Our Future [C]

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshomaru kept his gaze forward as he felt Brigantia behind him. Should she be getting up? That was the first thought that came to mind when she sat up. At first he ignored her hug, but slowly he brought his hand up to rest against one of her hands that was wrapped around his middle. He listened to her words, considering it for a moment. He tilted his head, silver falling over his shoulder. How could meeting with Inuyasha be important to his children? It would be better if they never knew of the infuriating hanyou.

The demon lord was silent for a long time, taking in her words and how much it seemed to mean to her. He truly didn't understand it. Why it tore her up inside, as she put it. A thoughtful frown came across his face, and he continued to stare at nothing in perticular. This was the most she had ever done to ask him of something. If he said no, then she would usually drop it, but this time Brigantia would not relent, making him see how important it was to her. Though he didn't understand why.

Sesshomaru was quiet for a long time, contemplating on if he should give in or not. Finally, he let out a defeated sigh. "Fine..." He didn't even think that Inuyasha cared that he was an uncle. Why would he care? Would the hanyou actually drop everything he was doing, to come and see his neice and nephew? Including when the father hated his guts?

Sesshomaru almost hoped that Inuyasha would just decline the offer. Of course, the hanyou was busy with other things. What other things, Sesshomaru didn't know. Nor did it matter. Suddenly another thought came to him. "Next will be my father, neh?"

[Birdie]

She giggled. "I doubt anything could keep Otou-sama away. I'm sure he'd do anything just to get a look at them. So I have no reason to ask." She said, snuggling against his back for a moment. It was a pelasent time really. She had stopped hurting so much, though her body still trembled slightly. She enjoyed having her mate so close to her.

"You know..." she said suddenly, a thought comming into her head. It was mostly because she knew that Sesshomaru 'hated' Inuyasha because he was a half-breed that the thought even appeared. "If I was not a hanyou... I would not love you. It is my human self that allows me to actually feel that emotion. I often wonder what it would be like to be a full demon, I've also thought of becoming one, to be stronger for you.... But, I know, if I did, I would leave you behind. And so I am glad I had a human father... We, as half-breeds are not so bad. It is that human part of us that allows us to be more reasonable... Because we are lesser demons." She explained to him. He felt because he was in a higher chain of authority than she was. Her people were instinctual... He was something better.

She giggled again, looking towards her children. "And I would be dead with in a week after Anzu and Ichigo had been born. It is my human side that allows me to stay in this world. I am sure Inuyasha is somewhat the same as me. Maybe, just maybe he wants to heal the broken bond between you too. That is what I hope for. I would like to see you as brothers." She whispered, nuzzling his back, in a gentle manor.

Anzu whimpered, reaching out for something that was not there. Brigantia relenquished her hold on her mate, and scooped up the small child. It calmed down, snuggling against it's mother. But then, Ichigo was alone, and also began to whimper. Brigantia let a small laugh escape her lips as she lay down near the baby girl. "Lay down with us?" she asked, her innocent eyes watching Sesshomaru, while Anzu was still in her arms.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshomaru had to agree. She was right about his father. As soon as the man got word of Ichigo and Anzu, he'll be barging through the door to get a look at them. How he would loath the day. If only there would be some way to keep his pups a secret for a month or two. But the villagers already knew, so the knowledge would soon find it way throughout the lands. Probably Naraku will ear a few words too. His life was going to be hell. Well, not always. It would be a mixture of the two for the rest of his life. Oh, how exhausted it made him just thinking about it.

Sesshomaru didn't really think over her words when she spoke of being a hanyou. What was she trying to do, make him see Inuyasha in a different light? That would never happen. His excuse for caring for her, and hating the rest of her kind was one, small, thing.

She was different." That was all there was to it. It didn't really matter anyway, he didn't just hate Inuyasha because he was a hanyou. It was deeper then that, it was what a hanyou signified. A bond between a human and a demon. Of his father and Izayoi. She continued to speak, and the words she said next made him worry for a moment. If she had been a full demon, she would have died? He was surprised over the relief that came over him to know that she was a hanyou, and that she wouldn't be dying, and leaving him with two pups to take care of.

Sesshomaru wanted to argue with her. Tell her that Inuyasha didn't want no bond. That Inuyasha wasn't the same as her. No, he was way different. He didn't say anything for one reason, and one alone. There would be no point to it. He allowed her to think as she wanted. To hope as she wanted. Even when Sesshomaru would rather have Inuyasha dead then have a brotherly bond with the baka.

Sesshomaru turned his head to look at Brigantia as she let go of him, and held Anzu in her arms. So, now would he be fighting his pups for his mate's attention? Such a funny thought, and a selfish one at that. He found humor in it, and allowed his smile to return when she layed down next to Ichigo, and Anzu in her arms. Her question took him by surprise, and for a moment he thought she was kidding.

What if someone came in the room? Did he really want to be caught in such a position? There was one big thing that stopped him from joining her. The thought that at any moment Hitoshi would come back in the room. Sesshomaru let out a small sigh before laying down beside Brigantia, his arm wrapping around her waist to bring her against him.

Now that he had this family, he couldn't allow his pride to come before them.

[Birdie]

Brigantia's smile grew as his arm could be felt around her waist. She tilted her chin some so she could look up at his face, but only slightly. She moved a free arm, kissed her fingers and lay the gently on her mate's cheek, in an almost teasing manor. Her eyes seemed somewhat playful despite what she had just gone through. Within minutes she and both her children fell asleep, comfortable here.


~*~ A Week Later ~*~


Brigantia sat in the gardens, a needle, thread and the beginings of a doll in her hands. It was tiny. A little child with soft white hair, large black eyes, antenea and dog ears. On it's back were wings. A twin tot he doll lay in her lap. Ichigo and Anzu as dolls. The actual twins sat at her feet, wingless as of yet. One held a doll that resembled their mother in it's hand. The other had one the resembled Sesshomaru, their father. Poor Sesshomaru-doll was having his head chewed on by a Ichigo. She seemed to enjoy what little tortures she could give her father, be it hair tugging or chewing on the little doll. It was only Brigantia that could save her mate from the evil little female. She once told Ichigo how much like her father she really was, though it was, in truth a joke. Somehow, she could see Sesshomaru acting the same way as a baby.

Anzu merely held his 'mother' close against his body as he sucked on his thumb. Already it was obvious as to what their personalities were. Ichigo had a dominate personality, while Anzu tended to cling to his mother. The two loathed to be seperated from each other. It seemed they were born together and would be together for the rest of their lives. Both twins only acted freely when around their mother and father. Around strangers they were extremely shy, preffereing to snuggle up against Brigantia.

Brigantia finished up the doll, giving each to their respective twin. Ichigo ignored her own, preffering her 'father' as a suitible chew toy. Anzu pulled his thumb out of his mouth to grab a hold of the doll. He studied it with interest, then began hitting it against the ground, laughing. Brigantia giggled as she picked up her new project. A new years dress for both her children. It was a long ways away, but Brigantia decided to start now, mostly so she would have enough time to perfect the outfits.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshomaru had found himself, for the first time since the birth of his pups, outside of his domain. He walked along the border of the western lands after hearing of a wandering demon trespassing. So he decided to go investigate, if not get some fresh air. After all, he had spent most of his time with Brigantia and his pups he needed to get away, at least for a little while, so that he wouldn't seem to be as whipped as he was. Just the thought made him seriously annoyed with himself. As soon as he had marked Brigantia as his mate, he hadn't realized how attached he was to her until later on. He might have been leading the tachi, but if Brigantia turned in another direction, he would have followed, no hesitation. It was as if she had an invisible leash wrapped around his neck. Such thoughts made him sigh in defeat. He knew she had him wrapped around her finger. But he didn't want everyone else to know.

How annoying, how infuriating. Ah, but it was something he could not change. It was in a inu's nature to stay close to their mate. Territorial, and possessive. He made sure that his scent stayed on her, and never faded. She would stay his for a very long time. Of course, now with his pups he would have to share.

Jaken had insisted on traveling with him, and he was starting to regret allowing the toad to come. "Though you may not see it my lord, but I have taken notice of how your son is too weak-erh, sensitive to be the next heir to the western lands. It is in your best interest, mi'lord, to plan on training Anzu to become more fit. If he continues to be smothered by his mother then all of the western lands will-"

"Jaken."
"Yes my lord?"
"Be quiet."
"Yes, of course mi'lord..."

Sesshomaru didn't want to hear anything about something so small. Of course, it would be big in the near future, but for now, it was small. Anzu was fine, he was only a weak old. But in a few years, things would have to change. Finally returning after not finding the demon, and just getting too annoyed with Jaken's presence, it was unsurprising that he would immediately go in search for Brigantia. Soon, he found her, and of course, his pups were with her. He watched silently for a moment, Brigantia sewing, her hobby he presumed, and then his pups. Seeing his daughter made a brow rose in questioning.

It seemed like almost a curse Ichigo placed on him. Silenly saying of her intentions when she grew up. He hoped not. Poor doll. Although it was meant to be him, he didn't really see it as him. There was only one Sesshomaru, and that was this Sesshomaru. Not some doll made with fabric. Of course, that was just his opinion. Everyone else seemed to think that in appearance, it looked just like him. For some reason he took that as an insult.

Sesshomaru took the few steps needed until he was at Brigantia's side before sitting beside her and watching her work. Of course, no conversation came out of his mouth to get rid of the silence. Though, it wasn't really silent. The gurgles and giggles of the twins made sure of that. But, either way, conversations still wasn't the demon lord's thing and so he watched with a small amount of interest that woudn't be there if anyone else was sewing such a thing.

[Birdie]

Her fingers continued her work, barely realizing her mate taking a seat next to her. The needle seemed to always find it's place perfectly in the cloth, making the shapeless cloth become something definable. Her silvery hair hung about her face as her brows knitted themselves in concentration. After a while she paused, her antenea twitched.

"Hello my love." She said, finally greeting him with an innocent smile. She shifter to the side slightly and kissed his cheek. She then went back to her original position. "Did you find what you were looking for? No... It also seems Jaken was with you. Did he say something to irritate you? Anzu? Ah, I see. Jaken is as short sighted as they come." Brigantia shook her head. It seemed that, latel, Sesshomaru need no longer speak. She knew what exactly what was bothering him. She had become extremely close to her mate. She had come to understand so much about him.

She set aside her sewing for a moment. She picked up her son, who giggled, immediatly snuggling against his mother, who held him close to her body. She smiled. "Anzu, love..." she whispered. Shekissed the boys cheek, who giggled again. She set him back down, and picked up Ichigo, who seemed somewhat iritated at her chewing being interupted, until she realized her father was so close. The girl reached out and gave Sesshomaru's hair a tug. Brigantia gently removed the strand from Ichigo's grip.

"Now look." She opened up her daughters hand. The beginings of a bruise was forming. "She seems to have gained my body... Anzu is hardly bruised at all. And so, you have nothing to worry about, and Jaken needs to watch his mouth. If he insults my baby again I shall have to sew his mouth shut." She commented in a playful manor. Though she didn't particularly enjoy giving pain, her children and her mate came above all else. Ichigo was placed back with her brother.

"The truth is I have no idea what to expect. I developed in a completely different way." She turned to her side, before turning back to Sesshomaru. "I lived six months of my life as this." she held out a catipillar. Her father had said she was adorable. Brigantia highly doubted it. Catipillars were not at all cute creatures. She placed the tiny animal back on it's leaf, ten picked up her sewing again. "But I think Anzu will be strong enough to succeed you. If not, you can always have another son." This last comment was given with a sly grin. SHe had learned not to be quite so embaressed around her partner, but, even so, a deffinate blush appeared on her cheeks.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshomaru stayed silent as Brigantia spoke. It was almost as if she read his mind. At first it had made him confused, and a little irritated that his thoughts couldn't be kept to himself anymore. He got over it after a while. Such was life. At least he wouldn't have to explain things as much now that she seemed to hear him speak, without him actually saying a word. It just seemed kind of unfair that he couldn't do the same thing. He wanted to agree what she said about Jaken, but she would already know that he agreed and only made him have no reason to speak.

Sesshomaru watched Brigantia pick one pup, and then the other. Seeing how differently they acted in being handled. Ichigo was going to be trouble. Including for him. He wasn't even taken by surprise when Ichigo grabbed onto his hair. He glared at her, an empty threat. He couldn't do anything to her. Of course not. Soon he hoped that she would get more interested in her own hair instead of his. Or Brigantia's hair. Just not his hair, or anything on his person.

Sesshomaru listened intently, his eyes taking in the forming wound on his daughters hand. She would have to take better care of herself. It wasn't that he had anything to worry about. Though his sons actions may not be lord material, he was still just a pup. Such thoughts were interrupted when Brigantia spoke her threat of Jaken. He couldn't help but smirk at the image that popped into his mind. Maybe she should do that just because?

Sesshomaru couldn't help but to be surprised when she spoke of a caterpillar....she was like that when she had been born? Kind of hard to believe, really. Nor did he want to imagine it. He dismissed the thought as fast as it had popped into his head. Sesshomaru stared at Brigantia for a few seconds, her last words entering his ears and leaving a small smirk on his face. "Even if he succeeds me," he began, leaning forward a bit to nibble lightly on her ear. "There will still be many sons to come." he whispered huskily, before sitting back up straight to watch the pups he already have entertain themselves.

There would be more once his own pups had grown. Many more.

[Birdie]

The words she had never expected to hear hit her ears, andshe turned her head slightly. THis only allowed his to nibble suggestively on her ear. She gasped, and what might have been a moan passed from her lips. Her flush darkened at the tiny sound that had come from her, in front of her children too. She turned her head away, though her bludh still evident, along with her ambaressement. SHe might be able to say things she could not at the begining of their relationship, but now she reacted to physical contact just the same.

"Aaah..." was all she could say in reply for a while. In truth she did want to have many more children. It was a dream handed down to her by her people. It was a dream she truely cared about. When she was able to speak again, and when the blush had gone down some Brigantia spoke.

"Right now though, I am really happy. Normally I would be dead at this point and my children seperated from me at their birth so that I might not get attached to them. I got to experiance something my motehr never got to. So I want to be a good mother, to honor my mother. I want to do what she never could." SHe said softly, her eyes downcast. Her body radiated this fact, that she was truely happy. A glow, she had it while she was pregnant, but now, this glow, it seemed to have grown. A natural beauty mothers seem to have because of their children.


Anzu took this moment to demand his mother's attnetion again. She tugged on her skirt, fake cring. Brigantia, beleiving it to be real scooped her child up, cooing and kissing him. Anzu giggled, and clung to Brigantia, who smiled at seeing her baby happy again. Ichigo, on the other hand, seemed upset that Anzu was getting all their mother's attention, and so also began to 'cry'. Poor Brigantia picked up her daughter, giving the child the same treatment. Ichigo was contented, and soon the twins were asleep in her arms. Each clinging to their favorite doll.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshomaru loved her reaction to him. It made his smirk grew just a bit, revealing more of his canine teeth. Such an adorable blush. He had never met anyone that could change colors as she did. He kept an eyes on her out of the corner of his eyes, listening to her speak. Her words leaving him looking thoughtfully at the twins. If she had been a full demon, then his pups wouldn't grow up with a mother. He would lose his mate, and it would be all gone...he knew that he could never take care of them on his own. He lacked the most needed things for pups. He didn't want to think about it. Not ever, since it wouldn't be happening. It didn't matter.

Sesshomaru watched silently as Anzu and Ichigo were tended to. Both yearning for their mother's attention. It was cute to watch. His pups, and his mate. His family, the only one he would have, the only he would allow. No one else entered in that category. Not his half-brother, not his father, and not his mother (after what she had said to Brigantia) It was just these three special people. After his pups grew up to fend for themselves, then there would be more. There won't be a shortage of intaiyokai heirs. Not in his lifetime at least.

Sesshomaru finally looked away from the scene to look around his surroundings. Everything so calm, so serene. And yet once his family was out of sight it was the complete opposite. There was still so much to do. So much to tend to. So many enemies, old and new that he would be protecting his family from. Hell and heaven at the same place.