The next morning, after everyone was dressed for their individual duties, the trio piled into Sesshomaru's car to leave. Rin was needed urgently upstairs, so he took Yuki to the preschool. He immediately noticed the other parents gawking at him, one in particular being a man he recognized as Miroku from Human Resources. Sighing, Sesshomaru stared back piercingly. The man didn't pale, however. Instead, he grinned and made his way over to where his boss was standing. Two young girls clung to his legs.

"Funny seeing you here, Mr. Taisho. I didn't know you were a dad."

"You were at the gala when I announced it," he said bluntly.

"Oh yeah! I can't believe you and Rin actually sealed the deal."

"I would appreciate it if you did not speak about my personal life, Mr. Hoshin."

"No need to be embarrassed. You're one of us now."

"I do not associate with the likes of you. Now, leave me alone before I terminate your employment for harassment."

He put both hands up in surrender and backed up, leaving his boss to be with his son. Sesshomaru knelt so he was eye-to-eye with him. The hanyou smiled at him adoringly. Smiling back faintly, he brushed his hair back so his ears showed proudly.

"Today will be the first day where you are not only seen as a Taisho but also as a hanyou. Do not let anyone treat you any differently than anyone else."

"Okay daddy."

"If they do, I want you to handle it as I would."

"Okay! I love you."

"I love you too, Yuki."

He pulled him close for a hug, glaring at the gawking onlookers. The door opened and he gave his son a kiss on the forehead before releasing him to his teacher. As he made his way to his office, Sesshomaru had to work hard to keep himself composed. Inside, he was humming and grinning like a fool. This is how he always felt after being around Yuki. Maybe it was just fatherly love, but he found that he could not stay emotionless when he was with his son. He made him feel pride and happiness every moment they were together since the first time they bonded. Upon reaching his floor, the demon noticed his mate working hard at her computer.

Staying completely stoic, he walked up to he desk and placed a firm hand against it.

"Rin, I need you in my office. Now."

Rolling her eyes, Rin put her computer on sleep mode and followed him into his office. He drew the blinds before turning to speak to her.

"Have you ever noticed something...odd about Yuki?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you find yourself unable to stay angry or frustrated with him?"

"I just think that's part of him being your child."

"Are you sure? I noticed it with my father too. And he usually shows no affection unless it's for his benefit."

"Well, Yuki is his first grandchild. Why are you so curious all of a sudden?"

"It is just that, as with full youkai, hanyou's have unique abilities that can manifest very early on. For instance, my brother's Iron Reaver Soul Stealer. I wonder if he can influence feelings."

"It's possible. I mean, he does make friends faster than others."

"I'll have to look into later. I just wanted your opinion since you've been with him longer than me."

Detecting a bitter edge to the last part of his sentence, Rin sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. He looked down at her with sadness hidden in his eyes. His hand cradled her cheek gently.

"Sesshomaru, you don't know how sorry I truly am for keeping him a secret so long. I regret it. But I was scared. You had told me on several occasions that you were not ready for a family."

"I know. Honestly, I didn't think I was. But I am now. And I will do everything in my power to be the mate and father you two deserve."

"Thank you. I should get back to work. My boss is a real hard-ass."

Smirking at her smart mouth, he smacked her ass and released her back into the office. Inuyasha passed her on her way out. Upon seeing his younger brother, Sesshomaru's smirk hardened into an icy scowl. His brother smiled back easily before plopping down into a chair in front of his desk. A desk he had tasted his Rin on… He shook the lustful thought away, instead focusing on the nuisance in the room.

"What do you want, mutt?" he growled, taking a seat in his own chair.

"You can't still be mad about me telling dad! I mean, he would have found out from the news eventually."

"He showed up at my home. He demanded I marry Rin and sire a legitimate heir or else he would take Yuki away."

"That serious?"

"Yes. Of course a child like yourself would never understand the consequences to your actions."

"Look, I'm sorry-"

"Sorry?" Sesshomaru scoffed, "Did you even think about what this could do to Rin? Or Yuki? You just couldn't stand seeing us happy, is that it?"

Inuyasha looked at his lap, ears drooping with guilt.

"I really fucked up this time, huh?"

"i would say so. Rin is still wishing death upon you and I must say, the request is tempting..."

"I never meant to hurt her. Or Yuki for that matter. I'm actually fond of the little guy. Just seeing him when I walk past the preschool makes me smile."

A soft smile crossed the demon's features as his chest swelled with pride. Even his dense, unthinking brother couldn't escape his son's spell. Deep down, however, dread began to dwell. If his latent power was this potent, how strong would it be at full force? He would have to discuss this with his father after everything was settled. Because, even though his father was a fool who ruined his life as a child, he was the most knowledgeable demon he knew.

"Anyway, enough about how you sabotaged my courtship, what did you come in here for?"

"I need legal advice and since you were the one who went to law school, I thought you could help..."

"What is it?"

"Is there any way I can break off my engagement from Kikyo and not have any legal repercussions like losing my house."

"This seems a bit sudden. Did something happen? Or someone?"

"It's just… ever since the party, she's been talking about wanting kids and getting off birth control."

"And you don't want them?"

"No, not yet at least."

"Not yet or not with her?"

"Does it matter?! Can you help me or not?"

"I can. I suggest offering her a settlement. Some money, maybe a different place to live."

"And if she refuses."

"Find a way to blackmail her. That's what I'd do."

"Cold," Inuyasha smirked, "Sometimes I wonder what that girl sees in you."

"As do I. Now go. I have quite the workload ahead of me."

Nodding, the younger stood and made his way to the door. As he opened it, he turned back toward his brother to speak once more.

"Dad invited me to dinner to. I'll make it up to you then."

Sesshomaru nodded curtly, waving his hand in a shooing motion. Once the door was closed again, he laid his forehead against his desk. A long sigh passed from his lips as he allowed himself to feel exhaustion. He stayed up all of the previous night to keep watch over his family. Yuki had chosen to sleep in his bed with Rin, curled tight against her chest. This made it easier to keep an eye on them both in case that man, Kohaku, chose to strike again. From the little bit he was able to collect, he was the descendent of a long line of demon slayers and his sister actually worked in the building as a receptionist. Her name was Sango and she was married to that bore, Miroku. She posed little threat, however, due to her being estranged from her family. An alarm rang on his phone, signaling lunch time at the preschool. Grabbing a paper bag Rin had given him, he headed to where his son was.

Peering into the window, he saw that Yuki was alone at a table as he unpacked his own lunch. The other children spoke quietly amongst themselves as they enjoyed their own various meals. A couple glanced in the direction of his pup every now and again, not noticing the older demon watching. One human girl spoke to her neighbor in a false whisper, sneering.

"I don't believe my daddy's boss is his daddy. His daddy probably works downstairs in the mail room."

"Yeah. He's a big fat liar. I don't care what mommy says, I'm not gonna be his friend."

Holding back a snarl and the urge to tear the little rats in half, Sesshomaru entered the room. Immediately all voices silenced. Yuki perked up at the sudden hush that fell over his classmates, grinning when he saw his father. As if he needed to, the hanyou began waving excitedly for his attention.

"Hi daddy. Are you going to eat lunch with me today?"

"Obviously pup. Why are you here all alone?"

"I dunno. No matter where I sit, everyone moves..."

A soft growl escaped before he spoke again, "Well, that is no good."

Yuki shrugged, looking down at his untouched sandwich and juice box. Sighing softly, his father patted his head. His tail thudded softly at the contact. Sitting down at the ridiculously small table in a chair he dwarfed completely, he came eye to eye with his son.

"How would you feel if me or your mother joined you every day for lunch?"

"Really?" his eyes instantly lit up with joy.

"Do I ever joke?"

"Nuh-uh. Because daddy is serious."

"Exactly. Now, let's eat the lunch your mom made us."

He pulled his own lunch out, finding a turkey club sandwich with chips and a can of coffee. A note reading "Have a wonderful day!" was tucked underneath. Smiling, he placed it safely in his pocket and started to eat. Neither male said a word as they dug into their respective lunches. The teacher and her assistant watched from a corner as they spoke in hushed tones. Now, Sesshomaru never liked to eavesdrop; frankly it was rude and intrusive. But when he heard Yuki's name mentioned he couldn't help his wandering ears.

"I'm kinda glad he joined him. Yuki is a lucky kid."

"Yeah, but I think it'll make some kids even more jealous."

"Oh?"

"Even if it isn't the kid's fault, they'll still be jealous that his dad came to eat with him."

"We'll just have to keep a better eye out then."

Making a note to give them both a nice raise, he finished his lunch and gazed at his son.

"I need to go back to work pup."

"Awww, do you have to?"

"Unfortunately. But I will be right here waiting when you get off."

"Promise?"

"I promise. Now I must be getting back. I have a very urgent meeting."

"Okay!" Yuki grinned, hugging him tight around the legs, "Good luck!"

His father smiled inwardly, returning the embrace, then headed out the door to his next appointment. Despite having transferred every meeting for the next year to Inuyasha, there were a few demons who refused to do business with a half demon. Demons who were as narrow-minded as he once was. Before Yuki. A chuckle escaped at that. It was hard to think that, just over a month ago, he didn't even know he existed. Now he couldn't imagine a day where he wasn't there to greet him with a smile. The mere thought made his blood chill. After his family went to bed tonight, he would be out hunting for Kohaku again. He wouldn't stop until that bastard paid for threatening his pup and trying to steal his mate. Rin, ironically, was the first person he saw when he reached the meeting room door. She held out a stack of files he needed for this particular group.

"You've got this."

Nodding, he kissed her passionately before going in. The smell of her arousal filled the air and made his inner demon purr. It was tempting to skip out on this meeting but, to his own annoyance, these were very important partners. He would just have to deal with her later. With his confidence ablaze, the ancient demon headed inside to do what he did best.

I am so, so sorry for how long it took. I moved to Ohio and kind of lost my spark for a bit. But I'm back now!