Hoshiko tenderly cradled the babe to her bosom with soft hands. This felt so natural to the demoness to cradle the little one in her arms with such gentleness. It was though her body was built for just this. Her body had endured sword tears and claw bites into her flesh but yet the softness still remained despite the scars coating her like bark covers the tree. A fire built inside her chest as she watched the baby yawn with plump pink lips and eye her with sparking dark blue eyes. That fire was the deep desire to be a Mother. To hold her own baby was all she ever wanted but this was enough for now. This was only the second baby she had ever held in all of her years; she thought she'd never be able to hold one with her background. Yet, here she was, cradling Sango's newborn daughter not a week old. She brushed the downy head of the child, the soft spot in her skull reminding her of the babe's vulnerability. Seina curled up against her warm and soft womanly chest as she sucked contentedly with a relaxed expression on her little face.
'Little Seina,' she thought to herself.
For some reason, she felt bound to this child. Perhaps it was the fact she was the babe's namesake or that she adored young children. Or maybe that she desired to be a mother so badly and the fact Sango allowed her to attend to the baby truly pleased her. Still, she was not aware of the true reason. Seina seemed to understand there was something special between them; she always squealed with delight every time she saw Hoshiko. To see the utter excitement and joy written on the baby's face bewildered her beyond reason. Hoshi never could deny her when the baby reached out to her to be held. Seina was always at home in her parents or the demoness's arms. Once, Hoshiko had been holding Seina while helping Kagome gather some herbs when she noticed the demon slayer watching them with tears streaming down her cheeks. Uneasy, the demoness had taken the child to her mother. Sango had smiled weakly when inquired what was wrong but to Hoshi's amazement the answer she got was shocking.
"To see Seina so close to you is unbelievable to me," Sango had said softly. "You and her have a bond like I've never seen before. It shocks me in a way she is always so comfortable and content with you just as she is with me, her mother. I hope you will always be there for my daughter, Hoshiko, because I think she'll need you one day."
Hoshiko had been unnerved for the next day or two. It had frightened her in a way what Sango had said to her; Seina would need her one day? It made her wonder why such a bond had been forged between them anyway. She sighed heavily. She would never understand emotions. Nor would she understand relationships and the bonds they forged.
Sango watched the demoness from the corner of her eye cradling her baby while she cooked the afternoon meal for her family. Seina was very attached to the demoness. She had been fussing all morning and her kids had been very demanding but with true luck, Hoshiko had showed up with Rin inquiring if she could help by watching the kids. She seemed to understand the stress of the newborn baby. Sango had never been so relieved so get some help; Miroku and Inuyasha had gone off to help some villagers attend to village matters. The demon slayer had handed over the crying baby and to everyone's shock, the cries had silenced once she was in Hoshiko's arms. It frightened her in a way; a newborn baby attached to another being other than her parents so closely. As she watched the demoness rock the sleeping baby, she couldn't help but smile faintly. It seemed like Seina would have a 'second Mother.' For some reason, she didn't mind. Like Kagome, Hoshiko had become just like a sister to her. She was family now.
"Sango?"
The demon slayer flushed when she noticed bright blue eyes watching her with amusement. She'd been caught staring.
"Sorry," she replied. "I was just thinking about you and Seina."
Hoshiko's face darkened lightly.
"It's nothing bad. I can't help but think you have become like a second mother to her."
"I think that's not a good thing," Hoshi replied faintly.
"She adores you; why is that a bad thing?"
"It's not bad," Hoshi stumbled over her words. "I'm just saying it seems wrong in a way that she is so attached to me. I mean, you're her mother and I'm not. This is wrong to me in a way but yet it feels right at the same time if you understand."
"Hoshi," Sango scolded playfully. "It's not wrong at all. Noburu was attached to Kagome like she is to you. So it doesn't bother me at all."
Hoshiko raised an eyebrow lightly. Noburu was Sango's and Miroku's only son but for some reason that made some sense; she knew the boy tailed after Kagome at times like a lost dog. Just like yesterday, when they'd been on a walk together and the boy had come skipping up to Kagome asking her to play with him. She smiled lightly. The thought of Noburu following the miko around reminded her of Inuyasha also tailing after her, which he now did quite a bit. Sometimes just not for stories, but for simple conversations.
"It just means she trusts you," Sango continued softly, drawing her attention back. "She obviously adores you. I think you'll be a good guardian to her."
"Perhaps I will," she replied gently. "Or I might teach her to be a sly little thing."
"Who ever said you were sly?"
"Maybe the fact you haven't noticed what is missing."
It took Sango a moment but when she did, she glowered at her demoness friend and chucked a wooden spoon at her friend. Hoshiko snagged it out of the air with a few giggles which were rapidly cut off when another utensil smacked her in the forehead. Sango whistled innocently. Hoshi growled as Sango took back the dagger she'd taken from her earlier. Sometimes, she wondered if demons underestimated human females. They sure were troublesome at times. Hoshiko's ears perked up slightly just to catch the sounds of rapid footsteps tearing toward the open door of the hut. They were going to have company, quickly.
"Sango, you would want to pick up that bowl, right now."
The demon slayer looked confused but picked up so said bowl from the floor. Not a second later, her twin daughters Yuri and Izumi came tumbling in rolling over the exact spot the bowl had been placed. Sango stared at Hoshiko; she sometimes forgot about the demoness's extreme hearing abilities considering how human she acted. And how in the world did the demoness know the twins would roll exactly where the bowl was? Hoshi truly was a strange one sometimes.
"Monster will never catch me," Izumi chanted.
"Never never never," Yuri shouted with confidence.
"Monster," Sango asked with confusion.
A shadow darkened the doorway and everyone looked up to see Rin carrying little Noburu in her arms with a smirk on her face. Hoshiko raised an eyebrow at her daughter.
"I have taken a prisoner!"
"No," the twins cried with fake horror.
"Help me," Noburu yelled.
"We will save you, little brother!"
Just like that, the older girl was gone with the twins racing after her. Hoshiko and Sango glanced at each in confusion before laughing; children would never make sense. Maybe they had thought the hut was safety, who knew. They listened to the squealing of the children outside for a moment.
"The innocence and playfulness of children always bewilder me," Hoshi said to her friend. "Just how happy they can be no matter what is going on."
"They truly are a blessing," Sango replied with a smile. "Motherhood is tough, but it's worth it."
"I bet it is," Hoshiko faintly whispered, mood immediately different.
Sango looked over at her friend who seemed very sad suddenly. The heartbreaking look had returned but Hoshi refused to make eye contact with her as she peered out the window to gaze at the sky silently. The demon slayer didn't need to ask what was on her mind. She knew she wanted to be in love herself and raise her own children but she considered her heritage a barrier towards her dream. Sango wondered who wouldn't want to mate Hoshiko; she was kind, gentle, and fiercely compassionate and loyal. But as she gazed at her friend she noticed the hand that slipped down to her belly and rub her fingers there with slow movements. Hoshi was mourning over the fact she probably wouldn't have a child of her own. Sango thought different; Hoshi would be a mother one day. She decided not to comment, though. She spooned the hot stew into bowls.
"Kids," she called outside. "Dinner!"
Hoshiko continued so stare out the window ignoring the sounds of the children come in and the low talking. No one spoke to her which she was grateful for. She was lost in her thoughts that seemed so burdening and hard for her. She mulled over Sango's words with sorrow; Motherhood is tough, but it's worth it. She knew that, because of her sweet pup Rin and the love she had for her daughter. Rin was everything she had wanted in a child. It burdened her though Rin would be the only one she would ever have. She would never conceive and bear her own child from her own flesh and blood. Her hand pressed lightly against her flat stomach that would never grow round with a child that she and her mate had created together. She didn't even have a mate, so that dream was far reality. She always worried in a way her deepest desire to become a mate to a demon she loved and the mother to their children would never come true. Could she truly have her own offspring one day, despite her heritage? She wanted so badly to be loved and have a family. She sighed heavily before glancing at the babe in her arms. The babe curled up tighter against her and placed her little hand right between her breasts though seeking the strong heartbeat of her protector. Hoshi found herself kissing the top of the little girl's head and a faint smile appeared on those plump cheeks. It made Hoshiko smile sweetly at the babe, forgetting her negative thoughts for a split second.
'Life is the miracle beyond anything I can imagine,' her inner demon whispered.
'It is the sole purpose of all things. A newborn child is the start of a whole new world.'
'All souls have a purpose, no matter how small. Perhaps our descendants will accomplish something marvelous.'
'Shinobu,' Hoshiko responded faintly using her demons true name. 'I doubt I will have children of my own.'
'Do not believe the lie our past has wrought. Our womb will carry our future offspring with pride.'
'Hai, a full blooded demon will create a child with me, a half breed demoness. I surely wonder why when they have a selection of pure breeds,' she bitterly growled.
Her inner demon was slow to answer.
'I know the possibility seems low,' Shinobu, her inner demon, whispered. 'We have been led to believe our heritage puts fault into the future. The blood that runs through our veins is deemed weak and burdening. Yet, can you not see who we really are? If we were weak we would be long dead and if we were burdened our shoulders would sag low. We hold ourselves with pride, power, and bravery. How could a demon not want that when our heart is strong and our soul pure? Sesshomaru sees it in us and you know he has chosen you as a worthy mate the day he kissed you on that snowy balcony. When will you realize your potential and the beauty of who you are?
With that, her inner demon faded away and left her gaping in shock to those words. She knew this already but yet, she let her negativity get in the way again. Would this be reality to have her own offspring one day and with the great Lord of the West no less? Before she noticed what she was doing her other hand dropped to cup her belly with awe for the third time that day. Would she truly carry a pup in her womb? Could Sesshomaru love her like she dreamed and let her bear his heir's to the West? She had never truly considered the weight of her consenting to let Sesshomaru court her until now. He deemed her a worthy mate? She bit her lip at that thought. She was a half breed! Hoshi suddenly remembered when Inu No Taisho and Izayoi would leap upon her like wolves when she considered her heritage a burden and quickly tarnished that idea. She wasn't a lady from a high house! Her Mother and Father were powerful demons and probably were considered such royalty. Another thrown down to the ground. Was her inner demon right? Did she truly have the potential to be a worthy mate and mother of a demon's children? That demon being Sesshomaru.
So lost in her thoughts it was a shock when the squealing of children brought her back to the present and her hand fell limply to her side. Rin made her way over to her as Sango's children raced outside shouting.
"Momma, you okay?"
"Of course sweetheart," Hoshiko cooed softly, embracing the child to her. "I'm just pondering some things."
Rin smiled and hugged her back.
"What are you thinking about Momma?"
"Motherhood."
"Why?"
"Little Seina can make my thoughts go wild," Hoshiko laughed softly. "She makes me think of many things."
Rin kissed the baby's cheek.
"She's too cute," Rin said happily, not commenting on her mother's words.
Hoshiko felt better already. Her inner demon's words had been a small comfort and her pup's warm presence immediately destroyed the dark thoughts she had. But she couldn't help but wonder, would she become the Lady of the West and bear the heir's to the West? Sesshomaru was courting her. She truly never realized the weight of what she had decided that night on the balcony. Rin cuddled up against her side.
"Auntie Kagome, auntie Kagome!"
Hoshi looked up to see the twins pulling said miko into the hut. She smiled at her.
"Greetings, Kagome."
"Hey, Hoshi."
"What brings you here," the demoness asked.
"Well, to retrieve Sango for our girl's night."
"Ah. Sango, would you like me to watch the kids?"
"Actually," Kagome answered softly. "I would like you to come with us."
Hoshi blinked at her friend for a moment.
"I wouldn't want to intrude," Hoshi mumbled.
"You are my friend, Hoshiko," Kagome declared. "In fact, a sister to me, just like Sango. So I don't ever want to hear you say you'll intrude on anything."
Hoshi just shook her head in amusement.
"Well, would you like to come? Me and Sango planned to go to the hot springs to relax, talk, and bathe. We'd like it if you'd join us Hoshiko."
There was a silence. The women watched Hoshiko clench her jaw and work it for a moment as she seemed to consider this. The fact they wished for her to join them at the hot springs was a bit hard for her but she forced herself to think about it. Sango wondered if she would reject the offer, just like she had months before, but then they hadn't known why. Now they did. She knew Hoshiko had grown quite secretive about her body and it would be a hard trail to get over. Kagome seemed to notice the same thing.
"You don't have to, Hoshiko," Kagome said softly. "We understand."
"I'll come," Hoshiko declared suddenly with determination.
"What?"
"I said I'll come."
"Are you sure, Hoshiko," Sango asked carefully. "We don't want to make you uncomfortable."
"My friends," the demon growled. "You treat me though I am breakable. I'm cracked if anything. Besides, I need to quit being this evasive and secretive person; I want to be myself again and this helps me. So don't worry about it. Anyway, I'd like to spend time with you guys."
The two human women smiled at her answer and just as one of them was about to respond, Miroku wandered in with Inuyasha close on his heels. The two males observed the suddenly excited human women and the nervous but determined demoness in the corner. Rin looked like she was about to jump up and dance in joy. The monk turned to his wife.
"What's going on?"
"We're just going to the hot springs," Sango replied.
Excitement sparked in the monk's eyes.
"Keh, whatever," Inuyasha grumbled, tucking his hands into his sleeves.
"You're watching the kids though, honey," Sango continued to say to her husband.
Kagome swore she saw disappointment flash in his eyes. Lecherous monk; he truly was a perverted one. Sango wandered into the back to gather their things and Hoshiko surrendered the sleeping baby to her Father. Miroku was more than happy to accept his newborn daughter. He observed the solemn demoness watching the baby with kind eyes as she lay in his arms peacefully dozing. Sango wandered back into the room carrying a new clean outfit.
"We'll be gone for some time so don't wait up for me," she declared.
"Fine," the monk answered.
Sango leaned over to give Seina a kiss but midkiss of the babe's forehead Hoshiko heard a sharp inhale of breath. It made her wonder what happened but the curiosity was quickly answered. She winced as a resounding smack echoed through the hut. Miroku rubbed his now red cheek. The demon slayer was giving him a nasty glare that made everyone wince. It looked like she was planning to murder him with her eyes.
"Hentai," she hissed.
He merely laughed in return. Kagome sighed and moved toward the entrance of the hut.
"Let's go."
"May Rin come," Hoshiko asked.
"Of course."
Within moments the three women left with Rin on their heels. Miroku gazed after his wife for a moment watching her rump disappear from his gaze before hunting down the stew she'd left cooking on the fire. He was starving. Inuyasha winced as the twins began to tug on his arms asking if they could play with his ears. Oh, he was going to kill something! He hated it when people played with his ears! He sighed heavily. Oh, the torture he endured.
"I can't wait to show you our favorite spot at the hot springs," Kagome squealed.
"Finally, some girl talk," Sango sighed happily.
Hoshiko was silent. Her eyes stared at the trees as she walked by her friends. The fact she was going to bathe with her friends and spend time gossiping flashed her back in time when she and Izayoi would do that. It truly was time for just them. She clearly remembered the conversations they'd had and the laughs the two of them had shared. She truly missed the human woman. She wanted to sigh heavily but choked it back. But what she truly feared was the full exposure of her body that was covered in old wounds. It was like memories she didn't wish to remember. She shook her head.
"You okay, Hoshi?"
She glanced into the worried eyes of her miko friend.
"Hai. I will be right back; I have to retrieve some things from the hut."
"Are you sure?"
"Hai."
"Okay."
Hoshiko turned on her heel and toward the direction of her hut; Rin worried about it. Would her Mother come back? She glanced up at the older women and could tell the same thought was in their heads but they didn't comment. She knew this was hard for Hoshi to go through but would she keep her word this time or shy away, like the first time? She was worried about her Mother. How long would it take for her to heal? They continued down the trail to the hot springs. Rin decided to speak up, because the silence was honestly getting to her. She wanted this to be pleasant.
"Do you think Momma's okay?"
She ignored the worried glances.
"I bet she's fine," Kagome answered after a moment. "I just think it's hard for her to suddenly drop the barriers she has put up around herself."
"I want her to be happy," Rin whimpered.
"Rin, you've made her happy. She has probably never realized it but she needs you in her life. You are the reason she is healing now; Kaede told us that is probably why she is acting stronger. She has you now."
Rin gazed at them for a moment. Could it be true, Hoshiko needed her? To think about it, Hoshi did seem more different as time passed. Did she truly have that much of an impact on the demoness? Determination overtook the surprise and she immediately made herself a promise. She would never leave her momma alone! She would help her endure the pain of whatever she needed help with. The two women could see the look in the little girl's eyes and smiled faintly at each other. They walked silently for a few more minutes before finally arriving to the large steaming hot spring. She inhaled deeply of the air.
"It smells pretty here," Rin said softly.
Her companions agreed. Within moments, they had stripped of their clothing and left them neatly folded by the nearby tree. It was heavenly when they slipped into the water feeling the bubbles churn around their aching bodies soothing them of stress and weariness. It felt good to be clean, too. Rin ducked her head a few times under the hot water and giggling when her fingers went crinkled. Sango gazed up at the darkening sky with contentment.
"Oh, this feels so nice," Kagome sighed happily from her spot.
"It's been awhile since I've been allowed to relax like this," Sango returned.
"Hai, it does seem that way doesn't it," Hoshiko replied softly.
Everyone's shocked eyes went toward the demoness, who stood at the edge still in her kimono clutching two kimono's to her chest. She looked nervous. What amazed them was she truly had come. Her body shifted side to side with hard emotions swaying in her limbs. In a way, no one could blame her; it had been years probably since she had bathed with anyone. Rin moved until she was at her mother's feet and reached out, touching the demoness's ankle. Hoshiko immediately looked at her pup. The little girl smiled comfortingly in return. As Hoshiko gazed into those warm chocolate brown eyes it made the nervousness fade away until it was almost nothing; what did she have to be afraid of? She was okay, she was safe here. She knelt down to clasp her pup's hand gently.
"Arigato," she whispered lowly.
Rin eye's widened at the emotion in her mother's eyes. Hoshi knew she understood though. Rin altered her life to such a degree she was no longer the person she had been the day they met. She was returning to herself. The demoness stood up and ignoring her friend's gazes, went over the shadows to drop off her things. She had to do this; she wasn't going to shy away again. These were her best friends and her pup! With shaky hands she stripped of her kimono and watched it pool at her feet. She suddenly had the urge to pull back on her clothing and leave without a word, but she forced it to the back of her mind. She would not run away! Her hair was pulled up into a bun with chopsticks. She began to walk back to her friends but she stopped dead for a moment, hesitating. What would they say when they saw her body? Her talons scrapped softly over the scarred flesh. She suddenly remembered what Kagome had said to her once.
"We won't judge you by what we see, but we will judge by the heart," she had said.
With that in mind, Hoshiko raised her head up and walked toward the spring with her head held up high. She was brave and determined. She had nothing to fear anymore. The grass tickled her feet softly as she walked toward the spring like a quiet mouse.
Sango looked up to see her friend walking toward the spring completely bare to the world just like them. She couldn't help but stare. She had told herself she wouldn't but she couldn't look away; she wasn't thinking anything perverted. Hoshiko's body was perfect, the image of a gorgeous woman. Her body was curved in all the right spaces and delicate looking, but she saw muscle rippling in her limbs. She looked so soft but yet held such power in her body. She was the image of a goddess in her opinion and she couldn't help but feel a slight pang of jealously at her friend's body. She barely even noticed the scars coating the pale flesh. She was beautiful without trying. Hoshiko hesitated for a moment at the edge and slowly submerged herself in the hot springs, almost moaning in pleasure at the sudden relief her body had as it relaxed in the hot water. She sighed happily, ignoring the gazes she was getting.
"You are right, Kagome," Hoshiko said softly. "This feels nice."
The miko giggled.
"I told you."
"I thought you wouldn't come," Sango said softly making Hoshiko's eyes reopen with curiosity.
"Did you think I wouldn't keep my word?"
"No. You just were very shy and nervous."
Hoshiko just sighed in response.
"Momma," Rin suddenly spoke up. "I don't get why you are shy with your body. You are really beautiful."
Hoshiko just blinked in response to her pup's comment. She barely realized that their two other companions mentally agreed with her. But it was still surprising Rin was the one to point this out; she had guts, that was for sure.
"An odd compliment," the demoness finally answered as she gazed at her pup. "But thank you pup, nevertheless."
"She is serious you know," Kagome said speaking up. "And I agree with her. You got a gorgeous body and I wish I looked that good."
"I agree with both of them," Sango added cheerfully.
Hoshiko flushed in the cheeks before glowering at her friends.
"I think it's weird you guys are complimenting my body," Hoshiko said darkly. "It's like saying "Hey Kagome, you got nice big boobs!" It's weird."
Kagome just laughed. "Cmon, you got bigger boobs than me! Plus, they are more round than mine."
There was a small silence.
"You guys disturb me," Hoshiko groaned rubbing a hand down her face in embarrassment and trying to avoid blushing.
Everyone began to laugh to Hoshiko's extreme embarrassment. It obviously had been awhile since she had heard such things. Finally, the demoness allowed herself a small smile. Humans sure were interesting at times.
"Your perfect, Momma" Rin announced happily.
"Not truly little one. You didn't see the flaws," she replied softly as she raised an arm pointing off scars with a talon. Kagome counted 27 scars on her left arm.
"Still."
The demoness finally looked completely amused and rolled her eyes. Kagome growled playfully at her and before Hoshiko could react with surprise, she got a face full of water. It was the second time she'd been outdone by a human today! She stared in disbelief at the miko. Kagome just smirked at her. Hoshiko grumbled but let it slide; instead wanting to keep most of her body unexposed more than she had to today. She still felt somewhat uncomfortable. The women could tell. It must be harder than they had originally thought. Rin slid over to sit by her Mother.
"Sango? Hoshiko?"
"Hai?"
Hoshiko remained silent but raised an eyebrow at the miko. Kagome shifted uneasily for a moment.
"I have been thinking about something quite a bit and I wanted to talk it out with you guys before I actually do something about it."
"Really," the demon slayer asked. "What is it?"
"The thing is, I don't want Inuyasha to find out yet. Don't tell him!"
"Of course we won't."
"You have my word of secrecy," Hoshiko growled in response.
The miko eyed her two best friends for a moment and the young girl before relenting at last. Kagome sighed heavily and began.
"I've been thinking a lot about my marriage to Inuyasha," she whispered.
Hoshiko immediately grew concerned.
"Has Inuyasha harmed you," Sango growled angrily, looking ready to go hunt down a certain hanyou.
"No! Sango, he hasn't done anything wrong."
Sango forced herself to relax again. Hoshiko eyed the demon slayer for a moment with a raised eyebrow; the bonds here were strong. Kagome continued.
"No, I've just been thinking about what's missing in our marriage. I want to have a family."
"You want to have a baby," Hoshiko flatly stated.
"Hai."
Sango's eyes gleamed in excitement.
"Are you serious? Kagome, that's great!"
"I'm glad you think so. I think I'm ready to be a mom. I want to start a family with my husband."
Sango and Rin squealed with delight. They could imagine the little dog-eared kids running around so easily; they'd be so cute! That was when Kagome noticed Hoshiko's emotionless expression as she stared at the sky. Kagome was worried; did Hoshi not agree?
"Hoshi? What do you think?"
Hoshi slowly lowered her gaze to look at her miko friend.
"I think it's great," she replied softly. "I'm happy for you. I just think you should tell Inuyasha."
"We have discussed it before but we just haven't tried yet," Kagome answered with a small blush.
Hoshiko faintly smiled in response.
"That's it," Sango declared. "You have to talk to your husband about it."
"I will," Kagome giggled.
"Being a mom is the best thing in the world," Sango sighed happily.
"I bet!"
"You will be a great Mom, Kagome," Hoshi said softly.
"So will you."
Hoshiko frowned a bit at that. Kagome suddenly felt bad; she'd hit a nerve.
"My Momma is a great Momma," Rin said, seeming to catch the tension in the air. "She takes care of me and she loves me. She plays with me. I love my Momma because she is the best Momma I could ever ask for!"
"She really is a great Momma," Sango agreed.
Hoshiko responded with a blush and wide smile at her friends and pup. Rin embraced the demoness from the side and smiled when an arm wrapped around her shoulders bringing her into a tighter hug.
"I love you, Momma."
"I love you too, little Rin," Hoshi cooed softly.
Kagome smiled at them and catching the demonesses eye, Hoshiko smiled at her kindly.
"Hoshiko," Kagome said. "I know one day you'll be a momma to your own kids and I bet you'll be the best momma in the whole world to them. I know it will happen because you are an amazing demoness anyone would be lucky to have. You will one day hold your own pup in your arms. I know it!"
Hoshiko smiled even wider at that comment and whispered, "Arigato, Kagome."
"Trust me, Hoshiko," Sango commented. "Kagome is right. You will be a mother one day!"
"I hope so," Hoshiko agreed softly.
Kagome sighed happily and leaned back against the warm rocks, her dark hair spilling over her shoulder. Her eyes went to the now twilight sky.
"I'm so excited for the big market in a week's time," the miko said. "I really need to buy some new things."
"So am I! I've wanted to get some more supplies for home life. My kids like to get into stuff," Sango giggled.
"I can't wait to go see the pretty kimono's and jewelry," Rin squealed. "It's so much fun with all the games too!"
"Interesting," Hoshiko muttered.
The girls looked at the demoness who looked confused but interested. They realized Hoshiko had never gone before and probably was confused by this whole concept of a large market perhaps. Maybe she'd never even ventured into a village until she'd met Rin.
"Hoshiko, haven't you gone to any big market," Sango asked.
The demoness shook her head replying, "No."
"Oh Momma! It's so much fun!"
"It really is," Kagome continued for her daughter. "They sell almost everything there; dishes, clothing, tools, anything! There are even games and entertainment. It really it an exciting place!"
"We have to take Momma!"
"Would you like to go with us, Hoshi?"
Hoshiko opened her mouth to respond to Kagome when a thought registered to her. She paled in realization.
"Kagome, when is this big market," she asked, suddenly stressed.
"In a week's time."
'Crap,' Hoshiko cursed to herself.
Sesshomaru was leaving right before the market, she knew that. She sighed heavily as she pinched in nose in frustration at that. Oh, how ironic this 'big market' had to be right after she wished to leave with the Western Lord. Rin would be so disappointed if she went without her. She looked at her pup with sad eyes. She wanted to go, but she had the feeling Sesshomaru needed her more at this time.
"Rin, I am unsure if I can go," Hoshiko began, rubbing the back of her neck.
"What," Rin cried.
"Don't think we won't take no for an answer just because you're a demon," Sango playfully threatened, but serious at the same time.
"No, it's just that I have made some plans prior."
"What plans?"
"Well, actually," Hoshiko began with a nervous laugh. "I was wondering, Kagome, if you could do me a favor?"
"Hai?"
"I've been meaning to ask you but with all the things happening I haven't had the opportunity to do so yet. So, I was wondering if you could watch Rin for me for at least a month at the most."
"What," Rin cried again. "Why!"
"Hai, I think we do deserve to know why," Sango inquired with curiosity.
Hoshiko frowned for a moment before sighing heavily. It was now or never.
"Sesshomaru has asked me to accompany him to the Northern lands to help deal with a problem with a demon clan that is threatening not only the North but the West as well," she explained slowly. "So I wish to go assist him."
There was a small silence.
"Sesshomaru asked you to accompany him?"
"Hai, Kagome. And I wish to go. So I need you to watch Rin for me, because it's too dangerous for her to go."
"For some reason," Sango prompted. "I feel like there is more to it than that."
"Not at all," Hoshiko fumbled over her words, feeling a light blush dust over her cheeks. Everyone immediately noticed but Rin grinned; she knew why.
"That's a big lie. Is there something going on between you and Sesshomaru?"
The women gasped as Hoshiko turned a dark pink in the cheeks and looked away in embarrassment. That was enough answer for them.
"Hoshiko!"
The demoness mumbled something.
"What," Kagome asked.
"I said," Hoshiko repeated, slightly irritated but mainly embarrassed. "That Sesshomaru and I are courting."
There was a small silence in response; Hoshiko felt heat creep up the back of her neck. Did they think it was a bad thing?
"Oh my god," they both shrieked.
Hoshiko and Rin jumped in response to the sudden shouts.
"You and Sesshomaru are courting," Sango gasped.
"I think I said that."
"When did that happen!"
"He asked me if he could court me while we were at the Western land palace and I agreed. We've been courting since."
"That is so cute," Kagome gushed.
"I think it's weird. Of all people, Sesshomaru," Sango remarked with amusement.
"True."
"Just because he acts emotionless doesn't mean he doesn't have a heart," Hoshiko said gently.
"Oh you have to tell us the details," Kagome squealed. "Have you two kissed yet?"
"Hai, they have," Rin declared before Hoshiko could answer. "She told me!"
"Rin," Hoshiko hissed in embarrassment, blushing hotly.
"You knew Rin," Sango asked.
"Hai I did!"
"How could you not tell us," Kagome teased lightly jabbing a finger at Hoshi.
"I was rather getting used to the idea of us courting still," the demoness muttered.
"But we have to know; is he a good kisser?"
Hoshiko coughed in embarrassment.
"Hai he is," she muttered but no one missed the loving look appear in her eyes. "He is a really good kisser; I feel like I'm in heaven when he kisses me."
"Oh my god," Kagome laughed.
"Shut up," Hoshiko muttered but with a teasing tone.
"So he wants you to go with him because he doesn't only want you to go help him defend the Western Lands he wants you to simply be there with him."
"Hai," Hoshiko answered quietly.
"I'll watch Rin for you," Kagome agreed with a smirk. "If she's okay with that. I think you and Sesshomaru deserve some time together!"
Hoshiko ignored the suggested prompting and looked at her pup.
"Is that okay, little one?"
Rin grinned at her and nodded, giving her a hug.
"I promise I'll return as soon as I can," Hoshiko promised her pup. "And I'm sorry I can't go the market with you."
"It's okay Momma! Just spend time with Papa."
Hoshiko just rolled her eyes suppressing a groan. Her, too? Everyone began to laugh in response.
"Oh, guys," Hoshiko suddenly said.
"What?"
"Don't tell anyone else about this, okay?"
The women smirked and with heavenly sighs, everyone sank into the hot water. Hoshiko gazed up at the starry sky.
'Sesshomaru will be pleased,' she thought with joy.
I'm sorry this took me so long! My laptop got some virus so it took me some time to wipe my laptop after removing everything important. Ooh, women's gossip and the talk of Motherhood! Oh, looks like Hoshiko is going with Sesshomaru after all! Haha, anyway, I hope you guys liked this chapter and pretty please review and enjoy! Cyber cookies to those who review *puppy eyes*