InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ It's my Life ❯ Day one ( Chapter 19 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: Ok, now obviously I don’t own this, any original characters that pop up, yeah those are mine. But everyone else, those are all owned by Rumiko Takahashi.


The mouth on Inuyasha’s was warm and soft, it molded to his own perfectly, just the right amount of pressure, just the right angle. It fit as if it had been tailor made just for him. The lips parted slightly and Inuyasha could not resist the urge to explore. It tasted sooooo good….almost like pomegranate and cinnamon….yet not, a hot, tart flavor that tingled on his tongue and slid right down his throat. The mouth groaned into his own, the sound rippling down Inuyashas esophagus and through his stomach in a burning wave before settling in his already aching groin.

Growling possessively Inuyasha plunged his tongue deeper into the zesty, tart cavern. Without thinking Inuyashas hands constricted hard enough to bruise on the plump hips in front of him, pulling them in tighter to him, pressing his aching deeper into the warmth against him. Then the hips started to rock into him, causing something else hard and firm to press into his own cock. Ooh…oh that felt good and he moaned his appreciation into the mouth on his. But then the mouth became much more aggressive, weight settled against his chest as he found himself pinned to the wall behind him. Before he could even try to do anything a tongue forced its way past his own and into his mouth, it was long and clever, darting around his mouth, running across his teeth and rubbing against the roof of his mouth. The tongue curled around his own seemingly determined to taste every inch of his mouth as the hips began to thrust deeper into his own. It felt wondrous, but the level of contact just wasn’t what he needed it to be, but he couldn’t think on how to change that.

For a moment he could do nothing but be overwhelmed, he could not fight the hand that curled in his hand and pulled him in, the hips that pushed the hardness against his own, and the mouth that drank him down and filled him up at the same time.

And he wasn’t sure if he even wanted to try to fight.

He wanted all that attention, all of it, all to himself. In fact….

He wanted more.

His hands slid father back, leaving the hip he had gripped so possessively, the owner of the hips groaned softly, mourning the lost of contact.

“Poor thing….well just wait till we get to our next target…see how that goes over.” Inu-Youki purred. But the groan grew deeper, more feral as Inuyashas hands found their destination. The smooth, firm round globes of flesh that composed his kisser’s tight bottom filled his hands, the owner sighing appreciatively into his mouth as he began to kneed them with his hands. Then his fingers found the edge of a waistband….interesting.

Curling his fingers inward Inuyasha was able to get the backs of his claws under the material so that when he flexed them once more he succeeded in pulling the fabric away from his prize and he drove his hands inside. Both he and the wonderful mouth moaned as his fingers glided across the smooth flesh of his kisser’s ass.

The mouth on his broke away for a moment, only for a moment, gasping in air before it crashed back onto his own. Slowly his fingers began to play upon the firm tissue under them, rubbing up and down, gripping and pulling, and then he found a split in the two silken globes. Slowly Inuyasha slid his middle finger down the path, eager to explore this new territory. The mouth on his broke away and drew in a shuddering breath as the tip of his finger brushed across a tight little hole.

“Inuyasha…” A voice gasped. Yes that was his name and it sounded very good coming out of the mouth that he had so enjoyed. The voice sounded so very familiar though and he had a feeling that he was forgetting something…

“Doesn’t matter, this is more important, focus on how you feel, focus on now.” Inu-Youki suggested. That sounded like good advice and his cock did ache so….

The hand in his hair drew him back to the fantastic mouth as he began to stroke his finger across the little hole and a chittering moan rushed into his mouth for him to swallow down. He almost jumped as the hand left his hair only to soon make its way down to his own bottom, and slipping into the back of his pants the fingers now began to caress him, his legs shook slightly, he could not decide with it felt amazing or just tickled. His whole body stiffened as he felt one of the fingers began to travel down the same path that his own had, he wasn’t sure how he felt about someone, even someone who was making him feel as good as his kisser, touching him there…things trying to go in there had left many, many bad memories in his mind. But perhaps his fears were unfounded as the finger merely teased his opening, not pushing, not piercing, just a light circular rubbing.

Shifting his hips he attempted to press himself directly against the hardness of his partner but their knees kept colliding. Inuyasha growled in his throat, it was bad enough that they had all this soft…yet thick….stuff separating their flesh from each other but now they couldn’t even seem to reach other. Pressing in with his knees Inuyasha attempted to slip in between his kissers legs, that would be better…then they could be nice and close. But the legs stiffened, the hand that had been teasing him coming up to grip his back, the mouth stilled its attacks, the lips remaining lightly pressed against his, yet not moving. His partner seemed rather hesitant to let him in…but why? Pushing again gently Inuyasha moaned heatedly as the legs parted, allowing him to slide in between them. Leaving his right hand to play with the tiny opening he used his left hand to draw one of the legs up to rest on his hip, the leg wrapping around his own slightly and then he was able to press right against the hardness and both of them groaned, their hot breath mixing, at the increased contact.

Slowly Inuyasha began to trace along the edge of the opening before pressing against it causing his partners hips to buck into him as he just barely breached his partner, the thrust felt rather exquisite as it was, Inuyasha began to slowly rock his finger back and forth hard enough to continue to just barely breach but no more. He felt like had to be careful, his kisser was so tight and so…dry, the skin did not want to move against itself easily. Doing his best to retract his claw Inuyasha began to push steadily and sucked in a sharp breath as his luscious kisser’s body opened and his digit slipped inside. His partner shivered and keened softly and Inuyasha felt his hair being pulled away from his neck before the mouth left his and found the soft flesh of his throat, Inuyasha began to gasp as the mouth began to suck and bite at his flesh, the hot tongue lapping at his skin, the teeth lightly grazing at times as the mouth pulled more of his throat into itself. All the activity caused Inuyasha to sink his finger deeper into the tight body of his partner.

“Mmmm now that feels nice.” Inu-Youki gushed. His kisser, now neck attacker suddenly leaned into Inuyasha more, forcing him to support a little more of the weight, he didn’t mind much as his partner once more turned aggressive, taking the control from him. Inuyasha soon found himself leaning against the wall for support himself as his partners surprisingly strong body began thrusting against him. Inuyasha began to writhe and pant, drawing in deep lungful’s of precious air as his neck attackers hardness thrust right into his own. Then it did it again…..

And again..

And again.

During all the activity Inuyasha felt his finger sink all the way inside of the tight, tight body.

“Inuyasha….” A voice muttered breathlessly. His partner had such a sexy voice, such a hot mouth and its body felt sooooo good. If only they could get rid off all this….this stuff that he couldn’t remember the name of that they were wearing off…just to get it off so that they could touch…

“And he is soooo tight. Mmmm oh this is going to be so good…” Inu-Youki purred. He? Just who was his partner….why couldn’t he seem to remember? Opening the eyes he hadn’t realized that he had closed Inuyasha caught the sight of magenta strips on a creamy white cheek.

Ok now think back…how did he get here? First Sesshomaru was being a prick and woke him up, he took a bath….then Sesshomaru brought him some clothes….and walked in on him naked, bastard. Then Sesshomaru was brushing his hair, which was weird and it had hurt! But it had started to get better later, especially with that last brush, it had made his toes curl and his ears tingle. He had felt such a warm, content feeling in his heart when Sesshomaru had been doing that and he had started to doze a little bit. Then Sesshomaru had stopped and he had stood up, he had felt a strange pull in his heart, something he had never felt before, no one had ever attended to him like that, not even his mother had spent so much time on him, not like that anyway.

He had felt all hazy again, a lot like now actually, and then…..

And then Sesshomaru had moved in very close to him….then….

“This is not important, don’t want to do this delicious body injustice by ignoring it do you?” Inu-Youki chided. Well no he didn’t want to do that, but shouldn’t he know who it was? At the very least have a name to whisper into his partner’s ear. He knew that he knew…but he just didn’t seem to be able to remember.

The sweet thing in front of him panted slightly as he began to thrust his finger gently into the tight little hole, he kept the thrusts short and slow, the skin didn’t want to move very well. Without thinking Inuyasha withdrew his hand, bringing it up to his lips before spitting a great deal of saliva into his palm, coating over his finger as his slipped back down his partners back, working the tip of his finger back into his partners body he thrust it back inside, this time the flesh gliding together much easier. His partner rewarded him with a perfectly angled thrust right against him, a spike of pure pleasure caused Inuyasha’s eyes to flutter shut once more at the feeling of that long hardness sliding right up his own.

“Oh that was just evil….” Inu-Youki groaned. “Alright that’s it…get this crap off of us, lay him back…or turn him around, mmm that might be nice, and get inside of him. But we have to get him slick….” Inuyasha shivered at the thought of all that tightness wrapped around him, it was already putting a good amount of pressure on just one finger. So how would it feel with his neglected member inside?

It was so much thicker then his finger.

“It will be fantastic!” Inu-Youki exclaimed. “He is so hot, so tight and so responsive. Last time was so fucking good, I can’t wait till we have him again. Ooooh hurry, please hurry!” That did sound very good….his needs had been neglected for so long, Kikiyo had always told him no, that they had to wait and Kagome had been much more open then the other Miko but even though their ages had been about to same Kagome was so…young…not ready, not ripe….he knew he had to wait, even though he had not wanted to, Oh gods had he not wanted to. Mmmhmmm…but now….oh now he could……

Wait…..

..Again?

They had done this before?

But the only person he had ever been with was….

“Don’t! You leave that thought alone! I want this! We need this!!” Inu-Youki screamed.

Forcing his surprisingly heavy eyelids open Inuyasha leaned his head back to get a better look at his soon to be lover. Using his free hand he tilted the creature’s head up, his kisser had such pretty silver hair, and gazed upon the face that held the oh-so-heavenly mouth….

OH.

MY.

GOD!!!

“Ses s-SESSHOMARU?!?!” Inuyasha squeaked, the sight blasting away the fog that had formed in his mind.

“Mmmm…Inuyasha.” Sesshomaru rumbled. Inuyashas eyes met Sesshomarus and they were not the eyes he was used to. Once again red swirls sat inside the gold of Sesshomaru’s irises. Sesshomaru tiled forward as if to capture Inuyashas lips once again when the hanyo brought his left arm up, pressing his forearm into Sesshomarus chest. The confused expression on Sesshomaru’s face was almost comical. Sesshomaru pushed forward again only for Inuyasha to keep his arm stiff, Inuyasha did not like the wounded expression on Sesshomaru’s face and he really did not like it when Sesshomaru used the leg on his hip to pull him forward enabling Sesshomaru to bury his face in the crook of his neck, as short of falling on his ass there was nothing he could do to push Sesshomaru away.

“Get off of me!” Inuyasha growled. “Sesshomaru! I mean it!”

“Do not push me away.” Sesshomaru’s surprisingly strained voice said. “You cast aside my morning greeting and that was unnecessary, asking is much more polite, you need to learn to be so violent.” What the??? Alright fine….

“Will you please get off of me and back up?” Inuyasha asked.

“I cannot.” Sesshomaru replied, raising his head so that he could look up at Inuyasha.

“Asshole! You just told me to ask and now you tell me no? Back. OFF!” Inuyasha snapped, trying to push Sesshomaru back once more but he did not have the leverage to make his older brother move.

“As I have said. I cannot.” Sesshomaru reiterated. Inuyasha snorted.

“Bastard…I swear if you don’t move then-” Inuyasha started.

“Where is your right hand Inuyasha?” Sesshomaru suddenly asked. His hand? Well it was….oh dear…his right hand was still on Sesshomaru’s bare ass and his finger remained nestled inside.

“Uh…” Inuyasha grunted.

“How can I move with you holding me in place? Not to mention the damage your claw would do if I attempted to force my way back.” Sesshomaru said just as calm as you please. “If you wish for me to move then you must release me.” Good point…damn….

Inuyasha wiggled his finger slightly, trying to pull it free, Sesshomaru was a bit clenched in his position, and then he felt something touch against his finger.

“Ah ha…there it is.” Inu-Youki purred. Inuyasha felt his finger flex without his consent, brushing against…whatever it was. Sesshomaru drew in a quick short breath though his nose and went completely still. What was that? His curiosity getting the better of him Inuyasha flexed his finger once more, a shiver went up Sesshomaru’s spine, his lips parting to release a small breathy sigh.

“Inuyasha?” Sesshomaru whispered.

“Oh would you look at that….do you know that little reaction means?” Inu-Youki muttered. Oh yes he did…he had power over Sesshomaru, he must have found some kind of pressure point or something. “Err…well yes…I suppose that’s one way to look at it…but its not-” Inu-Youki started to say. Ignoring it for the time being Inuyasha moved his finger once more, pressing against the spot harder this time. Sesshomaru’s reaction was priceless and sent a hot rush though his blood. The demon Lord cried out, lurching his body forward in an attempt to get away from Inuyasha’s probing digit but there just wasn’t anywhere for him to go. Inuyasha grinned….oh he was going to enjoy this. To laud over Sesshomaru like the man had always done to him. Oh sure they had a strange little moment last night and Sesshomaru was acting very nice lately, a trick for sure, but Inuyasha was nothing if not vindictive and after all these years.

He had earned the right to be a little petty.

Pressing against the spot again Inuyasha almost laughed as Sesshomaru groaned and gripped at his shoulder.

“Inuyasha! Stop!” Sesshomaru gasped. Fuck no…he finally could hurt the bastard and he apparently couldn’t do a thing to stop him.

“Um…I think you’re a bit confused.” Inu-Youki stated as Inuyasha began to thrust his finger against the spot, each thrust causing Sesshomaru’s body to tremble and the demon Lord clamped his jaw shut to try and stifle the noises that, despite his best efforts still reverberated within his throat.

“How does it feel?” Inuyasha asked, curling his finger as he slid it back, dragging it across the spot. “How do you like being helpless?” Inuyasha could not keep the smug satisfaction out of his voice as Sesshomarus back arched and he barely held back a cry.

“Helpless?” Sesshomaru panted, his voice strained. “And just what…unnnn do you think you are-ah! Doing?” Inuyasha did not like the way Sesshomaru said that.

“I have power over you right now, just like you always have had over me. All I have to do is touch this spot….” Inuyasha trailed off, stupid Sesshomaru, still being so damn smug. “And I know this hurts.” To underline his point, he thrust his finger into the spot harshly, finally forcing a loud groan out of Sesshomaru’s mouth and his half-brother again buried his face against his neck. Sesshomaru’s chest began to jerk slightly, colliding with his own, then light, warm bursts of sound made their way into his ears and he focused in on them. His grin faded as he realized what it was….

Sesshomaru was laughing!!

Pushing his sibling back just enough for the confused hanyo look into his brother’s eyes Inuyasha was not happy with what he saw. They were warm and liquid, not a hint of pain. Out of spite Inuyasha pressed hard against the spot, causing Sesshomaru’s eyes to flutter shut and a heated moan to interrupt his chuckling.

“Power? Indeed you do…power to cause my body to release its seed.” Sesshomaru purred. Inuyasha glared back up at Sesshomaru, confused and defiant. “Does my scent smell pained? Use your nose little brother, you have it for a reason.” One light sniff filled Inuyasha’s nose with the scent of his own arousal and very thick with Sesshomarus as well.

“I tried to tell you…” Inu-Youki grumbled. Inuyasha couldn’t believe it, he had been so focused on the thrill of finally having Sesshomaru at his mercy that he had just blocked out everything else.

“I had no idea you held a desire to pleasure me within you little brother. Some do deign to give gifts to their alpha but I did not realize that you were so creative. To think that you would be so…eager to please me.” Sesshomaru purred. “Harder then little hanyo, another one of those slender fingers of yours would welcome as well.” Inuyasha scowled, he did not want to pleasure the bastard! And he sure as fuck wasn’t going to be ordered!

Sesshomaru gasped as Inuyasha forcibly wrenched his hand out, instantly grabbing for a towel as his hand exited Sesshomaru’s pant and wiping vigorously at the finger that had been buried within Sesshomaru. Shoving Sesshomaru’s leg off his hip, why had he let it stay there so long anyway? Inuyasha tossed the towel away and made a move to push past Sesshomaru only to be stopped as Sesshomaru’s hand closed around his bicep. “Where are you going?” Sesshomaru asked softly. Did he actually think that Inuyasha was going to stick around and chit-chat?

“Away from you…..and to breakfast supposedly.” Inuyasha snapped. Food…food sounded good, sounded safe, as long as he was shoveling food down his throat he didn’t have to think about what he had just done, what he had been about to do, what he still wanted to do…..

“You must wait….on your balcony preferably.” Sesshomaru stated.

“Why?” Inuyasha asked only to have Sesshomaru sigh.

“We are covered in each others musk, you must give it time to dissipate or every demon you come across is likely to scent it, do you really wish to deal with what could come from that? Trust this Sesshomaru when he tells you that strolling though the halls with the scent of my arousal so thick upon you will turn heads.” Sesshomaru responded. Hell no….that was about the last thing he needed right now….but he sooo did not want to be near Sesshomaru right now, what had just happened? And why did it happen?

“And why did we stop? I see no reason to stop, we should be buried within him right now, right this very second and yet for some strange reason we are not!” Inu-Youki growled.

And why did that image, combined with the very intimate smell of Sesshomaru not make him want to throw up?

Grumbling Inuyasha pulled his arm away, Sesshomaru surprisingly allowing his arm to slip from his grasp.

“Fine.” Inuyasha grunted as he stomped out of the bathroom….

Stupid Sesshomaru…

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< br> Sesshomaru relaxed slightly as he watched Inuyasha leave the room, his ultra sensitive ears picking up the sounds of Inuyasha heading towards his balcony overlooking his garden, which was good, provided he stayed there, the fresh open air would carry the scent yes, but it would also help to thin it out not to mention the mass of flowers and their combined scent would likely overpower the one coming off of Inuyasha. Father had deliberately bred flowers with a strong pleasing scent, though Sesshomaru somehow doubted that this current situation was the reason he had done so.

What was not good however was that his Youki’s confusion and distress was beginning to bleed into his system.

“I don’t understand….why does he fight us like this, so receptive and warm one minute and the next he turns to ice and pushes us away…” Sess-Youki groaned mournfully. Sesshomaru himself was a little unsure as to the reasoning behind some of Inuyashas actions. Yes he did kiss Inuyasha, he simply could not fight the boy’s allure, and those lips….oh those lips….so soft, so sweet, and he shivered at the memory.

But it had been Inuyasha who had deepened the kiss, Inuyasha who had began rubbing against him, Inuyasha who had caressed his bottom and it was Inuyasha who had plunged his finger into Sesshomaru’s body. Heat pulsed though Sesshomaru as he rolled the recent events though his mind, he had not expected any of that, yet he had not wanted to stop his baby brother from exploring. Inuyasha’s sexuality was woefully underdeveloped…the hanyo deserved, no needed the chance to touch and explore.

And if it was Sesshomaru he was doing so with….all the better.

During all of that his mind had begun to slip away, passion taking control, the attraction he barely understood rushing to the forefront. Still he had been able to limit his actions to only what Inuyasha had already done and other then the moment when Inuyasha’s pulse had demanded his attention, how could anyone remain perfectly in control in such a situation anyway, he had merely mimicked Inuyasha and he had not taken quite the same liberties with Inuyasha’s body that the hanyo had with his own. Sesshomaru could still feel the phantom whispers of Inuyasha’s long, elegant finger inside of him, fingers so like his own, and he did not like the strange emptiness he felt from within now that Inuyasha was gone. Sesshomaru shifted slightly trying to will away the light tingling warmth that fluttered within his bottom. He ached for release, the proof of his gender thick and ready, he wanted to sate himself.

But this wasn’t a new feeling, simply because his body refused to harden for him had not meant that he did not hunger for another. It just meant that he could do nothing to satisfy himself, thus he had learned to push the feeling away, to ignore what was a natural, instinctive urge.

Granted it had been his iron will and second to none mental training that had made it possible but the fact was that he had possessed little choice over the two hundred and fifty plus barren years.

But now…..

Now his yearning had changed, like a fine cuisine connoisseur his tastes had become…..refined.

He hungered for Inuyasha, ached for him, needed him.

But that would pass, the burning urge to rush up, tear his clothing from his body, shove his brother back onto the bed and MATE, would pass. Though disturbing enough he found that he was not totally sure just what side of the mating he would be on….

The throb inside his channel certainly did nothing to help his uncertainty.

Sesshomaru had simply thought it had been an accident when Inuyasha first brushed across his pleasure point, it had been so light but it had caused tiny shockwaves to rush though him. He had seen the curiosity and confusion inside Inuyashas eyes and had surmised that the next stroke had been to satisfy that….but Inuyasha had continued his attack…it had felt far too good and he had been forced to fight with himself just to try and maintain some of his composure. It had not been easy…each touch had enflamed him.

In a way it was ridiculous, here his formerly most hated enemy had him practically ready to writhe on top of him with a simple stroke of his finger all over some spot within his body that he had heard about but never explored, he was Lord Sesshomaru after all, he was not an Uke, he did not need to know about such things unless it was to better pleasure the one under HIM.

Of course he had had the thought that if he had known about the pleasure the spot could cause him it would have been away around his Youki’s self imposed chastity, at least he could have touched himself….not that he would have ever lay on his back, spread his legs and inserted anything into himself….

But that did not explain why he wanted something inside of him right now….something with puppy dog ears and a very sweet tasting mouth….

He really needed to speak with Daigon.

His Youki itself had cried out in joy when Inuyasha had asked him how his attentions had felt and Sesshomaru himself thought for a moment that Inuyasha had decided to make a play for him, very strange courting indeed.

Though rather effective as Sesshomaru could find no reason to deny the request should it have come.

He really, REALLY needed to speak with Daigon….

However Inuyasha’s inquiry on how it felt to be helpless had squashed that particular thought but Inuyasha’s thrusting finger had not ceased, if anything it had become more pronounced. Sesshomaru had felt himself swell, his body becoming so hot that hall he wanted to do was tear his clothing from his body and rub himself against Inuyasha like some base animal.

Sesshomaru had voiced his confusion and his baby brother’s reply had two completely different effects upon him.

At Inuyasha’s declaring that he was under the assumption that he was causing him pain Sesshomaru’s Youki had been aghast with horror, that Inuyasha would perform such intimate actions with harm in mind had crushed his other half.

Sesshomaru himself had found himself nearly overcome with mirth and he could not stop the laughter that had burst from his lips. How could Inuyasha confuse cries of pleasure with groans of pain? The whole idea was up-roaring sly hilarious, here he was practically writhing on top of his sibling, his body hotter then he could ever remember, his entire being screaming for him to mate with his baby brother….and Inuyasha thought he was hurting him.
How could he not laugh?

Just what strange logic had propelled Inuyasha down that path of thought?

To whatever end it might have caused he had attempted to explain Inuyashas error to him when for whatever reason Inuyasha had decided to press into his pleasure point yet again. The jolt it had sent right into his groin had alerted him to the truth of his words, Inuyasha did indeed have the power to cause him to climax and it had ceased being a possibility had shifted right into becoming quite imminent if Inuyasha continued.

On one hand he wanted that release, needed it so very badly. The release on the cliffs that day had been wonderful, even if he was just starting to remember it clearly, but he needed more, so much more. For over two hundred and fifty years he had been denied, so much had built up inside of him that there had been time that he thought he might go mad if he could not let go….even the simple pleasure of his own hand had been denied to him. Gods there had been times when his pent up passions drove him to the brink, times when he had been desperate for an outlet…any outlet to his frustrations. For a very short time physical violence had helped, tearing up the land, ripping down trees, smashing rock with his bare hands. But after ten or fifteen years even that had lost its punch.

And he could not even allow another to touch him out of fear that they would discover his…..problem.

Yet after all that time, all that frustration, he then found himself receiving the touch that he so urgently craved to be offered, however inadvertently, by his very own little brother.

Somewhere….the god of irony was laughing its ass off.

But on the other hand he could not allow Inuyasha to bring his orgasm, not matter how much he craved it. For one thing he knew that Inuyasha would not react well to him releasing his seed while so tightly pressed against him. He also did not want to let go within his clothing, he could have to bathe again and change into a fresher outfit.

Plus he did not fancy walking though the halls to his chambers with his own fluid running down his legs.

Dignified?
I think not.

But more importantly he had not wanted his release to occur under such circumstances, now had it come about before Inuyasha had turned on him, that would have been acceptable. He found he wanted the passion of the act, he wanted it to mean something….he wanted….Inuyasha to care that it was happening….

“Oh Sesshomaru…please come for me.”

Yes something like that….

“Big brother please!! I must have it!”

Ok stop…..

“Oh yes…please, please…please. Spill for me Sesshomaru…Come…please come now!”

STOP!!

Gripping his forehead tightly Sesshomaru took several deep breaths, attempting to calm himself….that had been….where had that come from?! Surely that had not come from his own brain…had it?

Well there wasn’t anywhere else for it to come from….

Damn.


So to make Inuyasha relent he had done the only thing he could think of…he taunted his little brother, ordered him and Inuyasha had reacted predictably. Though it had bothered Sesshomaru when Inuyasha had wiped at his hands as if Sesshomaru’s body had tainted him somehow, but at least he had convinced Inuyasha to stay momentarily…
He could only imagine the uproar it would cause if they had walked the halls reeking with each others arousal. Plus Inuyasha’s waiting might just give him a chance to speak with him again and more and more Sesshomaru was beginning to think that might be key to his efforts. He had never just sat and talked with Inuyasha the boy’s entire life, he could tell it both confused and intrigued the hanyou…which was a lot better then angering him.

And then did have so much to talk about, for one it was obvious that Inuyasha was struggling with his Youki, he knew he was talented with his lips and tongue but not even his kiss could cause Inuyasha to completely forget whose mouth was on his own and from the shocked tone of Inuyasha’s voice when he had shouted Sesshomaru’s name, which was not how he wanted his name to leave his baby brothers mouth, it became apparent that Inuyasha had no clue about who he had become so intimate with.

However with lust burning though his veins Inuyasha’s Youki could easily influence him, not to mention it seemed that Inuyasha did not know just how to properly control his other half….which was odd, for all demons learned to do so at a rather young age. One’s instincts could pull very hard, especially on a untrained mind and to allow them full rein could lead to rather disastrous results. The least of which tended to be that said demon’s brain would lose its higher functions, slowly degenerating until they were little more then an animal.

Balance…that was the key.

“What if its wasn’t us? What if he will do this with anyone who engages him?!” Sess-Youki sobbed.

That was completely ludicrous…Inuyasha had more control then…..

Atrius’s report popped up inside of Sesshomaru’s mind, Inuyasha had already displayed a clear lack of control and an undeniable need with both Atrius and Komar. The difference being that Inuyasha had engaged them as opposed to Sesshomaru making the first move this time. Sesshomarus stomach dropped at the thought that it had not truly been him who had provoked such a reaction but instead that he had been just been a warm body in the right place.

Judging by what he knew so far it was looking as if Inuyasha’s Youki was actively seeking a partner….but why? And was Inuyasha’s other half looking for a bed partner…or a….a…mate…

They did bear each others marks however and it had been Inuyasha’s Youki who had marked him in the first place. Sesshomaru’s heart began to ache…the only reason a Youki would blatantly ignore a claim was if it found the one who had placed the claim to be completely unacceptable. Could it be that he was already out of contention before he had even had the chance to enter?

“Well it could also be a desire to rut that drives him. After all he has only recently become active and that was with us.” Sess-Youki suggested.

Yes that was also a possibility, one that Sesshomaru found himself hoping for. He wasn’t sure why exactly…it was just that there was so much he wanted to do for them, he wanted to forge deep connections and bonds of affection and if it came to them mating well…..Sesshomaru found that he was not as…disinclined as he would have thought.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly Sesshomaru made his way out of Inuyasha’s private bath, tilting his head to the side he spotted Inuyasha out of his balcony, standing with his arms tucked into his sleeves. Slowly Sesshomaru made his way towards Inuyasha, keeping his footsteps light, he did not want to startle the young hanyou, for he could see the tension in Inuyashas back even though the thick material that covered him. Just as he passed though the doorway Sesshomaru made a small noise in his throat, a light neutral sound, smiling inward as Inuyasha’s ears swiveled towards him, surely the hanyou had noticed him coming long before that but at least now he could not be accused of trying to deliberately sneak up on the boy.

Sesshomaru made his way over to the corner opposite the one his little brother now stood and leaned himself against the waist high wall that surrounded the outcropping. Noticing that Inuyashas gaze seemed to be locked on his garden Sesshomaru decided that it might be a good…opener of sorts.

“Beautiful is it not?” He whispered.

“I guess…” Inuyasha muttered. In stark contrast to the rather robust actions Inuyasha had performed mere minutes ago in the bath, the hanyou now seemed fairly subdued. “So what took you so long? Jerking off were you?” Inuyasha taunted. Whether it was caused from some emotion that Sesshomaru couldn’t read or simply bravado, Sesshomaru had decided he preferred a cocky Inuyasha to a depressed one.

“Hardly, I have little need of such activities.” Sesshomaru replied, which was true, he had gone so long without that the thought had never even entered his mind. Inuyasha gave Sesshomaru a sideways look and the older Inu had a feeling that the call for release was still very strong within his baby brother.

How cute.

“Perhaps it is I who should give you a bit of privacy.” Sesshomaru teased, if not for the fact that he did not wish to rouse Inuyasha anger once more he might have even offered to assist…

Strangely enough his normally very pro-Inuyasha Youki gone quiet.

“Feh! Piss off, as if I would ever do anything like that.” Inuyasha spat, becoming a bit more animated, which was just was Sesshomaru wanted, he didn’t like the morose look Inuyasha had wore when had first entered.

“Then if you do not require any additional time, perhaps we should make our may to the dinning hall.” Sesshomaru said, deliberately adding a little bit of a challenge to his tone.

“Fine by me…I’ll even let you lead.” Inuyasha growled, flicking his hair back, causing it to rush up into the air before spilling across his back. Sesshomaru found himself rather pleased at how it fell around Inuyasha and shimmered in the light, clearly he was going to have to devise a way to get Inuyasha to allow himself to be groomed daily.

The look truly suited Inuyasha. It was clear that the boy had layers to himself that not even he realized. How interesting it would be to uncover them, bring them into the light for his brother to see.

As he turned and began to walk away Sesshomaru smiled, knowing full well Inuyasha could not see it, Sesshomaru could tell something was troubling his sibling, he also felt that he knew what it might be but he was committed to keeping Inuyasha from being disturbed by it to much, so far so good at any rate, besides he preferred a agitated and horny Inuyasha to a moody melancholy one.

Besides Inuyashas budding sexuality was one of those pieces of the hanyou that he wanted to…explore.

As they made their way to the dinning hall in silence Sesshomaru wondered which route he should take, straight to their destination…or should he lead his little brother on small tour….so he could either take his brother straight to where the boy seemed to want to go and get no time with him or he could lead him around a little, thus spending some time with the younger Inu at the risk of Inuyasha’s anger…
Decisions, decisions.

Glancing over at Inuyasha Sesshomaru had to resist the urge to smile once again, the slight hobble in Inuyashas walk exposed the fact that he was still quite erect. The only thing that dulled his mirth was the fact that he wanted to reach over and squeeze the hardness that his baby brother was trying to hard to hide….

And he wasn’t sure if it bothered him because he wanted it or if it was because he knew that Inuyasha would not allow him to do so.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Inuyasha wanted to growl at himself, it wasn’t bad enough that he’d….done all that crap with Sesshomaru in the bathroom, bad enough that he had somehow totally forgotten that it was Sesshomaru he was getting busy with, but the harsh pounding ache in his loins was driving him up the fucking wall!

“Well we could have….you know….taken care of that.” Inu-Youki nagged.

Oh shut up….he was not about to jerk off, especially not here! Besides look what happened the last time he tried to touch himself! Plus he could smell the aroused musk that still lingered around Sesshomaru, not nearly as thick as before, and the bastard seemed just as cool and collected as anyone could be and if Sesshomaru could ignore it and go on….then so could he.

“That is so….stupid.” Inu-Youki sighed.

Just as they came to a solid looking door Sesshomaru held his arm out, blocking Inuyasha’s path.

“A word before we enter.” Sesshomaru said. Inuyasha came to a stop, his hands locking together in front of him, the tendons in his hands bulging out.

“What now??” Inuyasha asked, his voice laced with exasperation. He was hungry, his knee’s ached for some reason and he really had had more then enough of Sesshomaru for one day…..and the day had just begun…ugh…

“This may sound silly coming from my mouth but….Retsu came to see me, he was very upset, he feels he has displeased you.” Sesshomaru stated. Inuyasha raised one eyebrow….yeah…he had so NOT expected that.

“Uh…oook?” The younger Inu muttered.

“It is a extremely…long and complicated story…let me just say this, when Retsu looks at you after you have finished one of his meals….he wishes for you to critique it. You must tell him what you thought about it, what you liked and what you did not…..trust me little brother…it is much easier that way.” Sesshomaru said, sounding rather…pained.

“….What? Ok what….do I even…..the hell?” Inuyasha fumbled. “And what do you care?”

“I care because he is responsible for nearly everything you or I will eat, I care because I do not want him rushing into my chambers apologizing profusely because you did not know what he wanted…and he will trust me, so now you do know…” Sesshomaru sighed.

“This…is so not something I’d expect from you..” Inuyasha muttered.

“I will admit that I feel rather foolish for even having to say something like this….however you must accept the fact that your word can and will have weight among those within the castle.” Sesshomaru said, and before Inuyasha could even try to say anything else Sesshomaru pushed open the door to the dinning hall and walked inside.

“Have weight? Mean something? What….hell…..GAH!!” Inuyasha thought. “He’s trying to drive me insane…that’s all there is to it.”

Taking a calming breath Inuyasha began to slightly hobble, both because of and to hide his still semi erect member, into the room.

How the hell could he still be in such a state? Was it even normal to stay hard for no reason for so long? What…what if it was stuck like that?!

“….Do I even have to say it?….” Inu-Youki sighed.

Closing the door behind him and stepping up to Sesshomaru’s side Inuyasha felt a little bit of relief flood into his chest as his group came into his sight, despite all that had happened he did still worry for them.

The chair at the end of the table was empty, obviously for Sesshomaru and the seat next to it on the right was likewise. Next to that sat Shippo and to his right was Sango, the chair to the left of Sesshomaru’s was empty with Miroku in the chair next to it and finally Kagome was sat next to the monk.

“I was beginning to wonder if you were coming.” Miroku chuckled.

“You can blame him.” Inuyasha growled, jerking his thumb towards Sesshomaru. The older Inu said nothing, but Inuyasha suddenly felt Sesshomaru’s hand on his back, guiding him towards and then around the table. He was about to protest, both because he did not like being manhandled, however gently, and because he didn’t want Sesshomaru’s claws anywhere near his precious kidneys when Sango spoke.

“Goodness Inuyasha you look great! New clothes and everything.”

“Yeah especially your hair, what did you do?” Kagome followed although she sounded a little….off. Inuyasha could feel a light blush forming in his cheeks, he really was not used to attention like this.

“I also may take the -blame- for that.” Sesshomaru suddenly chimed in as he nudged Inuyasha towards the chair he brought him to, Inuyasha sat rather then make a fuss….he was eager for the food after all. After Inuyasha sat Sesshomaru pushed his chair in closer the table, an unexpected gesture, before taking his own seat.

“Really you look good Inuyasha.” Kagome said softly and once again there was something in her tone…something he knew but couldn’t place.

“Indeed you will turn all the heads in the next village we go through.” Sango teased.

Gods he hoped not.

“Hey now….why is it that I never receive such praise?” Miroku asked.

“Well you have to give us something to praise you about now don’t you?” Sango playfully mocked.

“My dear, dear Sango….all you had to do was ask.” Miroku replied, the warm undertone in his voice plainly evident. Now it was Sango’s turn to blush and Inuyasha had to roll his eyes when the monk grinned at him and winked. He was about to say something when the double doors crashed opening, startling everyone except Sesshomaru, and a grinning Retsu sauntered out.

“Ahhh good morning my Lords! And what’s this? Guests? How interesting….seems I will have a busy morning. Well I guess I shall get started, no need to dawdle, your orders if you please?” The demon chef spouted.

“I will have my usual.” Sesshomaru said. Crap…this again? Inuyasha’s jaw nearly dropped as Miroku and Sango easily ordered, oh it would figure that they would know…stuff…like this. Kagome herself took a moment to think about it before she too named something for Retsu to prepare. Inuyasha tried to listen in, to see if anything sounded familiar…but of course his crap luck was running strong, so nothing did.

Inuyasha tensed as Retsu made his way towards him, he really did not want to have the same argument twice….

“Here milord.” Retsu said and Inuyasha suddenly found a sheet of parchment with a list of something scribed on it being set in front of him. “To help you with your meals.” The chef’s tone was warm and soft, not even a hint of patronizing.

Scanning his eyes over the words Inuyasha realized that it was a list of dishes, each with a name and a description of what it was.

“Shall I give you a moment to look it over so that you may decide for you and the little one?” Retsu asked. Inuyasha simply nodded…this was all so alien to him. “Very well, I shall begin, I will return after a short while to collect your own orders.” Retsu stated rather bubbly, clasping his hands together before turning and making his way back though the doors he came though. Inuyasha had a moment of curiosity…what did it look like back there? What was back there? Could he see it if he asked?

Inuyasha turned his eyes down and began to read, fortunately the characters were simple and the lettering fairly large…otherwise he so would have been screwed. Both his reading and writing skills were sub par, he knew this and was rather embarrassed about it, but his mother had only been able to teach him so much before her death and there had not been anyone else to pick up his lessons. He could barely make out the names of the dishes themselves, were they even words? Or had the chocolate haired demon simply made them up?

Instead he focused on the descriptions of what was in the dish itself, to his surprise it all sounded pretty good and his stomach growled as he continued to read. Licking his lips and gently rubbing his belly Inuyasha’s eyes settled on one thing in particular. It was the biggest out of all the choices, a variety of meats, rice and a few other things, and that sounded very nice, sheer volume. Despite the fact that he had eaten a nice sized meal last night his stomach felt so empty…

“Having a little trouble?” Miroku chuckled, unaware that he was stumbling over a very large Inuyasha mine.

“Shut your hole monk…” Inuyasha growled, resisting the urge to lash out.

After a short while Retsu made his way back into the room, coming around to Inuyasha’s side.

“Ready my friend?” The demon asked.

“Uh….yeah um…this.” Inuyasha muttered softly, pointing at his choice. There was no way he could pronounce it and he was not about to embarrass himself by trying. At seeing Inuyasha’s selection however Retsu’s eyes lit up and a broad smile made its way to his lips.

“Ahhh an excellent choice milord! And for the little one?” Retsu gushed.

Shit….he’d forgotten about Shippo….

“Uh…smaller version of mine.” Inuyasha fumbled.

“So you say…and so it shall be.” Retsu declared as he turned to leave but as the chef existed Inuyasha caught the sound of a light chuckle, it was to soft for him to make out who it had come from but just that little sound made him feel so terribly out of place, everyone else had handled it easily yet here he was…the stupid hanyou who could barely even order his own food.

It made him want to growl but before the dark feeling could take root inside of him he felt a leg brush against his. Now Shippo was up in a high chair so no way it was him that had done it….so that left only Sesshomaru. Inuyasha glanced over at his older brother, the demon Lord’s face was neutral but Inuyasha had the feeling that he had done it…and on purpose.

But why? Why was Sesshomaru so damn touchy lately?

Inuyasha was so wrapped up in trying to figure out what Sesshomaru’s game was that the feeling that had gripped him became totally forgotten.

Raising his hand to partly cover his lips Sesshomaru smiled…

Shrugging off Sesshomarus actions Inuyasha tried to focus back on his party.

“You guys have trouble getting here?” Inuyasha asked.

“No it was not to much trouble at all, though not nearly as quick as your own method of arrival I’d bet.” Miroku replied with a smirk.

Oh he just had to bring that up didn’t he?

“Well remind me next time we are headed somewhere, I’ll be sure to heave you up on my shoulder.” Inuyasha threatened, grinning so that his fangs were clearly exposed.

“No…that is quite alright.” Miroku mumbled.

Before to long Retsu reappeared with two other demons following him, Retsu placed Sesshomaru and Inuyasha’s food in front of them personal while the other two delivered the kitsune and human meals. Strange….Retsu struck Inuyasha as being extremely hands on.

“Now while I am sure that plain water would do, I have a little experiment I would like to try.” Retsu said as be placed a glass both in front of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. “I have sliced up and crushed several of our fresh fruits and taken both parts of the flesh and the juices and mixed them together.* I would like you to try it and tell me what you think.”

In a move that Inuyasha did not expect Sesshomaru dipped his pinky into the glass, stirring the contents and then wiped the very same digit clean with one of the pieces of cloth near him before lifting the glass to his lips and took a small sip. Lifting his own glass Inuyasha sniffed cautiously at it, it smelled…well fruity but the color was a little weird looking. But….what the hell, the flan stuff had been good after all.

Like his brother Inuyasha took a small sip, swishing the fluid around in his mouth before swallowing. The flavor tingled on his tongue and felt icy cool as it slid down his throat.

It was good!

Quickly tipping his head back Inuyasha gulped down the rest.

“It is rather pleasing.” Sesshomaru reported. Retsu smiled broader, his hands clasping together as he turned towards Inuyasha.

“It’s fucking good.” Inuyasha stated in his own special way. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes at Inuyasha’s declaration but Retsu squealed in delight.

“Fantastic! Shall I serve it with your breakfast?” The chef asked.

“That will be fine.” Sesshomaru said.

“Hell yeah!” Inuyasha said at the very same time as Sesshomaru.

“Delightful. It will only be a few minutes more my Lords.” Retsu informed as he spun on his heel and retreated.

Sesshomaru leveled his gaze on Inuyasha, and for a moment the hanyo felt like squirming, and spoke.

“Is it really necessary for you to be so vulgar? Especially at the table?”

“Of-fucking-course.” Inuyasha retorted and he could hear Sesshomaru’s jaw tightening. It was enough to make him want to giggle.

Ignoring Sesshomaru for the moment Inuyasha turned is head to look at Shippo.

“So kid how has your day been going?” Inuyasha asked. The kitsune smiled and looked rather excited that Inuyasha had asked.

“Well I woke up in this huuuge bed, so I hung around for a while, checking to see where I was and all that, last I knew we were at this table. I ended up going back to sleep, it was really early and the bed was really comfy. Anyway after a while I got up and managed to get off that giant of a bed and walked out of the room, but boy was it hard to get out of the bed, my foot got tangled in the sheets and the bed was so high up!” Shippo gushed. “So when I got out of the room there was this big guy standing there, he looked real scary and I was about go back into the room when Rin showed up, which was nice, so she took me out to this garden and we played a game. It was a lot of fun!”

Rin….

Inuyasha resisted the urge to scowl. The little human who had taken his place…how cute, still…if she made Shippo happy he could ignore her for the moment.

“Yeah? So where is the little brat now?” Inuyasha asked. But before Shippo could his mouth Sesshomaru answered.

“Her name is Rin and she is likely immersed in her studies. She does have a schedule to maintain.” Huh…Inuyasha wasn’t sure if he had ever heard Sesshomaru answer something so fast and with such force….well other then when the older Inu was telling him to die….those came out awfully fast. Sure seemed like Sesshomaru was rather protective of the little human, first the business up on the cliffs with that barrier and now the little sneer in Sesshomaru’s voice when he informed Inuyasha of her name, like it was important…like it mattered.

Very strange..

It never ceased to befuddle Inuyasha…a demon who claimed, on more then one occasion, to loath the human race entirely was now taking care of one, not only taking care of but also defending…and not for the first time Inuyasha had to wonder why.

“Studies huh.” Inuyasha half scoffed. Watching Sesshomaru closely Inuyasha could practically see him bristle.

“A child under my care must be properly educated.” Sesshomaru insisted. A bitter bile rose up Inuyasha’s throat and he swallowed thickly.

“Must be nice…’ He whispered and out of the corner of his eye Inuyasha could have swore he saw Sesshomaru flinch…of course for all Inuyasha knew that was just a sign that the stick up Sesshomaru’s ass had shifted slightly.

“Odd…I don’t recall feeling a stick….and we did have a somewhat deep exploration going on.” Inu-Youki whispered.
Shut. UP.

Before anything else could be said Retsu, followed by two other demons, made yet another energetic entrance. The brown haired demon chef was carrying a platter with two large sized plates, a smaller one and a large jug in the center. Quickly the chef placed the plates in front of Inuyasha, Shippo and Sesshomaru respectfully and poured their drinks, it was then that Inuyasha noticed that the other two demons were serving his friends and the realization struck him that while Retsu had taken their orders the chef had not interacted with the humans at all.

Somewhat odd, Retsu seemed a little to warm and bubbly to be harboring any prejudice…then again appearances could be very deceiving and for all Inuyasha knew Retsu could very well dislike him and was simply following orders. Inuyasha remembered that Sesshomaru had given Atrius something to deliver to Retsu, so perhaps that note or whatever was a warning from Sesshomaru to play nice…it was possible.

“Enjoy my Lords and do let me know if you require anything further.” Retsu said, pulling Inuyasha back from his thoughts, as he bowed and left the room with the two other demons following.

“Mmm this is good.” Shippo praised between bites, Inuyasha smiled at that and took the kits example and dug in himself. Sesshomaru cleared his throat noisily, catching his attention.

“For future reference it is customary to wait until the head of the table, particularly at the Lords table, to begin before enjoying your own meal.” Sesshomaru pointed out.

Swallowing the mouthful he had been chewing Inuyasha glanced at the rest of the group, no one but his and Shippo’s food had been touched, even Kagome seemed to be waiting. A slight rush of embarrassment went though Inuyasha, he almost felt like a child being scolded for doing something he should have known better then to do, however he reached down to his plate and grabbed a hold of one of the tastier strips of meat, making sure to use his fingers rather then the proper utensil, settled his eyes directly on Sesshomaru’s before deliberately and defiantly biting into it. Beginning to chew Inuyasha’s voice was a tad garbled as he spoke.

“So what? If you’re going to be a slow ass I’m not waiting for you.” Sesshomaru sighed before he himself began to eat and Inuyasha was slightly annoyed that his group began to eat shortly after that. So much for having his back…

Taking a sip of Retsu’s tasty creation Inuyasha spoke.

“So did you guys have any trouble getting here?”

“No the journey was rather brief, we were much closer then I expected.” Miroku said.

“No trouble with people in here?” Inuyasha asked, things might not be great between him and the group at the moment but he was about to let him be abused.

“No, actually everything has been quite nice, the room was….just wow, I’ve been in the homes of human Lords before and I have never seen such fine things, truly head and shoulders above.” Sango said.

“Yes mine was simply exquisite…and the bed? Oohh…heavenly. I think I speak for everyone when I thank you for your generous hospitality Lord Sesshomaru.” Miroku said.

“It seems that humans might not be entirely lacking brains and manners after all.” Sesshomaru said blandly, but Inuyasha could tell that his brother was at least a little pleased with the monks comment.

Moving his left hand to block Sesshomaru’s view of his face Inuyasha locked eyes with Miroku.

“Kiss ass.” He mouthed silently. Miroku just smiled and took another bite out of his breakfast.

“What about you Kagome? You’ve been awfully quiet.” Shippo said. Slowly Kagome’s head turned to look at the little fox, her eyes were a little puffy and slightly red.

“Oh…I’m ok, just kinda tired. My room was very nice….beautiful even…but….” The miko trailed off.

“But?” Miroku puzzled.

“I dunno…I’m just a little out of it. I just feel really wore out, I think I might be coming down with something.” Kagome said. “Its weird…like I was sitting at this desk trying to get some of my homework done and there was this beautiful wallpaper up on the wall….I’ve never seen patterns like that before…but it was like every time I looked at it for a few seconds my head would start to hurt, like every time I tried to focus my eyes. So I figured I might as well give it up and try to get some sleep. The bed was really nice, soft and all that, I just sunk right into it. But I couldn’t seem to get to sleep for some reason. Oh and the room smelled real nice too, this rich fruity smell, it was pretty strong, I wonder what they used to make it smell like that. I think I fell asleep a few times but I kept waking back up. My back hurts too…I feel a little better now but I do think I’m getting sick.” The girl sounded weary and cranky….but Inuyasha could not smell any sickness on her but he wouldn’t be surprised if something set her off on a bitch fit today….though he couldn’t really blame her, he tended to go off too when he felt like shit.

Strangely enough Inuyasha caught the sound of Sesshomaru faintly chuckling into his glass after Kagome finished speaking, what was so funny? Did he miss something?

Despite the Sesshomaru’s weird laughter and Kagome’s -out of it ness- the rest of breakfast went smoothly. Inuyasha and Miroku talked mostly with each other, the hanyou finding himself strangely at ease in this new setting and thus a bit more talkative. Though it was more the monk asking or saying things to cause Inuyasha to reply. Shippo and Sango added in their comments from time to time or talked amongst themselves, the slayer mostly listening as the small kit described, in great detail, what he had done since he awoke.
Sesshomaru spoke rarely, mostly adding on to things Inuyasha had said or offering answers to whatever questions Inuyasha spoke out loud, despite most of them being rhetorical.

Surprisingly Kagome stayed silent for the most part, seemingly content to eat and rub at her temples and the bridge of her nose. But from what she said and how she said it became apparent to Inuyasha that the miko was in a rather foul mood, one that only seemed to be growing worse as time went on. All she had really said to him was that she wanted to talk to him later about some things. Those -things- Inuyasha guessed would be about him forcing her to remove the rosary and experience told him that it would be less talking and more him getting yelled at. It did not matter if he was in the right or not, and knowing Kagome she would think -not-, but the fact that he had threatened and manhandled her would not be one she would let go easily. In a way he could understand, the girl’s feelings were no doubt hurt, he knew his would be if someone he cared for had threatened him with harm and death.

But at the same time he did not feel guilty, she had brought it on herself, he had offered her everything he could, begged her even and still she had refused him. She had no right to abuse him, so turn about was fair play….still his stomach hurt at the thought of the possible knock down drag out argument that could very well be waiting.

“What does it matter? She can’t do shit to us anymore. Even if she does have a small measure of power, she can’t use it for shit and don’t even get me started about her skill with that bow of hers….” Inu-Youki grumbled.
Well that was true but she still didn’t like it when they argued, the girl had meant so much to him, she had freed him, reached out to him when no one else did. Kagome did have a lot of faults that was true but Inuyasha had always thought the good outweighed the bad. It was all the -sitting- that drove him away, all the pain, all the humiliation…he had suffered so much….why did she have to add on to it?

As plates were being finished off and conversation dieing down slightly Inuyasha began to rub at his hands, groaning lightly, they had only been a little sore all day yesterday but now they were really starting to bother him. Both of his entire hands hurt, right down to the tips of his fingers, then center of the back of his hand and the palm was especially tender and it was like he could almost feel the flesh being pushed to the sides by something, like little thin worms were digging though the tissue in his hands, tunneling down to the tips of his fingers. He had noticed the area right around and under his claws was a little swollen, his claws felt a little loose and he was slightly worried that they might tear off if he struck something with them.

“Something wrong Inuyasha?” Miroku asked.

“Huh? Uh…no not really.” Inuyasha lied. It wasn’t like the monk could do anything, Miroku had helped all he could a while back, so why complain?

“Well you keep rubbing your hands…I had to wonder. Been punching something lately?” Miroku inquired.

“Only you if you don’t shut it.” Inuyasha said, trying to make his tone playful and joking.

Truth be told he was more then a little freaked out at this point, he could practically feel things shifting and changing inside of him, for instance his tailbone was continuing to tingle, it didn’t hurt….yet, but it was unsettling. His teeth didn’t seem to want to fit together right either, like his jaw was messed up or something, his fangs felt especially strange and there had been a few times when sharp pains had spiked out in his mouth while he had been eating.

It wasn’t to long after that everyone completely finished their meals, Inuyasha licked his lips, that had been good. Suddenly his stomach bubbled and something shifted a little painfully and he began to feel hungry again. What the?

Odd…but not totally uncommon, he had felt hungry after eating a meal more then a few times….but he couldn’t recall a time where he was full, his stomach growled, something moved and he was hungry again.

The sound of Retsu re-entering the room caught Inuyasha’s attention and he turned his head towards the approaching demon.

“How the hell does he time that?” Inuyasha muttered.

“Remember my words little brother.” Sesshomaru whispered to him. Oh…that again, well he supposed he could try, even if it was stupid…..the food had been good after all.

Retsu stopped beside Sesshomaru, smiling at the demon lord.

“I am pleased as always, you have a remarkable memory when it comes to little details.” Sesshomaru said and Retsu’s smile grew wider before fading as he turned towards Inuyasha and the hanyou was preparing to say that it was good, because it was, when he caught sight of Retsu’s eyes. They were full of nervousness and a tiny bit of hope…did the guy really take this that seriously? Kagome had given him food before and wanted to know what he thought, but she had never looked at him like that, not to mention she tended to get cranky when she heard things she didn’t like….

Although if the chef got pissed Inuyasha could always blame Sesshomaru, he was the one who had told him to do it after all.

“It was…uh…good.” Inuyasha started and just as before Retsu’s ears dropped, a crestfallen look replacing the one from before….and that bothered Inuyasha, he didn’t know why but it did. It was obvious that the man had tried very hard and that touched Inuyasha in a way he wasn’t used to, to have a person who really didn’t even know him put so much effort into pleasing him. Something mixed in with the tugging on his heart…something new….and so he forged ahead. “The um…meat was very good, I liked all of that, these uh…steamed vegetables…are they steamed? The look like it….anyway, I liked those to…but there weren’t enough of them, I was wrapping the long ones around those sweet chunks of meat and sticking them in these little rolls but I ran out.” Retsu’s ears perked up a little bit and he cocked his head slightly to the side curiously as Inuyasha pointed to the red chunks of…something that he had picked out of his food. “Those I didn’t like…they burn my tongue and uh…rice was good but a little….bland, I mean food is food so it’s all good, I’ll eat it no problem, but a little more flavor would have been good too.” Inuyasha finished.

Retsu smiled, an action that pleased Inuyasha for some reason, made him think maybe he had done the right thing.

“Thank you milord, I will strive to use this information to better prepare your meals. Is there anything else?” The chef replied. Inuyasha thought about that for a moment, yeah there was something else but would he get yelled at for asking? Inuyasha shot Sesshomaru a look, trying to maybe gain a hint or two from the him, but the demon Lord merely raised his eyebrows in a curious fashion.

Taking a deep breath to prepare for the potential backlash Inuyasha took hold of his plate and held it out to Retsu.

“Uh…yeah…can….can I have more?” Inuyasha tentatively asked. It pissed him off that he was so nervous, but there had been many times in his life that he had been denied, often chastised for wanting more then he was given.

But rather then yell Retsu’s eyes beamed bright and Inuyasha could not resist glancing at Sesshomaru once more, which surprisingly earned him an approving nod.

“Of course! Right away sir! Same thing or do you have a new choice?” Retsu said and Inuyasha found himself liking the warm friendly tone of the demon’s voice. But…ugh…he so did not want to go through the whole ordering process again.

“Same thing…” Inuyasha said.

“Very well, I will modify it based on what you have told me. But why so hesitant?” Retsu asked.

“God Inuyasha don’t be a pig!” Kagome snapped. Yup…there it was….for a moment there he thought he was going to sneak past.

He opened his mouth to say something when he felt his youkai explode within him, the force of which almost caused him to jump.

“I’m still hungry..” Inuyasha managed to force out. The hell was happening now?! He could feel it clawing around inside of him, crashing around like it was trapped in a cell, a cell made out of Inuyasha. It hadn’t felt like this since….

….since Tetsusaiga broke.

“You can’t still be hungry, you’re going to make yourself puke.” Kagome stated. He had always hated that, someone else telling you how you felt or whatever, like how would they know?

“Bitch! Who the fuck do you think you are?!” Inu-youkai raged.

“Excuse me? I fail to see the problem here, Lord Inuyasha would know if he was still hungry, he is rather large after all….and I must say, although I mean no disrespect but he does not look as though he has been eating properly at all.” A confused and slightly offended sounding Retsu said.

“You have your orders, see to them.” Sesshomaru said evenly.

“Ooh…ok.” Retsu replied, still sounding confused. As he left and just before he stepped back though the doors that led to his domain Retsu sent Inuyasha one last confused, yet concerned look. It made Inuyasha feel a little warm inside despite his enraged other half.

“Let me out.” Inu-youkai snarled.

“No…I’m not letting you hurt anyone, why are you so pissed off all of the sudden? It isn’t like this is the first time and I’m still getting my food, I think, so what’s the point?” Inuyasha thought.

“That is the point! How long must you make us endure this? How dare she speak to us like this?! We are Inu, ROYAL INU, how dare she speak to us like she birthed us. We could break her in half with our pinky and yet you cower away from her!” Inu-youkai exclaimed.

“I do not cower!” Inuyasha snapped.

“Maybe…maybe not. You still allow far too much.” Inu-youkai stated. Inuyasha’s youkai surged again causing his body to shake slightly.

“Inuyasha are you alright?” Miroku suddenly asked. Not trusting himself to speak Inuyasha simply nodded. He could control this…he had to control this.

“Well don’t blame me when he throws up!” Kagome spat.

“Now Kagome-” Sango started.

“Did you see how much he ate? I’m just trying to help.” Kagome stated.

“Fuck your help!!” Inu-youkai roared within Inuyasha’s skull. “Were you helping when you drove us into the earth and stone time and time again? Let. Me. GO!” Closing his eyes Inuyasha struggled to contain his other half, his hands gripping the table lightly.

He couldn’t let out, he would not let it slaughter his friends, but he didn’t know how to hold it and he could feel it slowly filling him up despite his efforts like he was a glove…and it the hand.

“Stop…please stop.” Inuyasha pleaded…he didn’t know what else to do…maybe it would listen?

“No! I will not tolerate this any longer, something must be done! She is neither our mother nor our mate…..yet she speaks to us as if she were our master…” Inu-youkai responded.

“I understand that you are not feeling well Kagome but that’s no reason to be cranky and take it out on others.” Sango said.

“I’m not! Do you not care if he makes himself sick?” Kagome fired back.

Inuyasha could hear the two girls bickering but the sound of his blood pounding in his ears was beginning to drown everything out. Bowing forward Inuyasha began to pant….he could feel himself slipping further and further away.

“Inuyasha….” Sesshomaru said hesitantly. Could the older Inu tell what was happening?

“…..Oh if he is so responsible now then how come he threatens a person he claims to care for? Threatens to kill them? Have you forgotten what he did to me? I still haven’t gotten an apology you know!” Kagome’s voice burst through the pounding in his ears…and with that Inuyasha felt himself being pushed away, his other half brushing past him as he found himself slipping down into himself and his last thought before he found himself nestled in a warm darkness was.

“Please let Sesshomaru be able to control him…please don’t let anyone die.”

On the outside Inuyasha took in a shuddering breath and sat up straighter. Miroku gasped as Inuyasha’s eyes popped open, revealing crimson orbs instead of gold, along with slashes of purple along his cheeks and wrists. Standing up the now Youkai controlled Inuyasha cracked his neck and in a few large steps found himself standing directly behind Kagome, before the girl could even speak Inuyasha heaved her chair up, with her in it, into the air, spinning her around to face him and allowed her to crash back onto the floor, probably jarring the hell out of her tailbone and spine.

Placing one hand on either side of the girl, leaning some of his weight on the table behind her, Inuyasha leaned down to put his face close to the miko’s own and he growled menacingly.

“Inu-Inuyasha?” Kagome squeaked.

“Close but not quite.” Inu-youkai said, its voice much deeper and rumbling then Inuyasha’s normal voice.

“I…I don’t understand.” The girl whispered. Inuyasha could easily see the signs of exhaustion on the girl, the bags under her eyes, the way her eyes struggled to focus and how her body swayed slightly. It was obvious that the miko had had a rather rough night/morning, which had probably helped fuel her little outburst and the knowledge might have stopped his other half, this Inuyasha was less then sympathetic however.

“Aww…poor little human….well allow me to give you a hint you filthy vermin.” Inu-youkai snarled, using the same title that he had given the moth demon who had attempted to dissolve him and the humans that had followed the demon as he had slaughtered them. The miko’s eyes grew wide at that and Inuyasha grinned as the first spike of her fear reached his nose.

“Ahhh so you do remember me, good…but oh no! You don’t have any leash to protect you this time.” Inu-youkai mocked. Pressing his head against hers he shoved it back tight against the back of the chair and began to grind their foreheads together slightly, drawing out a whimper of pain from the girl.

He could hear the slayer and the monk talking amongst themselves…or maybe talking to him, but chose to ignore them as he spoke.

“Now you listen to me, listen more carefully then you have ever listened to anything in your short little life.” Inu-youkai said, deathly calm all of a sudden. “I would kill you for the insults you have spewed forth, kill you for the humiliation you have heaped upon us. But my other half has been adamant that I not harm you, so I will, perhaps just this one time, bow to his will, but you had damn well better understand this. You are not my mate, even thinking such a thought sickens me, my other half my have loved you but I never did. You are not my mother, you did not birth me, and none of your blood flows though our veins. So you will not continue to speak to us like you do. You will either be respectful like the bug you are.” Inu-youkai paused to flash a little bit of his fangs. “Or you will keep your mouth shut! But if you insist upon continuing such behavior I will put you in your place, perhaps a broken bone or two will curb your disrespectful impulses.”

The miko’s eyes widened in anger, his other half may have enjoyed the girl’s fire but this Inuyasha wanted nothing but obedience and submission from one so completely beneath him.

“You can’t-” Kagome started to say.

“I CAN!” Inu-youkai roared, the sheer force of which shoved the girl back and sent her fear spiking once more. “You are but an insect to me, your body so frail, and your life so short, you buzz about like a little housefly and you can be crushed just as easily. So obey little female and you might make your way back into my good graces.”

“Step away from her Inuyasha, step away or I’ll-” Sango sternly began.

“Or you’ll what?!” Inu-youkai bellowed and took a few steps towards the slayer. “Bruise my hands with your skull?” Another step. “Be a bloody pile of meat lying on the floor?” Inuyasha stopped in front of Sango, invading her space, leaning down he snarled in her face as he locked eyes with her. “Tell me what you’ll do.”

Although a slight bit of fear rolled off on Sango her face remained calm and impassive, it was a little impressive.

“I simply think that it would be best for you not to be so near her while you are so obviously upset, you may lose yourself and injure her.” Sango said.

“You mean you don’t want to have to try and step in if I decide to pull her apart. Because maybe…just maybe your starting to realize your chances of success.” Inu-youkai stated. Sango said nothing, only choosing to continue to meet Inuyasha’s stare, but the moment the hanyou’s hackles rose and he began to growl Sango averted her eyes, switching her gaze down towards his legs.

That seemed to please Inuyasha, a light rumble reverberated form his chest to signal it. Slipping one finger under her chin Inuyasha tilted Sango’s head back up, it was obvious from her body language that the slayer did not appreciate the touch yet she continued to remain still.

“I wonder why he didn’t look at your potential, you do seem to be a much more worthy bitch, as far as humans go.” Inu-youkai purred.

Sango’s eyes went wide and she almost looked torn between being offended and being embarrassed. Before Inuyasha could continue Miroku suddenly appeared at Sango’s side, pushing his left shoulder in front of her and pushing her backwards slightly. Inuyasha grinned, the slayer had guts, the monk too, especially to offer his protection and show possessiveness like that with such a strong female, nice couple really…

But he was slightly confused, he could smell no claim on either of them and while he did not consider either of them to be true mate material he did know his other half cared for the humans, looked at them as if they were his own pack, so if they were happy…then his other half would be happy…..which could mean his other half would listen to him and let them have what they wanted, what they needed, and then HE could be happy.

“If you feel that way then why haven’t you mounted your bitch yet?” Inu-youkai asked. Now it was both the monk and the slayer who blushed.

“Well uh…” Miroku fumbled.

“Well what? You are not getting any younger, mount her, mate her and enjoy life. Unless you don’t know how?” Inu-youkai continued.

An outraged cry sounded out from the miko but Inuyasha chose to ignore her. That girl was a lost cause….but these two….

“It is not yet safe enough for any children that might result from such a union, there is still a deadly enemy that must be taken care of and there is no home to go to.” Sango said firmly.

Hmm…smart. Admittedly Inuyasha wasn’t to sure how human’s felt about their pups….still the slayers instincts were right, all threats must be dealt with an a safe haven needed to be secured before one could bring a pup into the world.

Miroku’s eyes got wide at Sango’s statement and his jaw dropped slightly as he began to stare at her, only to receive a sharp elbow to his ribs knocking him out of his stupor. Inuyasha chuckled, it would seem that the monk was not…in charge of the relationship. Alpha female and beta male? It was possible he supposed.

“You have a smart bitch there monk, if I were you I’d get to claiming her soon…or some other human might try to snatch her away….I’m not to sure how you people go about it really.” Inu-youkai advised.

“That’s it! You can’t talk about us like that you chauvinistic pig!” Kagome screamed. Inuyasha turned to look at her….with people like this around his other half all the time….was it any wonder he couldn’t get him to do anything he wanted?

“Chuvawha? What are you babbling about now?” Inu-youkai asked.

“He is an Inu Kagome….the word isn’t an insult to him. Although…he is being a little…overbearing with his…advice…he doesn’t think like we do.” Sango interjected.

Thank the gods for that.

“Well I can see why Inuyasha has so many problems now, if I had known about this I wouldn’t expect much from him, what with some rude, bulling murderous pig in his head.” Kagome muttered and Inuyasha’s temper flared almost immediately.

Had he not just told her to STOP insulting him?

“Why girl? Why do you hate your eyes so much? Is seeing really such a bad thing?” Inu-youkai threatened, pointing his claws at Kagome as he took a step towards her. Before he could do anything however he felt a burst of demonic power ripple up his spine, it made his spine shiver and knees lock.

“That is enough Youkai….you have made your point.” Sesshomaru said.

“Have I? Have I really?” Inu-youkai grumbled as he moved closer to Sesshomaru, he wasn’t exactly happy with this one either, yeah he was hot and Inuyasha wouldn’t mind fucking him once more….he was still sore about the poor treatment he had endured over the years…..it confused him, everything that comprised him told him that family was their to protect and be protected, even though his other half could not hear him so long ago he had done his best to lead him to the older Inu….but once there…well he could not have predicted what happened that night.

Sesshomaru looked down at Inuyasha as the hanyou stopped in front of him, the demon Lord looked relaxed and at ease, but Inuyasha just knew that his older brother was on high alert….which was good…for Sesshomaru anyway.

“I think you have….either way it is time for you to release Inuyasha.” Sesshomaru said.

“Maybe he needs a break, maybe I should stick around.” Inu-youkai said. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at that, his lips twitching slightly.

“I think he would disagree if asked, he has a busy day ahead of him….now release him.” Sesshomaru replied. Inuyasha’s body pulsed as Sesshomaru’s power began to wind tightly around him.

Crap…

“Maybe I don’t want to.” Inu-youkai grumbled. His other half could be so stubborn after all, always getting into trouble and never listening.

Sesshomaru growled and leaned in close to Inuyasha.

“I could make him swallow you, I could send you right back into his blood. You know this youkai, do not test me, not here.” Sesshomaru threatened.

Inuyasha gulped slightly, normally he might say Sesshomaru was bluffing, after all they had fought on the cliffs and the older Inu had not forced him to give up control on that day. But something had changed, it might have something to do with their location, they were in the heart of their lands within there ancestral home and here Sesshomaru did seem to have a bit more…..authority.

Inuyasha pushed back against Sesshomaru’s youki, throwing his own against it, only to have Sesshomaru shove back with startling force. He could feel it not only around him but inside him as well. It didn’t hurt and he closed his eyes and allowed himself a moment to bask in the feeling.

What would it be like? To be cared for? Sesshomaru was older and perhaps stronger…but he had not accepted him as their alpha…not yet. Inuyasha wanted to give in, to submit…but what would his other half do?

He was confused, he had managed to guide his other half to their sibling time and time again, only to be abused and tossed aside like so much trash.

No….he would not submit to an alpha that would not protect them, who had not earned the right. Besides….who said Sesshomaru could even be his alpha? After all they fought evenly that day on the cliffs, maybe HE should be alpha.

He opened his eyes as Sesshomaru’s hand slid against his cheek, cupping it in his palm.

“Release him youkai, do not disobey. I am your alpha…you can not deny that.” Sesshomaru whispered, soft enough that he could hear but the others could not.

He could deny it…he had just been doing so. Granted as Sesshomaru’s power surrounded him he certainly did not feel as if Sesshomaru was anything other then alpha….but…perhaps he should challenge for the position…

Clearly he would have to watch closely, to see if Sesshomaru was unworthy, and to see if he truly was the stronger. If he was not then he could accept the Beta position, but if he was, then Sesshomaru would submit to him…or die.

“Perhaps…but you cannot deny the fact that we both know that you spread your legs for me.” Inu-youkai whispered back defiantly as he released his hold on his other half and began to slip back.

Crimson eyes melted back into gold.

Inuyasha felt as if he was waking up from a rather deep sleep, his eyes were blurry and he felt groggy. Blinking slowly the first thing that came into view was Sesshomaru’s face, very close to his own, his older brother was blushing slightly, a very uncommon occurrence…just what had happened?
It was then that the events leading up to his youkai breaking free came flooding back. Fearing the worst Inuyasha spun around, expecting to see piles of gore where his friends had been, but the sudden transformation to his demon form and back again had left him quite disoriented and he would have fallen had Sesshomaru’s powerful arm not suddenly wrapped around his chest, snaking across his stomach and shoulder, to steady him.

Gazing around the room Inuyasha was immensely relieved to see his friends still whole and intact. Sango and Miroku stood next to each other, Shippo was still in his chair, chewing nervously on his bottom lip, Kagome was also still in her chair, but it was now away from the table and facing in the opposite direction.

“Is everyone alright?” Inuyasha asked, his voice a little shaky.

“We are unhurt.” Sango said.

“Very well, considering the circumstances.” Miroku said.

“I’m peachy.” Shippo chirped.

“Speak for yourselves.” Kagome grumbled. There was a faint red spot on the miko’s forehead and she looked both miserable and angry.

“Wh-what happened?” Inuyasha asked softly, he was still a bit unnerved, he could not wipe away the memories of what had happened the previous times his demon half had broken free from his mind and he could not shake the thought that his companions, who had experienced so much with him, had almost suffered the same fates. He might still be upset at their actions and unsure of their futures together…but he had considered them his pack for so long, had seen himself as their alpha and taken all the responsibilities that came with that position….such feelings could not be dropped easily.

“Well….” Miroku started hesitantly.

“I’ll tell you what happened!” Kagome shouted as she rose from her chair. “I was threatened! Again! I was manhandled! Again!” Kagome’s words tore into Inuyasha’s heart. The anger and betrayal in the miko’s voice was clear and it made him feel horrible regardless.

“I had never intended to hurt you” Inuyasha stated.

“Really?! You could have fooled me! You almost broke my neck not that long ago!” Kagome snapped.

“I wanted to be free!” Inuyasha growled. Kagome opened her mouth to speak but Inuyasha simply plowed ahead, more then willing to shout over her if he had to. “You hurt me! Day after day you abused me and that is just what it was! Abuse! Do you even understand how many times you nearly suffocated me?! Did you ever stop to think that when you uttered that accursed word over and over again and it shoved my face into the dirt, that I couldn’t breathe? Do you know what it is like for your lungs to feel like they are going to explode, to have to fight just to be able to breathe only to be smashed down once more? To pass out in a hole created by your own body and when you do awaken with a raw throated gasp and nearly vomit only to be told you deserved that?!” Inuyasha spat.

“I-”

“-And lets not the fact that I still have not healed the damage you have done to my back! And you know how fast I heal, you’ve seen my wounds close with your very eyes. Did you ever hear my whimpers and soft sobs as I tried to sleep only to have the shredded muscles in my back seize up, twisting me into knots? Did you ever stop to think that the little high pitched shrieks that would pop out of my mouth were not simply for your amusement? And yes I heard the little chuckles would spill out of all of you, and I know why, it was funny to hear such uncharacteristic noises come out of me, did you think I was surprised and that is why I made such noises? Or did you merely think it was out of agitation? Did you ever stop and think about why I uttered such sounds at all? Would it surprise you for me to tell you that it was because my ribs were cracking, breaking into pieces and digging into my insides? That the muscles of my back were twisting up and ripping over and over again?” Inuyasha seethed, he had begun to pant, his little rant having stolen most of his breath away. He was so confused…hurting so much, the tugging in his heart nearly driving him mad, he was so…so raw right now.

He would have said more but Sesshomaru’s arm tightened around him protectively, almost causing him to whimper. He wanted to just melt into the warm heat at his back, he wanted to be held so fucking much.

“Okay….maybe that’s…true, even so Sesshomaru has hurt you a lot more then anyone else…and your kind of plastered to him.” Kagome pointed out, her entire tone and demeanor changing. What that had to do with anything Inuyasha didn’t quite know.

“I’d move if I could but my body doesn’t seem to want to listen to me at the moment.” Inuyasha muttered.

“Tell me miko…why is it that every time your ill treatment of my baby brother is brought up and I am near him you attempt to drag our past into the mix.” Sesshomaru suddenly asked.

“It was just a question, I’m only-”

“-You are only trying to distract Inuyasha by causing us to quarrel. I am holding by brother because the rapid changes in his body from his control to his youkai’s and back again is almost always extremely disorientating and I do not wish for him to fall. He is allowing me to continuing holding him because his limbs are very likely still giving him trouble.” That was not entirely true, Inuyasha was pretty sure he could probably move if he truly wanted to, but he didn’t really want to, actually he wanted to just relax and see if Sesshomaru would support his entire weight for him.

It was so odd to have Sesshomaru touch him so kindly, he kept waiting for Sesshomaru’s arm to turn to steel, for his breath to be cut off and his ribs broken.

But the moment never came.

When was the last time he remembered touch from his family, remembered touch that was kind?

Before he could stop himself a small, embarrassingly needy, noise spilled out of Inuyasha’s mouth, he wasn’t sure if the others had heard it but there was no doubt that Sesshomaru did. Inuyasha found himself being pulled even tighter against Sesshomaru, so that more of their bodies, not just their back/chest were touching, and Sesshomaru’s tail began to curl around his thighs, slipping around and in-between each leg before wrapping around his waist. Inuyasha could not resist slipping his fingers into the thick, soft white fur, his hands and fingers still hurt…

“Leave us.” Sesshomaru ordered.

“Hey Shippo….why don’t you go play? Be sure to have fun too so you can have lots of interesting things to tell me later ok?” Inuyasha managed to force out, just barely keeping his voice even and normal.

“OK!” Shippo exclaimed as he hopped out of his chair and raced out of the room, followed by a smiling guard who had most likely been ordered to watch over the kit. The poor fox was probably was beyond confused and more then a little nervous about what had happened and thus quite eager to get back to more child like activities.

As the monk and slayer began to make their way towards the door Miroku stopped and looked back at Inuyasha.

“Are you going to be ok?” He asked. Inuyasha offered a smile, it was clear that neither of them wanted to leave him alone with Sesshomaru, Sango’s muscles were tight and Inuyasha could tell that with one word she would be more then willing to fight, which surprised him, she seemed the most upset when he had forced Kagome to remove the rosary….so why….

“Yeah I’ll be alright.” Inuyasha said. At least he hoped he would…still he needed some time, time away from his human friends, he felt so unstable right now, he wasn’t sure what might happen…or what he might do.

With a nod from Sango and a light hearted salute from Miroku the two of them left, leaving only Kagome in the room with them.

“I will not say it again girl. Leave, leave or I will have you escorted from our home.” Sesshomaru threatened. With a loud angry sigh Kagome rocked out of her chair, kicking it back away form her as she tromped over to the door, stopping only to glare at the two Inu’s once she reached it.

“I don’t believe this….just what is going on?” She mumbled as she shoved the door open and proceeded out. The door closed behind her with a heavy thud.

And then they were alone.

“Now…what is wrong Inuyasha? Why does such a desperate sound rush from your lips?” Sesshomaru asked softly.

“Its nothing.” Inuyasha said, he was embarrassed enough that it had even happened.

“Come now Inuyasha, you would not have uttered such a plea unless there was a serious reason.” Sesshomaru countered.

“Its nothing” Inuyasha insisted. Sesshomaru let out an exacerbated sigh.

“Please just tell me.”

“Its nothing!” Inuyasha snapped. He as not going to tell Sesshomaru that his youkai taking over so easily scared him, that he was worried about losing even more of his soul, just as he was told he would each time his demon side broke free, and becoming a mindless beast, he wasn’t going to tell him about how losing control of his body was one of his deepest fears, he as not going to tell how frightened it made him now that it was apparent that his Tetsusaiga could no longer restrain his demon blood.

And no way in hell was he going to tell him about how all he wanted to do right now was turn around and bury his face in Sesshomaru’s chest and embarrass himself even more by displaying such a clear desire for comfort.

But his head was clearing and his limbs growing solid once more, so this moment of weakness would soon be over.

“Let me go” Inuyasha muttered. “I can stand, thanks for your help I guess.”

For some reason he was not surprised when Sesshomaru did not give in to his request, the arm across his chest and the tail that curled around his thighs and waist did not move, instead Sesshomaru chose to snuggle his face against the back of Inuyasha’s neck. His hot breath tickled slightly against the skin not covered by Inuyasha’s hair.

“I know you are going through a difficult time right now and I also know that you are still adjusting to the new environment, so why do you not let me aid you?” Sesshomaru whispered.

That was a joke right?

Was Sesshomaru really asking why Inuyasha refused to lay himself open for Sesshomaru to pick at?

“I can’t believe you would even ask me something like that.” Inuyasha growled. “Look…I really don’t know what’s going on that’s true and if this healer of yours can give me answers I will be grateful….but we both know how you feel about me and the moment your done with me I’m going to be out on my ass once again so fast it’ll probably shake the earth. So there is no way I’m going to give you more ammo to taunt me with, you hurt my body enough, I don’t need to be giving you ways to hurt my heart more then you already have.”

Sesshomaru’s grip on Inuyasha tightened almost painfully before softening again and Inuyasha could feel Sesshomaru shudder at his back.

“I give you my word that nothing of the sort will happen.” Sesshomaru stated.

“Feh….your word means nothing to me Sesshomaru.” Inuyasha reported. A pained, frustrated whine left Sesshomaru lips, reverberating against Inuyasha’s neck. What was that? It made his chest feel heavy to hear….and then Sesshomaru took a shuddering breath, one that Inuyasha would have never guessed he would have ever heard come from Sesshomaru.
Inuyasha could suddenly feel a small bit of wetness against his neck and he snarled. “Damn it! Did you just spit on-”

And then he caught the faint scent of salt.

Salt? Now where would salt come from? He somehow doubted Sesshomaru had a mouthful of the spice in his mouth….so….

Inuyasha’s eyes widened.

“Sesshomaru…are…are you crying?” Inuyasha hesitantly asked.

“Of course not…why would you ask this Sesshomaru such…a silly question.” Sesshomaru replied, but his voice was thick and wet. Inuyasha began to try and turn around only to find Sesshomaru’s arm and tail tightening around him, preventing him from doing so.

“Sesshomaru, let me go.” Inuyasha said softly.

“Why?” Sesshomaru replied. “Is my touch so repulsive to you?” Sesshomaru’s voice was not only thick, but bitter as well. No….actually whether Inuyasha wanted to admit it or not, Sesshomaru’s touch was definitely not repulsive.

“No…I just wanted to turn around.” Inuyasha stated.

“Why?” Sesshomaru asked. Inuyasha bit his bottom lip, why indeed….and he couldn’t believe he was about to say this but…

“I want to look at you.”

Inuyasha heard the soft sound of Sesshomaru’s breath catching in his chest and it made Inuyasha’s pulse speed up slightly. After a few silent moments Sesshomaru’s tail began to uncurl, slipping off of Inuyasha, leaving his legs and stomach slightly chilled from the loss of contact. Sesshomaru’s arm pulled away from Inuyasha as the older Inu took a step back.

Inuyasha turned around then, only to come to stare at Sesshomaru’s hair, the elder demon had turned himself slightly to the side and tilted his head down so that his long silver locks hid his face.

“Sesshomaru….look at me.” Inuyasha said.

“Why?” Sesshomaru said for the third time in just a few minutes. It wasn’t like the proud Lord of the West to be at a loss for words like this, ever since that day in Nefrume’s castle, it…it almost seemed like this Sesshomaru was a completely different person from the one he had known his entire life.

“Why not?” Inuyasha asked as he took a step towards Sesshomaru. “Am I such a filthy hanyou that you cannot even look at me?” It was the title Sesshomaru had given him time and time again after all…

Sesshomaru actually flinched at Inuyasha’s words, which only served to fuel the younger Inu’s curiosity. Moving a half step forward Inuyasha came to stand in front of Sesshomaru, close enough to feel the heat coming off of the demon Lord yet still not touching. Emboldened by Sesshomaru’s sudden change in behavior Inuyasha brought both of his hands up, reaching for Sesshomaru’s face.

His older brother made no attempt to move as Inuyasha’s hands slid along his face, Inuyasha’s fingers slipping though Sesshomaru’s soft, silk hair as he pushed it away from Sesshomaru’s face, slowly Inuyasha moved his hands up further to completely cup Sesshomaru’s face, his thumbs crossing over it, sliding above his nose and coming to rest a little below the crescent moon on Sesshomaru’s forehead.

Sesshomaru’s hand came up to grip at Inuyasha’s forearm but he made no move to stop Inuyasha as he tilted his older brother’s face up to look at him. Their eyes met and Inuyasha noticed the tiny bit of redness in the whites of Sesshomaru’s eyes.

Sesshomaru tried to look away, but Inuyasha tightened his wrists and held him firmly in place, he could still smell the faint traces of salt on Sesshomaru and his eyes caught the sight of a wet trail along each side of the demon Lord’s face, it was faint, almost dry, perhaps only a few tears at the most…but…Sesshomaru crying?

It didn’t even seem like a possibility.

Without even thinking about it Inuyasha pulled Sesshomaru closer and his tongue quickly darted out to lap a the small piece of semi wet flesh of Sesshomaru’s check that rested between Inuyasha’s left thumb and forefinger.

The taste was unmistakable.

“A tear…” Inuyasha whispered

“I….” Sesshomaru began to say.

“You what?” Inuyasha asked. “What is happening Sesshomaru….I…I don’t understand at all.” Sesshomaru stared at Inuyasha though the spaces in the hanyou’s hands, his eyes so very different from how they had always been.

“Please release me Inuyasha.” Sesshomaru whispered. But Inuyasha chose not to remove his hands.

A tear? Perhaps more then just as single tear at that….but why?

He had argued with Sesshomaru, refused him, mocked his word, nothing really new there but….

“For me?” Inuyasha asked, his voice as gentle as a butterfly’s wings.

“..Yes.” Was Sesshomaru’s barely audible reply. And that one word rocked Inuyasha harder then any blow he had ever received in his life and although he tried with all his might to fight it, within the depths of his heart, a tiny spark, one that had long since extinguished…

Ignited once more.

Before anything else could be said however the sounds of doors opening rang though the air and Inuyasha shot back away from Sesshomaru as if a hurricane wind had caught a hold of him.

Hesitantly Retsu made his way into the room, carrying yet another tray in one hand, and pushing his hair nervously away from his ear with the other.

“I am sorry for the delay milord, I thought to allow the situation with your human die down a before I served you.” Retsu informed. “Your appetite has not left you I hope?”

The scent of food made its way into Inuyasha’s nose and his stomach let out a loud rumble, answering Retsu’s question rather effectively. Sesshomaru let out a little chuckle at the sound and Inuyasha felt a bit relieved, he wasn’t sure why but he did feel glad for any lightening of his elder brother’s mood at the moment. Sesshomaru’s newfound behavior confused him on a few levels, he wasn’t sure how to react….or what to expect.

Inuyasha grinned sheepishly as Retsu smirked at him. “Well then sit down milord and lets fill that tummy of yours.” The chef said. Once more seated in his chair Inuyasha dug in quickly the moment the food was set in front of him, he didn’t want to talk, did not want to think about what had just occurred and no one could make him as long as he was stuffing his face. Sesshomaru and Retsu were whispering to each other, what was being said Inuyasha could not quite tell, especially with the sounds of his chewing echoing in his ears, and honestly for once that suited Inuyasha just fine, he probably did not want to know anyway.

“Just leave the dishes on the table when you are finished Lord Inuyasha. I will collect them later. Please enjoy your meal.” Retsu said as began to leave once more. As he watching the departing chef Inuyasha felt he should say…something.

“Hey.” Inuyasha called after Retsu, the chocolate haired demon paused for a moment and turned his head to look over at Inuyasha. “Thanks….for all of this I mean.” A warm smile appeared on Retsu’s friendly face.

“You are most welcome Lord Inuyasha.” Retsu said before he disappeared behind the double doors again.

And then they were alone.

….Again.

Nervously Inuyasha took another bite, chewing slowly.

“You know Father used to do that very same thing.” Sesshomaru said as he slid back into his own chair, looking unbelievably graceful for just sitting down. Inuyasha swallowed, he ought to just shove another bite in his mouth so he didn’t have to talk….but he was always stupid so…

“Do what?” Inuyasha muttered, damn his curiosity! But he knew so very little about his Father.

“Fill his mouth full of food so that no one could make him speak, who knew you would inherit that little quirk.” Sesshomaru answered. Inuyasha didn’t know whether he had been complimented…or insulted. “But very well, enjoy your meal and I will speak.” Sess continued. Chewing on a large mouthful Inuyasha just stared over at Sesshomaru, the last time Sesshomaru had, had something he wanted to say the thing about Retsu had come up, which had been really weird, so what now?

Inuyasha had always assumed things ran like clockwork in Sesshomaru’s domain, flawless, sterile, and cold. With everyone and everything performing their duties with mechanical precision and yet although things did seem to work smoothly, with a few bumps here and there, Inuyasha was somewhat amazed at all the….the….color in the castle, the vibrancy…

The weirdness.

And it looked like more was about to come.

“Daigon is…eccentric to say the least, but do not let that fool you. He is the most skill healer I have ever met in my life.” Sesshomaru said. Praise? From Sesshomaru? Well then the guy had been good.

“Kay.” Inuyasha garbled, his mouth still full of food, which earned him a glare.

“I have no doubt that he will aggravate you Inuyasha, I only ask that you hold you temper and do not do anything rash.” Sesshomaru said.

“Why would I….as you say…do something…rash?” Inuyasha muttered after swallowing another bite.

“He is going to undoubtedly ask you some very personal questions and you will almost certainly find some of his tests invasive, but I assure you…as trite as they may seem, there will be a purpose and a point.” Sesshomaru reported.

“Oooookay.” Inuyasha replied. Why did this suddenly sound like such a crap idea? It had sounded good when first brought up, and sounded good all day yesterday and so far today….yet now he was starting to have second thoughts. “Anything else?”

“Yes….please answer all of his questions truthfully, regardless the subject matter.” Sesshomaru answered. Inuyasha scowled at that, just how personal was this Daigon person going to try to get?

“And just what is this Daigon going to ask me?” Inuyasha growled, tearing up another chunk of meat with his teeth rather aggressively.

“I could not really say….but I am sure he will have his own little speech prepared. I will say only this, lying to him and hiding things from him won’t work…..believe I’ve tried…I have tried for years, Father tried and yet he always manages to come up with a way to get you to talk.” Sesshomaru warned.

“And if I refuse anyway?” Inuyasha asked, he really didn’t like the sound of that. “Your not taking me to be tortured are you big brother?” Sesshomaru’s head jerked to the side quickly, glaring at Inuyasha, an extremely offended look on his face.

“Of course not! Must you…..argh….” Sesshomaru snapped, his tone matching his expression. “If you refuse he may likely refuse to examine you further. Thus you will get no answers to any of your questions.” Well hell….didn’t that just suck? Why couldn’t anything ever be easy? WHY?!

“Anything else?” Inuyasha growled as he swallowed the food he a thoroughly mutilated.

“One last thing.” Sesshomaru said, earning a loud snarl of frustration from Inuyasha. “Daigon will not answer a question, or give a diagnoses unless he believes it to be true, one hundred percent.”

“Which means?” Inuyasha asked.

“If he doesn’t know what is going on with you, he wont tell you what he thinks.” Sesshomaru answered.

“Well what kind of bullshit is that?!” Inuyasha shouted. “What’s the fucking point then?” Sesshomaru winced at Inuyasha’s raised voice, his ears twitching slightly. “Oh that’s right…you hear even better then I do, did that hurt? Psh good…” Inuyasha thought.
“It is simply how he is Inuyasha, he loathes to say something, thus leading you to believe it, and then to be proved wrong. He feels as if he has lied….or so he says.” Sesshomaru explained. Well…that almost made sense…but it was still a pain in the ass!

Sesshomaru fell silent after that, apparently content to just watch Inuyasha eat, the hanyou for his part ate slower then he normally would have…he wasn’t exactly looking forward to this meeting all of a sudden.

“Probably some old geezer…with an twisted up back and no teeth and some smelly ass breath.” Inuyasha thought.

But food doesn’t last forever and no plate fills itself, so soon Inuyasha’s plate was bare, his cup drained and Sesshomaru stood.

“Come. I will escort you.” The older Inu said. Inuyasha huffed.

“Do we have to?” He whined. Sesshomaru leveled a very peeved look upon Inuyasha.

“Yes we -have- to, honestly Inuyasha you were all for this not that long ago….must you be such a child? Or are you…afraid?” Sesshomaru said, his tone turning teasing at the end. Inuyasha’s hackles rose almost immediately. Afraid? Him? HA!

“Lead the way…” The hanyou growled.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Inuya sha wrinkled his nose as he entered the new room, a multitude of scents all rushing into his nostrils at once. There were racks and shelves all over the walls, littered with hundreds and hundreds of bottles, each filled with all sorts of materials, some where filled with liquids of various colors, others with leaves, roots and other plant life, others still were filled with chunks of crystallized matter.

Inuyasha had seen the old Hag’s supplies and tools but this was like a million times bigger. Inuyasha couldn’t help but wonder what they all were for, they could not all be medicines…could they? He didn’t even know if there were enough sicknesses to need half of what appeared to be in this new room.

There was a large table in the center of the room and a chair next to that, at least it looked like a table, but it was covered in a large cushion, with a raised part at one end. Down towards the back of the room there was a doorway off to the right, probably leading to another room and most likely where this Daigon person was.

Even though Sesshomaru was at his back Inuyasha felt a little uneasy, the room didn’t exactly feel oppressive but…it was still weird and he wasn’t sure just what to expect.

“Ahhh welcome young Lord!!” A sweet voice rang out, startling the crap out of Inuyasha. He hadn’t smelled or heard anyone so….what the hell?

Before Inuyasha could react a green haired figure swung down from a rafter up above, landing in front of Inuyasha. The hanyou too in the sight of the man in front of him, if you could even call him a man. He didn’t look much older then Inuyasha himself, sparkling eyes twinkled with amusement, his chest was bare, his skin smooth and a creamy looking pinkish color, with a layer of corded muscle underneath. His hair was a deep green, and…very strange looking, the back of his head held short hair, cut close to his skull, but once you reached about the middle of his head the hair began to get longer as you moved forward, inclining down on an angle, with bangs hanging past his jaw.

“Uh yeah, I…guess I’m here to see a…Daigon.” Inuyasha said, not sure what to make of this new person.

“He is rather interesting looking, I’ll give him an eight for the time being.” Inu-youkai suddenly said.

Inuyasha sighed, he had so been enjoying the silence.

“And a Daigon you have found!” The greenette proclaimed.

“Wait….Your Daigon?!” Inuyasha exclaimed.

“Indeedily do!” The man/boy, Daigon?, gushed.

“Wait a minute!” Inuyasha snapped, turning to face Sesshomaru. “You told me this guy had served Father! He barely looks older then me, he can’t be the right guy. Is this come kind of joke?”

“This one is far older then you puppy.” Daigon stated. “He is simply….humph….well this one does not feel he needs to explain at this time.” Daigon’s tone turned sad at that, as if remembering some far away and not very pleasant memory.

Turning back to face the pine haired creature Inuyasha grunted.

“This one? What one?”

“This one.” Diagon said, holding his left hand out to the side. “Is this one.” He finished, moving his right hand out in the same manner. “Now come my Lord, this one has quite eager to examine you, you’ve gone far to long without a proper check up.”

“Yeeeah…you know…I think I’m going to pass on that.” Inuyasha said, this guy was weirding him out and the idea of hanging around him did not seem all that appealing. But as he turned to leave he found himself being blocked by none other then Sesshomaru.

“Your being silly Inuyasha, I have already explained this to you.” Sesshomaru said.

“I don’t appreciate being jerked around Sesshomaru. You said you were taking me to a talented and experienced healer not some freaking pretty boy jail bait!” Inuyasha snarled, using a word he had heard on the TV box at Kagome’s house. He wasn’t one to judge right off the bat but this was ridiculous, a half naked boy who was supposed to be some kind of expert healer, who had served their Father and was even older then Sesshomaru?

Anyone could see that there was something off about that little setup.

“This one baits no jails.” Daigon said, sounding rather puzzled. “Though he is flattered you think him to be pretty. Or do you tell all the healers that?” Annoyed Inuyasha to tell this Daigon just what he really thought when he felt a stabbing pain in his left lung and it became difficult to breath.

His first thought was that Sesshomaru had stabbed him in the back with something, perfect set up to, try to lull him into a false sense of security with fake kindness then get behind him and shove a certain evil sword or set of claws though him, but then again…he couldn’t feel anything piercing him.

He opened his mouth to say something to Sesshomaru, what he wasn’t quite certain of, when things started to shift inside of him once more and all that came out of his mouth was a pained groan, he swiftly wrapped his right arm around his sternum to try and alleviate some of the pain and maybe hold his insides in place, either would be good.

Both would be great.

The next thing he knew Daigon was suddenly way to close to him, his hands on Inuyasha’s arm.

“Pain?” Diagon asked. Inuyasha nodded, after all what else could he do? He was trapped between Daigon and Sesshomaru after all.

Daigon’s hands played along Inuyasha side, pushing lightly at various points….then he found one that was very tender, Inuyasha cried out between clenched teeth as the spot Daigon had pressed on screamed in pain.

“Hmmm.” Daigon grunted before turning and walking over to the table in the center of the room. “Lay down right here Lord Inuyasha.” Daigon ordered.

Inuyasha just looked at him. Lay down? Why? He didn’t even want to move, much less shake his insides up more by laying down.

“Do you require assistance?” Daigon asked.

“No…I can walk.” Inuyasha growled.

“Then please make your way over here and onto this one’s table.” Daigon said.

“The only place I’m going is out of here and maybe to sleep.” Inuyasha stated. Yes he wanted answers, wanted them more then just about anything else right now, but he didn’t like this and he sure did not trust this guy enough to lay on his back, especially not on some table that probably had restraints on it somewhere.

Just his luck…this was actually a torture room.

Daigon rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically as he crossed his arms in front of him.

“Are you always this difficult or is this one getting the special treatment?” The healer asked.

“Look I don’t-”

“-Your side is hurting you because your ribs are shifting around inside of you, the reason for this is two fold. One reason is because your body is growing and as such your innards are also growing, thus pushing up against your ribs. The other reason is that your cage of ribs old connecting tissue is probably degenerating and becoming loose, the problem is that the new tissue is not growing fast enough to keep them in place, thus the pain. Now would you please be so delightful as to place your crank backside where this one tells you so that he may exam you more thoroughly.” Daigon said, his bright, cheerful voice clashing with his serious tone.

Inuyasha jaw threatened to drop, how could he tell that? Or was he just lieing?

As Inuyasha was mulling over this in his mind he realized that he was no longer standing on the ground…and he was moving!
Sesshomaru’s long stride quickly brought them both to the table where Inuyasha found himself being gently placed down upon.

“Bastard.” Inuyasha growl at his older brother, who simply smirked back at him.

“Thank you my Lord.” Daigon said. “Now remove your top please Lord Inuyasha.”

“What?! Why?” Inuyasha balked

“Well this one cannot properly check the afflicted area’s though your clothing.” Daigon answered. Inuyasha scowled, he did not to be taking any clothing off, he hated to bear his body to people he knew and now a total stranger wanted him to? Not to mention Sesshomaru was in the room and considering all that had happened with his sibling Inuyasha wanted as much clothing between him and the demon Lord as he could comfortably manage, he would prefer a large distance but failing that…a few layers of clothing would have to do.

“Why? I would love to have his naked skin melded to our own.” Inu-youkai stated.

And that was part of the reason he was NOT taking his clothes off anywhere near Sesshomaru.

“Not with him in the room.” Inuyasha said, jerking his head towards Sesshomaru. HA! Now he could get out of this whole thing, because Sesshomaru didn’t look like he wanted to leave and Daigon couldn’t-

“Very well. This one will send for you when it is time for your appointment Lord Sesshomaru.” Daigon said as he began to walk towards the demon Lord.

What that??

“Daigon…” Sesshomaru growled.

“No no, you heard him….” Daigon insisted as he began to push Sesshomaru towards the door. Push him!

Obviously Sesshomaru was allowing it to happen but still….it shocked Inuyasha, not only was Daigon laying his hands on Sesshomaru but the asshole was actually letting him push him out of the room.

“Daigon.” Sesshomaru said, more insistently.

“Shoo, shoo my Lord-”

“-But I think-”

“-This one can handle it-”

“-But I want-”

“-This one will ensure you get the official report both in written and verbal form, now shoo.” Daigon said as he eased Sesshomaru out of the door.

And then shut it.

Holy.

Fucking.

SHIT!

“I can’t believe you just did that!!” Inuyasha exclaimed. He was more then half expecting Sesshomaru to come crashing though the wall and just up and kill the healer.

“Can’t believe what?“ Daigon asked.

“You just kicked Sesshomaru out of the room! Sesshomaru! The Lord of the West! The big killing guy of killing!” Inuyasha ranted, his pain almost a memory. Did he actually see that?

“Tis not the first time this one has had Lord Sesshomaru remove himself. Now then…top off please.” Daigon stated as he began to walk back towards Inuyasha, who was still mostly prone on the table, keeping his upper body raised with his elbows.

“I think you’re my hero….” Inuyasha muttered. Daigon grinned…rather manically, which certainly did NOT help abate Inuyashas fears. Sighing to himself Inuyasha reluctantly, very reluctantly slid of his jacket and then the his undershirt, leaving his upper body bare. Something useful had better come from this….

“Well it is nice to be admired, now lay back dear lord.” Daigon said, Inuyasha found himself sinking into the rather soft cushion as surprisingly strong hands pushed him back and began to roam along his rib cage. It actually felt decently pleasant until Daigon reached about halfway to his hip, the healer pushed in slightly with two of his knuckles and wiggled them back and forth, pain streaked up Inuyasha’s body as he felt on of his ribs move WAY more then it should, he couldn’t help but suck in a tight breath and was about to claw at Daigon when the healer stopped.

“Mmm yes….though it’s a little worse then normal….tell this one my Lord have you been in any battles lately?” Daigon asked.

“Yesss.” Inuyasha answered through gritted teeth.

“Ah…well that partly explains it….this one is sure you have noticed but your ribs are very loose right now, they should be healing better by now especially now that this one can feel your new ones coming in….but if you have received any rather jarring impacts lately that does explain the magnitude of the tearing….but this one has something that should help.” Daigon said as he hopped over to one of the tables and began looking for something in a drawer.

“New ones?” Inuyasha asked. What did he mean new ones? What could be new inside him….he didn’t want anything new inside him!

“Your new ribs, you have two new ones growing on each side, lower ribs to be exact.” Daigon answered, sounding more like he was delivering a weather report then informing someone that new shit was growing inside of them.

“WHAT!!?” Inuyasha roared, nearly coming off the table. Quickly his hands slid down his body, feeling his rib cage near his hips. Sure enough…he could feel two new ridges that should not be there.

“Not so loud my Lord, this one can hear you just fine. Its fairly normal in Inu demon maturation.” Daigon said, apparently finding what he was looking for, a large brown jar, and made his way back towards Inuyasha.

“Why am I growing new fucking ribs!? What the hell is going on?!” Inuyasha asked rapidly, his heart beginning to pound. This was getting beyond weird now…this was getting down right disturbing.

“To better protect your precious, sparkling innards of course.” Daigon stated. “Now stop moving” Setting the jar on a part of the table separate from Inuyasha, and probably made just for that, Daigon slipped one hand under the hanyou and began to lift him into a sitting position, grumbling Inuyasha started to sit up, only to be stopped by Daigon’s other hand on his chest.

“Stop. Moving. Relax and go as limp as you can, allow this one to move you.” Daigon ordered. Inuyasha rolled his eyes but obeyed, soon he found himself in a sitting position. “Good…now stay there a moment.” Swiftly Daigon unsealed the cap off of the jar and reached under the table and pulled out some kind of stool that he then sat on, and pulled the little table, which moved oddly enough, closer to him. “Now then take a few breaths, then a deep one, let it out and hold yourself until this one says otherwise.” Daigon said.

Inuyasha didn’t really like the sound of that, but he did as he was told and the moment his lungs were clear of oxygen Daigon began to pull some type of wet cloth out of the jar and quickly wrap it around Inuyasha, starting from just below his belly button. Soon Inuyasha found a little over half his stomach tightly wrapped in the strangely sticky cloth, then Daigon cut the cloth away from the rest in the jar and smoothed it onto Inuyasha’s side.

“Good good, now take a few breaths, but try to keep them somewhat shallow…” Daigon said. Inuyasha did so, trying to resist the urge to take one deep breath and fill the lungs that were aching slightly. “Now take one final breath and hold it, do not let it out.” What the hell did this have to do with anything? Confused and a little annoyed Inuyasha still obeyed.

Pulling the cloth out again Daigon continued wrapping, covering Inuyasha’s stomach and moving up his chest before stopping a few inches beneath his nipples and cutting the cloth just as he did before. “Very good, my darling Lord, normal breaths now, deep as you’d like.”

Inuyasha was glad to hear that and his lungs appreciated it as well. Yet he could feel the cloth around him tightening slightly. He looked over to Daigon but the healer was already moving to put the jar and its contents away. A few moments went by and the cloth seemed to dry…and get rather tight…which made it a little hard to breath.

“What is this for? Why is it making it hard to breath and why am I NOT cutting it off right now?” Inuyasha asked irritably. Without even turning around Daigon answered.

“It is to help keep your ribs in place so that they can properly heal, it is slightly hampering your breathing because it needs to be tight to keep them in place and you are not cutting it off because you want your body to heal properly so you stop experiencing pain.”
Well….at least the explanation made sense.

“Well how long do I have to keep it on?” Inuyasha asked, it was probably going to start itching, it just HAD to, because he needed to keep it on so of course it would become a pain in the ass sometime down the road….that is how it always worked.

“If you take it easy and don’t get yourself slammed around it shouldn’t take more then a day or so, perhaps quicker if your body feels up to it, and longer if you damage yourself further.” Daigon answered.

“Ok….well can I put my clothes back on now?” Inuyasha inquired.

“You may, of course this one might just have you remove them for another test a few bouncing steps down the line.” Daigon replied. Damn it….he was not going to put his clothes on, then take them off, then put them on…then take them off again. “This one would suggest just leaving them off for the time being, if you are chilled this one has fur or two you may cover yourself with.”

“No…I’m not cold…I just don’t…I don’t like for people to see my body. Sigh….so what now?” Inuyasha groaned. Inuyasha watched as Daigon made his way back towards him with a chair with a small table built onto it, a pile of parchment, a pen and a bottle of ink.

“Now this one is going to ask you some questions, which you are to answer, you may ask this one any questions that you come up with and this one asks that you tell him anything you feel is relevant to your current situation, any nagging problems you might be having and so on and so forth.” Daigon replied as he sat himself down in the chair, pulling the small table so that it was in front of him and reclined slightly, it looked fairly comfortable all things considered. “So make your self comfortable. We are likely to be here for a nice long while.”

“What kind of questions?” Inuyasha asked. He didn’t like questions…didn’t like them at all.

“All sorts really.” Daigon confessed.

“I’m not about to spill my guts and tell you my private business.” Inuyasha snapped. Yeah sure his chest was feeling a bit better, but he certainly did not trust Daigon and he didn’t just -open up- to anyone.

“You may have to.” Daigon stated flatly.

“The hell I do!” Inuyasha growled, he didn’t need this crap, he came here to get help…not be friggin interrogated, figures….story of his life, he could never get anything he needed now could he?

Not even bothering to grab his discarded clothing Inuyasha hopped up off of the table and began stomping his way towards the door, only to have Daigon rush in front of him.

“You are rather fickle this one must say….why so upset now?” Daigon asked.

“Just get out of my way….I’m leaving.” Inuyasha snarled.

“This one is afraid he cannot do that, your Father would simply have had a fit if this one did not ensure that his son was in perfect sparkling health.” Daigon reported.

“Oh I doubt you even knew my Father, now move!” Inuyasha ordered. Only to have the healer cross his arms and glare at him, Inuyasha didn’t want to just pick him up and chuck him into the wall….he had made his ribs feel better after all, but this whole thing was pissing him off and Sesshomaru was acting weird and the stupid tugging in his heart was getting worse!!

Placing his hand on the hilt of Tetsusaiga Inuyasha growled.

“Do I have to start cutting pieces off of you?”

Daigon just smiled and a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.

“This one will make you a deal, he will hold still and let you chop off his head, but if you do you have to submit to all his tests and questions.” The healer stated. Inuyasha quirked an eyebrow, what was he stupid? No head equaled dead.

“…..you realize you’ll be dead.” Inuyasha muttered.

“Well does this one have your word? Your absolute word?” Daigon asked.

“I’m not going to-”

“Well if the little hanyou is too scared….” Daigon interrupted, his tone turning mocking at the -little hanyou- remark. “A coward son of Inu-Taisho….tisk tisk.”

Inuyasha’s temper flared, the little shit! Who the fuck did he think he was.

“You have my absolute word.” Inuyasha growled as he swung his blade, cleanly slicing right though Daigon’s next. The healer blinked and his had rolled backwards, slipping off his neck. Inuyasha grinned a feral grin. Boy…Sesshomaru was going to be pissed, this was a good way to see just how far his older brother was willing to go with his fake kindness.

Inuyasha slid his Tetsusaiga back into its sheath and prepared to walk around Daigon’s still standing, which was weird, body. When the headless body took a step forward!

Its hand shot out and press against Inuyasha chest, pushing him backwards until his ass hit the table. He could only stare with his mouth in gape as the body reached down and snagged its head, placing it back onto its body. The slice in the next instantly sealed and Daigon grinned.

“Wow….sharp sword there milord, this one barely even felt it cut.” the healer stated as he cracked his neck, rotating his head in a circle.

“What?!…how?…you……fucking hell!” Inuyasha gasped. Still grinning Daigon placed on hand on his hip and cocked his head to the side.

“This one is the wind…and you cannot cut the wind.” Daigon said. Which made sense…and didn’t make sense all at the same time and all that Inuyasha wanted at that moment was to get the hell out of the room and away from the thing that wouldn’t die even if he lost his head.

Leaning his weight forward onto one foot Inuyasha was prepared to do just that when Daigon spoke.

“Uh uh un.” The healer grunted, waving on finger in front of his face. “You gave your word remember, so have a seat, lay down and relax.”

Aw come on…

“You….how…you tricked me!” Inuyasha snapped.

“Not really no, this one did just what he said he would do, its not his fault you did not achieve the results you thought you would. Although this one does apologize for insulting you, this one bares you no ill will over your hanyou status, you are a son of Inu-Taisho and this one respects you all the same.” Daigon said. Grumbling Inuyasha pushed himself back up onto the table, he didn’t want to and whether he liked it or not he had gave his word and he was honorable…..he just felt like a moron right now.

Then again how could he have known he was walking into a set up? It was pretty much a near universal fact that if you removed something’s head…it died.

“I’m still not about to trust you with my personal business. I’m not built that way and I won’t have you telling others.” Inuyasha stated.

“You can trust this one, what is said to him, stays with him, this one has kept your Father’s secrets, your brothers and now he will keep yours” Daigon said.

“Bullshit! I heard you tell Sesshomaru you’d give him a report.” Inuyasha fired back.

“Nuh uh! You heard this one tell the Lord Sesshomaru that he would give him the -official- report, which only details your physical condition, dietary recommendations and other such nonsense. The -true- report stays in this one’s head, and yours too of course.” Daigon explained. “But if it makes you feel better this one will try his best not to ask questions that may be to personal.”

“What makes you think you can keep a secret from Sesshomaru he-”

“-This one pushed him out of the door easily enough, this one does not worry about Sesshomaru, if he truly wants to know your business he will have to ask you, this one is already angry with him, you should have been brought here centuries ago….not left out on your own. This one is very disappointed in him.” Daigon forged again. Inuyasha as a little stunned, was this guy actually scolding Sesshomaru? Even if the older Inu wasn’t in the room Inuyasha didn’t think he’d ever heard anyone other then himself, and his own group, say one negative word about Sesshomaru.

“You…you wanted me here?” Inuyasha asked softly.

“Of course! This is your home.” Daigon replied sternly.

Daigons somewhat outraged tone made Inuyasha feel a little warm inside, it was silly he knew that….but he enjoyed it all the same.

“So my Lord why don’t you start by telling dear Daigon just what has been happening with your Lordly body.” The healer said as he slid back into his chair. Inuyasha chose to lay back on the table, his head resting on the extra cushioning, which was probably made just for that, it was surprisingly comfortable.

Daigons question was a personal one, but it did pertain to what he wanted to know so….Inuyasha took a deep breath and began to speak.

He told Daigon everything, about the increases in his size, the sharpening of his senses, the changing of his heartbeat, about how his youkai had begun talking all of a sudden, he told about the heat that had raged within his body and how it was prone to horrible cramping, he told all about the pain and tenderness of his tailbone, though completely left out all of the parts about fucking Sesshomaru on the cliffs and the hand-job/make out scene in the trees.

That was a little too personal.

And it didn’t have much to do with his current situation anyway, though he might have to ask if there was a way to remove Sesshomaru’s mating mark. Just to be sure…

Daigon took notes the entire time, interrupting from time to time to ask a question about Inuyasha’s body and what it normally would do, or for further clarification on a certain point.
When Inuyasha finally finished he felt a little weary, hearing the whole tale smashed together like that brought it home just home much crap he had been through in such a short amount of time really.

“Woohoo…that’s quite the ordeal tama tama.” Daigon mused and Inuyasha felt the question that had been itching inside of him ever since Daigon started talking…so he voiced it.

“Daigon?”

“Hmmm?” The healer grunted as he chewed on the end of his pen, never looking up from his notes.

“Why do you talk so funny?”

Daigon’s eyes shifted up, looking at Inuyasha though his lashes, which Inuyasha noticed were also green, only a much deeper shade of green, much like a pine.

“This one is the wind and thus speaks as the wind does. The wind is formless, ever changing…some might even call it chaotic and thus this one can be no less.” Daigon answered.

“That…makes absolutely no sense what so ever.” Inuyasha muttered.

“To you perhaps young puppy but to this one it is ever clear, na no da.” Daigon reported.

“Oookay, but all the this one and he this and all that? Why not I or me?” Inuyasha continued, but at the sudden stricken, pained look on Daigon’s face after the words let his mouth, he almost wished he hadn’t.

“This one….was pledged to serve one, but was ordered to perform a sickening…heinous act, which he simply could not and this was dishonored, regardless of the reason this one’s word was broken and so he was punished and may never again be so proud as to claim himself.” Daigon answered. The sadness and pain in his voice touched Inuyasha on a personal level, he too knew sadness that deep, he too knew pain and although he still did not totally understand, he felt for the oddball healer. “Please…this one wishes to speak of it no more.” Daigon half sobbed. Clearly it was a raw spot for him and Inuyasha found himself feeling like an asshole.

“No problem…I didn’t mean to hurt you…for what it is worth…I’m sorry.” Inuyasha said, he didn’t like hurting others, not really, not unless they had hurt him somehow, he’d been though enough pain himself and yes there were times when he felt the need to spread the pain around, and even then he felt guilty sometimes.

A lot like now actually.

He just didn’t ever want to be like the people he had met throughout his life…hurting others for no reason, or a stupid reason.

“You remove this one’s head so easily yet a few little words make you sorry?” Daigon teased, a small earnest smile on his face. Inuyasha flushed with embarrassment. “But your words are a cushy comfort.”

“I’m not like that you know…I don’t know why…” Inuyasha trailed off. It was true…he knew he had a bad temper but it wasn’t usually THAT bad.

Well unless it was Sesshomaru.

But he deserved it.

The bastard.

It had just come so quickly, especially after his Father had been brought into it, he had felt a righteous fury boil within him at that. “How dare he?!” something inside of him and screamed wordlessly. “How dare he insult me here of all places! HERE!”

Granted Inuyasha wasn’t sure what being -here- had to do with anything but apparently it did, big time.

“Do not fret your puppy eared head milord, this one knew what he was getting into if he provoked you in such a manner. Besides…it did not hurt.” Daigon assured him.

“Oh so NOW you admit to tricking me on purpose.” Inuyasha retorted, a bit of humor seeping into his tone, he couldn’t help it, something about the healer just made him want to smile and laugh.

Daigon grinned wolfishly and shrugged slightly.

“Alright we have had little embarrassing confession time, this one feels so male bonded -gigglenow back to business. Can this one ask if any stressful event happened before your first spurt?” Daigon inquired. “A surge of emotion? A battle perhaps?”

Inuyasha wanted to smack himself but damn did that sound dirty.

“I’d love some spurting, think he’d be interested? I’m liking those slim hips and I bet we can get him to say -Fuck me!-” Inu-youkai butted in.

Oh please don’t start that, he did not want to daze off again and find out he jumped the healer.

“Why do you ask?” Inuyasha asked, not really wanting to get into it, his mood darkening at the mere remembrance of it.

“This one is trying to determine what the trigger to the changes in your body may have been, you are a hanyou and thus this one can not use normal demon cycles to try and diagnose you, your human blood is very much a wild card, no telling just what changes it might cause. It could be that it was simply time or perhaps some outside stimulus sent you down this path.” Daigon explained.

Inuyasha sighed, damn logic….it was always so hard to argue against when presented like that.

“I was…angry. I had just been injured and insulted, some there was some pain.” Inuyasha said.

“Mmmhmmm.” Daigon acknowledged, dipping the tip of his pen into his jar of ink and then jotting something down. “On a scale from say one to ten, what was your anger level?”

“About fifteen.” Inuyasha snorted. Daigon chuckled at that but then seriously asked.

“Why so enraged my Lord?”

Inuyasha thought about not answering, he still did not like the idea of sharing his personal business to anyone, let alone a guy he had known for only a short span of time.
Still….Daigon had confessed something obviously very sensitive, so Inuyasha did feel at least a little obligated, besides…maybe he would feel a little better about it if he talked about it a little, his mouth had always told him not to bottle himself up so much, granted he had never really followed that advice but that was mostly because he had never had a trusted confidant before and so often people had tried to use his personal business to hurt him.

“I…we came upon a village that my Mother and I had lived. I did not want to stay there but my protests were overridden, as usual, the big problem was that I ran into a man that I had known when I was younger, he and his friends had abused me many times, nearly drown me once, struck my Mother in the head with a rock and just generally tormented the both of us. I think that if we had had anywhere else to go…we would have gladly gone and sometimes I think she would have had a much better life had I not been around.” Inuyasha said.

“She loved you my Lord and never once regretted you, of that this one is sure of.” Daigon added.

“I…I wanted to kill him, ever back then, but my Mother had stopped me, plus he was almost never without his goon squad and they had shown, more then once, that together they could overwhelm me.” Inuyasha explained, the rage from his ill treatment seeping back into his voice. “But I was bigger now, stronger now and here he was, still alive, still willing to insult me, to insult my Mother. He had never paid and I wanted him to pay. So I dragged him to the well, the very same well my own life had nearly been ended in all that time ago and I shoved his head under. Maybe I was being unreasonable but I could still remember, all these years later and I could still remember seeing the blood run down my Mother’s beautiful face as she cradled me, he deserved to die, he needed to pay!” Inuyasha slammed his fist down on the table, hard, to accentuate his point.

“Go on.” Daigon prodded softly.

“Like it or not I was going to drown him, but Kagome saw what was going on and she -sat- me, which of course sent my face smashing down through part of the well wall, while I was down there Eiichiro was laughing at me again, he spit on me and then he…he kicked me, right in my face-”

“She -sat- you? Forgive this one for interrupting but he is not sure what you mean.” Daigon butted in.

Inuyasha groaned inwardly, it was just so embarrassing to admit.

“A rosary had been placed around my neck, one she had control over, I couldn’t get if off and whenever she said the word -sit- it would pull me to the ground.” Inuyasha explained.

“Pull you…” Daigon muttered.

“Imagine a giant about the size of a small mountain walking up to you and then raising one foot into the air as high as he could and then stomping on you and as hard as he could. That’s…pretty much was a sitting was like.” Inuyasha sneer. Gods he didn’t miss that, didn’t miss it one single bit.

“Disturbing.” Daigon mumbled as he jotted something down.

“Yeah so anyway there I am, on the ground with that bastard lording it over me, and he kicks me, the fucking little slime has the nerve to kick me!” Inuyasha snapped, his voice going cold, adopting a very Sesshomaru like tone. “I know why she did it, but I was furious, at him, at her. So as soon as I could move again I left, I had to, if I didn’t I knew there would be blood and I wasn’t sure as to whose or how much of it would stain my claws. I had a bit of a tantrum on my surroundings and the next thing I knew I was bigger.” The hanyou finished.

“Interesting….” Daigon said.

“But I had been feeling weird for a few weeks before that happened.” Inuyasha added on.

“Ah…well that certainly counts as a rather….dramatic event.” Daigon admitted. A simple “Keh” was all that exited Inuyasha’s mouth, he had already said more then enough and it was bothering him, it made him feel weak, bitching about the past like that.

“Even the mightiest tower will crumble and fall if it is not properly maintained and a dam will burst if forced to hold to much back.” Daigon said, causing Inuyasha to glance at him curiously. “That is what Inu-Taisho said to this one once.”

Inuyasha smiled weakly, Fatherly advice from beyond the grave eh?

“My hands.” Inuyasha whispered, partially hoping Daigon wouldn’t hear then, as he began to slowly open and close the objects of his attention, trying to flex the kinks out of them.

“What about the Lord Inuyasha’s handy hands?” Daigon inquired.

“They hurt….they feel like I have…something…oh its hard to explain and my claws, they feel very loose.” Inuyasha confessed.

“Oh?” Daigon puzzled as he set his pen down on his little table and made his way over to Inuyasha. Taking a hold of the horizontal hanyou’s left hand Daigon massaged it gently. “Does this hurt?” He asked. Inuyasha shook his head no.

Reaching down to one of Inuyasha’s fingers Daigon one claw between two of his fingers, being careful not to cut himself, and wiggled it gently, Inuyasha grimaced, he could feel it shifting far more then it should. “Indeed…” Daigon said softly, wrinkling his nose as he quickly checked Inuyasha’s right hand, discovering it to be much like his left. Lifting one of Inuyasha’s hands close to his face, Daigon gently pushed on of Inuyasha’s claws up and appeared to try and look under it. Mumbling to himself Daigon turned, quickly retrieving a tool from one of the many, many chests that littered the room, and returned taking Inuyasha’s hand back into his and began to use the odd looking tool to look under Inuyasha’s claw once more.

Inuyasha wasn’t sure what Daigon was doing and was about to voice his confusion over something so silly being done when Daigon suddenly exclaimed.

“Ah ha”

“Ah ha? What ah ha? What is it?”

Ignoring Inuyasha’s question Daigon took the hanyou’s right hand into his own hands and placed both of his thumbs directly onto either side of the back of Inuyasha’s hand, right on the two most sore spots and began to massage them, pressing in rather strongly though.

“How does this feel?” Daigon asked.

“Hurts a little.” Inuyasha answered. His fingers were beginning to tingle, almost as if they had been asleep and his blood was starting to rush back into them. “My fingers are tingling

“Good, good.” Daigon said, sounding pleased. “Tell this one if any changes occur ok? Please stay focused. “Daigon requested. Then he began to work up Inuyasha’s hand, towards his knuckles. The tingling started to become stronger and his fingers started to feel a bit swollen.

The worst however was a rather annoying itch that began to collect in the tips of his fingers, he wanted to rub them together, but when he tried to do so to try and relieve some of the itching Daigon scolded him. “Don’t”

“They itch! And are all tingly and crap, what are you doing anyway?” Inuyasha complained.

“Itching you say? Hmmm.” Daigon whispered to himself as he stood, releasing Inuyasha’s hand. “Hold your hand steady, don’t move it and DON’T scratch it.” Daigon ordered. Inuyasha watched Daigon walk over back into his little room, disappearing from sight and growled, but he obeyed all the same, mostly because he had no clue what was going on and he wanted it to stop, it felt like he had millions of little bugs crawling around in his poor fingers.

Soon the sounds of footsteps neared Inuyasha and the hanyou turned his head to see Daigon returning….with a little glass jar in his hands.
A jar??

What the hell was a jar going to do for him?

Daigon stopped next to the table, but instead of pulling out the stool he had used earlier or anything else he just hopped up on the table with Inuyasha, pushing the hanyou back a bit as he scooted himself back to keep from falling off, finally seating himself cross legged. Inuyasha wasn’t sure what was about to happen as Daigon leaned back, resting his body on Inuyasha’s chest and drawing the hand he had been attending to before around his body and into his lap, which completely blocked Inuyasha’s view of what was going on.

Inuyasha felt Daigon’s cool hands slip over his, the healer’s fingers playing over his skin, and much to his utter embarrassment his body started to react. Flustered Inuyasha lifted on of his knee’s up, resting his foot on the table to hide any…problems that might…pop up.

It was then he felt his thumb, ring and pinky fingers being curled in towards his palm, leaving his index and middle finger sticking out.

“It may sound silly but can you tighten the fingers this one has moved while keeping the other to straight?” Daigon asked, without a word Inuyasha did what was asked, it was rather easy to do, his fingers had always been dexterous, although doing so made his knuckles pop, which caused a cool rush to spread though out his hand.

“Wait go back…I was more interested in the getting hard part, seriously…he is so damn close we could suck on his neck, can we do that instead?” Inu-youkai asked.

Why…why why why why?! Why was this part of him that wouldn’t shut up such a fucking horny bastard?

“Well if you would maybe put a little friggin effort into meeting our needs it wouldn’t be like this!” Inu-youkai snapped.

Was he taking shit from a part of his being now? Was that fair?

Still…Inuyasha was curious as to what the healer was up to now, which made it easier to ignore certain things.

“Very nice….now keep them just like that, nice and tight. Now this one needs you to relax and trust him. He needs you to not to try to pull your arm away alright milord?” Daigon said.

“Uh…alright.” Inuyasha agreed hesitantly. Just what was the greenette going to do to him?

“Nice and tight? Relax and trust? He’s fucking flirting with us! Come on you can not say that was not a come on-” Inu-youkai chimed in.

“Shut. Up. Just be quiet for the rest of the day would you?” Inuyasha thought.

Daigon’s hands slid down Inuyasha’s hand heading towards his wrist before stopping just at the junction where his hand connected to his wrist, and then Daigon began to massage his hand once more, if you wanted to call it that, the healer was pressing very hard, both in and up towards his fingers.

It wasn’t to long before Inuyasha’s fingers began to tingle once more, his two extended fingers just tingled but his three clenched fingers began to ache, without thinking he tried to flex them.

“Keep your fingers where they are my Lord.” Daigon said, as if he knew what Inuyasha was about to do.

“They hurt.” Inuyasha said, feeling crappy for sounding so whiney and wishing he could see what the hell Daigon was doing.

“This one is sorry but it is necessary.”
The tingling grew as Daigon made hi way further down Inuyasha’s hands, the itching in the tips of his fingers also returned, much to his displeasure. What was worse was Inuyasha could feel pressure building up in his hand, he could feel it swelling up and he tried to peer over Daigon’s shoulder but he still couldn’t see what was happening, Daigon had somehow managed to completely block off his view from all angles.

Suddenly Daigon’s hands shifted, angling towards Inuyasha’s two extended fingers and he was pressing in so hard it made Inuyasha wince slightly. The tingle then became and angry buzz, as if Inuyasha had a small swarm of hornets within his hand and the itching…..good gods it was starting to drive him nuts. His fingers began to throb now, he could feel his claws being pushed up and way from his flesh from the building pressure and he was just about to tear his arm away from Daigon, to rub at it, claw at it, chew on it, he didn’t know what just anything to make it go back to normal, when Daigon maneuvered his hand away from his lap, pulling Inuyasha forward and tighter against him.

Then Daigon pushed down and towards his fingers…hard and Inuyasha felt something give, he groaned in relief as the horrible pressure began to abate, a strange cool feeling soothing the itch that had had him ready to tear his fingers off.

Daigon’s fingers kept working on his hand but Inuyasha hardly noticed. Thank goodness it was over…whatever it was. Then Inuyasha noticed he could feel wetness on his fingertips, it almost felt like he was bleeding!
Daigon gave another hard push and this time Inuyasha could feel something push out from under his claws. Did he have an infection in his hand? Inuyasha nearly gagged at the thought that Daigon might be squeezing pus out of his hand somehow. By pure reflex Inuyasha went to pull his hand away, he had to see it, needed to make sure he was ok. His hands were practically his life, nearly everything he had ever got he had gotten with his own two hands, he needed them!

But just as he began to pull his arm back Daigon tightened his grip and the healer’s voice broke through his mild panic.

“Don’t. Move.” the lithe man/boy ordered, his voice as serious as the grave.

“What’s going on??” Inuyasha asked, it would be so much better if he could just see what was happening, if he had a sight to go along with all these bizarre and unfamiliar feelings.

“Almost done now, just relax.” Daigon soothed.

After a few more tense moments Daigon’s fingers stopped their actions and Inuyasha soft material wiping gently at his finger tips. Turning Daigon slid off of the table and Inuyasha instantly drew his hand back.

It was a little red but it seemed alright, his fingers were a little stiff but he could still move them without difficulty.

“What did-” Inuyasha started to say as he took his eyes off of his hand and placed them back on the healer. The elemental had placed a lid on the jar he was carefully holding in his hands.

“Not like the other….” Daigon muttered.

“What? What isn’t like the other?” Inuyasha half asked, half demanded. Daigon held the jar up so that Inuyasha could see it more clearly and the hanyou was unprepared for what he saw.

A sickly pale blue fluid filled nearly half of the container.

“What the hell is that?!” Inuyasha asked, cradling the hand Daigon had apparently procured the fluid from in his other.

“This one is somewhat ashamed to admit he is not sure.” Daigon reported.

“Did that come out of me?” Inuyasha gasped, nothing that bizarre should be coming out of him, red fluid fine, white fluid ok, but fucking blue? Not even a pretty blue either but a fucked up pale deathly looking blue.

“Yes.” Daigon stated simply.

“Well how? Why? What….” Inuyasha fumbled.

“This one will have to do a few tests, but once he knows what it is he will be able to deliver some answers to those pesky questions.” Daigon said.

“How long will that take?” Inuyasha asked, this was getting stranger and stranger, he was starting to regret even coming here.

“This one cannot give you a time table but rest assured he will be right on it as soon as he is able.” Daigon answered.

“Well when will that be?” Inuyasha snapped, he wanted to know what was going on and he wanted to know right now!

“Well once we are finished here this one has an appointment with your brother but after that he is free to work on the Inuyasha mystery. So with a little luck and if this one’s intuitions are correct then he may be able to give you a full report tomorrow or the next day.” Annoying….but what could be done?

Carefully Daigon placed the jar up on the table, pushing it back into a small cabinet and shutting the door behind it.

“Your claws are going to fall out.” Daigon suddenly stated. “That is why they are so loose.”

“WHAT?!” Inuyasha roared, good gods…he really was falling apart, his claws were like…one of his most important tools and weapons and now-

“Oh calm yourself Lord Inuyasha, a new pair will be growing in right behind them.” Daigon chuckled. “Though it would be better if they came out soon, this one suggests finding a good solid log to dig them into for a little while each day to help loosen them up quicker.”

Yeah but what if he did that and they fell out and then he needed them?

Cause seriously…that was just his luck.

“So….how long before this happens on its own?” Inuyasha asked.

“Oh about a month, maybe two this one guesses.” Daigon answered.

Lovely…

“Now then milord.” Daigon began as he turned back to face Inuyasha, a small thin knife in one hand and another jar in the other. “This one is going to need a sample of your royally royal blood.”

A small alarm went off in Inuyasha’s head, no one had said anything about taking his life fluids. What next? Was he going to have to jerk off into a jar?

“I wouldn’t mind just as long as it was his hands doing the retrieving, oooh or maybe his mouth.” Inu-youkai said. Ugh…this was getting tiresome.

“Why?” Inuyasha asked defensively.

“Just for a few little tests, to narrow down a few possibilities, its one thing for changes in your body to occur, but changes in the blood? Well only a few things could cause that.” Daigon informed. Well yeah…that kinda made sense.

“But you don’t know what my blood was like before all this happened.” Inuyasha stated, he didn’t know what Daigon intended to do to check for -changes- but he felt he had a nice logical point.

“True, but there are a few things this one can compare it to and either way…he does need it. Though you do have the right to refuse.” Daigon said. “It will just make this one’s job harder….and take longer to get answers.” Crap…he didn’t want to wait, he needed to know what was going on….this was getting to be more then he knew how to handle. Inuyasha sighed then, this had better not come back to bite him and he nodded his approval.

Daigon stepped forward and quickly administered a small cut in Inuyasha’s left hand, oh of course, it HAD to be his hands again didn’t it, the jar swiftly made its way under Inuyasha’s hand and the hanyou watched with slight morbid curiosity as the container began to fill up.

Without even spilling a drop Daigon sealed the container and pressed a cloth to Inuyasha’s small wound tightly.

“That will do.” Daigon said as he headed over to a little box on his table. “It should heal in a few moments.” Inuyasha watched as Daigon opened the boy, a faint puff of frost curling into the air as he placed the jar inside and then shut it.

Wait…it was cold? How was it cold? Kagome’s time had things that could make ice but he had never seen anything that could do that in his time.

“Well then, this one has collected ample mysteries to unravel, however before he begins a routine examination, just a simple check of your general health, do you have any additional information to relay to this one or questions yet un-asked?” Daigon inquired. Well this was as good a time as any it seemed, there were a few things he wanted to know.

“What do you know about youkai?” Inuyasha asked. Daigon blinked, his brow furrowing.

“This one’s studies have contained that subject yes.” The healer answered. Inuyasha really didn’t want to bring this up, but hell he didn’t want to bring anything he had spoken about up and he had to stop his youkai from doing what it had been doing.

“I’ve been…having problems with mine.” Inuyasha confessed. One of Daigon’s eyebrows quirked upward and he leaned back against his work table, crossing his arms and legs.

“Problems? What flavor of problems have you been having?” Daigon asked. It took Inuyasha a moment to decipher what was just said but when he did he answered.

“Its…making me do things, without me realizing it.” Inuyasha clarified.

“Things?” Daigon puzzled. Aw damn it…was he really going to have to say it?

Grumbling to himself Inuyasha told Daigon about what had happened with Atrius and Komar, though once again he left out the events with Sesshomaru. Once he was finished a amused smirk appeared on Daigon’s face.

“Likes the pretty boys does he?” Inuyasha blushed slightly. “But no mention of this one? He feels like a troll now.” Daigon said.

Inuyasha’s jaw nearly dropped. Wait, wha? Did he….what?!

“Oh don’t worry little healer, I’d be more then happy to grasp those lithe hips of yours and fill you up so sweetly.” Inuyasha’s voice purred without his permission. It took a minute to realize that he himself had just said that and his eyes went wide as his hands flew up to clasp over his mouth. Daigon chuckled as Inuyasha flushed with embarrassment.

“I…I mean…uh….” Inuyasha fumbled. “Knock it the fuck off god damn you!” Inuyasha thought, screaming at his youkai.

“Don’t worry about it milord.” Daigon stated humorously. “Its rather flattering actually.”

Inuyasha couldn’t believe that had just happened, first the thing could make Inuyasha do things without his consent and now his youkai could apparently make him speak too?

“A few questions my liege” Daigon started, drawing Inuyasha’s attention back to him. “Are you sexually active?”

Inuyasha nearly snapped out an angry -NO!- but then a certain event popped into his head. He still couldn’t believe it and he had lived through it, that whole situation had been so surreal.

“Yesss.” He hissed, like it or not it had happened.

“Mmmhmm. And when is the last time you had a true sexual encounter?” Daigon asked.

“What?”

“When is the last time you had a satisfying encounter with orgasm?” Daigon elucidated.

“Um….a few weeks ago.” Inuyasha grumbled, remembering the incident in the trees.

“Uh huh, and before that?”

“A…few weeks maybe” Inuyasha ground out, he just hoped Daigon didn’t want details.

“And before that?”

Fuck….

“Never.” Inuyasha whispered.

“Oh ho, so this one is correct when he states that you have only just become active, had two sexual encounters with orgasm this one is assuming and before that were a virgin.” Daigon declared.

Inuyasha nodded reluctantly.

“That’s quite a long time to be without.” Daigon said.

“No shit.” Inu-youkai rumbled. Inuyasha simply shrugged, he was a hanyou after all, and who would have him?

“Well the reason your youkai is influencing you so amorously is very simple, your youkai is your instincts given voice, though it does very from demon to demon, your youkai is of royal blood, so it does recognize that, it also represents your truest feelings, if you are pent up and frustrated your youkai will advocate that.” Daigon explained. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, that was a lot of explaining for something that was supposed to be -simple- “In layman’s terms it means your extremely horny.” Daigon said cheerfully.

Well he didn’t need anyone to tell him that, the aching hunger for another burned inside of him, stronger now that he had actually had a taste.

“Well how do I get it to stop?” Inuyasha asked. Daigon just looked at Inuyasha, as if he couldn’t believe he had just been asked that.

“Satisfy your urges.” Daigon answered.

“Wait you don’t mean…” Inuyasha began.

“Put simply, find a partner and fuck.” It was kinda weird to hear such language from such an innocent looking creature.

“Oh oh! Listen to the healer! Healers know things!” Inu-youkai gushed excitedly. Inuyasha’s ears drooped.

“Its not that simple.” He mumbled. “And so far all it is paying attention are men!”

“Perhaps, perhaps not, but on an instinctual level it is. This one is merely stating that as a young male, one who has just entered more mature active, you can’t expect much sophistication from your youkai. So in reality the easiest way to cease a great deal of this youkai interference is to sate the urge. Not a horrible thing at all, especially after so long with only the comforts of your own body can give.” Daigon said.

“I never touched myself either.” Inuyasha admitted softly, he wasn’t sure why, though he was annoyed at Daigon’s attitude, it wasn’t so simple and he sure as hell had not been celibate for so long because he wanted to.

Daigon make a faint choking noise at Inuyasha’s confession.

“Wait…you mean….but my Lord you have to be at least two hundred and fifty years old.”

“Yeah…so what?” Inuyasha grunted.

“So two releases in two hundred and fifty years…” Daigon whistled. “Yeeah its not a wonder why your youkai is acting up. Its not healthy to go so long without even a simple touch. Especially not for Inu, your species is extremely body contact orientated.”

“I am a hanyou, no one wants to lie with a half-breed.” Inuyasha snapped, feeling the need to defend himself. Did this guy actually think Inuyasha had been so reclusive by desire? He’d gone nearly a century without a kind touch, gone so long that he couldn’t even remember the last time he had felt a kind touch until the day Kikiyo had laid a light stroke against his cheek, the act had startled him and made him crave more, but she didn’t understand and ceased, which had hurt so much. “I never had time to do silly crap like play with myself ok? Death was…and still is, a constant threat, I had to make sure I had food, had water, I had to search for hours sometimes even days at a time for shelter, and when nature wasn’t trying to end my life, other people were. So don’t talk to me about unhealthy, I’m just fine….other then some…..well never mind that, but nothing bad has ever happed to me because I was focused on more important things.” Inuyasha growled. He refused to talk about the awkward mornings where he would wake up a little sticky, his body doing something weird in the night.

“My own brother spent decades knocking me around and nearly killing me, that’s all the -touch- I ever got.”

Daigon for his part actually looked upset, his shoulders were a tad slumped and he wasn’t meeting Inuyasha’s eyes.

“This one apologizes, he did not mean to make light of your traumatic past milord. This one merely stating that for Inu touch is very important to both your mental and spiritual health, not your body.” Daigon explained.

“Again…who would have me? I haven’t been along for so long by choice you know.” Inuyasha muttered bitterly.

The little spark inside of Inuyasha flickered, the darkness inside of him threatening to extinguish it once more.

“Oh and my Lord, your comment before about your youkai paying attention to only men, well in its defense there are some very pretty men in this castle, but this seems to be troubling you, why?”

“Their men!!” Inuyasha snapped.

“This one is sure they realize that, do you…do you truly not know? My Lord Demon men bed demon men all the time, the same goes with female demons.”

“Your shitting me right?” Inuyasha asked incuriously.

“Nope, this one shits no Inuyasha’s.” Daigon replied. “I assure you it is quite common, so you need not feel bad about that.”

Sonofa….oh well….at least he knew he wasn’t a freak, well anymore then usual. He would have to file that little bit of info for later, though he wasn’t quite sure that the healer wasn’t just pulling his leg, he would have to ask someone else later, someone who would give him an honest answer.
All the talk about Inuyasha past reminded him of something, turning his body so Daigon could see it better Inuyasha pointed to the mating marks on his chest.

“These….is there a way to get rid of them?” Inuyasha asked, anger seeping into his tone.

“Hmmm…let this one take a look.” Daigon said, stepping towards Inuyasha and laying a hand on his chest as he leaned in close to examine them. Inuyasha’s stomach lurched slightly as Daigon brushed his fingers across the thorny rose intertwined crescent moons.

“My Lord these are mating mark…” Daigon murmured.

“I know.” Inuyasha spat. “I want them off, is there a way?” Daigon took a step back from Inuyasha, staring at him cautiously.

“Lord Inuyasha…why…why would you want to abandon your mate?” Daigon asked carefully. Inuyasha resisted the urge to growl, he had to stay calm, the healer didn’t know the whole situation and for all Inuyasha knew he was asking something that was a serious taboo.

Oh the joys of being completely ignorant of your own society.

“My youkai did it without my permission….I do not wish for the mate that he has so stupidly claimed.” Inuyasha said, trying to keep his tone neutral and reasonable.

“There…there are only two ways to remove mating marks, One is the death of one of the mates and the other is to claim another mate before fully claiming the other. Though both methods are extremely painful for either mate and you will lose a piece of yourself forever.” Daigon explained.

“A piece of myself?” Inuyasha muttered.

“Yes….perhaps you do not know, but when mates claim each other, at a certain level of the claiming, varies from demon to demon, some do it at the very beginning, others middle, others still the very end. But each mate gives up a piece of themselves, a piece of their being, their soul, which remains inside the other mate, connecting them forever.” Daigon continued.

Wait…Sesshomaru had piece of his soul inside him?! Holy crap! That meant a piece of Sesshomaru was inside of him!

Oh that was just fucking perfect…

“Is there a way to get this piece back?” Inuyasha asked. He didn’t like the idea about losing pieces of his soul, hell that was the reason he had to control his demon blood so tightly.

“If you shatter the connection between you and your claimed mate by claiming another, no you cannot, that piece is lost forever, left within your broken, abandoned mate. If the mate should parish however….you can reclaim your gift….but you have to completely consume their body.” Daigon answered.

“Wait….I’d have to eat…..oh that’s gross.” Inuyasha gagged, it made his stomach churn just thinking about it, cannibalism was so not his thing.

“Indeed, generally most mates would rather allow their mates to keep the link, taking it with them into the afterlife, rather then so horribly desecrate their remains. This one only knows of one case of this actually happening.” Daigon reported.

“I so don’t want to know.” Inuyasha admitted.

“This one so doesn’t want to tell you.” Daigon quipped. “Now are their any further questions?”

Inuyasha just shook his head no, he couldn’t think of anything else he wanted to ask. It looked like he was going to be stuck as Sesshomaru’s claimed for a while, at least until he could figure out what to do.

“Very well then, lets begin….take a deep breath.”


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sesshomaru sat in his chair, his fingers drumming against the armrest of the chair hard enough that the sound echoed throughout the room. Intellectually he knew he had work to do, that he should be doing something.

But he wasn’t.

No he was simply sitting in his chair, willing time to move faster. He couldn’t believe what Daigon had done, and the only reason he had allowed it is because he was both extremely fond of the healer…and Daigon was likely the only one who could both deal with his brother and treat him all at the same time. But damn it all he wanted to be in there!

So he just sat in his office, drumming away at the armrest. He wanted to know what was going on…and he had to admit that he was a little worried for his baby brother. Sesshomaru had only guessed what was happening inside of the hanyou, but he was by no means sure he was correct.

What was worse he knew, he knew that Daigon would not tell him, oh he would give him a report with all sorts of boring details, but not bit’s that Sesshomaru was desperate to know. Sure he admired the healer’s ability to keep a secret and important, personal details away from others. But that had been when it was working for him.
Now it was working against him.

Sesshomaru sighed, he had informed the guards outside his door that he was not to be bothered by anyone, save Inuyasha and Rin, unless it was an extreme emergency. He was far to agitated to have to deal with anyone or anything at the moment.

His youkai for the most part, had been silent the entire time, silently brooding over Inuyasha’s treatment of them.

He himself was still rather embarrassed over the scene he had made in the dinning hall. He had not meant to go so far, and he certainly had not meant to weep even a single tear. It had just….come out.

It had all started with the desperate plea for help and comfort that had rushed from Inuyasha. It had set every defense in Sesshomaru on high alert, he had never expected to hear such a noise from his little brother, everything in him screamed for him to find out what had caused such a sound, find it and either fix it or kill it, whatever the situation called for. To even hear his brother sound so crushed and alone hurt him inside.

Yet at the same time he was, shamefully, a little thrilled to hear it, because it meant he might just have a crack in which to slip past Inuyasha’s defenses and start healing their relationship.

Before that had had only grasped the hanyou to keep him from falling, yet he had enjoyed the closeness of their bodies, it was amazing how much something so little like holding Inuyasha pleased him.

It had hurt to request from Inuyasha the information that had hurt him so, it had been obvious that something was troubling the boy, only to be denied over and over again. He couldn’t understand why Inuyasha would cry out like that yet refuse to allow him to try and fix it. He knew Inuyasha was feeling the Call, knew that their home was effecting Inuyasha, but his baby brother was fighting it, Sesshomaru could see him fending off its influence almost constantly…and he didn’t understand.

He had offered his aid in Inuyasha’s troubling time, only to be quickly refused. That had hurt him as well, Especially when Inuyasha’s lack of trust in him was brought into the fray, that Inuyasha was afraid to open up for fear of even more emotional harm, that his brother truly thought that Sesshomaru would cast him out of their home once more. Sesshomaru was supposed to be the person that Inuyasha could always go to for aid or comfort, the one person Inuyasha should always be able to talk to, yet in reality he was possibly the person lowest on the list, save maybe Naraku, and that hurt.

He had tried to give his word that it would never happen, silently pleading for Inuyasha to believe him. Surely the hanyou knew Sesshomaru never lied, never broke his word. But Inuyasha had batted his vow aside as easily as a child sent a ball rolling across the floor.

He had been so frustrated, so angry at himself for causing this mess to behind with, Inuyasha’s past pain was heavy within his heart and he was nearly desperate to put something, anything, warm and soft into the hanyou. He couldn’t stop his frustrated whine, and in truth he hadn’t wanted to, he didn’t want to have to hide from Inuyasha, he wanted them to be able to be open with each other, with all things.

His thoughts had raced then, he couldn’t stop thinking about how Inuyasha truly felt about him, about how his baby brother hated him, about the whole mess they were currently in.

And before he knew it his chest had tightened as he tried to draw breath, his eyes growing moist as tears had welled up within them, welled up and spilled forth.

He’d been shocked that he had actually been driven to that and had quickly tried to hide it, denying it when Inuyasha had asked if what had just happened had actually happened. Then Inuyasha had asked to be released and Sesshomaru simply could not acquiesce that request. He couldn’t let go of his brother, not at that moment, he had felt as if he was out in the middle of a raging storm and Inuyasha was his only anchor of safety. He could not help but ask if his brother was repulsed at his touch, he had to know the answer to that question, yet feared it all the same.

But Inuyasha had stated he simply wanted to turn around, to which Sesshomaru had wondered allowed why he would want such a thing.

“I want to look at you.”

Sesshomaru’s heart had melted at that, he simply could not deny Inuyasha at that moment, part of him was thrilled Inuyasha wished to gaze upon him, and the other was terrified at what it might bring.

So he had released him.

But as Inuyasha begun to turn to face him Sesshomaru had felt an incredible urge to hide, ashamed of his tears, of his lack of control. Fearful of the harsh words that his little brother would undoubtedly fling. Inuyasha had asked him to look at him and once again Sesshomaru had to ask why, he was to afraid to blindly walk into a new situation with his brother.

But Inuyasha had countered, asking if it was him that was so repulsive that Sesshomaru could not look upon him, it had made Sesshomaru’s heart scream to hear Inuyasha refer to himself as a -filthy hanyou- the very same title Sesshomaru had placed upon him though out the years.

Inuyasha had stepped forward then, his hands coming to cup Sesshomaru’s face, it had taken everything he had had not to fling himself at his brother at that moment. Inuyasha had held his face in his hands, the first to do so since the death of his Father, it had been almost impossible to keep from trembling as Inuyasha had touched his markings, it was such an intimate act, and he had nearly started to sob again as Inuyasha thumbs had stopped only a few centimeters from the crescent moon on his forehead. He wanted his baby brothers fingers to travel that short distance, to slide across one of his most intimate markings, Father used to place soft kisses upon it when Sesshomaru was upset, and the older Inu found himself longing that Inuyasha would do the same.

But he had not.

Part of him wondered if Inuyasha had knowingly refused to do so, or if he simply did not know what it meant and had feared reprisal for doing so. He had brought his hand up, curling his fingers around Inuyasha’s forearm, he wasn’t sure what he had been planning on doing, whether he was going to force his brother to move or if he simply wanted to touch Inuyasha somehow.

Their eyes had locked, and Sesshomaru was touched that he had not seen any anger in Inuyasha’s eyes, not once ounce of cruelty. But he had realized that Inuyasha would be able to see the remnants of his shame and had tried to look away.

But Inuyasha had held him in place, strong hands cradling his face so sweetly. Inuyasha has simply gazed upon him, with such scrutiny that Sesshomaru had wanted to fidget, unable to bear the intensity of the gaze. Then Inuyasha had done something entirely unexpected…

He pulled him forward and licked him, cleaning the tears from Sesshomaru’s face with his tongue, again Sesshomaru had to wonder if his little brother even knew what he was doing, and then Inuyasha had spoke, stating that it was just what it was. Sesshomaru had been unsure of what to say, but when he had attempted to speak Inuyasha interrupted him, proclaiming his confusion, revealing to Sesshomaru that he truly did not know what he had done, that he did not know what Sesshomaru was trying to do. Inuyasha didn’t understand because he could not seem to accept that Sesshomaru was being kind to him.

Sesshomaru could bear the stare no longer, he had felt so ashamed, he just wanted to retreat to his room and hide, and that made him feel even more ashamed.

“For me?”

Inuyasha’s simple question had caught him off guard, but even in his less then perfect state he could hear the longing in the hanyou’s tone, the hope.

“Yes.” He had said, wanting Inuyasha to understand, to know that Sesshomaru, proud Sesshomaru, mighty Sesshomaru, would indeed weep for him.

Sesshomaru had wanted to claim Inuyasha’s lips then, to softly taste him. But Retsu had reentered the room and Inuyasha had practically hurled himself through the wall with the speed in which he retreated away from him.

That too had hurt, to think that Inuyasha could not bear to be seen touching his older brother.

Yet one hand Sesshomaru had been grateful for the chef’s interruption, it would give him time to re-center himself, to think on what to do.

But on the other he had wanted to beat the brown haired demon mercilessly for daring to destroy their intimate and honest moment.

But what had hurt him more then how quickly Inuyasha had physically separated them, was how quickly Inuyasha had begun to pull away from him emotionally, he could feel the hanyou’s walls rising up, locking into place.

About the only thing that didn’t hurt was how Inuyasha had adopted their Father’s trademarked way of keeping from being forced to talk. Inuyasha had sat their, tearing into his meal, looking so much like Father that Sesshomaru was mildly surprised that it was not actually the great Dog Demon sat before him.

Sesshomaru had wanted to bring up their personal business, wanted to talk with his brother about the pain they were both in, but it hadn’t seemed like the right time, so he had just explained the best he could about the enigma that was Daigon of the Wind and then led him to that very same man.

Only to be ejected from the room.

He still felt he should beat the healer for that.

Which brought him here, to his office, to his brooding. He didn’t think he had sat in one spot and done so little in centuries. But he just didn’t have it in him to shift through paperwork or listen to people bitch….

He’d probably shred the papers and shove his claws though someone’s face.

So he instead chose to just sit and wait. He wasn’t sure how long Inuyasha’s examination would take, but he was almost positive that Daigon would call upon him once they finished.

Sesshomaru wasn’t sure how much time had past when a bell ringing caught his attention, he had allowed himself to go into a meditative state to better pass the time, looking over he spotted the chaotically colored bell on the wall swinging back and forth, ringing, obviously Daigon and Inuyasha had finished and the healer was summoning him.

“About time.” Sesshomaru growled to no one in particular as he stood up and exited his office. The difficult part was keeping a normal steady gait instead of simply sprinting down the halls until he reached the healer’s door. He was quite eager to learn whatever he could about Inuyasha’s situation and to attempt to shed a little light on his own.

Besides it wouldn’t do for the Lord of the West to be seen in such a hurry, it could very well cause a panic, after all if the Lord of the castle was hauling ass down the hallways then something HAD to be going on.

Reaching Daigon’s door Sesshomaru raised a hand to knock, then he remembered how rudely he had been pushed from the chamber earlier and decided that turn about was fair play and simply walked in.

Once inside he was disappointed to see that Inuyasha was no longer within the room, Daigon was standing in front of one of his large tables fiddling with something.

“Interesting way to enter a room.” Daigon said coldly without even turning around. It was then Sesshomaru knew he was in a small measure of trouble, the healer was in a mood, and that could very well mean Sesshomaru wasn’t going to get much out of him.

“It suits your way of asking one to leave.” Sesshomaru replied coolly. “Where is my brother?”

“Somewhere within the castle this one supposes, he did say something about finding his friends, and that he was a bit tired.” Daigon answered.

“Very well then, what is-”

“-You will receive your report just as soon as this one gets the time to write it, he has much to.” Daigon stated.

Yes indeed, something had pissed the healer off.

“I am only concerned about his health.” Sesshomaru said. Daigon turned to look at Sesshomaru, a disappointed look in his eyes.

“It is clear that he has not been eating properly, so this one sent a list of directions to chef Retsu to correct that, he also advised the chef to sit down with the Lord Inuyasha to discuss the changes in his diet. His ribs are recovering and are heavily bound, this one suggests the young Lord refrain from any strenuous activity, or physical confrontations.” Daigon reported, the last part obviously directed towards Sesshomaru.

“And?” Sesshomaru asked.

“And that is all that needs be said, you will get your report on your desk as soon as this one can finish it, which may take a while, he has much Inuyasha flavored work to be doing.” Daigon said.

“Daigon…..” Sesshomaru growled.

“Don’t take that tone with this one Sesshomaru, you know his rules, and he will not be breaking them from you.” Daigon scolded, deliberately leaving off the Lord title off of Sesshomaru’s name. “Now just what did you need to see this one about?”

“How dare you take that kind of tone with me, how dare you show me such disrespect. I allow you much Daigon….do not abuse it.” Sesshomaru said, his tone full of ice.

“Yes….indeed and you do know a thing or two about abuse don’t you?” Daigon quipped. “Yes this one was able to catch a glimpse of your actions.”

“What-”

“-Your brother is quite the interesting subject, hot tempered, foul mouthed, completely ignorant of his own culture, totally lacking knowledge of even some of the most simple truths of his species. He should have been here centuries ago Sesshomaru.” Daigon snapped. “This one guarantees your Father would have thrashed you within an inch of your life for what you have done.”

The healer’s words stung Sesshomaru, draining away his anger, whether he looked it or not Daigon was an elder, older even then his Father, and his words were heavy indeed.

Sesshomaru sighed and calmly made his way towards Daigon’s examination table, sitting himself upon it gently. He wasn’t going to get anywhere arguing with the elemental, Daigon could be as stubborn as they came, he was going to have to bend a little if he wanted results.

“Inuyasha is the subject I have come to you about.” Sesshomaru said.

“Oh really? And just what could your lowly healer possibly help you with concerning your little baby brother.” Daigon spat.

“Enough with the venom Daigon, it does not suit you and I am not willing to deal with it. But let it be known I wish for Inuyasha to come home.” Sesshomaru fired back. Daigon snorted, crossing his arms in front of him. “Yes, yes, two hundred and fifty years to late, I know.”

“You know this one’s opinion on that matter.” Daigon said.

“And you know why I did what I did, I do concede that I was wrong, nevertheless I have little wish to speak on what I have done, and I am more concerned with what I am going to do.” Sesshomaru said. Daigon quirked his head to the side, staring at Sesshomaru and the older Inu rubbed at his temples. “Its over Daigon, the feud between Inuyasha and myself is over as far as I am concerned, I want him to come home, to take his place at my side.”

“How kind of you.” Daigon stated sarcastically.

“I’m getting enough rough treatment from him Daigon I don’t need more from you, now either cease this and do your duties as my healer and adviser or tell me now and I will not return to you again.” Sesshomaru snapped.

“He asked this one about your mating marks you know.” Daigon suddenly said.

“My marks?” Sesshomaru asked.

“He wished to know a way to remove them.” Daigon explained. Sesshomaru’s stomach lurched, he should have known Inuyasha would bring that subject up.

“Oh no….” Sess-youkai groaned.

“And?”

“This one explained the options open to him, though he was kind enough to inform the young Lord the consequences should he do so. This one believes Lord Inuyasha is not keen on the idea of forever losing a piece of his soul, so you may be in the clear. Why you two marked each other in the first place is beyond Daigon’s ken.”

Sesshomaru groaned in frustration, could nothing go right? He didn’t think that by bringing Inuyasha to Daigon he would have been causing himself even more trouble.

“I am trying to fix this Daigon, so I say again, cease your disrespectful attitude.” Sesshomaru snarled. He didn’t need this, he needed a friend, an ally in his venture to heal his baby brother, to bring him truly home at long last. Daigon rolled his eyes, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth.

“Very well my Lord….this one will try to control himself.” Daigon said, still sounding annoyed. “Though might this one ask just what caused this change in Inuyasha policy?”
Sesshomaru sighed, so here it was then….he was going to have to talk about it. He wanted to…yet didn’t, it was so personal, down right painful, and yet he simply could not keep in locked up inside of him, it was to much, he had to try and at least get some of it out, or he feared he may just go mad. So he took a deep breath and began.
He told Daigon about his battle with Nefrume, and her strange mental attack, told about how he found himself in a strange place with a creature that claimed to be his youkai, told of how he lived through Inuyasha’s memories and felt every ounce of his pain, though he did leave the details of each memory out for the most part, those were Inuyasha’s stories to share, not his. He finished up with how he had experienced his Father’s last moments, and Nefrume’s last stand.

The tale completed Sesshomaru’s throat felt raw, and his chest ached, he had felt a little better getting it all out, but just to tell it had been like relieving it, and just as painful, not to mention he felt guilty about sharing with Daigon, even though the healer got the short version, before Inuyasha.

Daigon’s face was twisted into a sad grimace, his eyes as dark as storm clouds.

“This one has never……goodness…have you told Lord Inuyasha yet?” Sesshomaru shook his head no.

“He would not believe me if I did, he would only grow angry.”

“Well…this one is sorry you had to go though such a thing, and is glad that you have finally decided to do right by your brother, but he must say, none of this-”

“-Would have happened if not for my actions in the first place. I know this Daigon, and it is annoying and unhelpful.” Sesshomaru huffed.

“Well this one is sorry, but he is unsure just what you expect him to do.” Daigon grunted.

“In this case…nothing….I just…I just needed to get some of it out.” Sesshomaru admitted. Father had always said that it was not a good thing to bottle everything up, perhaps it was time for him to start following his Fathers teachings once more…

“Well this one is always here with an open ear…” Daigon said. Sesshomaru closed his eyes for a moment, in a small way he had been hoping Daigon would be able to instantly present him with a answer to the situation, wishful thinking he supposed.

“There was one thing….” Sesshomaru said. He had been waiting for this, he had wanted to bring it up for days now….

“Oh?”

“Yes…I…se em to have developed, or am developing a rather large attraction to Inuyasha.” Sesshomaru said.

“Uh huh….this is a problem? This one means…other then the existing problems with your relationship to your baby brother.” Daigon said.

“No…not a problem, just so confusing, it had come out of no where and the depth of it is…unnerving. I’ve never felt this way about a male before, never…hungered for anyone like this.” Sesshomaru explained, pushing his pride aside for the moment, he was going to have to be candid if he wanted assistance.

“Uh…my Lord….um.” Daigon fumbled, and he had that look, that -I know something and I don’t want to tell you- look.

“What is it?” Sesshomaru asked.

“This one….this one has never even known you to like a female, let alone be filled with desire for one.” Daigon said. Now that wasn’t true, there was the woman he was going to mate with until his youkai had interfered….what was her name again? He couldn’t seem to remember…

“I do not see your point” Sesshomaru said. Daigon chewed on his lower lip for a moment, thoughts flickering behind his eyes.

“Almost eighty percent of the castle is staffed with males….”

“I do not discriminate Daigon.” Sesshomaru snapped.

“No…no this one is not saying that you do, its just that you do tend to surround yourself with members of the male persuasion. Here this one has an idea, he wants you to close your eyes, allow yourself to drift, allow yourself to react only on an instinctual level.”

Sesshomaru just stared as Daigon for a moment, just what would that do? But when the healer made no more to do or say anything further, Sesshomaru took a good deep breath and closed his eyes.

“I am formless, shapeless as water, clear and crystal I allow sight to pass through me, I am calm, serene, I cannot be disturbed, for even the largest boulder will disappear beneath my surface.” Sesshomaru chanted in his mind, repeating his age old mantra. The sounds of the world began to melt away until there was nothing but his own breathing, his own heartbeat.

He was damn good.

He allowed himself to float about in such a state, ignorant of the world outside his being. Until a strange scent caught his nose, and he snorted, trying to expel it. It was a sweet, flowery scent, far to strong for his taste and it felt as if it was choking him, tossing his head to side he snorted again, he HATED scents like this, in his mind it was as if some creature made out of sugar had swallowed a field of flowers, and then vomited them up. It was going to give him a headache at this rate

He was about to start to heave when the scent dissipated, being replaced with a much…earthier scent, one that was rich but not to overpowering, mixed in with a faint scent of sweat and steel, it was perfect, much better then that crap from before. Sesshomaru made a pleased sound in his throat, and then the scent changed again and his nose was tickled by a very wonderful, familiar scent…

Inuyasha.

“Mmmm” Sesshomaru purred, his hand raising up, searching for his brother who smelled so good. His hand found the corded muscle of a back, and slid up it, pulling the creature in close. “My little brother….” Sesshomaru pressed his face against the strangely thin chest, wasn’t Inuyasha thicker then this? And was about to lap at it when a voice broke through the darkness.

“My Lord? Ehehe you can let me go now…eeep! Lord Sesshomaru that tickles…oh no don’t not there!” A voice giggled, as Sesshomaru’s tongue slid along a stomach. He opened his eyes and was met with the sight of…..
DAIGON!?

Instantly Sesshomaru shoved the healer away, Daigon sliding through the air and landing easily on his feet.

“What did you? What….” Sesshomaru muttered, completely confused. “What the hell are you doing?!”

“The first scent was a female scent, you reacted as you always do, you don’t like the smell at all na no da. The second was a more…traditionally male scent, which you react very positively to, then this one decided to do a small test and add Inuyasha’s scent to the mix.” Daigon explained.

“How?…how did you do that?” Sesshomaru asked, he had no clue what just happened, one minute he is asked to slip into a meditative state and then next thing he knows he is molesting his healer who just so happened to smell just like this little brother at that moment.

“This one is the wind, and then wind can carry many scents.” Daigon explained. Well that made sense…yet didn’t, all at the same time.

“Was there a point to this?” Sesshomaru asked, slightly annoyed by his own behavior.

“You react negatively to a female scent, yet very positively to a male scent. This one has never seen you attempt anything more then barely polite conversation with a female, even the one you supposedly chose to mate you barely tolerated. Can you ever remember her name? Her face?” Daigon asked.

Well no he couldn’t….he did remember that the smell of her made him want to throw up.

“So…” Sesshomaru grunted cautiously.

“This one truly believes that you, Lord Sesshomaru, quite prefer men, both as companions and now as a mate it seems.”

“That’s not.-”

“-Why your brother this one does not know, though he is extremely attractive, and perhaps you had already possessed deeper feelings for him then you ever realized. You say you have never felt this way about a male before, fair enough, but this one thinks you have never felt this way about a female either.” Daigon finished.

…….Was that true? Sesshomaru tried to think back, but other then his Mother he could barely remember any memorable interactions with a female, Rin did not count, but that didn’t mean he preferred men did it?

Did it?

Sesshomaru tried picture a woman in his mind, long legs, full breasts, water sliding over her body.

Nothing.

But without his consent the picture morphed into Inuyasha, the hanyou’s muscles slick and wet, his skin flushed, his sex thick and proud.

Almost immediately his body began to harden, blood rushing to his lowers so fast it almost made him dizzy.

“My Lord? Lord Sesshomaru? Helllloooo?” Daigon’s voice came to him.

“Huh?” Sesshomaru grunted, blinking rapidity.

“You just…sorta zoned out there.” Daigon said.

“I…I think I need to go.” Sesshomaru said as he stood, he needed time to think this over, which was annoying…he didn’t need anymore problems.

“Before you go this one needs a sample of your blood and your poison, for tests to aid Inuyasha.” Daigon said.

Sesshomaru quickly nodded, allowing Daigon to make a small cut in his hand, filling up a small jar with his blood. Then Daigon brought forth another small jar, sliding it over Sesshomaru’s index and middle finger. Tightening the rest of his fingers to keep his poison from flowing out Sesshomaru willed it to flow from his hand, the deadly fluid dripping out of his fingers and into the jar.

“That will do.” Daigon said, sealing both jars and taking them away.

“Very well then.” Sesshomaru said and then turned to leave.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Daigon watched as his Lord left the room so fast the healer was surprised it had not left a dust trail and he sighed to himself.

“Goodness…this one hopes he didn’t traumatize the Lord.” He had enough to worry about and work on without Sesshomaru having a breakdown.

But Daigon stood by his assessment. Sesshomaru always had, and probably always would prefer males. He studied the male form carefully, devoted hours into honing his own into perfection. He tended to ignore any attempts a female would make a social gatherings, dance requests, more then small conversation, offers of -play time- and he wrinkled his nose disdainfully at the mere smell of one. All the signs were there….especially if one was paying attention.

But Daigon didn’t know that Sesshomaru himself didn’t seem to realize it, the damn boy tended to ignore just about everything he didn’t deem important, and once the Lord had backed away from nearly anything sexual, why Daigon wasn’t sure, and gone though his little celibate streak he had become even colder towards the female gender.
Somehow Daigon thought the fact that it had been a male that had ended Sesshomaru’s chastity really wasn’t all that surprising, and it gave even more evidence that the Lord, in fact, preferred….thicker flesh.

Well he would do his duty and observe a little longer, in fact….he couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if Sesshomaru went into heat around Inuyasha…

A smile formed on Daigon’s lips.

“Somehow this one thinks that sparks would fly.”

Holy crap…ok now this was supposed to be a nice short chapter not 107 friggin pages….ugh…my hands.
By the way, I know Kagome was a real bitch in this chapter, but I’d like to think its not all her fault, she had just spent several hours in a room basically designed to torment you, so I think its normal she’s way out of it.

* Fruit punch FTW!!

Snowfall: Glad you enjoyed it, There is a long of plotting going on in the background and I have a event planned that is coming so stay tuned. I do feel sorry for Sesshomaru sometimes and that is why I wanted to give further reasons for his actions, I don’t much care for the ones the manga has given…which are none other then that Inuyasha is a hanyou as far as I’ve noticed. Hehe glad you like Daigon and Retsu, your getting more then him in this chapter too. I don’t see Inuyasha being to knowledgeable about food, hence the dinner reaction. The room, ah yes, I put a lot of thought into that. I wanted something special, something more then just a bed and some other stuff. Imalia might be annoying, but she will serve a purpose.

hyperactive pup: Sorry for the wait, hope it was worth it XD

Eastsidegeorgiaboy: Oh ho…I was wondering if I had any male readers, glad you enjoyed it.

midnight whispers: Commision someone? But I’m so poor….ah yes the room for the unliked, that just kinda popped into my head so I added it. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Polka dot: A lot of people seem to read my work at odd times of the morning @_@. Yes Inuyasha has suffered a lot, but Sesshomaru is really trying.

Also thanks to

Kiki441
LadySess
wolfluv13
princesssirenity2000
ginger75125
gen50
McKay
Ishellmay
wbk
twistedhilarity
Bibi11
ky
ladytokyo
Psht is mad
maegerakawaii
kagomebabygirl
Isis191< br>
I’d like to talk about each of your reviews, but its storming really bad and my power has already gone out once, and if not for the fact that I had saved this chapter on my flash drive I would have lost the ENTIRE thing. So I apologize, but I really really want to get this chapter up.