Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Learning to Love	By : Ikaru Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 22066 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 27
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- 29
Disclaimer: Me no own Inuyasha, me make no money either…T.T

Well here is the second chapter I promised…so without further adieu on with the show!
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Inutaishio slowly entered the cave. Many scents assaulted his nose, some old and some new. He followed the tunnel to its end, and was not surprised to see his son sitting at the base of the statue of his late mate.

“Well musuko, it is nice to see some things never change. You always come to seek your mothers’ advice when you are deeply troubled.” Inutaishio said walking forward to clean away the long dead flowers and replace them with the fresh ones he had brought. He separated them into three distinct piles then brought out the incent sticks and lit them before lowering his head in prayer for a long while. Sesshoumaru remained silent the whole time. After a while Inutaishio raised his head and looked at his son again. He was still in his blood covered clothes; his hands also had not been washed. The overly tight features on his face showed how much he had been punishing himself for his actions. Remembering his daughters’ words he sighed before addressing his son again.

“I brought some flowers for you and your sister. She was quick to remind me of my shortcomings last time I visited your mother. She is doing well by the way.” He said watching as some of the tension left his sons face. “The little human you brought with you I hear is recovering well; she is strong for one so young. That mate of yours is something I must admit, it surprises me how much like your sister she can be at times, especially when it comes to hiding her emotions. She is sad right now you know.” A pained look crossed Sesshoumaru’s face.

“Yes I am aware, I feel most of what she feels emotionally and all of what she feels physically oto-san.” He said quietly, looking up again at the carved likeness of his mother. Months were spent trying to find the most skilled stone carver in the land. When one had finally been selected it took him months of extremely careful work working from sketches provided to him by Lord Inutaishio. What he accomplished was an almost exact likeness of Lady Serenity. It brought comfort to both Sesshoumaru and Ikaru in their time of grieving in the first few years after her death. To this day both Ikaru and Sesshoumaru visited the statue often to seek solace, confide in and seek advice from the lifelike statue. Though it never answered them just having it there was a comfort.

“Interesting musuko, it seems you have more of a connection to your mate than a normal mating bond.” Inutaishio said eyeing his son.

“It was a bond forged while we were on the island.” Sesshoumaru answered simply.

“Ah yes the island, quite the story that was. Your mate is quite talented at telling tales, she has already filled us in on your interesting little adventure.” Inutaishio said watching his son take a deep breath before slowly letting it out.
“I am not surprised. Faced with yours and Ikaru’s curiosity it was only a matter of time before the story would have to be told.” Sesshoumaru said.

“Your sister also told me that your mate is pregnant.” Inutaishio watched as his son stiffened.

“Yes while we were on the island my first heat came over me and she became pregnant as a result.” He said remaining somewhat vague.

“Well I suppose I don’t need to have ‘The Talk’ with you then son, you seem to have figured it out just fine on your own.” Inutaishio burst out laughing as his still rigid son stiffened even more, even gaining a faint blush on his pale cheeks.

“I’m afraid okaa-san beat you to that talk by about 500 years oto-san.” Sesshoumaru said clearing his throat with a cough.

“What! Serenity told you about that!” At Sesshoumaru’s nod he asked ‘Why?’

“Ikaru asked her where pups come from and she decided if we were old enough to ask the question we were old enough to know the truth.” Sesshoumaru said simply, smiling at the memory of his mother’s blushing face as she explained the facts of life to Ikaru and himself.

“She got Ikaru too…oh my dear I discover little secrets you left behind it seems every day now.” Inutaishio sighed smiling at the likeness of his late mate. Before Sesshoumaru could ask what other secrets he had learned, Inutaishio looked at him with a dead serious look. “Well I suppose I should have the father-son talk with you then about how to treat a mate.”

“I don’t understand, how is that any different than wha…” Sesshoumaru started but was cut off by Inutaishio.

“Musuko you have done wonderfully choosing your mate, I approved of her wholeheartedly, and the little one as well. However, since your awakening you have stumbled horribly. Leaving your mate alone after your awakening was actually just downright stupid.” He smirked at his sons’ growl. “She is pregnant son; pregnant females need to be near their mates. She lasted through the mating battle, surviving on her strength alone, but now she shouldn’t have to son. Her mood worsens by the hour, she is putting up a brave front for the sake of everyone but you can feel her sadness clinging to her like a wool cloak.” He scolded.

“I know father I can feel it through our connection, but I don’t know how I can face her or Ikaru yet.” Sesshoumaru said in a defeated voice, his shoulders slumping. Inutaishio forgave his son then seeing how the guilt he was feeling weighed on his young shoulders. He sat down next to his son and patted his slumped shoulder.

“Musuko, once again you are overthinking things. Neither of them blame you, you sister said plainly she forgave you didn’t she? I also highly doubt Kagome would be able to remain angry at you for more than a few hours, her instincts simply won’t allow her to remain that way for long. Mind you that all ends when her pregnancy ends.” He laughed at Sesshoumarus’ confused expression. “The need to be close to you son has to do with the pup she carries, she needs the extra protection provided by you during her time of vulnerability, but when the pup is born there is not a force on this earth that can compete with a mothers instincts to protect. She may even be guarded around you at first son. Your mother was with me after you were born. I wasn’t able to see you for your first week of life because you mother was so vicious every time I came within one hundred feet of you!” Inutaishio laughed heartily at the memory. Sesshoumaru just gaped at him. “Anyhow son the point I am trying to make is you should have returned to her side as soon as you were able to. She finally cried last night in your sisters’ chambers. I only found out by chance as I was passing by as your sister was casting the concealments to cover the scent from the children.”

“I didn’t know she had cried but I felt her agitation…” Sesshoumaru said looking away guiltily.

“Musuko she needs you, your sisters presence has helped delay her need of you but that is losing its effect. She is the one who sent me after you; she hoped you would be back before nightfall. I don’t think your mate wants to spend another night alone.” Inutaishio said eyeing his son.

“Oto-san I’m terrified of hurting her.” Sesshoumaru admitted looking up at the statue of Lady Serenity with searching eyes. Inutaishios’ jaw dropped at his son’s uncharacteristic admission.

“Physically or emotionally musuko?” Inutaishio asked after he had taken a moment to recover from his shock.

“Both…she was a human; her body seems so fragile compared to a demoness, and she knows little of our ways. She gets confused or offended by behaviors of mine that are normal for a male to do for a female in demon society but are apparently not by the humans. She is a vexing creature I wish I could understand.” Sesshoumaru looked up at his father who had suddenly burst out laughing.

“Son you will never, I repeat never fully understand your mate. Females are a mystery that men were not meant to solve nor should they ever try. As for her fragility I would beg to differ with you on your thoughts of her breakability. She is as strong as your sister at least, and she is healing as quickly as a demon would. In a few days there will hardly be a mark on her other than the ones she received during her human existence. So her fragility is now a moot point and should be put out of your mind. Yes at the moment her human birth is a handicap, but give her time son, your sister is already beginning her education on demon ways and while there are some things she may never fully understand she will eventually learn.” Inutaishio explained.

“I have hurt her before; I don’t want to do it again. My claws brought her harm before when I became careless…” He muttered almost glaring at the razor sharp appendages.

“Let me guess, it was when you were coupling?” Inutaishio laughed at the blush covering his sons face as he nodded once to confirm it. “Musuko when your mother and I were first mated I had those same fears. My claws made a careless slip and left marks on her, those fears were short lived, however, because your mother left a few marks on me as well. I have a feeling your mate isn’t scared of your claws or what you could do with them. If you give up the fear you hold of hurting her you will find that you will make fewer mistakes when you both take a tumble between the sheets.” Sesshoumaru gaped at his father’s story, and the bluntness with which he was talking about mating. “So have I convinced you to return yet son or do you still need some convincing?” Inutaishio said smiling.

“I will return…and hope they forgive me.” Sesshoumaru said with a sigh as he rose.

“Excellent decision my son, however, it might be wise to change your clothing and wash up.” Sesshoumaru looked surprised as he examined his blood crusted hands and blood soaked clothes. The blood had all dried and turned brown. As if reading his sons thoughts Inutaishio silently pointed to the parcel he had brought with him. Sesshoumaru nodded and took the parcel with him when he left the cave.

“Serenity our son will make a fine ruler one day.” Inutaishio whispered to the silent statue before beginning to fill her in on all the goings on at the castle. There were times he swore he heard laughter as he told his tales.

Sesshoumaru jumped from the caves mouth and made his way to a nearby stream. After checking his surroundings he stripped and entered the cold waters and began the process of cleaning himself of the dried blood. His father’s parcel contained soap, a towel, and a change of clothing for him. He finished cleansing himself quickly, he really hated cold baths. The evening air was cold on his already chilled skin. He shivered as he quickly grabbed for his towel and began to quickly dry himself off. He quickly dressed and packed up everything he had used. Much like his father had done earlier in the evening a cloud appeared beneath his feet as he took to the skies to watch the sun set before returning to the castle. He floated high in the air watching the sun begin its slow decent from the heavens. He sat down cross-legged on his jaki cloud and he reflected on all his father had told him. The air was colder where he was floating and the wind stronger. His damp hair quickly dried in the ever cooling winds. There was a scent of frost in the air. When all that remained of the setting sun was the faint red glow he stood and began his journey back to the palace.

The journey was a short one. He landed in the gardens choosing not to enter through the front gates to avoid any unnecessary questions. He quickly picked up the scent of his mate and sister following it to one of his mothers’ special gardens. The first thing he saw was Inuyasha running around with Rin on his back explaining what all the flowers were. Ikaru and Kagome were sitting below a shade tree with fur wraps around their shoulders laughing about something. They both stiffened at the same moment turning to look at him. Inuyasha stopped his explanation on a group of flowers to turn and see why Kagome and Ikaru had stopped laughing.

“Aniki!” Inuyasha shouted as he bounded to Sesshoumaru with Rin still on his back. When he was close enough he made a big leap, swung Rin off his back and landed in Sesshomaru’s outstretched arms. Inuyasha took one side while Rin took the other, and both children clung tightly to Sesshoumarus’ neck in a tight hug. Ikaru and Kagome had both risen slowly from their spot and made their way carefully over to the trio.

“It certainly took you long enough aniki.” Ikaru chastised.

“Are you feeling alright now Sesshoumaru?” Kagome asked worriedly. Something seemed slightly off about her scent to Sesshoumaru but he shook it off to think about later.

“Yes I am fine now, I apologize for any worry I may have caused. Also for my behavior before I left.” Sesshoumaru said bowing his head to the two females.

“I already told you I forgive you aniki, but if you require a punishment to ease your guilt…” Ikaru stepped forward and quickly grabbed a chunk of his hair pulling him forward and in the same movement leaned forward and used one of her needle sharp fangs to nip his nose adding just a smidgen of mild venom to make the small cut sting for a few minutes. When she pulled back his eyes had started to water a little. She smirked and said “Bad puppy.”

The children and Kagome couldn’t keep from laughing. Ikaru soon joined them. Sesshoumaru took it all in stride. He knew he deserved worse than a sore nose and a bruised ego. Kagome stepped forward next but instead of some normal form of punishment she reach forward grabbed a handful of hair like Ikaru pulling him forward and crushing her lips to his. He went rigid from the shock, but quickly relaxed into the kiss. The moment his shoulders relaxed, however, Kagome pulled away with a smug smirk shining on her face. Inuyasha was beat red from embarrassment and Rin was smiling knowingly, both children were still held firmly in Sesshoumaru’s grasp.

Pink hinted around the edges of Sesshoumaru’s eyes as he stared at the two smirking females, but this time the pink had nothing to do with any form of anger. The kiss while an effective form of punishment also had the unmistakable promise of something more beneath the surface. He blinked and brought his raging hormones under control, when he opened his eyes all traces of pink were gone. He felt a tug on his hair and looked down to his daughter who held a faint blush on her cheeks as she motioned for him to bend closer. He smirked and quickly obliged the child; she shyly bent forward and placed a hesitant kiss on his offered cheek. Sesshoumaru blinked in surprise at the timid gesture before smiling at the now profusely blushing girl and placing a tender kiss to her forehead.

Rin’s smile was radiant and she quickly embraced his neck again. Inuyasha had endured all the mushiness rather well, but he was finally reaching his limit and started squirming. Sesshoumaru chuckled and set him down.

“Aniki what took you so long to come back? Rin-chan and Kagome-nee-chan were really getting worried!” Inuyasha huffed.

“I had some things I had to sort out Inuyasha. Believe me when I say it was not my intention to make anyone worry over me.” Sesshoumaru said ruffling Inuyasha’s hair affectionately.

“Yeah well next time don’t be gone so long ok?” Inuyasha said moving over to cling to his brothers pant leg. His little body was full of tension that eased as soon as Sesshoumaru set a hand on his head and gently ran his fingers through the boys’ hair.

“I will try Inuyasha, you have my word on it.” He said. Inuyasha nodded and a muffled ‘Good…’ was heard from his pant leg.

“Well I believe it is time for the children to be tucked into bed. It is getting late.” Ikaru said looking at the slowly rising moon.

“Can Rin stay with me again tonight nee-chan?” Inuyasha asked his ears perked up hopefully. Sesshoumaru look over to Kagome with a shocked expression.

“Yes Inuyasha, as long as Rin wishes it I have no problems with it.” Kagome said with a smile toward the boy. Quickly he looked up to Rin who nodded her approval with a smile. “Just remember to take her to see Hanaka to get her bandages changed before you go to your room for the night.”

“Yes ma’am!” He smiled and held his arms out for Rin. Kagome came over and gave her a hug and a kiss goodnight before convincing Sesshoumaru to hand her over to Inuyasha. As the two children headed off to the castle Sesshoumaru finally decided to voice his thoughts.

“Those two have gotten very close in a very short amount of time.” He said smirking.

“Yes he seems to like being the big brother for a change, he’s rather good at doting on his little sister.” Ikaru smirked at Sesshoumaru, he just ‘hned’ back. It was then the wind shifted directions and he finally got a good whiff of his mate and his confusion went to new heights.

“Why do you smell of my sister?” He asked

“Besides the fact I have been her only companion for the past few days brother?” Ikaru said, her expression not giving anything away.

“No her scent has changed slightly. It used to be hibiscus and plums, then when we mated traces of my scent filtered into hers. Now she carries your scent as well, tell me why?” His expression left no room for arguments.

“You had better show him Kagome before we get bruised up again.” Ikaru said with a sigh. Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome slowly nodded to Ikaru before hesitantly lifting her bangs. Sesshoumaru stared in shock at the twin moons adorning Kagome’s forehead, an exact match to his sister.

“How is this possible?” He asked too confused to be angry.

“I took her as my blood sister. She now has the protection of the East and the West. Before the elders she can claim heritage to the East, they should be thrilled to strengthen their bonds to my lands.” Ikaru said with a smirk at Sesshoumaru’s expression.

“Sesshoumaru I choose this, please don’t be angry with Ikaru.” Kagome said in a small voice looking pleadingly at Sesshoumaru.

“I am not upset mate, simply confused and slightly baffled that I didn’t think of something like this myself.” He smiled as he pulled Kagome into a gentile hug. Her relieved sigh made him feel even more guilty for his earlier behavior. Ikaru cleared her throat and the couple pulled back from their embrace.

“Um…I’ll go and tuck the children in; I will see you both shortly.” Kagome smiled with a blush staining her cheeks as she started off toward the castle.

“She can navigate the hallways now?” Sesshoumaru said looking shocked.

“She forgets to take that last left still, but for the few times I have shown her the secret she has picked it up quite well.” Ikaru smiled.

“Hnn…yes she certainly is a quick study.” Sesshoumaru complimented her.

“How was the grave?” Ikaru said after a few moments pause.

“Silent as ever.” Sesshoumaru said.

“So I gather you didn’t get some kind of great enlightenment while staring at mama’s face?” Ikaru said with a sad smile, she didn’t expect an answer to her question and she received none.

“Oto-san provided a more enlightening, if not extremely uncomfortable, conversation.” Sesshoumaru said with a shudder at some of the mental images that still lingered from the conversation.

“Tell me he didn’t go where I think he went.” Ikaru said with a look of horror. He nodded stiffly and she burst out laughing. “Oh Sesshoumaru, I am sorry I didn’t think he would go into that much detail. I suppose he found out we already had the ‘Were pups come from’ talk?” Another nod.

“I would rather face a hoard of bloodthirsty demons that go through that again.” Sesshoumaru said tiredly.

“Be careful what you say brother, remember you have your own little one coming, and will eventually have to go through this whole situation again only from papa’s position.” Ikaru teased.

“Hnn…so I will, but with any luck it will be many, many seasons before I must have this conversation again.” Sesshoumaru said firmly.

“We shall see brother.” Ikaru said grinning.

“Speaking of pups, why can’t I smell my pup within Kagome?” Sesshoumaru said his tone turning dangerous.

“A simple spell brother for both of their protection. As soon as you “Legally” consummate your relationship with her the spell will gradually lift allowing the scent through. She is still in the first few weeks so it shouldn’t be suspicious timing wise.” Ikaru said waving the subject away with a brush of her hand.

“That still doesn’t explain why I can’t sense it.” Sesshoumaru said losing some of the dangerous tone.

“Do you have so little faith in my magical abilities brother? The spell is cast so only I can sense the child’s presence. I feel it here at all times, its little heart still beats strongly.” Ikaru said laying a hand over her heart.

“During the battle no harm came to the pup?” Sesshoumaru said relaxing knowing for certain his pup was safe took an extreme load off of his shoulders.

“Again you insult my magic. I should take offense. While your mate took damage Sesshoumaru your pup was wrapped in secret magic, some of the oldest I know and the least detectable. You really think I would allow your child to come to harm?” Ikaru said looking somewhat hurt.

“No I knew you would do everything to protect it. Forgive me sister, I am not accustomed to worrying this much. Yet I find I am doing things so out of character for me since I became her mate.” Sesshoumaru said with a sigh.

“I feel we are in for many more surprises to come aniki. So you had better brace yourself. I think it is time we retire for the night. You have a mate to bed and I have some serious studying to do.” Ikaru said with a laugh.

“Study what sister?” Sesshoumaru said cocking his head in curiosity.

“Why the back of my eyelids brother!” They both burst out laughing and started walking back into the palace. The pair made their way to the family wing and stopped in front of Ikaru’s door.

“Thank you for all you have done sister. Words will never adequately express my gratitude to you.” Sesshoumaru said bowing low to his sister.

“You waste your breath brother. Thanks are not necessary between us. Keep my sister happy is all I ask, or you will be dealing with me!” Ikaru smirked as she reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Sleep well brother, I’ll be sure to stuff my ears with cotton so make as much noise as you want tonight!” She chuckled but she was stopped when he grabbed her hand and pulled her back to him and embraced her gently.

“Sleep well sister.” He said simply before kissing her forehead and releasing her.

“That was the first time you have done that in a very long time aniki.” Ikaru said touching the spot his lips had touched. “I have missed you brother, welcome home.” She said with a soft smile as she hugged him again.

“It is good to be home, sweet dreams Ikaru. I will see you in the morning.” Sesshoumaru said as he released her hand headed toward Inuyasha’s room where Kagome awaited.

When Ikaru entered her chambers she whispered. “My dreams will be anything but sweet tonight, but I’m not about to let him know that when he has true happiness waiting just down the hall.” She bathed, rewrapped her bandages, and changed into a sleeping kimono before stuffing her ears with cotton and downing her nightly potion. She curled up under her covers letting sleep quickly claim her.

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Well that’s it for this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed it!

You all should know the drill by now, please leave me a review to let me know what you think!
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Learning to Love