InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ It Takes Two ❯ Spies Like Us, And Then... ( Chapter 20 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Xagzan 
Disclaimer: InuYasha and all its characters are the property of Rumiko Takahashi, so I make no money from this
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Fantasy | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.27.2008 | Updated On: 03.27.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: InuYasha and all its characters are the property of Rumiko Takahashi, so I make no money from this
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Fantasy | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.27.2008 | Updated On: 03.27.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Completed
Right on time, yes? I think. Well, here is the latest chapter. Might be one of the edited ones in the future. Don't worry, I'll announce if it is. Anyway, I was glad to see the positive responses to the way I did the baby shower (The tossing diapers thing I found on wikipedia, go figure). I'm getting more and more ideas for new stories as we draw to a close here, so hopefully that'll turn out some good things… Read and review, hope you like.
Spies Like Us, And Then…
Rin had asked him a question, hadn't she? He couldn't be sure… It had been her voice, but had she really just asked such a question? Asked HIM, of all people? Sesshomaru did something he had never done before: He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Instead, his jaw just hung in the air to the girl's stare.
“……” He couldn't respond.
“I said,” she piped up again, tugging softly on his sleeve, "Can I ask for your advice on love?"
Why would she ask me…about such an emotion? He remained silent. How could he even begin to answer that? His mind was completely out of focus, unable to even fully grasp the girl's question.
Rin sighed, looking a bit dejected at his silence. She gazed down to the ground and shuffled her feet. “Well, if you don't know, that's ok. I guess I'll have to figure it out myself…” She turned around and started back down the path. Several moments later, while the girl was still within earshot, Sesshomaru finally found a couple of words to string together for her.
“Why have you asked me this, Rin?”
The girl perked up at hearing her lord say something, and quickly ran back to him. This time, Sesshomaru turned around to look down at her, and she looked back up with her hands clasped innocently behind her back.
“Why do you ask me?” He repeated.
“Because…” She blushed, as she usually did when talking about the subject, “I already know what girls say about it, but not guys. You're a guy, Lord Sesshomaru,” she said observantly. “Will you help me?”
“Help you…” Sesshomaru felt a small knot form in his gut. Another rare occurrence. He had no idea what help he could possibly be to Rin, considering his next to zero experience in affairs of the heart, but he didn't want to disappoint his young ward.
“You see,” she went on, turning away from him, “I was talking to Kagome and Sango about it last month… They sort of said that love is…well, if you like spending time with someone, and they like it, too, and they always look after you…that means they might like you back.”
“Rin…” he began, “I think that you are still too young to take a mate.” Hopefully, he thought, that was somewhat close to what love was like.
“Nooo, silly,” she shook her head, the humor she found in his answer lightening her mood a little. She knew what he was talking about, though. She had seen the female youkai courtesans back in the daiyoukai's domain, even though she didn't understand what they did exactly (Sesshomaru wasn't about to tell her), she knew they were `mates' like what he was describing now. Whatever they did, it always seemed to be so formal, and businesslike. “I mean someone who…you can actually share your heart with, and enjoy being with all the time. You know?”
Where did she get all these ideas? She is so young still, especially for a human girl.
“Just tell me who it is you are referring to,” he said.
“It's…Kohaku.”
Of course.
“Kohaku, you say?”
“Yeah… At first, what I felt for him was just something Kagome called a `crush', but it's even stronger now than it was before.” Rin's eyebrows were turned in a sad frown, and she had placed her hands over her chest, feeling her heart beating. She looked so vulnerable, Sesshomaru couldn't help feeling compassion for her. He bent down and lay his own hand on top of her head. She looked at him expectantly.
“What is it you wish me to do?” His voice was soft.
“What should I do…?” She asked. “I'm sure that Kohaku likes me, but what if he doesn't…`love' me?”
She was right, Sesshomaru thought again. There was little question that the human slayer boy was fond of being around Rin, and was always protecting her when she was in danger, as he had observed. But, how could he himself help Rin now, being so inexperienced?
“Kohaku…” he tried to force out some helpful words, “is fond of you, Rin.” The look on her face showed him this wasn't very helpful.
“Lord Sesshomaru, if you were in love, how would you show it?”
Gods, could she be asking him any more awkward questions? Still, he had to give her an answer…
“Understand something,” he told her, finally having decided to just speak to her like an adult. “It has a been a very long time since I have felt that emotion for any female, if even I ever did.”
“You cared about Kagura, didn't you?”
And at this his thoughts stopped moving and focused on that one memory Rin had just pulled up. He frowned, for he would rather not have thought about that subject at the moment. “That isn't…It was not…What you are talking about is…” He couldn't find the right words again. Luckily, Rin didn't seem to be paying full attention to him, and was resting an elbow in her hand as she scratched her chin thoughtfully.
“Kagome told me something about her time, where a boy and a girl go out together on a `date'. Do you know what that is, Lord Sesshomaru?”
“No, I do not.” He was thankful for a question he could actually answer, not to mention for the fact that it gave him a way out of this. “It is late. Perhaps we should wait until InuYasha and the females return, and then you can ask the miko more about this date.”
Rin yawned, like his statement about the time had an effect on her. “That's a good idea… I think I'll do that.” She turned around and trotted off to the hut where they were staying. “Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru!” She called back. “You've been a big help.”
She chuckled at the confused look on his face, an expression that clearly said, `What help? I didn't say anything useful.'
Oh, yes you did help, my lord, she thought to herself, grinning. For she had, in fact, learned something from Sesshomaru's shyness and nonanswers. You showed me how shy boys can be about love, just like I'm shy about it. So, now I don't have to feel as embarrassed when I ask Kohaku to come on a date with me. But…I still need Kagome's help on this. She thought all this as she walked down the path, wanting Kagome and Sango to get back soon.
Spies Like Us, And Then…
Rin had asked him a question, hadn't she? He couldn't be sure… It had been her voice, but had she really just asked such a question? Asked HIM, of all people? Sesshomaru did something he had never done before: He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Instead, his jaw just hung in the air to the girl's stare.
“……” He couldn't respond.
“I said,” she piped up again, tugging softly on his sleeve, "Can I ask for your advice on love?"
Why would she ask me…about such an emotion? He remained silent. How could he even begin to answer that? His mind was completely out of focus, unable to even fully grasp the girl's question.
Rin sighed, looking a bit dejected at his silence. She gazed down to the ground and shuffled her feet. “Well, if you don't know, that's ok. I guess I'll have to figure it out myself…” She turned around and started back down the path. Several moments later, while the girl was still within earshot, Sesshomaru finally found a couple of words to string together for her.
“Why have you asked me this, Rin?”
The girl perked up at hearing her lord say something, and quickly ran back to him. This time, Sesshomaru turned around to look down at her, and she looked back up with her hands clasped innocently behind her back.
“Why do you ask me?” He repeated.
“Because…” She blushed, as she usually did when talking about the subject, “I already know what girls say about it, but not guys. You're a guy, Lord Sesshomaru,” she said observantly. “Will you help me?”
“Help you…” Sesshomaru felt a small knot form in his gut. Another rare occurrence. He had no idea what help he could possibly be to Rin, considering his next to zero experience in affairs of the heart, but he didn't want to disappoint his young ward.
“You see,” she went on, turning away from him, “I was talking to Kagome and Sango about it last month… They sort of said that love is…well, if you like spending time with someone, and they like it, too, and they always look after you…that means they might like you back.”
“Rin…” he began, “I think that you are still too young to take a mate.” Hopefully, he thought, that was somewhat close to what love was like.
“Nooo, silly,” she shook her head, the humor she found in his answer lightening her mood a little. She knew what he was talking about, though. She had seen the female youkai courtesans back in the daiyoukai's domain, even though she didn't understand what they did exactly (Sesshomaru wasn't about to tell her), she knew they were `mates' like what he was describing now. Whatever they did, it always seemed to be so formal, and businesslike. “I mean someone who…you can actually share your heart with, and enjoy being with all the time. You know?”
Where did she get all these ideas? She is so young still, especially for a human girl.
“Just tell me who it is you are referring to,” he said.
“It's…Kohaku.”
Of course.
“Kohaku, you say?”
“Yeah… At first, what I felt for him was just something Kagome called a `crush', but it's even stronger now than it was before.” Rin's eyebrows were turned in a sad frown, and she had placed her hands over her chest, feeling her heart beating. She looked so vulnerable, Sesshomaru couldn't help feeling compassion for her. He bent down and lay his own hand on top of her head. She looked at him expectantly.
“What is it you wish me to do?” His voice was soft.
“What should I do…?” She asked. “I'm sure that Kohaku likes me, but what if he doesn't…`love' me?”
She was right, Sesshomaru thought again. There was little question that the human slayer boy was fond of being around Rin, and was always protecting her when she was in danger, as he had observed. But, how could he himself help Rin now, being so inexperienced?
“Kohaku…” he tried to force out some helpful words, “is fond of you, Rin.” The look on her face showed him this wasn't very helpful.
“Lord Sesshomaru, if you were in love, how would you show it?”
Gods, could she be asking him any more awkward questions? Still, he had to give her an answer…
“Understand something,” he told her, finally having decided to just speak to her like an adult. “It has a been a very long time since I have felt that emotion for any female, if even I ever did.”
“You cared about Kagura, didn't you?”
And at this his thoughts stopped moving and focused on that one memory Rin had just pulled up. He frowned, for he would rather not have thought about that subject at the moment. “That isn't…It was not…What you are talking about is…” He couldn't find the right words again. Luckily, Rin didn't seem to be paying full attention to him, and was resting an elbow in her hand as she scratched her chin thoughtfully.
“Kagome told me something about her time, where a boy and a girl go out together on a `date'. Do you know what that is, Lord Sesshomaru?”
“No, I do not.” He was thankful for a question he could actually answer, not to mention for the fact that it gave him a way out of this. “It is late. Perhaps we should wait until InuYasha and the females return, and then you can ask the miko more about this date.”
Rin yawned, like his statement about the time had an effect on her. “That's a good idea… I think I'll do that.” She turned around and trotted off to the hut where they were staying. “Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru!” She called back. “You've been a big help.”
She chuckled at the confused look on his face, an expression that clearly said, `What help? I didn't say anything useful.'
Oh, yes you did help, my lord, she thought to herself, grinning. For she had, in fact, learned something from Sesshomaru's shyness and nonanswers. You showed me how shy boys can be about love, just like I'm shy about it. So, now I don't have to feel as embarrassed when I ask Kohaku to come on a date with me. But…I still need Kagome's help on this. She thought all this as she walked down the path, wanting Kagome and Sango to get back soon.
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And she was in luck, because the next day they returned, with a slightly queasy InuYasha carefully carrying both women up out of the well one at a time. Rin didn't waste a second. As soon as they arrived back at the village, she asked Kagome if she could explain more of that date thing she had told her of last month. The miko and slayer had been absolutely delighted that she had asked.
“Rin, you want to go on a date with Kohaku?” Kagome asked sweetly. She found the whole situation too cute for words.
“Kagome, maybe you should explain what exactly that is for her again,” suggested Sango.
“Right, let's see…” Kagome paused, mulling the situation over. “Hmm…Rin, do you have a sort of favorite spot to go to, in the village or outside it? Or do you know if Kohaku does?”
The child started to see what Kagome was getting at. “I don't know if Kohaku has one,” she answered. “He hasn't even been here that often, I think.”
“How about you, then? Where do you like to go?”
Rin thought about it for some moments. By now, she was very familiar with the village and its surroundings. Now, to think of a place to go…
“Oh, got something?” Kagome asked, seeing the metaphoric lightbulb switch on above Rin's head.
“Well, I think so. There's a lake a little bit outside of the village. It's not that big, but it's beautiful, and it's quiet cause it's surrounded with trees. Sometimes I like to just go there and watch the water and see my reflection ripple around in it. It's so pretty.” She went on to describe it more to the older girls, who soon found themselves blushing brightly and, though unnoticed by Rin, trading a few hot glances with each other. For the way Rin had the described the area made them realize that it was exact same pond where they have first made love all those months ago. And naturally, the erotic memory had brought the red to their cheeks.
“I think we know the spot you're talking about,” Kagome interrupted Rin. “So, now that you have a place in mind, all you have to do is get Kohaku to go there with you.”
Rin nodded. That was what she had been thinking last night. But, even though she took comfort in knowing the boy would probably be as nervous as she, she still wasn't totally sure. “W-What should I say to him…?” She stammered nervously.
Sango laughed softly and patted the girl's head. “Rin, you really don't need do be so tense about this. My brother may have matured quite a bit, but he's still the same timid, quiet boy at heart that I grew up with. You should know that, too, since you've been with him the most for a while. I may never have been on a date like the ones in Kagome's time, but I remember back when I was younger, there was a fellow slayer from the village who I liked a lot, and eventually, I got up the nerve to ask him if he'd like to train with me. He agreed, and afterwards, we went on a long walk until sunset, and we just sat there together, watching the sky until night came.”
“It wasn't that long ago I would've thought that sounded icky,” Rin giggled, “But now it sounds romantic. Whatever happened to that boy, Sango?”
“Oh, we just stopped seeing each other after a time, no big deal,” she answered.
“Well, I hope that's not what happens with me and Kohaku,” Rin said. “I…That is, he…He's very special to me… I wouldn't want to lose him.”
“I can understand how that feels,” Sango nodded. “I've told you before, he's a kind boy. I'm not surprised that you like him.”
“I think…I might love him, even,” she replied, almost a whisper.
“WHHAAATTT?” Kagome and Sango said together. Their mouths automatically became grins. Just when they thought it couldn't get cuter…
“Yeah, I asked Lord Sesshomaru for some advice on it last night, but—”
“You didn't!!” Kagome gasped. “Really?” Rin nodded.
“He didn't have much to say,” she told them. “He seemed pretty nervous that I brought it up.”
“You don't say,” Sango grinned at Kagome, who leaned in to whisper to her.
“I think we might need to check on him to see if he's ok,” she joked softly, speaking as if the daiyoukai had been greatly traumatized in some horrible ordeal. She turned back to Rin. “Don't you worry,” she said, “We'll have a talk with Kohaku so that whenever you decide to ask him out, he'll be more receptive to the idea. Oh, don't worry,” she quickly said, for Rin had been about to protest to that last part, “We won't say too much.”
“That's right,” Sango agreed. “We'll just tell him that at his age, girls are going to start to want to have relationships with him, and tell him that it's a good thing. That should do the job.”
“And all you have to do is ask him when you're ready,” Kagome said to Rin.
“I understand,” the girl nodded, trying not to sound too nervous.
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That evening, InuYasha had helped Kagome and Sango to find Kohaku. Unfortunately, Kagome's foot got caught on a tree root and, after wobbling for a split second, she took a loud fall on your back before InuYasha could catch her.
“Kagome!” He shouted out, rushing to his fallen mate.
“Are you ok, Kagome?” Sango asked anxiously.
“Y-Yeah,” she groaned in reply, letting the hanyou help her slowly to her feet. “I'm alright. At least I didn't land on my stomach.”
“Yeah, but still…” InuYasha looked concerned. Kagome planted a reassuring kiss on his cheek.
“I'm ok, really,” she said. “Now, let's go find Kohaku.” InuYasha and Sango acquiesced and began searching again.
When they found Kohaku, they were surprised to see him training with Sesshomaru in a grove outside the village. Even though the youkai lord easily deflected each attack of the boy's chain-sickle, Sango could still see that her brother was improving into a fine young warrior. The girls waited until he was finished and tired before calling him over to them. They ordered their hanyou to go wait nearby and come when they called for him. Sesshomaru, meanwhile, made his way back to the village, leaving the girls alone with Kohaku. As promised, they didn't reveal that much to him.
“Kohaku, you've improved a lot,” Sango told him fondly, messing with his hair.
“Not that good to get a hit on Lord Sesshomaru,” he replied.
“Well, what can you expect? Even InuYasha has a hard time when they spar together,” Kagome reminded him.
“Yeah… How're your babies?”
“Oh don't you worry about us,” hushed Kagome, taking the boy by the arm and sitting him on the ground. “We want to talk to you.”
“Talk to me?” He questioned. “About what?”
“Kohaku,” Sango sat down with a huff, “Kagome and I think that you're around the age where…you'll find that girls want to talk to you, to spend time with you.”
“I don't understand…” He said.
“What we mean is that girls will want to spend time with you because they'll like you. They'll enjoy your company and want to go where you go.”
“Like Rin does?”
Kagome smiled. Now that he'd brought her up, maybe this would be easier than they'd thought. “Yes, exactly like Rin does. She enjoys being with you, it seems. Hmm…” She trailed off, pretending that she was just saying these things spontaneously, “Now that you mention her (And even if you hadn't), do you like hanging around with her, too?”
“Well, sure,” he nodded. He wasn't quite sure where they were going with this.
“And what is it you like about that?” Sango inquired.
He thought about it for a second. “She's fun to be with, and she's real brave, too. Braver than me, maybe even than Lord Sesshomaru.”
“I see, I see…” Kagome nodded. “And, do you think she's pretty, Kohaku?”
Kohaku blushed furiously at this question. “P-Pretty?”
“Yeahhh, you know, cute. Do you think she's cute?”
“I…I never really thought about that,” he answered, staring at his feet. “I suppose that she is pretty…”
“That's what we're trying to say,” Sango said, poking Kohaku's forehead with her index finger. “Pretty young girls, like Rin, are going to be giving you more attention. And be careful how you deal with their feelings,” she instructed, “Because young girls will be very sensitive to how you respond to their emotions, so treat them respectfully, got it?”
“Y-Yeah, sis, I got it.”
“Good. Well, I think we're done here. Kohaku, remember what we've said here. Now, run along, little brother.” The girls watched him jog off back to the path to the village. Now that they had talked, all that was left to do was to wait and see what Rin would do.
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They waited throughout the week, and then the next week, and then the week after that, until just over a month had passed. Sango was now just several weeks away from her due date, and yet she and Kagome were still waiting for Rin to make a move. It wasn't that the young girl was too scared to do anything. It was just taking her forever to decide what action to take; how to approach Kohaku. But, just a couple of days later, it appeared that she had finally made up her mind after all.
“Psst, Sango!!” Kagome whispered to her lover through the bushes she had hidden behind, the reason being that she had spotted Rin leaving the hut, and that meant Rin was about to make her move.
“What's she doing?” Sango asked in a hushed tone, watching Rin head toward the village entrance.
“Not sure… Let's keep a watch on her.”
They slowly made an effort to follow the girl, but found it too laborious to keep up. Luckily, InuYasha was nearby, so they grabbed him by the sleeves and clung to them, ordering him to follow Rin.
“What's going on?” He asked.
“Go, just go!” Kagome commanded.
“Alright, alright,” he grumbled, letting them grip his arms as he took off after the girl's scent. They left the village on her trail, following the path that was familiar to Kagome and Sango, for it led to that same pond Rin had told them about. They finally arrived at the ring of trees and hedges that circled the water, and getting off the main path so they wouldn't be spotted, the two girls told the hanyou to let them go so they could peek through the bushes to see what was going on. Peering through, they saw Rin standing on the banks of the pond, waiting for something, or more like someone.
“She must be waiting for your brother,” Kagome said.
A few more minutes passed before her predictions were confirmed. Hearing footsteps, they turned their heads back to the path and saw Kohaku approaching. Kagome and Sango ducked their heads further and strained their ears when he walked over to Rin.
“Kohaku, you came!” The girl said happily.
“Yeah,” he nodded. “You wanted to show me something?”
“Mmhm!” She smiled and took his hand, leading him right to the water's edge. “I…I wanted to show you this,” she gestured at the pond.
Kohaku stared at it for a few moments before speaking. “I don't think I've ever been to this spot,” he said.
“That's what I thought. I decided I wanted you to see it. I mean…” she lowered her voice, twiddling her fingers together, “I wanted to show it to you.”
Kagome and Sango, who were still able to hear the conversation, “aww'd” quietly, waiting to see where this would go.
“You wanted to show me?” Kohaku asked. His nervousness was beginning to clearly show. “W-Why'd you want to…show me?”
“Umm…” She sat down and dipped her feet in the water, and pulled her knees up to her chest. Kohaku followed her lead and sat, but leaned back on his hands, waiting patiently for her answer. “Kohaku,” she said, “This place is my favorite spot around the village. Did you know that?” He shook his head to say that he didn't. “Kagome says,” she continued, “That it's a good idea to show things or places that are special to you…” And at this she blushed deeply, “To people who are special to you.”
“I-I see,” he stammered. In the back of his mind, he already knew where she was going with this. All the time they had spent together, how could he not? But, consciously, he still wasn't fully sure what she was trying to say.
“He looks real nervous,” whispered Sango.
“Shh, they'll be fine,” Kagome assured her. “It's going well.”
They kept watching, and then gasped a few seconds later when Rin took Kohaku's hand in hers. The boy gulped.
“Rin…?” He said, just saying her name as if it would help him figure all this out. She then muttered something that was inaudible to not only the spying girls but also to the boy right next to her. He leaned in and asked, “What was that?” She repeated it, but still, nobody could hear her soft voice. “I'm sorry,” Kohaku said, “I couldn't understand you again.”
“I SAID I LIKE YOU!” Rin shouted out, then quickly squeaked in embarrassment when she realized what she'd said.
“Oh my…!” Kagome said in awe. Sango nodded, equally shocked.
“You…like me?” He asked. Rin nodded, not looking at him. So this must be what sister what talking about… he thought. He looked over to the girl and saw that she was just as anxious as he was, then reached out and held her hand, putting his own emotions of care, love and affection into his grip. No words needed to be said between the two children. Rin smiled at Kohaku's silent return of her feelings and rested her head gently on his shoulder. They sat there like that, quietly, peacefully on the water's edge, letting their young love bloom between them…
All under the eyes of the giggling, struck-dumb-with-cuteness miko and slayer.
“They're so cute sitting there together,” Kagome cooed.
“Looks like my brother has himself a girlfriend,” Sango whispered back, still chuckling. She very much looked forward to seeing how this new relationship would grow, for she had no doubt it would. Not wanting to disturb the tranquil scene before them, Kagome and Sango decided not to call InuYasha, but stealthily made their way down the path back to the village, leaving Rin and Kohaku to return when they would. And the pair showed up just an hour, holding hands and blushing under the congratulatory gazes of the grinning villagers. Sesshomaru, too, was resting in his hut when he noticed the children returning.
I see… So, this is how it will be. He thought with a touch of amusement, silently thanking the miko for helping Rin, so as to spare him any more awkward questions from the child. Everything turned out for the best in his mind; he approved of Rin's choice for a companion, for, as far as he could judge, Kohaku was a brave and loyal little human boy. And so soon before those girls' deliveries…
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And she was in luck, because the next day they returned, with a slightly queasy InuYasha carefully carrying both women up out of the well one at a time. Rin didn't waste a second. As soon as they arrived back at the village, she asked Kagome if she could explain more of that date thing she had told her of last month. The miko and slayer had been absolutely delighted that she had asked.
“Rin, you want to go on a date with Kohaku?” Kagome asked sweetly. She found the whole situation too cute for words.
“Kagome, maybe you should explain what exactly that is for her again,” suggested Sango.
“Right, let's see…” Kagome paused, mulling the situation over. “Hmm…Rin, do you have a sort of favorite spot to go to, in the village or outside it? Or do you know if Kohaku does?”
The child started to see what Kagome was getting at. “I don't know if Kohaku has one,” she answered. “He hasn't even been here that often, I think.”
“How about you, then? Where do you like to go?”
Rin thought about it for some moments. By now, she was very familiar with the village and its surroundings. Now, to think of a place to go…
“Oh, got something?” Kagome asked, seeing the metaphoric lightbulb switch on above Rin's head.
“Well, I think so. There's a lake a little bit outside of the village. It's not that big, but it's beautiful, and it's quiet cause it's surrounded with trees. Sometimes I like to just go there and watch the water and see my reflection ripple around in it. It's so pretty.” She went on to describe it more to the older girls, who soon found themselves blushing brightly and, though unnoticed by Rin, trading a few hot glances with each other. For the way Rin had the described the area made them realize that it was exact same pond where they have first made love all those months ago. And naturally, the erotic memory had brought the red to their cheeks.
“I think we know the spot you're talking about,” Kagome interrupted Rin. “So, now that you have a place in mind, all you have to do is get Kohaku to go there with you.”
Rin nodded. That was what she had been thinking last night. But, even though she took comfort in knowing the boy would probably be as nervous as she, she still wasn't totally sure. “W-What should I say to him…?” She stammered nervously.
Sango laughed softly and patted the girl's head. “Rin, you really don't need do be so tense about this. My brother may have matured quite a bit, but he's still the same timid, quiet boy at heart that I grew up with. You should know that, too, since you've been with him the most for a while. I may never have been on a date like the ones in Kagome's time, but I remember back when I was younger, there was a fellow slayer from the village who I liked a lot, and eventually, I got up the nerve to ask him if he'd like to train with me. He agreed, and afterwards, we went on a long walk until sunset, and we just sat there together, watching the sky until night came.”
“It wasn't that long ago I would've thought that sounded icky,” Rin giggled, “But now it sounds romantic. Whatever happened to that boy, Sango?”
“Oh, we just stopped seeing each other after a time, no big deal,” she answered.
“Well, I hope that's not what happens with me and Kohaku,” Rin said. “I…That is, he…He's very special to me… I wouldn't want to lose him.”
“I can understand how that feels,” Sango nodded. “I've told you before, he's a kind boy. I'm not surprised that you like him.”
“I think…I might love him, even,” she replied, almost a whisper.
“WHHAAATTT?” Kagome and Sango said together. Their mouths automatically became grins. Just when they thought it couldn't get cuter…
“Yeah, I asked Lord Sesshomaru for some advice on it last night, but—”
“You didn't!!” Kagome gasped. “Really?” Rin nodded.
“He didn't have much to say,” she told them. “He seemed pretty nervous that I brought it up.”
“You don't say,” Sango grinned at Kagome, who leaned in to whisper to her.
“I think we might need to check on him to see if he's ok,” she joked softly, speaking as if the daiyoukai had been greatly traumatized in some horrible ordeal. She turned back to Rin. “Don't you worry,” she said, “We'll have a talk with Kohaku so that whenever you decide to ask him out, he'll be more receptive to the idea. Oh, don't worry,” she quickly said, for Rin had been about to protest to that last part, “We won't say too much.”
“That's right,” Sango agreed. “We'll just tell him that at his age, girls are going to start to want to have relationships with him, and tell him that it's a good thing. That should do the job.”
“And all you have to do is ask him when you're ready,” Kagome said to Rin.
“I understand,” the girl nodded, trying not to sound too nervous.
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That evening, InuYasha had helped Kagome and Sango to find Kohaku. Unfortunately, Kagome's foot got caught on a tree root and, after wobbling for a split second, she took a loud fall on your back before InuYasha could catch her.
“Kagome!” He shouted out, rushing to his fallen mate.
“Are you ok, Kagome?” Sango asked anxiously.
“Y-Yeah,” she groaned in reply, letting the hanyou help her slowly to her feet. “I'm alright. At least I didn't land on my stomach.”
“Yeah, but still…” InuYasha looked concerned. Kagome planted a reassuring kiss on his cheek.
“I'm ok, really,” she said. “Now, let's go find Kohaku.” InuYasha and Sango acquiesced and began searching again.
When they found Kohaku, they were surprised to see him training with Sesshomaru in a grove outside the village. Even though the youkai lord easily deflected each attack of the boy's chain-sickle, Sango could still see that her brother was improving into a fine young warrior. The girls waited until he was finished and tired before calling him over to them. They ordered their hanyou to go wait nearby and come when they called for him. Sesshomaru, meanwhile, made his way back to the village, leaving the girls alone with Kohaku. As promised, they didn't reveal that much to him.
“Kohaku, you've improved a lot,” Sango told him fondly, messing with his hair.
“Not that good to get a hit on Lord Sesshomaru,” he replied.
“Well, what can you expect? Even InuYasha has a hard time when they spar together,” Kagome reminded him.
“Yeah… How're your babies?”
“Oh don't you worry about us,” hushed Kagome, taking the boy by the arm and sitting him on the ground. “We want to talk to you.”
“Talk to me?” He questioned. “About what?”
“Kohaku,” Sango sat down with a huff, “Kagome and I think that you're around the age where…you'll find that girls want to talk to you, to spend time with you.”
“I don't understand…” He said.
“What we mean is that girls will want to spend time with you because they'll like you. They'll enjoy your company and want to go where you go.”
“Like Rin does?”
Kagome smiled. Now that he'd brought her up, maybe this would be easier than they'd thought. “Yes, exactly like Rin does. She enjoys being with you, it seems. Hmm…” She trailed off, pretending that she was just saying these things spontaneously, “Now that you mention her (And even if you hadn't), do you like hanging around with her, too?”
“Well, sure,” he nodded. He wasn't quite sure where they were going with this.
“And what is it you like about that?” Sango inquired.
He thought about it for a second. “She's fun to be with, and she's real brave, too. Braver than me, maybe even than Lord Sesshomaru.”
“I see, I see…” Kagome nodded. “And, do you think she's pretty, Kohaku?”
Kohaku blushed furiously at this question. “P-Pretty?”
“Yeahhh, you know, cute. Do you think she's cute?”
“I…I never really thought about that,” he answered, staring at his feet. “I suppose that she is pretty…”
“That's what we're trying to say,” Sango said, poking Kohaku's forehead with her index finger. “Pretty young girls, like Rin, are going to be giving you more attention. And be careful how you deal with their feelings,” she instructed, “Because young girls will be very sensitive to how you respond to their emotions, so treat them respectfully, got it?”
“Y-Yeah, sis, I got it.”
“Good. Well, I think we're done here. Kohaku, remember what we've said here. Now, run along, little brother.” The girls watched him jog off back to the path to the village. Now that they had talked, all that was left to do was to wait and see what Rin would do.
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They waited throughout the week, and then the next week, and then the week after that, until just over a month had passed. Sango was now just several weeks away from her due date, and yet she and Kagome were still waiting for Rin to make a move. It wasn't that the young girl was too scared to do anything. It was just taking her forever to decide what action to take; how to approach Kohaku. But, just a couple of days later, it appeared that she had finally made up her mind after all.
“Psst, Sango!!” Kagome whispered to her lover through the bushes she had hidden behind, the reason being that she had spotted Rin leaving the hut, and that meant Rin was about to make her move.
“What's she doing?” Sango asked in a hushed tone, watching Rin head toward the village entrance.
“Not sure… Let's keep a watch on her.”
They slowly made an effort to follow the girl, but found it too laborious to keep up. Luckily, InuYasha was nearby, so they grabbed him by the sleeves and clung to them, ordering him to follow Rin.
“What's going on?” He asked.
“Go, just go!” Kagome commanded.
“Alright, alright,” he grumbled, letting them grip his arms as he took off after the girl's scent. They left the village on her trail, following the path that was familiar to Kagome and Sango, for it led to that same pond Rin had told them about. They finally arrived at the ring of trees and hedges that circled the water, and getting off the main path so they wouldn't be spotted, the two girls told the hanyou to let them go so they could peek through the bushes to see what was going on. Peering through, they saw Rin standing on the banks of the pond, waiting for something, or more like someone.
“She must be waiting for your brother,” Kagome said.
A few more minutes passed before her predictions were confirmed. Hearing footsteps, they turned their heads back to the path and saw Kohaku approaching. Kagome and Sango ducked their heads further and strained their ears when he walked over to Rin.
“Kohaku, you came!” The girl said happily.
“Yeah,” he nodded. “You wanted to show me something?”
“Mmhm!” She smiled and took his hand, leading him right to the water's edge. “I…I wanted to show you this,” she gestured at the pond.
Kohaku stared at it for a few moments before speaking. “I don't think I've ever been to this spot,” he said.
“That's what I thought. I decided I wanted you to see it. I mean…” she lowered her voice, twiddling her fingers together, “I wanted to show it to you.”
Kagome and Sango, who were still able to hear the conversation, “aww'd” quietly, waiting to see where this would go.
“You wanted to show me?” Kohaku asked. His nervousness was beginning to clearly show. “W-Why'd you want to…show me?”
“Umm…” She sat down and dipped her feet in the water, and pulled her knees up to her chest. Kohaku followed her lead and sat, but leaned back on his hands, waiting patiently for her answer. “Kohaku,” she said, “This place is my favorite spot around the village. Did you know that?” He shook his head to say that he didn't. “Kagome says,” she continued, “That it's a good idea to show things or places that are special to you…” And at this she blushed deeply, “To people who are special to you.”
“I-I see,” he stammered. In the back of his mind, he already knew where she was going with this. All the time they had spent together, how could he not? But, consciously, he still wasn't fully sure what she was trying to say.
“He looks real nervous,” whispered Sango.
“Shh, they'll be fine,” Kagome assured her. “It's going well.”
They kept watching, and then gasped a few seconds later when Rin took Kohaku's hand in hers. The boy gulped.
“Rin…?” He said, just saying her name as if it would help him figure all this out. She then muttered something that was inaudible to not only the spying girls but also to the boy right next to her. He leaned in and asked, “What was that?” She repeated it, but still, nobody could hear her soft voice. “I'm sorry,” Kohaku said, “I couldn't understand you again.”
“I SAID I LIKE YOU!” Rin shouted out, then quickly squeaked in embarrassment when she realized what she'd said.
“Oh my…!” Kagome said in awe. Sango nodded, equally shocked.
“You…like me?” He asked. Rin nodded, not looking at him. So this must be what sister what talking about… he thought. He looked over to the girl and saw that she was just as anxious as he was, then reached out and held her hand, putting his own emotions of care, love and affection into his grip. No words needed to be said between the two children. Rin smiled at Kohaku's silent return of her feelings and rested her head gently on his shoulder. They sat there like that, quietly, peacefully on the water's edge, letting their young love bloom between them…
All under the eyes of the giggling, struck-dumb-with-cuteness miko and slayer.
“They're so cute sitting there together,” Kagome cooed.
“Looks like my brother has himself a girlfriend,” Sango whispered back, still chuckling. She very much looked forward to seeing how this new relationship would grow, for she had no doubt it would. Not wanting to disturb the tranquil scene before them, Kagome and Sango decided not to call InuYasha, but stealthily made their way down the path back to the village, leaving Rin and Kohaku to return when they would. And the pair showed up just an hour, holding hands and blushing under the congratulatory gazes of the grinning villagers. Sesshomaru, too, was resting in his hut when he noticed the children returning.
I see… So, this is how it will be. He thought with a touch of amusement, silently thanking the miko for helping Rin, so as to spare him any more awkward questions from the child. Everything turned out for the best in his mind; he approved of Rin's choice for a companion, for, as far as he could judge, Kohaku was a brave and loyal little human boy. And so soon before those girls' deliveries…
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It was definitely soon. The few weeks before Sango's delivery time started flying right by until finally, it was the expected week for the slayer's delivery. InuYasha and Kagome were keeping close eyes on her at all times, watching her like a hawk. InuYasha, specifically, agreed with the gruff voice of his inner youkai that he had to guard Sango now more than ever. Kohaku was also very protective of his big sister, helping the hanyou to get her things she needed whenever she started feelings contractions. A couple of times, they came so close to each other, one contraction after the other, that Sango could swear she was having the baby. At those times, InuYasha would loudly clear the others out of the hut, except for Kagome, and get the hot water, towels, and other such things that Kagome had had brought from her time to help with the births. He and Kagome had agreed on both assisting with the delivery, with additional help from Kaede if necessary.
I never thought I'd see him like this, Kagome thought proudly as she watched him take care of Sango, who was laying as comfortably as possible on the soft blanket they had brought from her house. She smiled at InuYasha's immense growth to this new stage of adulthood (whatever that was for a hanyou) that had been brought on by the approaching births. Even though he's never had any experience like this, he's still so sure of himself, so on top of things. Watching him take hold of Sango's hand so tenderly, with such concern, it made her love him more than ever at that moment.
“Is it finally time?” Kohaku called from outside, having heard Sango's heavy breathing from the close contractions.
“Not yet. False alarm,” InuYasha called back. This happened several times with Rin, Kohaku and Shippo all calling into the hut to see if the baby had arrived, and each time InuYasha had to say it wasn't.
“Ugghh, dammit, this kid's giving me hell, and he's not even out yet,” Sango groaned a couple of days later, during another false alarm, this one in the evening.
“Shh, you gotta be patient,” Kagome said gently, placing her hand on her lover's. “It's sure to come any day now.”
“I know. Honestly, though…I'm a bit scared about it,” she confessed softly.
“Yeah, me too. I know that it's going to hurt like we can't even imagine. And even though I try to brace myself for the pain, I don't think it's going to be nearly enough.”
“Heh, thanks,” Sango said sarcastically, “That's exactly what I need to hear.”
“Oh, hush.” Kagome bent down and kissed her nose. “I'm just saying that I know how you feel. Just look at me,” she said, pointing to her gigantic stomach. “I already feel this little one trying to get out.” The girls turned when they heard someone coming into the hut.
“You two ok?” InuYasha asked with concern in his voice.
“Define ok,” Sango hissed as another contraction took hold of her. Kagome handed InuYasha a towel with warm water to rub on the slayer's forehead. They spent the rest of the evening taking care of her in this way until night finally fell. Kohaku and the other young ones were removed from the baby vigil by Sesshomaru and brought back to his hut, so as to let his brother take care of his mates. After a couple of hours, Sango and Kagome fell fast asleep, worn out from the restless pups inside them. InuYasha sat at the feet of their futons, watching intently, staring for any sign that Sango was about to go into labor.
“I probably shouldn't worry so much…” he said to himself. “Everything will be fine.” He soon felt his own eyelids start drooping, despite his best efforts to stay watchful, and found himself drifting off into the sleep that his mates were in.
“Oh!”
The sudden gasp from Sango reached InuYasha's furry ears and jerked him wide awake. Looking at the futon, he saw his slayer awake and breathing heavily, like she had before, but more intensely than any of those other times. Kagome woke up a few moments later from Sango's gasps and moans and saw InuYasha bent over the girl.
“Sango, are you ok? Is it time?!” He asked hurriedly. She growled, grabbed his hair, and pulled him down face to face with her.
“Oh, it's time,” she groaned. “I can feel it!”
“Sango, you're going into labor,” Kagome said, sitting up to help. “It's going to be alright, but we're going to have to prepare for the baby to come out at anytime. Got that, InuYasha?”
“Right. Yes. I'll go get some hot water from the springs, you just wait right here,” he said, getting and heading to the door.
“Hurry…!” Sango moaned as he sprinted out the door.
“Don't worry, Sango, I'm right here,” Kagome assured her once he was gone, clasping her hand tightly in her own. “I'll help you throu—” She froze.
“Kagome…?” Sango asked timidly, eyeing her mate. “What's wrong?”
“I…I think…I think my…” she mumbled, lifting a trembling hand and slowly dragging it onto her stomach, holding onto it as if for dear life. Her voice quivered. “I think my own water just broke…”
Sango's eyes widened and both girls stared in shock at each other. A few seconds later, their voices could be heard crystal clear ringing throughout the sleeping village.
“INNNNUUUUUYYYYAAAASSSSHHHHAAAAAAA!!!!!!” ;
To be continued…
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Next time:
Here comes the baby! Or should that be, babies? Sango's labor has begun, but now Kagome, too, has been presented with a shock of her own. InuYasha is going to have his hands full with this new turn of events: The birth of the pups. Stay tuned.
My note: Want to quickly thank Obsession 1988, SSJ04_Mewtwo and yasha3393 for the comments. (My dog has never died anytime we gave him chocolate. And don't forget, Inu's also half-human.)
That ends the small Rin/Kohaku arc. I apologize that it was a bit of a filler. But, it's over now, and the story's back for the last leg. Now, into labor. Not me, of course, the girls.
See you soon.