True to what Emi had said the weather soon turned cooler with wind and rains that made the air raw. Fortunately the demons that had been contracted were quick and efficient having finished two new quarters where the barracks had once stood before hand.

Sana and Jiro had moved into the one closest to Emi and Mitsuos while the other remained empty for the time being. This annoyed Jin to no end seeing an available domicile and wanting to have a home with Nen.

Nen however could care less it seemed opting to just stay in the same quarters as Jaken. It wasn't that he didn't, he simply wanted to torture his mate for a short time seeing how the imp made his fuse short.

He had already claimed the empty hut but kept that information from his human to keep him on edge.

Emi didn't mind the inclement weather enjoying being able to spread her wings and roost in nearby trees for a break to prune her feathers and be able to act more to her nature in general.

When she was ready to go home she would coo loudly flying down to meet her mate as he came out of their hut to land on his shoulder and take her inside.

Iku began to clean the home she shared with Riku incessantly to a maddening degree. Nothing soothed her as her pregnancy advanced other than her mate which made it difficult when he was on duty.

Riku switched from nights to day to accommodate her and spend time together as they both prepared for their pup.

Jiro, Nen, Nagi, and Jin had taken on longer shifts for patrol and guard duty to allow the others time with their mates, Kohaku and Sesshomaru being no exception.

Sana had made a boiled apple pudding for the main house in gratitude. Rin had been overjoyed and ate it to her hearts content while Izu watched her indulge herself.

As of late the foods thst she and Kohaku ate had been more appealing to her, which she attributed to the fact she was pregnant with a half human, half demon child.

"Can I try some?" She asked Rin as she took another piece of the thick desert. Glancing up at her her eyes sparked and danced happily.

"Of course." Rin replied handing her what was in her hand. Sniffing at it Izumi poked at the cake like consistency with her claw. "Just eat it."

Bringing it to her mouth she took a small bite watching Rin as she sat expectantly for her reaction. Closing her eyes she didn't like the texture as it was unlike anything she had tried before but the taste of sweetened apples was pleasant.

"It is not bad." She said after she had swallowed the small morsel handing the piece back to Rin. She took it as a huge victory and began to name off different foods for Izumi to try now that she seemed more open to it.

A knock on the outdoor panel sounded turning both of their attention.

"Lady Rin, Lady Izumi; there is a visitor from the eastern house of the sun." Jiro announced formally. "What would you have this one say?"

"We will greet this visitor Jiro." Izu said standing and straightening herself out. Adorning her robe over her kimono she assisted Rin to stand.

"Did anyone send message they were coming?" Rin asked curiously.

"No." Walking to the sliding door she pushed it open taking on her more regal stance.

"Lady Izumi, forgive this Kiyoshi for arriving unannounced." The male said bowing to them both from the ground respectfully.

"All is forgiven Kiyoshi." Izumi beamed. "I trust your dame and your sire have informed you of their recent news."

"That they have." Straightening himself out he looked to Rin. "My lady."

"Hello. My name is Rin. I am Lord Sesshomaru mate and wife." She greeted.

"My mother has written to me of you Lady Rin. Your kindness to everyone is becoming quite well known in the east and there are others within Lady Izumis house that are eager to meet you." Kiyoshi stated.

"Thank you." Rin smiled at him. "I know though you are not here to see us, if you'd like a can show you to your parents."

"This one will not impose. With permission I will find my way."

"Of course Kiyoshi." Izumi said. "Let us know if there is anything you require during your stay."

"Thank you Lady Izumi. Lady Rin." Bowing to them both once again they watched as he went around the back. Izumi exhaled a breath and rolled her lower lip between her fangs.

"Is everything alright Izu?" Rin questioned seeing the slight discoloration in her face, she was blushing.

"Yes." Turning to go inside she sat as Rin followed her in and shut the door.

"Do you fancy Kiyoshi?" Rin asked bluntly.

"I did once." Izumi admitted. "He was my personal guard for a very long time and one of the few males I was allowed to see."

"Why didn't he come with you when you joined Lord Sesshomaru and myself?"

"I told Kiyoshi as well as my lady in waiting, Chiasa, to return to the east. Kiyoshi has been here before, he accompanied my father when Iku and Riku joined our pack."

"Ah, I see. He isn't one of the soldiers whom harmed Kohaku?" Rin queried with a frown.

"No." Shaking her head once she sighed. Kneeling beside her Rin smirked.

"I was right, I knew that Iku and her mate make beautiful pups. Kiyoshi is quite handsome."

"Yes, yes he is." Izumi said as the door opened and Kohaku entered. Instantly feeling guilty for allowing herself to momentarily swoon over her past crush she stood and took his hand in hers. "Come with me mate."

"Okay." Kohaku followed her to their room where she shut the door. "Is everything alright love?"

"Yes. We have a visitor from the east, Riku and Ikus eldest son. I have to tell you something about him, about Kiyoshi." She said sitting on their futon.

"Alright." Sitting beside her he waited for her to continue. Squaring her gaze at him she set her jaw.

"I desired him for many years before I met you."

"Alright, thank you for letting me know. Did he ever show any interest in you as well?"

"No." Shaking her head briskly. "He was my guard. Kiyoshi is as respectable and loyal as his parents are, he never would have even if he did desire me in return which he never did. He has had a mate for as long as I can remember."

"You seem nervous. Are you sure that you're alright?" Taking her hand with his she squeezed tightly.

"I was worried how you would take this information. Sesshomaru can become very jealous of Rin when Nagi is involved and I didn't know how you would react to Kiyoshi being here."

"You had a whole life before me. What matters is now." Kohaku said. "We're together, married…mated." Edging closer to her he wrapped his arm around her waist.

"You really are just too perfect." She said softly resting her head against her husbands shoulder.

"No. I just love you." Kissing her cheek that made her smile he settled against her closing his eyes contently.