Okay, here's the second chapter.

Disclaimer, don't own Inuyasha.

Chapter two; Confrontations

Sesshomaru sat in his castle, reading over all the letters he had recieved from other lords, peasents, and his allies. When he was finished, he went into his personal springs, rubbing his temples.

'This is beginning to annoy me.'

The other lords insisted upon him acquiring a mate. It was tiresome. Of course, the other lords had offered their daughters without haste. They'd jump at the chance to have his wealth. Sesshomaru growled at the reminded of their greed.

'I shall mate only when I seek a suitable partner. I do not wish for these filty demoness' to get their greedy hands on my wealth.'

Sesshomaru stayed in the spring until his temper had calmed down. His personal assistant, Jaken, knocked on the door leading from Sesshomaru's personal bedroom to the spring room.

"What is it, Jaken?" Sesshomaru barked, his headache worsenng. Jaken entered and bowed deeply.

"My lord, you have a visitor at the gates." Jaken informed, not leaving his position.

Sesshomaru stood up, sighing, and reached for his towel.

"Who is it?" He asked, wrapping the towel around his waste.

Jaken stood up and opened the door for his lord.

"It is your brother, Inuyasha. He wishes to speak with you immediatly!"

Sesshomaru sighed before going to his closet.

"Very well. Inform him I will be there momently. Escort him to my study." Jaken nodded and headed down to the gate.

Sesshomaru dressed and went to his study.

'What could Inuyasha need from me?' He wondered, standing in front of two large dark cherry doors leading to his study. He opened them and saw Inuyasha standing over by the window, looking outside with a look of sadness on his face.

"Inuyasha. Why have you come to me?" Sesshomaru asked, motioning his hand for him to have a seat. Inuyasha complied and sat down.

Inuyasha looked to Sesshomaru and sighed.

"I have no idea what I'm doing, Sesshomaru... I need your help." Inuyasha confessed.

Sesshomaru tucked his hair behind his ear and watched his brothers expressions.

He hadn't seen Inuyasha this upset in some time. Whatever it was that was ailing him, it was hurting him deeply.

Sesshomaru called one of his servants and asked for them to serve some tea. The servant hurried to the kitchen and brought two cups and a teapot, pouring them each a cup. The servant hand Sesshomaru one of the cups, and Inuyasha the other. Inuyasha didn't even see the servant. He snapped back in reality and grabbed the cup.

"Oh, thank you." He sipped the tea and sat it down, looking to Sesshomaru.

"Inuyasha... what has you so upset?" Sesshomaru asked, taking a sip of his tea. Inuyasha looked to him and stood up.

"You see... You remember Kikyo, right?" Inuyasha asked, Sesshomar nodded.

"Okay. Well, I love her. I know that I do. I love Kagome... but I don't think I could love her the way I love Kikyo. I know Kagome loves me, and I know I'm hurting her when I'm with Kikyo... Whenever I look at Kagome romantically, I don't see Kagome. I see Kikyo. I don't want to do that to her... I want Kagome to be happy, Sesshomaru, more than anything. I don't think she'd be happy with me... I don't want to falsely love her..." Inuyasha look of sadness deepened ever more.

Sesshomaru sat up in his chair more, listening intently.

"Just what are you trying to tell me, brother?" Sesshomaru asked.

Inuyasha looked to his brother, then back to the window.

"Please, take Kagome. Watch over her, protect her."

Sesshomaru leaned back into his chair, taking another sip of tea.

During the last few months of finding Naraku, Inuyasha's and Sesshomaru's groups had joined together. Sesshomaru hadn't liked the idea at first, but he came around after a while.

He and the miko would talk quite often.

She had broken the ice around his heart and gave him something he hadn't truly had in a long time.

Friendship.

He learned of her time and of some of the things they had. He learned about what she liked and what she didn't like. Her favorite color was purple, and her favorite smell was anything lavender or vanilla.

In time, he had opened up with her, as well.

He told her some things that he did as ruler of the Western lands. He had told her some of the things he liked to do, too.

He had noticed the change in her mood once he started talking more.

No longer did she fear him as she once did. Now, she held more respect for him and trusted him.

He liked that she trusted him.

He admitted that their first meetings were a bit prejudiced, and he apologized for that. He had learned, though, she was the exact opposite than what he originally though.

He then remembered the task at hand.

He had no problem letting the miko stay with him. He would finally have someone he could have deep conversation with.

He liked that she was knowledgable. He could talk to her about things that not most people her age knew.

He thought it over, weighing the pros and cons. Yes, the miko would stay with him.

"I will comply with your request." Sesshomaru stated, standing.

Inuyasha looked to his brother with thankful eyes.

"'Thank you. I have hurt her so much, Sesshomaru... I do not wish to do so anymore. I can't give Kagome the love she deserves. I just want her to be happy. Maybe she can find happiness with you."

Sesshomaru nodded, understanding. He never thought he would see the day Inuyasha would do something so honorable.

"Inuyasha... I can assure you that the miko will be in excellent care. You have done an honorable thing."

Sesshomaru placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and nodded, giving his brother reassurance. Inuyasha returned the nod and walked toward the big, cherry doors.

"I'll have a talk with her tonight and explain to her how I feel... I'll send a letter to you when we are finished and when it would be good to come and get her. Would that be alright with you?"

Sesshomaru nodded and took another sip of his tea. Inuyasha thanked him and opened the doors, leaving the castle and heading back to the campsite.

'He has changed so much since the battle with Naraku... Father, you would be proud.' Sesshomaru thought to himself.

Sesshomaru had respect for his brother for the first time. A smirk appeared on his magnificent face.

'This miko... he truly cares for her.'

Sesshomaru left the study, smiling. He would do this favor for his brother. It may do him so good to have the miko's company.

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