Time Passes

Ten years later Inuyasha was able to debate clearly and logically on history and battles long past; he was able to discern the pros and cons in various situations and was well on his way to being able to be in charge of his own lands as their Lord. However he was still legally too young besides being too busy with his family yet for the Lady to be convinced that, in a time where it was not essential, he should be in charge off anything larger than his suite of rooms in the Western Palace.

Inuyasha wasn't bothered, he was happy where he and his pups were; he enjoyed being a beloved and protected son, his developing relationship with Sesshoumaru was all he had ever desired for most of his life, barring Kagome. Sesshoumaru had said of course that Inuyasha wouldn't have to live at his estate in any case; the boy's home was in the Western Palace and there was obviously a perfectly competent manager who did live on site.

Sesshoumaru was serious, he didn't want his son living apart from him; they were just at the point of such complete trust that Inuyasha rarely had any self doubts any more. It had been a great relief when Inuyasha had stopped looking for the hidden meaning in things said or done; now he almost automatically recognised that no one was out to insult him. It was pleasant when they no longer had to guard every word or look.

But it hadn't gone completely; sometimes Inuyasha would look pained and Sesshoumaru would have to think over what had been said and reassure his pup. But if he were foolish enough to suggest that Inuyasha take his family and set up his home on his own land, his son would definitely take it the wrong way and think that Sesshoumaru wanted to get rid of him. No; Inuyasha was not ready to leave and neither father nor son wanted him to yet.

In fact life in the Palace was settled and comfortable, the pups were growing well including the older one and Sesshoumaru was very conscious of the feeling of family again; something that had been missing in his life since his father's death and mother's departure. His pack was now precious to him and many times he privately regretted all the squandered time spent in despising his son and his own lot in life. Truly there was nothing to compare with seeing the loving trust in Inuyasha's eyes when he looked at his father now, and the fact that Sesshoumaru had been prepared to kill the boy at one time made him shudder deep inside.

The family feel was enhanced when Sesshoumaru came across Inuyasha sitting on the floor or cushion at Kasaigin's feet as they discussed a book, or when she read to him informally. She often brought the boy refreshment and kept him company because no amount of restricting his time in study had worked; Inuyasha was determined to make his father proud. It didn't matter how much Sesshoumaru tried to encourage Inuyasha to ease up and that he was never ashamed of him, nothing worked and the hanyou slaved away.

Kasaigin came up with the compromise; Inuyasha stopped his formal work and would let the librarian read to him or debate informally and in a far more relaxed situation. That way Inuyasha could keep his brain active while his body was more at rest; between spending time with his children and his desire to learn academically Inuyasha didn't leave much time for himself. To ensure that he too had time with his son, Sesshoumaru had come to value the relaxing times with Inuyasha and Kasaigin as well; often joining in with the discussions.

Sometimes and these were Inuyasha's favourite, Sesshoumaru would read; his voice was perfect for declaiming and although he never said it aloud, Inuyasha loved hearing his father read as he rested his head against Sesshoumaru's leg. Sesshoumaru also was relaxed at these times and would pet Inuyasha as he read, feeling most content. There was something so safe and permanent sitting by the fire and having your parent read to you, no matter that he was also a parent, he was also a pup. Inuyasha now understood the desire of his own pups and he made it a rule to read to them at bedtime now that he was able.

They were so proud of his achievements especially as it soon became evident that Inuyasha was pulling ahead of them in knowledge; he had a more adult approach to his education than the pups, although none of them had forgotten why Inuyasha had not received learning up to now. The knowledge helped them to apply more attention to their own lessons.

Whenever Sesshoumaru came to join them Kasaigin would stay a while enjoying the sharing of opinions; but once the father and son had settled down to read she would soon slip away, leaving the two their time together. Sesshoumaru appreciated her discretion and came to value her more for her insight; she never tried to become more than she was to either of them, and she was unaware of how often her Lord's eyes followed her with appreciation.

Kasaigin was not conventionally beautiful but she had her good points; she was a little more rounded than was generally found appealing, and was pretty rather than exquisite with good bone structure. She had been blessed with large expressive eyes and a generous mouth which was given to many smiles and that was Sesshoumaru's main problem; she reminded him in a lot of ways of Rin and he wouldn't make that mistake.

Inuyasha had noticed over the last couple of years that Sesshoumaru seemed to be attracted to Kasaigin but thought it was none of his business to get involved. He did keep a covert watch on the pair to see if the interest was returned and for a while he was not sure; Kasaigin was not giving away a single blush, but she didn't show the normal reticence for Sesshoumaru's company that many did either.

However as time went on, there were more signs that both his father and Kasaigin had noticed each other; glances were exchanged that lingered longer than would normally be polite, even the occasional unguarded smile at each other. But there was nothing more, until Inuyasha felt he would burst and he had to go and speak to Sesshoumaru about it; the Daiyoukai would miss his chance if he wasn't careful, that was something Inuyasha knew a lot about.

Once his mind was made up, Inuyasha looked for his golden opportunity; although being the hanyou that he was, the boy still hadn't learned to tread gently and automatic tact was still a long way off, causing him to just blurt out to his father his concerns.

"Papa, you like Kasaigin don't you? Aren't you going to court her before someone else takes her away?"

"Inuyasha, that's hardly something I can just answer like that."

"Of course it is; what's stopping you, you are the Lord of the West and you are both unattached. What could be simpler?"

"It is too soon after Rin; you should understand this, my son." There was a hint of reproach in his father's voice which pained Inuyasha but true to form he didn't let it stop him.

"No, I don't want anyone at all; but I'm not going around looking either, you are and you are serious, so what is holding you back?" Inuyasha ignored the annoyed growl and tried not to let his hackles rise or the fear lace his scent that a growl from Sesshoumaru would have caused not too long ago. But Inuyasha couldn't stop his ears flattening and Sesshoumaru noticed anyway and immediately calmed down, knowing that his son meant well.

Inuyasha came and pushed his head beneath his father's chin apologetically asking for reassurance which Sesshoumaru gave by petting him and growling low, while he thought out his answers for his son. He knew that his son's situation was different from his own; for one thing, apart from missing Kagome still, Inuyasha was too young really to be considering mating in the normal course of events. But he, Sesshoumaru was different; he was a fully mature male who wished for a mate rather naturally, his need highlighted by the fact that there was an available female whom he thought complimented him very well.

"Inuyasha, I cannot court anyone until I stop comparing them to Rin; once again this should be apparent to you. In many ways Kasaigin reminds me of Rin and until she does not I cannot ask her to court." He said quite gently.

"Papa, you are not trying to replace Rin and the situation is different than was between Kagome and Kikyou. It's just that Kasaigin, like my little Kaede, remind you of what you found attractive in Rin. I expect that really what it is…is that the things you find attractive in females, these have. They are gentle but unafraid of you; they all talked to you speaking their minds, but with the proper respect. Other things I expect that I don't know. I do know that Kagome often reminded me of my mother but I never got them confused."

It was a new thought for Sesshoumaru; he certainly did find certain characteristics attractive in women, as does everyone who finds someone else worthy of note ,and of course put like that several women he already knew were similar in some ways. Rin embodied his ideals as the perfect partner in most of them, but he didn't see her in Kasaigin; they were not very alike physically or in personality as Rin had been slightly more docile, which was probably only due to the fact she had known him from her childhood.

Sesshoumaru knew he could never replace Rin nor did he want to; but he did think perhaps he could move on and Kasaigin was certainly compatible with him so far. They both had time to build a relationship that would satisfy both, if Sesshoumaru was ready to ask if he could court her. But there was another possible obstacle to him becoming mated, the same one that stopped him from taking Rin.

"What about you Inuyasha, you are my prime responsibility; how would you be if I should take a mate and have pups? If I have any pups when mated, you would be automatically disqualified from inheriting the West."

"Feh, I thank you for not having hanyou pups before I knew I was your son but even if you'da mated Mama and then Rin you'd still be alone now… I…I don't need to be your heir to be loved by you and that's all that's ever mattered to me; so long as my pups are safe and have some future, I don't care about someone else being above me like that. It'd prob'ly be nice to have other brothers and sisters; I like pups…I think it's time."

Sesshoumaru could hear the slight uncertainty in his son's voice, but knew that it was not because of being replaced as heir; Inuyasha didn't want to be replaced in love by pure youkai pups; his human heart was causing slight doubts to grow. The Daiyoukai was more in tune now with this aspect of his son; looking after Rin and then Inuyasha he could tell when the human emotions were more in play than the youkai senses.

If Inuyasha were an illegitimate full youkai he would still fight for his right to be recognised and loved even if he didn't inherit; but as a hanyou, he would accept that he was not as desirable and become miserable if not reassured constantly. Although this would also be partly in consequence of his upbringing; something Sesshoumaru could only regret but not change. What he could do and must do was make sure that Inuyasha never felt left out or unworthy his father's affections.

For the next month Sesshoumaru debated within himself and with brutal honesty, as he also listened to his more basic youkai as to whether or not he was ready and willing to start the proceedings that would end with him mated for life. Some of his considerations had to be based on the compatibility between himself and his intended; he like any sentient being wished for harmony in his life and he would like to think that he could eventually have love in the same way his parents had.

His youkai also insisted that she be powerful enough to hold his interest yet also know her status as his mate and not try to usurp or undermine his authority. This had never been a problem with human Rin, but could be with a youkai female; he didn't think Kasaigin was the sort to challenge him however, at least not in matters of state. She would for her pups however; she had already taken Inuyasha under her wing and was not shy of expressing herself where it came to his wellbeing. However this would be a prerequisite in any mate he chose, especially concerning his offspring.

Was he ready though? Sesshoumaru was determined to be a worthy mate; his partner would not be neglected physically or emotionally, she would have no cause to complain of his treatment of her. That meant that he would have to be ready to put his love for Rin into memory only; he would not do his mate the injustice of wishing he were with another, that would be the height of bad manners even if it were in the privacy of his own mind.

Honesty was the key he decided and once his mind was made up he went to seek Kasaigin to ask her to walk with him in the gardens. She agreed with a gentle but sincere smile and his heart flipped over, partly because the gesture was like Rin but also because he thought it lit up her pretty face. The day was pleasant and warm and the Lord had ordered a luncheon that could be eaten outside for the two of them to be set up on the bank of one of his large ornamental ponds.

The picnic was a good icebreaker and mellowed slightly with an excellent wine, Sesshoumaru came straight to the point. He told Kasaigin everything, from his past with Izayoi all the way to his discussion with Inuyasha and his heart searching over Rin and whether or not he was desirous of a mate now or later.

The warm day and the buzzing of insects all added up to a lazy relaxed feel for both Inu youkai and Sesshoumaru was conscious of being companionable with Kasaigin without the feeling of loss. In fact it was pleasant sitting with a mature mateable female, who was not given to silly girlish giggles or blushes over the slightest things; but who could converse sensibly with him.

"I remember Rin when you first brought her here, she loved the gardens; she was such an enigma to us all, so cheerful and with you as her guardian."

"Are you implying that I was not a suitable guardian?"

"No, far from it; you are always very proper, but you have to admit you were an incongruous pair in so many ways, although no one could have ever doubted that you both loved each other. You were so happy together and even if none of us saw it, she did. The sacrifice you both made for Inuyasha was very costly to you both, I do understand."

"She was a special child in her own right, even if I did at first allow her to stay by my side through my own guilt over my son. Rin has a special place in my heart and mind that I feel will never be able to be put aside; hence my reluctance to speak about courtship, even though I would like to try with you."

"Lord Sesshoumaru, I would not ask you to forget about Rin; it would be pointless and unfair to you and her, but she would have gone anyway at some time and even had you mated you could not have kept her. Many females have to become a second mate; they make their own place in their mate's heart if they are wise and do not try to smother the first… if there was love."

"You would be prepared to do this?"

"I would be prepared to try and see how it goes My Lord; I already hold you in great esteem and know I have deep affection for both you and Inuyasha, we could take it slowly and see how it works out." Kasaigin smiled once again at Sesshoumaru as he lifted her hand and kissed her fingers; grateful for her understanding.

For eight months nothing much changed; Kasaigin refused to act any differently to her normal ways and routines, although she did take walks with Sesshoumaru so that they could talk and get to know each other better and she joined the family for the evening meal. But she attempted no ingratiating ways on any of the pups including Inuyasha, beyond her normal warm and happy personality that endeared her in any case and had started long before Sesshoumaru had spoken to her.

Then one evening after his pups had gone to bed, the couple asked Inuyasha to stay with them for their evening walk. He knew what was coming and he was happy for them both, but didn't pre-empt their announcement. Sure enough, Sesshoumaru told his son that he had asked Kasaigin to become his mate and she had agreed; he also reiterated that the Western Palace would always be Inuyasha's home as well.

But there was more, Sesshoumaru could see that Inuyasha had not got a problem with his father taking a mate but the hanyou would have to publicly recognise her too; therefore a name had to be considered. Kasaigin took Inuyasha by the hand and walked beside him.

"Thank you for being so accepting of me as your father's mate Inuyasha; I know some of what you two have been through together and I understand how important you are to each other. I do not intend to ever try and come between you and I understand how difficult it might be to ever call me Mama. You probably feel you do not need a Mama anymore in any case, although I would debate the issue; but do you think you could at least call me Lady Kasaigin in public without too much trouble?"

"Feh of course I can; I don't know about Mama but perhaps I can call you Kassi for now?"

"That would delight me Inuyasha; come now it is time for some wine; I think your father will make a formal declaration next month when we will have our mating banquet, that will give us plenty of time to sort out the details."

Sesshoumaru came to put his arms around Inuyasha, proud and happy that his son was so accepting and forgiving; had he not been, their lives would have been far more bitter and regretful. And so the invitations went out and the grand mating feast announced; finally the Lord of the West was going to take his Lady and she was considered a worthy mate, most of the guests knew and approved of her parents.

So it came to be that the Lord and Lady were mated and once more a new routine was settled on the Palace and all were happy that Kasaigin was a sensible person. Inuyasha's lessons continued but now the relationship was even easier and over time more trust was built between Inuyasha and his new step mother. His pups also had no trouble in relating to their Grandpapa and Grandmamma and even Jaken totally approved.

TBC