April 2010 Week 4
Title:How It Could Have Been; ch 43, Nursery Talk
Author:petalears
Universe:Alternate
Rating:PG
Summary:Awaiting the new arrival.
Quote:Many a true word is spoken in jest. -English Proverb
Nursery Talk
"No My Sesshoumaru, you can’t wait with me while your mother has the pup; you will be needed to wait with Inuyasha and Michiko."
"I don’t see why I should have to stay with the nursemaid as if I were a small whelp." Sesshoumaru said sulkily.
"You cannot stay with me Sesshoumaru; I will be with your mother. Besides I wish for my other pups to be together at this time, so that I know where you all are when I come to collect you. I don’t intend to be chasing around the Palace in search of you all."
"You are going into the birthing chamber while Mother is actually whelping? That’s just...that’s just wrong...it’s no place for a male..." Sesshoumaru was horrified at the thought, and it showed clearly on his shocked and appalled face.
"My Pup, you do not know of what you speak; there has been nothing greater in my life than the moment when your mother birthed you and then your sister into my own hands. Alas I did not have that experience with Inuyasha, but I shall with your new brother. There is nothing to compare with the joy of being the first to hold such a precious gift as your own child; or the trust your mother has in allowing me to do so. Even the creation of that life pales into insignificance, when you as a father are presented with your offspring." Inu no Taishou smothered a grin at the expression of disgust that flashed over the face of his still innocent and prudish elder son at the mention of his parents’ procreation.
"Very well, but surely I can stay in my study; I have office work to finish..."
"You will stay with your brother and sister Sesshoumaru; Jaken can bring you anything you might require. You are acting as if you are afraid to stay with the pups My Son; do the whelps frighten you? You won’t be alone with them you know; Takara is a most capable nursemaid."
"Of course I’m not afraid of the pups Father, you insult me; you think I cannot handle my siblings without trouble?" Sesshoumaru was affronted and his father was trying so hard not to smile, albeit fondly, at his easily provoked son.
"I’m not mocking you My Son, but a couple of pups confined for who knows how long are enough to frighten anyone or at least make them want to tear their hair out. Still they can use the nursery garden and Takara won’t take any nonsense from them; she was strict enough when I was under her care, let alone when you were. Although I have to confess, I think she has a soft spot for Inuyasha, it’s probably his ears.
"Surely you jest Papa...they are hardly much more than babies themselves." The younger youkai said haughtily and Inu no Taishou just shook his head ruefully, Sesshoumaru would have to find out for himself. Inu no Taishou gave his disgruntled son a hug and sent him on his way, before leaving for the birthing chamber and his mate. But Sesshoumaru couldn’t stay grumpy for long, especially when he was bombarded by his younger siblings the moment he entered the nursery. They were both highly excited and wanted to know how long it would be before they could see their new brother. Sesshoumaru tried to calm them down and explain that no one knew how long it would be, pups were born when they were ready and not before.
The sensible homily should have impressed the younger pups to leave him alone and stop asking ridiculous questions, but it didn’t, much to his annoyance. They wanted to know what the name was and what colour his eyes and hair would be; at this Sesshoumaru heaved a heavy sigh and said sarcastically he thought they would be gold and silver. The sarcasm though was completely wasted and rolled like water off a duck’s back as far as the pups were concerned; but they did finally leave Sesshoumaru alone on his suggestion that if they wanted the time to go faster, they should find something to occupy themselves, as he was going to do.
The older brother heaved a sigh of relief as the other two rushed outside to play; he spared a grateful thought that they were a companionable little pair and that Inuyasha hadn’t reached the age where he considered playing with girls was beneath his dignity. His peace didn’t last long, ten minutes later they were back and asking if the baby had arrived yet. He patiently answered in the negative and they rushed out again nearly knocking Jaken over as he came in with some paperwork for Sesshoumaru to consider. He had just got it in some semblance of order when he was interrupted by two eager faces staring up into his, and asking the same question, had their brother arrived?
The answer still being a resounding ‘no’, the pair rushed off to start a pattern of behaviour; that of racing around the large nursery garden several times before coming in to ask yet again. Sesshoumaru voiced the opinion to Takara that they would soon tire of the activity and she huffed in amusement at his naivety. Of course rushing in and being bellowed at ‘no’ before they asked now, was a source of merriment in itself and besides, winding their big brother up was great fun. After an hour or so of this, Sesshoumaru had had enough and he jumped up, chasing the pair out and around the garden in annoyance; but adding much to their enjoyment and eventually his own.
After another hour, the three siblings called a halt to the game and came in, the younger two especially tired and by now hungry. The day had started early for them and now they realised that they had missed breakfast. Takara however had not forgotten them and had called for refreshment; there was fruit, juice and water and meats with rice and the pups tucked in with relish, including Sesshoumaru. Once they were replete, the excitement had dulled a little and they were ready to be entertained a little more quietly, much to the older one’s relief.
He settled down to his work at the desk while Inuyasha and Michiko played with some of their indoor toys, carved animals and dolls; or there was paper and charcoal scrounged from the fire-pit should they wish to draw. A form of peace descended and Sesshoumaru was grateful, he wanted to get on without disturbance. But he couldn’t help listening to the younger pups as they whispered to each other, his ears picking up the words more clearly than if they had been speaking normally. Michiko was beginning to whine;
"Why does it take so long for Mama to go and get the baby? Why couldn’t we go too?" Her sigh came up from her toes and Inuyasha laughed softly at his little sister’s lack of technical knowledge. The child did know that her mother was carrying the new pup, she had felt it move but it was now obvious that she didn’t know how the pup would be born.
"Silly Michiko, Mama hasn’t gone anywhere; the pup has to come out of her tummy." Was the condescending reply from Inuyasha. Michiko thought for a moment.
"How does it do that; it won’t split Mama open will it?" The girl worried; unable to see how this miracle could happen without harming her mother. Sesshoumaru’s ears pricked up at the question but he kept very silent, not wanting to be involved in any of the discussion.
"You isn’t thinking properly; if it split her open it would have when Shu was born and you." As always Inuyasha’s speech slipped when he started to worry.
"And when you were."
"No, you know I has a different Mama to you."
"I forgotted...did your Mama do the same thing as my Mama when you was born." Michiko’s speech now echoed her brother’s, which was unusual for the normally very correct little girl.
"I ‘spose; their bodies look the same I think." Inuyasha squinted, trying to picture both females in his head.
"Well how did she get you out?"
"Mama said when Hanako was born that there was a special place for a baby to come out."
"Where? I is very confused Inuyasha; how did the pup get in Mama’s tummy anyway?"
"Oh I know that; Papa planted a seed in our Mama’s tummies." Inuyasha said, proudly showing off his superior learning. By now Sesshoumaru wanted to get out of the room, he was dreading the pups remembering that he was there, and he didn’t want to answer any awkward questions. In fact his heart rate was rising under the tension he was under and if he didn’t calm down soon, the young ones would pick up on his scent. Yet at the same time he had a morbid interest in finding out just how much Inuyasha thought he knew.
"Where did he planted the seed?
"I dunno; I’s not really thought about it." And Inuyasha dismissed the matter from his mind and carried on drawing, and for a short while Michiko did the same. Sesshoumaru relaxed and his breathing calmed down until;
"I know where it is, it must be her belly button. I bet that’s where Papa planted the seed and when the pup is ready it opens up and the pup comes out." Michiko was triumphant, she had solved the mystery. But Inuyasha wasn’t so sure; he placed his hand over his own stomach.
"Why do boys have belly buttons then? I’s not going to have a pup...is I?"
"Boys don’t have pups, silly." Michiko crowed, pleased to get one over her learned brother. Inuyasha frowned at her but then his face brightened as illumination struck;
"When I isn’t feeling very well, Mama giveded me herbs wrapped in sweet rice. I bet that’s what Papa did with the seed. He hid it in their food."
"Maybe, but why did he hided it...didn’t Mamas want us?"
"Corse they did...but it’s...ro...romantic to hide presents."
"Does that mean Mamas were sick to have us?"
"No, I told you there is a special place."
"I’m gonna go and ask Sesshoumaru then if you doesn’t know."
"Shu is busy Michiko, he will get cross."
"He’s never cross with me...I is gonna ask." Michiko got up quickly followed by Inuyasha, much to their older brother’s horror. But he was saved by Takara who had been watching and listening with great amusement to all three of her charges; nothing had escaped her notice. She would save her laughter however until she could share the discussion with Inu no Taishou and her Ladyship, and where her recounting of Sesshoumaru’s narrow escape wouldn’t hurt the young Prince’s pride.
"Leave your brother alone you two, he is very busy; come here and let me explain." The two pups eagerly went to her. "You are partly correct Inuyasha, there are special places for babies of youkai and humans and special places to plant the seed. You will learn more as you get older, but for now it is not something you need concern yourselves with. Your Mamas were not harmed by giving birth to any of their children and if I’m not mistaken..."
She didn’t need to say anything else, all of them had scented their father as he approached and his youki flared to reach out to them. They waited in anticipation as Inu no Taishou entered the nursery, a great smile on his face and acknowledging his son and heir, placed the new pup into Sesshoumaru’s arms. He picked up the other two in his now empty arms so that they could all see their new brother.
"He will be been named Hiroto; he is strong already and your mother is tired but well. You may see her soon."
Author:petalears
Universe:Alternate
Rating:PG
Summary:Awaiting the new arrival.
Quote:Many a true word is spoken in jest. -English Proverb
Nursery Talk
"No My Sesshoumaru, you can’t wait with me while your mother has the pup; you will be needed to wait with Inuyasha and Michiko."
"I don’t see why I should have to stay with the nursemaid as if I were a small whelp." Sesshoumaru said sulkily.
"You cannot stay with me Sesshoumaru; I will be with your mother. Besides I wish for my other pups to be together at this time, so that I know where you all are when I come to collect you. I don’t intend to be chasing around the Palace in search of you all."
"You are going into the birthing chamber while Mother is actually whelping? That’s just...that’s just wrong...it’s no place for a male..." Sesshoumaru was horrified at the thought, and it showed clearly on his shocked and appalled face.
"My Pup, you do not know of what you speak; there has been nothing greater in my life than the moment when your mother birthed you and then your sister into my own hands. Alas I did not have that experience with Inuyasha, but I shall with your new brother. There is nothing to compare with the joy of being the first to hold such a precious gift as your own child; or the trust your mother has in allowing me to do so. Even the creation of that life pales into insignificance, when you as a father are presented with your offspring." Inu no Taishou smothered a grin at the expression of disgust that flashed over the face of his still innocent and prudish elder son at the mention of his parents’ procreation.
"Very well, but surely I can stay in my study; I have office work to finish..."
"You will stay with your brother and sister Sesshoumaru; Jaken can bring you anything you might require. You are acting as if you are afraid to stay with the pups My Son; do the whelps frighten you? You won’t be alone with them you know; Takara is a most capable nursemaid."
"Of course I’m not afraid of the pups Father, you insult me; you think I cannot handle my siblings without trouble?" Sesshoumaru was affronted and his father was trying so hard not to smile, albeit fondly, at his easily provoked son.
"I’m not mocking you My Son, but a couple of pups confined for who knows how long are enough to frighten anyone or at least make them want to tear their hair out. Still they can use the nursery garden and Takara won’t take any nonsense from them; she was strict enough when I was under her care, let alone when you were. Although I have to confess, I think she has a soft spot for Inuyasha, it’s probably his ears.
"Surely you jest Papa...they are hardly much more than babies themselves." The younger youkai said haughtily and Inu no Taishou just shook his head ruefully, Sesshoumaru would have to find out for himself. Inu no Taishou gave his disgruntled son a hug and sent him on his way, before leaving for the birthing chamber and his mate. But Sesshoumaru couldn’t stay grumpy for long, especially when he was bombarded by his younger siblings the moment he entered the nursery. They were both highly excited and wanted to know how long it would be before they could see their new brother. Sesshoumaru tried to calm them down and explain that no one knew how long it would be, pups were born when they were ready and not before.
The sensible homily should have impressed the younger pups to leave him alone and stop asking ridiculous questions, but it didn’t, much to his annoyance. They wanted to know what the name was and what colour his eyes and hair would be; at this Sesshoumaru heaved a heavy sigh and said sarcastically he thought they would be gold and silver. The sarcasm though was completely wasted and rolled like water off a duck’s back as far as the pups were concerned; but they did finally leave Sesshoumaru alone on his suggestion that if they wanted the time to go faster, they should find something to occupy themselves, as he was going to do.
The older brother heaved a sigh of relief as the other two rushed outside to play; he spared a grateful thought that they were a companionable little pair and that Inuyasha hadn’t reached the age where he considered playing with girls was beneath his dignity. His peace didn’t last long, ten minutes later they were back and asking if the baby had arrived yet. He patiently answered in the negative and they rushed out again nearly knocking Jaken over as he came in with some paperwork for Sesshoumaru to consider. He had just got it in some semblance of order when he was interrupted by two eager faces staring up into his, and asking the same question, had their brother arrived?
The answer still being a resounding ‘no’, the pair rushed off to start a pattern of behaviour; that of racing around the large nursery garden several times before coming in to ask yet again. Sesshoumaru voiced the opinion to Takara that they would soon tire of the activity and she huffed in amusement at his naivety. Of course rushing in and being bellowed at ‘no’ before they asked now, was a source of merriment in itself and besides, winding their big brother up was great fun. After an hour or so of this, Sesshoumaru had had enough and he jumped up, chasing the pair out and around the garden in annoyance; but adding much to their enjoyment and eventually his own.
After another hour, the three siblings called a halt to the game and came in, the younger two especially tired and by now hungry. The day had started early for them and now they realised that they had missed breakfast. Takara however had not forgotten them and had called for refreshment; there was fruit, juice and water and meats with rice and the pups tucked in with relish, including Sesshoumaru. Once they were replete, the excitement had dulled a little and they were ready to be entertained a little more quietly, much to the older one’s relief.
He settled down to his work at the desk while Inuyasha and Michiko played with some of their indoor toys, carved animals and dolls; or there was paper and charcoal scrounged from the fire-pit should they wish to draw. A form of peace descended and Sesshoumaru was grateful, he wanted to get on without disturbance. But he couldn’t help listening to the younger pups as they whispered to each other, his ears picking up the words more clearly than if they had been speaking normally. Michiko was beginning to whine;
"Why does it take so long for Mama to go and get the baby? Why couldn’t we go too?" Her sigh came up from her toes and Inuyasha laughed softly at his little sister’s lack of technical knowledge. The child did know that her mother was carrying the new pup, she had felt it move but it was now obvious that she didn’t know how the pup would be born.
"Silly Michiko, Mama hasn’t gone anywhere; the pup has to come out of her tummy." Was the condescending reply from Inuyasha. Michiko thought for a moment.
"How does it do that; it won’t split Mama open will it?" The girl worried; unable to see how this miracle could happen without harming her mother. Sesshoumaru’s ears pricked up at the question but he kept very silent, not wanting to be involved in any of the discussion.
"You isn’t thinking properly; if it split her open it would have when Shu was born and you." As always Inuyasha’s speech slipped when he started to worry.
"And when you were."
"No, you know I has a different Mama to you."
"I forgotted...did your Mama do the same thing as my Mama when you was born." Michiko’s speech now echoed her brother’s, which was unusual for the normally very correct little girl.
"I ‘spose; their bodies look the same I think." Inuyasha squinted, trying to picture both females in his head.
"Well how did she get you out?"
"Mama said when Hanako was born that there was a special place for a baby to come out."
"Where? I is very confused Inuyasha; how did the pup get in Mama’s tummy anyway?"
"Oh I know that; Papa planted a seed in our Mama’s tummies." Inuyasha said, proudly showing off his superior learning. By now Sesshoumaru wanted to get out of the room, he was dreading the pups remembering that he was there, and he didn’t want to answer any awkward questions. In fact his heart rate was rising under the tension he was under and if he didn’t calm down soon, the young ones would pick up on his scent. Yet at the same time he had a morbid interest in finding out just how much Inuyasha thought he knew.
"Where did he planted the seed?
"I dunno; I’s not really thought about it." And Inuyasha dismissed the matter from his mind and carried on drawing, and for a short while Michiko did the same. Sesshoumaru relaxed and his breathing calmed down until;
"I know where it is, it must be her belly button. I bet that’s where Papa planted the seed and when the pup is ready it opens up and the pup comes out." Michiko was triumphant, she had solved the mystery. But Inuyasha wasn’t so sure; he placed his hand over his own stomach.
"Why do boys have belly buttons then? I’s not going to have a pup...is I?"
"Boys don’t have pups, silly." Michiko crowed, pleased to get one over her learned brother. Inuyasha frowned at her but then his face brightened as illumination struck;
"When I isn’t feeling very well, Mama giveded me herbs wrapped in sweet rice. I bet that’s what Papa did with the seed. He hid it in their food."
"Maybe, but why did he hided it...didn’t Mamas want us?"
"Corse they did...but it’s...ro...romantic to hide presents."
"Does that mean Mamas were sick to have us?"
"No, I told you there is a special place."
"I’m gonna go and ask Sesshoumaru then if you doesn’t know."
"Shu is busy Michiko, he will get cross."
"He’s never cross with me...I is gonna ask." Michiko got up quickly followed by Inuyasha, much to their older brother’s horror. But he was saved by Takara who had been watching and listening with great amusement to all three of her charges; nothing had escaped her notice. She would save her laughter however until she could share the discussion with Inu no Taishou and her Ladyship, and where her recounting of Sesshoumaru’s narrow escape wouldn’t hurt the young Prince’s pride.
"Leave your brother alone you two, he is very busy; come here and let me explain." The two pups eagerly went to her. "You are partly correct Inuyasha, there are special places for babies of youkai and humans and special places to plant the seed. You will learn more as you get older, but for now it is not something you need concern yourselves with. Your Mamas were not harmed by giving birth to any of their children and if I’m not mistaken..."
She didn’t need to say anything else, all of them had scented their father as he approached and his youki flared to reach out to them. They waited in anticipation as Inu no Taishou entered the nursery, a great smile on his face and acknowledging his son and heir, placed the new pup into Sesshoumaru’s arms. He picked up the other two in his now empty arms so that they could all see their new brother.
"He will be been named Hiroto; he is strong already and your mother is tired but well. You may see her soon."