The sun crept over the horizon and the light from it filtered through the window into their room. The birds chirped and sang their morning melodies and Inuyasha slowly began to wake up. He felt the familiar sensation of his transformation back into his half-demon state. It felt different this time though as he didn't bottle up his emotions right away like he'd done so many times before. As the last pull of sleep left him he opened his eyes only to find a sight he knew that he'd love to see forever. His brother looked so peaceful, so gentle as he slept and Inuyasha couldn't help but smile. He was still enthralled with everything that had happened the day before, what Sesshoumaru had said, their first kiss, it had all been amazing.

Inuyasha knew what true happiness felt like and it was with Sesshoumaru. He reached over and gently placed his hand on his brother's cheek. He knew how lucky he was to see this unguarded side of him. Inuyasha caressed his cheek and watched as Sesshoumaru's eyes opened and looked over at him. At that moment he found it hard to breathe, his brother's gaze spoke of promises and revealed the raw emotions beneath his mask. He could see the love, the loyalty and it made Inuyasha acutely aware of just how real this was.

Sesshoumaru placed his hand over Inuyasha's and nuzzled against his hand. Inuyasha laughed surprised by how cute he found it, how simple and authentic it was. His heart swelled with love and he didn't know if he'd ever be able to contain it. Sesshoumaru kissed his hand before gently tugging on it and pulling Inuyasha closer. He placed his arm around Inuyasha's waist and pressed a kiss against his cheek before capturing his lips in a kiss.

Sesshoumaru held his hand as he deepened the kiss drawing his brother closer. Inuyasha knew that he would never get tired of this, he would never take his mate for granted. He felt the sting of tears in his eyes as he realized what he'd thought. He knew then that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Sesshoumaru. They pulled apart again and Inuyasha felt that this must be what fate was.

"Good morning love," Sesshoumaru whispered softly and Inuyasha had never thought that a simple four letter word could make him experience this much happiness.

"Good morning," his voice cracked and he giggled at the absurdity of how emotional he was.

But he knew there was nothing else he could be, he felt in his heart, his soul, the warmth and clarity of everything at that moment. He closed his eyes and nestled into Sesshoumaru knowing exactly what he needed. It had all been leading up to this moment; to his realization, for this connection to be established.

"Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha whispered his name, "I want to stay with you, forever..." He pressed a kiss against his brother's face and leaned back to look at him again. "I want to be your mate."

Inuyasha didn't ever believe he'd see Sesshoumaru cry, never thought he'd see more than what met the eye. But it warmed his heart on a level he couldn't name, he was opening himself completely to Sesshoumaru and was getting the same in return. No other words needed to be spoken as they kissed passionately and everything else in the world seemed to drown out. The instinct that came with mating pulsed to life within them, there was no doubt. Clothing was discarded as they explored each other's body, drinking in every new sensation and touch.

It was intoxicating.

Inuyasha found himself kissing Sesshoumaru's cheeks, then his eyelids, down the bridge of his nose over his lips. He knew what it was, the draw of his demon blood guiding him as he initiated mating with his brother, his love. He held onto his brother's hand as he kissed the palm of each one. He locked eyes with Sesshoumaru knowing for certain this was it as he licked against his wrist.

He let his teeth ghost over Sesshoumaru's wrist for a moment before he bit down into the flesh and the blood flowed into his mouth. Inuyasha couldn't quite make out all the sensations as he partook in the bonding. Emotions he couldn't quite grasp weaved through his mind and time lost meaning. He could feel as he connected with his brother on a deeper level.

He knew when it was enough and licked over the bite and it closed. He didn't know exactly what was taking place in his body but he could feel it changing. He shared another kiss with Sesshoumaru before being met with an onslaught of loving kisses over his body. There was really no clear way to describe everything that was happening but he'd remember this feeling forever.

Sesshoumaru kissed over his face, down to his neck and Inuyasha knew that Sesshoumaru was to be his Alpha. He was more than okay with it and he shivered as he felt his brother's lips run over his shoulders, down his arms, over his fingers. It felt as if he were melting and cooling at the same time, everything in his mind began to blend as the feel of lips against his skin burned into focus. Everything else was forgotten when he felt Sesshomaru's tongue run over his own wrist and he felt teeth sink down into the delicate skin.

The pain that came with the bite was greatly outweighed by the emotions that surged with their union. They were connected now and he could feel his entire being becoming one with his mate. He would never be able to explain in exact words how it felt because it was beyond simple words. Sesshoumaru's tongue ran over his wrist and he felt as the wound closed.

They met in another kiss and Inuyasha could taste the copper of his blood on his brother's tongue. He could feel the connection between them pushing forth as he felt Sesshoumaru finger's on him. He gasped into the kiss and tilted his head to the side as Sesshoumaru kissed over his neck.

Inuyasha had never been touched like this before, had never felt so loved and completely open with another soul. He could feel his brother need pressed against his thigh and was aware that he was the reason for his hunger. Inuyasha lowered his hand and wrapped his hand around his brother's shaft. The possessive growl that came from Sesshoumaru as he bucked his hips to press himself into Inuyasha's hand caused pleasurable heat to build up within him.

"Sesshoumaru, I need you," he knew what he was asking for. He'd never been so vulnerable in his life and he'd also never known with certainty that it was safe to be. It was safe for him to show this to Sesshoumaru and he knew with clarity that it would always be that way.

Sesshoumaru kissed him and in that kiss, Inuyasha knew it was his promise. It was his promise of devotion, of loyalty and that he'd be cared for. Inuyasha threaded his hand through Sesshoumaru's hair as he pulled back. They smiled at each other for a moment before Inuyasha guided his face down so he could place a kiss on his crescent mark.

After that he allowed Sesshoumaru to lead him. His steady hand and sure grip causing waves of pleasure and bliss to course over his body. Sesshoumaru was careful as he worked Inuyasha up and left him hungry and needing until finally, they joined as one. Pain and pleasure weaved together in a union as they cemented their bond that would transcend time.

Together they tumbled over the edge, surrounded in orgasmic bliss as they held on to each other in a moment of passion and love.


After their union, the days and weeks of happiness seemed to bleed into each other. He could remember how happy Rin had been when they'd arrived at the table for breakfast. It had been embarrassing but funny and Rin still liked to tease them about it every now and then. The entire castle had been a bustle of excitement at the news, their lord had found a mate, someone lucky enough to be worthy. But Sesshoumaru always liked to remind him that he was the one that was lucky.

Inuyasha could still remember visiting Sango and Miroku that first time. Sesshoumaru had been painfully awkward but now it was a pleasant memory. There were a lot of those now and Inuyasha cherished each one of them.

He walked into the room he painted in and looked over what he'd done so far. It felt like it was becoming too complicated and he couldn't help but feel that he was trying too hard. Inuyasha thought about what this painting was supposed to mean for them. It was a portrait of their love, the work they'd put into it and where they were now. He smiled as he thought back to the beginning again, thought about how much they both had changed since that time.

He picked up the scroll and rolled it in on itself, this would be his first unfinished project and that was okay. He put up a new one and gathered his paints and tools and went to work. It seemed simple now, in all his thoughts and memories he'd had a revelation. This didn't need to be something that he racked his brain over. There was no reason for him to overthink this, he just had to pick the colors that felt right. He'd let his instincts guide him and know that it would come out okay.

Inuyasha had forgotten how Sango had helped him when he wasn't sure. Now he remembered how important their talk had been for him, how it had helped him make his decision. He recalled how much he'd doubted Rin when she told him to give this a chance. If she hadn't spoken to him that day he wasn't sure he would have stayed as long as he had.

It was a portrait that would remind him of who helped pave the way to what they had now. Inuyasha let the idea take hold and painted for hours until finally, a story was before him. The sun peaked over the mountains and he and Sesshoumaru sat together next to the fountain with Sakura trees before them. His guide, his family were there too, Sango and Miroku with all their children, they were precious to him. Rin with A-Un and even Jaken, they'd all become his new family and were a part of their life and story. They played in the garden that dominated the right side of the painting and even though they were separated it was clear that they belonged to the same tale.

Inuyasha sat down his tools and smiled as he looked over the figures on the scroll.

"Did you finish Love?" Sesshoumaru walked in and Inuyasha turned to him still smiling.

"Yeah," he sighed happily when Sesshoumaru embraced him from behind and walked close to hold him. "What do you think Sesshy?"

Sesshoumaru hmm'd softly and took a moment to answer, "It's beautiful Inuyasha, you've linked our family together with the colors and expressions you've chosen."

Inuyasha giggled softly, our family, they had a family together and Sesshoumaru had seen that clearly. He could still remember how alone he'd been for so many years. He remembered the late nights they'd spent talking about life before they understood each other this well when loneliness and fighting was all they knew.

"Thank you Sesshoumaru, my love," Inuyasha turned around and faced his mate. They kissed and he savored the moment just as he did every other.

When they separated Sesshoumaru smiled down at him, "Thank you." There was only sincerity in his brother's voice.


When they left the room and went to bed they held each close just as they did every night.

They were truly thankful that they had each other.


Their love was shared in both purity and infinite abundance. There would be no end to this love, there would never come a time when they lost these feelings. They would always be devoted to one another. The butterflies would always be there and their union would be unbreakable.


It's been a really long time, I've been working on this ending on and off over all that time but I couldn't make it work for some reason. A majority of this was written in the last two months and I hope that it's good for some of you who may have been waiting for a long time. Thank you for reading. FXL