Inuyasha and Kagome sired two pups - twins. Both boys, both with Inuyasha's features. How depressing.

Rin and I let our argument rest for the moment. She is now sitting near the fire with Kagome, having what Kagome calls "a girl to girl chat". Humph. Inuyai is on Kagome's lap and Inulai is on Rin's lamp. Rin looks quite at home with him. But then again, she was always good with pups. At this minute, Inulai is twirling his claws through Rin's silky hair, babbling incoherently. Rin seems content with him there; not to mention a lot calmer. Perhaps it is a good thing that Inuyasha and Kagome bumped into us on their journey.

"You know, that could be your mate and your pup." tested Inuyasha.

I turn to him quickly and scoff. "It could but it isn't."

They seem to be a cosy family. I always did think having twins was ideal. One for the father and one for the mother. Of course it would be perfect if it was a girl and a boy.

"Sesshomaru, you seem to have a lot on your mind."

"Why are you here?"

"To keep you from getting at each other's throats!"

"Inuyasha, I tire of your senseless babbling..."

"Okay okay. Kagome wanted to see Jinenji and the pups like him too, so I figured might as well treat them three."

Somehow seeing my brother as a father and a mate makes me feel unaccomplished. He appears to be so settled in his life.

"And are you happy with the human?"

"Of course. You should try it."

I ignore his smart alecky comment.

"In any case, if you don't approach Rin, I am sure someone else will. She is a pretty girl - no, woman - and I am sure she has plenty of admirers."

He was right. Ever since she got back from Edo, I have received countless courtship requests from demon and human nobility alike. She had ordered me to deny everyone since she was not interested. But perhaps one day she might be. She definitely seems to be bonding with Inulai.

"Rin has shown no interest in any of her suitors." I said.

"Only a matter of time till the right one comes along, my hoity toity brother."

"So Rin, what's going on with you and Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked.

"Oh please, don't ask Kagome. It is one thing after the other these days."

"Aw that is so sweet to hear! You know, it was the same with Inuyasha and I. We just couldn't get enough of arguing with each other."

"Believe me when I say that it will not lead to the path you two are in right now."

"Oh? And why not? Don't tell me you don't like Sesshomaru?" teased Kagome.

"I do not want to be his mate, Kagome. So even if he were to ask me - which he isn't - I would refuse. I do not want to be Izayoi."

"Rin - what a thing to say! You are not Izayoi. Izayoi was a princess, you are a wild flower, not inhibited by societal limitations. Inutaisho had a mate and pup already, but Sesshomaru is as single as you. Don't forget he is stronger than his father too and has gained insight from his father's life. You and him are not to be compared with Inutaisho and Izayoi!"

"Still Kagome, it is too close for comfort. Even if Sesshomaru would not mind marrying a human and having half demon pups, who is to say that he will not change his mind midway? He will come to despise me for his life and I will not go through that."

"Sesshomaru may be many things but I do not think him capable of that! I really believe that you are underestimating him."

"I will never know, Kagome since I am not willing to know. Perhaps that is best."

Inulai cooed in agreement.