Disclaimer- All characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi

Author's Note- This oneshot was created for the prompt 'Seldom' for Dokuga_Contest.

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Pale pink blooms filtered lazily through the cool spring air. Nature's cruel beauty had finally relented, giving way to the full blooms of awakening flowers.

Sesshoumaru's lip curled in distaste. It was that time of the year again. Every female seemed to be possessed by some odd affliction. Light giggles where hidden behind brightly colored silk sleeves. Painted eyes coyly dodged eye contact while attempting to draw the unwitting males.

A flock of vivid silk passed below Sesshoumaru's current vantage point. With disinterested eyes he watched as the females returned to the palace.

"One day you will have one of them as your mate, son."

A strong hand clapped Sesshoumaru on the back, drawing the younger demon's attention to his great and terrible sire. The serious mask normally present on the older male was replaced with a wide smile.

"This Sesshoumaru needs not a mate. They serve no purpose."

A deep laugh erupted from the dog general. "They serve plenty of purposes my son. A female can provide you with peace, loyalty, strength, and most importantly love."

"There is no merit in love, father. It is a useless emotion that will cause one's downfall."

"Ah, you have much to learn about love. Love can give you the greatest of treasures in this long life we are cursed to live. It is my hope that you will experience much in the area of love, for you are in need of something to change your cold personality. Perhaps one day you shall even fall prey to love at first sight."

"Love at first sight is not love, father. It is lust."

Another loud boom of laughter escaped his father. His father's laugh had become more common as of late, along with rumors.

"I assure you. I speak not of lust, but of actual love. You will understand one day in the future of what I speak." Touga turned from his son and entered the palace. "Come. We have much to discuss."

Sesshoumaru had believed his father a fool then with his talks of love. He had thought of him as an even greater fool when the news of Izayoi had been unveiled. When the old dog had passed because of his love, Sesshoumaru had dismissed all notions of such an emotion. He would not fall into his father's footsteps and be killed because of such a thing.

He now regretted not trusting in his sire's knowledge. His first encounter in love had been with Rin, but it had not been the love he thought he knew. His love for Rin was a love of a daughter. Someone to raise and protect. It had not been a instantaneous love, but something he had come to recognize gradually and cherish.

With Rin's intrusion into Sesshoumaru's heart it had left him susceptible to a new love. It was one he vowed to never fall victim to. None the less, he fell. It had taken far longer for him to recognize he loved another, and even longer to acknowledged his feelings for Kagome. He had fought tooth and nail against it. He would not be ensnared by the same trap as his once great father had been. Eventually, after years of fighting it, he gave in.

And now he held within his arms the fruit of their love. Dark golden eyes peered into the shining gold of his son. One long finger was held within the tenacious grip of his newborn son. Sesshoumaru was in awe of the new being swathed in soft blankets contentedly resting within his embrace.

"This must be the love my father spoke of."

"What love?" came Kagome's tired inquiry as she watched Sesshoumaru and their son.

"Love at first sight."