairs and knocked loudly on the panel.
"Enter." Izumi called out. Sana closed the sliding door behind her and saw the other with a large fabric draped across the table in the sitting room.
Many colored threads littered the floor as she threaded a needle. Hisashi lay in the basket that Hotaru normally slept in with his head buried under a small blanket.
"Izu." Sana greeted standing respectfully.
"Sana. Sit." She offered. Kneeling down she took up the fabric she was working on and began to sew. "What brings you to the main house?"
"An odd question."
"Being?"
"How did you come to be Kohakus wife?"
"We had a ceremony and were married."
"What I meant was, how did you fall in love with him?"
"Oh. Before we came to live here I was brought to the human village to stay with Rin while this house was being built." Izumi said. "Kohaku came to visit with his sister, Sango. He began to ask me if I would go for walks with him. I agreed to learn more about humans."
"He asked me if he could call upon me here, once we were settled. At this time I was expected to breed with Lord Sesshomaru and I had never mated so I did not know what to expect. When Kohaku came I asked him if he would be my first."
"Did you ask him because you were comfortable with him?" Sana asked.
"Yes but I also came to realize that I cared for him very deeply. He told me he wanted to be with only me, that he loved me." Placing her work down she met Sanas eye. "Jiro is a good match. The best approach is the direct one."
"Is it?" Sana questioned receiving a nod. "I saw you the other day with Kohaku…I am sorry for…"
"Don't be. I know, I saw you."
"You did?" Sanas eyes went wide as her face burned with embarrassment.
"Did it help?"
"I want to try that…with Jiro."
"Then tell him. He will reciprocate."
"You and Emi make it sound so easy."
"It surprisingly is, once you say something then the rest will come." Izumi stated.
"Thank you Izu. I will take your advice and try to let Jiro know how I feel." Sana said.
"You are welcome Sana." She said. "Have you decided where you will be staying?"
"Yes. There is a cave on the perimeter that I thought of to ask Jiro if he would like to spend nights there with me for protection."
"I will admit I am a bit disappointed. It has been lonely without Rin. I miss her company and our bond." Izumi sighed out.
"Why didn't you say something before? I am more than happy to spend time with you Izumi." Sana replied.
"It is an odd position that I am in. I don't want anyone to think I am ordering them to spend time with me or intruding on any of your own lives."
"That isn't so. I will gladly visit with you and we can do whatever it is you wish. Now that Iku is taking time to herself I really don't know what I will do with my days."
"I would like that." Continuing in her task Sana was glad to have so many she could turn too. Izumi made impressive progress on her embroidery before Hisashi awoke to be nursed.
It wasn't until Kohaku returned that she realized how late in the day it was. Bidding them good night she went to the back finding Jiro.
With trembling hands she approached him.
"Jiro." She greeted smiling nervously.
"Sana." He said back.
"Iku told me to find other lodgings for a time I was wondering if you would like to come with me to the cave, I don't want to go by myself especially to sleep and I'd like to spend time with you…just us." She said.
"The cave." Jiro breathed out.
"Yes, if you don't want too…"
"I do." He replied quickly.
"Then lets go."
"T-t-tonight? Now?" Jiro stammered out. "I-I…do you…do you have everything you need?" Shaking her head she pointed to the hut.
"I didn't grab anything earlier and Iku wishes to be alone." She said.
"Let me grab my futon and blanket then so you will be more comfortable."
"Thank you Jiro." Quickly he walked towards the barracks. Once inside he stood for a moment needing to steady himself.
"I can…do this. It's just…she just needs me to escort her like always. To the place where she… ugh. Stop it." He said to himself hitting his head.
"You alright?" Nagi asked entering the barracks. Looking at the human he was suddenly struck with an idea.
"How do you mate a human female?" Jiro questioned. Nagi stopped dead in his tracks and stared at him before chuckling.
"Same way I suppose you would a demon one. Getting lucky?" Nagi said smiling. Sighing he went to gather his bedding and walked out. He knew the mechanics of mating although he had never engaged in the act himself.
Approaching Sana she smiled at him softly.
"You really do not have to go if you don't want too Jiro."
"I do Sana. I want to be by your side." He said sincerely his nervousness fading exponentially.
"Really?" Her voice came out small and a little unsure.
"Yes." At his confirmation Sana took his hand holding on to him tightly. Looking down at it he felt her warmth spread up his arm as she led him in the direction of the cave.
A/N: How has everyone been doing? We're under a winter storm warning again because sure, in February we get one at least once a week. Yesterday gave me the chance to write a lot on this story. It's about to get dramatic soon, lol.
Stay tuned. Happy reading.