InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Torn ❯ Progress ( Chapter 11 )

~*~

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11

 

Progress

 

 

 

Sun streamed through the small spaces between the leaves of the forest canopy as Inuyasha and Kouga sniffed out their prey. Today, a boar would be just what they needed. Everyone seemed to be becoming a bit tired of eating fish or rabbit on a daily basis, particularly Kouga.

 

“You've been rather quiet, Inuyasha,” Kouga commented from behind his friend.

 

Inuyasha chose a large fallen tree trunk and turned to sit down, facing Kouga. “I've been thinking about what we did the other day,” Inuyasha said as he threaded his long clawed fingers together and placed his elbows on his thighs. He had been dreading this discussion. It was a rather embarrassing topic.

 

“Oh?” Kouga sat down to the left of Inuyasha and gazed at the somber face and drooping ears of the hanyou.

 

“I wanted it and…I liked it...but it doesn't seem like it was the right thing to do,” Inuyasha murmured.

 

Kouga mulled it over in his brain. After everything that Inuyasha had been through with Sesshoumaru, Kouga felt that Inuyasha had needed someone to care for him, to outwardly show him love. Could he have been wrong? Was it too soon?

 

“Why do you say that?” he asked.

 

“Because...I don't love you like that. I needed to feel wanted and I was just using you. It wasn't right to do that to you,” Inuyasha muttered.

 

A smile quirked the corner of Kouga's lips. “You weren't using me, Inuyasha. I knew exactly what I was doing. I know that you don't love me like you do Sesshoumaru. Honestly though, can you really see him giving you what you need? Kagome and Kikyou are gone. You have no one else. I'm here. Now. Take advantage of me all you like,” Kouga chuckled. “I don't mind one bit!”

 

Inuyasha glanced over at Kouga to see a wide cocky grin on the wolf's face. Kouga was the picture of masculine grace and beauty. He couldn't deny that. However, he just didn't love Kouga; needed him, maybe, but love? No.

 

“I'm just going to have to learn to live with being alone again, Kouga. I know that Sesshoumaru doesn't want me.” Inuyasha nearly choked on those last words. No matter how he wished that it was otherwise, he had spoken the truth.

 

The ever persistent wolf didn't even flinch. “Well, you'll get over it and I'll be here. I can wait as long as I need to.”

 

“Kouga, you're being as bad as you were with Kagome.”

 

“What was so bad about that? She was my woman after all,” Kouga smirked. He loved teasing the volatile hanyou.

 

Inuyasha chuckled and shook his head. Kouga never gave up. “She didn't belong to anyone.”

 

“Come on, dog turd. We've got dinner to catch,” Kouga declared, slapping Inuyasha on the back and rising to his feet. `He'll come around eventually.'

 

Inuyasha just shook his head again and rose to stand beside his friend and confidant.

 

“Would it be too much to ask for one kiss?” Kouga asked.

 

“Yes, it would. That'll never be enough for you,” Inuyasha grinned. “I don't need to be encouraging you, flea bag.”

 

“Oh well. Can't blame me for trying.” Kouga shrugged and gave an exaggerated sigh. He was happy to see that Inuyasha's funk appeared to have lifted somewhat. `I did the right thing.'

 

~*~

 

”Just say it, Sessy,” the hanyou puppy pouted up through a thick curtain of black eyelashes.

 

“Do not be foolish, hanyou.”

 

Clawed fingers, strong and tan, snatched the puppy from his amber gaze. Whirling around, Sesshoumaru faced the wolf youkai.

 

`He seems so familiar,' Sesshoumaru thought before shifting his gaze to Inuyasha, who didn't seem the least bit frightened.

 

“Put the pup down, wolf” the young prince youkai demanded. “He does not belong to you.”

 

“I beg to differ,” the wolf said with quiet confidence.

 

“Just say it, Sessy,” Inuyasha whispered a plea from the wolf's embrace.

 

Confessing such emotions in front of a full-blooded youkai such as the wolf would be a damning political maneuver, something that Sesshoumaru could not allow. That, in and of itself, was a mistake. As the moment stretched out like a gathering curse, those brilliant golden eyes began to shadow and sadden then suddenly narrowed and glared back at him.

 

“I hate you, Sesshoumaru!” With that said, the pup turned into the wolf's embrace. “Take me home with you, Kouga.”

 

The wolf smirked and stared triumphantly at the young dog prince then casually turned and sauntered away, leaving Sesshoumaru in confusion, denial, and with a burning need to follow. Golden eyes rose to peer over Kouga's shoulder, but only for a moment. As the two disappeared around the corner, Sesshoumaru's heart seemed to attempt a leap through his chest. The child had chosen and there was nothing that he could do.

 

Sesshoumaru brought his right hand up and placed it on his chest. `Why do I want the pup to stay? He is an annoyance at best. But...'

 

The hall was empty; no pitter patter of little feet or bubbling laughter echoing against the walls.

 

Inuyasha was gone.

 

And dreams were such a bitch.

 

~*~

 

The boar had been difficult to bring down and it showed in the gash on Inuyasha's right shoulder. It had taken both him and Kouga. Nevertheless, it was a large one and would be more than enough for the crew. Sango had relentlessly fussed over him and his injury. After the threat of a raised Hiraikotsu, he had finally acquiesced to allowing her to bandage him. When she chose to be, the demon slayer could be quite frightening.

 

While Sango and Kouga prepared the boar for roasting, Inuyasha carried a cup of hot broth into their makeshift hut and sat down beside Sesshoumaru. Paper thin skin was beginning to fill out and soften and, Sesshoumaru's breathing had become less labored. Sesshoumaru was improving, but at the pace of a turtle sunbathing, at least, according to youkai standards.

 

“You're making this harder than it has to be,” Inuyasha sighed as he sat the cup on the floor, pulled Sesshoumaru into his lap, and cradled Sesshoumaru's head in his right arm.

 

The scent of Kouga, mingled with Inuyasha's, crawled up Sesshoumaru's nostrils. How was he to know that Kouga's scent had rubbed off onto Inuyasha during a struggle with the boar? Not that it mattered. He remembered, or thought that he remembered, the scent of sex at the hot spring, and not just anyone's, but Inuyasha and Kouga.

 

Just as Inuyasha reached for the cup, Sesshoumaru's eyes opened and gazed up at him. There was none of the typical fire in those amber orbs, only a flat resignation. Sesshoumaru had not won the battle for Inuyasha's heart, though he was certain that it had once been his.

 

Inuyasha thought that he had seen a flash of pain flicker through Sesshoumaru's eyes. `He must be in pain,' Inuyasha supposed.

 

“You need to drink this, Sesshoumaru,” Inuyasha grumbled. It was bad enough that Sesshoumaru had broken his heart, but now he had to be subjected to a reminder of it several times a day.

 

As Inuyasha brought the cup to Sesshoumaru's lips, Sesshoumaru turned away and swallowed thickly, his face coming against the sleeve of the fire rat robe. He didn't feel like taking nourishment, not with the knowledge that Inuyasha's affections had turned to the wolf. The thought of swallowing anything made his stomach knot up.

 

“Damn it, Sesshoumaru. You've gotta drink this.”

 

`Where is my pride? I have never before given up. Why should I start now? The wolf will learn his place.' Perhaps all was not lost. Though Sesshoumaru's arm felt as though he were attempting to lift the heaviest demon that he had ever fought, he managed to drag it from the bedding. Opening his eyes, he noticed the wariness in Inuyasha's expression as he brought his hand closer to Inuyasha's face then rested it on the hanyou's cheek. He was more than pleased when Inuyasha closed his eyes and nuzzled into the palm of his hand. It had been a tiring effort, but well worth the results.

 

`He may yet be persuaded to stay with me,' Sesshoumaru thought as hope seemed to return.

 

“Forgive...” he rasped before his efforts sent him back into the world of nothingness and his hand fell to Inuyasha's chest. Rushing to Inuyasha's side had drained what little energy reserves he'd had and he was not recovering well.

 

A boiling knot of pain settled into the pit Inuyasha's stomach as he fought back the lump in his throat.

 

“No,” he whispered, shaking his head, though knowing that Sesshoumaru couldn't hear him. He would not set himself up for rejection again, no matter how tempting. With a trembling hand and a deep breath, Inuyasha sat the cup down. `What am I going to do if you keep this up? I can't take this.'

 

Inuyasha composed himself then slid Sesshoumaru from his lap and, with one last look at his brother, rose to fetch Sango. He didn't bother explaining to her why he wanted her to take over for him and didn't see her gazing at him with concern when he left with his head down. Kouga decided that whatever had happened, he should leave Inuyasha alone. Everyone's eyes were trained on the droopy-eared hanyou as he left for the hotspring. The hut had been built far enough from the spring to give privacy when one needed to bathe and now, not only did Inuyasha want to wash away the sweat from the recent hunt, but the turmoil that Sesshoumaru had set off in him.

 

`Except for Kouga, I'm the only one strong enough to give Sesshoumaru his bathing treatment here. I'll have to do it sometime,' Inuyasha thought with dread as he looked down to take hold of his sleeve. There, at the crimp of his elbow, were a few small splatters of liquid. `I don't remember spilling the broth.' Inuyasha brought his arm up and buried his nose into the cloth. `Tears? Damn it all to hell, I hate this. What are you doing to me!?'

 

If his stomach could have knotted up any more than it already was, it would have. Tears pricked the back of his eyes and, once again, he swallowed the lump in his throat. He longed for Sesshoumaru, knew that he couldn't have him, and wouldn't go to Sesshoumaru, even if he could. Either way, he would be miserable. Something had to give, and soon.

 

The sensation of small fingers massaging his throat awoke the demon lord. Beneath slit eyelids, he observed Rin smiling down at him.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru, you're awake,” the little girl smiled. “We were just giving you some medicine. Are you feeling better?”

 

Sesshoumaru studied his ward. If he had any responsibility, it was to care for the little one that his father's sword had chosen to revive. If for nothing else, he would need to strive to heal himself for her, his Rin. His focus on Inuyasha would need to be pushed aside. `I seem to be thinking more clearly. Perhaps the poison is subsiding?'

 

“Rin, are you well?” His tone was weaker than he desired, but he would remedy that soon enough.

 

“Oh, I'm fine! Me and Shippou get to play together all the time. It's a lot of fun,” she exclaimed.

 

`The kitsune that belongs to Inuyasha,' Sesshoumaru pondered. `She would be disappointed if I sent him away. Um, a concern for another day,' Sesshoumaru decided.

 

“You will get better soon, Lord Sesshoumaru. I just know it,” Rin said with the brightest smile she could muster.

 

“Yes, Rin, soon,” he replied before resting his eyes.

 

Sango watched, amazed that Sesshoumaru accommodated the human girl with little thought to his reputation. He was an enigma of icy fire and rare, gentle gestures. Defining him was simply beyond the demon slayer's ability. Disposing of demons had once been her duty. Now she had found that there were youkai that did not deserve her disdain. However, Sesshoumaru was a tough nut to crack and she hadn't quite decided on which side of the fence he fell. For now, he was Inuyasha's half brother and she was obliged to help him. Yet, she was feeling anxiety from being spirited away from home for so long. She had her own responsibilities to tend to. Looking down, she realized that Sesshoumaru was once again sleeping and was relieved that he hadn't taken notice of her.

 

Inuyasha could hear Shippou taunting Jakken as he approached ground zero. Little did he know that Shippou was well aware of his presence.

 

Thunk!

 

“Waaaah!” Shippou cried out, quite convincingly too. `He wasn't supposed to hit me that hard!' Of course, this was all a part of the plan. Jakken hadn't wanted to play along until he found out that he would finally have the opportunity to knock the annoying kitsune upside the head.

 

“Kouga! You've got to teach me how to defend myself against other demons,” Shippou cried, running to the wolf and grabbing onto his leg for dear life. At least that was the impression that he hoped to give. Training with Jakken was not going so well.

 

“Hey runt, isn't Inuyasha supposed to teach you that stuff?” Kouga replied gruffly.

 

“He's too busy taking care of Sesshoumaru!”

 

A growl could be heard as Inuyasha cleared the treeline. “Oi, what's all this racket?” Inuyasha asked, propping fists on his hips.

 

Shippou ducked behind Kouga as Rin ran out of the hut and straight up to Inuyasha.

 

“Inuyasha, would you take me to get some flowers for Lord Sesshoumaru?” She put her hands together in a pleading gesture. Who could deny those large black eyes and that cherub face?

 

“Sure, kid,” Inuyasha replied, momentarily forgetting about the kitsune.

 

“Can I ride on your back like before?” she grinned.

 

“As long as you don't scream in my ears, it's a deal,” he said, unable to prevent the smile that crept across his face.

 

“Yippee! I get to ride on Inuyasha's back!” Rin squealed, dancing around in circles.

 

“Alright already!” Inuyasha groused as he laid his ears back to block out the high pitched noise. “But, we need to hurry. It's almost time for me to give Sesshoumaru his treatment in the hot spring,” he reminded her as he squatted down so that she could climb onto his back.

 

Rin wasted no time. Candles that she had wrangled out of Jinenji's mother were safely tucked inside of her pack just waiting to be used. And with Inuyasha's help, she would have plenty of flower petals. Rin giggled in anticipation.

 

~*~

 

The water seemed to buoy Sesshoumaru as he attempted to climb from Inuyasha's lap and stand on his own.

 

“You're going to wear yourself out,” Inuyasha huffed.

 

“I will not become stronger if I do not test my limits.”

 

The sooner that he was away from the source of his distraction, the sooner he could focus on caring for Rin and those that were under his protection. Little did he know that, subconsciously, he was angry at Inuyasha; angry because Inuyasha had turned to the wolf, agitated because of his dreams, and mostly, disgusted with himself for allowing the hanyou to have such an affect on him. Yes, the old Sesshoumaru was beginning to resurface with a vengeance.

 

To Inuyasha's ears, Sesshoumaru's voice held that old familiar condescension, tinged with a bit of anger, and he had no clue as to why that should be. It didn't even cross his mind that Sesshoumaru had known what he had done with Kouga. Regardless, Sesshoumaru was right. Exercise would make him stronger and the water was a good place to start. Inuyasha circled Sesshoumaru as the demon lord stood on unsteady legs and carefully plodded to the deeper recesses of the spring.

 

“Cease buzzing around me like a child, Inuyasha,” Sesshoumaru demanded as he focused on raising one leg and balancing fully on the other.

 

“Yeah, well. What if you fall?”

 

“What of it?” Sesshoumaru replied without thinking as he was concentrating on not doing that very thing.

 

“You'll drown! You are so stubborn.”

 

“The same might be said of you.” 'Hanyou,' Sesshoumaru silently added. The least that he could do was not insult the one responsible for his care.

 

All was silent as Inuyasha watched like a hawk while Sesshoumaru strengthened the muscles of his legs. It was difficult, but Sesshoumaru was successful in using his activity as a cover for avoiding Inuyasha's eyes. Only two leg-lifts later and Sesshoumaru was beginning to tremble, his energy spent. Scanning the area, he scouted a rock on which he could stretch out and bathe in the heat of the sun. However, as he moved closer, a familiar scent tickled his nose and, his memory.

 

Sex.

 

This was where they had been. Sesshoumaru stared at the rock. Possessive anger soon diminished beneath the onslaught of pain exploding in his chest. It should have been him, not Kouga. But it was his own actions that may have destroyed the possibility of a future with his sibling.

 

“Sesshoumaru?”

 

The voice seemed very far away as he stared at the jutting stone. The offensive object just would not leave his sight. Images of the wolf taking Inuyasha on its rough, gray mottled surface flooded his vision, which was getting darker by the moment.

 

“Sesshoumaru, are you alright?” Inuyasha asked, stepping in front of his brother. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how one wished to look at it, hanyou noses just weren't as sharp as a full-blooded inu youkai.

 

Sesshoumaru did not respond. His eyes were glazed over and his face pale.

 

“I told you! You've overdone it and it'll take longer for you to get better. Damn it!”

 

Suddenly, Sesshoumaru's eyes gained some lucidity and he gazed down into Inuyasha's annoyed golden orbs. There was no reason to ask Inuyasha why he had done this. Sesshoumaru knew quite well. Despite that, the question stayed tenaciously lodged in his brain.

 

”Just say it, Sessy.”

 

If only it were that simple. Inuyasha would not be so easily convinced. They were alone, though. No one would hear and since it would fall on deaf ears, it would be as though he hadn't said it at all. No harm, no foul.

 

If only he knew.

 

“Inuyasha, I...” he began as his throat tried to constrict and deny the words the right of passage.

 

`Just say it.'

 

He raised his hand to Inuyasha's cheek. Confusion and fear stared back at him. “I...”

 

“Don't! No, don't hurt me like this. Not again,” Inuyasha strangled out. Pain and bitter anger laced his words.

 

“Please, Inuyasha,” Sesshoumaru whispered, fighting back the darkness, his energy all but depleted.

 

“No!”

 

“I do...” Eyelids as heavy as an iron skillet slowly drew down and Sesshoumaru steeled his resolve.

 

“No, no, no,” Inuyasha groaned and bowed his head until his chin rested on his chest. Tears forced their way to the surface and spilled down his cheeks.

 

“...love you.”

 

“No.”

 

With an exhausted sigh, Sesshoumaru slumped forward. The hand that had cupped Inuyasha's cheek fell behind his back as Sesshoumaru's arm slid over his shoulder. Inuyasha nearly jumped away, but the full force of Sesshoumaru's weight suddenly fell on him. Inuyasha sniffed back the tears and swallowed as he withdrew Sesshoumaru from the water and laid him on the same patch of grass he had used the first time there.

 

“You're a bastard, Sesshoumaru,” Inuyasha rasped as he made Sesshoumaru comfortable. “I hate you.”

 

As soon as he had Sesshoumaru situated, he found himself a nice little alcove in which to be alone, to weep his sorrow.

 

”I do...love you.”

 

“Bastard,” Inuyasha sobbed.

 

”I do...love you.”

 

“I hate you, I hate you, I hate you.”

 

”I do...love you.”

 

“Liar,” Inuyasha groaned.

 

“Inuyasha, of whom are you speaking?”

 

Inuyasha sniffed and straightened his back while scrubbing his face with the back of his hand. “None of your fucking business. Go away, Miroku.”

 

“Inuyasha,” Miroku sighed in that silky smooth voice that seemed to calm even the forest inhabitants.

 

“Something has happened to hurt you and you are my friend. I only wish to help.”

 

“You're human. You wouldn't understand.”

 

Miroku paused and gazed up at the sky. “Hm, and some would say that you are hanyou and are therefore weak. Are you weak, Inuyasha?”

 

“Hell no!”

 

“My point exactly,” Miroku stated. Sweeping his black and purple robes to the front, Miroku situated himself at the edge of the water and faced his distressed friend.

 

Inuyasha swallowed as the flow of tears receded. Perhaps a distraction was what he needed.

 

“I am well aware that something significant took place in my absence and now it has you greatly troubled, my friend. I might be able to help, if you would only confide in me,” Miroku said quietly as his dark eyes studied Inuyasha's countenance.

 

Miroku was human, a monk even, though quite a letch. Most humans looked down on relationships between two males and would not hesitate to kill anyone sleeping with his own brother. Just how much could he trust Miroku? They had fought side by side and nearly died together on more than one occasion. Certainly, Miroku would not condemn him. His soul, though impure, was nearly as accepting as Kagome's. Then it occurred to Inuyasha. Miroku did not have his own agenda as Kouga did. Maybe, just maybe, Miroku could give him some decent advice.

 

Inuyasha drew in a deep cleansing breath and let it out slowly. As Miroku listened intently, Inuyasha began his tale, leaving out certain embarrassing and sordid details.

 

“And now, you have sought comfort in Kouga's arms,” Miroku stated as both fact and question.

 

Inuyasha stared up at him in surprise, but nodded. `How did he know?'

 

“You must know that your brother can sense this, Inuyasha.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Miroku sighed in exasperation. “Sesshoumaru's senses are much sharper than yours and he is not ignorant. He knows what you've done and I am sure that it has hampered his recovery.”

 

“So? He's not dead and he doesn't want me,” Inuyasha scowled.

 

“But you are wrong, Inuyasha. It was Sesshoumaru that alerted us to your situation with the bird of paradise and in his weakened state, he came to your rescue.”

 

“Keh! I wasn't in no danger. How did he know anyway?”

 

“There is a bond between you, one that I do not fully comprehend. Suffice it to say that Sesshoumaru's actions and his words, both then and now, clearly show his love for you.”

 

“Then why did he kill me? Tell me that. Why should I trust him?”

 

“Do you truly believe that Sesshoumaru would allow any harm to come to those for whom he has deep feelings? Great Buddha! He would never harm Rin and yet he struck out at her. You know that it was the poison. He never meant to hurt you, Inuyasha. Believe what he said. The great and terrible Lord of the Western Lands would not speak those words lightly.”

 

“Well, even if he did mean it, I've already screwed it up.”

 

Inuyasha just didn't want to admit that Miroku may be right, that he should give Sesshoumaru the opportunity to redeem himself. That would put him in a vulnerable position, one that he feared more than anything. Send a towering enemy his way and he would battle without hesitation. Ask him to put his heart on the line and he would be a skittering rabbit.

 

“If you want him, don't let things become far more entangled than they already are. Go to him.”

 

“I don't know if I can, Miroku.”

 

“That is understandable. Just know that the longer you wait, the harder it will be to obtain what you desire. And, if you wait too long, you may lose what you need the most, my friend.”

 

Inuyasha nodded his head in resignation. “I'll think about it.”

 

“Well then, I will take my leave. Have no fear, Inuyasha. You will always have friends that care for you very deeply. Our home is always open to you.”

 

Miroku strolled away at an even pace, leaving Inuyasha to consider his wise words. The battle of heart and mind that Miroku left behind was raging full force and Inuyasha would need time before returning to their makeshift hut. Leaving the water, he decided to join Sesshoumaru on the grass. His brother was sound asleep, if you could call it that. The markings on Sesshoumaru's face had deepened in color. It was obvious that the taiyoukai was beginning to heal.

 

`Did my presence really make a difference? I doubt it. The old woman is crazy. There ain't no bond between us.'

 

Inuyasha brushed away the wisps of hair that dared to cover the pale beauty of his brother's flawless features. As before, the reckless hanyou allowed his fingers to momentarily rest on Sesshoumaru's temple, tempting his self restraint. This time, he wouldn't give in. He would content himself with gazing at the vision of the graceful and fierce creature that had stolen his heart. And for the ruthless murder of his heart, this lovely being was to be feared above all others.

 

Inuyasha sighed and slid down beside the silver headed lord. Snaking an arm around Sesshoumaru's waist, he rested his head in the crook of Sesshoumaru's shoulder.

 

`I hate you,' was the last thought before he drifted off into peaceful slumber.

 

~*~

 

Something heavy was resting on his chest. Sesshoumaru breathed deep and was surrounded by the scent of his brother. As he became more aware of his body, he could feel soft breath dewing the skin of his chest. An arm hung haphazard across his abdomen. He opened his eyes slightly to a pink and lavender sunset. It was beautiful and pleasant.

 

Inuyasha.

 

Sex.

 

Kouga.

 

`I do...love you.'

 

”No.”

 

Inuyasha had rejected him. No matter, that did not mean that the battle was lost. There would be plenty of opportunities. Without even thinking, Sesshoumaru's hand had found its way to Inuyasha's hair and his fingers were gently threading through the coarse white mane. The sensation of Inuyasha curled up against him, their bodies somewhat tangled with Inuyasha's leg draped over his, brought Sesshoumaru's attention to the fact that they fit perfectly together. Given Inuyasha's shorter height, he fit quite comfortably into Sesshoumaru's side. Content to enjoy the moment, Sesshoumaru allowed his eyes to close and continued his soft strokes through Inuyasha's hair.

 

`Mmm. That feels good,' Inuyasha thought as sleep began to fade. He sighed and snuggled into the warmth of Sesshoumaru's body, not yet fully comprehending just who was gently combing their claws through his hair and inadvertently massaging his scalp. In his moment of contentment, deep within his chest, a rumbling of sorts vibrated upward and into his throat, slipping out in a soft growl.

 

Sesshoumaru would have smiled had Inuyasha not jolted and suddenly shot up to a sitting position. Golden eyes blinked rapidly as though the hanyou were a lost child attempting to gain his bearings. Upon staring down at Sesshoumaru, his features fell and he rose up on shaking legs.

 

“I think it's time to get back. Dinner is probably ready,” Inuyasha commented without inflection of any kind.

 

His bland distance brought a scowl to Sesshoumaru's face. He sat up and searched the clearing for his robe. Inuyasha was way ahead of him, trotting off to retrieve them from a boulder. Sesshoumaru watched silently as Inuyasha quickly dressed. There was no desire at this point, only annoyance. When Inuyasha knelt down beside of him to slip the robe over his shoulders, Sesshoumaru snatched it away from him.

 

“I am fully capable of dressing myself,” he growled, frustrated that he was so weak.

 

“You weren't this morning,” Inuyasha said with that same flat tone.

 

“It seems that there has been some improvement through the afternoon,” Sesshoumaru replied with his familiar condescension. He may be weak, but that didn't mean he enjoyed others noticing.

 

“Whatever.” Inuyasha reached down to assist Sesshoumaru only to have his hands batted away.

 

Slowly and carefully, first balancing himself with his hand, Sesshoumaru rose to his feet. Determination lit his eyes as he took the first step, then another, and another. Nine steps into the trek, his forehead was covered in a sheen of sweat and he was trembling so badly that he didn't brush away Inuyasha's assistance. However, he did refuse to be carried. Ducking under Sesshoumaru's arm, Inuyasha steadied the weak lord and bore most of Sesshoumaru's weight.

 

Everything was strangely quiet as they arrived. Miroku sat comfortably beside Sango as the boar roasted on the spit. Just by the smell, Inuyasha could tell that it was ready and his stomach tightened and growled. It appeared that Kouga was napping on a large log at the edge of the clearing that they had made. His light snoring gave him away.

 

As the brother's made their way to the hut, they noticed the anxious glances of the two children. There was a peculiar scent wafting from inside of the hut. Not unpleasant at all. In fact, it was quite relaxing. Helping Sesshoumaru step inside, Inuyasha had to roll his eyes. Various types of flower petals were sprinkled all throughout the room. Softly glowing, lavender scented candles surrounded Sesshoumaru's pallet. Rin might have overdone it a bit, but Inuyasha had to admit, it was nice. He carefully led Sesshoumaru around the candles until he could help Sesshoumaru lay down then sat down beside his exhausted sibling.

 

“It appears that Rin has been a busy child,” Sesshoumaru commented, more to himself than anyone.

 

“Yeah. I guess she's just trying to help you get well,” Inuyasha said as he sniffed the air, attempting to get another whiff of the roasted boar. Just thinking about all of that delicious meat had his stomach growling. However, there were things he needed to do before he could eat. “I need to get you some medicine.”

 

“Eat, Inuyasha. Your stomach is complaining,” Sesshoumaru commanded as though the he found the sound disgusting.

 

“It'll wait.” Inuyasha sighed as he stood to fetch the medicine and a washcloth in order to wipe away the remnants of sweat that had gathered on Sesshoumaru's forehead.

 

As he turned away, Sesshoumaru almost couldn't hold back a snicker at what he saw.

 

`Inuyasha is so starved that he has no idea. I'm sure that the scent of the candles and flowers dulled his senses.'

 

Traipsing outside, Inuyasha strode over to the kettle and cup that was always kept hot and ready.

 

“Um, Inuyasha?” Sango asked

 

“Yeah, I'm kinda busy.”

 

“Your hair is on fire,” Miroku finished for her.

 

“What the hell!?” Inuyasha scooped his thick mane around his shoulder and held it up. Sure enough, it was smoldering and smoking at the ends. “Damn it.”

 

Shippou and Rin slowly stood up with eyes wide and inched their way behind Sango while Inuyasha poured some of the water onto the curling burnt tips of his hair. Ruffling their hair, Sango reassured them as she stood and tugged the black ribbon from her hair.

 

“I think you need this more than I do,” Sango said with a smile as she walked over to Inuyasha and held out the ribbon. “You need to keep your hair away from those candles.

 

Inuyasha just stared at the hideous thing with confusion. Even if he wanted to use it, he didn't know how. Sango half guessed what his problem was.

 

“Why don't I put it up for you,” she offered.

 

“Fine,” Inuyasha grumbled and waited while she retrieved a comb. He certainly didn't want a repeat.

 

It wasn't long before Inuyasha stepped back into the hut, leaving a relieved Shippou and Rin to continue their play. For a moment, Inuyasha thought that Sesshoumaru had fallen asleep. It was the barest hint of a smirk that gave Sesshoumaru away.

 

“You bastard. You knew and were willing to let me go bald!” Inuyasha exclaimed, stomping over to Sesshoumaru. “I oughtta light you hair on fire and see how you like it.”

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes opened to narrow slits as his amber orbs slid over to gaze at Inuyasha. The sight of Inuyasha's hair up in a ponytail, baring his ears in all their naked glory, startled Sesshoumaru. With that mass of coarse hair, Inuyasha's triangular ears had barely shown their true size. Now, he truly did look like a dog, but an unbearably cute one. Sesshoumaru gazed in awe and wonder at the almost new creature now sitting beside of him. Most likely for protection, Inuyasha had pulled the length of his hair over his left shoulder rather then leaving it trailing down his back. It shown with a new luster because it had been combed. Somehow, it softened his sharp features.

 

Rising to sit up, Sesshoumaru glanced down at the cup of broth that Inuyasha had prepared. Still, he couldn't help but allow his eyes to wander back up to Inuyasha's new striking features.

 

“You should comb your hair more often. It is very becoming, Inuyasha,” Sesshoumaru murmured when he reached out and ran his fingers through the newly combed tresses.

 

Breath hitching in his throat and eyes widening, Inuyasha stared at Sesshoumaru in disbelief. A compliment to the dirty hanyou from the aloof Lord of the West? Unheard of! And there was the slightest of smiles on his face. But the vague dreamy countenance was shattered when Sesshoumaru shook himself and settled as though he were a bird.

 

“Here, drink this,” Inuyasha managed to say. He lifted the cup to Sesshoumaru's lips.

 

“I can do it on my own, Inuyasha.” He took the cup from Inuyasha's hand and sipped the hot liquid.

 

“Since you can do everything by yourself, you can take this,” Inuyasha huffed, holding out the wet cloth. He wasn't sure why he was miffed at Sesshoumaru's independence, but it was there.

 

Setting the cup aside, Sesshoumaru took the cloth from Inuyasha. “You should go outside with the others and eat.”

 

“Fine. I can take a hint. Do you want anything?” Inuyasha scowled. `Damn, what has gotten into me? Why do I care if he blows me off?'

 

“You know that I do not eat human food.”

 

“Oh, I forgot! That again. Still, do you think that you can take solid food now?”

 

“Perhaps tomorrow,” Sesshoumaru sighed. “I am tired.” And he meant it.

 

Inuyasha studied Sesshoumaru for a moment. Yes, he did look tired. “I'll be back,” Inuyasha said softly as he rose to leave.

 

Twenty minutes later, Inuyasha returned with fresh rabbit meat in his hand. As he suspected, Sesshoumaru was asleep, but not the deep slumber to which Inuyasha had become accustomed. Carefully navigating the candles, Inuyasha quietly sat down next to his brother.

 

“Hey, Sesshoumaru,” Inuyasha murmured as he held a sliver of meat just below Sesshoumaru's nose. “Got something for you. Wake up.”

 

Inuyasha watched as Sesshoumaru's nostrils flared with a deep breath. He could see movement below the surface of Sesshoumaru's eyelids just before the eyes opened to narrow slits.

 

“Solid food…just for you,” Inuyasha teased, swinging the meat back and forth over Sesshoumaru's face.

 

“You have disturbed my rest.”

 

“Your welcome,” Inuyasha smirked as he lifted the bowl full of shredded meat. “Still warm.”

 

Despite his grumpy demeanor, Sesshoumaru sat up and speared a piece of meat with his claws. He sniffed it before popping it into his mouth.

 

“It is fresh,” he sleepily commented before devouring another. “I miss the hunt.”

 

“The fact that you're eating means that you'll be back hunting in no time at all. Don't know why you just started getting better like this all the sudden,” Inuyasha mused.

 

“I have responsibilities,” Sesshoumaru responded flatly.

 

“Mmm,” Inuyasha agreed as Sesshoumaru polished off the last piece. “I don't see how you can eat that stuff raw. Kagome says that it can make a person sick because of `bakteeria'.

 

“I am youkai. That would never affect me. I smell the boar on you. Did you swallow your meal whole so that you could eat before capturing my meal?”

 

“Yeah, well, we never thought that you could be poisoned either,” Inuyasha replied, ignoring Sesshoumaru's question.

 

“Naraku...though he was young, had the strength of the Shikon jewel behind him. I am not so surprised.”

 

“Everyone else was.”

 

“Perhaps they underestimated him.”

 

It was pleasant to have a civil conversation with Sesshoumaru; something very rare. Perhaps Sesshoumaru was too tired to be his usual stoic self. Inuyasha noticed the droop in his eyes and the slump of his shoulders. The day had been his most active yet.

 

“You rest now. I'm gonna help get things cleaned up outside; no sense attracting carrion feeders,” Inuyasha said with a slight smile.

 

“You do that,” Sesshoumaru sighed as he lay back down, rolled to his side, and tugged the covers up over his shoulders.

 

Inuyasha stopped at the door to gaze back at what had been his momentarily congenial brother. The youkai was already asleep. Peace seemed to radiate from his countenance. And that made Inuyasha happy.

 

`He deserves a little rest after what he's been through,' Inuyasha thought as he stepped outside.

 

Kouga studied Inuyasha as the hanyou used his claws to shred the meat and draped it over the dying fire. In a few hours, it would be hardened into jerky. Inuyasha seemed more content than he had in days and Kouga wondered what had made the difference. He had checked on Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru as they had slept at the spring. Despite knowing the old woman's instruction, Kouga knew that there was more to the brother's embrace. He needed to get Inuyasha alone more often, but Rin and Shippou seemed intent on keeping him occupied.

 

Once cleaning and preparations for the next day had been made, Inuyasha headed back into the hut. The candles had burned low, but before disrobing, he snuffed out the majority of them. It didn't matter that he could see in the dark, the last two candles, their light flickering over Sesshoumaru's features, did much to enhance the warmth in the youkai's features, so he let them be.

 

`Maybe what the old woman said was true. He's a lot stronger since we took that nap together,' Inuyasha mused then began to carefully remove Sesshoumaru's robe.

 

Sesshoumaru stirred only once before Inuyasha slid down behind him and Inuyasha noticed that the temperature of Sesshoumaru's skin had warmed somewhat. Sliding his left arm around Sesshoumaru's waist, Inuyasha brought his hand up to the center of Sesshoumaru's chest. The heartbeat was stronger than it had been and the steady rhythm soon lulled him to sleep.

 

 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

Thank you for reading rating and reviewing

 

 

TamaRose

Thank you for the wonderful review and scores! A threesome would have been nice. However, I'm stuck on Sess/Inu. Thanks for the comment about feeling their pain. I worked very hard in an attempt to squeeze the readers' heartstrings. ^_^ Your words are a great encouragement.

 

Izzanami

Thanks for the review and great scores! Kouga's not so bad. He really is trying to help Inuyasha and, in the process, he'll take what he can get. Don't worry, Sesshoumaru gets his revenge. ^_^

 

Inumimi

Thank you for the wonderful review and scores. It's such an encouragement. Don't worry; our guys will work their way out of the rut—which means fewer tissues for you. ^_^

 

~*~

 

*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.