Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Reassembled
By : Macx
Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male
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Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.
Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
IV. Sakimi Tama - Love

Inuyasha had started to explore more of the palace and there was an
unsettling feeling of familiarity whenever he passed by the ancient halls
that were locked and which no one had entered so far. Everything else looked
a lot more recent, as if whoever had owned this place before Sesshoumaru
had decided to add more buildings to an already impressive home.

Walking down the roofed section of the path he looked at the ornate,
wooden door. It was a lot higher than he was tall and there were symbols
etched into the ancient wood. He placed a hand onto the withered surface
and the strange feeling increased.

"Inuyasha."

Hand still resting on the wood, he turned and found Sesshoumaru standing
behind him. The youkai had healed completely and there were no signs of
his prior, rather serious injuries.

"I remember this place� somehow," Inuyasha murmured.

His brother just looked at him with that unfathomable gaze.

"I don't know why," Inuyasha continued, letting his hand slide away.
"It's like a dream I can't catch."

"What do you remember of our father?"

The question surprised the hanyou and he frowned lightly. "Nothing
much. No face, no voice, just a presence." Inuyasha looked up the old building.
"Someone who was there, but to whom I have no relation."

"You have more relation to our father than you think, Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru
said quietly.

He blinked, surprised by the words. Then again, his brother had surprised
him a lot lately. The more he got to know him, the more complicated matters
became. And every time he thought he understood this man, he was thrown
a curve ball.

"Come with me," Sesshoumaru said calmly and walked toward the doors.

As he touched the wood, the wings swung open, revealing the darkness
behind them. Inuyasha followed, curious.

The inside looked clean and well-kept, as if the servants were going
through here at least once a week. There were no spider webs, no dust,
no debris. It was as if someone had just been here yesterday and the presence
still lingered.

"What is this place?" he asked, his voice sounding odd between the
ancient stones.

"An old place," Sesshoumaru answered. "It belonged to our father; he
built this palace."

"What? This�. he lived here?"

"Sometimes."

Sesshoumaru entered a room, which was mostly empty. There were frames
on the walls, covered by expensive looking silk.

"He ruled here now and then, with his mates. I was born here." He walked
up to one of the covers and reached for the white silk, pulling it down.
"You were born here, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha's mouth dropped open as his eyes fell on the painted image
of his mother. She was dressed in different robes than he remembered her
wearing from his childhood in the village. At her side stood a man. He
was taller than her, with white hair spilling over his shoulders and back.
Stripes not unlike Sesshoumaru's adorned his face and amber eyes looked
back at him. He was dressed in armor, simple but yet impressive. In a way,
it was like looking at himself. Older, taller, with youkai markings, but
still�

"That's�"

"Our father," his brother said. "Like I said, you're more like him
than you think. Your power and strength has surpassed him now."

The voice was calm and even, no jealously or anger in it.

"Mother lived here?"

"For a while."

"You� knew her?"

Sesshoumaru almost shrugged, his face still dispassionate.

Inuyasha turned back to the picture. "And I was born here."

"Yes."

Inuyasha's mind reeled. He had been born in his father's palace, but
he had grown up in the village.

"Why?" he whispered. "Why did we have to leave?"

"It was safer for you and father's mate."

Inuyasha stared at him. "Safer?"

Sesshoumaru's eyes were impossible to read. "You were vulnerable."
He looked at the picture. "It was better this way."

And with that he turned, leaving Inuyasha in the room. The hanyou gazed
at the image of his parents and something very old and long forgotten rose.
That strange feeling of someone's presence; without a face, a voice or
a touch.

Out of curiosity he pulled off the covers of the other pictures. One
was only his father, the human form in the foreground, the dog demon the
back. The next was� he stopped again. His father with a woman he didn't
know. She was clearly a youkai and on her forehead was the crescent Sesshoumaru
had as well. She was beautiful, he decided.

Inuyasha stepped back and sat down in the middle of the hall,
just watching the pictures, his mind far away.

Why had his father decided that it was safer for him to grow up among
humans? Why had he put his other mate through so much pain? He had obviously
loved her, but why push her away after the birth of his second child? Why
hadn't he come back when Inuyasha had been older? Why had he left him to
fend for himself?

Then again, he had given him Tetsuseiga. He had buried the secret of
his grave within his hanyou son.

But why? It was the only question he had.

After a while he rose and just left, deep in thought.

He found his brother outside. Their eyes met and Inuyasha pushed his
thoughts aside.

"Tell me about him," he said softly.

Sesshoumaru just inclined his head and turned, the invitation clear.
Inuyasha followed him to a private place where no one would disturb them.
* * *
The voices were raised and loud, one definitely female, the other, while
not exactly as raised as the first voice but still angry, male. Inuyasha
sighed to himself, shaking his head, and walked into the large hall, followed
by Miroku. Kagome and Shippo were already there, both looking annoyed.

"How long?" Miroku asked, not even trying to look worried.

"Oh, it started about five minutes ago and is currently gaining in
speed and volume," Kagome answered, arms crossed in front of her chest.

"They're definitely getting better at it," Shippo added. "Almost as
good as Kagome and Inuyasha were� just without the 'sit'." He flashed the
hanyou a smile, which Inuyasha answered with a threatening scowl.

"I don't know what you want from me, slayer!" Sesshoumaru snarled and
turned away from one very pissed off Sango.

"How about some respect, you uptight youkai!"

"You earn respect," the demon growled.

"And you don't have mine!" Sango shot back. "You just think you're
oh so mighty and powerful�"

"Be careful, slayer!"

"Of what? You? Don't make me laugh!"

Sesshoumaru's eyes seemed to glow a little. Not red, but one their
way there.

"You live a dangerous life, woman. Don't make me end it prematurely!"

"You and what army?"

Miroku sighed deeply and closed his eyes, shaking his head. "They really
do need this, right? Is there a deeper meaning?"

Inuyasha grinned. "Yeah."

His lover looked at him, eyebrows rising. "Oh?"

Sesshoumaru's snarl returned their attention to the two fighters. They
only heard Sango's reply as she walked away.

"Sure, Fluffy."

He whirled around, eyes flaring. "Don't call me that, bitch!"

Inuyasha winced and Miroku made a step backwards.

"Oh-oh," Shippo muttered.

And then Sesshoumaru attacked. Inuyasha's eyes widened as he saw the
red eyes, the claws flashing, and before he could react, Sango was tackled
by the other man. They rolled over the floor and Sesshoumaru came out on
top of the much smaller woman, fingers curled around her wrists, pinning
them down. He growled low in his throat, teeth bared.

It was completely unlike his usual style of fighting, which involved
little to no bodily contact, his claws or a sword, and next to no growling.

The others had frozen, Kagome's mouth open in shock, Miroku about to
intervene, but Inuyasha held him back.

"Leave them," he murmured.

"But�"

"Trust me."

His lover backed down a little, but just a little.

Sango looked up at her attacker, a sweet smile on her lips. "You got
me," she murmured, her voice laced with everything but anger. It was smooth,
like honey, almost� seductive.

Sesshoumaru stared down at her, the color of his eyes amber now, his
features more relaxed, and suddenly he leaned down, taking her lips in
a kiss.

Hard, bruising and possessive.

The others just gaped. All except Inuyasha. A smile played around his
lips.

Sesshoumaru released his captive's wrists and she wrapped her arms
around his neck, his silvery white hair acting like a curtain as their
kiss continued unabated. They seemed to melt together, becoming one, ignoring
their audience.

"Come on," Inuyasha said softly. "Let's go."

"They�" Kagome stuttered as he ushered her out into the corridor.

The hanyou nodded.

"Wow," Shippo commented.

"You knew!" his lover accused.

Inuyasha just shrugged.

"How long?" Kagome demanded. "And why didn't you tell us? We had a
right to know!"

"Privacy," was his only reply.

Kagome huffed and followed him as he walked down the corridor. "Privacy
my butt. Now tell me everything�"

Shippo and Miroku just followed, lost in their own thoughts while listening
to their friends.
* * *
Sango had taken Kirara and flown to the village where Aiko lived. The
healer had left them a while ago, her task completed, as she had proclaimed.
Finding the village was as always easy, but somehow Sango wondered if she
could still find it if the people didn't want to be found.

Kirara touched down and she laid a hand on the mighty cat, stroking
her fur. No one paid her much notice. Apparently these villagers were used
to a lot. Walking up to the hut that belonged to the healer, Sango was
already expected by the old woman. Without a word, Aiko entered the hut
and Sango followed.

Half an hour later she left again, carrying a small pouch with dried
leaves. As she sat on Kirara's back, going home � home? � she wondered
what she was doing. Getting these herbs implied�

Sango bit her lower lip.

It implied she planned to repeat what had happened between her and
Sesshoumaru last night. It meant she wanted to be in his bed again.

Part of her body tingled at the idea, told her that yes, she really
did want to feel that muscular though slender body move against her, wanted
his hands on her, his lips, feel the canines and claws. A curl of warmth
blossomed.

So she had to take care that nothing unforeseen happened.

Her hand curled around the pouch and she closed her eyes.

Nothing at all.

* * *
In a way it was strange that they still stayed at the palace, Miroku
thought as he walked among the silent stones. It was early in the morning
and he had woken to the absence of his lover, who was probably up and about
somewhere. Last night's lovemaking had plunged Miroku into a deep sleep,
sated, satisfied and very lazy. They both felt safe here, safe enough to
give themselves up completely in bed, to enjoy and give pleasure, to forget
the world and only feel the pleasure of the touch.

Now he planned to find a nice spot and do some meditations.

Instead he found someone else.

Sango, clad in her usual outfit, sat on the stairs leading to the garden,
a faraway expression in her face. She had gone through the greatest changes,
he mused as he watched her. Her relationship with Sesshoumaru had come
as quite a shock to everyone who hadn't known about it, but somehow Miroku
was glad she had someone to turn to. He just wondered whether it was something
deeper or just� a fling. He couldn't see Sesshoumaru in a relationship,
least of all with a human, and while he had argued the point with Inuyasha,
his lover had simply told him to wait and see. Apparently there was a lot
going on beneath the surface that only a fine nose picked up.

Miroku had decided to stand back and watch, but he was ready to intervene
should Sango show signs of hurting. He loved her too much to let some youkai
harm her.

"Sango?�

Miroku sank down on the stairs at the demon slayer's side, worried
about her crouched demeanor. He remembered other times Sango had retreated
to this more secluded area of the garden, and every time there had been
something weighing heavily on her.

Was it Sesshoumaru now or was it just the weariness she felt after
it was all over, the same he had experienced himself? All that time they
had followed a certain path, had had an aim in life, but Naraku was finally
defeated. Too many had died, among them her whole family and the village
she had grown up in. And her brother, who had sacrificed himself to give
her the shard. Sango carried a weight she rarely shared with anyone.

�What�s wrong?� he wanted to know, voice soft and gentle.

�Nothing.�

Uh-hu, right.

�If you say so. Then I will just sit here, if you don�t mind, and watch
the Koi in the pond. It�s such a relaxing way to spend the time, don�t
you think?�

�Uhm-hm.�

The silence between them stretched and finally Sango raised her eyes
from the fish, gazing at the tree branches above them.

�I slept with him.�

O-kay�

�Sesshoumaru?� Miroku asked quietly.

�Yes. Who else?�

Of course, who else? Their little foreplay in the hall had been leading
to nothing else.

�And?�

�More than once.�

"Uh, well, probably."

�I�m a woman.�

�I noticed."

�He�s a man.�

�I figured. That�s a problem why exactly?� Miroku wanted to know.

�Miroku! What have your attempts been leading to the last years?�

Attempts� oh. Oh! His eyes widened as realization hit him.

�Are you� ?�

There was a long moment of silence.

�I don�t know.� Sango whispered. �What if I am?�

Huge frightened, brown eyes looked at him, and Miroku had to fight
down the urge to either hug her or grope her � his usual coping strategy
when it had come to emotions in the past. Sango wouldn�t be very fond of
either right now.

�Why would that be a problem? Children are wonderful. Or � don�t you
want children?�

�That�s not it, Miroku. He�s youkai.�

�We all knew that.�

�I�m human. A child would be like Inuyasha.�

�A hanyou, yes. Do you have a problem with that, Sango? I can�t see
you treat a hanyou child of yours anything but loving.�

�Yes. Me, Miroku. But what about him? You�ve seen how he treated Inuyasha�
would you want a child of yours grow up with a father like that? And who
tells me that this is a relationship, that it�s nothing more than just�
That it won�t be over in a year, a month, or a even a week? Just because
I lo� �

Sango stopped abruptly, realization and shock about what she had just
involuntarily revealed widening her eyes. Miroku stared at her, feeling
a little dumbstruck himself.

�You� love Sesshoumaru?�

She nodded helplessly.

�I don�t even know when it happened; maybe it was back when he
was almost killed by Inuyasha. He looked so� vulnerable, frail, and he�
was so afraid. Just like anybody else, he fears death.�

�Does he know?� Miroku asked after some time.

�No, I didn�t tell him.�

�Maybe you should. Maybe he returns your feelings.�

�Miroku, in what world are you living? The great youkai lord Sesshoumaru,
son of the great dog demon, loving a human woman? Ha!�

�He loves Rin,� Miroku remarked.

�That�s different.�

�How? She�s human, and he even adopted her as his daughter. I�ve never
seen him act around anybody like he acts around you, Sango.�

She shook her head. �He�s proud, Miroku.�

�So are you.�

She sighed deeply and finally rose, her face a display of her fighting
emotions. Miroku watched her leave, face unreadable.
*
Inuyasha almost jumped back when Sango rushed past him, a stony expression
on her face.

�Sango?�

�Leave her, koishii,� Miroku said, stepping to his side. �She has a
lot on her mind.�

�Oh? Is it something I said?

�No, rather what you are.�

�Huh?�

�Hanyou.�

Inuyasha frowned. �I never thought she had a problem with that��

�Yes and no, Inuyasha. Sometimes things are more difficult than one
would think when looking at them.�

�You do enjoy this, right?�

�Enjoy what?�

�Monk speech.�

Miroku smiled. �Of course.�

With that he walked away. Inuyasha harrumphed and followed, intent
on finding out what was going on.
* * *
Sango had holed up in her room, sitting on the futon, staring out the
window. She had slept with Sesshoumaru, she wanted to again � not just
once � and part of her liked the idea of something permanent. That part
had fallen in love with the man. Arrogant as he came across, detached and
dispassionate as he tried to be, he was still a being with emotions and
able to feel. Sleeping with him had been good, very good, her body told
her, tingling slightly at the thought.

But what did he feel when it came to her, not the sex? Did he want
more?

Of course not, she snorted to herself. You're human. He doesn't like
humans. And any form of further relationship might result in what he called
'dirty blood', a child. He had looked down on his brother because of his
perceived weakness, the human blood flowing in Inuyasha's veins. They had
met other hanyou in the past, all hated and cast out from human society,
laughed upon by youkai. As Inuyasha had once said, hanyou belonged nowhere
and they had to be strong to survive.

Could she even think of giving birth to a child into this world? With
Sesshoumaru as a father? And what if she conceived? Would he even have
her around? Inuyasha had grown up alone. Jinenji, too, though Sango didn't
know whether his father had died or simply left. Probably the latter. Youkai
rarely stayed long with such short-lived creatures as humans. And Shiori�?
Well, her father had been killed by his own father, and from the sound
of it, he had planned to stay with his wife and daughter, protect their
village.

Sango sighed and Kirara mewed softly, looking at her from big, orange
eyes. The slayer smiled sadly and scratched the cat's ears.

"What to do, Kirara?" she murmured.

Kirara had no answers.

For now, she would continue her life as it was. She had the herbs that
prevented conception and as long as it lasted, she would enjoy Sesshoumaru's
interest in her.
* * *
He had been busy throughout the day, taking care of little things that
had accumulated into big ones over time. Usually Jaken had disposed of
these mostly unimportant and bothersome interruptions for his day, but
his servant was dead. Sesshoumaru wasn't inclined to find a new youkai
servant, one he could trust not to stab his back, to take care of matters
diligently and with the greatest discretion. Jaken had been special, like
so many things had been. Jaken had raised Rin, he had managed the servants,
the palace household, and he had always been there for advice.

Now�

Rin was growing up among the human and youkai servants, showing no
adverse signs at all. She missed Jaken as much as Sesshoumaru, but like
her adopted father, she didn't complain, nor did she openly mourn for him
any more. She had cried herself to sleep the first time, she had insisted
on a little gravemarker in the garden, but after the 'burial', life had
continued.

Naraku was dead. Many powerful youkai had perished. Sesshoumaru had
a lot less trouble than before, but he also had something else now. A family.
Not just Rin, but also a brother. Then there was the slayer, someone he
felt inexplicably drawn to, had bonded with, and who he couldn't get out
of his system. He desired her, he wanted her, he respected her and he�

Sesshoumaru pushed that thought aside. No, not that. He couldn't�.
he wasn't� Granted, she was unique, but she was still just a human woman.

Just that.

Sesshoumaru shut the doors to his chambers, looking around for the
slayer. His nose told him that she was indeed here.

�Sesshoumaru��

It wasn�t very loud, but there was no need for that. He would recognize
her voice everywhere, would always hear her call for him� now where had
that come from?

�Sesshou.�

There she was, standing in the door to his bedchamber, a thin silk
robe flowing around her figure, leaving just enough to imagination to make
a man�s blood boil.

Before his conscious mind even realized it, he was at her side, had
his arms around her slim waist, claiming her sweet lips. Part of him complained
about her abbreviated use of his name, but another part just decided to
hell with it.

She moved under him, fingers carding through his hair � sometimes he
thought she was slightly obsessed with it - making little noises in the
back of her throat which he swallowed eagerly, hands roaming over her body,
her soft skin. She was aroused, he could smell it, and it intoxicated him
even further. Sliding a hand between her legs, wary of his claws, he ascertained
that she indeed was ready for him. Settling between them he kissed her
again, enjoying everything she had to offer and ready to give in return
� when she suddenly stiffened.

�No� � Sango gasped.

Sesshoumaru pulled back, stunned at her sudden change of mind.

�No?� he echoed. �What�s wrong with you, woman? First you leave no
doubt that you want me, now this?�

�Sesshoumaru��

�Fickle woman.� Sesshoumaru rolled onto his back, biting back a groan
when his hardness brushed over her thigh. �Get out.�

�No. Sesshou, if you�d listen for once in your life � �

Golden eyes just looked at her.

�I do want you, Fluffy. But there�s much more to it than this. Please,�
her voice held a purring hum, �let me show you, my lord?�

She took his wrists, slowly placing them over his head, and then her
lips met his again, but not like before, not demanding or hungry, more
featherlike and teasing, making his lips prickle even after she was already
gone.

�Am I?� the youkai asked quietly.

�What?�

�Your lord.�

�In your dreams, youkai.�

He almost grinned � he hadn�t expected otherwise. And somehow he didn�t
want it otherwise, too �

�Leave them there, will you?� Sango whispered, and the sound alone
made him shiver. What was his little firecracker up to?

Teasing lips met his again, before they roamed off, teeth slowly scraping
over his neck and earlobes, and he shuddered involuntarily at the unknown
sensation. None of his previous encounters had ever dared to touch him
like she had, and certainly none had ever teased him like this. Her lips
wandered from his neck down until meeting a nipple, and this time he jerked
into her touch, barely able to suppress a moan. His fingers flexed and
Sesshoumaru had to fight the urge to just grab her, take her, make her
his. It had been easy in the past, why was it so difficult now? Why did
he care at all�?

Closing his eyes he felt coherent thoughts finally flee him when
those hot lips slowly moved further down his body, fingers caressing the
inside of his thighs, coaxing them to spread. He opened up for Sango, for
his little firecracker, only to twitch and moan when she nibbled at his
straining hardness, fingers caressing where no one had ever touched him
before. Drawing in a shuddering breath was all he could do before he had
to let it out explosively again at the sensation of a tongue curling around
his hardness, teasing the sensitive tip, while other parts were massaged
and squeezed carefully, but thoroughly. Out of his own volition his thighs
spread further, and when he felt that wet heat engulf him he gasped, his
hips bucked into her mouth and he heard himself making a sound that sounded
suspiciously like a sob. He felt the heat coil into his lower regions and
all he could do was moan.

�Sango��

Her name, of all things to utter it had to be her name?

But then that sweet torture was gone � to be replaced by something
else, something equally hot, but even better. Eyes flying open he watched
his little firecracker look down on him as she straddled his hips, lowering
herself onto him, taking him into her body minutely. Her fingers still
roamed over his body, caressing his nipples, and then she threw her head
back, long raven-black hair cascading over her bare shoulders as she moved,
moaning. It was the most erotic sight Sesshoumaru had ever seen. It made
something inside of him clench almost painfully.

Reaching down carefully he let his fingers ghost over her muscular
thighs before one finger carefully slipped between them, seeing her eyes
widen and hearing a soft gasp, as she shuddered herself, arching her back.
Sesshoumaru grabbed her slender waist, pulling her down onto him as he
gave his own passion free rein, swallowing her soft whimpers with his kisses
as he thrust upward into her heat. Fingers dug painfully into his shoulders
as she sobbed with her approaching climax and he wrapped his arms around
her, holding her tight and moaning her name, stumbling over the edge only
a split second later.
* * *
"Where did you learn that?"

Sango turned in the warm arms and smiled lazily at her youkai lover.
"Miroku."

The eyebrows dipped into a frown and she couldn't hide a smirk. There
was suddenly a tight expression around those canine eyes.

"I asked him," she continued, "and he was willing to help me out, even
though Inuyasha wasn't there for a test trial and some visual images."

Now there was a tell-tale rumble in his chest and she chuckled, pushing
herself up to look at him. Sesshoumaru, in all his naked and slightly mussed
up glory, seemed actually bordering to jealousy.

"I didn't sleep with him, Sesshou," she murmured and kissed his lips.
"But as a man, he knows best."

Clawed fingers carded into her hair as she was kissed, and finally
released.

"I see."

His hands ran over her back and she snuggled against him, one arm thrown
over his chest. His fingers traced the old scar on her back.

"Sango�"

"Hm?"

"Tell me about this," he requested, still mapping the scar.

She fell silent, an old pain rising inside her. It had been so long
ago, but it was fresh in her mind; even more so since her brother was now
forever dead.

"Sango?"

His soft voice roused her out of the oncoming depression. "It's� old."

"But not old enough to be forgotten."

"No."

"Who marked you this badly?"

She bit her lower lip and sat up, turning away from him. Her back was
now fully visible to his eyes and his hand rested on the jagged scar.

"Kohaku."

"Your brother." It wasn't a question.

She nodded, feeling tears rise. She angrily forced them down, wiping
at her eyes. She wouldn't cry in front of this man.

"Tell me." The warm hand described a calming pattern on her back.

And she told him. Of the village, the attack, the betrayal. Of Kohaku's
rampage, of the death of everyone. Of her survival, the Shikon shard, how
she met Inuyasha and the others. A few tears leaked out of her eyes.

Kohaku was dead.

He had died a long time ago, but there had always been the reminder
of his existence in the form of the undead body that had walked the earth.
A body that had been filled with his memories and his emotions.

He had sacrificed himself, his last fully conscious decision, completing
the Shikon no Tama. Now she carried part of it in her. In her soul, she
thought desperately. Didn't that mean that her brother was part of her
soul again?

Strong arms wrapped themselves around her, pulling her against her
partner's chest. Sesshoumaru said nothing, just held her close, and she
was thankful for it. Finally, Sango turned to him and brushed her lips
over his in a silent thank you.

Sesshoumaru just continued holding her as he sank onto the futon.

"Sleep," he said softly.
* * *
It had to be his brother's pheromones, Inuyasha mused as he lazily ran
clawed fingers over the hot, slick skin of his exhausted lover. Miroku's
breathing had evened out, but he was completely limp, moaning softly as
those exploring fingers stroked over him.

They had barely made it to their room before Inuyasha had been all
over the dark-haired human, demanding and getting entrance to his mouth,
kissing him possessively, taking and needing what he got. Their lovemaking
had been almost frantic and Inuyasha had felt it like a fever, sweeping
over him and making his blood boil. Miroku's soft, encouraging noises had
been his undoing.

The night had been spent loving his mate. Miroku was a picture of satisfaction
and bliss, bearing several faint marks of Inuyasha's passion. Now he turned
and snuggled closer to the hanyou, who readily drew him as close as possible.
One of the monk's legs slipped between Inuyasha's and he bit his lower
lip.

Damn, if that wasn't intentional!

Sparkling, violet eyes from under heavy lids met his golden ones. The
leg moved lightly, the knee coming in contact with a very sensitive spot.

"Bastard," Inuyasha whispered without malice.

His hand slid down the smooth back to the shapely behind and Miroku
winced. He would be rather sore for today. Inuyasha ran a teasing finger
over the still slick butt and Miroku writhed a little.

"Bastard," he breathed, eyes alight.

Inuyasha kissed him, slowly inserting his tongue, inviting Miroku's
back into his mouth, and the two men kissed leisurely.

"Don't want to get up," the monk murmured against the nips and licks
of his lover.

"Who says you have to?" Inuyasha nibbled a path down the smooth throat
and neck, coming across his quite obvious mark from last night.

"Wouldn't it be a but suspicious if we stayed here all day?"

"No."

Another nibble and Miroku closed his eyes.

"Do you intend this to go somewhere?" was the breathy question.

"Oh yeah�"

The human squirmed, then cried out softly as nimble fingers found his
awakening arousal.

"If we finish this�" he gasped, "I won't be able to leave the room
for a week�"

"Good," Inuyasha murmured around a mouthful of nipple.

"Inuyasha�!"

It was a choked off moan as the hanyou continued his ministrations,
tenderly arousing his lover.

Not leaving the room, this bed, for a long time to come was actually
a good idea, Inuyasha mused as he approached his goal. A very good idea.

And then his lips closed over his mate's arousal.
* * *
With the absence of travelling and fighting either youkai or Naraku's
minions, Shippo was suddenly caught at a loss. His life had been warm and
peaceful and without complications until the dday is parents had been killed.
After that, revenge had driven him to seek out the murderers, and he had
run into Inuyasha and Kagome. His decision to stay with the two unlikely
travellers had been sheer desperation, the need to have someone around
him. A surrogate family. Inuyasha wasn't his father, Kagome wasn't his
mother; he knew that. They were more like older siblings he had never had.
They protected him, cared for him� they represented stability in the life
of the young kitsune.

After his revenge on his parents' killers, he had been left in a free
fall. There had been nothing else driving him on but the thought that one
day he would see the ones who had taken his family from him dead at his
feet.

Suddenly his wish had been granted.

And then?

Shippo smiled as he remembered the travels. He had learned so much,
had met so many people, good and bad, and he had grown. Faster than a kitsune
cub normally did, but he had to. Miroku had joined them, then Sango with
Kirara, and they had fought against Narku. New allies had been made, enemies
battled and destroyed, and he had had a purpose. He might not be a strong
warrior like the others, but he had his mind and he had his illusions.
His powers had developed the more he used them, his illusions were active
a lot longer than before, he had grow bolder in his actions.

Now Naraku was as dead as his family's murderers, and he found himself
afloat again.

Miroku was rid of the curse and he was mated wot Inuyasha. Inuyasha
himself had made peace with his brother and Sesshoumaru in turn had found
a mate in Sango. Kagome was pining after Kouga, though she would never
confess it, and Shippo� well, he had no idea what to do.

Where there other kitsune? He had only known his parents. Fox spirits
usually lived in mated pairs, sometimes running into others, but that was
truly rare. He hadn't met a single youkai like himself in all the time
they had travelled.

Was he the last? Like Kouga?

Shippo bit his lover lip, fingers playing with his fox tail. It had
lengthened from the bushy, slightly stubby fluff ball to a more fox-like
tail, but it was a longshot from his father's beautiful tail. He was stil
small, still a child, but the first growth spurts had already occurred.

"Shippo?"

He looked up as he heard his name and found himself the center of Rin's
attention.

Sesshoumaru's adopted daughter had her hands clasped behind her back,
large, brown eyes watching him with an open smile that was also visible
on her lips.

"Hi, Rin."

The two children had spent a lot of time together, even before the
final battle. It had been almost natural to play with Rin. She was a very
open spirit, someone who made friends easily, who didn't care what a person
looked like. She had accepted Shippo despite the very visible fact that
he was a youkai. Other children had balked, had called him a monster. Rin
was different and Shippo suspected it had less to do with Sesshoumaru being
a youkai himself than the girl herself. She felt like Kagome in many ways.

"Aun wants to play. You want to come along?"

He smiled. "Sure!"

Aun wanting to play usually meant they would go somewhere, the two-headed
beast would sun-bathe, take a roll in the mud or a lake, and the children
could explore and have fun. Aun knew safe places where no evil youkai roamed,
and even if there was trouble, he was a good guardian.

Rin took his hand and they hurried over to the stables.

There was no new purpose in his life, Shippo mused, except to be a
child, to enjoy himself. He could do that. He had great help and an even
greater friend in Rin. She had stayed her true self throughout the hardships,
the fighting and battles, and Shippo took his cues from her. She would
teach him to be his own age, to enjoy life.
* * *
Sango hissed in sudden pain when she came back to earth from jumping
out of her attacker�s reach and swore inwardly. She had managed the entire
battle against Naraku without pulling a muscle and now, in a training session,
she seemed to have strained her shoulder.

Her attacker stopped at the sound, looking at her questioningly.

�Are you all right?� Sesshoumaru asked quietly.

�Mostly� ouch. Sheeesh, looks like I made a wrong move.�

�Then we better end this now.�

�That�s not necessary, I can continue.�

�Where�s the fun in that?�

�Oh right, I forgot � you prefer your opponents to be at their best,�
she growled.

�Precisely.� Sesshoumaru just turned around, leaving Sango to herself.

�Snotty youkai,� she murmured, walking back into her room to get out
of her armour.
* * *
A slight knock at the door made Sango frown � she didn�t think any of
her friends would knock that shyly. And definitely not Sesshoumaru �

�Come in.�

A slender young woman in a simple kimono opened the door, bowing deeply.
A human woman. One of the servants?

�Lady Sango, Sesshoumaru-sama has ordered to prepare a bath for you.
Would you like to take it now?�

The slight throbbing in her shoulder made her sigh � oh yes, a hot
bath would be just right.

�I�d love to. What�s your name?�

�Nanami, lady.�

�I�m not a lady. Call me Sango.�

�I would not dare to do that, lady Sango. Please, this way.�

Sango followed Nanami to the bathing chamber, where the hot water in
the tub was already steaming, a wonderful fresh aroma reaching her nose.
Sango sighed when she finally slipped into the hot water, feeling the knots
and strains in her muscles almost melting away.

�Nanami, may I ask you something?�

�Of course, lady.�

�Are you a servant here?�

�Yes, lady.�

�For how long?�

�I was born in these walls, lady. My parents live here, and my grandparents
did. We all served lord Sesshoumaru.�

�That sounds a lot like slavery.�

�Oh, not at all, lady. We could go whenever we wanted to. But where
could we go? I do not know much outside of these walls, and what I�ve seen
I don�t like much. It�s safe in here.�

�Nanami, what sort of� master is Sesshoumaru?�

�He pretty much ignores us, but that is all right. As long as we do
our work and don�t let ourselves be seen, nothing happens. He�s a� he doesn�t
throw temper tantrums or beats his servants, if that is what you mean,
lady.� Sango could hear a smile in Nanami�s voice. �And since he brought
that little sunshine along��

�Rin?�

�Yes, Rin. She�s such a spirited child, always happy, always singing
and dancing, friendly to everybody. And yet so brave. Did you know she
went out and looked for Sesshoumaru-sama all of her own with Aun?�

Now she sounded even proud.

�Are there more servants in this household, Nanami?�

�Oh yes, my entire family, some youkai families, some other human families.�

�And you all like working for a youkai like Sesshoumaru?�

There was a second of silence, and Sango was about to turn and look
at the young woman when she replied.

�Yes, lady. We do. We all do.�

Sango was astounded. Obviously Sesshoumaru had managed to build himself
a very loyal group of servants, both human and youkai, and she had no idea
how he had managed that. Hells, she hadn�t even thought it would have been
possible. On the other hand � even that little toad Jaken had followed
him, out of his own will, devoted to the end.

�You manage again to surprise me, youkai,� she murmured, letting herself
sink deeper into the pleasantly hot water.

Nanami�s hands were gliding over her back, massaging every kink the
hot water might have left, and Sango sighed in delight. The young woman
had chattered about her life in this castle, about her family and the young
man she had set her eyes on, and Sango had let her, feeling somehow glad
to listen to this �normal� kind of conversation. Nanami had produced a
little jug with herbal oil � the thing that had smelled so fresh � and
explained it would make her skin even softer and help her muscles to relax;
and oh, had she been right. She had stopped her chatter when Sango�s eyelids
had begun to sink slowly as the promised relaxation had set in, and all
Sango had heard until then had been the slight rustle of her kimono.

The hands were sliding over the oil smoothed skin of her back,
and damn, it felt good. Almost like a lover�s hands, sure long strokes,
almost a little too teasing every now and then� she felt herself slowly
respond to the touches, more than only relaxing, and involuntarily she
purred a little.

�You have a wonderful touch,� she murmured.

�Thank you,� a baritone voice replied, and her eyes flew open in shock.

�Sesshoumaru?!�

�Yes?�

Sesshoumaru touched an especially sensitive spot, using his claws to
tease now, too, and Sango just sighed, closing her eyes again. What did
she care if it felt that wonderful? No, she did care� Sesshoumaru was touching
her in a way that made her shiver, a way she had only dared to dream of
until now. Sure, they had been together and it had been good, but somehow
he had lacked� finesse? Tenderness?

What did you expect, Sango? He�s a youkai, she thought while stretching
out under his hands. On the other hand, so was Inuyasha, well, almost.
And Miroku didn�t look as if he was missing something, on the contrary.

Sango sighed again, as she felt his fingers change the quality of his
touch, becoming more teasing, more exploring, using his claws to scratch
over her skin carefully. Her breath had already become harder � and then
she yelped when he tickled the back of her thighs, working himself down
her legs, and up again. A hand gently brushed away her hair, exposing her
neck. Lips brushed over her earlobe, sharp teeth nipped at her neck, and
she moaned silently.

Gods, Sesshoumaru� she really loved that tall, handsome, arrogant,
snotty son of a bitch� his hot breath ghosted over her skin, making her
twitch, arch slightly� was his body temperature higher than hers anyway?
How high was a youkai�s body temperature? �and she felt his breath hitch
slightly. He was reacting to her, too.

Finally she turned around and was granted an unobtrusive view of his
naked chest and arms. Defined, muscular but not too much. She simply loved
letting her hands roam over that smooth skin of his, tease his nipples
and listen to his soft gasps, follow the red stripes on his arm and sides,
down the hips and strong thighs, and between them. The last time they had
been together she had followed Miroku�s advice and gods, his slightly suppressed
screams and moans when she had taken him into her mouth, had sucked in
his length had been a reward she hadn�t expected.

Heat was gathering in her belly and between her legs, pulsating slowly
at the memory as well as in response to his touch. Sesshoumaru�s claws
were gently running over her stomach and sides, more tickling than anything
else, his hands and fingertips ghosting over her slick skin. She moaned
and arched into his touch when his palms closed over her breasts, closing
her eyes at the unexpected sensation of being caressed with tenderness.

Not that Sesshoumaru was rough with her, not at all, and he had looked
after her needs, but not, well, not her wants.

Maybe he hadn�t known how?

Sango opened her eyes, looking up into his face, his golden eyes,
that were some shades darker now with his own desire for her, his breath
had become harder, too. He was holding back for her, she realized, because
usually this was the time he would have settled between her legs and pushed
into her. Sesshoumaru made a noise deep in his throat and then he bent
down, meeting her lips, but not demanding, not insisting, just brushing
gently over hers, making her tingle all over.
* * *
//Large brown eyes looked at him, sparkling with laughter, shooting
fire when angry, golden flecks dancing in them with mischief. Blood was
running down her broken and battered form, the dark eyes now wide with
confusion, and then realization. A scream of denial and pain as she was
used against her will and slashed afterwards. Hands appearing in his vision,
clawed fingers, dripping with blood � red and rich, human blood. Her blood.
On his claws. She looked up at him from where he had left her on the ground,
the brown eyes now lifeless and dead.

Sango � ?

No �

"Sango!"//
Awareness came within a split second. Sesshoumaru was awake from one
second to the next, hearing the echo of his gasp still lingering in the
air, feeling his heart still hammer in his chest � and still seeing the
broken body in front of his inner eye.

"Sesshou? Are you okay?"

A soft hand touched his cheek. Sango. She was still with him. Turning
his head he looked into those beloved brown eyes, now dark with worry,
His first impulse was to grab her, crush her against his chest and make
sure she was okay, that he hadn�t hurt her, that he'd never hurt her� and
then he cursed himself inwardly. He had allowed himself to fall asleep,
for crying out loud, when she had been here, in his bed. With the amount
of nightmares he had had lately he could have cut her throat open easily
and not even realize it.

"Sesshou?"

He shoved her away and slipped out from under the covers, grabbing
a simple robe and turned his back to her.

"You should leave now," he said quietly.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Dismissing her he stepped out onto the balcony.

"You� you� who the hell do you think you are, youkai?!" Sango hissed.
"Do you think I'm your submissive little plaything, to get out whenever
the great youkai lord pleases to notice it, or feels horny? Forget it.
You took me into your bed, you won't get of me that easily."

"And why would you think that, slayer? You live in my home, after all."

Sango had appeared behind him on the balcony, having slid into her
robe as well.

"Because I refuse to leave, you snotty youkai. We've been together
several times now. I fell in love with you, and I�"

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened a fraction in surprise and shock. She� loved
him?

"You better don't," he replied coldly.

He heard a sharp intake of breath behind him, then the rustle of clothing
� and the sound of the door when it was slammed shut from the outside.
He closed his eyes, feeling all fight leaving him in a split second. Claws
digging into the railing his body slumped. There had been no fight on her
side, no words, no nothing. She had just � left.

Sesshoumaru touched his eyes when he felt a sharp sting in them, and,
pulling back his fingers, he noticed the little droplet of moisture.
* * *
Inuyasha stood on the balcony to enjoy the peace of the night, and to
cool down a little from a rather� heated encounter. His body still tingled
from their lovemaking, his mind filled with images of Miroku arching under
him, pushing his hips toward him, eyes closed in bliss, head thrown back,
throat exposed. After having Miroku dying in his arms, he needed the other
man more than ever, needed to reassure himself that he was still there.
And Miroku seemed to understand that need, was indeed there for him every
time. Sometimes Inuyasha woke up from a rather dark dream and reached out
with his senses, needing to hear, smell, feel his lover. He wasn�t denied,
ever.

A movement on his brother's balcony caught his attention and he watched
Sesshoumaru step into the night, dressed only in a robe which looked as
if he had just slid in, had not even bothered to close it completely. So,
Inuyasha smiled, his brother had had a nice time, too. But then Sango appeared
and Inuyasha's brows dipped. He couldn't hear her words but from her body
language it weren't nice ones. The hanyou sighed silently � oh brother,
if you just could admit it.

A pair of warm arms embraced him from behind, lips running over his
neck gently.

"Are you peeking again, Inuyasha?" Miroku teased.

"No."

"Sure," came the laughing reply.

"I'm not," the hanyou muttered, then pointed to the other balcony.
"Look."

Sango's figure had just frozen to something his brother seemed to have
said, and Inuyasha expected a heated outburst � but the huntress just turned
wordlessly and left.

Oh no, brother�

Inuyasha gaped in disbelief when he saw Sesshoumaru's head sink down
between his shoulders, and lift one hand to his eye.

"He's� " he stuttered.

"A demon doesn�t cry," Miroku murmured, tightening his hold, "unless
he possesses a hurting soul."

Could it be? Could Sesshoumaru indeed �?

"Why don't you go talk to him?" the monk suggested.

"Me? Talk to him? Are you crazy?"

A fine smile graced Miroku's lips. "You did it before, koishii."

"That... that was different!" he argued, stunned that Miroku would
know about this.

"I doubt it." His lover smiled more and kissed him, the contact soft
and loving. "Inuyasha? Just go?"

And he went.
* * *
Inuyasha stepped into the semi-dark room where his nose had told him
he would find Sesshoumaru. And indeed his brother was sitting cross-legged
on the floor, a carafe Sake in front of him. He poured himself a drink
and sipped slowly, and Inuyasha frowned. Golden canine eyes flashed in
the dim light, glowing slightly like every predator's eyes would. Inuyasha
knew his looked quite the same.

�Come in, brother,� Sesshoumaru said quietly.

Of course he had already known he wasn�t alone anymore. The hanyou
sat down in front of his brother, looking at the youkai lord thoughtfully.
He had seen sides of his brother during the past months he hadn�t thought
would be there. He had seen the arrogant cold youkai who had always been
on his heels because of his Tetsuseiga, he had seen the other man in battle
� and he had seen a light starting to shine in his eyes when he looked
at his adopted daughter. His adopted human daughter. And lately, yes, lately
there had been something else in those cool features of the great Sesshoumaru,
something else had made his eyes light up with emotions. Now they didn�t
hold a light but a slight darkness, and Inuyasha though he had an idea
why. Sango.

�Here,� Sesshoumaru offered him a Sake bowl, �you are old enough to
fight, then you are old enough to drink.�

He took the bowl and sipped at its contents. The hot, clear liquid
burned down Inuyasha�s throat and he had to cough at the unknown bite.
Sesshoumaru almost smiled.

�Not that old, though, huh?�

Inuyasha decided to ignore that remark, He had come here for other
reasons than to start something with his brother.

�Why are you sitting here in the dark, Sesshoumaru?�

His brother just sipped at his Sake.

�I don�t think this is of your concern, little brother.�

�Not so little anymore. And I think it is.� Bravely gulping down
another sip Inuyasha successfully fought the cough this time.

�Maybe you�re right.�

It wasn�t much more than a whisper, but it made Inuyasha�s eyebrows
rise in surprise. Somehow he hadn�t really expected his brother, the mighty
youkai, to spill his guts. But Sesshoumaru stayed silent.

�You know,� Inuyasha said conversationally, �if I were in your shoes,
I�d be celebrating, not brooding. We�ve beaten Naraku and now you�re the
most powerful youkai there is.�

�Yes, I should, shouldn�t I?� Sesshoumaru poured himself another drink.
The youkai wasn�t drunk, though.

�I have all the power I wanted, because I�m the only powerful youkai
left; Naraku wiped them from the face of the earth. I can do whatever I
wish, whenever I wish, and to whom I wish. I don�t have to fight anymore
if I don�t want to, I have a wonderful palace� what�s the difference to
before, anyway? I have everything I ever wished for� I don�t expect you
to understand.�

�Humor me.�

Sesshoumaru looked at him long and intense before he sighed quietly.

�I don�t know what I did it for. Can you understand that, hanyou?�

�You have gained something much more prevailing than power, oh great
brother of mine.�

�What do you know about what I�ve gained?�

�I have eyes, Sesshoumaru. Didn't you ask yourself why you were able
to handle Tetsuseiga?�

�No.�

�Liar.�

Inuyasha put down the small bowl.

�You love her, brother. And she loves you.�

The impassive face was back. No emotion flickered over the closed-off
features.

�I am��

�I know what you are! So does Sango. And yet, the way she looks at
you when you can�t see it, it�s a tell-tale sign. Believe me.�

�And how would you know about that, little brother?�

Inuyasha chuckled. �I know that sort of look, brother. I look
at my mate the same way.�

Before Inuyasha could continue, they heard hurried feet in the corridor.

"Inuyasha! Inuyasha, come�" Shippo sped into the room, almost slipping
on the wooden floor in his hurry, landing right in front of the hanyou's
feet.

"Now, Shippo, chill. What's the hurry?"

"You have to come, Inuyasha, right now, and stop her, please� she's
packing� stop her, Inuyasha."

"Who's packing?"

"Sango! She said she'll leave come sunlight. Something about not staying
where she's not wanted." Tears were showing in the little kitsune's eyes,
and he tugged at Inuyasha's kimono.

"Please, make her stay, Inuyasha. She's gonna go, leave us, and take
Kirara with her� I don�t want her to go."

Inuyasha looked at the youkai kid for a long moment before he sighed
and shook his head.

"I can't Shippo. It's not in my powers."

"What?! Inuyasha, whatever you said� fix it!"

Inuyasha glanced at his brother, noticed the hard eyes, the almost
stony face.

"I can't."

"You just don't want to!" Shippo almost howled before he stormed out
again. They heard him call for Miroku, and Inuyasha sighed again.

"I doubt Miroku will be able to make her stay," he murmured.

"Your mate can try his luck," Sesshoumaru replied coldly and lifted
his bowl to his lips again. How much had had his brother to drink tonight
anyway?

"Why did you drive her away in the first place?"

He received a sharp look � gotcha! � but refused to stand down, just
stared back. And finally Sesshoumaru sighed.

"I am youkai."

"So?"

"She's human."

"We know that."

"Inuyasha. Imagine you worst nightmare."

Inuyasha stared at his brother in disbelief, noticing the change in
his tone. The powerful youkai Sesshoumaru sounded afraid. Worst nightmare,
huh? A picture of a beaten Miroku, a sliced open sleeve, soaked in blood,
ashen face� heat burning through a frail human body in his arms, a raspy
breath, a faltering heart � Inuyasha shuddered.

"Imagine that, Inuyasha," his brothers voice cut through his thoughts.
"And now - picture it a tenfold, a hundredfold, over and over again,
each night�"

Inuyasha held out his bowl in a silent request and swallowed the Sake
in one big gulp. A hundredfold? Every night? Nightmares�

"It's a 'gift' from Naraku. I can't� get rid of them."

Realization hit Inuyasha, and it was holding a sledge hammer.

"You are afraid of hurting Sango! Because you love her, and that's
why you're sending her away."

Sesshoumaru didn�t say anything. But it was answer enough.

Inuyasha's features grew determined. "I'm hanyou! I have the same problem
as you, brother! Even more � I once did it. I hurt my mate� nearly killed
him."

The smell of Miroku's blood on his fingers, the rage� Golden glowing
eyes looked at him from across the small table, holding a bit of surprise.
Of course, Sesshoumaru wouldn�t know.

"The youkai inside me broke through� because of a curse. I attacked
my mate, I aimed to kill him, and I would have succeeded. I injured him,
he almost bled to death� while trying to keep me behind a barrier so the
others wouldn't suffer my rage!"

The hanyou bit back on the old memories, the painful memories� but
the sight of Miroku's blood covered body came back unwanted.

"You saw the scars on his left arms," he murmured. "It's what I gave
him. My work� my claws� But he's still with me. Loves me. Lets those claws
touch him again."

Sesshoumaru met his eyes. "Your mate is still alive."

"Yes."

"More so, you two are bonded."

"And so are you, you big, stupid baka!"

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened a fraction, then he suddenly stood. He swayed
only briefly, then left the room. Inuyasha sighed deeply and shook his
head.
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Reassembled	By : Macx Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 3401 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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