Tender Love

Disclaimer- I do not own any charcters from Inuyasha nor do i make any money.


Chapter 11

Sesshomaru had wanted to take Inuyasha to meet his friend the next day, but trouble arose that needed his attention. It took him a week before he was able to clear up his duties. The week however went fast for the dog family. Since Sesshomaru was busy with his duties as lord of the west, Inuyasha continued to entertain Shippo and the other children. The afternoons and evenings were spent in Sesshomaru's arms or at his side. Sesshomaru proved to be the most loving and attentive of mates and Inuyasha at last had found the love and security which she had been seeking.

Even Sya seemed to be adjusting more easily as of late. She still considers herself to be above Inuyasha but she no longer mopes around the palace scowling at everyone. Well, maybe not as much. Anyway, life was definitely becoming easier around the palace.

As Sesshomaru and Inuyasha sat in the garden watching Shippo chase a butterfly, he announced that he had taken care of his business and that they could leave for the northern caves tomorrow to visit his friend.

On the morning of their departure Shippo, Mina and Jaken stood out front with the mated couple. "Now Shippo, we are going to be gone for a week and I do not want to return home to a destroyed castle," said Inuyasha smiling at the kit. She opened her arms and hugged him tight. Sesshomaru had placed a small oak trunk on the ground near her feet. “I want you to listen to Mina and continue your studies. Okay.”

“Okay,” he answered.

"You need not worry," said Mina laughing. "I will make sure the little kit does not cause any trouble while you are away."

"That's good to hear," said Sesshomaru smiling . Then he turned to Jaken. "You should be able to handle things while I’m away but if something serious happens, send for me immediately."

"I understand, my lord," said the little toad bowing.

"Shall we go?" Sesshomaru turned to his mate. She frowned at him. "What?"

"How are we going to get there?" she asked. She did not see a carriage or anything for them to ride in or on. "Are you going to transform?"

"Oh, that's right, you don't know about my other ability." He smiled mischievously at her and scooped Inuyasha into his arms.

"Sess!" she said shocked as she felt herself began to rise upward. Inuyasha looked down to see a demonic cloud beneath her mate's feet and the trunk. Inuyasha wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and buried her face into the crook of his neck as the cloud moved forward.

"You needn't be afraid, my sweet. I would and will never drop you." He sat down in a lotus position with Inuyasha in his lap. He pulled her away and looked into her eyes. "Do you trust me?"

"With my life."

Sesshomaru smiled pleased with her answer. Then he pressed his lips against hers in a deep kiss. Inuyasha moaned as she felt his hand cup her breast. Slipping one hand into her kimono, Sesshomaru groaned as he stroked and squeezed her erect nipple.

"Oh Sess," she moaned out as he slid the silk material down one shoulder exposing her delectable breast. Closing his lips around the hard nub he sucked, nipped and tugged reveling in the sighs and moan he was pulling from his beautiful mate.

His hand moved down and slipped between her thighs. His long fingers found by instinct what they were looking for. He stroked her clitoris with his thumb while thrusting a finger into her entrance. Inuyasha moaned and panted from the pleasure she was receiving from Sesshomaru's attention. She began to squirm wanting to feel him inside her but she also knew they could not do this now. Grabbing his hand, she forced herself to reluctantly pull those wonderful fingers away from her.

Releasing the nipple, he stared into her lust filled eyes arching a delicate brow in question.

"Don't you need to concentrate in order to keep this thing up," she asked panting and mentally cursing herself for stopping him.

"Not really," he answered with a smirk. "But I can see why you are worried. There is no room in which to do all the things I want to do to you." He kissed her soft lips and straightened her kimono over her exposed flesh.

Inuyasha hissed as the soft fabric rubbed against her over sensitized nipples sending ripples of pleasure up her spine. Sesshomaru only smiled at his mate and held her tightly in his arms as they watched the scene below. The forest gave way to fields of brightly colored flowers. Then the fields changed into a valley and the valley fell away to more forests and finally mountains.

During the course of their journey Inuyasha had fallen asleep in his arms. He placed a kiss against her forehead and continued on their journey to visit his friend.

xxxxx

Inuyasha was awakened from her sleep by a soft kiss against her temple and a gentle voice. She smiled up sleepily at her love.

"Did you enjoy your nap?"

"I did." She rested one hand against his shoulder. "How long before we reach your friend's home?" she asked drowsily letting her eyes close.

"We're almost there," he whispered in her puppy dog ear.

Inuyasha's eyes snapped opened. She raised her head and turned to see they were closing in on the black mountains.

As they settled at the base of the mountain, Inuyasha stared in awe as a stream snaked around the mountain and disappeared into the nearby forest. Hearing someone call to them Inuyasha turned to the left to see someone run toward them.

"Koga!" yelled Sesshomaru.

Inuyasha was excited with the idea of meeting the kind of demon her strong, powerful, overbearing but sexy mate would call friend. Coming to a stop in front of them, she blushed at the handsome dark hair demon that although wasn't as tall as her mate but was very handsome. His long black hair hung behind his back in a high ponytail. He wore a brown fur head ban, wrist bans, and black chest amour. He had the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen. 'So, this is Koga,' Inuyasha thought with a smile.

"Well, aren't you going to introduce me to your lovely mate, Sess?" said the wolf demon nudging his friend in the side.

"Of course, I don't think you two met at the mating banquet," Sesshomaru said raising his hand out to his mate. Inuyasha took his hand and stood beside her love. "Inuyasha, I would like for you to meet my very best friend in all of Japan. Koga."

"I’m your only friend in Japan." Koga joked with his friend.

"It is an honor to meet you, Lord Koga," said Inuyasha bowing to him.

"Please, no bowing and forget about that lord stuff. We are friends now," said Koga smiling. "Well Sess, I must admit you have definitely gotten yourself a very beautiful woman." He stroked his chin in thought as he stared at the demoness. Inuyasha becoming flustered by his constant staring and blushed a deep crimson. "Absolutely beautiful. You know Sess. if I wasn't already mated. I would give you a run for your money."

"Ha! And you still would lose," said the dog demon laughing.

"Yeah, you're probably right. You were always a wolf among the ladies even though you're a dog." Koga said laughing at his friend.

Suddenly a female voice split the air and they turned their attention to the mountain. There was a female wolf standing in the entrance to a cave. "Koga! Is that Sesshomaru and his mate?"

"Yes dear!"

"Then don't just stand their gossiping like old hens, bring them up." She yelled.

"Well, you heard the lady. Follow me." Sesshomaru picked up the small chest cradling it under his arm and followed Koga as he led them to some stone stairs that were carved into the side of the mountain. As they made their way up, Inuyasha noticed there were more caves in the face of the mountain and wolves were coming out and going inside. ‘Hm, I always thought wolves lived in one large cave.’ She shrugged her shoulders and continued to follow the two demon lords. Once they made it to the top waiting for them was a pretty young female wolf with long red hair and forest green eyes. She was dressed like her mate except that her fur was white. Inuyasha immediately noticed the young wolf demon was pregnant.

"Sesshomaru, how good it is to see you again," she said with a soft smile. "And I see you brought your mate. Well, come inside, that Koga would have kept you down there talking all day, if it were left up to him," she added good-naturedly.

"Why don't you take Inuyasha inside and get to know each other while Sess and I go out hunting with the pack," said Koga, kissing his mate on the forehead.

“You don’t mind being left alone, do you?” Sesshomaru asked cupping Inuyasha’s chin.

“Of course not, go out and have your fun,” Inuyasha smiled up at him.

Sesshomaru felt his heart swell up with love as the smile she graced him with was meant only for him. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers.

Koga turned to his own mate smiling at the action of his friend. He was glad his friend had finally found someone in which to share his life. Many times he would come across his friend wandering the lands like a lost soul. He could see that Sesshomaru was truly happy and it made him happy as well. Clearing his throat to catch the attention of his friend, Sesshomaru reluctantly released his beautiful mate and left with Koga. “Come on, you can put that trunk in your chamber,” Inuyasha heard the wolf demon say.

"Those men," the wolf demoness said feigning anger. She turned to Inuyasha and smiled. "My name is Ayame. I didn't have a chance to come to the mating ceremony because as you can see . . . " She placed her hand on her extended belly rubbing it. "I am heavy with child."

"I noticed," said Inuyasha. "How long do you have?"

"It could be any day now," said Ayame leading Inuyasha to the back of the cave. There were torches lined against the wall providing them with light both demoness sat down on a pile of soft furs. "I really wanted to come but Koga forbade me to leave the cave. He is so overly protective." She giggled. "So, how do you like Japan so far, Inuyasha."

"How did you know my name?"

"As soon as Koga got home, he told me about the beautiful half dog demoness that was now Sesshomaru's mate." Ayame placed her hand over her mouth and giggled. "He also said he felt sorry for you for being mated to a mule instead of a demon lord." Both women bursted out laughing.

"I really must confess I did not expect to fall in love with this strange land so quickly," said Inuyasha truthfully. "But I hardly miss China at all."

"I think almost everyone feels the same way at one time or another. Why I, myself, was born and raised in the Southern mountains and when I met Koga and we mated I dreaded the idea of leaving the only place I knew as home. But now I would not leave the northern mountains for anything in the world."

"How long have you and Koga been mates?" asked Inuyasha already feeling a close friendship growing between her and the lovely wolf demoness.

"It is almost two years now and as I stated, any day now our cub will be born."

"How many do you think you will have?" asked Inuyasha.

"I'm hoping for only one. This will be my first child and I want to start off slow."

"What if you have more than one? I know that, like dogs, wolves can have a litter of two or more."

"If I have more than one than I will have to enlist the aid of you, Sesshomaru and Koga to help me," she said smiling at Inuyasha.

Inuyasha returned the smile with one of her own. "It would be my pleasure to help babysit. So, what are you hoping for, if you have only one?"

"Oh, there's no hoping about it. Koga has announced that his first born will be a boy," said Ayame laughing. "He has already chosen a name. Koji."

"It's a nice name. I hope for both of you that you do have a boy."

"Fact is, it really doesn't matter. Koga will love his daughter just as much. I guess it's just that men want their first born to be a son, and be exactly like them."

"Well, let's hope for the sake of all the women who have given birth to a son that they are not like their father," Inuyasha said cheekily. "Imagine all the trouble they would get into if they were like their father." Ayame laughed so hard until tears fell from her eyes.

Just then some female wolf servants brought in food and drink for Inuyasha but water or milk for Ayame. After the young girls left, they continued their conversation.


It was getting late as the two women talked about their families and lives before they were mated. They talked about the many friends they had. Inuyasha told Ayame about the parties her parents threw when she was a small girl. And Ayame told Inuyasha about the first time she met Koga. She didn't think much of him. She considered him a barbarian but his charm and gentleness won her heart. Then their conversation steered back to the topic of children.


"I expect you and Sesshomaru will have at least a dozen children running around the palace one day?"

Inuyasha was more shocked than she let show by this question. She had not even thought of bearing Sesshomaru's children until this minute. "Well, I-I don't really know," she stammered, feeling somewhat embarrassed by the question put to her.

"I know just how you feel, Inuyasha. I, myself, was somewhat shy on the subject of children, but if and when you first become this way," she said patting her bulging stomach, "you will at once become impatient at having to wait until you see the life you will be bringing forth."

"I am sure you are right, Ayame. It is only that I have not even thought on the matter."

"Well, dear, time only will tell if you and Sess will be blessed as Koga and I will be soon," Ayame put in lightly.

Inuyasha's thoughts wandered to herself as Ayame went on about the child she and her mate would soon be having. Would she herself feel the same as Ayame if she were round with child? Could it possibly be that she was already in this condition? It was true she had not had her womanly time of the month since she had first lain with Sesshomaru, but she was not overly late and she had been putting this down to her nerves and the excited state she had found herself in since being in Japan.

Inuyasha was quickly brought out of her musings by the entrance of Sesshomaru and Koga. She let her eyes roam over her mate. ‘Would it be so terrible to have this man's child?’ No, of course not; she loved Sesshomaru, did she not? ‘Well, what could possibly be my cause of distress?’ she asked herself. Then quickly the thought came to her. Sesshomaru had never mentioned children. Of course it was to be expected of her to give him an heir, but he had never once spoken to her about having a child.‘What if he does not wish to be saddled with a small child right now?’ Before she could think more on the subject, his soothing voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Inuyasha, love, we should retire to our chamber and give Ayame a chance to rest," said Sesshomaru holding out a hand. She took his offered hand and let him pull her to her feet.

"Oh, of course," said Inuyasha. "We were having such an interesting talk that I forgot she should be resting."

Ayame snorted. "You guys act as though I can't do anything for myself. I’m pregnant not helpless."

"But my sweet, we're only thinking about yours and our baby's health," said Koga sitting next to her placing a kiss on her cheek.

"You should do as he says, Ayame," said Sesshomaru smiling. "You will have plenty of time to talk with Inuyasha."

"Very well, until tonight," said Ayame smiling at her new friend.

"Until tonight," said Inuyasha in a soft voice. Then Sesshomaru led her to their chambers.

xxxxx

Walking into their chamber Inuyasha sat down on a pile of furs near the oak chest. Torches lit the room forcing out the gloom and Inuyasha noticed several fur pelts hung against the wall. But her attention went from surveying the room back to the conversation she and Ayame had about children. She bit her bottom lip and gazed up at her mate. "Sess, why did you not mention that Ayame was so far along with child?"

Sesshomaru sat beside her and stretched out on the furs. Shrugging his shoulders he said, "I didn't think much of it. I mean there is not too much to say about a woman who is pregnant. It happens all the time you know," Sesshomaru had spoken absently, with other matters on his mind as he pulled her down into his arms and began to ravish her neck. A hand slipped into the folds of her kimono squeezing her breast.

"Not now Sess, I really am tired," she lied.

"Very well." He leaned over kissing her cheek. Then he pulled her close nuzzling her neck.

Inuyasha laid there with her eyes closed until she could hear the soft snore of her mate signaling that he was asleep. Opening her eyes she stared up at the rock ceiling as the shadows cast by the flames danced above her. She could not help but keep thinking about what Ayame had said. 'I wonder if he will be this cold and insensitive if I ever conceive a child?' she kept asking herself. Deciding that she would cross that bridge when and if she ever comes to it, she let her eyes close as sleep finally claimed her.

The next few days seemed to fly by as if on magical wings. Inuyasha seemed to blossom as the flowers and trees would do with the first breath of spring air. Her every thought was for her Sesshomaru, and the love which she held inside herself for him seemed to radiate throughout her.

Sesshomaru grew more loving and warm toward his young mate with each passing day, and each night he held her as if in wonder at his great fortune in finding such a wonderful treasure.

It was their second to the last day as their visit was coming to an end. It was late afternoon. Ayame and Inuyasha were talking on one side of the cave while their mates were on the other side talking business when Ayame grabbed her stomach.

"Ayame, what's the matter?" Inuyasha asked worriedly.

"I think- I think little Koji doesn't want to wait any longer." Ayame released an earsplitting scream.

"What is it?" asked Koga. The wolf demon was by their sides in seconds.

"It's Ayame," said Inuyasha. "The baby's coming."

Suddenly some female servants rushed into the room. "Go get the healer!" ordered Sesshomaru. "Quickly." The women ran out of the room to carry out their orders.

Koga lifted his mate and carried her to a cave that was below their cave. This was the birthing chamber. Inuyasha looked around the cave in awe. It was huge. She would guess that it was bigger than inside the palace. She remembered that Ayame had said that at most times more than one female would be giving birth and the birthing mothers needed more room. So the birth chamber was the largest cave in the mountain, but Inuyasha never dreamed it would be this huge. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha followed as Koga carried his mate to the back of the cave. He laid her on the mat of hay and waited for the healer. No sooner had he knelt beside Ayame taking her hand, the elderly healer entered the chamber.

The old wolf had long graying hair that she kept in a braid. Her eyes were blue and sharp as she took in the scene before her. "You," she barked at the servants, “bring me some water. And I want the rest of you out. This is no place for a man." She grabbed Koga by the ear and pulled him out of the room followed by the others.

"I'll go help the servants bring the water," offered Inuyasha. She ran out of the cave terrified from hearing her friend's pain filled screams.

Inuyasha walked down the stairs leading to the base of the mountain and wandered pass the scurrying servants deep in thought. "Will I be in such pain if I were to have a child?' She slowly followed the stream into the woods not noticing where she was going. Fear began to course through her. 'Ayame sounded as though she was dying.'

She didn't know how long she had been walking but she was brought out of her thoughts by grating laughter. She looked up to see four large demons standing before her.

"Well well, what do we have here. A hanyou," said the largest of the four.

"I suggest you brutes be on your way," stated Inuyasha with as much icy disdain she could muster into her voice.

"You have a lot of gall for a hanyou," replied a tall reddish demon.

"Be gone before my mate decides to use your bones to scrap the shit from the bottom of his shoes." She glared at the fools.

The demons bursted out laughing. "What fool would take a filthy half breed as his mate? Some weak human," demanded the third demon.

"No, in fact my mate is demon. You know him as the lord of the west."

"I had heard tale about the dog lord taking a hanyou for a mate," stated the last demon in the group. "But I thought it was just a rumor. So, the great and powerful Lord Sesshomaru of the west is your mate."

"It doesn't matter. You will still make a nice meal," bellowed the first demon.

'Either they are stupid or they are very stupid.' "You fools realize that if you lay one filthy paw on me. He will hunt you down and slowly kill you."

"If that is true than where is he?" demanded the third demon. "No, mate worth his weight in gold would allow his mate to wander the woods without him there for her protection. Then you claim to be the lord of the west mate. So, where are your guards, majesty." He mocked.

'Well, this wasn't good.' "I do not need anyone to protect me. I can take care of myself."

"I say she's lying," said the fourth demon. "And since you are a liar, we will have to teach you a lesson." The demon leered at her. "Half breed you maybe but you are quite pretty." The demons quickly surrounded her.

'Shit!'

"How about we have some fun with the little liar before we kill her," said the red demon.

'Double shit!" Inuyasha crouched into a defensive stance and waited.

xxxxx

Koga paced the chamber back and forth like a caged animal as he awaited the arrival of his child. "When will this end?"

"Come now, it has only been about twenty minutes," said Sesshomaru trying to comfort his friend.

"I know. It’s just that . . ." before Koga could say anything else, Ayame’s scream echoed throughout the cave and a few seconds later, the cry of an infant could be heard.

Both demons stared at the entrance as the old wolf healer walked out smiling at her young lord. "Congratulation, you have a son." She bowed and let the men enter the chamber.

Koga went straight to Ayame and knelt beside her. In her arms wrapped in a fur blanket, she held her infant son. "My beloved, I give to you your son, Koji."

"He's beautiful," said Koga holding the tiny infant in his hands. "My son." He inhaled the scent of his first born. The tiny infant not caring for the noise began to sniffle.

"Give me my son, Koga," said Ayame playfully. "Your loud talking is making him mad. I’m sure he wants to sleep before having his dinner."

"Of course," he placed the infant in her arms and the child immediately went back to sleep. “Where is Inuyasha? I want her to see Koji.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” said Sesshomaru. “I’ll go get her.” He was wondering where his own mate had disappeared to. Sesshomaru left the couple alone and went in search of her. Coming across one of the servants he asked her if she saw his mate.

"Yes my lord, we saw her," said the young female. "She walked off into the forest. We had called to her not to go but she seemed to be deep in thought." She bowed low to the dog demon lord. "Please forgive me for not telling you sooner, but with . . ."

"It's okay," said Sesshomaru calming the female's fear. "With Ayame giving birth, it was easy to forget. I'll just go find her. Let Koga know where I am going."

"Of course, my lord," she said bowing and went to her duties.

Sesshomaru began taking two steps at a time as a terrible feeling began to come over him. Inuyasha was in trouble. He could feel it in his soul. Once at the bottom, he sped off into the forest.

xxxxx

"Now little hanyou," said the large demon, as his repulsive gaze raked over her body, "let's have ourselves some fun." Then the demon reached for her.