"Itsumademo" is the equivalent of "Everlasting" in japanese.

A/N : Hi people, I hope you're all doing fine ! I know that I'm totally exaggerating right now because I'm already working on 5 other fics and then I'm adding this one to the lot ! Sometimes I'm so hopeless...

Raiu : You said it. Now try to remember it.

Shut up Raiu, I'm speaking over here !

Raiu : So ? It's just one more reason for me to cover your stupid babbles.

I hate you...

Raiu : Why thanks, I hate you too.

Grrr...

Akari : Cherry-chan, the readers...

Oh yes... Well, here are the WARNINGS :

This fic is YAOI, meaning maleXmale relationship. Also there will be INCEST and maybe male pregnancy in later chapters... we'll see... Anyway, I've warned you, so no flames ! If you don't like, just turn away and leave. No one is forcing you to read this. Flames will be royally ignored.

Also, this is a bit of a AU fic, so keep it in mind. Due to that, there will be OOCness from the characters. My deepest apologies to those who don't like it... But no flames !

Raiu : Are you done yet ?

Not that it's any of your business, but yes I am.

Raiu : Finally...

Yeah well no one asked you !

Akari : Don't tell me you two are at it again...

Don't worry Akari-chan, everything's alright. Now Sesshomaru, do the disclaimer !

Sesshomaru : I will do no such thing. Do it yourself.

Raiu : Way to go Sessh !

Sesshomaru : Don't call me "Sessh" if you want to live another day.

Raiu : ...

You will do the disclaimer Sesshomaru or... or I'm making you wear a pink kimono !

Sesshomaru : ...you wouldn't.

With lovely little tresses and ribbons in your hair...

Sesshomaru : This pathetic human doesn't own Inuyasha or any of its official characters.

Thanks ! ...hey, that wasn't very nice !

Sesshomaru : (ignores her)

Why you...!

Akari : Let's just get on with the story Cherry-chan !

Yeah you're right... So, the main pairing will be Sessh/Inu. Read and enjoy !

.: Itsumademo :.

by cherry fantasy

Prologue

Cold, cold winter

Golden sun shining in a blue sky

Golden rays caressing the snowy lands

Creating a whiter shade...

- anonymous

It was a bright sunny day, although cold since they were in the middle of December. The day star was already high in the sky, illuminating the white veil of snow covering the lands. Outside, everything was calm and the winter birds were chirping happily, chanting a melody that only themselves knew. But on this eighteenth day of the month, such peacefulness wasn't reigning everywhere...

"How much longer is this gonna take !" roared Inu no Taisho, Lord of the Western Lands, while pacing back and forth in his study.

"Calm yourself father, shouting and pacing will not make it go any faster" came a soft and steady voice from the left side of the room.

The dog demon Lord halted his steps for a moment and turned to look at his son, Sesshomaru. This one was sitting quietly in a couch with a book in hands, his amber eyes still fixed on the pages even as he spoke to his father.

Sesshomaru was his son from his first mating. Inu no Taisho didn't have any other children as of yet, although that was about to change very soon... It was very unusual for a Demon Lord, who normally had a few little bastards running around in the wild. But Inu no Taisho wasn't of flighty nature, and he had absolutely no desire to bring any random demonesses in his bed. He believed in sincere love to build a relationship, and although he didn't give his heart easily, once given he was completely loyal to his mate. As a result, and even though he was nearly one thousand years old (despite looking like barely thirty), to this day he'd only had two mates, while other Demon Lords were at their sixth or seventh already, with several mistresses to add in the picture. It was one of the many things that made Inu no Taisho so unlike the other Lords, and one of the many reasons why his people were so proud to serve under his command.

Sesshomaru's mother, Tsukiyo, had been a beauty beyond compare, a dog demoness coming from an aristocratic family with whom Inu no Taisho had fallen in love almost at first sight. Although to him, she could've been the lowest servant that it wouldn't have made a difference ; she'd been all grace and delicacy, traits that Sesshomaru had actually picked up from her, and had a kind heart despite the strict way in which she had been raised. Inu no Taisho had passed some delightful years with her, rendered even better when she'd given him his first child and heir. Sadly, she'd died of a rare demon illness when Sesshomaru was still a young pup.

Her death had affected Sesshomaru greatly, which was no surprise since he'd grown very close to his mother in the short time he'd had with her. But he hadn't cried, like you would expect from such a young child. No, instead, he'd withdrawn in himself, growing more serious and losing that childish innocence that had once shown in his eyes... For a strange reason his father had felt guilty, like if all that had been his fault, but Sesshomaru had made sure to let him know that he didn't accuse him of anything. Although even then, his new demeanour hadn't changed...

Inu no Taisho rubbed his temples and took another glance at his son. Most of his looks, Sesshomaru had gotten from his father : same tall and lean figure, same long flowing white hair (Sesshomaru wore them down while his father preferred to tie them in a high ponytail), same long fluffy tail, same bright golden eyes... They even wore a similar outfit, consisting mainly of a white silk kimono and an armor covering their upper torso (although neither of them were wearing their armor at the moment), with a long sash hanging at their waist. The only noticeable differences were Inu no Taisho's slightly more muscular stature and their respective demon markings, dark blue for the father and wine red for the son. Both of them were surely some of the most beautiful demon specimens you could find in feudal Japan.

Still greatly agitated, Inu no Taisho approached his son and asked him :

"How do you expect me to calm myself in such a situation, Sesshomaru ? It's been hours already !"

"Which is perfectly normal" Sesshomaru replied calmly, finally raising his gaze from his book to meet his father's. "Try to sit down and to have patience"

"You'll quickly forget how to have patience when you will find yourself in the same predicament !" the Demon Lord retorted.

Sesshomaru merely smirked and went back to his book. Inu no Taisho rolled his eyes and resumed his pacing. He was used to Sesshomaru's polite and almost emotionless answers, although with him the young dog demon always seemed to open up a bit more. With people in general Sesshomaru was as cold as ice, and there were presently only two persons with whom he allowed himself to show some bit of emotions : his father and, strangely... his stepmother.

Inu no Taisho's second mate, Izayoi, was human. It had been a shock to everyone when he'd claimed her and brought her to the palace to live with him, just as officially as with Tsukiyo. It wasn't that they didn't like humans, in fact in the Western Lands humans and demons lived together very well, it was just that a human mate for the most powerful Demon Lord of Japan was a bit hard to digest at first sight. But then everybody had seen how much Inu no Taisho loved Izayoi, and so they had accepted her. It hadn't been hard, really ; first of all, she also came from a royal family, making her a princess in human society. Secondly, she was just as beautiful and gracious as Lady Tsukiyo had been. And most importantly, she had the kindest soul you could ever imagine : she always had a gentle smile for everyone and was ready to help her people whenever it was in her power. Quickly everybody had grown very fond of her. Thankfully, there was no risk for Lady Izayoi to die before their Lord because of her human state, seeing as when a human mated to a powerful demon, they were immediately granted prolonged youth and life expectancy. From there, they didn't have to worry about old age taking them from their mate.

Inu no Taisho had feared Sesshomaru's reaction, thinking that his son would resent Izayoi for taking his mother's place and that he would give her a hard time. But luckily, nothing of the sort had happened. Of course at the beginning Sesshomaru had been somewhat cold toward her, but never had he been condescending or cruel. And eventually, even he had slightly warmed up to her. He wasn't going as far as to call her "mother", but he had accepted her in their family and it was obvious (if only for Inu no Taisho) that he cared for her a bit more than he himself had anticipated. The Lord of the West was very pleased by this development and also proud of his son for having such a reaction. He would make sure not to underestimate Sesshomaru again in the future.

He stopped pacing a second time and tilted his head up for a moment, sniffing the air with his sensitive nose. When he caught the one particular scent he was searching, he growled slightly, then let out a miserable whimper before finally collapsing on the nearest chair.

Sesshomaru looked up from his book, feeling sorry for his father. The Grand Demon Lord of the West looked so helpless and lost right now, something that wasn't at all a usual thing to see. But knowing the situation, Sesshomaru really couldn't blame him.

He put his book aside and rose, walking to his father and slowly kneeling before him. If there would ever be one single person on Earth before who he would kneel, it was his dad. He put a soothing hand on his father's thigh and said :

"Don't worry father, I'm sure everything is going fine"

"But why do I smell so much blood, Sesshomaru ? I'm sure there isn't supposed to be so much blood..." answered Inu no Taisho.

"Don't forget that she is human, it probably is normal for her"

Inu no Taisho raised an eyebrow and asked sceptically :

"And what would you know about it ?"

"I just do" Sesshomaru said, totally unfazed.

At this moment, they heard a soft knock at the study's door.

"Come in" Inu no Taisho quickly said, jumping on his feet.

Sesshomaru raised a bit more gracefully and watched as a young servant girl entered the room. She smiled to them and said softly :

"You may go see her now my Lords"

"Is she alright ?" Inu no Taisho questioned almost fearfully, although his voice stayed firm.

"Lady Izayoi is fine my Lord, just a bit tired"

The Demon Lord let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, his body relaxing after hearing the news. He quickly exited the study, the young servant leading the way and Sesshomaru following close behind.

After a few minutes they entered Inu no Taisho and Izayoi's room. Two other servants were present, both women ; one was human and was presently picking up some articles around the large bed. The other one was a fox demoness and she was sitting on the edge of the bed, softly speaking with the figure lying on it.

When Inu no Taisho entered, the two maids stepped away and bowed respectfully. He nodded to them in acknowledgment, then he made his way to the bed without further hesitation. He slowly sat on the mattress, Sesshomaru standing behind him and the three servants pursuing their work silently. A young woman was lying on the bed, her back resting against some pillows ; her long dark hair was scattered around her thin frame, and her violet eyes were sparkling as she gazed tenderly at the small bundle she was holding... which by the way was squirming and making strange little noises.

"Izayoi ?" Inu no Taisho said softly.

She raised her gaze to him and gave him a loving smile, then she whispered happily :

"It's a boy, koibito. A beautiful and perfect little boy..."

She moved her small bundle closer to him, carefully tossing aside a part of the cloth wrapped around it.

Still standing behind his father, Sesshomaru stared in wonder as a little head was revealed, covered with locks as white as his and his father's. But what really caught his gaze were the two tiny and fluffy doggy ears, as white as the hair and presently lying flat on the baby's head. It was the first time Sesshomaru was seeing such curious and... dare he say it ?... adorable appendages, and he found himself wanting to touch them to see if they were as soft as they looked...

The small pup, as if feeling that he was being watched, made a soft noise with his mouth and slowly opened his eyes, revealing two golden orbs once again similar to Inu no Taisho and Sesshomaru's very own. The baby stared at them in awe for a couple of minutes, his large golden eyes attentive and curious. Sesshomaru didn't know why, but he suddenly wanted to smile. He hadn't smiled since his mother's death, not really... He couldn't bring himself to... But right now, there was nothing more he wanted to do. He resisted though, and instead he turned to glance at his father... who was grinning from ear to ear like an idiot with his own gaze fixed on the baby before him.

"He is perfect..." the Demon Lord said with a slightly hoarse voice.

The little pup's eyes, if possible, grew even larger when he heard his father's deep voice, and he focused his attention on him for a moment. Inu no Taisho cooed softly and Sesshomaru almost snorted in amusement, but it quickly left his mind when the baby started giggling happily at their father's antics... Sesshomaru had never heard such a... cute sound, for lack of better definitions. It was so purely happy, so innocent...

Two little hands came from under the cloth as the pup joyfully reached out to his father, one tiny fang visible as it bit down his bottom lip. Inu no Taisho took his second son in his arms very gently, and a small hand instantly grabbed one of his fingers, holding onto it tightly. The Lord of the West laughed and made sure that his pup wouldn't hurt himself on his claws, then he turned to his mate and asked her :

"Did you give him a name already ?"

"No, you choose" Izayoi answered with a smile.

Inu no Taisho lowered his eyes on the baby in his arms ; the pup was taking curious little sniffs at him, apparently finding something familiar in his scent. He was cooing happily, still holding his father's finger. Inu no Taisho smiled tenderly... He thought for a moment, then he said :

"Inuyasha. His name will be Inuyasha"

"Inuyasha... yes, I love it" Izayoi agreed softly.

They stayed silent for a while... that is, if you forgot about Inuyasha's happy gurglings. Then, Inu no Taisho seemed to remember the presence of his older son in the room. He turned toward him with a smile, baby Inuyasha still chirping in his arms, and held out the pup to him while saying :

"Here Sesshomaru, why don't you take a closer look at your little brother ?"

Sesshomaru blinked, unsure of what to do. He glanced at Izayoi who nodded to him with a smile, then back at his father who was now raising a brow at him as if to ask : what are you waiting for ?

Finally, and a bit awkwardly, Sesshomaru took the baby from his father and cradled the tiny form against his chest, making sure to hold the small head correctly. Inuyasha giggled and grabbed a handful of his brother's long hair. Surprisingly though, he didn't pull on it. He just hold it in his hand and turned his cute little smiling face to Sesshomaru ; the two brothers locked gazes and suddenly, both became very silent.

When Inuyasha looked at him, Sesshomaru felt something very strange, like a tug at his consciousness. It wasn't at all unpleasant, just... disturbing. He tightened his hold on his little brother, a strong feeling of protectiveness suddenly surging through him, and... something more, maybe, although Sesshomaru couldn't quite decipher what it was... Anyhow, never in his life had he held such a small and fragile thing, and something inside him was urging him to protect it, with his own life if necessary. And Sesshomaru found himself accepting this responsibility immediately and without a single question. To him, it just seemed so... right, to assume that role. To protect his little brother, at any cost.

Inuyasha stared back at him quietly, examining his face as if it was the most interesting thing in the world... Sesshomaru raised a hand to his brother's head, intent on satisfying his earlier curiosity about Inuyasha's ears. He brought his hand close to one of the small appendages and cautiously brushed his fingers over it, being mindful of his claws. He unconsciously smiled when he discovered that the little ear was even softer than what he'd imagined. It twitched slightly under his touch, and Inuyasha cooed happily, apparently liking the attention. Sesshomaru's smile grew a bit more, and he moved his hand to the other ear, his eyes never leaving Inuyasha's. He had to admit that the little pup was indeed beautiful, and that he would surely turn into a handsome man...

Sesshomaru himself hadn't noticed, but while he was holding Inuyasha his whole body had relaxed, and his face had taken the most serene look his father had ever seen him wear since Tsukiyo's death. But when the smile appeared on his lips, that's when both Inu no Taisho and Izayoi knew that Inuyasha would be Sesshomaru's saving grace. He wasn't even talking yet that he had already made him smile, genuinely smile, for the first time in years... Without as much as an effort, he had wormed his way to Sesshomaru's heart and was already closer than anyone had ever been...

The Lord of the West and his mate looked at each other then smiled ; suddenly, with the birth of one single little hanyou named Inuyasha, their future seemed so much brighter...

Translations :

itsumademo : everlasting

koibito : sweatheart, love

hanyou : half-demon

A/N : So, liked it ? Hated it ? (I hope not...) Review&review please !

Raiu : It was horrible.

You always think my fics are horrible !

Raiu : That's because they are, genius.

I'm gonna kill you...

Raiu : I'd like to see you try...

Akari : Stop fighting you two !

Sesshomaru : I was terribly OOC.

So ? It's my fic and I do what I please ! And besides, I'm sure your horde of fan girls will still think you're hot ! (including me...)

Sesshomaru : Somehow that doesn't reassure me.

Well too bad then ! (smirks) Please review everyone ! See you next chapter !