InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ Out of the Bag ( Chapter 36 )

Chapter 36 Out of the Bag

 

(Sesshoumaru's POV) (What our favorite dog demons were up to right after Inu's transformation…^_^)

 

Breathtaking. Undeniably and wondrously breathtaking. 

 

That's the only words I could come up with to define the changes in Inuyasha's appearance. As I reluctantly stood back and watched him as he looked over the changes in his outward appearance, my instincts were going mad. Wait no longer. Claim now. Is ripe for the picking. While I agreed with them wholeheartedly, I knew he was still in shock from his transformation. Plus I did not intend to incur Tibade's wrath by doing anything before he had a chance to examine and talk to Inuyasha.

 

“It's hard to believe this is really me I'm looking at,” Inuyasha said suddenly, startling me out of my musings. I smiled at him as I watched him turn to-and-fro in front of the mirror. As if I wasn't having enough trouble, keeping myself in check Koi began to disrobe. Looks delicious. Touch. Taste. I knew it was just my current state causing it to appear so, but it seemed he was shedding each piece of clothing with a sensual slowness that made my loins tighten.

 

Apparently all of the time we'd spent together intimately over the past few weeks had gotten rid of any awkwardness he had about being nude in my presence. Good. He was soon standing in front of me as bare as the day he was born. He didn't have the stripes on his wrists and ankles like those that I have but he did have a lavender one on each hip that curved around and stopped right before his navel. Dazzling… it was a rather nice accent to that beautifully muscled stomach of his.

 

He turned around. “Well, you like what you see, Ru?” he all-but purred in a voice that was sure to send chills up my spine and down to my groin for eternity.

 

“Yes I do indeed.”

“Well, why don't you come over here and see if I feel as good as I look.”

 

I couldn't help but smirk at his choice of words. Over time, Inuyasha has proven to be a rather passionate creature. Wanton even. I liked that about him. Perfect mate. Need to please. Oh, the voice knows me so well but I think it's siding with Inuyasha. “Did you not hear Tibade's instructions for us to behave, little one?”

 

He gave me a mischievous grin and proceeded to saunter that gloriously defined naked body of his over to me. His new height was going to take some getting use to but there was still enough difference in my favor that him tilting his head up to look at me was not uncalled for. He soon stood in front of me toying with the collar of my haori trying his best to look innocent. “Yes I did,” he began as he moved his hands from my collar to run long, clawed fingers teasingly down my sides, “but I figured as long as we don't misbehave any more than we have been here recently we should be fine.” The grin on his face went from mischievous to positively wicked in the space of a heartbeat.

 

I slid my arms around his waist and he melted to me like candle wax would in the presence of a flame. I moved one hand down to that firm behind of his as my other one slid up to entwine in the hair at the nape of his neck. We stayed like this for a few moments before he pulled away from me so he had just enough space to get his hands in-between our bodies so he could start untying my obi. He seemed to be fond of undressing me, so I let him.

 

I found that I rather enjoyed that inclination of his.

 

The moment my top and undershirt were off, I attacked his lips because I could really stand it no longer. I have found that my desire for him seems to grow every day. He can be involved in doing the most mundane things and before I've realized it, I'm in motion and I have him in my arms. Not that he seemed to care but in a way it alarmed me that he could do this to my mind, my body and my senses.

 

Before long he had, his arms wound around my neck while kissing me with such reckless abandon it took my breath away. When we did, part for air he dropped to his knees and all but shredded my pants to be rid of them. My fundoshi followed in the same manner. Before I could comment on this, his mouth completely engulfed my semi-erect member and my knees almost gave out at the sudden sensation.

 

He was doing things to me with his mouth and tongue that had me speechless for a while. When I finally could form words, I told him if he was going to continue that we needed to move towards the bed. He looked up at me and made a big show of slowly licking my fluids off his lips. A shiver raced up my spine and before I could recover, he had picked me up and we were on the bed with him between my legs again. 

 

I'd never seen him move that quickly and to my knowledge, he'd never picked me up before. I was truly stunned. It was not that I thought him incapable of doing so it was just the fact that he'd simply never done it before. All thoughts were soon tossed aside as he continued his earlier ministrations.

 

He was alternating between swirling his tongue around the head of my shaft and sucking on it from base to tip in a way that was driving my body wonderfully mad. Don't stop him. Surrender to the sensation. Stop him?! Why in all the hells would I stop him? My instincts did not have to worry about me doing anything of the sort. I felt a familiar tightening in my lower stomach just as he decided to cease what he was doing and switch to kissing and nipping on my inner thighs. I growled my displeasure, my want, my need at him and he chuckled in response.

 

“What's the matter, Ru?” he asked coyly.

 

A response was on the tip of my tongue but was forgotten as soon as he decided to draw my sack into that heated mouth of his. Oh, the things he has learned to do with his tongue. At one point, I thought my ability to think was lost altogether, and if that had been the case, it would have been a trade worth making. I really would have never pegged my younger brother to be so lascivious in the bedroom.

 

What a pleasant surprise for me.

 

He soon deemed it time to return to his initial endeavor and it wasn't long before my climax was imminent again. As he sped up his actions, one of my hands found its way into his hair and the other was clutching the sheets of our bed like a vise. Inuyasha had me moaning and writhing around like a bitch in heat and I didn't care.

 

When my climax struck my back arched so hard, I thought it might snap. My breath was ragged and my head was spinning. When I finally did come to my senses I looked down just as Koi finished pumping the last of my seed out of my member. The back of his hand was coated in it. He met my unfocused eyes with a lust-filled gaze that told me we were far from done.

 

He watched me for a moment before he brought his hand up to his face. Never taking his eyes off mine, he took that talented tongue of his and slowly licked his hand clean. That stirred something within me because a split second later I had pounced on him and pinned him beneath me. As I licked up the side of his neck I asked, “Mind if I return the favor?”

 

He bucked his hips and moaned. That was all the answer I needed.

 

(Miroku's POV)

 

As I sat in my room thinking over the day's events I simply could not believe how good Inuyasha looked. By the gods, he was damn good looking before but after his “coming of age,” he was positively striking. I was trying hard not to stare when we were following the Inu couple back into the palace but I knew I failed at that miserably.

 

In order to cool off and calm down I figured I'd do some meditating. I'd just gotten into a light state of trance when…

 

- -I can feel him watching me.--

 

…came through from Inuyasha, when nothing immediately followed I shook it off and tried to reenter my trance. I'd just gotten my breathing soft and shallow when it happened again.

 

--I guess I'm gonna have to send out an invitation for him to touch. I can't believe he's just going to stand there and eyeball me.--

 

I was stunned at his choice of words and I prayed this was not leading where I thought it was going to lead. I knew I heard Tibade tell them both to behave.

 

--Behave my ass. I don't see why we can't do what we've been doing for the last few weeks. Damn, why's he hesitating? I know what'll fix that, I'll give him that look I gave him a few nights ago… that worked like a charm.--

 

DEAR KAMI!! I couldn't believe I was sitting there in the lotus position listening to Inuyasha-of all people-think out his plan of seduction.

 

--Well it's about time he moved. Oh yeah that's it, one hand on my ass and the other fisted in my hair…heaven.

 

I was so glad I wasn't eating; if I had been, I would have choked on my meal. This was simply too much but as wrong as it was for me to be a part of it I was captivated by it; besides that, I seemed powerless to stop it. All attempts to block it out had failed. My last ditch effort was to try and do some yoga, maybe being physically active while focusing would do the trick.

 

--Yeah all this frickin' clothing he wears all the time has to go. But I must admit it's like unwrapping my favorite gift every time. --

 

Focus and balance, I tell myself over and over again…FOCUS! I screamed to myself as I pulled one leg up behind my back.

 

--I don't think I'll ever tire of him kissing me. Nothing makes me hotter faster. As much as I enjoy his hands all over my body this is the thing that really get my blood flowing.--

 

The Gods are not smiling on me today.

 

--Heh heh, I bet he didn't see that coming. Fuck, he tastes good. I never thought I'd find myself craving dick, but I do. I just wish I could get the whole thing in my mouth when it's fully erect like I can now… oh well practice makes perfect.--

 

I fell off the one leg I was standing on and nearly face planted right in the middle of my bedroom floor. Who would have ever thought Yash could be such a hentai!?

 

--I guess I have him feeling a little weak in the knees. So, he wants to move this to the bed fine we'll move, but we'll do it my way and do it swiftly. I'm in no mood to wait.--

 

Can't do this, can't do this, can't do this. I knew there was no way I was going to make it through this with my sanity intact. What's weird is the fact this entire scenario was like a duel edged sword: on one side it was torturous, on the other side it was definitely the most arousing thing I'd ever been a part of in my life.

 

--He's trying hard to hold himself together but I know once I start really sucking on him he'll lose it. Well what do ya know I did manage to get the entire thing down my throat…and he REALLY seems to like that.--

 

By all that I hold holy, I thought I was done for. I'd tried and tried but my wayward body just would not listen. I truly felt like a letch for being turned on but there was only so much a man could take.

 

I decided to do some breathing exercises and use every bit of willpower I had to force my body to calm down and relax. Once I got myself as much under control as I thought I was going to get I crossed my room, opened the door, and ran like hell for Tibade's.

 

 

(Tibade's POV)

 

The Imp had regained consciousness a little while ago and I had him propped up on a futon sipping on some of Hikari's infamous herbal soup. He had been convinced that Lord Kiryoku had returned from the grave. When I told him, it was Inuyasha that he'd seen in the hall he stared at me in disbelief.

 

We were in the midst of discussing the changes that were happening and the upcoming mating between the two lords when a hurried and insistent knock sounded on my door. One sniff told me it was the monk but as far as why he was at my chambers, I had no clue. When I opened the door, my eyes fell on the troubled looking youth.

 

“Can I help you dear Houshi?”

“TEA!” he huffed out loudly.

 

At first I stared at him in confusion and was about to direct him to the kitchen when it hit me. He wanted the tea I'd given him before when Pup and Inuyasha were performing the biting ritual. Judging from the sweat on his brow and his rapid breathing he must have ran all the way to my room.

 

They must have been really going at it.

 

“Come on in Miroku and have a seat.” He looked at Jaken then back to me pleadingly. “Or you could go lie down on one of the futons in the back if that would be more comfortable for you.” The poor man bowed to me then took off as if his robes were on fire.

 

When I looked back at Jaken, he was shaking his head and mumbling. One could only guess what he was making of all this. I excused myself from the Lord's retainer and set about making the tea for the monk. By the time, I finished it and walked back to where he was and I could tell he was a wreck.

 

He had his knees drawn up to his chest and was rocking back and forth singing. I could only guess his was doing this to drown out the noise in his head. I handed him the tea and he started drinking it greedily. As I watched him, I couldn't help but think if that cowardly wolf would get off his duff and make a move the Monk would have someone to weather this kind of storm with. 

 

When he finished the cup, I started asking him questions. I knew I didn't have long before that tea would start to kick in, “I thought the two of you had gotten to the point where this was not really an issue.”

“We had but it seems that…uh… intense situations cause thoughts to come through to the other no matter what at this point.”

“The two of you need to get to the priestess as soon as possible.”

“If I had my way kind healer we would go now; but I think our youngest Lord is a bit…occupied at the moment.”

 

I could only imagine.

 

I took the empty cup from the monk and placed it on the table by his resting spot. When I looked back at him, his eyes were already growing heavy. When he stretched out on the bed, I covered him with a blanket and returned to Jaken.

 

Once I sent the imp on his way I sat down to compose a letter the Miko Kaede. I wanted her to be as prepared for their arrival as she possibly could be. I took great care in explaining the situation and what seemed to be the cause of it. When I finished I requested the swiftest messenger we had and sent the letter to the Miko's village. Considering it was a Bat youkai that answered my summons I figured the letter should be in the Miko's hands by the next day. I was praying she could help them because they cannot continue on like this. If she can't remove or undo what was done maybe she could at least teach them how to control it better.

 

The situation was bad enough on the surface but if you factored in the fact that the man on the futon was in love with the person his mind was bound to that kicks it up a notch. This had to be torturous for the young Houshi. My heart goes out to him and for the sake of his sanity, and romantic future, I hoped it could all be rectified.

 

As the problem resurfaced, it reminded me of some of the things I'd noticed between Miroku and Little Happy Face ever since this joining of the minds thing occurred between them. Even somewhat before then if I really thought about it. I have no doubts that Inuyasha loves Pup but I do feel he is at least physically attracted to monk. That coupled with the fact that they are such close friends I was really surprised he came to the decision to be with Pup so quickly.

 

Pull of nature, I suppose.

 

I had been meaning to ask Satomi about this but I hesitated because I knew how close she is to her Inu-san and I did not-under any circumstance-want to do or say anything to upset her. She was someone that had become…special to me, and the thought of her upset was not something that sat well with me.

 

(Sesshoumaru's POV)

 

Inuyasha and I had grown weary of waiting for the healer to show and decided to go seek him out. He was undoubtedly in one of two places: His chambers fussing over Jaken or in the Kitchen making plans for tonight's dinner.

 

In the time, we'd spent alone-not wrapped up in each other-since Inuyasha's transformation we discovered he now had the ability to hover as I do. It took him a few tries to get the hang of it but with a bit of effort he was able to hold himself off the ground and steady at the same time. Since I am a firm, believer in practice making things perfect I told him we might as well hover on our way to find Tibade. Inuyasha didn't seem to mind the suggestion so we did just that.

 

Not too far into our journey to find Tibade did we come up behind the Slayer and the Kitsune. Before we could announce our presence, we hear, “Inuyasha's like a dad to me. I guess I just wanted to make sure his mate was going to care about me too.”

 

I didn't have to look at Koi to know the Kitsune's statement filled him with pride. I could feel it. Since the Kit's primary, concern was with me I chose to address him directly. “And why wouldn't I care about you young Kitsune?”

 

The Kit and the Slayer whirled around so fast I was surprised they didn't lose their balance. When he faced us, the Kitsune began to stutter in response. I could feel the distress coming off him and decided to alleviate his fears.

 

“You have stood and faced dangers that many adults would have cowered away from. You are also strong willed and extremely clever. Anyone, including myself, would be proud to have a pup like you as a member of his or her family.”

 

The fox cub was grinning in delight at what I had to say. He looked from the Taijiya to Inuyasha a few times before he did the last thing I would have expected him to do. He launched himself at me and wrapped his tiny arms around my neck in a fierce hug. Inuyasha and the slayer Sango seemed to be rather amused at this. I truly had no idea what to do once I found myself with an arm full of Kitsune.

 

The Kit proceeded to bounce around and babble in my arms until Sango picked him up and reminded him that they were headed to the kitchen. Once the two of them were out of sight Inuyasha got himself hovering again (after a few false starts) and we were again on our way to see Tibade. When we reached the healers chambers, he was already standing in the doorway. He had his arms crossed over his chest and he was tapping his foot and shaking his head in a manner that suggested he was not pleased at us about something. Confused I looked over at Inuyasha only to find him looking away sheepishly. It was obvious he knew something I did not. That was a situation I wanted remedied at once.

 

Tibade let out a loud exasperated sound and Inuyasha's ears drooped as he said, “Miroku's here isn't he?”

“Yes he is.” Tibade answered sternly and if I wasn't mistaken, he seemed a bit cross with Inuyasha. My instincts didn't care for the negativity the healer was directing at Koi but a pushed the feeling aside. I knew Tibade must have had a good reason for his actions. “I take it Pup is unaware of how deeply the two of you are tied together.”

 

I looked at Inuyasha and I was sure my expression was just this side of a glare. He fumbled for words and as his concentration broke he stumbled around trying to get his footing on solid ground. Tibade then rolled his eyes and motioned for us to step into his chambers. “The corridor is no place for this discussion My Lords. Please do come inside and have a seat.”

 

I glided in and Inuyasha slowly trudged through the doors behind me. Once we were seated, Tibade turned his gaze to Inuyasha and I could see Koi squirming under the weight of it. It was obvious Inuyasha was not going to speak without being prompted so I asked him, “Just exactly how connected are you to the Monk?”

“Uh…connected enough,” He murmured quietly.

 

I growled at him and I felt the mark on my arm start to tingle with the nervousness he was feeling. I loved him dearly but he knew better than to try my patience in that manner. His ears flattened to his skull, he sank down in his chair, and a whimper sounded out of his throat. My instincts were now all but demanding that I coddle him but I was going to do nothing of the sort and that put me on edge.

 

Tibade must have sensed what was going on and he walked over to Inuyasha grabbed him by the ear, pulled him up out of his slouch and told him to quit pouting.

 

“Ow, ow, ow! I will, I will! Just leggo of my ear will ya?”

“Only, if you promise to sit up and properly explain this mess once and for all!” Tibade commanded.

“Alright, alright I will I promise,” He said as he gave Tibade his best innocent wide-eyed stare.

 

Tibade let go of his ear and walked around his desk and took a seat. Once he started talking and we started asking questions we finally got to the bottom of the matter. 

 

“I was under the impression you and the monk could block out the others thoughts,” I stated.

“We can,” He replied and one questioning look from Tibade had his ears flat against his skull again and he swiftly added, “We can… most of the time it's just that when either one of us gets too…excited or distracted it doesn't really work.”

 

It only took the briefest of moments for the full implication of his statement to hit me; I was not pleased in the slightest. “So what you are telling me Inuyasha is that there is a good chance the monk was privy to all of your thoughts while we were intimate.”

“Um…yeah.”

“This didn't bear mentioning to me before now?”

“Well it's not like you knowing would change how things are.”

 

The look I shot him was cold and I knew it. I intended it to be. Again, he shrank back in his chair and sulked. I continued to look at him and when he had nothing to add I stood and walked over to the window turning my back to him. I didn't know if he was aware of how difficult finding this out was for me. He was to be my mate yet here we had this…Monk that had this mental connection to him. Meaning he had to know things about Inuyasha I had no idea of because he was privy to his very thoughts. I did not like what I was feeling in the slightest and after a few moments, I was able to identify it for what it was and I liked it even less. I was resentful of the Monk and his tie to Koi. I, Lord Sesshoumaru, was jealous.

 

When I didn't reply and continued to stare out the window Inuyasha said, “Aw come on Ru…please don't be this way about it. I'm sorry I really am.” I remained silent for fear that the angry words that were on the tip of my tongue would betray my true issue with all of this. “Ru I guess I just don't think it's that big a deal because I've gotten use to it.”

 

I wanted to be able to rein in my wayward emotions and turn to him and say all will be fine and we will do what needs to be done to fix this; but for the life of me I could not. Therefore, I said and did nothing. I could feel him approaching me and a myriad of emotion was flowing off him. When he placed what he intended as a comforting hand on my shoulder the low growl escapes me before I could stop it. He jerked his hand back and called my name. I didn't answer and his mark on my arm was all but burning at that point due to its creator's distress. I wanted this to end but at the same time, I felt powerless to stop it.

 

*          *          *

 

(Tibade's POV)

 

The whole situation took a turn for the worst and swiftly. By the Gods, both of my Lords were extremely sensitive when it came to dealing with each other. Further proof they will be ideal mates but I knew that until they learned to communicate better problems like this would arise. I truly didn't know why Pup was giving Inuyasha such a cold shoulder. I knew he had a right to be upset but when he simply went to the window and turned his back, even I was stunned by the coldness of the action. It got even chillier when the little one put his hand on Pup's shoulder only to have Pup snarl at him. The amount of hostility and resentment behind it even sent chills up my spine.

 

Happy Face jerked his hand back as if scalded and it went straight up to the bite mark on his neck. Until he did that, I hadn't considered their fairly new marks in all of this tension. At that point, they must have been buzzing like crazy with all the negative and uncertain emotion flying between the two. Inuyasha looked at me pleadingly and I had little more to offer him than a weak smile because I truly didn't know what was wrong with Pup. I had never seen him react like this.

 

I loathed admitting it but at that moment, I wasn't able to read him at all.

 

The silence seemed to stretch on forever and I had no idea what to do. It wasn't my place to interfere with that sort of thing; but at the same time, I felt I needed to do something before the situation got any worse. Just as my mind was scrolling through its limited list of options, Inuyasha made a move that surprised me.

 

With his eyebrows knitted together and fierce determination in his eyes he marched up to Pup, grabbed his upper arms, whirled him around and screamed, “Dammit talk to me Ru, don't just shut me out!”

 

Just when I was sure this was going to result in violence Pup gave me another big shock. Instead of prying his brother's hands off him or giving him an icy look, he shouted back. “And what would you have me say Inuyasha?! That all of this is just fine with me?”

“If that was the truth yeah, but don't just shut me out every time you get pissed. I know I'm not perfect but I do love you, Ru,” Inuyasha finished evenly.

 

I had really expected that to soften Pup up and calm him down so when the low deadly words, “I know you do, but are you sure I'm the only one you love?” was his response. I was floored and so was Inuyasha, if the way his eyes were bulging and his mouth hung open was any indication of how Pup's words struck him. We were both staring at the enraged Youkai Lord in front of us when a soft rattle and clank of glass caused us all to snap our heads around toward the back of the room looking for the source of the noise.

 

There in the doorway, that lead to the sick rooms stood a tired looking Houshi that appeared to be in the middle of trying to turn and leave the room. Not that I would have blamed him if that was what he was attempting to do before one of my many jars fouled him up. His scent had been close for so long and we were all so wound up he had managed to come into my study unnoticed. Unfortunately, for him he failed to leave the same way.

 

This entire situation reinvented the word awkward. No one knew what to do and no one wanted to be the first one to break the tangible silence. Pups eyes cut from the monk to Inuyasha then back to the Monk. The young Houshi had yet to fully turn and face us but I was sure he knew all eyes were on him. He let out a low sigh and said, “Uh…sorry for interrupting…I'll be on my way now.”

 

Pup glared at the young man, Inuyasha smacked his own forehead and rolled his eyes, and I simply shook my head. Shortly after that, Pup turned on his heels locked eyes with Inuyasha and said, “We will finish this discussion later.” Inuyasha looked like he was about to say something but Pup's eyes narrowed at him dangerously and his mouth snapped shut with an audible click. Pup thanked me for my time, then turned and left the room without another word. Once my chamber door clicked shut Inuyasha sank back down in his chair and put his face in his hands and groaned.

 

Miroku still stood in the doorway the only movement he had made was to fully turn and face us. He had his hands clenched at his sides and he looked as miserable as a person could get. At least that's what I thought until I took another look at Inuyasha. His ears had completely disappeared into his hair, his face was flushed, his breathing was ragged, and if I had to guess, he was moments away from losing it. Every once in a while he would randomly shake his head or frown and it took me a moment to realize the two of them were probably holding an entire discussion in their heads.

 

I was glad Pup was not here to witness this. I truly felt for all parties involved in this rather unusual situation. I also thought Inuyasha was being nothing but honest when he said he didn't think of it as a big deal because he had gotten use to it. When I looked at it from Inuyasha's standpoint, it wasn't a big deal. Miroku was clearly his closest friend, from what I gathered they have known each other for years. That coupled with the fact that Inuyasha is not use to having someone so concerned with what is going on with him personally it was no wonder he considered it not that big a deal. I wasn't sure how far his relationship with the odd Miko he was previously traveling with got, but from what I've heard, it wasn't very far. One of the hardest obstacles new couples face is learning to be considerate of how the other feels at all times. It is quiet a task indeed, especially when one party is terrible at expressing emotion.

 

As this went on with the two of them, I began to feel oddly out of place. I didn't want to interrupt but I felt strange just standing there. I was worried that if I moved they would actually realize or remember that I was there; so I chose to remain quiet and just observe the pair.

 

Inuyasha soon began to shake his head constantly as if he was trying to rid his mind of its very thoughts. One of his hands was on the mark on his neck before both hands traveled down until he was gripping the arms of the chair so tightly I thought the wood might crack. The Monk had his brows drawn together as he took a purposeful step forward but his face swiftly softened as his eyes grew concerned and after a few moments that concerned look changed into a curious one.

 

Inuyasha turned his face away from the Monk like he was ashamed to meet his eyes. When this happened, Mirokus' fists began to clench and unclench in rapid succession. It was not in my nature to be overtly inquisitive but all living things are somewhat curious and at that moment, I would have paid to know what was being said.

 

There was a sharp intake of breath from Miroku and Inuyasha jumped to his feet fast enough to startle me and began pacing back in forth in front of his chair. He shot the Monk a despondent look and Miroku responded with a nod and a sad smile.

 

Soon after, I determined that something serious must have been said between them because Inuyasha stopped pacing and the two of them were staring at each other as if they were seeing the other for what they truly are for the first time. I felt the raw edge of anger mixed with frustration that was surrounding my youngest Lord dissipate and he visibly relaxed for the first time since Pup left our presence. His face contorted in thought and he took a hesitant step in Miroku's direction as the look on his face turned serious. Miroku tapped his temple and his expression is one I couldn't define.

Inuyasha's shoulders slumped and he gave a slight nod. Suddenly his head whipped in my direction and color flooded to his face. Apparently, one of them finally realized I was still in their company. I looked over at the Monk and he was chuckling lightly but I could tell it was to cover his own embarrassment at the situation.

 

 

*          *          *

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

I felt like such an eternal fuck up. I couldn't believe how that little situation exploded into a huge mess and in the midst of it, Miroku walked in then I just let Ru walk away from me. Why didn't I just answer his question instead of standing there gaping like a fish out of water? Even as I asked myself that question, I knew the answer. The answer was I didn't know how to answer his question and that's what scared the living shit out of me. That was why I froze up. I had managed to make such a mess of things that I really wanted to simply crawl in a hole and die. I really never thought I would miss being pinned to that godforsaken tree but at that moment, I did. At least I couldn't fuck things up while stuck in eternity's oblivion.

 

I was trying to calm myself down but it was no use I couldn't get my breathing under control and my ill-timed emotions threatened to get the better of me.

 

--Inuyasha…--

--No--

--Inuyasha, listen to me. --

--No--

--Inuyasha…please.--

--He is so upset with me his mark on my neck hurts. Dear Kami I've fucked up royally this time…and I don't know what to do…I…--

--Breathe Inuyasha you have got to calm down.- -

--This is not happening--

--I am sorry Inuyasha I didn't mean to cause this. Please believe me when I say this.--

--It's not your fault, it's mine.--

 

I felt my claws digging into the arms of the chair and I was so angry I couldn't bring myself to care if I shattered the thing.

 

--What do you mean it's your fault? I don't understand.--

--I couldn't answer him Miroku. I couldn't. You heard what he asked me and I just stood there like an idiot.--

--I am sure that was simply because the nature of the question surprised you. I think it surprised us all.--

--I really wish that was the truth. It would be so much more simple if that was the really the truth.--

 

Miroku looked at me with questioning amethyst eyes and I found that I couldn't meet those eyes. I couldn't face him.

 

--What are you trying to say, Inuyasha?--

--Once he asked it I thought about his question and I realized that I honestly couldn't answer it.--

 

I heard Miroku gasp and I shot to my feet and began pacing about. I felt like a caged animal I had so much anger and confusion going on in my mind and I knew that my confusion was hurting those closest to me.

 

--Do not be so upset my friend this will all work out.--

--No it won't. I don't know what I want anymore and my uncertainty and confusion mixed with my wonderful decision making skills is driving Ru mad and I know I have to be confusing the hell out of you.--

--It will be fine because we have all indeed gone through worse.--

--…I suppose we have haven't we.--

--Yes we have and we have persevered because we have always faced these things together never alone, this is no different.--

 

Miroku nodded at me and smiled. Kami was it any wonder something in me was drawn to him?

 

--By the Gods…how do you put up with me Miroku?--

--I understand how you work my friend.--

 

He tapped his head knowingly. I started to walk to him but I took one-step and halted. I was such a twisted wreck on the inside and I didn't have a clue how to straighten myself out.

 

--Maybe that's part of my problem right now. You always have understood me even when no one else bothered to make an effort. I know my relationship with Ru is new but damn if it doesn't feel like he will never understand me. It feels like he doesn't really want to try.--

--This will take time Yash. Relationships no matter what kind they are take time to build. Give it time.--

--I want to but…--

--I know… give yourself time, real time, to figure it out. It will be better for all of us in the long run.--

--I…oh fuck!--

--What?--

--Uh…Tibade.- -

--What about him?--

--He's still standing here… staring at us.--

--Oh…--

 

When I met Tibade's eyes, he was smiling and I had to admit that was a relief. I didn't know what to say so I figured apologizing would be as good a place to start as any.

 

“Uh…sorry about all that we kinda got…”

 

He held up a silencing hand and said, “No need to apologize it is apparent that whatever transpired between the two of you was greatly needed. For once I will say that I have no real advice to give any of you outside of the fact that you My Young Lord need to take some time and think about things, and I do mean really think about them.”

“Yeah, I've been told that once already,” I said as I glanced over at Miroku and he smirked in response.

“Good now my other suggestion is for the two of you to find some way to relax until dinner. There is a small feast being thrown in honor of Inuyasha's coming of age and this tension does not need to make it to the dinner table. Is that clear?”

“Yes.”

“Yes sir.”

“Good now off with both of you. Go find a hot spring or a bottle of sake. Whatever it takes, I care not.”

 

I smiled at the healer as I made my way to the door but Miroku stayed behind saying he wanted to have a word with Tibade.

 

(Miroku's POV)

 

I couldn't believe any of what was going on. As nice as it could, and probably should have felt for me to find out I might still have a chance with Inuyasha it didn't. Everyone was miserable and I wanted nothing more than for it all to come to an end. Once Yash left, I put up my mental shields and looked at Tibade. I must have looked serious because he sifted around in a small cabinet until he found a bottle of sake and he poured us both a healthy glass.

 

I downed half of mine in one gulp and when I sat my cup down, I asked him, “If I went to speak to Lord Sesshoumaru myself what are the chances of me coming out of the situation in one piece?”

“Probably not too good right at the moment, I wouldn't advise it.”

“Well if I can't do that I think it is best if I leave the palace grounds.”

“An action as grave as that one would cause more strain between the two of them at the moment. I realize you are trying to help but running away is not an option in this.”

“Well those are my only two choices so I guess I am off to find Lord Sesshoumaru.”

 

I stood up and the healer grabbed my arm and guided me firmly back to my seat. “Do not be so hasty young Houshi.”

 

“Hasty? Hasty!? If anything this is long overdue.”

 

Tibade's eye's narrowed at me and I sighed despite myself.

 

“Do you think I haven't noticed that here recently things between Yash and I were a bit friendlier than normal? At first, I thought it was my imagination. You know me seeing what I wanted to see but after a while I knew better and still I said nothing.”

“I see.” Tibade said as he kicked back his own cup of sake.

“No you don't at least not all of it. I am a holy man. An aura as strong as Lord Sesshoumaru's is hard for me to miss even on a bad day. It's even harder to miss it when it's pissed and directed at me. I know I haven't noticed everything but if anyone thinks I've missed how he looks at me, sometimes they are horribly mistaken…but still I said nothing…changed nothing.”

 

“You cannot shoulder the blame for all of this young Houshi.”

“Even if that is true I can still do something before it gets worse. I don't know if you've realized this but Lord Sesshoumaru seems to expect Inuyasha to react more like he does than Inuyasha is capable of. I don't know if it's because of his age, upbringing, past experience or what but Yash doesn't and he won't. I personally think it's because he has demon instincts clashing and mingling with human emotion; but whatever the case may be I feel this is going to keep happening until Lord Sesshoumaru realizes that regardless of how powerful Yash is for a half demon he is still just that, a half demon and a young one at that. So logic will not prevail for Inuyasha ninety-eight percent of the time like it does for him.”

 

When I was done saying all of that, I was out of breath, panting and the healer was looking at me with wide eyes. I could tell he was really considering my words by the look on his face. He was quiet through another glass and a half of sake before he spoke. “I do believe there is a lot of merit behind what you have said Miroku and I'm thankful that you have shared your insight with me. I too forget that Inuyasha has human qualities that need to be factored in when dealing with him. I also agree that Lord Sesshoumaru forgets this as well. Despite of all this I will still advise you not to approach Lord Sesshoumaru this evening. He is on edge and I feel your presence would make it worse. I believe he will see it as a challenge and that would not be good.”

“If it will make things return to some semblance of normalcy for the two of them I am willing to take the risk.”

“Please heed my advice on this Miroku. I will broach this to Lord Sesshoumaru after the feast or perhaps in the morning but please I implore you not to approach him now.”

 

I sighed and looked at Tibade and his eyes were pleading with me to reconsider my chosen course of action. I had to admit the idea of approaching the Dai Youkai scared me shitless but I was willing to do it. One more look at Tibade and I sighed in defeat. Even though something in me was convinced, I needed to follow my own advice I nodded at him and kicked back the last of my sake. “I will take your advice this time Tibade and I pray that you are right.”

“Dinner will be served close to sunset and shortly after that most everyone will retire. I think it will all be fine. Lord Sesshoumaru is not one to bring up personal matters in front of others.”

 

I nodded at him because what he had to say was true. Lord Sesshoumaru was not one to air personal matters publicly and there wasn't much time between now and turning in for the night. That truly did not leave much time for things to get any worse. Regardless of that information, I still wanted to do something but I decided I would let it go for the night.