Why do you always do this to me? Sesshomaru effaced his mind of such troubled thoughts as his brother continued his ministrations. The comb came down to swipe through glossy strands of silver that were already untangled. Then it came back up again to pause, pressing the teeth into the back of his skull, only to fall once again into the mass of hair. Just like the rises and falls of this heart.

The air in the room was luke-warm, holding deep sighs. This room, made for the Lord of the Western Lands, was well decorated with dark curtains, many frilly pillows, and huge carpets. The furniture was of the highest quality and the wood sparkled cleanly. The lord, dressed in his sleeping robes, consisting of a white, thin silk robe with a tie to keep it closed, sat on one of the chairs in front of a mirror on his bureau. His younger brother, Inuyasha, stood behind him as he brushed the other's hair softly and quietly. The fading sun peeked through the curtains to cast odd shadows on both faces as the youth stopped moving his hands.

"Where were you today? The castle was sort of lonely with just those stupid servants." Inuyasha asked trying to sound uninterested, but Sesshomaru could see through any façade, especially his brother's. The demon in question quirked an eyebrow, but answered his sibling's question anyway with a perfect mask.

"Dear brother, I told you I would be out on business." He couldn't keep out the smugness in his voice at seeing his brother's eye roll in the mirror. He knew his brother hated it when he acted emotionless. The comb was placed on the bureau's top rather ungracefully.

"I know that already, but what I don't know is exactly where you were while you were out!" Inuyasha grabbed the corner of the chair Sesshomaru sat on and forced the piece of furniture around so he looked into his bother's real eyes, not the mirror's. "So?" Inuyasha's eyes grew bigger and his brows rose in inquiry, the anger almost completely drained from his features.

The elder stared for a moment. Sometimes his little brother could be such an overprotective fool. Why did he feel the need to know wherever he went and what he did? It's not like he would get himself into trouble somehow. And even if he did, he would be able to get himself out easily no matter what. But he gave into his younger's foolhardy wishes anyway. "Inuyasha, I was visiting the Northern Lands' lord. I'm not entitled to tell you the matters we discussed, you know that just as well as I do."

Inuyasha sighed, his bangs flying on the wind of his breath. "Yeah, whatever." Obviously the hanyou was still miffed with him. He had turned away and sat on the bed still facing away from Sesshomaru. He seemed to be staring out the window nonchalantly. The lord stood from his seat after thinking over his options carefully, as he always did, and sat next to his brother.

"Give me your trust, brother. No matter what answer you may get out of me, know this: I care for you more than any other." Sesshomaru whispered into his mate's furry dog ear while tracing the bones in Inuyasha's hand on his lap.

I don't know why you make me feel like I have to fondle over you. I only know I adore doing it. I love your smile and the warmth I feel when you laugh. I want to make you happy. I'm so thankful for the time we've shared and that I found someone like you. I give thanks to any god listening every day that I have you for myself. But when you say you love me…

Not long after, the inu turned around to lay his head on his only brother's shoulder. The two sat in a silent embrace for a moment or two before the younger spoke, "I love you, Sesshomaru."

I know two responses, but I'm only capable of saying one.

"Thank you…" Sesshomaru breathed into the other's white hair. He could feel the butterflies again. I want to say the other one, too. Those three words haunt me when I see your eyes.

Suddenly Inuyasha stood up, walked over to the bureau, picked up the ivory comb, and handed it to Sesshomaru. He then sat on the bed turned away from Sesshomaru again. In understanding, the elder moved swiftly to take care of his brother's hair, just as the other had done for him. But you're just fine with me being thankful.


That was supposed to come out happier, but I decided I wanted to put it up this way because I've been feeling sad all week. It sort of mirrors the way I feel and I like that. Sorry if I disappointed anyone...

-PL