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Sighing out loudly Rin stared at her large pregnant stomach as she sat up against the wall against some pillows for comfort. She could just see her toes peeking over the bulge of her torso where she carried her girls and groaned at how swollen they looked.
“What is troubling you Rin?” Sesshomaru asked from where he sat close to her with his back also against the wall.
“I am very bored my lord.” Rin replied wiggling her toes. “All I have done for a month now is sit around, lay about and do nothing. I am ready for these two to be born already.” Straightening herself out somewhat she sighed again. “I never realized how uncomfortable being pregnant was especially in the summer.”
“Do you require anything?” He questioned glancing at her.
“A walk would be nice, not far, just to the stream and back so I can cool off.” Rin said.
“Fine.” Standing he assisted her too as well taking both of her hands in his and pulling her to her feet.
“Phew, dizzy.” Holding onto his hands for a moment until her head cleared she closed her eyes and felt his arm around her to steady herself.
“Perhaps it is not a good idea to go out in the heat.” He offered softly.
“No. I need to get out of here. The walls are starting to close in on me.” Rin affirmed opening her eyes.
“Very well.” Walking her outside it was unusual for her for Sesshomaru to be so close beside her. She had always followed him but since she had become pregnant he was right next to her with hardly any space for her to turn around. It was endearing at first and Rin was enthralled that her lord was so attentive to her and present. As the months had waned on however she became mildly irritated by it when Sesshomaru was not really doing anything wrong other than making sure she was well attended to and taken care of.
The issue was she had no freedom to do what she wanted with her husband on top of her all day and night and now the cumbersome effects of her pregnancy were at their peak in her ninth month she felt as if she would snap at any moment, a feeling she didn’t like at all.
Now as they walked and he was far too close to her for her own comfort she glanced at him and sucked in a breath. “Lord Sesshomaru, you can go ahead of me like you always have done and I will follow behind you.”
“That would not be wise in your condition.” Sesshomaru said.
“Okay but do you have to walk so close to me?” Rin asked glancing at him.
“You nearly fell over in the hut just now…”
“I’m fine now. Please, you’re suffocating me with being so close all the time. It’s too hot for this.” Rin said somewhat haughtily. Without saying a word he did put a small amount of distance between them but still remained by her side.
Coming to the river Rin could nearly cry in relief that she would get to dip her hands in it and her feet. She imagined wading in to her thighs and wetting her hair to rinse the sweat out of it. If she could have run she would have but waddling was all she could currently manage.
The days before there had been quite a bit of rain and the current seemed stronger than usual. Before Rin could get to the riverbank Sesshomaru stopped her.
“The current is too strong for you to go in.” He said.
“No, it is just fine.” Rin retorted walking ahead. Moving ahead of her quickly she looked up at him with one of disbelief.
“I will not risk you or our daughters simply so you can cool off.” Sesshomaru said. “I will bring the water to you to fill your washtub so you can soak in it but the river is off limits.” Staring at him incredulously she was beyond shocked. He had never denied her anything, not a single request, and now in her hour of utter discomfort and need he was not allowing her to do as she pleased.
“You are not stopping me Lord Sesshomaru. I am going in that river and I know that you would not allow me to be swept away.” Rin replied feeling her pressure rise. Attempting to walk past him she was seized in his strong arms to be carried away. “Put me down. Just….ooooo….just get away from me Sesshomaru. You’re making me crazy.”
As soon as the words left her lips she felt awful but still he carried her back to her hut that sat on the outskirts of the village. Placing her down on the ground he went around to the side of the hut and easily picked up the wooden wash tub.
“Stay here.” He ordered much in the same way he would when she was younger. Watching him walk off she huffed and stomped her foot as if she were a small child. Going back into her hut she looked around the space suddenly feeling one of the twins jab her in the side.
“Oh, please don’t wake up your sister.” She bemoaned rubbing at the spot. “All you two do is fight it feels like.” Walking in further to her home she thought back to only a few months prior when the twins had just begun to move around with their fluttery movements. It had been wonderful and filled her with such emotion she felt as if her heart would burst. Now it was old. Shedding her outer kimono she grasped her teacup from her shelf and grasped her kettle from over the hot embers of her hearth to pour some tea.
Sipping at it she went back to her pile of pillows kneeling to better arrange them before practically rolling against them to slouch against them. Watching her stomach twitch and squirm with the movement she did smile to herself. “Almost time, anytime actually you both would like to be born would be great.”
Placing her cup on her stomach she stretched her arms above her head watching as it wobbled on her but didn’t threaten to fall off. Looking up at the door as Sesshomaru entered she smiled at him clearly entertained.
“Lord Sesshomaru, look what I can do.” Pointing at the teacup he looked at her for a moment as if in question.
“I am glad that you are having fun with the twins but don’t you think that using your pregnant belly as a support for your hot tea is…”
“Don’t start.” Rin said her smiled immediately faltering. “I am extremely bored because of your superprotective behavior.”
“I understand that my presence and attentiveness is not what either of us has become accustomed to however it is my responsibility to ensure that you are taken care of during this time.” Sesshomaru explained.
“I understand that as well, but you can leave me alone for more than a few moments and I won’t die, promise.” Rin countered.
“Well, you certainly aren’t one to spare feelings today.” He replied smirking somewhat in amusement. “It is a change from your usual self.”
“I am bored and irritated and I want them out.” Rin fussed taking the teacup off her stomach.
“Come outside. The water is waiting for you.” He said walking out.
“Hey. Wait, Lord Sesshomaru, I can’t get up on my own.” Rin called out. Going back in she saw the sheer amusement on his face.
“Now you would like me by your side?” He questioned somewhat sarcastically.
“Stop being mean and help me up. You know I can’t get up on my own.” She retorted. Assisting her once again she looked up at him with a small pout. “Don’t be a jerk.”
“Am I? I was merely matching your mood my dear.” He stated.
“No, you are not allowed. I am the one who is ridiculously pregnant and you aren’t. You need to be nice to me.” She said.
“Have I ever been cruel to you, aside from occasional teasing?”
“No. I am not meaning to be mean or cruel to you I am worn out.”
“I know Rin. I will not begin to understand what this is like for you. I was warned beforehand by Miroku that pregnant human women can be emotional, irrational, and somewhat hostile; especially towards the end of their pregnancies.”
“Oh?” Rin queried, raising a brow.
“Yes. While at the time I didn’t put much merit to it now I am glad that he prepared me for this otherwise your words may actually hurt.” Sesshomaru said. Instantly Rin felt bad and she relaxed her body, not realizing how tense she was.
“I don’t want to hurt you. I love you Lord Sesshomaru. I really am very happy about becoming a proper family but…”
“There is no reason to explain. We will get through this and carry on just as we have always done, with everything that has presented itself to us.”
“Yes.” Rin agreed. Taking his hand in hers she sighed, feeling a bit better. “My lord, will you assist me in the tub?”
“Yes.” Sesshomaru said with a nod following her out.