AOH ch14 Acceptances

'Home'; it was a strange word to Inuyasha; and as he mulled it over, it conjured up different images in his mind. His earliest memories were of the Western Palace, or more specifically the suite of rooms that Sesshoumaru had reluctantly provided for his mother and him after their father's death. That hadn't lasted very long and was not a happy time for him, unless he was alone with his mother; then there was the human village, again this was a short and unhappy time, before his mother died. After she had left him alone by her death, he had been driven out of the village, and then various trees, caves and scrapes had been his home until his longest permanent residence; Goshinboku.

Now he had a home of sorts in the village, spending a lot of time with all of the others in, or by himself on, Kaede's hut; or by the well if Kagome was in her time without him. It was strange to think that it looked as if his life was about to go full circle, and he would be back in the Western Palace. He found it a little unsettling to think of going back, but he would have Kagome with him at least, and almost certainly Shippou as well; but Miroku and Sango would more than likely stay in the village, where they were planning their own house and wedding.

That's when Inuyasha fully realised something he had subconsciously known all his life, that he really only had a home in the hearts of the people who loved him. Sesshoumaru watched the play of emotion and thought race rapidly across his brother's face. He was still amazed that his brother had changed so little since he had lived at the Palace as a small pup. Life had only been hard and unforgiving for Inuyasha, and yet the childlike qualities had stayed, giving the boy an air of innocence well hidden beneath his brash, rude exterior.

"Do not let your pondering cause you to doubt Inuyasha, it would be best to look forwards and not dwell on the past. I cannot change any of the past for you, instead look to the future that has yet to be written; make the most of the opportunity and allow your friends to help you." Sesshoumaru said regally, and Inuyasha turned his huge, shining eyes on his brother.

"I have to take each day as it comes Sesshoumaru; tomorrow is something that may never happen for me, I don't make plans, the most I can ever do is hope, sometimes."

"Your situation has now changed Inuyasha, do you not understand this?"

"You'll have to excuse me if it takes me some time to believe Sesshoumaru; after all, this change of heart is new for you too. Do you forget what you said about me to Kagome just before you gave her the mark? I saw, don't forget; Naraku showed me a lot of stuff in the mirror, remember? It's just that for some reason I always remember everything you've done or said that's meant to hurt me; all the tricks you've pulled on me. As far as I know you could just as quickly change your mind about me again."

Inuyasha did not even see his brother move, let alone the red bleed into his eyes; it all happened so quickly. He had been grabbed around the waist and carried up to very nearly the top of the tree that he and Sesshoumaru had been sitting beneath, almost before he could catch his breath, let alone object. His brother was breathing heavily almost in a growl, and Inuyasha could feel the anger rolling of him in hard waves; instinct told him to stay very still, but as he was being held very tightly with his back against Sesshoumaru's chest, he couldn't see his face. So Inuyasha tried to lean gently against his brother rather than struggle, in an effort to give comfort and calm him down. Thankfully though, Sesshoumaru however was only angry, he wasn't out of control.

"Never mention that filth and his trickery again Inuyasha, he deserves no memory. You were never meant to overhear my conversation with your miko, what I said then was said to serve a purpose, not to demean you anymore. You do not believe my words? I do not fabricate Inuyasha; do not keep accusing me of trickery as if I was no better than that monstrosity." Sesshoumaru was still growling, and Inuyasha suddenly realised that Sesshoumaru thought his actions were being linked in with the dark hanyou.

Inuyasha had not intended him to get that message, nor did he mean to insult his brother; but what was Inuyasha to think? Sesshoumaru had said those things and obviously only a short while ago. Thankfully Sesshoumaru could sense his brother's unease and calmed down; he didn't want Inuyasha to feel justified in his distrust of him, so once the anger had been controlled, Sesshoumaru explained himself.

"I needed to mark your Kagome as quickly as possible, and I didn't have time or the inclination to listen to her possible objections, or discuss my reasons for marking her. I also needed to know whether or not I had the right to pack mark her. Because I do not need the jewel for myself, the only valid reason I had to give her, a single and independent female, my protection from any of the other clans, was if she desired to be with you; my brother. The only other mark of protection is a mate's mark, and obviously that is not one I can offer and you have not; for various reasons."

"How did bitching about me help you mark her then?" Inuyasha said huffily and Sesshoumaru actually smiled briefly with amusement before he controlled himself.

"I have observed the girl when she is angry with you; I have had ample opportunity to study her like that, you anger her a lot. Her stance rarely changes and when she is really angry she leans toward you, hands on her hips, thrusting her head forward and thereby giving anyone who wants it, perfect access to her throat. It was simple to redirect her anger to myself by making her defend you; she is simple to manipulate concerning you; she sees no danger when angered. You should be grateful Inuyasha and consider; I could have killed her."

Inuyasha stared at his brother, taking in his words and more importantly his truthful scent. Sesshoumaru was looking at him without the glacial eyes he was used to, and his smile was small but genuine; Inuyasha knew that his brother was being light hearted and he felt safe, even accepted. Frustratingly he found he was almost moved to tears once again, and blinking hard to dispel them, he leaned in to Sesshoumaru and let his brother hold him. Inuyasha decided there and then that even if the worst came to the worst, and this peace didn't last, as in the past, he would take what was offered now and be content. He was no longer the naive whelp whose world was too often shattered by the vague cruelties of his full blooded brother.

Sesshoumaru though, was quietly happy; he had the lost pup of his family back where he should have been from the beginning, safe and under his protection; mongrel or not, Inuyasha belonged in the West. Not forgetting, of course, the boy would also be under his older brother's influence; after all, Sesshoumaru was the Lord, and Alpha of his family, they would have to submit to his final word. With that thought in mind, he licked Inuyasha's mark once more to reassure the pup and tightened his embrace; he would not however abuse his power anymore over Inuyasha, he was determined to be a good pack leader and at last, prove a worthy son of his father.

Jumping down with a surprised and therefore indignant, Inuyasha still clasped in his arm, Sesshoumaru deposited the pup in his place under the tree, and settled himself down after taking careful note of where everyone was, before he closed his own eyes. The night was quiet and peaceful, warm enough to be comfortable and undisturbed; everyone slept right through gaining strength from the well deserved rest. Which was all to the good as in the morning, which came bright and clear again, decisions had to be made.

It was already settled that Sango and Miroku were going to stay in the village. There was a great deal to do if they were to be married and secure before the winter's snows. They needed to build a warm hut and both Sango and Kohaku wanted to go back to pray at the slayer's village before the wedding. Kirara would go with them, although they didn't anticipate any trouble that they couldn't handle between them; but she had her own respects to pay at Midoriko's cave. Miroku though would stay behind to start the build of their hut. Inuyasha wanted to stay to help him, but he was overruled by Miroku.

"You need to sort much out for yourself Inuyasha; you have your brother's and Kagome's concerns to think about; you need to belong my friend, you have been alone for far too long, now you must take your chance for family."

"But Miroku, you can't do all of this by yourself; you'll never be ready without my help."

"Who says I'm by myself, there are many villagers here willing to help the build; do not worry about us, and remember there will always be a nice warm corner for you, so come and visit before winter." Miroku's words of warm welcome were balm to a wounded soul, and Inuyasha couldn't bring himself to speak for a while; a promise of friendship continuing for him after the quest, was more than he had ever dared hope for. Thankfully, Miroku understood his companion's silence although he was saddened that he'd had to spell it out for the hanyou; that Inuyasha could never assume he was wanted.

Good-byes of course, were always hard to say, so Inuyasha rarely did; he just hugged Sango and also to his friend's great surprise, Miroku. They had all been through so much over the last couple of years that even Inuyasha now knew that they were all closer than friends or in some cases family. Kagome was wailing and inconsolable, along with Sango, who would be gone with her brother soon; she was also clutching at Shippou; who for once didn't understand what the fuss was about. Once again it was Sesshoumaru who called an irritated halt to the proceedings.

"Miko, you will stop this noise; Inuyasha calm your female. It is not as if you are to be parted for very long. You are both to go to the Miko's home are you not; then I suggest you go now. I will only wait for two days here, and I expect you back before then. There is much to be done Inuyasha, in the wake of the foul creature's death." His words and the authoritative tone had the desired effect, and with a final goodbye, the group parted company and Kagome and Inuyasha went through the well.

Coming cautiously out of the well house; Inuyasha and Kagome were reminded of the reason for that caution. Mama was just saying goodbye to a smartly dressed visitor, so they waited patiently until he was out of sight and down the steps before approaching her. Mama held her arms out and Kagome ran to her where she was immediately held tight, but Mama held her other arm out to Inuyasha and he too soon found himself in her loving embrace. She knew they had won the battle of course but it was good to have both of them home.

"Oh, congratulations you two; so the quest is finally over? Thank goodness you are both alright, what about your friends, you look happy so I assume they are all well. Come on, I have steak and ramen for dinner, I had a feeling you'd both show up today." Mama was of course truly relieved, both of her children had survived, but now Kagome was curious:

"Mama, do you have an admirer? Isn't that the same man who was here yesterday, who was kind enough to wait outside while I spoke to you?" Kagome smiled at her mother, raising her eyebrows suggestively, while questioning her.

"No, no dearest. He is very happily married, he is only a friend or should I say acquaintance; the gentleman holds the shrine and ground deeds in trust for somebody on your father's side of the family and he is particularly interested in our shrine history. I have known him for many years, but he visits very rarely; you have met him before, when you were small. He seemed to think something was about to happen, and has been reading the history scrolls for over a week now."

"I don't like it Kagome; who is this guy, does he know about the Shikon being complete? He's up to no good." Inuyasha said in a ferocious whisper.

"Calm down Inuyasha, Mama has known him on and off for years."

"I don't care, if he's nosing about, it means the jewel is not safe; what if youkai come for it...?"

"Inuyasha, you are the only youkai in this time; I have never felt another aura that anywhere near matches a youkai." Kagome said and Inuyasha was stunned, he'd never thought about that before; was he was the only one of his kind left in this time? What if he got stuck here, he knew he'd have Kagome, she'd never desert him; but there was nothing else he was familiar with. Mama was watching his face, and was as ever perceptive. She told him not to worry about anything right now, things usually worked out for the best; and all they had to do was to be most careful of the wish that was to get rid of the jewel and free Midoriko.

"Time to go in you two, dinner is almost ready so if you'd like to freshen up, we can talk later." Mama laughed because they did not need to be told twice, and soon the pair were downstairs tucking into a hearty meal. Steak and Ramen with all the other side dishes they could wish for. Mama had certainly done them proud, and afterwards she was ready to listen to all that had happened in the last couple of days. Kagome did most of the talking which surprised nobody, and Mama was extremely glad to hear that Inuyasha and his brother had come to terms with one another.

She also commiserated with Inuyasha over Kikyou, when Kagome related how she had passed; Mama didn't say anything, but came up behind him and wrapped her arms round his shoulders and squeezed very tight. Inuyasha leaned into her comforting embrace, thankful that he was accepted by Kagome's mother. Mama was the nearest thing to his own mother that he could imagine, and sometimes in the privacy of his mind like now, he would borrow Mama and her comfort and pretend that she was also his. Of course Mama was far from ignorant about Inuyasha's hidden thought, she knew from Kagome that the hanyou boy was orphaned very young, and as far as she was concerned if he wanted to think of her as a substitute then he was most welcome.

After the long narration from Kagome mainly, and a hot drink, it was time for bed; Kagome hugged her mother and got a kiss in return, then got out a separate futon to make a bed up for Inuyasha on her bedroom floor. While she got ready for bed, Inuyasha thought to give her half an hour to settle before he went up, plenty of time for another drink of chocolate; Mama made it, smiling at him.

"Thank you for looking after her for all this time Inuyasha, I know you kept her safe and don't worry about the well, I have a feeling that all will work out fine. Now it's bed time for you too. Goodnight my son." Mama gave him another hug and kiss goodnight, prepared to send him on his way; until she noticed his ears were flat on his head. "Whatever is the matter Inuyasha?" she asked gently out of concern.

"You called me...'son', did you mean that?" His voice sounded unsteady and a bit lost.

"I did child, but if it upsets you, I won't do it again."

"No...I mean...please, I liked it; it means a lot to me."

"I'm glad; anyone would be happy to have a son such as you, Inuyasha."

"Feh!" He replied, but Mama could see his eyes were getting suspiciously bright and damp.

"Don't you 'Feh' me my son, you must hold your head high and don't let anyone look down on you. You have done a great thing for the world in getting rid of this Naraku." Inuyasha smiled, and his ears were where they should be, pricked up happily over his hair.

"Sesshoumaru said the same thing."

"Oh, well then, it must be right if your big brother, the 'Great Lord Sesshoumaru' says so too; yes?"

"Keh, I'll try."

"Goodnight then My Inuyasha and goodnight My Kagome." she called out to the girl she knew was hiding on the stairs. Later on, when she had had time to digest her relief, and on her own way to bed, she popped her head round Kagome's door to see both of them sound asleep; the moon shone lightly on their faces and she smiled, they were peaceful and content.

The next day was spent in stocking up as usual for the trip back, mainly ramen for Inuyasha, sweets and crayons for Shippou, but now there was also a cloth doll for Rin, as well as crayons and sweets too. Kagome also packed more first aid equipment just in case, and various other things that may be needed. That evening Mama shooed them out and they went to the pictures and a restaurant; it was the night of the new moon and Inuyasha was human, but true to form he found something to make him restless.

The completed jewel was bothering him purely because of the stranger at the shrine, and even though he had tried searching with his senses to pick up on youkai aura anywhere, he had found none. However something was strange about the whole affair; there was something subliminal that meant he didn't feel as safe as he normally did and if he didn't feel safe, it meant he didn't think Kagome was safe either. Inuyasha was getting impatient to return to his own time; at least he knew what he was up against there. But before Inuyasha and Kagome returned to the feudal era, Mama gave a sealed letter to Inuyasha and he stared at the name on the envelope,

"How did you know he writes his name like that, you don't use that lettering anymore?"

"Historical records are very useful sometimes Inuyasha." Mama answered, as she smiled at him.

"You mean Mr History man helped you find it? Is it like that inside, so he can read it properly?"

"Yes he did, and yes it is, as it happens, but that's beside the point; will you deliver the letter safely for me? It's very important."

"Feh! Of course. You can trust me. Oy, why are you writing to him anyway?" Sometimes Inuyasha could be too brusque for his own good, Mama thought.

"That Inuyasha, is my business I believe." Mama spoke sternly and frowned at him, satisfied when he looked down and his ears drooped, that he was suitably chastened. She couldn't stay cross with him for long, and in any case her point was made, so soon she was smiling and making hot drinks before they went back in time. Soon with farewell hugs and kisses they all made their way to the well house and Inuyasha couldn't help letting out a small growl when he saw the 'history man' about to enter the room where the shrine records were kept. Mama just smiled at him though, shaking her head slightly, Inuyasha could be overly protective sometimes and apparently, she had just been added to his 'preserve at all costs' list.

"I don't trust him sneaking around; you've got no one here if he tries anything funny." Inuyasha's concern rose into overdrive when he noticed a small smirk on the stranger's face. The man couldn't have heard Inuyasha, so what was that about, had he found something that didn't concern him? Inuyasha was going to go and find out; still growling in a low tone, he gathered himself to make his move, only to be confronted with Mama. History man had also looked up briefly, his smirk still firmly in place before he disappeared from sight into the record office.

"Inuyasha, be quiet dear, it's O.K. Remember I've known him for years; now go, before I have to start answering awkward questions about where you are going in such old style clothes."

Kagome took pity on her mother and pulled the still suspicious hanyou to the well. Once on the other side, they made their way to the village; Shippou was pleased to see them both, as was Kaede. Sesshoumaru merely inclined his head in a graceful manner, acknowledging his brother's return, and proceeded to call his little troop together in preparation for leaving for the Western Lands. Inuyasha approached him and offered him the letter. Sesshoumaru was intrigued; he noted the seals on the back and his name on the front, turning it over in his hands while wondering about the strange parchment.

"Well, you gonna read it then?" Inuyasha was by now eager to know what Mama had written to his brother but Sesshoumaru didn't even look up from his as yet, unopened letter.

"What's it say?" Was the next question from the impatient and brash hanyou, when his brother split the seal. Sesshoumaru read the letter in silence, his eyebrows raised to his fringe and sometimes with a little smile.

"Come on, tell me." Inuyasha whined like a puppy. "What does it say?"He was almost jumping up and down by now and his older brother looked down at him with a condescending, but fond, smile.

"Little Brother, did Lady Higurashi inform you of the contents of this letter? No? I thought not. It is my name on the address, not yours. Perhaps when the time is right, I will inform you, but that time is not now. Do not sulk and get ready to go home." Sesshoumaru was slightly exasperated but Inuyasha, however put out he felt by his brother, still felt happy when Sesshoumaru said they were going home; like he really meant it was Inuyasha's home as well.

Sesshoumaru had to hide another smile; really, it was too easy to distract Inuyasha sometimes and yet seeing Inuyasha's happy reaction to the simple idea of going home, gave him a twinge of guilt again. It was solely Sesshoumaru's fault that Inuyasha had been deprived of a real place to call his home; the older brother would see to it that that changed and soon. Giving his brother's ears a friendly tweak and noting that they still automatically flinched and flattened at his touch Sesshoumaru sighed gently. A lot of work needed to be done with their relationship, but as Inuyasha turned and smiled at his brother, Sesshoumaru knew that it would improve; after all they had already come a long way.

Kagome was watching the two boys as they talked, she too was intrigued by the letter, but knew better than to ask; perhaps Mama would tell them next time they went back.

However she was startled when she saw Inuyasha's genuine and completely unguarded smile at Sesshoumaru; he looked so young and happy. Although Kagome would like to see Inuyasha smile at her that way, as if she was the only one who existed for him, it was too soon after Kikyou; patience she reminded herself, patience. She was just heaving her bag over her shoulder, when Inuyasha took it from her, adding it to the burden of the sturdy Ah-Un. Suddenly around her neck, Kagome became aware of strange warmth and the Shikon jewel started to glow.

"Inuyashaaaa."

TBC