((AN: So we all know how the drill goes, new show having binged, a new shipping obsession to add to the pile, and my fanfic brain went haywire, so it's time to share the musings. x3

Truthfully, Inuyasha had probably been my favorite anime when it was airing on TV, and now that I've seen the sequel and loved it (and I'm also starting to watch through the original series again (if I miss any important continuity details, please forgive me, it's a LONG SHOW to go through) as well while loving and appreciating the incredible character development writing on a certain Sesshomaru), I wanna drabble on a few things, mainly focused around SessRin and their family, although InuKag and everyone else will make appearances from time to time I think.

Also, warning right out the gate, the romantic moments will probably border on fairly mature, but as always, I'm one to make it more heartwarming than explicit, and I try to keep everyone as much in character as it is possible for me. x3 So with that said, here's a little starting story, which may kick off another collection of drabbles that hop around the timeline. Do enjoy!))

Anger

Sesshomaru had never seen Rin really angry about anything. Except for her spirited arguments against anyone trying to keep her from staying with him (including himself), she was never discouraged, and always optimistic and bright. Admirably, in the face of everything she'd been through in her life, through every bout of fear that she'd encounter at the dangers of their environment, she would still find a way to smile, laugh, and face every obstacle with determination.

Today, though, was different, and the event took her demon companions by some surprise.

They had stopped nearby a village in their travels, and Rin had asked to go buy a few supplies. It was a town they'd been at before, as well, and the people would recognize her...though they thought her a mysterious young woman, happily wandering the stalls wearing kimonos made of very fine fabrics, something that they'd only seen nobles wear, down to at—the very least—heads of merchant households. She was always friendly enough, however, and never caused trouble...only traveling through to buy some foods that she'd never find otherwise (some of which were little gifts for Sesshomaru and Jaken) and other supplies for their consistent wanderings. Sometimes she'd be followed by curious children who'd ask about her outfits, and she'd only answer that they were gifts from her lord husband, something true enough without giving any clue that said husband was a demon.

That day, though, she'd met a few familiar faces visiting that village that she recognized from long ago: the traveling monks, still making it their mission to go town to town and village to village, vanquishing or banishing any demons or evil spirits in their path. And surprisingly, though they'd only seen her as a young girl before, they seemed to recognize her, too.

Thus began a long and arduous process of trying to convince the girl, once she'd answered them that yes, she was still with the great demon (she never bothered to lie outright if asked that...she was too proud of being with him), to abandon those thoughts and flee for her life. They followed her as she went to exit the town, watched by other curious onlookers, and was accused of all and sundry of being bewitched, tricked, maybe turned into a demon herself...everything of which left the feeling of bile on her tongue as she stormed away from the monks with a venomous threat: to leave her be and not to follow her further out into the woods with their accusations, or Lord Sesshomaru would confront them...and that they'd be wise to remember what happened the last time he did.

When she returned to the small clearing in which they'd made a quick respite, Rin was practically seething as she tried to nonetheless carefully tie the packs onto the sides of A-Un's saddle.

Sesshomaru had planned when she returned to let her know something important that he'd discovered...but the thought had immediately been pushed aside for the time being, curious at the state she was in.

It was Jaken who asked outright what the matter was. Then, the tirade of a story tumbled out of her, and she'd abandoned properly tying the packs to pace back and forth in front of the two while telling it.

And now, they were standing and watching her with concern (Sesshomaru looked as benign as usual as he listened, but his brow was fully raised) as she continued pacing back and forth, her fists balled at her sides, continuously muttering, "How dare they still say such disrespectful things…"

"Rin; this pacing is not an effective use of your energy," the demon lord stated.

"And it will wear out your shoes!" Jaken added, sounding rather like he used to when he admonished her as a child. "Calm down!"

She stopped and growled, turning a glare onto the imp. "I'm trying, Master Jaken, but it is hard for me right now!" With a sigh, she placed her fingers over her temples, massaging the tension out of continually furrowing her brow. "I can usually hold my temper against such things too, I've heard it all before...but today it was incessant, I was overwhelmed! Ugh…" she balled her fingers into a shaking fist. "If pacing isn't good for this energy, I wish to know what is. I feel I could hit something."

Then, as if a thought possessed her, she slowly turned a glare toward Jaken...which in his view made her look quite frightening, as her eyes seemed to glow while the rest of her form was in shadow.

"Ahh!" The imp immediately tensed and fell face-first to the ground, begging. "Please milady, not me! I get enough of that regularly from Lord Sesshomaru!"

Caught off-guard by his sudden prostrating (she wasn't used to it being directed at her at all), she softened somewhat. "Oh, I'm sorry Master Jaken...no, I won't turn my anger on you, promise. I was just seized by the moment, is all." She looked up at her husband, who was still watching her stoically. "But still, I can hardly stand it anymore...and how can you? They don't know anything about how I see you, how you really are...and they have the gall to throw insults about you to me...I could just…!"

"Rin."

Suddenly, the world seemed to stop, and she turned her gaze to the Great Demon once more, struck silent. His tone of voice was very terse, so much so that it had even made Jaken cower and back up a foot or two and mutter an "oh dear".

There was never a time that she could recall him ever losing his temper at her. No matter how difficult she might have gotten around him, he seemed to always have patience. Not that she was ever a disobedient and disrespectful child—thinking the world of him, she always wanted to be on her best behavior—but even a slightly stern glance was enough to have her give him distance for a time.

This tone...she couldn't even place it, looking into his more serious expression, and it was worrying, for she could read him more than well enough otherwise. She'd seen him fighting, heard him dealing insults, heard his anger and frustration...but this was something she'd never really heard before. The closest she could discern was impatience, bred of concern.

Regardless, the sound of it had cut through her own petulance, draining her of her fury just as quickly, and forced her to regard him with a small gasp, her chest burning.

Sesshomaru saw the instant way she stood to attention, not flinching or cowering in the slightest, but her expression nonetheless seemed to fall into one of hurt shock. He just as quickly tried to fall back into a calmer demeanor himself...Rin certainly didn't need any stress at the moment, if what he'd found out earlier was true...and moreover, it always pained him to see her sad.

He took a deep breath and sighed out through his nose, his head inclining and his eyes closing as he turned around and prepared to sit against a tree behind him, laying his furry mokomoko out as a cushion and removing his swords to place them to the side, showing that he'd be there for a while. When he sat and looked up again, his expression was much softer, and he extended one hand. "Come here."

She too breathed shakily, nodded, and walked over. She placed her hand in his, and gently he tugged her down so that she was on her knees beside him and on the soft surface of his fur. He crossed his legs and let go of her hand, raising his to brush his fingers across her cheek. She leaned into his touch, letting out a comforted sigh as she placed her hand over his and nestled her warm face further into his palm, letting him know how much she always appreciated his gestures of affection, despite the intensity in the air a moment ago.

It was at this point that Jaken decided that it was probably prudent to leave them to talk. "Well, evening is falling...If we are stopping here, I suppose I'll go gather some firewood, shall I? It will not take long."

"Very well, Jaken," Sesshomaru dismissed, and the imp quickly set to dashing into the woods.

Ho, the things I've experienced in my lord's wake...the role of a loyal vassal, then a caregiver, and now a practical servant to a married couple, the smaller demon thought as he gave the couple their distance...though he couldn't help but smile. How times have changed.

Back at the clearing, Rin was enjoying his silent and tender touch for a moment more, before she opened her eyes to his and placed a hand on his knee, silently asking to be closer. He answered by taking her wrist and leading her forward, until she was sitting in the circle of his lap and his arm was around her protectively, keeping her wrapped up in warmth while minding his spiked armor.

As she gathered her emotions, she found no more anger. Only lingering frustration, which came out as tears. She hid her face in his shoulder, letting them out on him without letting her breathing hitch, and she could feel his head inclining towards hers. Sometimes when they were all alone to be affectionate, he would lose himself to some slightly dog-like behavior, slowly nuzzling the side of his head against hers like he was now. She was used to those little instinctive quirks of his demon side that he otherwise kept tightly in check...it made her feel warm, safe, and assured of his care.

She felt his body heave as he even drew in a deep breath through his nose, taking in her scent. Another familiar quirk, but nonetheless a welcome one which made her tingle (though his grip was tightened slightly, which she noticed...it was as if he was being possessive). As he lingered with his head tucked by hers, she finished drying the remnants of her previous mood on his outer robe.

"I'm so sorry, Lord Sesshomaru...I'm being unbearable," she timidly murmured.

"Don't be silly," he softly intoned by her ear. "Your emotions merely ran away with you."

"They shouldn't have, I know," she sighed shakily and turned her head, making him lift his to look at her. "I have never let my frustration go so readily. It is hard to stand though...humans and demons both, always looking down on what we have, trying to pry us apart, berating the both of us...if only they could have seen you like I have. If only they could understand...you are not such a monster, you aren't keeping me to eat me, you aren't going to abandon me...none of that."

"You cannot change the minds of fools, Rin," he murmured as he tucked his fingers under her chin, making her meet his eyes. "So do not suffer them...it is useless. You will only be letting them influence you, and they will win if you let yourself. You are stronger than their words."

She took in a deep and shuddering breath, letting it out as if shoving her remaining troubles out of the way and into a dark and endless pit from whence they wouldn't return. Her familiar bright smile returned, and she looked so much better, with her flushed cheeks and lingering moisture at the edge of her eyes. "Yes...you're right, my lord." She tucked herself against him again. "You always make me feel so much better."

"If my presence is so comforting to you, I am satisfied," he replied, holding her against him and letting her body warmth mingle gently into his. "Besides which...letting such emotions eat at you, it must not be healthy."

Her body jerked with a little giggle. "I would suppose not. I do not know why I was so easily moved to anger today. I have been a little more easily prone to emotion lately anyway. I have no other worries that would lead to them, it is strange. But...I feel better now. Nothing could make me more happy than being here with you."

There was a pause as he inclined his head towards her again, taking another long breath in...she curiously watched him with half-lidded, tired eyes. It seemed as if he was trying to discern something with the way he was taking her scent in now.

He looked up once more, catching her eyes from the side of his own. "Now that you are sufficiently calmed, I have something to tell you. Mayhap you will be happier."

She blinked, sitting herself up slightly to look at him again. "What might that be, Lord Sesshomaru?"

She saw his look soften, and the corner of his lip turned up. She felt the hand that was holding her by the waist run idly, almost teasingly across her midsection.

"You are with child."

Her reaction was instantaneous, jerking upward fully and whipping her head up to him with wide eyes. "I'm what?"

"SHE'S WHAT?!" echoed Jaken, having heard the statement just as he was wandering back in with a bundle of sticks and twigs in his arms, which he promptly dropped as he raced back up to the couple. "Are you serious, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"When have I ever not been?"

"But...but how could you even tell that, my lord?" Rin inquired, still wide-eyed and heart racing, her hands gripping the front of his armor.

"Your scent has a difference to it," he explained calmly, his arm still holding tight, his hand to her belly. "I had noticed it some days ago. I waited until I felt certain to tell you. There is hardly much else that could make such a noticeable change in a woman."

As Rin sat somewhat dumbfounded, trying to process the news, Jaken hummed curiously. "That's quite strange, I hadn't noticed anything change in the slightest! Apart from the Lady's moods of course, that would explain it."

Sesshomaru scoffed. "I wouldn't expect an imp to have nearly the acute senses of a dog demon. Even mere animals could sense it."

Jaken blinked a little at that, and then released an indignant huff. "Well, I am certainly no mere animal…it had simply escaped my own notice, is all, I hadn't even tried to smell Rin." Noticing quickly how that sounded, the imp jumped back fearfully, raising his hands. "N-not that I'm trying not to be perceptive, my lord...er, er, but it's not like I would want to try to smell her, I mean, that would be rude, she is your wife!"

"Master Jaken, you are digging a hole for yourself again," Rin warned with a giggle.

The small demon just sputtered. "Right, sorry, thank you milady. But in all seriousness," he smiled widely, "My sincere congratulations to you both!"

As Sesshomaru only acknowledged him with a small hum, his wife still sat processing. One hand rested on top of his palm that still pressed on her stomach. He moved it so she could feel there...she hadn't gained any noticeable bump, not yet...but somehow, she could feel the truth in his words.

"A child…" she whispered, her smile returning as she felt a welling in her eyes again. "I'm...I'm going to be a mother. To your child, Lord Sesshomaru," she turned to look at him, and he still had that soft, tender gaze that only be given to her. Truly, of all the gifts he'd given her...this would go in her mind as the greatest. She lay back against him, feeling warm all over as he cradled her tightly, and as she now knew, more protectively. "You were right...now I couldn't be happier."

"Mm," he hummed in agreement as his brow came to rest atop her head again. "However, come daybreak tomorrow, we will have to take you back to Kaede's village."

"What, really?" Rin stirred, sounding disappointed.

Jaken blinked as well. "Yes, pardon me my curiosity, my lord, but we had agreed before that she was quite safe in your protection."

"She is now an even bigger target, Jaken," he calmly explained, though Rin felt his hand tense on her belly. "I may not have even let her go into the village alone, had I sensed even a minuscule demon presence around it. As such, I have sensed none."

"Those monks may have helped with that," Rin surmised quietly with a sigh. "Such irony."

He turned his head to her again, his cheek on her brow as he continued to speak. "Most demons, fortunately, have the wisdom to leave you alone when they smell me on you. This change however will now tempt them to actively come after you, merely for carrying a half demon, and stronger ones will use it to get to me. You will need more protection than I and Jaken alone can provide. That village will be adequate for you to be taken care of and give birth...and at least the humans there are agreeable, more or less."

"That I can attest to, milady," Jaken nodded thoughtfully. "With the priestesses, the demon slayers, and of course Inuyasha watching over it…"

"I will also be nearby," Sesshomaru concluded, with a tone of determination in his voice that Rin caught, and made her heart race steadily. "This will be best for you."

There was a pause, and then he felt her body deflate in a sigh. "Yes...I agree. You know I never want to leave your side, Lord Sesshomaru, but I would also never want to put the baby at risk." She smiled tiredly, placing her hand on his again over her midsection. "I find that I already love them too much."

He moved his hand again, but this time only to turn up his palm and take hers, wrapping his fingers around it. "Then it is settled."

Rin smiled gently, feeling the warmth rise in her body and settle on her cheeks as always while held by him...it still would not escape her thoughts that he was now holding her and their growing offspring. The fact that they would be half-demon was a faraway caution in her mind, the knowledge there that their life might be hard...but it would be full of love, for all her power to make it so, and her bliss in the moment clouded all of her mind like a dream. She knew all the more now that any words said to her in defiance of her demon husband were only bred out of hatred and bigotry...and especially for this, she knew that he would never prove them right.

"Lord Sesshomaru...thank you, for giving me this. For everything you've given me...I hope that in return I may give you a strong child," she murmured against him, and she felt herself shaking, trying and failing to hold her happy tears back, her hand quivering in his. "I love you. Now and forever, I love you."

She felt him move his head slightly to regard her; she knew that he couldn't say it back, and so she rarely said it outright, herself...their love was unspoken, but very well known. He still told her in other ways, and she felt that they were worth more than words alone.

This one, however, surprised her.

In his reply, his hand squeezed hers again tightly, while his other one came up and held the back of her head. She hadn't a second of warning before his lips were upon hers, soft and lingering. When she kissed back, it was slow and thorough, less feverish and more passionate, and to him, more than appreciative. His own heart, which couldn't seem to cease a heavier cadence the moment that he discerned her pregnancy, was now relentless against his ribs.

Hn...I may never be used to such emotion, myself, he thought, still holding her to him nonetheless.

Jaken at that moment swiftly turned around and hid his eyes, blushing brightly; he still never quite got used to seeing the two of them being outwardly (if accidentally so) romantic around him. "Er, milord and lady, I am guessing that I should make myself scarce for the night?" he practically stammered.

Hearing him speak, Sesshomaru broke the kiss and looked into her eyes, which were shining with her smile. "It is up to you," he hummed.

Rin gave a short giggle, unable to banish the heat from her face as she gazed back. "Well...once I am back in the village, moments like this will be few and far between, won't they? So...I'd say yes, Master Jaken, please do."

"By your command, milady! I, uh, may have some errands for myself to run anyway, and shall so return at dawn!" the imp declared as he leaped to grab the firewood he'd gathered, quickly placed it where he meant to, and then just as swiftly scurried off into the woods.

Rin let out another mirthful giggle, which pleased Sesshomaru to hear...it looked as if her anger had been completely banished. She turned back to give him a smile. "He'll make a nice babysitter, don't you think? I at least gave him some practice."

"That will remain to be seen," he replied, helping her to stand as he too returned to his feet. "For now, let us make camp here."

"Of course…" Rin sighed and brushed herself off as she stood, "In all the commotion, I'd forgotten to finish strapping the bags onto A-Un," she looked over to the faithful two-headed draconian beast, who was still idly just grazing on the grass where he'd been walked to. "I suppose I'll take them off for the night instead."

For the next few silent moments as the sun started to set, the young woman prepared the site for camping while Sesshomaru comfortably removed his armor. She held back a few giddy laughs as she went about her tasks, hardly believing the news that she'd just been given. Already she was making up a lullaby in her mind to sing to the child someday, idly humming a few notes as she kept working. She'd soon had a fire going just a small way from the tree as the shadows of the dark were spreading, as well as a few pieces of meat and vegetables skewered on a kebab to cook.

The demon lord sat in his makeshift bed-pile once he was finished dressing down, and simply watched Rin as she scampered around the camp. Her excitement was certainly palpable; he was reminded of the days when he sat and watched her run around as a child, annoying Jaken by bringing him into her games or teaching him how to catch fish, and of how unusually amused he would be. She hadn't changed much when she grew up...perhaps she hadn't been as energetic, but she was still as cheerful a person as ever, and he was ever glad that he'd allowed her to come along with them on that day long ago...she was still what gave his existence more meaning than just fighting and conquest, fueled on a cold heart and bitter feelings. Did he even have a heart before her? Something in him felt like saying "no" to that.

Now, looking at her as she ate the food she made eagerly by the fire, feeding herself and their growing child...his heart was warmed, and when once he would balk at such a feeling...he found it easier to welcome it, and to understand it, and to be at peace as a result.

Father is almost certainly laughing now.

Once she swallowed another piece, she turned to glance at him. "Lord Sesshomaru, are you sure you don't want any? I always feel impolite, being the only one to eat these."

"I will be fine," he reassured. "Eat what you can. Jaken may have the rest."

"Oh, I'm rather full now, anyway," she sighed happily, taking one more cursory bite before placing the sticks in the fire and standing up to stretch.

He watched then as she turned towards him and caught his gaze with a soft, half-lidded look that he recognized quite well, and walked over towards him while comfortably loosening her kimono.

When she got close enough, he reached up and grabbed her hands, stopping her and making her give him a questioning look. He guided her down beside him in the bedding, meeting her soft eyes with those of his own, even giving the smile that he only showed her when they were completely alone. His fingers reached up to brush her wayward hair strands back behind her ears, feeling the heat radiating from her face...to Rin, it was almost like he had a fascination with her blush, as if he were wondering how a human could be so warm. Ever since she grew up, and had begun to see him in a new light, she seemed to always feel like that when they became close. It was like living in a dream much of the time, one from which she hoped that she never woke.

His fingers brushed her cheek as they slid down to her neck and dipped into the edges of her robe, feeling the bare skin of her shoulder. "Are you sure that you are feeling adequately well? As I understand it, you could become sick."

She couldn't suppress the extra wave of heat that radiated from her heart and traveled down past her stomach, when she felt his touch and heard the faintest lilt of the concern she knew he had in his voice. There was an extra strong urge to leap to him, wrap her arms around him, attach her lips to his and let herself go...but she suppressed that urge, wanting the moment to be lasting.

But, she did give in to some of her boldness, and crept forward over him. He allowed her to do so, ending up looking into a close set of eyes and a breathy sigh as she straddled his waist and pressed her hand into the center crease of his loosened robe, a warm palm over a bare chest and a steady heart.

"Yes, my lord husband, I am very well," she honestly hummed. "I am happier than I have ever been in my life, and I am all alone with you, and all I want to do is lie here, take you and be taken, until we fall asleep."

At that, he let out a short breath through his nose, moving his hands to pull her robe down her shoulders. He felt her shiver as her skin was exposed, and his fingers and claws ran gingerly over her back.

"If that is your wish, it is easily granted," he intoned with a low voice, "my lady."

With the tiniest breath of a moan escaping from her lips, her arms went around him and she eagerly fell into his kiss, his touch, his heat. As her back eventually sank into the eternal softness of his fur, reminiscent of the first time they melted into each other, she couldn't think...she could only feel, and she kept a memory of that feeling in her mind…

More than likely, fate willing, she'd never find a reason to be angry again.

((AN: Yes, for anyone who may not know, animals can sense pregnancies. x3 I very well believe that either of the dog demon half-siblings would have known about an impending baby before Rin or any of the other humans. xP Also for the sake of noting it, yes, I know she goes on eventually to have twins, but I imagine in the Feudal Era, one couldn't tell that until they were born. x3))