InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Torn ❯ Back to Square One ( Chapter 9 )

 

~*~

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

Back to Square One

 

 

(I would like to thank Koga's Hentai Luver for helping me to come up with a plausible theory for the knowledge of Jinenji's mother. The majority of the editing was done on a computer other than my own and documents look different and sometimes turn out to be different once on my computer. I haven't checked and I apologize in advance for any weirdness in formatting.)

 

 

 

“Jinenji,” the old woman said. “This is not the first time that I have seen the young master. I can't believe that I did not remember Inuyasha when he and Kagome showed up the last time, but the incident I recall now was many years ago and my mind is not what it once was.”

 

“Oh?” her son replied.

 

“It was over fifty years ago, in the days of my youth,” she sighed with a smile on her face as her thoughts drifted back to the distant past. “Sesshoumaru would not remember because he was unconscious. He had been wounded in battle and the wounds refused to heal. It was quite difficult to find out what was wrong with him. Mama figured it out. She recalled that at one time, our ancestors had been the healers for Izayoi's family. Izayoi was Inuyasha's mother.

 

“Inuyasha was born the night that his father died. The swords Tenseiga and Tetsusaiga were passed on to Inu-Taisho's sons. Of course, that was hundreds of years ago. Together, the swords weakened the evil sword Sou'unga. Just as they had worked together to seal Sou'unga then, they work together now to bind Inu-Taisho's children. It was Izayoi that informed us of this as her concern for her children was her utmost priority. Yes, out of her love for Inu-Taisho, she considered Sesshoumaru her son also. This story has been passed down for centuries.

 

“Mother wasn't certain that the story was true or that our treatment of Sesshoumaru would work. It all seemed like an ancient fairytale passed down from one generation to the next. Nevertheless, we had to try. She sent me to get a lock of Inuyasha's hair. The strands were woven into Sesshoumaru's one at a time so that he wouldn't notice.”

 

“How did you manage to get his brother's hair?” Jinenji asked.

 

“The boy was pinned to a tree and sealed by a powerful miko. The heart within him had stopped beating. That was why Sesshoumaru was having trouble healing. I just snipped a lock and brought it home. Of course, Sesshoumaru was never told what was responsible for breaking his fever. I'm sure that his brother's hair was eventually washed away, but it did the trick. Now, it is his brother that he needs more so than the little girl.”

 

Jinenji's mother pulled a faded wooden box from her shelf and handed it to her son.

 

“I don't know that it will help, but I saved some of Inuyasha's hair. We should at least try it. It won't cure him, but it might keep him from getting worse while his brother is gone.”

 

Jinenji nodded his head and proceeded outside with the box in hand, closely followed by his mother. It would take her small hands to do the delicate weaving required for Inuyasha's strands of hair to go unnoticed.

 

 

~*~

 

 

“What are you all doing here?” Inuyasha asked the monk, tajiya and kitsune.

 

“Shippou wouldn't be satisfied until he was brought to see you,” Miroku responded.

 

“Yeah, and we heard about Sesshoumaru, so we came right away,” Shippou added from his position, sitting on the ground beside Rin.

 

“Well, I came to get Rin. The old hag insists that I bring her,” Inuyasha said while rolling his eyes.

 

Rin's eyes brightened at the prospect of seeing her father. “When do we leave!?”

 

“Now. No time to waste,” Inuyasha said as he hauled Rin up onto Ah Uhn.

 

“I wanna ride with Rin!” Shippou exclaimed.

 

“Fine. I'll ride with you two. Kouga, you ride Kilala with Sango and Miroku. Let's go,” Inuyasha commanded.

 

Everyone was surprised by Inuyasha's no nonsense tone. He wasn't being harsh, but he expected cooperation, no questions asked.

 

Once they had taken flight, Rin felt it was time to ask the question. “Inuyasha? Is Sesshoumaru any better?”

 

Inuyasha sighed. He didn't want to scare her, but he couldn't lie either. He knew what it was like to lose a parent. The feeling of loss never quite dissipated. Of course, Rin was young enough to survive, but it would be hard.

 

“Rin, the reason the old woman asked me to come and get you is because Sesshoumaru needs for you to help him get better. He's not doing so good,” Inuyasha left it at that. There was no reason to give the gory details. She would see soon enough.

 

`I just hope we are in time,' he thought, uncertain that his brother was likely to survive at this point and not sure that he wanted Sesshoumaru to survive.

 

Shippou listened intently, not only to what Inuyasha was saying, but to the tone of his voice. There seemed to be a bit of sadness, but Shippou didn't miss the slight harshness underneath. He and Rin might be able to do something about the situation, but it would be a long shot, especially after Sesshoumaru's actions.

 

Forever wasn't what it felt like in getting back to Sesshoumaru. Eternity covered it better, even though both words meant the same thing. One just seemed to be a longer span of time than the other.

 

Inuyasha watched from his position, sitting on his haunches in front of the hut as Rin held Sesshoumaru's hand. Jinenji was tapping his brother's back, occasionally glancing over at Inuyasha and sighing. Inuyasha still disagreed that Jinenji was gentle, though he said nothing as he sat a few feet away. He was still expecting Sesshoumaru's skin to burst open; even more so now that it had taken on a paper thin, opaque appearance. It seemed that Sesshoumaru was withering away, drying up like an over-ripe piece of fruit.

 

The deep purple drainage from his wounds, tear ducts and nose had spread to his ears and mouth. And it wouldn't stop. Even from where he sat, he could hear the rattling inside of Sesshoumaru's chest as the taiyoukai breathed. That didn't mean he was going to give in to Jinenji's request.

 

`As long as I don't have to touch Sesshoumaru, I'm not going to. Period. No one can make me.' The memory of that night and the morning after was too fresh and too painful, and right now, and Sesshoumaru was downright gross. He looked more dead than alive. `I can't believe his still breathing. He looks like a half-rotted corpse.'

 

It was disturbing, but what was worse was that Sesshoumaru's condition tore at Inuyasha's heart. At the same time, he wanted revenge. He desperately wanted to see Sesshoumaru die. However, if Sesshoumaru died, Inuyasha would have no way to bring him back to life. So, in a sense, the punishment would not fit the crime. If it would, Inuyasha was sure that he could put his fist through Sesshoumaru's chest.

 

So, while Inuyasha brooded, Kouga stood beside him and the others sat some distance away, not wanting to interfere. The old woman hadn't been idle and carefully studied each individual. After observing Rin's behavior toward Sesshoumaru, Jinenji's mother made a decision. She stalked her way over to Inuyasha and grabbed him by the ear and yanked him to his feet.

 

“Ow, ow, ow! What the hell was that for,” Inuyasha demanded, half wishing that he was callous enough to strangle some sense into the old woman.

 

“Come with me right now, you little brat,” she admonished and tugged him around the corner of the hut.

 

“That hurts, damn it!”

 

“It should! You're not helping your brother one bit.”

 

“I can't do anything!”

 

“Stupid, mutt. Yes, you can. You could at least touch him.”

 

“No,” Inuyasha muttered while slightly dropping his head so that his bangs covered his eyes.

 

“He will die if you don't, Inuyasha,” she said, softening her voice.

 

“He'll die anyway. Besides, he wouldn't want a filthy hanyou like me touching him,” he whispered. “And I don't know if I want him to live.”

 

The old woman absorbed what he had just said. `So that's it. He doesn't believe that the lord finds him worthy. His pain is clearly visible.' She lifted her wrinkled, dried up hand and tipped Inuyasha's face upward.

 

“It doesn't matter what you think. It doesn't even matter what he thinks. He will not survive without your care. Can you live knowing that you could have saved him? That his fate was in your hands and you essentially killed him?” she murmured.

 

“He doesn't want me. So, it won't work,” Inuyasha said, shaking his head.

 

“Trust me, he does,” she said, nodding at him.

 

“How would you know?” he said, his voice nearly cracking from the knowledge that this debate was pointless. Sesshoumaru had never wanted him, only used him.

 

“Inuyasha,” she sighed and then relayed all that she had told Jinenji.

 

Inuyasha glared at the old woman as she spun her tale. `There is no way it could be true. That old bat is insane. Yes, definitely insane.' Even with those thoughts, he waited for her to finish and for her far away gaze to come back to earth.

 

“That's ridiculous,” Inuyasha said with a very even tone that would have impressed even Sesshoumaru.

 

“Hm. I can see where you would doubt and the only way for you to know the truth would be for you to see it. By the way, how have you been feeling of late, Inuyasha?” she asked.

 

“I'm fine,” he huffed.

 

“Oh, really? That's not what the wolf prince says.”

 

“I'll kill him,” Inuyasha spat.

 

“Don't bother him, boy. His ears are almost as sensitive as yours,” she chuckled.

 

That reminded him; his ear still hurt.

 

`Stupid bitch.'

 

“Now then! You are going to go out there, sit down, and give Sesshoumaru his treatments. I am sending Jinenji to gather herbs for the brew that will make Sesshoumaru stronger. And, you are going to be the one to give it to him this time!” she declared.

 

Inuyasha scowled at her until her eyes focused on his ears with an intentionally false, loving gaze.

 

“Fine!” Inuyasha exclaimed then stomped around the corner.

 

The old woman chuckled. `I've still got it! Kids, they think they own the world.'

 

It didn't matter to her that Inuyasha was over two hundred years old; in youkai terms, he was still a very young man. And though Sesshoumaru was battle hardened and intellectual, he didn't always show the common sense that graced the older youkai; particularly where his brother and his own heart were concerned.

 

`The youth of today...what is the world coming to?' she wondered as she made her way back around the corner.

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

Inuyasha wasn't sure why he was being gentle with Sesshoumaru. He should take the opportunity to do some damage, but he just didn't have it in him. It would be dishonorable to take advantage of his brother's vulnerability. This was going to be a long night. It didn't help that Kouga watched him constantly and the old woman stood close by to sure that he didn't wander too far.

 

“Do you think that Kohaku is okay with Kalie?” Sango whispered to Miroku, worried about her brother's still recovering mental wounds.

 

“I'm sure that he's just fine, my dear Sango. I'm more worried about Inuyasha. Have you noticed how much he has changed?” Miroku asked.

 

“Yes. Whatever it is, it must've been big. I've never seen him act like this. I mean, he's not being rude or gruff. He doesn't act like Inuyasha at all. If Naraku wasn't dead, I would think that Inuyasha was one of his incarnations,” Sango whispered.

 

A low growl warned her that Inuyasha's sensitive ears had heard every word she had said.

 

“Do you think that Naraku's poison made Sesshoumaru act that way?” Shippou asked, carefully wording his question so that Inuyasha wouldn't discover the extent of his knowledge.

 

“Damn it, Shippou! Don't sneak up on me like that,” Inuyasha exclaimed.

 

“Well? What do you think?”

 

Inuyasha didn't seem to hear Shippou as he tipped back Sesshoumaru's head and dribbled a small amount of broth past pale chapped lips. He carefully set the broth aside then began gently stroking Sesshoumaru's throat in the downward motion in order to force the liquid down. The flow of Naraku's poison had slowed, but Inuyasha was certain that it was only because there weren't much of any fluids left in him.

 

“Yeah, I think that's what caused it,” Inuyasha replied. “But, he always was a cold bastard and always will be.”

 

“But, if he didn't mean it, doesn't that mean that you two can be real brothers?” Shippou asked and crossed his fingers behind his back while hoping that Inuyasha would forgive Sesshoumaru.

 

“Probably not, Shippou. We'll take care of him until he gets better, though.”

 

Rin listened to their conversation from a few feet away.

 

`Sesshoumaru-sama will be okay, but he will be weak if Inuyasha doesn't stay with him. I have to find a way to get them together.'

 

And the plotting began anew while Inuyasha numbly went through the motions of bringing his brother back from the edge of death and taking short respites to hunt with Kouga.

 

 

~*~

 

 

Frantic screams pierced his ears. ”Sesshoumaru! Help me! Sesshoumaru!”

 

Streaking through the forest, weaving between the cane trees, he arrived not a moment too soon as Inuyasha was tackled beneath a pile of human boys. It didn't take much to scare them away; show a little fang and claw and they run like scared rabbits.

 

“What have you done this time, little brother?” Sesshoumaru asked as he scooped the child from the forest floor.

 

“You should know. I was born a half-breed. Isn't that what you call me?” Inuyasha huffed, but it was difficult to appear brave while huddled in Sesshoumaru's strong arms.

 

“Yes, that is what you are,” replied Sesshoumaru, amused at Inuyasha's show of bravado.

 

“I'm going to grow up big and strong like you. Then I can beat them up and I won't let you call me half-breed anymore either,” Inuyasha grumbled.

 

“So, I'm big and strong, am I?” Sesshoumaru teased.

 

“If I can beat you, I can beat anyone!”'

 

It was undeniably a compliment; one that Sesshoumaru would never forget.

 

”Just like I said before, Sesshoumaru. You'll get better and we'll fight. Nothing will ever change.”

 

Sesshoumaru's eyelids felt like leaden weights, but he managed to open them the slightest bit. Golden eyes stared at him with indifference. It hurt to see that expression directed toward him and he allowed his eyes to slide shut, effectively shielding himself from the rejection of his brother.

 

 

“Damn it! He's out again,” Inuyasha swore.

 

“Inuyasha, at least he is showing improvement. That means we'll be able to return home soon,” Kouga commented from his position, sitting against the side of the wall, watching every action and reaction, reading Inuyasha like a book.

 

`I still don't trust Sesshoumaru, and by the gods, I'll have Inuyasha before he does,' Kouga thought while scowling at the floor.

 

`Home?' Inuyasha thought as he sat with Sesshoumaru's head in his lap.

 

“Kouga, my home is in the forest, so don't go expecting me to go back with you.”

 

Kouga gave an exasperated sigh. “Look, Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru had never hurt Rin before this, but it was common between you two. How was I supposed to know that he'd go ape-shit and attack her? All I knew was that you were in danger and I had to get you out of there fast. Think about that. I'll be back later,” Kouga said then rose and shuffled out the door of the hut.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes may have been closed, but he had heard every word. `I attacked Rin? Is she injured?' He tried to recall the memories, but they were too stubborn to obey him.

 

“Rin,” Sesshoumaru croaked involuntarily then swallowed to wet his mouth and throat.

 

“Rin is fine,” Inuyasha soothed then combed his fingers through his distraught brother's hair.

 

“Jakken,” Sesshoumaru rasped.

 

“He's fine too. Glad to see that you're awake and at least a little coherent,” Inuyasha said and put the tiniest bit of a huff in his voice.

 

He had to catch himself. It wouldn't do to show the bastard any type of soft emotion. The poison may have been affecting Sesshoumaru's actions. It was the `maybe' that concerned Inuyasha. Considering their history as siblings, the possibility that Sesshoumaru had acted of his own accord was high. `I'm not going to set myself up to believe that actually wants me. That that'll never happen again.'

 

Sesshoumaru took a deep, shuddering breath and let out in a long sigh. As the last bit of rattling air exited Sesshoumaru's lungs, Inuyasha could have sworn that he heard an almost barely audible `brother'.

 

”Keh! Half-brother, half-breed, and don't forget it!” were the last words Sesshoumaru heard before the darkness swallowed him.

 

Inuyasha would have liked to dump Sesshoumaru to the floor and then stalk out of the hut, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. Instead, he carefully slid out from under his unconscious brother before stiffly making his way outside.

 

“Inuyasha,” came a soft call from the other side of a campfire.

 

“Miroku and I would like to invite you to visit us for awhile when you are finished with Sesshoumaru. We've missed you and so has Shippou,” Sango said from her seated position beside her new husband.

 

“I don't know. I was thinking about doing a little traveling. Been around too many wolves and before that, I had to put up with all those people in Sesshoumaru's castle. I think I need a break,” Inuyasha scowled. There were just too may people wanting more than he was ready to give and he was emotionally exhausted.

 

“Just think about it,” Sango asked.

 

“Sure thing, Sango. Where'd the wimpy wolf take off to?”

 

“I'm not sure, Inuyasha,” Miroku answered, looking up from a game that he had been playing with Shippou and Rin.

 

“Isn't it bedtime for those two?” Inuyasha asked, anxious to have everyone asleep and out of his hair.

 

“Don't worry, Inuyasha. We'll take care of it. You can take a break and go for a run if you like. I know how much you enjoy it,” Miroku commented, knowing that Inuyasha needed much more than a run. Miroku had made careful observation of the manner in which Kouga and Inuyasha didn't seem to flinch at being a hair's breadth from each other, how Kouga would sometimes lightly touch Inuyasha on the arm or back, and how his presence seemed to calm Inuyasha. `Perhaps if Inuyasha were to run into Kouga, he would have time to relax for awhile.'

 

As Inuyasha nodded and took off into the forest, bounding up into the highest trees, Sango turned to glare at Miroku. “Miroku, you know that when he is gone for very long, Sesshoumaru gets worse. How could you send him away like that?” Sango admonished.

 

“Sesshoumaru is faring better, my dear Sango, and our exhausted friend needs a respite,” Miroku cooed and leaned toward Sango while his supposedly cursed right hand that had been healed began making its way to her firm ass.

 

“Miroku,” Sango warned. “I said, not in public.”

 

“Ah,” Miroku sighed dejectedly and withdrew his hand.

 

Rin and Shippou glanced in the direction that Inuyasha had departed, knowing that Kouga lay in his path. It wasn't feasible to part the two at the moment, but they would later be able to spoil Kouga's tendency toward intimacy. So far, they hadn't had to put much effort into it since Inuyasha had been with Sesshoumaru on a continuous basis, but the time would come when Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru would need their help.

 

 

~*~

 

 

“What brings you here, mutt-face?” Kouga asked when Inuyasha made his slow descent from the top of the trees.

 

“Nothing in particular, just out to stretch my legs.”

 

“Yeah, but why here in particular?”

 

“I've been thinking about what you said and it made sense, though you still should have told me about the poison.”

 

“I'll admit to that and to something else. I wanted you, but you were so affected by Sesshoumaru that I really didn't care what happened to him as long as you were with me. At that point, I had a chance and with Sesshoumaru out of the way, my odds were greatly improved,” Kouga conceded.

 

“So you would have let him die just to be with me?” Inuyasha asked incredulously.

 

“Yes,” Kouga replied flatly, not even attempting to make excuses as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. It was the truth. He wouldn't deny it and he had no remorse. “I know now that what you feel for him is far more than what I can offer you, but I still believe that I can give you more of what you need than he can. Caring about someone is more than just passionate moments filled with desire and lust and I don't think that Sesshoumaru has what it takes to give you much more than that. Is that all you want, all you need, Inuyasha?”

 

“I at least need to be able to trust the person to be honest with me,” Inuyasha retorted, crossing his arms in front of his chest and mimicking Kouga.

 

Kouga nearly grinned at seeing his friend display his customary behavior, but now was a time of serious reflection.

 

“I make mistakes, Inuyasha, and so do you, so don't go getting all high and mighty. Maybe I shouldn't chase after you, considering how you feel about Sesshoumaru, but I'm going to do it anyway, consequences be damned! You make mistakes. I make mistakes. Sticking together and cleaning up the aftermath is what really matters. Sesshoumaru would never even admit to making a mistake, much less fix it! Is that the kind of relationship that will make you happy? I don't think so and I'm going to prove it to you,” Kouga announced quite loudly. “I'll remain your friend and if you are ever ready for more, I'll be there, waiting. You'll figure it out eventually,” Kouga scowled before stalking off into the darkness. `He's such a puppy!'

 

He knew that Inuyasha needed time, but he would not be unreasonably judged and invite dismissal. `It doesn't matter that Inuyasha is one of the most powerful hanyou I know, he still needs my protection. He's still too vulnerable. Hell, with that human side, he'll always have a soft nature compared to most youkai.' Sure, he was always gruff on the outside, but the fact that he could put up with a whiny kitsune and a miko that constantly slammed his face into the ground was proof enough that Inuyasha would put up with just about anything from those for whom he cared. Kouga would be damned if Sesshoumaru used that vulnerability to hurt his best friend, and hopefully, his soon to be lover. Kouga wasn't giving up just yet.

 

“Hey, wimpy wolf!” Inuyasha called from a few feet away.

 

“Now what?” Kouga called back, attempting to sound exasperated though a smile threatened the corners of his lips.

 

“Okay,” Inuyasha sighed as he shuffled up to Kouga. “We'll fix this together and I'll try to trust you. Just don't expect any miracles. You really did help me through a lot and I haven't paid you back. So, I still owe you.” He nodded to affirm his words.

 

“Well, that's the best news I've heard in awhile. Thanks, Yash.”

 

`Yash?' Inuyasha stared at the wolf quizzically, tilting his head just the slightest bit to the side, which brought to mind the mannerisms of a confused puppy.

 

“Get used to it, dog. Your name just has too many sounds in it. Take `Kouga' for example, two, simple.” Kouga counted on his fingers as he sounded out Inuyasha's name in his head. “There are four in yours; way too long if you ask me.”

 

Inuyasha scowled. “It's the name my father gave me.”

 

“And I'm your friend, not your father. Lighten up, flea bag. You were Inuyasha to your father. You look like a `Yash' to me. You'll get used to it.”

 

“Fine,” Inuyasha huffed. With all that he owed Kouga, he could tolerate something so small.

 

“Good,” Kouga said softly with a small smile and a spark of hope in his cerulean eyes. Although he didn't want to push, he couldn't help but reach out to the confused and irritated man that had become so much to him. He stepped forward and wrapped Inuyasha up in his strong warm arms for a light embrace. He would have let go, but Inuyasha buried his head into Kouga's chest and let out a deep breath.

 

“I've felt so confused and alone, Kouga. I make decisions of what is best for me in my head, but my heart fights me every step of the way. You're smarter than I used to think. I should walk away from Sesshoumaru and let him die like you would. He would do the same thing to me...but I can't. I just can't,” Inuyasha muttered, moving his face rest it in the crook between Kouga's neck and shoulder.

 

“I understand, Yash. It's a part of your human side and nothing to be ashamed of. Kagome taught me that,” Kouga said, tightening his hold.

 

“Gods, you feel good,” Inuyasha sighed. “And I'm so tired.”

 

“Well, let's get back and you can get some sleep,” Kouga said, gently pushing Inuyasha away. Even if Inuyasha got carried away, he would regret it later and Kouga couldn't have that. Slow, that's how he intended to take things.

 

As they entered the camp, Sango hurried toward them. “He's been asking for you. Well, sort of dreaming or something and he keeps saying your name, Inuyasha. I think he's in pain. He always gets worse when you're away,” Sango whispered.

 

`I'm so tired of all this. I'll be glad when this is all over and I won't even have to think about him anymore,' Inuyasha thought as he trudged into the hut.

 

Kouga noticed the slump in Inuyasha's shoulders when he walked toward the hut.

 

Once inside, Inuyasha could see the sheen of sweat covering Sesshoumaru's face, reflecting the silver light from the stars. Sesshoumaru seemed to be fighting harder to breath, but at least he looked a little stronger. His skin had filled out enough that he didn't look like a year old dead corpse: no, maybe only a couple of weeks old now.

 

The old woman had insisted that they share a room in order for Inuyasha's scent to surround him. Despite her old wife's tale, why the old hag thought he could bring Sesshoumaru around was beyond him. Sesshoumaru's progress could easily be attributed to the care he was receiving.

 

`It's just so damn hard to be this close to him. He said that he loved me and he let me love him,' Inuyasha remembered as a familiar pain stabbed through his chest. `No, I won't do this. I won't care about him anymore. I don't need the bastard,' he scowled, sitting behind the pale frame that was shifted to the side.

 

He noted that Sesshoumaru's breathing had become more labored since he had been away and the black discharge had begun draining from Sesshoumaru's eyes and nose again.

 

`At least it's coming out of him,' Inuyasha hoped. The sooner Sesshoumaru was over this, the better.

 

Inuyasha rolled Sesshoumaru onto his belly and began thumping the back of the frail body. Sesshoumaru coughed up more of the vile fluid as Inuyasha held a cloth beneath his face. Once he had finished his treatments, he grabbed a clean cloth and wet it from a bowl of water before swiping the inside of Sesshoumaru's mouth clean. He was surprised by the bared fangs and the low snarl emitted by the demon. Sesshoumaru was indeed improving.

 

“He needs his brother's touch,” the gruff old woman said, standing in the doorway with Rin.

 

“I just did!”

 

“Not just that, Inuyasha. Rin, you may go to Sesshoumaru now.”

 

“She's supposed to be in bed,” Inuyasha huffed.

 

At Inuyasha's comment, a small snarl floated across the room.

 

The old woman gave Rin a gentle push. “Go on, Rin,” the old woman encouraged.

 

Rin didn't need to be told twice. Inuyasha stood to move away when she rushed over to Sesshoumaru and knelt by his head. Tentatively, she held out her hand and carefully tucked Sesshoumaru's hair behind his ears. His hair was so soft, even now in his current state of emaciation. A soft hum echoed through the room as she combed her fingers through his hair and stroked his upper right arm. Words of comfort began to form for her father. She let him know that he was her world and that she would always be there for him.

 

Inuyasha watched with surprise as Sesshoumaru's breathing became less labored. The TaiYoukai's aura seemed to shift and Inuyasha could feel the warmth radiating from him. “I can't do that, old hag.,” he said, waving at Rin. “He hates me. It would never work.”

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru loves you, Inuyasha-sama,” Rin piped up. “He got sick real fast after you left. He missed you really bad.”

 

“You're dreaming, kid. That was the poison.”

 

“No, Sesshoumaru-sama doesn't like to tell people that he has feelings because he thinks that no one can hurt him if he does that. He let you know though. You're special to him,” Rin said with uncommon seriousness.

 

Inuyasha stood in silence, confused as to how to answer the child. How could he explain to her the complex relationship that he and his brother shared? It just wasn't possible.

 

Now, for the coupe de gras. “Inuyasha, if you go away, I believe that Sesshoumaru-sama might die.”

 

It was only a little white lie. Her father was too strong to die, but he needed Inuyasha. She knew that the great inu-youkai would be weakened by Inuyasha's departure. He would never be the same. Oh, he was never very warm to begin with, but that was only on the surface. She knew that. And she would also know his sadness and that just wasn't acceptable. His happiness had suddenly become her responsibility and she would see it through.

 

`She believes he'll die without me? That's terrible! He won't die. We'll both be better off when I leave. I just won't say anything. She'll see,' Inuyasha thought. Her silly notions would dissipate once Sesshoumaru was well. Inuyasha was certain of it.

 

“Rin, it is time for bed,” the old woman instructed then glared at Inuyasha.

 

Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest and humphed.

 

“You have such cute tender ears, Inuyasha,” the old woman threatened with a sickeningly sweet voice.

 

Inuyasha's eyes widened in horror. The old hag had learned his weakness and continually used it to her advantage. With a scowl, Inuyasha plopped down beside Sesshoumaru. Nodding, the old woman turned to leave.

 

“Don't forget, touch is very important,” she said as she walked away with Rin's hand tucked in hers.

 

At least it wouldn't be so embarrassing with no one around to see it. Inuyasha's eyes suddenly became heavy with fatigue. It had been a long day. The old hag had made him responsible for all of Sesshoumaru's care and with his long run he just couldn't keep his eyes open.

 

Sesshoumaru's futon wasn't that large, but as tired as he was, it would have to do. Uncomfortably snuggling up to Sesshoumaru's back, he let an arm drape over his brother's waist. Despite his fatigue, that old ache stirred; the ache for acceptance, for his brother's love, and then, the knowledge that it would never be his welled up inside of his chest and twisted his stomach.

 

Unconsciously, Inuyasha curled his body around Sesshoumaru, seeking comfort where he expected none.

 

 

 

 

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Thank you to my wonderful readers and reviewers. You are a great encouragement.

 

MM.ORG

 

Quiet Storm

Thanks for the wonderful and detailed reviews, and for the great scores! ^_^ It was kind of difficult to fit Kouga in there, but it would stand to reason that he'd hang out with Inuyasha while Kagome's absence was new. You're right though, I could have taken more time to work him in. The wolf is pretty stubborn though. When he wants something, he tends to hold on like a leech. I just don't want to take another year to get this back up. I'm putting in a lot of additional description and clarification, sometimes adding thoughts. I know how interruptions can distract one from what is going on in a fic. It happens to me when I'm rp'ing and my partner gets annoyed that I lose track and completely miss some things that she has written. lol I'm glad you enjoyed the chapters. I hope you enjoyed this one as well. We're still in for a bit of excitement and more hot man sex. ^_^

 

loretta537

Thanks for the review. I don't think Sesshoumaru or Kouga are the sharing types. ^_^ Hope you liked this chapter.

 

Inumimi

Thanks for the review and awesome scores! You lucked out and this update didn't take eight months! LOL I hope you liked the chapter.

 

kmoaton

Thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked the story so much. I have so many stories that I'm editing and it is time to write a new chapter for Centennial Hunger, so I know it will be at least two or three weeks before the next chapter is out at the earliest, unless I get lucky. Cross your fingers that it goes quickly. ^_^ Hope you liked this chapter. We're in for more angst and action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous reviewers. Sorry I lost all of your reviews.I haven't forgotten all of your support.

 

MM.ORG

 

Narakulover77

CrimsonInHumanBlood

XOMagickMoonOX

Velvetina

evilvixen

 

 

AFF

 

Rawben

loke

Kira

Lady Aqualyne

Lady Gray

Anon

Polka dot

Ice_Sword

SasukeItachiSmexx

Dante

Kogas Hentai Luver

Anon

Tainted Dreams

ShadowStalker

ArchNemesis

 

 

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*Disclaimer*

 

Inuyasha and all associated characters are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I make no profit from this story, nor do I intend to. My only goal is to occupy my demented mind with delusions of actually owning a life-sized, anatomically correct Sesshoumaru.

 

 

 

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