Blood Stained

 

 

Blood Stained

Chapter 52: Family

 

A piercing scream echoed through the room, splitting the night.  He was the first to snap his eyes open, while she struggled to pull her tired body away from dreamland.  He tried to rush on his feet, so the noise could be ceased before she was awoken, unfortunately for him, her mother’s instincts were screaming within her, causing her to jump into a sitting position.

 

Amazingly, before he had a chance to even see her move, she sped through the room, until she reached the crib.  Sesshomaru had sent Kouga to buy one five hours ago when Kiyoshi had been born, along with basic supplies.  He would have gone himself, but he hadn’t been able to bear the thought of leaving his mate and pup alone without him.

 

It was a strange feeling, one he had never experienced before.  Inuyoukai were supposed to be pack oriented, yet, he had always despised traveling with people.  Now though, he finally understood, the desire of being with someone, the desire to protect what you cherish.  They both had been the only things in his mind, making him forget about the rest.

 

As he looked down at himself, he noticed all the blood still covering his body.  They had both fallen asleep a bit after the birth, for different reasons.  The labor had been hard on her and he had been drained by his transformation, the energy he had spent on taking his revenge.  It had been a very emotional moment and both of them had been caught up.  Now though, he could feel an awkward moment coming.

 

He quietly aimed for her direction, observing as she carefully tucked Kiyoshi in her arms.  His son was screaming at the top of his lungs, as she gently began rocking him in her arms.  The sight in front of him was enough to take his breath away.

 

Kagome’s tired eyes were barely cracked open, as she carefully brushed her thumb against the soft skin of his cheek.  Her eyes were teary as she held her son, her heart pulsing through.  Even if it was not her first time holding him, she felt the nervousness and joy fill her.  This was the child she had tried so hard to protect, yet he had been the one to save her so many times.

 

Her tears were hard to stop, she did her best to prevent them from spilling on her son’s face.  And then, just as if Kiyoshi had sensed his mother’s sadness, his screams died on his lips.  His amber eyes widened a bit, as they met her grey orbs.  He was staring at her intensely and she returned the gaze.

 

This little being came from her.

 

How could she even begin to thank him for rescuing her so many times and what was the proper way to apologize for all she put him through?  But he was looking at her with such loving eyes…  as if, he’d always loved her, as if he never stopped and never would.  Could he be so forgiving?

 

And why was she so useless?

 

He had been crying and she felt as if it had taken too much time for her to respond to his pleas.  Not only that, but even if his screams had ceased, she wasn’t sure what had caused them, what did he require?  She had always wanted to be a mother, but now, she wasn’t sure she was fit enough to be one.

 

Kagome was brought out of her reverie, when Kiyoshi grabbed her finger, which had been resting on his cheek.  She pinched her lips together, as he gently squeezed it, never letting go.

 

As she held her child, who was only wrapped in a light blue blanket, her heart sunk.  He was healthy, beautiful and very much alive, but they were so unprepared.  The crib was all they had.  There were no clothes for him, no toys, no basic necessities.  Nothing.  They hadn’t even registered his birth.  Heck they were still in a foreign country!

 

So now, not only did they need to finish the jewel, but also, they needed to wait before they could travel.  She was more than happy to have her son, but she simply wished she could provide him better living conditions.

 

Gently, after making sure he was tucked in her arms properly, Kagome went to sit down in the nearest chair.  It was then, as she raised her head to stare ahead that she noticed Sesshomaru.  She silently gasped, before bringing one hand to her chest.

 

Seeing as how he had been seen, Sesshomaru walked closer to her.  He hadn’t meant to look like a stalker, but he hadn’t been able to break watching the scene in front of him.  This whole family concept was still new to him and as much as he hated to admit it, he felt awkward and unsure of what to do.

 

From his own parents, he had not learned the meaning of family, at least not the way they perceived it now and despite the fact that he had seen Rin as his own daughter, this situation was not similar.  Of course, his complicated relationship with Kagome only added to the whole thing.

 

For now, things would be fairly normal, since they were sharing a room, but once they would go back to Japan, they would live separately, things would be a bit harder to manage.  From his first days, his son would be thrown around, going from one house to another.  Yes, he planned on moving closer to the shrine, but it wouldn’t make much difference in the end.

 

Their eyes slowly met, as she began chewing on her bottom lip.  If things had seemed real when she was pregnant, they really were now.  Despite the common past they shared, they had a child together, who required both their love.  No matter what differences might come along in the future, even if only for the sake of Kiyoshi, they had to get along.  Together, they were a family and it wasn’t a bond that could be broken.

 

The silence becoming tiring, Kagome was the first to break it.

 

“We don’t have anything for him,” she said, her voice a bit sad.

 

Sesshomaru slowly nodded.  “We can go in a few hours.”

 

At his words, her expression altered a bit and he frowned.  It was then that he realized she never inquired about the blood that covered him, almost as if it was normal.  It meant she didn’t know about what took place.  Although, he was getting the feeling that by now, she was starting to have a clue.

 

“They were taken care of.  All of them,” he spoke, his words heavier than usual.

 

Kagome knew very well what his words meant and surprisingly, it did not even faze her.  She was not one for violence, especially death since she believed there were other choices, but it had almost felt necessary in this case.  She hated herself for thinking in such a manner, but it could hardly be helped.  After what they had done to her and her son, her mother’s instincts had been screaming for revenge.

 

Because of them, she had almost missed out on the chance of holding her son, as she was at the moment.  If Kiyoshi hadn’t made it, then her heart would have demanded blood for the loss of her child.  In this case, perhaps she had not been as aggravated, but it didn’t change the fact that she felt a strong dislike towards them.  No, she wouldn’t have ended their lives herself, but did it bother her that someone else did?

Not as much as it should have.

 

It bothered her a bit, but her love for her child was greater.

 

He waited for her to ask perhaps a few questions, but she remained completely silent, as if he had not confessed to murdering three people.  Why did he want it to cause a reaction within her?  Why was he waiting for her approval to know if what he had done was acceptable?  He took a few more steps in her direction, until he was but inches away from her.

 

It was then that Kiyoshi’s gaze shifted from his mother, to his father.  Sesshomaru had yet to hold his son by himself.  The first time he had held him with Kagome, perhaps afraid of his own skills at handling a child.  But now, with the way he was glancing at him, it was hard not to want to hold him.  Something was almost calling out to him.

 

He shut his eyes tightly, taking in a deep breath.

 

“Are you sick?”

 

Her voice echoed through his mind, as he opened his eyes.  Sick?  He felt well, did he not?  It was then that he felt the sweat drops drip down his back, and following his jaw line.  What happened to him?  With his hand, he weakly reached out for the bed, before sitting down.  There was no way his son looking at him had provoked such a reaction out of him.  Sesshomaru licked his dry lips, before his focus came back.

 

He peered up at her, the sight took hold of his heart.  Her eyebrows were knitted, her lips slightly parted, her grey orbs shining with worry.  Why did he feel a pinch in his heart at the thought that she was concerned with his well being?  Perhaps it was why he was surprised by her lack of reaction towards the death of her kidnappers.  Hadn’t he done something similar to her in the past?  Where there they were, as if nothing bad had occurred.

 

How and why had she found it in her to forgive him?

 

He had been ready to spend the rest of his life making it up to her, wait, in her pure heart, she had decided to give him a second chance to prove himself.

 

And then, he felt unworthy to be in both their presences.

 

Even his son, he had hurt, unintentionally, yet the pup did not seem to hold any type of grudges.

 

It mattered very little to Sesshomaru what his son was.  All he had wished for was a healthy heir and he had one.  His son bore his markings, which was surprising considering the fact that his son was supposed to have no youki at all.  Sesshomaru was aware that they represented his heritage, hence why Inuyasha used to have them in his youkai form, but for a non-youkai to have them?

 

Was it really possible?

 

He didn’t fully doubt Izumi, but the thought lingered.  Perhaps he was just still too young.  Although many things had affected his development, meaning his youki could have been purified somewhere along the way.  But, it didn’t matter.

 

He ran his fingers through his hair, as he noticed her eyes were still on him.  His gaze lowered to his son, whom was also glancing at him.  As a matter of fact, he was doing more than that, since he was stretching his arms in his direction.  Nervousness filled him, as he raised his head to look at Kagome once more.  She had a tiny smile on her lips, as she gently rose to her feet.  She came to sit down beside him on the bed, before gently handing him their son.  Sesshomaru’s arms were a bit shaky as he felt her put their son down in his arms.  Since he was nearly unable to move, she made sure he held his head right, before completely letting go.

 

She had to admit that the scene in front of her was enough to bring tears to her eyes.  Perhaps it was because she had lost her father when she was so young and she was glad her son would have one.  Granted it was not the typical married family she had imagined so long ago, but it was a family composed of a mother and a father nonetheless.

 

Kagome would do her best to make sure her son wouldn’t be affected by their situation.

 

Though, she wasn’t sure what their situation was.  Their relationship wasn’t the same as when they had started hanging around each other a while back.  Sometimes it was awkward, yet other times, he was the only one she could feel safe around, even though it was twisted.  Who else could understand her fully, her past and her fears?

 

She could still remember the way they had been close while she had been giving birth.  She remembered clearly the intense pain she had been feeling and how he had taken most of it away.  She was able to vividly recall the relief and warmth he had brought her.  In the past there had been some coldness, but at that moment…

 

Her neck had been pulsing as well, it had sent good vibes through her body.  She swallowed hard when she found herself wishing to be embraced again, simply to re live the moment.  The thought brought out a small fear inside of her, she found herself wanting to fill her mind with other thoughts… anything.

 

Her mind was her own enemy.

 

“The shard,” she blurred out.  “We have to find the final shard.”

 

To be honest, Sesshomaru had forgotten all about the jewel.  Too many things had happened lately for him to focus on completing the Shikon, but she was right.  It was the reason why they had begun traveling together in the first place.  And, the growing darkness of it had been quite a pressing issue.

 

But then, he pondered.  What wish would she make with the jewel?

 

It would be selfless, because it was Kagome… but what if in a desperate moment, she made the wrong wish?  He had complete faith in her, but he knew she had been damaged.  Everyone could make a mistake, especially in a stressful moment.

 

A small noise came from his son, which attracted his attention.

 

“I think he’s hungry,” said Kagome, her heart caught in her throat.

 

Sesshomaru slowly nodded, before handing her over the child.  He felt a certain pain after doing so, but he held it back.  Could it be that he enjoyed holding his son?  He had almost been afraid that it would be complicated, that he wouldn’t be able to do it, yet it had proven to be simpler than anticipated.  It was rare for him to believe there was something beyond his limits, but parenthood was.

 

There were many things he had learned across the centuries, this wasn’t one of them.

 

Kagome felt her heart hammering in her chest as she pressed Kiyoshi against her chest.  Because she was unable to control her own thoughts, she found herself a bit uncomfortable around Sesshomaru.  She wanted to jump and embrace the family life, but there was something holding her back; she couldn’t fully let go.  Was it okay to play house, when not everything was solved?

 

A small tug on her hand, reminded her of the child in her arms and fear filled her once more.  Although Izumi had verbally covered the basic of breastfeeding to her, she still had never done it, nobody was there to guide her.  Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru one last time before sighing and heading for the bathroom.

 

Maybe sometimes, the best thing to do, was to let go and allow yourself to fall head first.

 

The cliff could sometimes look tempting.

 

-B-

 

The sun was breaking into their room, as her tired eyes remained awake.  Kiyoshi had a lot of energy, more than she expected for a new born to have and apparently, three hours of sleep was more than enough for him.  She hadn’t been able to put him down back in his crib, since each time she made an attempt, thinking tiredness was taking over, he snapped his eyes open.  She had no problem having her son near her, she still didn’t trust herself to remain awake, especially with the recent events where her body had given up on her.

 

Yes, Sesshomaru was present, he could help… but perhaps the maternal side of her was kicking in and she wanted to be the only one protecting him.

 

There had been quite a silence in the room, she could only assume it could be blamed on exhaustion.  As a matter of fact, Sesshomaru still had yet to change out of his dirty clothes, which lead her to believe, he had spent a lot of his energy.  A part of her was wondering if that happened when he fought, or when he helped her while she was in pain.  She had tried so hard not to think about that moment, but it was the only thing enveloping her mind.

 

Kagome had already been able to see different sides of Sesshomaru over the last little while, but lately he had provided her with different facades, especially when he had helped her bath, as well as with the labor.

 

Her energy had increased since Kiyoshi’s birth, which lead her to believe that most of her weakness came from the fact that she was probably giving some to Kiyoshi, unconsciously, to help him heal and survive.  It wouldn’t be the first time her powers acted of their own accord.  She still felt some pain in her arm, but since she had more strength, it made it easier to hold her son.  She had felt a little weakness earlier, but she knew it was to be expected.

 

Suddenly, she felt movement in the room, she tilted her head to the side, only to find herself looking at Sesshomaru.  He appeared to have woken up from falling asleep, as he slowly went and sat on the edge of the bed.

 

His whole mind felt fuzzy and blurry.  Sesshomaru hadn’t planned on falling asleep, but from the looks of things, he had.  He tried to stretch his arms, only to realize just how glued to his skin his clothes felt.  It was then that he was remembered the blood that had soaked his clothes.  He really required a shower, before they could go anywhere.

 

Even though it felt as if all his energy had been sucked out of him, he remembered that he had promised to go shopping for supplies for Kiyoshi.  They would be most likely spending the next few weeks in their current location, hence why they would need supplies.  He took a deep breath before rising to his feet.  Once he was standing up, he turned his head to the side and glanced at Kagome.

 

She kept blinking, as if she was fighting to remain awake, while protectively holding their son against her chest, as if she was afraid someone would come to harm him.  He couldn’t help the small smile that reached his lips.  He always had complete faith in her motherly skills.  Even if Kiyoshi only had her, he would be just fine.  Sesshomaru was aware that she was the kind of person to give her life for her child.

 

“Would you like a coffee?”

 

Although she knew he was awake, the sound of his voice surprised her and she found herself jumping slightly.  “Coffee?”

“You can have some again.”

 

Frankly, she hadn’t really ever drunk coffee before, but there were many times during her pregnancy that she had been craving for one because of how exhausted she was.  Now that there was no chance of her harming her son with caffeine, there was indeed no reason for her not to have some.  Plus, she would require some energy, if they were going to be outside all day.

 

“Sure,” she said, before re-positioning herself in the bed.

 

Sesshomaru nodded slowly.  He could order it from room service, but that would involve Kagome getting up when it would arrive.  The best solution was the wolf next door.  Sesshomaru quickly exited the room, intending on making him Kagome’s slave for the next few days.  Honestly, once the threat had been taken care of, he found himself wondering what would be Kouga’s use, but he quickly found one.

 

A child was tiring and he wished for Kagome to do as little as possible when it came to exhausting tasks.  He wanted her to relax, just focus herself on the child, if she so wished to.  Sesshomaru himself already found that he was still tired, meaning any extra help was welcomed, especially with the last shard still to be found.

 

Granted neither him or the wolf could locate them, but it didn’t mean they couldn’t go on a little chase.  Plus, Kouga could be in charged of finding youkais, they could interview them and perhaps with a little luck, they would find the people who had the shard.  He refused to believe that after all these years, nobody had laid their hands on it.

 

Now, hopefully the wolf wouldn’t be stubborn about the whole thing.

 

He loudly knocked on the door, waiting for an answer.

 

Surprisingly, the door opened immediately.  Kouga greeted him at the door, as soon as he took notice of Sesshomaru’s clothes, he frowned.

 

“Still bloody huh?  I guess you’re more sadistic than I thought,” he said, taunting him as he stepped out of the way to allow him to come in.

 

“Kagome requires a coffee.”

 

Kouga arched an eyebrow.  “So go get it.”

 

“I have other things to take care of before we leave for a few hours.”

 

Ignoring what he said, Kouga leaned against the wall, before crossing his arms in front of his chest.

 

“Why do you still need us?”  He tilted his head.  “I mean, I’ll help Kagome, no doubt, but why do you still want us here?”

 

“There is still a shard to be found and I do not wish for her to exhaust herself.”

 

Kouga nodded.  “Fair enough.”  He pulled away from the wall and approached Sesshomaru a bit.  “But, I do things for her not you.”

 

“Deal.”

 

Kouga gave him a small nod, before turning his back on him.

 

“What kind of coffee?”

 

Sesshomaru actually found himself a bit taken back by the question.  He had no idea about all of her tastes.  He knew she didn’t like anything too bitter and she would probably be one who wouldn’t enjoy too much of a caffeine taste.

 

“Triple-triple.”

 

Kouga chuckled.  “That sounds about right.”

 

Without a goodbye greeting, Sesshomaru turned around and headed back to their room, where he desperately sought a warm shower.  He silently entered the room, just in case Kiyoshi was sleeping, before suddenly finding himself face to face with Kagome.  She was standing up, gently rocking Kiyoshi in her arms.

 

She ceased her movements when they looked at each other, but no words were exchanged.  Lately, he had been more comfortable around her, but it seemed that since yesterday, he could not utter a word in her presence.  After all the time and effort it was almost insane to think that he could not even talk to her.  But to see her holding his child… it was brewing emotions within him.

 

“I’ll be taking a shower and then we will take a car to go downtown and buy the necessary supplies.  Is that acceptable?”

 

Sesshomaru had always been well spoken, but somehow his speech sounded much more formal than usual, taking her back a little.

 

“Hm, yes.”

 

He nodded, prior to walking past her, where he grabbed his main suitcase and headed into the washroom.  His nervousness was making him uneasy and he didn’t enjoy it.  He was a grown man, she was a grown woman, who had just happened to give birth to his child.  Nothing had changed.  It was the same thing then when she had been pregnant.

 

So why was he acting differently?

 

Sesshomaru took a deep breath, before he removed his stained clothes, dropping them on the ground, before heading for the shower.  He felt tensed like never before and he wanted nothing more than burning water scorching his skin to bring him some sort of relaxation.  A deep breath went past his lips, as he entered the shower, the water running at high pressure.

 

For some reason the thought that they were next door entered his mind.  Usually he had taken his showers when she was sleeping, or not there and he realized how different it was when she actually was awake.  It wasn’t as if she was going to barge in or anything, but she filled his mind.  It was at that point that he understood that it would be impossible for him to relax.

 

It would be much easier if everything could be cleared.

 

It had always been a certainty for him that he would never have her.  She was off limits after everything that had happened, yet, he felt so comfortable in her presence.  He had never needed for someone to be around, yet with her… he found himself missing her.  Even if she didn’t speak, the simple fact that she was there was enough for him.

 

She had intruded herself into his routine without knowing and now, he didn’t know how he would go back to how it was before.  It was like getting a taste of something he would never have.  He had to admit it was a bothering feeling, it was nearly bringing a small frustration within him.  It also brought forward a question, why not?

 

Technically, he had never been given a chance to show her himself.  He was different from whom he had been back then, he was in no way his beast, even though it was a part of him.  Wouldn’t it be too greedy, too selfish to require a try?

 

Perhaps.

 

After all, with everything he had put her through, it wouldn’t be fair to request such a thing from her.  If it came from her it would be completely different, but it was currently not the case.  Instead, he would have to keep to himself.

 

It wasn’t as if he could tempt, seduce or flirt with her.  She was off limits, it should be the way it remained.  His tiredness was simply causing his mind to act up and he was thinking about things that weren’t and wouldn’t be.  Kagome wasn’t his.

Well she was, oh in a ever so taunting way, she was.

 

But she’d never be his.

 

Feeling as if his shower was ruined, he rushed to clean the blood off himself, before exiting.  He dried himself rapidly, almost as if he was in a hurry to leave the bathroom.  His heart was making jumps in his chest as he dressed himself in a causal white shirt and a pair of black pants.  He made sure to put away everything, before exiting the washroom.

 

Instead of finding Kagome pacing back and forth in the room, he found her sitting near the window, pointing outside.  Also, there was the wolf leaning against the window, looking at where she was pointing, while standing very very close to her.  A rumble happened in his chest, as he held himself back.

 

Why was he doing this?  Why did he have less control over his emotions?

 

He knew Kouga was aware of his presence, yet he did nothing to signal it.  So, Sesshomaru decided to do it himself.

 

“Are you ready?”

 

Slowly Kagome turned her head to look at him, and smiled a bit.  “Yeah.”

 

Kouga and her exchanged a small glance before she rose to her feet and came by his side.  His hair was still a bit wet, causing it to be dripping onto his shoulders, leaving wet stains on his shirt, while he reached out for his wallet, which he had left on the night stand table.  He had an irritated feeling growing inside of him, as he found himself pondering why the complicity between the two.

 

She even had a small blush across her cheeks.

 

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, reminding himself she was free to do as she wished, before he signaled for her to walk ahead of him.  She was holding Kiyoshi, who was carefully wrapped in a blanket, wearing a pajama-like piece of clothing, as she walked past him.  Sesshomaru knew he had to follow, but he couldn’t stop himself from glancing in Kouga’s direction.

 

Sesshomaru slightly turned his head to the side, his eyes locking with Kouga’s.  But Kouga showed no fear, as he smirked brightly at Sesshomaru.  The jealousy in Sesshomaru’s face was evident and it was raising a chuckle in Kouga.  He knew this would happen, but he wouldn’t say a word.  He’d wait and see if Kagome was going to share with him.

 

It had been an innocent conversation between friends and he had found the old Kagome somewhere deep in there.

 

Kouga never once glared back at Sesshomaru as the couple exited the room.  He was too busy enjoying the sight.  He loved Kagome dearly and he only wished for her to be happy.  She looked radiant as a mother, to see Sesshomaru so emotional, was really wondering if it wasn’t a match ready to happen.  He had seen their hidden closeness, how she had depended on him in a desperate moment…

 

Maybe Kagome felt more than she knew.

 

He wasn’t fully aware of their past together, but if they could behave around each other in such a manner, then it shouldn’t be impossible for them to get together.

 

Then again, Kagome was very stubborn.

 

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru, Kagome and Kiyoshi were near the doors of the hotel, which would lead them outside.  It was then that Kagome’s footsteps slowed down, as if she didn’t want to go out there.  Her lips were pinched together, as her fingers twitched while she held her son.

 

Once she disappeared out of Sesshomaru’s sight, he stopped and turned around to look at her.  One glance was all it took for him to understand.

 

“We’ll be in the car.  I won’t let you leave my sight.”

 

The smallest chuckle escaped her as she shook her head.  “I know, it’s silly.”

 

Seeing her distressed face as making his heart hurt and before he knew it, he was closing the distance between their bodies.  Gently, he rested his hands on her shoulders, squeezing in comfort.

 

“It’s not.  You were hurt that day and we almost lost our son.”

 

Her eyes became a bit teary, as she unconsciously leaned in a bit.  When had she begun seeking his comfort?  Her heart began to beat faster, as the seconds ticked away.  It was Sesshomaru who was the first to pull away, after nodding at her.  His reaction caused Kagome to take a deep breath before she followed him outside.

 

As soon as the rays of the sun hit her face, her uneasiness grew, but she didn’t let it get out of control.  She was right behind him the whole time, until they reached the car.  He opened the door for her and helped her inside, since she was struggling to keep her balance while holding Kiyoshi.

 

As she sat down in the car, it was hard to hide the bit of excitement she felt.  This would be their first outing all together.  At first, she had been a bit afraid to bring Kiyoshi out so earlier, but both Sesshomaru and Kouga and re-assured her that he was no normal human and he would be just fine.  Since they seemed so convinced, she had decided to not press the issue.

 

Yet, she re-arranged his blanket, making sure he was covered enough and that he wouldn’t get sick from anything.  She shifted a bit, to make Sesshomaru some room as he entered the car.  Slowly they began heading on their way, while a silence grew in the vehicle.

 

It would have probably remained that way, if a sizzling sound hadn’t been heard echoing through the car.  Both Kagome and Sesshomaru frowned, as they found themselves trying to find the origin of the sound.  It wasn’t until Kagome felt a burning feeling against the flesh of her fingers that she glanced down, which caused her to gasp.

 

Her noise attracted Sesshomaru’s attention who also found himself looking down at Kiyoshi.  Both of them didn’t utter a word, as they watched the blanket being melted away.  Slowly, half of it had been dissolved, with what strangely looked like poison, which resembled the one Sesshomaru had.

 

Kagome’s lips parted, as she tried to find the right words to say, but nothing came out.  Izumi’s words replayed in her mind, yet none could explain what she was seeing.  Kiyoshi was supposed to have holy powers and that was not holy.  Her heart gently skipped a beat, before she licked her dry lips, a bit nervous.

 

She peered up at Sesshomaru hoping that he would have an explanation to provide her.

 

“I had a feeling.”

 

She knitted her eyebrows together, her confusion increasing by the second.  “W-what do you mean?”

 

He sighed heavily before leaning in the seat even more.  “He has markings, he could not be fully pure.”

 

“But… wouldn’t Izumi have known?”

 

Sesshomaru shrugged his shoulders.  “What if the holy powers mask it?”

 

Kagome opened her mouth, ready to come up with another question, but realized she had none.  Was that even possible?  Could Kiyoshi have both?  While having a human appearance?  Would he even know how to mask his own youki?  That could mean a lot of trouble for him and them as he would grow up, especially if his powers went out of control.

 

But it was why she had Sesshomaru, right?

 

But then, a worrying thought hit her.  “Isn’t there a risk that he would purify himself?”

 

“Perhaps.”

 

He didn’t wish to worry her, but he couldn’t lie to her either.  It was a particular situation and they would have to handle it with care.  However, he didn’t think his own son would hurt himself, he appeared to smart to do such a thing.  But, maybe they would have to watch him, just in case.

 

Kagome swallowed hard, before nodding.  She then refocused her attention on her son, looking into his amber eyes.

 

“Don’t go hurting yourself okay?” she spoke, her voice as soft as an angel’s.

 

Kiyoshi tilted his head to the side ever so slightly, something close to a giggle coming from his mouth.  His reaction caused a smile to adorned Kagome’s face, her chest feeling much lighter.  She knew he could understand her.  He had put his life at risk enough and she wouldn’t let him harm himself.

 

Sesshomaru watched the scene in front of him, unable to tear himself away.  He didn’t know if it was his own feelings or his beast merging back with him, but his feelings for her seemed to increase.  He knew he cared, but now, he found that he couldn’t be away, that he couldn’t bear to see her in pain.  Were his feelings spinning out of control, with him unable to do anything?

 

He wanted to remind himself that she was out of reach, but his brain refused… or was it his heart?

 

He was infatuated with her.  Whatever was happening, he felt helpless to stop it.  But he couldn’t hurt her.  Did that mean he would stand on the side, in complete silence?  It would be the right thing to do if he didn’t want to make her suffer further but…

 

There it was.

 

But.

 

What if he could make her happy?

 

What if he could erase all the pain and cause her to smile every day?

 

What if the best way to make it up, was to make sure she was loved and cared for every day?

 

Yet…

 

What if he wasn’t what she wanted?

 

Sesshomaru softly shook his head.  His own thoughts were out of control.  This was silly talk.  That was probably caused by his own beast and the mating mark.  Izumi had warned them it would try to bring them together so that they wouldn’t remain weak.  As if such thoughts would come out of his own mind.

 

He did care, but he wouldn’t get involved with her.

 

And once again, he found himself sweating heavily, which caused him to glance away from her, as if it was burning his eyes.

 

Then as he was busy trying to act normal, Kagome was inflicted by a problem of her own.  Her hold of Kiyoshi became a bit looser, as she felt her neck pulse heavily.  She clasped a hand over it, as if it was going to stop it, but it didn’t.  The pulsing happened again and she breathed out heavily.

 

It had happened again and again.

 

But then it ceased.

 

And just then, Sesshomaru felt his own body temperature decrease, which washed over like relief.  Being too preoccupied with what was happening to himself, he never noticed the change in her.

 

Or the way Kiyoshi had suddenly fallen asleep, after fighting to remain awake for so long.  His face was peaceful, as he went into dreamland, secured in his mother’s arms.

 

-B-