"How long has it been since we visited Hokkaido?"

"Three-four years, why?"

"It just seems like so much longer."

Sesshomaru's servant nodded in agreement at this, smiling. Currently residing in Tokyo, he didn't get to visit Hokkaido often. And when he did, he preferred places such as this that were a bit cleaner than home. Currently he was on his way to a park to enjoy the fresh mountain air before having to go to a four-hour meeting with a representative of his family's business empire. They parked along the street and he stepped out, taking a deep breath. Women stopped to look at the demon male, something he was used to. His hair alone tended to earn him stares in this country, but his exotic appearance also caught the eyes of many ladies. His face held deep magenta markings and his golden eyes were icy. He had the facial features like that of his father, but the attitude of his father. Staying stoic, he ignored the stares and moved to sit on a bench. Children played on the park, squealing and laughing loudly. Though his father had pushed, he never married or had children of his own. They were merely distractions. Always getting hurt or sick, it was simply too much work. For example, the child who had just run face-first into the bench.

"Are you okay little one?" he sighed, helping the child up.

The child stood to face him and he was immediately taken aback. It was like looking into a mirror. From his snow white hair to the moon on his forehead, the boy looked just like him. But his brown eyes, though familiar, belonged to someone else. He nodded, dashing away his tears with the back of his hand.

"I-I'm good," he said quietly.

Sesshomaru held him in place for a moment, inspecting the damage. There was a nasty bump starting to swell on the boy's head. Sighing, he stood.

"Come, let's find your mother. "

"Okay…"

The boy took his hand and walked back toward the park. He pointed to a woman sitting alone on a bench, reading a book, and the demon instantly knew who she was.

Rin…

That was one woman he would never forget. He remembered her body pinned beneath his own, his name rolling off her lips. It had only been for a few days. They both knew that he had no desire to be tied down and neither did she. Even so, he thought of her often. She was the best lover he had even brought to bed.

The boy hurried to her and she gasped softly, holding his face in her hands as she checked the bump.

"He ran into the bench," Sesshomaru stated, "You should keep an eye on your child."

She looked up, sharp tongue poised to strike. When her eyes met his, she was rendered speechless. This made him smirk.

"Or should I say our child."

"How did you- "

"Oh, please. Only an imbecile wouldn't be able to see the resemblance. So, what is his name?"

"Yuki. His name is Yuki."

He nodded once, kneeling beside his son. The child stared up at him curiously.

"How old are you, Yuki?"

"Three. Who are you?"

"My name is Sesshomaru. I'm your father."

"Nuh-uh, daddy is in heaven. Momma said so," he replied matter-of-factly.

Sesshomaru cast a suspicious look at Rin, who shrugged. Then she picked him up carefully.

"Let's go get some ice on that so the swelling can go down."

"Okay! Bye Sesshomaru!"

He waved numbly as his only (known) child was carried off. Thinking fast, he opened his phone and pressed one number.

"I need information on somebody."

It had taken an hour, but the swelling went down and the bump was slowly becoming a dark bruise. The entire time, Yuki talked about the man in the park with the funny face. Rin smiled and conversed, hiding the deep ache she felt. All these years and Sesshomaru was as beautiful as the day they had said goodbye. She was a secretary to the Hokkaido rep, ordered to keep the boss company. Not in the way she had imagined though. Days were spent showing him around and hiking, while nights were spent in his bed. Their "relationship" lasted a week. That was all either of them wanted anyway. She couldn't afford the distraction of a real relationship. Despite the fact that they used the utmost care when sleeping together, she still found herself pregnant with his child a month later. Her job provided enough money and benefits for her to be able to care for him and do her job.

As she laid Yuki down for bed, she kissed his forehead.

"I love you, my sweet pup."

"To the moon and back momma?"

"To the moon and back."

He smiled, nestling down into his blankets. She watched him fall asleep, stunned by how much he looked like his father. A knock sounded at the door of their apartment and she answered it cautiously.

"Think of the devil…"

Sesshomaru stood in the doorway alone, his body tense and impatient. In one hand he held a bottle of expensive-looking wine. Not wanting to deal with him right that moment, she tried to shut the door. He blocked it with his foot.

"May I come in?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Not really, there is too much we need to talk about."

Rin rolled her eyes, opening the door. He entered without a word. His eyes scanned the room coolly, as if taking in every detail.

"What do you want?"

He set the bottle down on the counter, smiling.

"So, I'm dead?"

"What else do you expect me to tell a three-year-old? 'Your daddy is the ruler of a business empire and probably won't even want you'?"

She had him there. As he looked thoughtfully at the ground, she opened and poured the wine into two glasses. Sesshomaru took his and chugged it.

"So," he started once more, "When is his birthday?"

"June 12th."

"Why did you choose Yuki?"

"Because he came out with hair as white and soft as fresh snow."

"That's must have been something beautiful."

She nodded and a tense silence hung between them. Not thinking, he kissed her. His lips moved gentle, yet firm against her own. It took all her strength to pull away. He grimaced before heading down the hall.

"Where are you going?!"

She chased after him, ending up in Yuki's room. He sat down on the edge of his bed and simply watched their son sleep. Rin could see mixed emotions on his face. Pride, regret, melancholy…fear? Kissing the boy's forehead, he rose and walked over to his ex-lover. A look of determination now dominated his features. Not wanting to wake the boy, he pulled her into the living room.

"I want to be part of his life."

"Okay, but that'll be a bit-"

"Marry me."

"What?"

"Marry me. Our son will no longer be viewed as a bastard and you two can come live with me in my home."

A peal of laughter escaped her lips. Maybe it was the wine, but this was hilarious to her. He glared down at her with wounded pride.

"What's so funny?"

"You. You just assume that we'll come live with you. Sesshomaru, we have a life out here. I have a job and Yuki is in preschool. We can't just drop everything!"

He scowled and nodded in understanding. It was foolish to assume she'd automatically agree to being his bride like most women. Rin was smart. She knew he was only in it for Yuki.

Was he really though?

Only an idiot wouldn't see her qualities. Rin was sweet, hardworking, and stunning; in his eyes at least. Her hair reminded him of the night sky and he found himself unable to look away from her doe-brown eyes. She was still young, so she could keep up with her duties and bear them more children. The latter thought excited him for a reason he could not pinpoint. Just this morning he despised the idea of his own brats. But seeing Yuki changed that. He was well-behaved, intelligent, and had a smile that set his heart alight. His mother had obviously taught him well. And, if she raised him this well, maybe he wouldn't mind having a few more kids. The process of making them was fun as it is.

"He's only half demon," Rin stated bluntly.

"I figured so, seeing as you're human."

"You hate hanyou."

"I also despise humans, but I found your company most…enjoyable."

Rin flushed red at his burning stare. This was not good. She couldn't let him fluster her like that. All he wanted from her was sex an she had to focus on Yuki's best interest. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door.

"I think you need to go."

"Rin-"

"Please, Sesshomaru. Just go…"

"This isn't over. You are mine, Rin. And so is Yuki. I will have you."

She opened the door and he stormed out. Closing it, she sat down on the couch to cry as the events of the day washed over her. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru stood in the hallway on in complete disbelief. Never had a woman forced him out. He almost smirked at the thought of how much fun he was going to have making her his.

This isn't over Rin. We're just getting started.