The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Child

Chapter 102 - The Child *Parental Love* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Before he left the palace, Sesshoumaru made sure to stop and visit with Rin. She had been so excited to see him when he first arrived, but he had been eager to get what needed doing done. Now that all of his tasks were finished, it was time to spend a few minutes with his little girl.

When the taiyoukai entered the library where she was taking her lessons, Rin popped up and ran to his side, once again throwing her arms around his legs. "My Lord, Rin is so happy to see you! You were gone for so very long!"

Sesshoumaru patted her head and gestured for her to sit, shooting a glare at her tutors who quickly got the message and left them alone. He crouched down beside where she sat so he could be at eye level. "Indeed, I was. It was beyond my control, but I apologize for worrying you. Have you been well?"

"Bored," she answered. "I hate the winter. Is it almost over? Rin wants to travel with Lord Sesshoumaru!"

"Spring is coming," he said with a nod, "and we will be traveling again soon, though we will have additional companions this time."

Rin's eyes widened, giving away her eagerness.  "Who?"

"The miko, Kagome, and her traveling companions," he started, and then paused for dramatic effect, knowing that she would be thrilled when he told her, "including the young kitsune."

"Shippo?!" she yelled before covering her mouth and mumbling apologies. She started again at a much more bearable level. "We'll be traveling with Lady Kagome and Shippo? Rin will finally have someone to play with!"

"Indeed you will," he said with a smirk. "Rin, there is something that I wish to discuss with you." His little girl looked up at him in question, batting her eyelashes in an adorable fashion. "You do know that this Sesshoumaru cares for you, yes?"

"Oh, yes!" Rin answered quickly. "Lord Sesshoumaru takes very good care of Rin."

Sesshoumaru shook his head. "That is not what I meant. I care about you, Rin."

The child's eyes widened, glimmering with the warning of tears. "You... you do?"

"Of course I do. I thought you knew."

"I knew Lord Sesshoumaru will always protect me and that you don't like it when Rin gets hurt, but you..."

"I consider you my daughter," he said softly, remembering how much it had meant to Shippo when Kagome spoke similar words. "Like my own pup." He carefully wiped away a tear that escaped the corner of her eye. He ached to pull her into his arms, but he didn't know how. He had never done something like this before. Kagome was the first person to ever see something other than his emotionless mask.

Thankfully, Rin did know how to handle such a declaration as she threw herself at him, wrapping her little arms around his neck. He allowed his arms to surround her as well, and he held her close, surprised by the strange feeling in his chest. He thought only Kagome could make him feel such a thing, but apparently Rin mattered to him just as much as the miko.

"Rin loves you, too," the little girl cried against him, and though he hadn't actually said those words to her, he decided not to correct her. He did love her, after all, even if he didn't know how to say it just yet. "I love you, Papa."

Sesshoumaru smiled softly. Kagome had been right. Rin did wish to call him by something other than Lord Sesshoumaru, but it wasn't Father as he suggested. The miko had given him two more things, a pup that knew he loved her and a new name. Papa.