InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sesshoumaru's Mate: A Valentine's Story - ON HOLD ❯ Part 7 - Life's in The Details ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: The ownership and general brilliance that is the original Feudal Fairy Tale remains the property of its honored and rightfully revered creator Rumiko Takahashi without whose brilliance, we would not have fodder.

 

Title: Sesshoumaru's Mate - A Valentine's Story
Author ElegantPaws

Genre: AU

Editedby: Meara

Part 7- Life's in the Details

 

“Will you be alright, Rin?” Norio asked solicitously. “Do you need anything?”

 

Rin's kind eyes appraised him. He had grown into his name rather well. A being of principles and chief overseer of the farming lands belonging to the Taiyoukai.

 

She smiled up at him in re-assurance. Perhaps there were, in actuality, too many pillow in the arch of her back, and yes, the ottoman had one two many pillows below her swollen feet, but his intent has been kind. He found her wondering the atrium in search of the perfect flower, as always, for the Taiyoukai's one and only vase that he kept in his study for just such a purpose.

 

“I'll be okay. I am sure you have more important things to do than keep a pregnant woman company, Norio,” Rin replied, shifting herself uncomfortably. The sooner this pup was out the better, she could hardly breathe at times, but that was neither here nor there at the moment. Right now, she wanted the comfort and silence of her father's study. She had a rather important favor to ask him, preferably without her Mate's presence.

 

Norio looked at her, unsure she was telling him the truth. She was tired and pale. He knew how difficult this pregnancy had been thus far for the small woman. She had lost four in a row over the last three centuries and with each loss her spirits fell further.

 

“It is winter, Rin. If you don't mind, I beg you suffer my company until the Western Lord and the others have returned from the council meeting, or until Master Jaken has seen fit to return from town. You should not be alone at this time.”

 

There was reproach in his tone, however veiled.

 

Rin chuckled. She knew when she was beaten. It had taken everything out of her as it was to get Shippou on his way this morning. In fact, a full scale tantrum on her part had to be enacted to get him to attend the council meeting where Patrick was introduced as the affianced to Lady Satori.

 

She smiled remembering the near seizure her adoptive father had the night before as they made their announcement at the formal dinner welcoming Patrick to the Clan.

 

“If you insist, my friend. We have known each other too long for me to fight with you now, when you are so determined.” Rin sighed. It felt good to sit.

 

Norio stood, pleased with her acquiescence to his wish. Regardless of what she said, he had no intention of leaving her, long nursing a love of this woman who had saved his life with no thought to her own safety, centuries ago. It was the least he could do in turn.

 

“Tea, I think, and perhaps something to eat?”

 

“Oh yes please, just the tea. I don't think I could fit anything else in here,” she said with a wink, rubbing her stomach.

 

Her current pallor worried him. Perhaps he should call the doctor? The pup was not due for another month, but considering the difficulty and her near death prior, should he risk hers and the Clan Taishou's ire in overstepping in this manner?

 

-I-

 

Sesshoumaru floored the gas pedal. Rin was alone at the family's winter home. Guilt assailed him. Shippou had to stay in his place, after much cajoling and their second argument in five hundred years. Something was amiss in the council, particularly those of the European caucus, who had taken an instant, and of course understandable, dislike to Patrick. At least he was not alone in his feelings. He furtively looked at the female next to him and then returned his gaze to traffic.

 

“My Lord, she is fine. I feel it.” Sango answered, though her current expression belied the sentiments she tried to express in a carefree manner.

 

“Hnnnnn.”

 

She did not look well when he had left her this morning and the sudden phone call from her requesting a private meeting at the house did nothing to allay his fears. Damn modern conveniences! He could have flown there in shorter time, but Kagome's insistence he take the three tiresome, ningen council members to their home, did not go over well. It left him much later than anticipated. Something about her expression told him it was a must. There was sadness behind her eyes when she `asked' him to do it. Her father still held sway, long gone from this mortal coil. She rarely got that look. Kagome had gripped him desperately in that moment, he fell silent. It was clear it was a must. Rare though it was, she was holding back.

 

The Priestess had gained foresight from her father and it hurt her greatly, most especially with respect to her Mate, from whom she, on rare occasions, had to maintain secrecy to outcomes. He could see the war within, but discipline had taught him never to ask. Sesshoumaru realized she was grateful for this small mercy. Responsibility had its burdens. He would not add to it.

 

-I-

 

“I didn't realize I was so hungry,” Rin admitted, around a mouthful of tuna salad, little lips making tiny circles as she forked more into her mouth, greedily. “I can imagine father's horror, using Western utensils.”

 

“They serve their purpose, and the Lady does wish to make all those present for tomorrow night's festivities comfortable. The point is to celebrate, not stand on ceremony as to cutlery.” Norio said, equally pleased with his preparation of the small meal.

He eyed his friend carefully. She was still pale. Regardless of what the Western Lord would do, Norio was pleased he had called the doctor, who was on his way.

 

“When you are finished, Lady Rin, may I escort you to your chambers? You should rest.”

 

Loose, shiny dark bangs fluttered, as Rin raised her eyes to the midnight blue head across from her, knowingly. “Do I actually have a choice, Norio?”

 

“No, my Lady,” was the factual response with just the hint of a handsome, weathered smile.

 

-I-

 

“Someone here has been to your home, Shippou. Their intent is malevolent,” the Warlock corroborated the fox demon's worst fears. Sesshoumaru had been right about ancient magic.

 

Sharp, green eyes turned to pale gray-blue, “Rin is at home alone…”

 

“She is in no danger, Shippou. Lord Sesshoumaru is on his way. I know you don't agree, but you had to remain. You are chief of the subcommittee and it would look odd, regardless, if you left. Your child is not due for another month. The less advantage they have, the better. All must appear normal; the only reason Lady Kagome has also remained behind.”

 

Shippou shrugged. He was tall for a fox demon, almost Patrick's height. Auburn hair still kept long, but now in a heavy braid that swung with each movement of his head. Green suede shirt, barely, hiding his broad back, nor the coiled, powerful muscles hidden beneath his vestments.

 

“It hasn't been easy…” he said distantly with a deceptively musical timber in his voice. “This is our fourth try.” Shippou added tiredly, sadness, clouding his sea green eyes.

 

“She being human has much to do with it. It is neither of your faults. It's just biology.” Patrick responded. “You are differing species. Be grateful that the opportunity has presented itself again. Have faith.”

 

They both stood at the smoked glass, upper window to the council, watching the gathering slowly departing.

 

An importunate rap on the wooden door from behind, causing both males heads to spin simultaneously. Kagome was accompanied by a very unpleasant, desiccated scent.

 

“Come.” Shippou said, eyes narrowing, powerful muscles on alert. He could tell, whatever was to come was not to his liking. The Western Lord, as always, had been right.

 

-I-

 

The stairs to the second floor had never looked so foreboding, nor so endless, Rin thought, as she grasped the pro-offered, callused palm and smiled sheepishly at her companion.

 

“Might I suggest, just this once, that I carry you, Lady Rin? I know it is not my place to touch you,” Norio finished, blushing profusely.

 

“Oh Norio, we no longer live in the Feudal Era, despite what father thinks. I would be grateful of your able assistance, if it is not too much trouble. Thank you,” Rin responded tiredly, she already knew something was wrong, as she tried to stave off the fear.

 

It was the work of a moment as she was hoisted gently into strong arms, small arms thrown about his neck. He smelt of grass, earth and comfort; all her favourite things.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“No need. I am honored, Lady Rin.” Norio responded, taking the stairs at double time, even more sure than before, he had done the right thing in calling her doctor.

 

-I-

 

“She won't like it, Sesshoumaru.” Sango re-iterated. Even after all this time, the Taiyoukai could be headstrong when it came to his Mate.

 

“It is irrelevant whether she does or not. This Sesshoumaru has made this decision and it will be done. How are things progressing? Will everything meet the appointed hour?”

 

Sango shook her head. “Males are stupid aren't they? Even those seemingly intuitive.”

 

A low growl vibrated the car. Sango rolled her eyes. “It doesn't work on her, and it most certainly doesn't work on me. We are not youkai females and hence do not respond well to veiled threats, my Lord. Speak your mind.”

 

“At least the pure blood youkai female knows her place and adheres to the protocol of her Mate and position as female.” Sesshoumaru said with just the hint of bitch to his baritone.

 

Sango gazed at him indifferently. Kagome had chosen well. He was magnificent, but egotistical to a fault. Nothing like her…

 

“We need to pick up Kioshi and Yoshiro.” she said, ignoring his attempt at bating her.

 

“Your son, he is influencing Yoshiro. This Sesshoumaru wishes you to have a firm talk with him.”

 

“On what, exactly?” Sango said, watching the winter landscape pass. It was seemingly peaceful, regardless of the strife within the council, or the foreboding she felt. Sango took a deep breath, waiting on the inevitable, one of Sesshoumaru's diatribes. How had she ever feared him? How had she ever been so firm in her knowledge of demons and ningen and how different they were. Aside from species, their wants and desires were the same for their offspring: to grow, to achieve, to love, existence with purpose, with promise of a better day; continuity.

 

Their differences were in the end superficial. She smiled softly to herself, the pleasing sight of a deer off in the distance running from the thrumming engine beneath them.

 

Home was close now.

 

“To put it bluntly, your son is a pervert. I do not wish him to instill his values, or lack of them, in my first born son.' Sesshoumaru added in a clipped manner.

 

Sango bellowed with laughter, frightening the Western Lord at her sudden outburst.

 

She looked across at the dog demon's handsome, perfectly tailored profile and stifled a laugh. Her sister of spirit and time had much to say on his sexual peccadilloes, something best not shared. Women did that. He would not approve, nor understand how the sisterhood shared intimacies of the males within their lives. Instead she responded.

 

“You do remember who his father is, yes?” she responded dryly.

 

“Hnnnn…would that I could forget.” Sesshoumaru added, driving on. Regardless of his current demeanor, sadness took him, and the rest of the voyage home was in silence for both.

 

Rin, paramount in thought.

 

sks

 

 

“Breathe! Damn it woman, breathe!” Norio shouted, despite his best attempt at calm.

 

He had never done this before. There was simply too much blood and Rin had fainted. He could see the little head and one shoulder. There was soft auburn down amidst the thick,viscous blood. He wanted to cry, but there was no time for it. She would live. He would have it no other way.

 

“Rin! Kami damn you! Don't leave me! You cannot leave me! Don't you dare!” he ground out between clenched teeth. “Not now! Don't you dare. You have a pup to take care of! Shippou would kill me and rightly so! Your father is another matter entirely. He will regret his act of contrition. Don't you dare, leave. The spring gardens have yet to be done,” growled Norio, a bead of sweat burning one blue eye, as he worked his way, gently through the blood, easing the small being into existence.

 

A whimper, a tired, forlorn whimper, but it was enough, as he eased the other small, pale shoulder out. She breathed. He praised the Kami, as he had never done before. The scent of sweat and blood, heavy in the air and that of a new scent, a new being, a new hanyou with auburn fuzz and tireless lungs, baying its existence to the afternoon air. Life was renewed with the tiny wail. Norio's shoulder's sagged. It was done.

 

Somewhere, somehow, the short, stocky man was pushed aside by a white robe and several voices. One female, another male and then a high pitched squeak, then a thud, that had to be Jaken. He was lifted to a soft chair. It is the only memory he had of the hallowed event.

 

-I-

 

Small hands curled around his midsection, pulling him to her. “You have a beautiful granddaughter.” Kagome murmured against Sesshoumaru's back. “Our first.”

 

“Thank you, Miko,” the Taiyoukai answered, eyes and thoughts still set on the peaceful silence on a field beyond their bedroom window.

 

“For what, my beloved?”

 

“This, for the simply act of bending, for allowing me to see the merits of a life. The very life that saved Rin's today.”

 

Kagome chucked, distracted by the pleasure of his natural scent. She could wish to bury her nose in his essence and still, its ephemeral quality eluded her. His warmth, his strength, his candor, his very breath, the simple pleasure of his shared existence with her;

 

“No, I thank you for time, gifting me with you and all that is you, including our first granddaughter. May the tribe increase,” she murmured, her cheek happily resting on his spine.

 

“Hnnn.”

 

Sunsets, they happened every day without fail, cloud or shine, but on this one, the Taiyoukai smiled. He was full, replete, happy. For a moment, he had glimpsed the meaning and the purpose of a life fulfilled.

 

“Bed, I think. Tomorrow is a new day, Miko, and there is much to be done.” He said, missing his father suddenly. Glad for the presence of the small, yet powerful being who held him aloft in her fragrant embrace. Power was truly held in the smallest of things.

 

Kagome smiled.

 

 

Author's Note:

 

No act of kindness is without its merits, even when you cannot see how it affects the course of time.

 

EP