InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Waning Moon ❯ Family ( Chapter 16 )

16. Family

Sesshomaru stares down on the human boy standing and shaking - as minutely as he is - before him, his back straight and head held high. He can see Inuyasha's smirking from within his peripheral vision, to his left, but he ignores his mate. Rin is standing behind Kohaku. She is watching him with tender eyes full of trust, as though she knows he will not refuse Kohaku's proposal. He won't but that doesn't stop him from torturing the boy's weaker mind.

“Lord S-Sesshomaru,” Judging by the human's expression, Sesshomaru knows he realises his mistake. Kohaku takes another deep breath, calming himself, before he raises his head to look Sesshomaru in the eyes, “I would like to ask for your daughter's - Rin's - hand. And we would like your blessing.” He asks, giving a respectful bow.

Sesshomaru regards the boy - man now - with a level stare. He has gotten to know him over the past nine and a bit years, after he'd revived him. He is loyal, and treats Rin well. He knows very well that Kohaku would do anything to protect her; after witnessing him being wounded badly enough to have himself kept in bed for week, Sesshomaru is unable to doubt that. The demon Lord knows he will care for Rin.

Sesshomaru has taken these reasons into account, but there is one more thing he must consider, and though he is saddened by the thought, he must admit it. Rin is incredibly happy with Kohaku. The human is the reason for her brightest smiles, not him, not anymore. Sesshomaru must let her go.

It is easier thought than done, he realises quickly.

He is silent and Sesshomaru takes some pleasure in watching Kohaku squirm. His lack of reaction or response has earned a disapproving look from Rin and a bright eyed smirk from Inuyasha. His mate appears to enjoy his tormenting of the young man. It serves the human right for daring to take Rin away.

It is only a minute later when Sesshomaru takes in a breath through his nose, releases it and speaks, “You have my blessing.” He earns an extremely relieved grin from Kohaku and a brilliant smile from Rin as she hooks her arm with her soon-to-be husband's. It reminds him of the smiles he had received from her when she was a child.

Sesshomaru doesn't realise Rin has moved until her arms are wrapped around his neck and she is whispering happy words of thanks into his pointed ear. Hesitantly, he allows his only arm to wrap around her waist as he returns the hug. They must make a sight, he idly muses; Sesshomaru, the ice Lord of the west, and his adopted daughter hugging with her legs hanging a good six inches above the ground. Sesshomaru lowers her to the earth after a moment more.

“Thank you!” She whispers again, and kisses the skin of his nose. She doesn't attempt to peck his cheek; she now knows how sensitive his markings are. It had been a very amusing incident, her finding out, though he'd worried for her mind after it. She seems well enough, he muses; she is happy.

He nods and watches, as she takes Kohaku's hand and leads him deeper into Sesshomaru's large garden, chattering happily about their ceremony. He has heard the word `flowers' mentioned twice now. Sesshomaru thinks he will offer his home as the venue for the occasion, then he muses over what he shall give them as a gift.

Sesshomaru hears Inuyasha snort as he moves to stand beside him, “Who knew she'd actually marry him? He tried to kill her once, didn't he?” The half-breed comments with an amused shake of his head. He snorts back a laugh, as they watch Rin glue herself to Kohaku's chest in a huge hug.

“He did.” Sesshomaru confirms. His eyes only stray from the couple when Kohaku leans down to kiss Rin. The demon Lord turns and starts back towards the confines of his home; he needs to think.

He hears Inuyasha laugh again, “Hey, old man, you do notice that by this time next year you'll be a grandfather?”

It is a thought that has not yet occurred to Sesshomaru and it only makes him realise that Rin is getting on in life. Soon after she is a mother, she will become a grandmother, and then a corpse. The thought makes Sesshomaru's chest ache.

“Her children will be well taken care of.” Sesshomaru remarks softly.

“Yeah, but they'll be weird kids. With a bastard for a grandfather,” Inuyasha makes his point known with the accusing stare he sends at Sesshomaru. He hears his mate snigger, and ignores the look, “A cheerful human and a used-to-be guilt consumed demon slayer as parents.” Sesshomaru hears Inuyasha chuckle again; he seems thoroughly amused by their growing group, “Sango's pretty normal, but the poor kids'll have Miroku for an uncle.”

Sesshomaru feels the same sentiments as his mate: They make a bizarre family.

“I fear that, should we have a grandson, the monk will educate the boy in his lecherous ways.” The demon Lord reveals.

He hears Inuyasha huff, “Miroku'll have too many bruises to continue after his first attempt!”

Sesshomaru smirks at the thought also, his mind providing an image of a beaten husband and his demon slayer wife standing over him. The pair are a constant source of amusement for the demon, and seemingly for his mate also, if his smile is anything to go by.

A sudden thought strikes the demon Lord and he smiles slightly, “They will have a girl first.”

Inuyasha blinks stupidly once, twice, before asking, “How do you know that?”

“Intuition, Inuyasha.”

“Intuition, he says,” His mate mocks. His eyes reach for Sesshomaru's and capture them. They both pause in their journey, “Well, I bet they'll have a boy. Deal?”

Sesshomaru nods, “You will lose.”