My Boyfriend's Brother

This is all I have for the moment so I thought I'd post it. I am thinking of an ending but I haven't fleshed it out yet. I promise I'll respond properly to the comments you left me tomorrow and edit if necessary. I hope you enjoy it!

Kagome was dozing in the garden. It was such a mild spring day that it seemed like a crime against nature not to be outside. They had spread a blanket on the grass and brought their learning materials with them. Now it was approaching noon and Rin had gone inside to beg Yuki for a picnic lunch. She stretched out on the blanket alone.

She heard the sound of approaching footfalls but she did not open her eyes until Sesshomaru put the baby on her chest. She met Makoto’s laughing golden gaze. He was such good-natured child. She drew herself up. She hugged him to her and kissed his round cheek. He smelled so sweet. He was so warm from the crib and from being bundled inside Sesshomaru’s kimono.

“Hello! How’s my little apple dumpling?”, she said.

The aforesaid little apple dumpling shrieked and burbled with delight. Sesshomaru kissed her cheek.

“I wish you would not call him names such as that”, he said.

She looked at him. Damp tendrils of hair curled around his face. He had just bathed and washed his hair after a morning of exertion. He smelled as wonderful as he looked. Kagome had to concentrate to respond to his request.

“Why not?”, she said.

A slight frown appeared on his face.

“A demon child should not be coddled”, he said.

“He’s only half-demon.”

He gave her a reproving look. She rolled her eyes.

“You and your funny ideas…”, she said, “He’s only six months old at the moment.”

“And your point is?”

“He’s just an itty bitty little baby… Aren’t you?!”

He realised she was no longer talking to him when she lifted the baby up and rubbed her nose his belly. He rolled his eyes as Makoto squealed puppy-like and burbled with delight. She cuddled him to her again. She kissed his soft silver hair. His tiny little hands pawed her kimono and tugged her hair.

“Owww!”, she cried.

She gently released her hair from his grasp and flung it over her shoulder. She kissed his tiny fist.

“Wow!”, she said softly, “You’re going to be a strong man/demon when you grow up!”

His response was a windy smile. She wiped his mouth and chin with a handkerchief she produced from the folds of her kimono. Sesshomaru found himself smiling despite the fact that he was supposed to be trying to be stern and reproving with his wife. He leaned back on his elbow.

“Rin asked me a disquieting question this morning….”, he said.

She glanced over her shoulder at him.

“Oh?”, she said, “What did she say?”

“She said: why was Inu-san naked and asleep in the same bed as Kagome-san and Sesshomaru-sama on the morning we left the human village?”

Her eyes went wide with shock. It was suddenly hard to breathe. She turned her head and looked at him.

“What did you say to her?”, she said.

Her voice sounded breathless. Makoto whimpered. She rocked him gently. Sesshomaru sat up. She tracked his every move.

“I lied to her, Kagome”, he said, “I told her you were ill and that Inuyasha was helping to absorb the fever...”

Kagome was overcome with relief. She closed eyes.

“I’m so glad…”

“Why?”, he said, “Do you think I should make a habit of lying to Rin?”

His voice sounded strange. She opened her eyes to look at him. His face was blank and emotionless but the look in his eyes was cutting as broken glass. A chill ran down her spine despite the mildness of the day.

“Of course not!”, she said, “Oh Sessh, I’m not ashamed of what we did… I just can’t stand the thought of other people knowing. What happened that night… It’s just too private.”

His expression softened.

“I know”, he said quietly.

He put his arm around her. He kissed her forehead. Kagome leaned into him.

“How did she know Inuyasha was naked under the bedclothes?”, she said, “He could have just taken off his shirt...”

He shrugged.

“Perhaps she made the presumption because we were naked?”, he said.

“Maybe…”

“Or perhaps she lifted the sheet and inspected the body underneath it…”

He lifted an eyebrow. The corners of his mouth twitched. He found Rin’s fascination with Inuyasha amusing. Her eyes widened.

“Nooooohhh!”, she cried, “You think…”

“Kagome-san!”, Rin called.

She was skipping towards them with a covered basket in her hand.

“Look what Yuki-chan made for us!”, she said.

She knelt on the blanket and put down the basket.

“Sesshomaru-sama”, she said, bowing slightly.

Sesshomaru nodded his head to her, acknowledging the behaviour.

“Hello, Rin”, he said, “Were you a good girl for Kagome today?”

“Of course I was!”, she admonished him, “I’m always good for Kagome-san! Isn’t that right, Kagome-san?”

Kagome grinned.

“Yes, Rin-chan”, she said, “You were particularly good today. I thought you might be distracted from your lessons because we were out side but you performed brilliantly.”

A pretty pink flush appeared across Rin’s cheeks. She bowed again.

“Thank you Kagome-san”, she said, “May I hold Makoto-sama?”

“You’re welcome”, Kagome said, “Of course you can hold Makoto!”

Rin grinned. She moved closer to Kagome. She put the baby into her arms.

“You know Rin…”

Rin looked up from Makoto’s sleepy face.

“Yes, Kagome-san?”, she said.

“Makoto is just a little baby. You don’t have to call him Makoto-sama. You can call him Makoto-kun if you like.”

“Don’t be silly, Kagome-san! Makoto-sama is Sesshomaru-sama’s pup so I must call him Makoto-sama.”

She kissed the tip of his nose, earning her a windy smile.

“Isn’t that right, Makoto-sama?”

“But…”

Sesshomaru touched her arm and Kagome lapsed into silence. He shook his head as if to say, “Let her be.” She sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Sesshomaru-sama, Sesshomaru-sama…”

Jaken’s voice. Kagome sighed. She wondered why the little toad had not appeared before now.

“What is it, Jaken?”, Sesshomaru said.

He sounded vaguely annoyed.

“It’s that damned two-headed monster, Ah-hun!”, Jaken said, as if that was self-explanatory.

“Yes, Jaken. What about Ah-hun?”

His voice sounded measured as if he was trying very hard not to lose his temper.

“He’s only breathing fire and flying around the back courtyard”, Jaken said, “I barely escaped with my life!”

Sesshomaru sighed.

“What a pity”, he said, “Did you feed him too many of those peculiar mushrooms again?”

Rin giggled. Kagome looked at her and she had to put a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

“No”, Jaken said guiltily.

Sesshomaru looked at Jaken reprovingly. He seemed to shrink under his gaze.

“I suppose I had better do something about it”, he said.

He kissed Kagome’s cheek. He stood up and stepped off the blanket.

“Oh! Can I come with you, Sesshomaru-sama?”, Rin said.

Automatically he started to say, “No.” Then he saw the excitement in her eyes. He was suddenly nostalgic for the days before he and Kagome were married, and life had become settled and routine, when it was he, Rin and Jaken travelling together.

“Very well”, he said softly.

Rin’s eye’s threatened to pop out of the sockets. Sesshomaru turned and strode away majestically. She handed Makoto to Kagome. Then she followed. Kagome looked at the waiting picnic basket.

“I’ll just eat all this on my own then, shall I?”, she said to nobody in particular.

Makoto was blowing spit bubbles. Kagome looked down at his sweet face.

“Have you seen your face?”, she cried, “Who’s a messy-faced little puppy-boy?!”

She wiped his mouth. Sesshomaru had once remarked that for such a small body, he seemed to produce his own weight in mucus and other bodily excretions each day. It confounded him. She could only laugh at the aptness of the observation.

“You are!”, she said in answer to her own question.

She kissed one of his soft puppy ears. The ear twitched and tickled her face. She laughed. Makoto blew more spit bubbles.


Sesshomaru kissed her one last time before he rested his head against her breasts. His body half-covered hers. He had made some effort to pull the sheet around them. Now she drew it up a little further to cover their bodies. Her chest heaved with the effort to breathe normally.

Outside it was almost light and the birds were awake and singing. Gradually the dawn chorus was building to a crescendo. God, what time is it? I think we really did make love all night long… We haven’t had a night like that for a while. Her lips curved into a gentle smile. Would she get any sleep at all before Makoto woke and Rin came bounding in? She sighed contentedly. This was home but once upon a time Kagome had another home.

Not a day went by that she did not think about Mama, Grandpa and Sota. Sota must be getting big now. She realised with soft surprise that it was almost a year since she had seen them. Her heart lurched, as it was flooded with feeling: love, joy, sorrow, and guilt. Taking care of a bigger, more energetic, mischievous Makoto and a slightly more responsible Rin took up her days. Sesshomaru had her nights.

She kept in touch with her friends via a beautiful, demon messenger bird Sesshomaru had provided her with. Inuyasha and Shippo were frequent visitors at the mansion. Once, he had even shared their bed again...

Sota looked up to Inuyasha. He even called him Inu-oni-san. Her mother had been pretty accepting of him too, despite his heritage. Even Grandpa stopped trying to purify him after a while. How would they react to the news that she was Sesshomaru’s mate and that they had a baby together? She realised that it was fear itself that was keeping her from visiting her own time, fear that her family would not approve of the match she had made.

She stroked Sesshomaru’s hair. Gently, she combed her fingers through it, carefully separating any tangles. She could tell by the heaviness of his breathing that he was drifting off to sleep, if he was not already there. For the moment she would not burden him with her feelings. Later, when he was more alert she would broach the subject of a trip through the well.


Showing the exact location of the well to Sesshomaru was a risk. She considered the danger that he might destroy it at a later date to prevent her from leaving him. Inuyasha had once tried to destroy the well to stop her from returning to the feudal era. It had not worked because she was able to return when Shippo was hiding in the well, in distress. That did not mean however, that where Inuyasha had failed, Sesshomaru would not succeed.

She had wondered if Shippo could call her back through the well, could he also travel through the well? She had never tested the theory. If Inuyasha could travel through the well because he was linked to her; why not Shippo, Sesshomaru, Makoto and Rin? Sesshomaru was willing to test the theory.

He had floated ahead of them and surprised her by landing in the clearing where the well was located before she could direct him. Her eyes were still a little wide when Ah-hun landed and he lifted her and Makoto off its back. He set her down on her feet. Then he helped Rin down.

“Why do you look so surprised, my sweet?”, he said.

There was a faint smile on his lips. He caressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers.

“You knew where it was all along?”, she said.

“Of course…”

She stared at him. He cupped her face lightly in his hand.

“Ah!”, he said, “You wonder why I did not destroy it?”

“If I’m honest… Yes.”

He sighed.

“There are many reasons”, he said, “But I am not so insecure or so petty that I would destroy the well to keep you with me…”

She smiled at him. He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Come”, he said, “Let us test this little theory of yours…”

They left a protesting Jaken holding Ah-hun’s reins. Kagome got into the well first, then Sesshomaru lowered Rin down to her, with much giggling from the latter. Finally, he slipped over the lip of the well and landed lightly with Makoto in his arms. For a few moments they stood there looking at each other.

“How exactly does this work?”, he said.

“I don’t know…. It just does…”

Then it just happened. She felt like she was falling. Her stomach lurched. Then she was staring up at the ladder on the other side of the well. She looked at the spot where Sesshomaru had been standing. He was there in the equivalent spot with Makoto in his arms. She could feel Rin was standing next to her. Rin tugged at the sleeve of her kimono. Kagome looked at her. She had a huge grin on her face. It threatened to split her face and engulf her head.

“That was fun, Kagome-san!”, she said, “Can we do it again?”

“Maybe on the way back…”, Kagome said.

Just give me a little time to get used to the idea that it worked! Sesshomaru wrinkled his elegant nose.

“What is that foul odour?”, he said.

She frowned. Then she realised that the air did smell different.

“Pollution”, she said.

He raised an eyebrow.

“What is this pollution?”, he said.

“Uh, it’s a little hard to explain… Can I tell you about it later? I think we’d better climb out…”

“Very well…”

Kagome and Rin climbed out of the well. Sesshomaru simply levitated and landed lightly in front of her. She stared at him in a kind of wonder. No matter how many times she saw it she was never fully used to the idea that he had extraordinary powers. Clutched in his firm grasp, Makoto was squealing, wriggling and giggling in delight.

Behind her Kagome heard a shout of joy. She turned towards the direction of the sound as Sota barrelled into her. She was almost knocked over by his enthusiasm.

“Kagome-nee-san”, he cried, “Is it really you?”

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she hugged him back.

“Yes, Sota”, she said, “It’s really me…”

She pried herself away from him and rested her hands on his shoulders. He was at least two inches taller.

“Wow, you got big!”, she said softly, “And so handsome... I bet the girls don’t leave you alone!”

Sota’s face flushed.

“Shut up!”, he protested.

“Kagome!”, cried her mother’s voice.

She looked over the top of Sota’s head. Her mother was hurrying towards her, arms outstretched. Behind her, Grandpa moved at a slower pace. Then her mother’s arms were around her and the rest of the world fell away. She breathed in her scent, her warmth, her softness and her strength. The tears were flowing freely. Mama held her face in her hands. She was crying too.

“You silly girl”, Mama said in a voice cracked enough to break, “Why didn’t you come home? If you couldn’t come home why didn’t you let us know you were alright? Don’t you realise it’s been a whole year?!”

“I…”

Kagome’s voice failed her. Mama hugged her again.

“Never mind!”, she said, “You’re home now. That’s all that matters…”

Eventually she pried herself away from her mother to hug her grandfather.

“Did you miss me at all?”, Grandpa said.

“But of course I did!”, she said, “I thought about you every day…”

“You did not!”, he grumbled but Kagome could tell he was pleased.

All this time, Sesshomaru had been waiting patiently with Rin and Makoto for the introductions to be made. Kagome turned to them and found Sota had already introduced himself. Sesshomaru was squatting down to his level, engaged in conversation with the boy.

Makoto was learning to walk. He was clinging to Sesshomaru’s hakama for support. He kept him upright with the aid of a gentle hand on his back. Sota reached out and touched one of Makoto’s puppy ears with a curious hand. Rin was half-hidden behind Sesshomaru, overcome with uncharacteristic shyness. She was peering around his shoulder at the scene.

Sesshomaru realised that curious human eyes were on him. He lifted his head. He picked Makoto up. Then he stood and walked towards the small group of humans, the baby clutched to his chest. Rin and Sota followed. Kagome was suddenly nervous.

“Mama, Grandpa…”, she said, “This is Sesshomaru and Rin…”

Mama stared at Sesshomaru openly. Then she looked at Makoto, eyes lingering on his big golden eyes and soft puppy ears. She looked at Sesshomaru again.

“So you’re Inuyasha’s older brother?”, Grandpa said.

He looked slightly bored. Despite this outward show of disinterest, his curiosity was latent. Sesshomaru resisted the urge to correct him. He sensed that the old man was deliberately being obnoxious.

“Yes”, he replied.

“Pleased to meet you…”, Mama said.

“The feeling is mutual”, he said, bowing to her.

Kagome was slightly surprised by the politeness of the greeting. It showed in the widening of her eyes. Then again, there was nothing to be gained by being rude to his in-laws, even if they were only humans. Rin’s hand gripped the skirt of Kagome’s kimono. She looked at her. She eased her forward.

“Rin, don’t be shy”, she said, “This is my Mama and my Grandpa…”

Mama smiled at Rin. She squatted down to her level. Rin walked forward. Mama held out her hand. Rin frowned slightly. Then she put her little hand on top of Mama’s. She pumped her arm up and down enthusiastically. Rin giggled at the silliness of the greeting.

“How do you know Kagome and Sesshomaru?”, Mama said.

Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru half-expecting him to remark upon the familiar use of his name. He was otherwise engaged in a staring match with Grandpa. She raised her eyebrows, then she looked back to Mama and Rin.

“I live with Sesshomaru-sama and Kagome-san”, Rin said, “They take care of me...”

Mama raised her eyebrows.

“It’s a long story”, Kagome said, “But Rin-chan is Sesshomaru’s adopted daughter…”

“But she’s human!”, Mama said in surprise.

Kagome sighed.

“So am I…”, she said.

Mama frowned. She straightened up.

“Rin says she lives with you and Sesshomaru, Kagome…”, she said.

“Yes, Mama…”

“Why is it Sesshomaru who is here with you? Why did Inuyasha not come with you this time? How did Sesshomaru and Rin even get through the well…”

Sesshomaru interrupted the staring match to look at Kagome and her mother. She glanced at his unreadable face. Only his eyes showed to a trained observer that he was slightly anxious. She met her mother’s gaze again.

“Why haven’t you asked me about my baby yet?”, she said.

Mama was silent was what seemed like a long time. With each passing moment, Kagome grew more anxious, the atmosphere, tenser.

“I think I was afraid to…”, Mama said.

“His name is Makoto…”

Kagome’s voice was quiet.

“How could he be yours, Kagome?”, Mama said, “He’s too big to be yours. He’s already starting to walk…”

“I had an unusual pregnancy. I was only pregnant for three months… Then Makoto just popped out!”

“He couldn’t have just popped out!”

“Of course he didn’t! You know what I mean...”

Makoto gave a loud cry that signalled more cries would follow it. Sesshomaru adjusted his hold on him and bounced him up and down slowly to calm him, as he had seen Kagome do. Kagome looked at Makoto in alarm. She noticed that his tail was hidden by his travelling blanket. One shock at a time… She met Sesshomaru’s eyes. Satisfied he had the situation under control she looked back to her mother.

Her arm cramped. It was then she realised her free hand was holding the neckline of her kimono in a death grip, creasing the silk. She let her arm drop to her side. Mama’s eyes looked a little glazed.

“Three months… That is unusual…”, she said, “I suppose it’s because…”

“Sesshomaru is a Taiyoukai.”

She finished the sentence for her mother. Mama drifted eyes drifted towards Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru was managing to hold Makoto against him with one arm and gently rub his back at the same time. She stared at him. Then she stared at the little person in his grasp. His puppy ears were slightly flattened against his head. His cries were now a soft whimper.

“I wish my pregnancies could have been that short…”, she said.

She smiled. Kagome smiled back at her. Then her smiled faded.

“Mama”, Kagome said, “If we could, you know I’d wanted to have been married, but the purification part of the ritual…”

“Would kill him?”, Mama said.

She shook her head from side to side.

“That’s just not normal.”

Kagome’s bottom lips trembled.

“Define normal!”, she cried, “I love him Mama. He makes me happy!”

“I’m sure you do, Kagome, and you’re very happy together but he’s a demon.”

“He can’t change that!”

Mama sighed.

“I know… What happened to you, Kagome? You’ve changed…”

“I haven’t changed, I just grew up!”

Mama made no reply. She looked over Kagome’s shoulder at Sesshomaru. Then she looked back to Kagome.

“That remains to be seen… I’m going inside. Do what you like. I know you will anyway…”

She turned and walked away, leaving Kagome staring after her. A sob escaped her lips. The first tears rolled down her cheeks. She put her hand to her face.

“Oh, Mama…”

A small warm hand slipped into hers. She looked down and met Sota’s eyes. He offered her a smile.

“It ‘ill be alright, Kagome”, he said, “You’ll see…”

“You think so?”

“You know what Mama’s like. She’s mad now but she’ll calm down and then you can talk.”

Kagome stared at him aghast. Just who was supposed to be the adult in this situation? She managed a smile.

“You’re right”, she said.

Sota grinned at her.

“Of course I’m right!”, he said, “Come on. Let’s go inside. You can make me some ramen and tell me all about your adventures!”

“You cheeky little brat…”

Despite her words she was smiling. She looked at him. He’s not my little brother anymore. He’s all grown up!

“Come on then!”, she said.

They walked towards the house. Sota did not let go of her hand. She was glad of its comforting warmth so she did not let go either. Sesshomaru stared after them, wondering if he was included in the invitation. Mama’s reception had predictably been a little heated.

“You heard what the girl said”, Grandpa said.

He looked at him. Grandpa turned and began to move towards the house. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. He started to follow. Then he realised that he could not hear Rin’s footfalls behind him. He stopped walking and turned to look at the small girl. Her brown eyes were very large in her small face.

“Does she not like you, Sesshomaru-sama?”, Rin said.

He sighed. He automatically squatted down to Rins’ level.

“Come”, he said.
She walked towards him. She stopped in front of him. He noticed that she had gotten taller because she did not have to tilt her chin up so sharply to meet his eyes.

“Why doesn’t she like you?”, Rin said.

He studied her sweet face, as he considered his words. So observant and insightful, yet still so innocent…

“You have never seen me eat human food”, he said.

She shook her head.

“And you have never seen me hunt…”

Again Rin shook her head.

“No, Sesshomaru-sama”, she said.

“You know what demons eat.”

She stared at him. Then she nodded.

“Can you see why Kagome’s mother has not taken to me kindly?”, he said.

“Yes, but you would never hurt me or Kagome-san or…”

Sesshomaru silenced her with a kiss to her forehead. Then he drew back. She stared at him, her eyes wide. Sesshomaru-sama rarely showed her affection unless she demanded it.

“Would you like to hold Makoto for a while?”, he said.

Rin’s face automatically broke into a grin.

“Yes, Sesshomaru-sama!”

She took the pup out of his arms and she stood up. He turned towards the house and noticed that the boy Sota was standing in front of the back door. He appeared to be waiting for them to approach.

Sesshomaru walked ahead of Rin. Soon he was standing in front of Sota, looking down at him, with a slight furrow between his eyebrows.

“How’d you get to be so freakin’ tall!”, Sota said.

Sesshomaru stared down at him impassively. Sota’s cheeks flushed. He pulled a face.

“You’re supposed to say thanks or it just happened like that or something…”, Sota said.

“Why?”

He glanced at Rin as she reached his side.

“Because it’s expected of you!”, Sota said.

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. Sota’s eyebrows shot up.

“Wow!”, he said, “You really are the iceman! Can you teach me how to keep my face straight like that, except for my eyebrows, huh?”

Predictably, a small furrow appeared between Sesshomaru’s eyebrows.

“Yeah! Just like that!”, Sota cried.

Rin bit her lip to stifle a giggle. A small sound still slipped out. Sesshomaru glanced at her reprovingly. Then he looked back to Sota.

“Where is my mate?”, he said.

Sota gave him an odd look.

“Your mate?”, he said, “Oh, you mean Kagome!”

“Yes...”

“She’s said she was going to try to talk to Mama…”

Sota frowned.

“If you’re going to come in, Kagome said to tell you to leave your sword in the porch. Mama wouldn’t want it in the house…”

He turned away as Sesshomaru’s wide eyes went wider. Rin chewed her tender lip to lessen the grin. Then she hissed in pain. Sesshomaru looked at her. She shrugged. Then she followed Sota inside, leaving him alone outside the porch.


Sesshomaru remained in the living room with Grandpa and the children while Kagome and Mama talked in the bedroom. Even if Mama’s voice had not been raised he would not have had to strain to hear what was said. His sensitive ears picked up every strange noise inside the house, as well as many disquieting sounds coming from outside the confines of the house.

He had done the Higurashi’s the courtesy of removing his boots and sword. He also removed his armour. He was no less formidable without them, just more physically vulnerable to attack. It seemed to ease some of the tension if he looked normal. If normal constituted period clothing, a large white pelt, long silver hair, golden eyes, vivid markings and pointed pixie ears!

Grandpa’s persistent attempts to engage him in another staring match were long past annoying. The smoke from his pipe irritated his eyes and nasal passages, something he was sure Grandpa Higurashi was very aware of. At least the old man did not ask too many questions. Those who knew him well knew he loathed explaining his actions to imbeciles or answering questions of a personal nature.

The aforementioned sword and armour sat forlornly on the back porch with assorted footwear. In the middle of the floor, Sota and Rin played with Makoto. Sesshomaru watched them out of the corner of one downcast golden eye. He barely resisted the urge to growl when a curious Sota tugged on Makoto’s tail. The toddler tried to draw it out of his hand, pulling on the tail in the process.

Makoto howled in pain. Then he started whimpering. Sota let go of his tail and he crawled towards Sesshomaru for sympathy. He picked him up and rubbed his back in what he hoped was a comforting manner. He did not object to holding Makoto and he did show him affection occasionally, but this sort of thing was usually Kagome’s prerogative. Grandpa snorted.

“Very hands on, aren’t you?”, he said.

Sesshomaru looked at him. The joke irked him more than he cared to admit.

“I am not sure what you are implying…”, he said.

Grandpa pursed his lips.

“I’m not implying anything”, he said, “You just don’t fit with the picture I’ve got in my head of what the great Taiyoukai Sesshomaru is supposed to be…”

A furrow appeared between his elegant eyebrows.

“What are you talking about, old man?”, he said.

“He’s just playing with you Sessho-san”, Sota said, “Don’t let him make you mad.”

Sota plopped down next to Sesshomaru. Sessho-san? He turned an irritated gaze on Sota. The look was completely lost on Sota. He stared up at him with fearless, innocent eyes. The boy was obviously and idiot.

“I’m sorry I pulled Makoto’s tail, Sessho-san”, Sota continued, “I’ve just never seen a baby with puppy ears and a tail before. I didn’t mean any harm…”

His deep brown eyes, so like Kagome’s, were liquid. He could feel Rin’s eyes on him. He looked at her. She nodded to him. He frowned at her. Rin chewed her lip to hide a smile, knowing he was not trying to intimidate her. He looked back to Sota. His expression softened.

“It is not I who has to forgive you, Sota”, he said, “It is up to Makoto…”

Gently, he pried the child away from his chest. He sat him back in his lap. Makoto whimpered and tried to hide his face.

“Makoto, look at me…”, he said.

Makoto lifted his head and stared up at Sesshomaru with huge golden eyes. He smiled slightly at the startling innocence of his expression. Sota reached out and rubbed the tip of one of the child’s puppy ears between his fingers. The ear twitched.

Makoto looked at Sota. Sota smiled. Makoto smiled shyly back at him. Sota hid his face behind his hands. Then he lowered them again so that only his eyes were showing. He hid his face again. Makoto squealed and clapped his hands with delight. He laughed the most adorable of baby laughs.


Mama’s voice was shrill.

“He’s a demon, Kagome!”, she cried, “A full-blooded demon!”

“I know, Mama…”

Kagome’s voice sounded remarkably calm. Sesshomaru’s sensitive ears discerned just the barest quiver. She was sitting on Mama’s bed. Mama stood over her.

“At least Inuyasha was only a half-demon!”, Mama cried.

Kagome stared at her mother, mouth open.

“Mama!”, she said, “I had no idea you felt that way…”

“I don’t! The boy can’t help who his parents were. You know how much I adored him… What happened to him anyway? Did you dump him?”

Kagome’s face flushed.

“Not exactly…”, she said, “It’s complicated… Basically he was still in love with another woman and I could never compete. I guess I got tired of hanging around…”

“You’re nineteen years old, Kagome! You had your whole life to fall in love again. You didn’t have to get married and have a baby with the next man who paid attention to you! Sorry, demon!”

Mama caught her breath.

“How old is he?”, she said.

Kagome took a deep breath.

“I’m not exactly sure…”, she said, “A few centuries…”

Mama’s eyebrows threatened to ascend into her hairline.

“You’re joking, right?”, she said.

Kagome shook her head.

“But he looks so young!”, Mama cried, “I was expecting you to tell me he was twenty-three or twenty-four, not hundreds of years old! Is he immortal?”

“No! Don’t be silly, Mama. Sesshomaru may be a very powerful demon, and he’s lived a long time but that doesn’t mean he’s immortal. He can be hurt, even killed... He’s just fortunate that he hasn’t come up against anyone or anything strong enough to kill him yet!”

“And you’re willing to live with that?”

Kagome frowned.

“What choice do I have, Mama?”, she said, “When I was travelling with Inuyasha it was the same; we faced death everyday. With Sesshomaru it is no different. When he leaves my side everyday there is always the possibility that he will never return home…”

“Yes, I know… But at least when you were with Inuyasha you never stayed away for too long. You came home every other week...”

She could see the desperation etched across her mother’s face. Her expression softened. She reached for her mother’s hands. Mama took her hands in her own and sat down on the bed next to her.

“Oh, Mama”, she said, “You knew it was going to happen sooner or later… What were you going to do when I went to college?”

“I don’t know… I thought you’d forgotten all about that... What are you going to do with the rest of your life Kagome? Are you just going to go back through the well and be Sesshomaru’s wife or are you going to come home and get on with your life?”

Mama looked so sad. If she could bring herself to lie, just to ease the pain a little she would have gladly done it, but Kagome could not lie. A half-truth was she could manage.

“I don’t know, Mama …”, she said softly.

“I think you do. I think you’ve already made your mind up…”

“Maybe I have…”

Mama examined Kagome’s face, hair and period clothes.

“You look good…”, she said.

“So do you.”

“You don’t look like my Kagome anymore. You look like something out of a story book…”

“I’m still the same Kagome. I just look different in these clothes…”

“Yes, you do. You look… All grown up.”

A pretty pink blush blossomed across Kagome’s cheeks. She smiled.

“Thanks Mama”, she said.

Her mother smiled back. Then she became serious again.

“How did it happen?”, she said.

“Me and Sesshomaru?”

“Yes. I thought you hated him? You said he was always turning up at exactly the wrong time, fighting with Inuyasha and trying to take his sword… Didn’t he try to kill you the first time you met?”

Kagome’s cheeks flushed anew. And another time after that…

“Yes, he did”, she said, “But once Rin came along he changed. I began to see a different side to him. He stopped trying to hurt us and started helping us. I realised he could be honourable, even God forbid, decent… He saved our lives many times… He would never hurt us. He loves us so much…”

“Oh…”

A small furrow appeared between Kagome’s eyebrows.

“What?”, she said, “Don’t you think Sesshomaru is capable of loving us because he’s a demon?”

“I’m sure he is, in his own way… It’s not that…”

“Then what is it?”

“I can’t shake this image of him as seducer…”

Kagome’s face flushed. Before she could begin to formulate a reply she heard a sound, like a small wind. Then the screen door rolled back a few inches. She looked up and saw Sesshomaru framed in the space. She gasped. The edges of his lips curled into a slight smile. Laughter glittered in his eyes. She blushed deeper. She watch his face sober, and his usual expression returned again as his eyes turned to her mother. She was glaring at him.

“Do you mind, Sesshomaru?”, Mama said, “I’m trying to have a private conversation with my daughter.”

Her tone was condescending, though his theatrical appearance reminded her that she should at least be a little afraid of him, even if he had done nothing to threaten her directly. A small furrow appeared between his eyebrows at the over-familiar use of his name but he let it lie.

“Not hardly”, he said coolly, “I can hear every word you say…”

Mama’s eyes widened at the corners. She glanced at Kagome. Kagome nodded. He pushed the screen door open and stepped into the room. He had to bow his head to fit through the opening. He padded across the floor and knelt at their feet. Mama stared at him.

He was such a beautiful, exotic creature with his pale skin, silver hair, golden eyes and strange markings. The tall, broad-shouldered body under that expensive white kimono was the honed body of a warrior. Kagome touched her mother’s arm. She started. Kagome bit her lip to hide her smile.

“I’m sorry if I keep staring at you, Sesshomaru”, Mama said, “I expect you’re used to it…”

“Yes, Higurashi-sama.”

This time it was Kagome who stared at him. I never knew Sesshomaru could be this respectful! Usually he think it’s a waste of time. He’s even acting submissive! Does it bother him that much that Mama doesn’t like him? Surely not…

“You are concerned that I may have seduced your Kagome?”, he said.

“Yes…”, Mama replied.

“You worry needlessly.”

Mama frowned.

“With respect Sesshomaru, I will decide when I worry and what I worry over, if you don’t mind!”, she said.

Sesshomaru raised his eyebrows. He glanced at Kagome.

“I respect your position”, he said, “You are Kagome’s mother. There would be something very wrong if you did not worry for her, if you were not at least wary of my presence…”
“That’s true, but why the flattery, Sesshomaru? Why bother being polite at all? The Sesshomaru Kagome described to me would not waste time on words. He would cut straight to the point or just kill everybody, depending on what kind of mood he was in!”

Kagome choked. Mama looked at her.

“What?”, she said, “It’s true…”

Kagome’s face flushed, aware that Sesshomaru was looking at her and her mother as if they had done something very interesting. It was not the kind of scrutiny she liked. She resisted the urge to squirm under his gaze. Mama seemed to be unaffected. There were times when Kagome suspected her mother was a psychic null even if she was very good at bludgeoning her with angry, disappointed vibes.

“Yes”, he said, “Those are aspects of my personality, but Kagome is one of those I protect now. That same courtesy is extended to her family. With family one must learn patience and resist one’s baser urge to kill…”

Mama stared at him in surprise.

“Indeed…”

There was a silence. The expression on Sesshomaru’s face was one of perfect patience. It was not a face he wore often. It was slightly unnerving.

“You want to know if it is one of my abilities?”, he said.

“Eh, what would that be?”, Mama said.

A small furrow appeared between his eyebrows. His patience was beginning to wear thin. He was not sure if Kagome’s mother was as dim-witted as she appeared to be or if it was some kind of affectation. She reminded him eerily of his own mother in that moment. With her it was hit and miss at the best of times. He resisted the urge to shudder.

“Seduction?”, Sesshomaru reminded her gently.

“Oh, right! Yes… Is it?”

“No.”

“No?!”

“No… My abilities are poison, strength, speed, strategy, swordplay… These are only some of my talents. Sadly, seduction is not one of them...”

Kagome made a small frown. Her lips pursed slightly. You forgot your affinity with the Great Beyond. That’s sort of a big thing to leave out, but one shock at a time…

Mama raised her eyebrows.

“It isn’t?”, she said.

Sesshomaru shook his head, causing his hair to make small rasping sounds as it slid back and forth over the silk of his kimono.

“I am no Incubus”, he said, “I have the same problems with courtship and marriage other males are afflicted with.”

“But the way you look… You’re gorgeous!”

Mama’s face flushed. Sesshomaru sighed.

“My mother is considered a great beauty among my kind”, he said, “And my father was a great warrior… So you see I am product of my blood. It is no illusion… Perhaps it was my looks that caught Kagome’s eye but it is certainly not looks that would hold her attention… She is not so vapid or masochistic.”

Kagome’s eyes widened slightly at the unexpected compliment. Then she smiled. Sesshomaru looked at her out of the corner of his eye. Then he turned his attention back to Mama. Kagome looked at her mother. She was holding Sesshomaru’s gaze. Or was she just staring at him again? It was hard to tell.

“Do you mind?”, Mama said.

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.

“What exactly is there to mind?”, he said.

Mama leaned forward. She reached out and touched the markings on his cheek. His eyes widened slightly. He resisted the urge to jerk his head backwards, away from the touch of unfamiliar human fingers. He looked at Kagome. She put her hand to her mouth to stop the giggles from spilling out of her lips.

Mama touched the crescent moon on his forehead. Her fingers brushed his fringe. Feeling bolder, she rubbed a lock of it between her fingers. A small furrow appeared between his eyebrows. Just how long was he expected to stand for this intrusive examination? The irritated, impatient look in his eyes did not go unnoticed by Kagome.

“So soft…”, Mama said.

“Uh, Mama!”, Kagome said.

“What?”

“Sesshomaru doesn’t know you that well... Eh, you’re kind of invading his space!”

Mama’s face flushed. She let his hair drop.

“Right!”, she said, “My apologies, Sesshomaru. I just got a little carried away…”

“Apology accepted. I forget how curious humans be about things that are better left alone…”

He shot a look at Kagome. There was heat in his gaze. Her face flushed. The corners of his mouth turned up. He stood in one smooth, graceful motion and walked out of the room. Clearly he considered the conversation over. Mama stared after him. Then she looked at Kagome.

“Is he always that snotty?”, she said.

“Mama, he heard that!”

“He was supposed to…”

Kagome raised her eyebrows. Mama smiled at her. She got off the bed and adjusted the waistband of skirt.

“Now”, she said, “I think I should go to the living room and get to know Rin and my grandson…”

Kagome smiled.

“I think they’d like that, Mama”, she said.

Kagome started to stand and almost slid off the bed in her silk kimono. Mama caught her before she could fall. Mama led the way towards the door.

“Tell me more about Makoto”, she said.

Kagome took a breath.

“Well, for starters, he’s got a tail…”

“What?!”

Mama stopped walking. Her face was a picture of shock.

“Mama…”, Kagome said.

She watched her mother’s face anxiously. Then Mama sighed and her usual pleasant expression returned.

“Oh, well”, she said, “It shouldn’t be such a shock after all the shocks I’ve had today…”

Kagome chewed her lip.

“Unless…”, Mama said.

“What?”

Mama eyed Kagome suspiciously.

“There isn’t anything else you’re keeping from me?”, Mama said.

Kagome started to shake her head. Then she stopped.

“Kagome”, Mama said sternly.

Kagome smiled. Mama frowned.

“Kagome, what is it?”, she said.

“I’ll tell you, if you promise not to tell Sesshomaru…”

“Okay…”

Kagome indicated that Mama should lean towards her. She put her hand on her mother’s shoulder and whispered in her ear.

“I’m not sure”, Kagome said, “But I think I might be pregnant!”

Mama pulled back. She stared at her. Kagome was suddenly anxious again.

“Mama?”

Mama sighed. She sat down on the floor. Kagome knelt beside her.

“Mama, are you alright?”

Her mother reached out and cupped one side of her face in her hand.

“Oh, Kagome”, Mama said, “I can tell you were paying attention in sex education class but were you listening when they talked about contraception?”

Kagome’s cheeks flushed.

“Of course I was!”, she said.

“Then you didn’t take it in! Once the baby is born promise me you’ll consider going on the pill? Or you’ll have a baby for every year you’re married… I can’t see you getting Sesshomaru to wear a condom…”

Kagome’s eyes went wide.

“Mama!”, she cried.

Mama laughed.

“I’m serious”, she said.

Kagome made a cross face.

“So why are you laughing at me?”, she cried.

“Because you’re so embarrassed… Personally I wouldn’t kick him out of bed on a cold night, even if he is a demon…”

“Mama! Sesshomaru’s with me!”

“I know!”

She laughed at Kagome’s outraged face. Kagome scowled at her half-heartedly. Secretly she was pleased that Mama at least approved of his looks. Even if she had not warmed to Sesshomaru, at least she was starting to accept him. Mama made moves to stand.

“Come on, help me up…”, Mama said.

Kagome got to her feet and helped her mother stand.


When Kagome and Mama entered the living room, the children were curled up together, dozing under Sesshomaru’s pelt. Sesshomaru was seated across from Grandpa apparently engaged in what appeared to be a staring match. Kagome sighed. Sesshomaru turned his head and gave Mama an odd look. She looked at Kagome.

“He heard what I said, didn’t he?”, Mama said.

Kagome put her hand to her face to keep the laugh in. She nodded. Mama turned the colour of beetroot and headed towards the kitchen.

“Does anybody want some tea before supper?”, she said.

“Yes…”, Grandpa said vaguely, trying to get Sesshomaru to resume the staring match.

“I’ll have some”, Kagome said.

She headed over and sat beside Sesshomaru. He leaned towards her, almost conspiratorially.

“I presume I shall not be extending my favours…”, he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Kagome frowned at him. You’re enjoying this too much.

“No!”, she said.

“What are you talking about?”, Grandpa said.

“Sesshomaru’s being an ass.”

Sesshomaru’s eyebrows shot up. He grunted. Grandpa snorted in amusement.

“Young people, today…”

Sesshomaru stared at him.

“Your grandfather was just a glint in your great-grandfather’s eye when I was a whelp”, he said.

“Pah! So act your age!”

“I care little for your approval…”

“Stop it, both of you”, Kagome said, “Honestly!”

Grandpa and Sesshomaru looked at her.

“Pah!”, Grandpa said again and chewed thoughtfully on his pipe.

He stared at Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru stared back. Kagome touched his arm. He looked at her.

“Can I talk to you in private?”, she said.

Sesshomaru’s eyebrows lifted.

“Of course…”


Kagome got to her feet and went out the back door. Sesshomaru took his pelt, replacing it with a blanket and followed her out. He took her hand as they headed towards the god tree. There, she stopped walking. She reached out a hand and touched the scar on the bark. He remained silent, waiting for her to speak.

She thought of the day she realised she was so in love with Inuyasha and that he could never return that love because he was still in love with Kikyo. She caught her breath. She still remembered how her heart had slowed. The pounding noise had seemed so loud. The pain had manifested itself physically in her chest… Funny, how it had lessened over time. She could never have imagined she would be happy with Sesshomaru…

“How much of what I said to Mama when you left, did you understand?”, she said.

“There was talk of sex but little else of interest…”

“Hmm…”

Her brow furrowed.

“You know, don’t you?”, she said, “You’re just playing with me…”

Sesshomaru smiled.

“Yes”, he said, “And I am a very happy demon...”

He used her hand to draw her towards him. She put her arms around him. As she stared up into his wide golden eyes, he trailed the backs of his fingers across her cheek. She leaned into the caress. She sighed.

“It’s not always going to be like this…”, she said.

He did not answer right away. For a moment he went still. Then he let his breath out with a sigh.

“I know…”, he said.

“The final battle with Naraku comes closer each day…”

He frowned.

“Must we talk about this now?”, he said.

“Actually, yeah. We’ve been avoiding the issue completely for a year. A whole year! Inuyasha and the others have been continuing the search for the shards but without me and their progress has been slow…”

“Kagome, I will not let you…”

Her eyebrows shot up. Then they moved closer together as she turned an angry stare on him. She took her arms from around him and stepped back from him.

“You won’t let me what?”, she said.

Sesshomaru stared back at her.

“You are pregnant with my pup, Kagome”, he said, “And you are already mother to Makoto. I will not let you put yourself or our pups in danger!”

“Oh, yeah!”

“Yes.”

Sesshomaru took a step towards her. Kagome stepped backwards and stumbled over a tree root. He caught her before she fell. She found herself staring into his eyes, body pressed to his chest, her feet off the ground. She let go a breath she had not realised she had been holding.

“It’s so hard to be mad with you when you’ve just saved me from falling…”, she said.

He set her down on her feet again.

“Does that mean you will let go of this idiotic idea of yours?”, he said.

Sesshomaru looked hopeful. Kagome shook her head. Sesshomaru sighed. His face fell.

“I thought not…”, he said, “Will you at least delay your plans until the pup is weaned?”

Again, Kagome shook her head. He stared at her. Then he snorted.

“How will you keep our pup safe in the midst of battle?”, he said, “Have you even thought about that? How will you keep him fed and rested?”

“I’ll manage… I was thinking about asking Kaede to concoct some kind of protection spell for him…”

“And what of you and your expanding belly?”

“I’ll just stay at home when I get too big.”

Again Sesshomaru snorted. He must be mad. Usually he’s too dignified to make noises like that.

“Then you leave me with no alternative!”, he said.

Kagome clenched her jaw.

“What?!”, she cried, “Are you going to lock me up in the mansion?”

He raised an eyebrow. Do not tempt me.

“Then you would certainly have grounds to leave me!”, he said, “No, I propose a less stressful solution…”

He fell silent. She stared at him.

“Let’s hear it then!”, she said.

“I propose that I travel with you when you go hunting for these accursed jewel shards of yours…”

Her eyes went wide. She stared at him, dumbstruck.

“Say something, my sweet”, he said, “Do you not think this is the most obvious solution to the problem?”

“Yes! I’m just stunned that you suggested it… Can I be in the room when you put it to Inuyasha? I want to see his face.”

She smiled at him. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.

“If you like…”

She moved into his personal space. She put her hands on his chest. Her gaze was soft as she looked up at him.

“Sometimes, Sessh”, she said, “I really, really love you…”

The corners of his mouth lifted.

“You do?”, he said.

“Yes, I do…”

He leaned down and kissed her on the lips. She kissed him back. She felt the press of his tongue and she let her lips part. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and his tongue touched hers. Soft flicks of his tongue soon became a full-blown caress. Kagome reciprocated, deepening the kiss. He put her arm around her, pressing her body against his, lifting her heels off the ground.

Her body felt weightless, as if she was hovering high above the ground. When she broke the kiss to catch her breath, she noticed that the stars seemed so much clearer in the night sky. Huh? You can’t see the stars from the shrine in my time! Then she looked down and that they were indeed off the ground, floating over the treetops. His pelt was swirling below their feet. She screamed. Her hands gripped the front of his kimono.

“Sessh!”, she cried, “What are you doing?”

He smiled.

“Ssshhh!”, he said, “Relax, Kagome. I shall not let you fall… Look at the moon…”

He tilted his head upwards. She eyed him suspiciously. Then she lifted her head and looked up at the moon. It was as full and awe-inspiring as the night he made her his mate.

“Is it not beautiful?”, he said, his voice soft with wonder.

She looked at him. In the pale light of the moon his silver hair was almost translucent. It created soft shadows around the contours of his face. The markings were made dark against his skin. By some trick of the light, double silver orbs were reflected in his golden eyes. The effect was ethereal.

“Yes”, she said softly, “Yes, it is…”

He met her gaze. He smiled at her. He caressed her cheek. Then he put his arm around her. His lips came down on hers. She kissed him back. As the kiss deepened, Sesshomaru brought them slowly back down to earth. Her feet touched the ground.

“There you are!”, Sota cried, “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Mama… Eeeuuww! Kissing!”

Sesshomaru broke the kiss. Kagome laughed softly at the look of surprise on his face. She looked at Sota. He was staring at Sesshomaru in something resembling awe.

“You can fly?!”, he cried, “That’s so cool!”

Sesshomaru looked at Sota. A small furrow appeared between his eyebrows at the unwelcome interruption.

“Technically, I levitate…”, Sesshomaru said.

“Sessho-san, you’re awesome!”

“Because I do not…”

He looked at Kagome. She was shaking her head.

“Do you have any useful information to impart?”, he said to Sota.
Sota frowned at him.

“Huh!”, Sota said, “Did you eat a dictionary for breakfast this morning?”

Sesshomaru raised his eyebrows. Kagome smiled.

“He wants to know what you want, Sota?”, she said.

“Oh!”, Sota said, “Why didn’t he just say so?!”

“I believe I just did…”, Sesshomaru said.

“Mama wants you to come in for supper and she said not to dawdle because it’s not good for Kagome to be out in the cold in her condition…”, Sota said, “Whatever that means!”

He made a face. He turned and walked in the general direction of the house. Kagome looked at Sesshomaru. Once more his eyebrows were raised. She looked at Sota’s retreating back. Sesshomaru’s strong, elegant hand enfolded hers.

“I know I do not say it often enough, Kagome, but…”, he said.

Kagome looked at him sidelong. There was a hint of a smile on her lips.

“What?”, she said softly.

“I love you.”

“I know.”

She turned and met his golden gaze. His wide eyes were slightly wider than usual. His soft pink lips were slightly parted. It was a rare moment to see him look so vulnerable. She smiled sweetly at him. The corners of his mouth turned upwards.

“Of course you do…”

He leaned down and pressed his lips her forehead. She closed her eyes, savouring the sweetness of the caress.

“Come, let us go back inside”, he said.

They walked towards the house, hand-in-hand.