InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Torn ❯ Seduction ( Chapter 12 )

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Chapter 12

 

Seduction

 

 

 

Apparently, sleeping skin to skin was very good for Sesshoumaru, as Inuyasha discovered when he awoke the next morning, snugly tucked against Sesshoumaru's broad chest with a very large something poking him between the globes of his behind. Inuyasha swallowed hard at the realization of just what was so boldly crushed up against him. Shock, fear, dread, and a need to scramble away, vied for dominance as Inuyasha's breathing became labored from the intensity of such intimate contact with his brother. However, hidden in the back of his mind, was the deep-seated need to remain where he was.

 

`I want this, need it. If I let him have my heart, he will only break it again. But, what if he is still under the influence of the poison? Would it be real? The answer was simple. `No.'

 

Inuyasha sighed at the thought that he could test Sesshoumaru, could find out if the poison had left his brother's system. Even if Sesshoumaru was free of the poison, would he want to take the risk? That was a question that brought a lot of confusion as he knew that he should give Sesshoumaru a chance, since the youkai had been influenced by an outside source the night they had spent in each other's arms.

 

Run or stay. A small whimper escaped Inuyasha's throat before he even knew that it had been there, waiting to be released. It would be too humiliating to wake Sesshoumaru with the movements of a scared rabbit, he finally decided. If nothing else, he was not a coward. Forcing himself to calm, which took much effort and willpower, Inuyasha allowed his senses to sharpen as he left the foggy mist of sleep to the sharp edges of wakefulness, all the while hoping that this was just a dream, or nightmare. After a few moments, nothing had changed. He was not in a tree, dreaming. Well, it seemed as though he had been fully awake, after all. Absolutely nothing had changed, and now, he was going to need to determine a safe plan of escape without actually appearing to be a coward.

 

From the whisper of Sesshoumaru's shallow breathing, Inuyasha determined that his brother was still held in the prison of slumber.

 

`Good,' he thought with a sigh of relief. The last thing he needed was to be accosted by the one person who he was most diligently attempting to keep at arm's length. Not that fate was cooperating. Stupid bitch seemed to have her own agenda.

 

Inuyasha took a slow deep breath and sighed to wash his mind clear of anything that would impede his strategy, or the one he had yet to make. There was no sense starting the day in a foul mood and he was relieved that at least Sesshoumaru wasn't a cover hog, leaving Inuyasha to sleep well. But even with this small favor, fate was against him as he tilted his head from Sesshoumaru's shoulder to notice that the royal blue blanket, (which annoyingly enough, brought out the color of the crescent moon on Sesshoumaru's forehead) had slid from Sesshoumaru's torso, leaving the line of that long sculpted body exposed. The ashen gray color of Sesshoumaru's skin had receded to be replaced by the normal pale porcelain. Truly, it was a marvel how much Sesshoumaru had improved during the night. Perhaps the old woman wasn't so crazy after all.

 

By the last dying flickers of candlelight, Inuyasha observed that the darkness of predawn could not dim the soft glow of Sesshoumaru's flawless skin. Not only was the warmth radiating from Sesshoumaru to seep into his own skin a very good sign, but it was also a bit distracting, too distracting in its soothing quality. Had his eyes not been focusing on the long curve of Sesshoumaru's waist and roaming over the rise of his brother's bared hip, he would have noticed and berated himself for the disobedience of his own body. As it was, the graceful line of the body next to him only served to draw forth sensual memories of the one night that they had spent together.

 

The long, clawed, and extremely deadly fingers currently lazing against Inuyasha's chest had on that one night journeyed over every inch of his body, wringing from him moans that seemed to echo throughout his blood. They had caressed his chest, kneaded his waist, massaged his thighs, and cupped his cheeks. As the memories drifted through his mind, blurring his vision of the outside world, Inuyasha absently trailed his fingers over Sesshoumaru's forearm. His body vividly remembered the feel of their skin sliding together, heated and slippery with the dew of perspiration. Without even realizing what he was doing, Inuyasha reached his arm over his waist and gently squeezed Sesshoumaru's hip. And that ended his reverie. Sesshoumaru's arm tightened its hold on him and Inuyasha suddenly felt trapped and stupid for having allowed himself to lose control of his senses. Despite the lingering desire and longing for Sesshoumaru's acceptance and love, he could not afford to set himself up to believe that Sesshoumaru had any feelings for him whatsoever. After all, Sesshoumaru had been under the power of the poison even then, not just when his lover had killed him. Thank the gods that Kouga had been there for him. Even with Kouga's friendship, Inuyasha wasn't certain that he could survive another betrayal.

 

And then it happened. Warm breath heated the soft flap of his left ear, causing an involuntary flick of the sensitive appendage. Still, Sesshoumaru's breathing was shallow and even. But the effect was the same as it always had been. With a creaking groan, the hardened resolve that had been slowly constructing a solid wall around Inuyasha's heart developed a crack that threatened to widen into a full blown cavern. The soft breath enveloping his ear sent shivers down his spine and he had to swallow in order to open his constricted breathing passages. It just wasn't fair that his most sensitive appendages were right on top of his head for anyone to take advantage of.

 

“Inuyasha.”

 

The drowsy utterance of his name sent pain shooting through Inuyasha's chest. It was killing him. The need to be captured in the embrace of Sesshoumaru's love reared its ugly head in a full blown howl inside his head. Clenching his eyes closed as his body trembled with the war that waged within, he tried fruitlessly to ignore the sensation of Sesshoumaru's nose nuzzling his ear. His defenses were crumbling and he was quickly losing ground.

 

`No, no, no!' his mind protested while his heart split open, reaching to have that hunger sated. `You can't do this to me. I won't let you!'

 

Though his mind raged, his heart grasped at the possibility of being healed. He was lost, confused, and unaware as his body gradually relaxed into the comforting warmth of his brother's arm, which was now snaking its way up, allowing Sesshoumaru's hand to slide beneath his jaw and cup his cheek. Inuyasha could have sworn that a spell had been cast as he savored the scent right under his nose. When that hand, softened from lack of swordplay, traced its fingers over his eyebrows to brush his hair from his face, an involuntary and almost inaudible whine, escaped his lips. And he hated his heart's betrayal of his mind. It just hurt so much. This loss of control was shredding his heart, soul, and mind. But he didn't stop Sesshoumaru, even when he realized that the object of his desire was wide awake and fully aware.

 

“Sesshoumaru! Please...don't,” Inuyasha gasped as he felt Sesshoumaru's lips slide along the edges of his ears, but Inuyasha didn't even try to pull away. He was inexplicably bound. Unfortunately, his half-hearted words were ignored and his ear was sucked into the wet heat of Sesshoumaru's mouth.

 

“For Kami-sama's sake, Sesshoumaru, don't do this to me,” Inuyasha groaned as a quiver tickled down his ears and raced into his chest then further to pool in his groin.

 

Once he felt the scorching path of scraping fangs making its way down his neck, he had had enough. His body might like what it was experiencing, and his heart may have craved it, but it in no way forgave the past or secured the future. Like Kouga had said, did he only want a few passion filled moments? Or a true relationship? Sesshoumaru was offering him the former and it wasn't enough. It would never be enough to heal the wounds, and the thought that Sesshoumaru believed it would, really pissed Inuyasha off.

 

`What!? A few kisses and a good fuck and everything is fine and dandy? I don't think so,' the old insecurities whispered, repeating Kouga's words.

 

That anger and pain at Sesshoumaru's betrayal crawled up from Inuyasha's gut as though it were a physical force. Shoving Sesshoumaru's arm away, Inuyasha kicked off the blanket, leapt from the pallet, and spun around to glare down at his now completely naked brother. Regardless of the view in front of him and the cold glare of Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha was not going to waste time and possibly get himself into a worse predicament.

 

“You listen. That shit ain't gonna work,” Inuyasha spat as he scowled at Sesshoumaru then quickly turned to grab his clothing.

 

“The wolf is an exception?” Sesshoumaru replied coldly as a statement more than a question.

 

Lead settled into Inuyasha's chest, completely cutting off any air. It was a good thing that looks could not kill, for when Inuyasha turned, the hatred burning in his eyes was enough to make even Sesshoumaru take notice.

 

“Unlike you, he cares about me. He's not just trying to get a good fuck. I trust him. Not you! I hate you,” Inuyasha hissed before throwing on his clothes and stomping out of the hut, his face crimson with rage. He knew that he didn't hate Sesshoumaru. He hated that he had to battle the war of need within; the overwhelming desire and the need to be safe.

 

 

~*~

 

 

Having Inuyasha in his arms over the past few nights had been excruciatingly painful and at the same time exquisitely delightful. It was everything Sesshoumaru could do not to molest his little brother. That didn't mean that he didn't surreptitiously caress Inuyasha's arm or waist, or do something just as harmless. Just the scent of Inuyasha's hair, even burnt by candle flame, was something that he found very soothing.

 

But this morning...this morning, something amazing happened. Inuyasha touched him, voluntarily. Not just any touch either. It was warm and slow. Unbeknownst to his little brother, Sesshoumaru was not asleep, merely enjoying Inuyasha's presence. Well, a little more than enjoying. Regardless, Sesshoumaru hadn't been awake long before he felt a hand on his hip and then a gentle squeeze. Hope. A tiny glimmer, but there nonetheless. That hope managed to seep inside his chest and burst much too prematurely. It was everything Sesshoumaru could do to resist throwing Inuyasha down, kissing him senseless and properly making love to him. Sesshoumaru had come undone at that one small touch and he had made a mistake, perhaps an ultimately permanent error. But it had felt oh so good, having Inuyasha's responsive shivering body held against his own. And he had lost control.

 

`Will he never forgive me? What would I have done in his place? Killed him at the first opportunity. That is the difference between us. He would suffer me to live. Not only has he done so, but he has brought me back from the edge of the abyss. Perhaps there is hope yet. But not as long as that wolf is present.' Sesshoumaru growled softly his dismay.

 

Flopping over onto his back, he took a deep breath. Well, the morning had not proceeded very well, not at all how Sesshoumaru had hoped. Perhaps there was no way to reach Inuyasha after all. With that thought, Sesshoumaru decided that he needed to be somewhere else. Somewhere far away from his unforgiving sibling. There would be another opportunity. Testing his strength, he was pleasantly surprised to find that he was easily able to stand. There was still one part of him that wasn't very happy. Left wanting, his erection still stood tall and firm. Sesshoumaru skimmed his long clawed fingers down his aching member. No, there was no way in hell that he was going to pleasure himself, considering exactly who that arousal was for. How demeaning would that be? It was time to take his leave. Yes, a time to ponder and perhaps develop a strategy for breaking through the mistrust with which Inuyasha had surrounded himself. Sesshoumaru was never one to lose a battle. The wolf prince would learn this lesson. He just needed time and patience.

 

Everyone's eyes shot to the door of the hut as Sesshoumaru made his exit.

 

“Jakken,” the deep, resounding voice demanded. “Come.”

 

“Yes, milord!” The toad always seemed overly anxious to please his lord and sometimes it grated on Sesshoumaru's nerves, but not today. Today, he wanted no one other than his servant.

 

“Um, Sesshoumaru? Where are you going?” Miroku asked. Sometimes the monk just wasn't aware of the danger that he constantly put himself in.

 

Sesshoumaru didn't even turn his head as his eyes slid to the left to give the monk a bored, yet threatening gaze. “Do not presume to question this Sesshoumaru.”

 

With that, Sesshoumaru headed to the hot spring, toad in tow. Though his strides were even and regal, as always, they were a bit slower than usual. Sesshoumaru wasn't ready to push himself. There was no reason. All that mattered was that he would have his way.

 

Once standing at the edge of the water, Sesshoumaru turned to his trustworthy servant. “I require clothing befitting my station.” He spoke calmly, respecting the toad's devotion for a change.

 

“Oh! I have anticipated your need, milord, and took care of that while you were in your weakened state. I mean...I didn't intend to imply that you are weak. You...are the strongest youkai in the land! You were just ill,” the toad stammered, certain that he was about to lose his head. “Not that you would ever fall to an illness...I mean...”

 

Jakken's blunders were always amusing to Sesshoumaru. Though he may abuse the little fellow on occasion, it was only to teach the toad a lesson. The only person that Sesshoumaru trusted as much as the toad was Rin. His servant had courage, even when in fear for his life. And that, Sesshoumaru respected. In order to retain his servant's loyalty, it was necessary to occasionally remind him of his value. Now was one of those times. The toad had not abandoned him in his time of weakness.

 

“You are the only one that I need at this moment,” Sesshoumaru said flatly. “Retrieve my clothing.”

 

“Yes, milord! Right away!”

 

It was never lost on Sesshoumaru how his retainer always puffed up with pride, even as tears streamed down the toad's face. And off the little guy ran, always ready to please his Lord and Master. Sesshoumaru nearly chuckled. It never ceased to amaze him. The toad truly loved him, almost unnaturally. But that didn't matter.

 

Once disrobed, Sesshoumaru slipped into the steaming water. The morning's stress slowly seeped away as he cleared his mind, leaving room to determine how best to leave the group behind. First, he needed to find out exactly what his current capabilities were. With that in mind, he waded deeper into the steaming pool. It was no surprise that he was able to easily slice through the water. Now to test his youkai abilities. They were there, but not up to his usual strength. However, he remained confident that he could adequately defend himself without assistance. Now, to put the day into motion.

 

Sesshoumaru was pleased to find that Jakken had brought his clothing then left him to his privacy. Once dressed in the clothing that mirrored his usual attire, Sesshoumaru felt like his old self again. Feeling his casual confidence and pride returning, he made his way back to his caretakers.

 

All conversation came to a halt as the youkai lord appeared, looking as though he had never experienced near death. Tall, regal, proud as ever. Everything was in place, including his armor and swords. Even his clothing was no different.

 

Pretending not to notice the absence of Inuyasha and Kouga, though it cut him deeply, Sesshoumaru wasted no time gathering his little group and disappearing into the dense forest, heading west. No one dared say a word. The proud Lord's scathing glances were enough to silence any protests.

 

Needless to say, neither Rin, nor Shippou were very happy with this new development. They were losing the prospect of having a real family to call their own. However, both had the hope that once Inuyasha returned, everyone would be heading for Sesshoumaru. They almost counted on Inuyasha's stubbornness to see to it that Naraku's poison had completely left Sesshoumaru's system. And they weren't mistaken.

 

“What the hell!? Why didn't you stop him from leaving?” Inuyasha fumed.

 

“Inuyasha, you know how powerful your brother is. Do you truly expect that we could have brought him down?” Miroku asked in an attempt to reason with angry hanyou.

 

“He's weak! You could have stopped him!”

 

“No, Inuyasha. He's much stronger today. I dare say that Jinenji's mother was correct. You're presence has healed him...almost.”

 

“What do you mean, `almost'?” Inuyasha asked, his anger giving way to concern.

 

“He was moving slower than usual. I doubt that he has made it very far,” Miroku replied.

 

Inuyasha rubbed his temples in frustration while staring down at the basket of fish he and Kouga had collected then glanced up at Shippou.

 

“We'll eat first then I'm going to find that bastard.”

 

“Inuyasha,” Miroku spoke softly. “Sango and I need to return home soon. You are welcome any time. Our door is always open.”

 

“Feh.”

 

Sango cracked a smile at the positive response and began stoking the fire while Kouga prepared the fish. Inuyasha, not one to be patient and still grumpy, was pleased to see Miroku gathering and bagging their supplies, which left him with nothing to do, so he plopped down on the ground and crossed his arms, still angry at his brother.

 

`Ass,' Inuyasha thought to himself with a scowl. `Just because I can't smell the poison doesn't mean it isn't still there, buried deep somewhere inside of him.'

 

Though he wouldn't feel comfortable sleeping with Sesshoumaru again, it had to be done. He would just have to find some way to ward off Sesshoumaru's advances. Inuyasha sighed as his stomach decided to churn at the prospect, quickly losing his appetite. While searching for a high branch to hop onto, his plans were rudely interrupted by Miroku's approach.

 

“Inuyasha, may I speak with you for a moment...privately?” Miroku asked in that melodious, almost hypnotizing voice, which usually irritated the hanyou, but Miroku did not often make such a request, so he followed the monk until they were out of hearing range of the others.

 

Miroku's staff jingled in the breeze as he stood silently at the edge of the hot spring.

 

“Well, monk? You gonna talk or what?” Inuyasha asked gruffly.

 

Much to his surprise, Inuyasha's answer was a swift thump on the head, Miroku's staff jingling merrily in its wake.

 

“Hey! Why'd you do that!?” Inuyasha exclaimed, rubbing the lump merrily making its way to the surface.

 

“Stupid idiot. We heard what you said to Sesshoumaru this morning. Why do you think he left?”

 

“Because he's a bastard!”

 

“No, Inuyasha,” Miroku sighed. “Sometimes I wonder how you have managed to survive with your constant stupidity.”

 

“What do you mean by that?” Inuyasha scowled.

 

Miroku, graceful as always, sat down on a boulder with a sigh. “You rejected Sesshoumaru. Why do you have to be so stubborn? You know as well as I do that he had been under the influence of the poison when he hurt you.”

 

“How am I supposed to know that for sure? You know how he always despised me. Just like Kouga said, why would he change overnight? Answer that why don't you!”

 

“Was it truly overnight, Inuyasha? Or didn't you notice? Before the poison, he had ceased his attempts to take Tetsusaiga away from you. His challenges became harmless. Great Buddha, Inuyasha! He even protected you from Sou'unga. And from what Kagome told me, Takemaru's statement that he had sent your mother to hell prompted Sesshoumaru to viciously attempt to avenge you! How can you say that he changed overnight? You are a fool if you think that the change in Sesshoumaru was overnight. Think about it before you lose what you most need,” Miroku said, softening his voice. “You put too much stock in Kouga's words. Stop listening to him and obey your heart. Now, I will leave you with your thoughts.”

 

With that, Miroku stood and left.

 

Was Miroku right? Inuyasha had never really considered it. His defensive mode and desire to protect his group always overrode any thoughts concerning Sesshoumaru's actions. Though Sesshoumaru's words continued to be harsh, his actions toward Inuyasha had mellowed. Hell, even the scathing remarks had lost some of their venom.

 

`And just what did Miroku mean when he said that Sesshoumaru protected me?'

 

Reaching back into his mind, he replayed every battle scene from their fight with Sou'unga. Sesshoumaru insisted that it was he who would defeat the evil sword. Yet, what was the point of shoving Inuyasha out of the blast Sou'unga threw at him? Sesshoumaru could have just let the blast kill Inuyasha, but he had pushed Inuyasha aside, still claiming that he would be the one to win the battle. It was completely unnecessary for Sesshoumaru to take the hit. It gained him nothing. Nothing, except to save his little brother.

 

Inuyasha swallowed, hard. `How could I have missed that? I wanted revenge for what that sword had done to me, for what Takemaru had done to my mother. Sesshoumaru didn't matter. He was just in the way and I saw him as he had been for so many years, a selfish, cold, sonofabitch. It never occurred to me that he was trying to protect me. I know that Miroku is wrong about one thing though. If Takemaru was the one who killed mother, then he was also the one who killed father. He wanted revenge for father, not for me. And I don't blame him.'

 

This was not good, not good at all. He had spurned Sesshoumaru, thrown away his brother's attempts at reconciliation. Well, it wasn't as though Sesshoumaru openly declared any good intentions toward Inuyasha. But still, Inuyasha had been completely and totally blind.

 

`Can I fix this? Do I really want to? Would it be too late anyway?'

 

“Aw, hell. One problem at a time.”

 

What Inuyasha didn't know was that Miroku had one other mission and that he had taken advantage of Inuyasha's absence.

 

“Well, Kouga, now that we are alone...”

 

The next thing Kouga knew, sutra's adorned his feet, hands and mouth, locking him to the ground in front of a tree.

 

“Now that I have your undivided attention, you are going to listen. No talking,” Miroku ordered, bonking the wolf prince on the head with his staff.

 

`How am I supposed to talk with this shit over my mouth?'

 

“You're not listening, Kouga. Be still.”

 

`What!? I'm not doing anything!'

 

“You are not helping Inuyasha in the least. Your advances confuse him and prevent him from pursuing his heart's desire.”

 

`I'm doing no such thing, you moron,' Kouga scowled.

 

“I told you to be quiet!” Miroku huffed, banging Kouga on the head again.

 

`What!'

 

“Exactly. Be quiet.”

 

`What the hell is going on here?'

 

Miroku got up into his face, nose to nose and flicked Kouga's ear. “Stop thinking. I can hear you. Now listen for a change.”

 

`He can read minds?'

 

“No, I just know you.”

 

`Fuck! This is way too weird.'

 

“Kouga,” Miroku ground out. “I know that you helped Inuyasha get through a difficult time. However, you are not allowing Inuyasha to think for himself. You are pushing him. It's hard enough for him already without your constant presence. He needs to stop using you as a crutch and start thinking for himself. You,” Miroku bonked him on the head for good measure. “...need to leave him alone for awhile. Despite what you think, he needs Sesshoumaru. And Sesshoumaru needs him. Or haven't you seen that for yourself. Just give Inuyasha some time to sort through his feelings. Stop,” bonk, “pushing,” bonk, “him!” Bonk.

 

Kouga snarled beneath the enchanted paper as he glared at Miroku. What the fuck did the monk think he would achieve by abusing him, other than pissing him off and making him want to tear the monk's head off of his shoulders!?

 

“You might think that you are helping Inuyasha. And I commend you, if that is truly your purpose. However,” Miroku sighed, “it is only creating more turmoil for him.” Miroku straightened his robes and brushed unseen dirt from the sleeves.

 

“Now, I can leave you here until the rains wash these sutra's from your skin. Or, I can let you go and you can quietly walk with me. Don't doubt that I can adequately defend myself.” Miroku crossed his arms over his chest and waited for Kouga to calm down. It was a long wait.

 

“You agree to give Inuyasha some room?”

 

Kouga nodded his head.

 

“Swear on all that you hold sacred?” Miroku asked, raising his eyebrows in demand. “Okay. I'll let you go.”

 

`Then I'm going to beat the tar out of his ass!'

 

Miroku stepped back and scowled. “Don't even think about it, Kouga. I doubt that Inuyasha would think I'd have any interest in your ass. I have Sango for that.”

 

With that, Miroku ripped the sutras from Kouga's body and casually strolled away, leaving Kouga to mull over what he had said.

 

`That guy is creepy,' Kouga thought, shivering. `Probably crazy as a loon, too, from all those beatings that Sango gave him.'

 

Kouga leaned up against the tree, at first deciding that there really was nothing to think about. There was no reason for him to stay away from Inuyasha. Inuyasha seemed to enjoy his company.

 

By the time Kouga and Miroku had rejoined the group, they had eaten and were all ready to go.

 

“Hey, Inuyasha!” Shippou chirped. “I saved you a fish!”

 

“Keh! You need it more than I do, runt. How else will you grow up and whoop some serious ass?”

 

After all the years of fighting over food, Shippou was shocked at Inuyasha's response. But after thinking about it for a moment, Shippou had to hide the grin threatening to spread across his face. Hope was renewed in the little fox child. If Inuyasha wasn't hungry, something was up.

 

`Inuyasha reeeeally doesn't like being away from Sesshoumaru. We will be a family! Oh yeah!'

 

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

The trees had slowly thinned and Sesshoumaru's little party found themselves in a large field. Sesshoumaru took a deep breath, tasting the wide open space. He never was one for being confined and that was exactly how he had been feeling the past few days.

 

`I have been away from my lands for far too long.' Sesshoumaru would have worried, if he ever were to admit to it.

 

“Jakken, take Ah Uhn home and announce our imminent arrival,” he commanded.

 

He might as well give the servants time to prepare. He wasn't being gracious; simply assuring that upon arrival, everything would be in its proper place. Oh, Sesshoumaru truly believed his reasoning. Just the same as he believed that he killed, for his own purposes, the youkai threatening Jakken's people. He could have easily stepped around the beast and went on his merry way with no expenditure of energy. However, he decided to instead remove the obstacle, saving his yet to be servant and the entire youkai toad population of that area. But, the king of denial insisted that the offending beast was simply in his way and disobedient of his command. No, he did not do it for the toads. To this day, he believes his version of the tale.

 

Of course, Jakken had understood completely and it was the sole reason for his devotion. He had a natural ability to see through Sesshoumaru's glacier facade and to know who Sesshoumaru truly was. There was always a reason for the great Lord's seemingly cruel actions. Of this, Jakken was certain. And perhaps he was correct. Sesshoumaru did the dirty work needed to keep the land in balance, but not wanting any undue and annoying attention, always saw to it that he appeared to have his own selfish reasons.

 

And that is the true picture of the proud Lord of the Western Lands. He is not and never will be what he seems. This is the only explanation for the amazed reaction of Inuyasha's troop when they found the proud Lord, sitting with he back against a tree, a little human girl in his lap, both napping in the middle of the day, sheltered from the sun by the dense foliage. Rin was comfortably curled up inside of Sesshoumaru's fluffy accompaniment while his own head rested against the tree. It was one thing to allow the girl to follow him, another to show that he truly cared.

 

“Should we wake him up?” Shippou whispered from his perch on Inuyasha's shoulders.

 

“Nah. He needs to rest. Got pretty far for a sick, stubborn, stupid...”

 

“That is enough, little brother,” Sesshoumaru said quietly as he lifted his head from against the tree. “You are about as silent as a lumbering bear.”

 

At the feel of Rin stirring in his lap, Sesshoumaru tightened his embrace and glared at those around him, daring them to wake her. They didn't fail to get the message and moved some distance away. Except for Inuyasha. Knowing that Sesshoumaru wouldn't make any sudden movement, he sat on his haunches beside Sesshoumaru and stared at Rin.

 

Finding Sesshoumaru safe and sound had quelled some of Inuyasha's anger. He would never admit that the root of it was the fear that Sesshoumaru would get into a position that would get him killed in his weakened state. Inuyasha was no less adept at keeping up a facade as his brother. It was simply less than aristocratic in its nature.

 

Silence reigned as everyone waited for the slumbering girl to awaken. Even Inuyasha relaxed and made himself comfortable beside Sesshoumaru. That didn't please Kouga at all. The two had become inseparable. Between Rin and Shippou, Kouga had very little time alone with Inuyasha and he was beginning to worry that his friend, and possibly future mate, was growing a bit too attached to the one who had tried to kill Inuyasha on too many occasions. Kouga was still of the opinion that Sesshoumaru had no respect for Inuyasha and no interest in Inuyasha's happiness.

 

The little bundle inside of Sesshoumaru's fur began to wriggle and stretch. As soon as her head peeked out over the fluff, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru nearly had their eardrums split with a loud enthusiastic squeal. Not wasting any time, Rin bound out of Sesshoumaru's lap and dove into Shippou with a breath stealing hug.

 

“I knew you'd come!” she exclaimed to Shippou, at which Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed before sliding over to glare at Inuyasha.

 

“Why have you come, Inuyasha,” Sesshoumaru growled, now that he was able to speak his mind without awakening his charge.

 

“Keh! You still aren't well enough to be on your own.”

 

“I disagree. Despite your opinion, this is your business how?”

 

“I told you. I have a debt to pay and whether you believe it or not, I always fulfill my obligations,” Inuyasha huffed with more than a little condescension.

 

Sesshoumaru sighed. He needed time to gather his thoughts and plans. Inuyasha was being an obstacle. Killing Inuyasha would easily solve all of his current problems, but was not an option that he was willing to entertain. So instead, he let out an exasperated sigh.

 

“If you insist on continuing to be a nuisance, the least that you can do is keep a distance and give me some form of privacy. Or would that be too difficult?”

 

“I guess we have been cramping your style, even if you did need it. Fine. You won't even know we're watching over you.”

 

“Ridiculous,” Sesshoumaru snorted. As if he would not be able to detect their presence. “You can attempt this lofty goal and I will pretend that I do not notice,” he smirked.

 

`At least he's getting back to his old annoying self,' Inuyasha thought with hopes that he would soon be out of range of the temptation that Sesshoumaru provided. `One more night should do it. Just one more.'

 

 

~*~

 

 

In the shadows, slightly out of range of the dying fire light, Inuyasha slipped his arm around Sesshoumaru's waist and slid up along the line of Sesshoumaru's body, pressing his skin against the heat of that perfect skin. With the necessity to be skin to skin, sleeping in the line of sight of his friends did not seem very prudent.

 

“Is there any particular reason why you take such liberties with my person?” Sesshoumaru snorted, not having been informed of the meaning of this ritual. He had only been willing to enjoy it while it lasted.

 

“It heals you,” Inuyasha responded flatly.

 

“And what has brought you to such a ridiculous observation, little brother?” Sesshoumaru smirked at the unbelievable declaration.

 

“The old woman forced me with the threat of yanking my ears, and the skin to skin contact has worked so far, if you haven't noticed. Be quiet and go to sleep.”

 

“It is only an excuse to be near me.”

 

“Fuck you. Go to sleep.”

 

Sesshoumaru was tempted to kick Inuyasha out of their pallet and beat the hanyou within an inch of his life, but wisely decided against it. `This has possibilities,' he thought with a secretive quirk of his lips. Indeed, many possibilities, and a very inviting opportunity. A little seduction was definitely in order and Sesshoumaru knew that it would not be difficult. His strength had all but returned and he was no longer helpless to stop his brother's actions should Inuyasha try to spurn him. Also, the presence of the others would temper any struggle that Inuyasha might attempt to make. Even when asleep, Inuyasha could never restrain himself from simple caresses. Yes, it would be very easy indeed.

 

The wolf had had his opportunity and Sesshoumaru would not be denied his own. Although it was a bit underhanded, at this particular juncture, it was the only option that Sesshoumaru could conjure in his mind. He was tired of waiting, tired of standing on the sidelines while the wolf monopolized what time Inuyasha had alone. Unacceptable. It wasn't entirely true that Sesshoumaru didn't have Inuyasha alone with him, but the circumstances were less than desirable and Inuyasha had already spurned him on more than one occasion. Sesshoumaru would win this battle and the war for Inuyasha's trust and affection.

 

Suddenly, Sesshoumaru wondered how it was that he had come to want the hanyou in the first place. It wasn't as though he hadn't noticed Inuyasha's exotic beauty in the distant past. His goals simply had not allowed him to see Inuyasha as anything other than an abomination. And, his jealousy of the place Inuyasha held in his father's heart made Inuyasha an easy target for his anger over his father giving Inuyasha the sword, Tetsusaiga. The sword that, by all rights, should have been his. Had it not been for the recent forced close proximity, he never would have discovered Inuyasha's endearing qualities, nor that the hanyou truly cared for him. Current events had changed everything. They had changed him. The worst of it was that he craved Inuyasha, more so than he had ever desired to possess Tetsusaiga. His strength of will was failing him where his brother was concerned. Inuyasha belonged to him, with him. And we would have him no matter the cost. To that end, Sesshoumaru planned a bit of illicit seduction.

 

Feigning sleep, Sesshoumaru waited until Inuyasha, and the rest of the camp, had drifted off into peaceful slumber. Only Kilala remained alert, as always, he noted. It didn't surprise Sesshoumaru when Inuyasha's nose nuzzled into the nape of his neck. He had endured this behavior for too many nights. Tonight he would have his revenge. With that comforting thought, he waited patiently until Inuyasha's body had gone completely slack. A little longer, just a little. The hand against his chest began to twitch before Inuyasha fingertips began to trace blind circular patterns. It was almost humorous how the hanyou unconsciously reacted to the one that he supposedly hated. Well, it would have been amusing had it not been such torture.

 

Carefully, so as not to rouse Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru worked his way to his left side, leaving his one arm free. Inuyasha sniffed and rolled to his back. All the better. The few wisps of white hair draped across Inuyasha's face were gently removed. In sleep, the gruffness that gave way to soft boyish features could not be ruined by the stark black eyebrows that clashed with the color of his hair. No, Inuyasha was perfect in Sesshoumaru's eyes. The flesh of his skin had more color than Sesshoumaru's simply because of the human blood. That, coupled with the obvious and very inhuman ears atop his head, produced an alluring curiosity to many, Sesshoumaru being no exception.

 

That one night that they had shared seemed so long ago and though he had done his utmost to give Inuyasha pleasure, he had not truly had the opportunity to explore as much as he would have liked. Time had been against him. Impatience to complete his carefully laid plan and quell the sense of guilt played no small part. He could have taken longer, explored his brother more. Even if he had had the time, the fur-covered ears had been missing. As he allowed himself the barest touch against the fur of Inuyasha's ear, Sesshoumaru wondered. And as his mind wandered, so did his fingers.

 

Sesshoumaru gently trailed his fingers along Inuyasha's lips, watching as they parted and as Inuyasha's head tipped back just the tiniest bit as though expecting a kiss. Perhaps his brother was dreaming about him. It only added to the desire to brush his own lips over Inuyasha's. Sesshoumaru paused to make certain that Inuyasha's eyes remained still before leaning down and feathering a barely there kiss over Inuyasha's lips while drawing in the scent of his brother's breath. Once again, he wondered at the scent of trees and the fresh air that flowed above them. For such a brash young man, a half human no less, his scent was so clean and light. Sesshoumaru couldn't help but be drawn by the source and so his kiss became more, fully resting his lips against the softness of Inuyasha's. A slight sigh escaped Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru hungrily breathed it in as his hand roamed down the line of Inuyasha's neck, finally settling on his stomach. Sesshoumaru felt a slight quiver and glanced up to see that Inuyasha's eyes remained closed, but his brother's eyes had begun to move beneath the eyelids. The curtain of black lace slowly shifted beneath the motion of Inuyasha's eyes. Suddenly, Inuyasha turned his face away from Sesshoumaru and rubbed his nose with his right hand before smacking his lips and settling his hand beside his face. Just like a child; and he looked like one, too.

 

Sesshoumaru waited for what seemed like forever until Inuyasha had stilled again. He wasn't ready for his brother to wake just yet. There was more exploring to be done. Once Inuyasha's movement subsided, he renewed his exploration of the morsel beside of him. Inuyasha skin glowed a warm peach color that Sesshoumaru's would always lack. Sesshoumaru marveled at it while he delicately stroked the skin that felt much softer than his youkai skin ever would. Fragile, like all humans, even though Inuyasha was half youkai. However, the warmth radiating through the pores of Inuyasha's skin spoke of undeniable strength, the muscles beneath hard and sculpted. Sesshoumaru took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before teasing the blanket down to Inuyasha's hips.

 

`So beautiful,' Sesshoumaru thought as his eyes scanned every dip and curve of Inuyasha's flesh. `Why couldn't I have seen it before, loved you instead of making your life a living hell?'

 

Of course, the question was rhetorical, but it echoed his regret. Though he knew that he could never change the past, he could do everything possible to make Inuyasha forget those times, replace them with something wonderful. Yes, he would try.

 

`I will make it up to you. This I swear,' he thought grimly as his hand whispered across Inuyasha's chest and abdomen.

 

Sesshoumaru rested his hand over the flesh that once housed a gaping hole of his creation. He could feel the tears welling up into his eyes as he leaned over and feathered the area with tender kisses.

 

“I will make it up to you, little brother,” Sesshoumaru murmured as his lips strayed to Inuyasha's chest and rested over the rosy flesh of Inuyasha's nipples.

 

With languid, circular strokes of his tongue, Sesshoumaru savored the taste that was uniquely Inuyasha before tugging at the stiffening nub. It was amazing. Even in sleep, his body responded to stimulation. Sesshoumaru looked forward to more of this. With that notion in mind, he alternated between nibbling and suckling until the satiny flesh became a small hardened peak. Before moving to the other nipple, Sesshoumaru soothed the one beneath his lips with a gentle lathing, all the while caressing Inuyasha's abdomen in comforting circles. This was only a taste of what he was after. Not to be sated by such a small amount of pleasure, Sesshoumaru dined on Inuyasha's flesh, skating his tongue and lips up the throat and underneath the line of Inuyasha's jaw. Inuyasha shivered and an almost imperceptible moan floated across his succulent lips, momentarily halting Sesshoumaru's exploration. Impatiently, he waited for the small flutters behind Inuyasha's eyelids to cease. He wasn't ready for Inuyasha to wake. Not yet.

 

Inuyasha's ears were very inviting, but so sensitive that Sesshoumaru knew that he needed to be careful. He just couldn't leave them untouched. They were much too inviting, that velvety down that blanketed tender pink flesh. Sesshoumaru stared for a moment then skated his lips along the very edges of Inuyasha's ears. As predicted, the ears were very sensitive. Sesshoumaru felt Inuyasha's abdominal muscles flutter and he was graced with another quiet moan. Almost there. He didn't need to lower his hand to find out whether or not Inuyasha was yet to be aroused. The delicious scent of it was already wafting up through his nostrils. Yet, he had to touch. Couldn't wait. Beneath his exploring fingers, he felt the jut of Inuyasha's hip bone and caressed it for a moment before, with agonizing slowness, he drew them across Inuyasha's stiff erection. As he feathered caresses up and down the length of Inuyasha's shaft, Inuyasha rolled his head to the side and mewled. It sounded almost like a reaction to pain and Sesshoumaru noticed the slight furrowing of Inuyasha's brow.

 

It was time.

 

Turning to make certain that everyone was still sleeping, Sesshoumaru carefully slid from beneath the blanket and nearly shivered as the cool night air wafted across his obvious arousal. With two steps, he retrieved his fluffy pelt, gathering Inuyasha inside of it, blankets and all. The boy must have had a rough day to sleep through that. That or Sesshoumaru was just that smooth. Turning to walk away from camp, he found himself confronted with a threatening, two-tailed neko.

 

“Have no fear, neko. I will return him shortly, unharmed,” Sesshoumaru whispered, attempting to avoid awakening anyone with a cat fight.

 

Kilala growled her displeasure, but stalked away nonetheless. No one had really taken a lot of notice of her meanderings about. She knew what had been going on, and was just as concerned for Inuyasha as anyone else. If she could trust anyone not to lie to her, outside of Sango, it would have to be Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha had saved her life more times than she could count. And by the Gods, she would rip Sesshoumaru to pieces if he hurt Inuyasha. As she sat and watched Sesshoumaru float away, she wondered if she should follow, but scanning the camp, she decided that it would be better to keep guard over her charges. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru could defend themselves much better than her human companions. Another disgruntled growl rumbled through her ribcage as she lay down next to Sango and waited for Inuyasha's return.

 

“Now little brother, I shall give you what you seek,” Sesshoumaru murmured as he lay Inuyasha down on the soft mossy ground surrounding a secluded hot spring.

 

With Sesshoumaru's ability to defy gravity, it had not taken long to put quite a distance between himself and the others, although it did sap his strength somewhat. He might not like to admit it, but he still wasn't completely well. It would have been better if he had had the time to rest and regain his energy, but there was no time.

 

Ever so gently, and taking the time to allow Inuyasha's body to adjust in the change, he peeled away the layers of fluff and blankets until Inuyasha lay half exposed before him. He was too impatient to wait any longer. It was obvious that too little time had passed for Inuyasha to lose his erection and now that was the focus of Sesshoumaru's attention. His own groin ached with need. Whether or not to take care of that would depend on Inuyasha's response to his actions.

 

Straddling Inuyasha's legs, Sesshoumaru peeled the blanket down from Inuyasha's waist, away from hips, and gazed at Inuyasha's softening erection, still pink from the blood engorgement. Not wanting to startle Inuyasha, he first caressed his brother's abdomen then leaned down to nibble along the line of the sleeping hanyou's hips, delighted with the slight shift in an upward motion. As Sesshoumaru's tongue lathed the creases of Inuyasha's groin, he noticed the rise in Inuyasha's erection. It was a beautiful sight and he hoped that his brother would allow him to continue. There was no doubt in his mind that Inuyasha would soon awaken and he hoped for a positive response.

 

Wanting his answer and with his patience waning, Sesshoumaru, with his saliva slicked tongue, slowly and tenderly trailed a path from beneath the hardened bulges beneath Inuyasha's member, up along the shaft, and twirled it over the head of Inuyasha's very alive and hard erection. It was when he wrapped his lips around the head and slid the hot length down his throat that he heard a guttural groan. His suckling was gentle as he raised his head, bringing his mouth back up to the tip, and once again, swirling his tongue along the bottom edge of the head then over the slit at the top, spreading through his mouth the salty liquid seeping from the tip.

 

A deep angry growl spread through the air and Sesshoumaru looked up to gaze at Inuyasha's face as he lowered his mouth back down the shaft, his eyes locking with crimson. Jagged, lavender stripes adorned Inuyasha's cheeks and fangs extended beyond his lower lips. Suddenly, fingers with unusually long sharp claws were rushing toward Sesshoumaru's face.

 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

Thank you for reading, rating, and reviewing!

 

kmoaton

Thanks for the detailed review and nice score. Sorry it took so long to update. I know, I sound like a broken record. I hope the next chapter makes up for it. ^_^

 

LadyKaa28

Yeah, the boys are very confused, and very much alike. Thanks for the insightful review and nice scores! ^_^

 

Reality Check

Thanks for the review and scores! Don't worry, Sess will eventually get to do some serious ass kicking. ^_^

 

Inumimi

Thanks for the nice review. The person I wrote this for wanted a role for the kids and I'm trying to give the characters some amount of significant. Everything should be downhill from here, with fewer bumps along with way. ^_^

 

konekochan74

Thanks so much for the scores and review. I'm glad you like the story so much. ^_^

 

~*~

 

*Disclaimer*

 

Inuyasha and all associated characters are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I do not own Inuyasha. 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 android to use and abuse at will.

 

 

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