gincitri: *giggle* Pack instinct, ya know? Ooo, this chapter's gonna be fun!
Roayiah: Yay! OMG someone actually read the author's note! Shock! And thank you!
riridreaheart: I know! It's Rihan! Gah!
Halley Vanaria: She's pregnant?! Really?! *wink* Ah, you make me feel so much better! Thank you!
Professor of Gallifrey: STOP YELLING AT ME, I UPDATE FATSER THAN YOU DO SO HUSH, CHILD. YOU ALSO LEAVE EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER WITH A CLIFFHANGER, I LEAVE JUST ONE AND YOU FREAK OUT. *huffs and crosses arms*
The sight that greeted the servant coming up to deliver the cookies, was one that would be told around the table, to their children, friends and family for generations to come. When the poor girl opened the door, the tray of cookies almost dropped.
The lady Rin was sobbing in the lap of her mother, who was strangling- ahem hugging- her husband in joy. Said husband was slowly inching towards his sword as he finally realized why everyone flinched when Sesshomaru smiled.
Chiyo, had until the point been strangely silent (perhaps sending messages to her pack), leapt up and began dancing around the room singing at the top of her lungs. The lady's husband, Kohaku was calming drinking the tea and cookies the servant had set down before fleeing- ahem returning- to the kitchen.
While Yohime released Nurarihyon, who had retrieved his katana, she caught sight of Sesshomaru who was slowly advancing on the couple, still smiling.
She, naturally, shrieked.
"SESSHOMARU! You are not allowed to come near our baby when you're smiling!"
Glancing down at her daughter, who was crying about having a sibling, she petted her hair and said gently.
"Yes, Rin-chan, you're going to be a big sister. Isn't that lovely?"
A flip switched and she turned from gentle hime to frightening soon-to-be mother in an instant.
"Sesshomaru," she growled, halting the lord in his tracks, "You may be Lord of the Western Lands, Maru-chan might even claim me as his own, but Nurarihyon is my husband and Alpha. What he says goes, do I make myself clear?"
His lips twitched, ever so slightly, and then his eyes bled crimson red. His stance immediately relaxed, and Yohime smiled as Maru-chan came to the surface.
Chiyo, noticing the youkai gathered, bolted out the door (no doubt due to the prank she played on the great beast that he was still holding against her).
Rin shuffled to allow Maru to come closer, Nura keeping a firm eye on him.
Maru merely nodded, showing his acceptance to his dominance over Yohime. Kneeling down he placed a clawed hand over her womb, not allow it to touch. When he spoke, it was in a dark, gentle voice, vibrating in his chest from the deeper tone.
"My little one, you have grown indeed. To be expecting a child, to start another family."
"Maru-chan, when I came to you I was a bird, too young to fly on it's own."
Yohime patted his silver head, as one would a small child.
"Now, Nurarihyon has given me a desire to fly. Before it was because someone was depending on me. Mind you, I loved both my children and second family dearly, but now it's time for me to leave the nest."
Maru sighed.
"I understand, Kagome."
Raising his crimson eyes to Nurarihyon, who was still cuddling her closely, he smiled. Yohime blinked at the genuine smile on his face. Whatever passed between the two men, she didn't know. But Maru stood and returned to his seat, going back to sleep as Sesshomaru emerged.
"I congratulate you, Imoto, may your life be filled with happiness."
She smiled.
"Well, now that's settled, I don't supposed we can eat those cookies?"
Nurarihyon drawled casually.
The servant who went up to call them to the meal, was a different one than previous (she had taken sick, poor dear). Coming into the family dining hall, Yohime broke into a smile.
"Sayuri!"
Nurarihyon's eyebrows lifted at the sight of the ayakashi who his wife had spoken of so fondly. To put it bluntly, the woman was huge. At least 6ft tall, waist length green hair, with reptilian eyes, her age could be anywhere from 30 to 50.
"Kagome-chan!"
The vastly taller ayakashi gently engulfed the much small human into a hug. Stepping back, she ran her gaze down Yohime's petite body.
"My! Don't you look lovely! And is that a ring I see?"
Her 's' was draw out into a slight hiss, identifying her as a member of the snake family.
"Yes, I married Nurarihyon."
In an instant, Sayuri had shifted to face him as he stood slightly behind Yohime. She took a knee, but did not bow her head.
"My lord. I did not expect to meet you here."
"There's no need to bow, I am only meeting my wife's family."
Sayuri rose to her feet fluidly, her eyes never leaving his face.
"I assumed you discovered her connections and took her for your own gain? Be advised, whatever games you play, they will not work with me."
Yohime snarled ever so slightly.
"Don't assume such ridiculous things!"
Yellow-green eyes widened.
"You deny it?"
"I do!"
She spat vehemently. She took a step forward, only to have a firm hand land on her shoulder.
"Yohime, there's no need to get angry. In fact, I would be disappointed if the cook didn't threaten me as well."
She blinked, her gaze landing on Sesshomaru and the now present Shippo.
"Oh? Who was it that threatened you?"
Ignoring the underlying steel in her voice, Nura shrugged casually.
"Who didn't? They are your family, are they not? Your family had ensured you remain happy."
She relaxed, a smile forming on her face.
"I'm sorry, Sayuri, but Nura had no idea who I was. He merely thought me a simple noblewoman who was a bird in a cage."
The tension and hostility in the air vanished. Sayuri's eyes curled up and she grinned, fangs sliding over her lip.
"If that's the case, I suppose dinner can be served now."
A/N Sick. As in 'can't eating anything 'cause if I do I lose my lunch.' Cookies. Breakfast. Whatever. Ugh. Managing to write this chapter is nothing short of a miracle. Go me.
POLL ON MY PROFILE GO FORTH AND VOTETH.
Will be taking a short break. Ish. Stubborn person I am I'll probably update tomorrow. Don't expect it though.
Thank you for reading, reviews are greatly appreciated and highly valued.