Relationships

They stayed indoors and just took it easy. Rin was a little restless since it still hurt to move but she was healing. The temple was large so when they felt the need to move, they explored. Miroku was able to find a few items good enough to sell the next time they got to a village and no one said a word after all they would need the money. It wasn't until it was bedtime did they see Sesshomaru or Jaken again. Rin wanted to wish them goodnight.

Inuyasha went to the tree. It appeared as if his brother was asleep but he knew better. Jaken was dozing and snoring with every other breath. Inuyasha crossed his arms within his kimono and turned to look at the stars.

"Rin is asking for you." Inuyasha could feel Sesshomaru's eyes on him. They'd never been friendly and yet today, Sesshomaru had watched over them all. Inuyasha didn't feel any of the anger he knew Sesshomaru held for him but the indifference was still there in spades. "I can stay out here if you want to be with her." Inuyasha offered.

Sesshomaru stood slowly and kicked Jaken awake. "Rin is waiting – go tell her I am coming."

Jaken looked from one to the other. He hated Inuyasha because he knew his lord did and wanted to support him in any way but seeing them so close together, practically glowing in the night – they were beautiful. These dog demons were something to behold. "Umm yes, yes I will, mi lord." Jaken hurried towards the temple. Lord Sesshomaru had let him be by his side all day and he wanted to savor the privilege.

"Don't get comfortable with this arrangement Inuyasha. I will kill Naraku and Danzaemon but that leaves you. Maybe you should take your woman and go far away from here otherwise you'll leave her heartbroken when you die."

Inuyasha didn't even look at Sesshomaru, not that words weren't irksome but he refused to rise to the taunt. "Yeah, maybe. I could leave and you'll be here to raise that human girl, just be sure to be a good daddy." Inuyasha cut his eyes to Sesshomaru who seemed to stiffen. "What kind of day would it be if we didn't trade insults? Go, before she falls asleep." Inuyasha heard Sesshomaru hiss his name and chuckled as he walked away. He was proud of himself of holding his own against his brother with words alone.

Sesshomaru watched his brother walk deeper into the grounds and clenched his fist. Inuyasha hadn't been threatened by him, was he finally growing up? That crack about being a 'daddy' made his stomach tighten. Is that what he was? Abruptly he turned; hair swaying and went to Rin.

"Now Rin, you tell us if these humans are doing anything to hurt you and I'll smite them with the Staff of Two Heads!" Jaken really wanted to do it too! He remembered the times Kagome and Miroku had beaten him silly.

Rin giggled. "Thanks Master Jaken but they're taking really good care of me. Kagome thinks I should be much better by the end of the week! We'll soon be able to travel with Lord Sesshomaru again. Ah-Un has already healed; we're just waiting on me. Sorry to hold you up Master Jaken."

"Well you are human after all, healing takes time. You just – umm take your time. We still have to kill that mixed- breed demon so you just rest. Ah, Lord Sesshomaru, there you are!" The child had looked so upset about not being ready to travel that she'd flustered him.

Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Shippo and Myoga had all been watching the little scene. There was affection there between the imp and girl. All were startled when Sesshomaru silently appeared. Quickly they found other things to do.

Sesshomaru didn't want them watching but there was no alternative. Ignoring them he went to Rin's side and only if you were watching closely could you see his eyes soften as he knelt.

Mygoa had a pleased smile on his face. Lord Sesshomaru was definitely learning to care about someone besides himself. He believed whole-heartedly that his late master would be proud of his first born.

Now that he was here with her, Rin felt a bit shy. She'd summoned him and he came. She was also aware that the others were watching so she tried to keep things short and not embarrass him.

"Sorry, my lord. I- I just wanted to see your face before I fell asleep. I'm doing much better and I'll be able to travel soon." It occurred then to Rin that he may not want her along now; maybe she was too much trouble. "You will let me travel with you, won't you?" Rin had been speaking softly but panic entered her voice as she asked this last question.

Sesshomaru was on one knee and the child lay trembling next to him. He leaned closer so that his hair fell over her somewhat. Sesshomaru rested his hand over her heart and felt the life in her. "Rin…we have much to do still. You must be with me when I destroy Naraku and Motoko will expect you when she arrives." Golden eyes stared at brown eyes doing all they could to reassure Rin.

She felt – loved. Rin was warm, Sesshomaru was so warm and he passed on that heat to her. Silver locks were close enough to touch and her hand threaded itself in it. They were connected, he and her and all her fears disappeared. Smiling now, "I can't wait to see Lady Motoko again. Thank you Lord Sesshomaru." Rin whispered wanting only Sesshomaru to hear her words.

"Sleep now, you must get well soon." He marveled at the emotion Rin could pull out of him. Sesshomaru knew it didn't show on his face but inside everything was spinning.

"Yes, my lord, goodnight. Good night Master Jaken, Ah-Un. Good night everyone." Rin snuggled into her blanket, hand still in Sesshomaru's hair and let herself sleep.

He stayed until she slept soundly. Careful not to wake her, Sesshomaru removed her hand from his hair and stood. "Stay with her Jaken, I'll be outside." He turned to leave.

"Sesshomaru?" It was Kagome, a hand against her heart. She had openly watched the tender scene. "You don't have to worry. She'll be fine and able to travel by next week." Kagome wanted a reaction from him but all she got was a steady look before he left the temple.

"Well that was…unexpected." Miroku moved closer and stared at the sleeping child. "Obviously he didn't say the words 'I love you' but that's what he meant didn't he? Rin is very important to him."

"Of course she is!" Jaken spoke up then lowered his voice. "Rin wouldn't be traveling with us otherwise." He moved to lie down and tried to get comfortable on the hard floor. "Not that I understand it. Really – it makes no sense at all but here she is." Jaken muttered.

"I think he does love her. She's like a beloved child." Sango agreed as she brushed her hair. "But it is strange to think of Sesshomaru as a father, especially to a human."

"It is a big deal for a demon with Sesshomaru's pride. For years he would simply kill humans without a thought," Myoga spoke from between Shippo's ears. "And now, with this human at least, he shows empathy. It's what his father wanted most for him. My master learned that humans though fragile were very strong and had strong emotions. Lord Inuyasha has learned from you Kagome and now Sesshomaru from Rin."

"Yes it seems so." Kagome was pleased hearing those words. Had her love really changed Inuyasha? If so, his love in return had changed her too. Suddenly she wanted to see him. "Shippo time for bed." Kagome looked to Sango. "I'm going out to say goodnight to Inuyasha."

"Take your time." Sango called as Kagome left with a wave.

"Ah young love! Maybe I should go out and find a pretty young thing for myself." Myoga crossed one pair of arms and rubbed his chin.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Miroku cautioned, "Not with Lady Shoga out there looking for you." They laughed as the flea shuddered.

Kagome couldn't see anything but trees and grass. You'd think that with their silver hair she could find one of the two. After tripping twice she gave in and called softly to him. "Inuyasha? Inuyasha where are you?" When she heard something move towards her, she hopped with all her heart that it was Inuyasha.

"Kagome – what is it?" Inuyasha landed lightly beside her. "Is Rin…?" He broke off as she stepped into his arms.

"She's fine, sleeping." Kagome wrapped her arms tight around Inuyasha's waist and rested her head against his heart.

Inuyasha was confused but he enclosed Kagome, taking in her scent. He loved holding her and for a while that's all they did until Kagome raised her face to his and smiling Inuyasha took the lips she offered.

It was a tender kiss, a sharing of their affection. "Where'd all this come from?" Inuyasha brushed back her hair.

"Your brother." Kagome giggled as he frowned. "When he came to say goodnight to Rin, he was so tender with her. For all intents and purposes, she is his child and he let her know that. Then Myoga said that it our human emotions that changed you and Sesshomaru – made you more, better and well – I just had to see you – hold you."

Inuyasha was still frowning, wondering if Myoga's words were true but then he looked at Kagome's soft expression and his frown disappeared. "Well I don't know about all that stuff but I know I love you. You make life better." He kissed her again but this one held passion, showing Kagome how very much he cared and wanted her.

"Oh Inuyasha." Kagome tried to get inside his kimono but he grabbed her hands and pushed her away.

"We can't unless you want Sesshomaru watching us." It was his turn to laugh as Kagome's eyes darted around looking for his brother. "You can't see him but he's only a few yards away hidden in the brush. Probably listening to everything we said." His tone was rueful.

Kagome watched him but he didn't seem overly concerned that Sesshomaru may have heard him tell her that he loved her. She sighed, while she knew it wasn't the right time, Kagome had hoped to be with Inuyasha some but with Sesshomaru here, that was out of the question. "Okay then, guess I'll have to wait but you'll have a lot to make up for later." She grinned.

"And I'll enjoy every minute. Kiss me." Inuyasha lifted her chin. It was another tender kiss.

"I love you Inuyasha, be careful." She said when they broke apart.

"I'll walk you back." The two headed back to the temple. It was Inuyasha's and Kagome's last peaceful moment alone.