The Day After Tomorrow

AUTHOR: Angelhart
GENRE: romance/hurt/comfort
STORY: continuation
STATUS: incomplete
RATING: M
DISCLAIMER: InuYasha ©2000 Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan - Yomiuri TV - Sunrise
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 25

"You're an asshole."

A part of him longed so much to deliver a hard punch in his brother's face. If there were other circumstances he probably already had. That the mere presence of the hanyou was a huge stain on his pedigree was already gnawing on him, but that foul mouth of his. Demon may be, but the youth carried the genes of a sophisticated line. He should act more like it. He glanced quickly to the bare feet of the red clothed youngster covered in dirt and filth. His face muscles cringed in disapproval, before he turned his head back to the distraction that had kept him so docile and not at least washed Inuyasha's mouth with soap.

The infant crying in front of him.

The events that had occurred had taught him two things. Something that was known to all men and demons; humans belong with their own kind. And… that he was not qualified to raise an infant.

The sound of her distraught was most annoying to his sensitive ears. And her state would not be fitting to have proper conversation.

"Rin. Stop it."

The tone of his voice was harsher than any other command he had ever given her. It obviously shocked her and she looked up to his face. She didn't stop, but her crying slowly reduced to sobbing.

He waited until the loud sniffs subsided and there was a deep intake of breath from her, one that shuddered her entire upper body. When he was assured he had her full attention, he spoke.

"You will remain here. There will be no discussion about it."

She sniffed and her lower lip trembled, but she knew better than to start crying again. The moisture was however still clearly visible in her eyes, only now suppressed by her shear willpower and absolute obedience to him.

Then with a soft, trembling voice she asked: "Was Rin such a bother?"

He swallowed. Her question surprised him and strangely affected him. She looked up to him and as he stared into the child's big brown eyes he felt his features softening. He found himself lowering his body to her level, kneeling down.

So full of trust as he stretched out his hand and sharp claws came into her view. So strange and unnatural that was to him. And as he cupped her face she didn't flinch, but leaned in to his touch.

She stared at him with an adoration he could not understand and perhaps never would. He tilted his head slightly, fascinated by it. How was it possible for such a mere mortal little girl to leave such a mark upon his immortal life?

"Some decisions are not a child's to make. But when you're older you can make such choice yourself."

"I can come live with you again?" Her face lit up. Her eyes sparkled as a smile formed around her lips.

Hope. Such a big thing in a small child's world.

"Yes," was his answer. "If you so desire."

He was shocked when he suddenly felt her hand grasping his when he moved to rise again. Tiny fingers, a touch so warm.

"Will Sesshomaru-sama visit Rin?"

He withdrew his hand slowly, somehow reluctant to let go. And as he looked at the child, he realized he was going to miss her presence in his life. Such an odd revelation.

"Yes." As he answered there was a calmness filling his heart. Something he wasn't even aware he needed.

Looking down at her, her sadness had dissipated somewhat. He was pleased she had accepted this new life he had chosen for her. Whatever path she would choose as an adult would be up to her when that time would come.

She had once been an outcast of the village she lived in. That much was obvious. She would not be an outcast here. This small society that had somehow even accepted his brother, a half demon, was one he would entrust her to. He was confident that the child would be safe here. She would learn the ways of humans and be protected. He had noticed she was comfortable in the presence of his brother's little gang of human friends. Leaving her here was logical.

"I will leave her with you," he said addressing to the audience of villagers. Most of them the ones that were part of Inuyasha's entourage. "I will hold you all responsible for her safety." There was a snort from the hanyou who crossed his arms and mumbled something about him just ditching the kid, but that was not were his attention was directed at. Sesshomaru had locked his gaze with the eyes of the demon slayer woman. Her redemption was yet to be paid and as she slowly lowered her eyes, he knew she had understood the silent message that was only meant for her.

The only thing that had made him lenient in keeping her alive was her sense of honor. He knew that if he would strike her down, she would not fight him. She would have accepted that fate without remorse. He respected an honest warrior no matter what species. And although both their races had been at war since the beginning of their existence, he could appreciate the fact when the opposite side was honor bound. It was what defined the lower class from the more intelligent of their kind. With the slayer's debt to him, he knew the child would be even more safe. And that made him comfortable with the thought of leaving Rin here.

He turned around and walked away towards the direction he had sent Jaken to, to wait for him with A-un. Although with each step he told him, it was for the best, there was this feeling inside of him. Like something was missing. And when he reached the secluded area where he found the imp and dragon waiting, it was the imp who pointed it out.

"Where is Rin, Sesshomaru-sama?"

He turned his head as if he felt the need to make sure that the child had not secretly followed him. It was odd to feel disappointment when he realized she hadn't. Then he looked at Jaken. "She will remain in the human village."

He had expected a 'good riddance' or something similar from the green imp. He even anticipated it somewhat anxiously to give him reason to act out this feel of sudden anxiety that had come over him. And suddenly he wished he had actually punched his half-brother in the face. Yet the only reaction Jaken gave him was a simple "oh."

At the sound of rustling in the bushes around him, the demon spun around. He could swear his heart jumped to a faster rhythm and it was as if a strange weight was lifted when he expected to see the little girl coming out of her hiding place.

But the figure stepping forward and revealing itself was not Rin. It was his brother.

His mood changed immediately. "What do you want?"

"With Naraku gone, there will be many demons who will try to take over, I bet."

Sesshomaru smirked. "What's this, brother. Sudden concern for my welfare?"

"We could use your help in clearing up Naraku's leftovers. And, hey, if you get killed by any one of them, I will probably be last to mourn over it. Hell, I bet the world be even safer place without you in it."

"At least the Goshinboku still stands. Convenient for immobilizing half demons."

It was stare-down between both men. Neither willing to avert, neither anxious to start a battle, for either of them would have then already made the first move.

"You've could have left three days earlier, yet you waited for my return. If I didn't know better, I would think it was you who was concerned for my welfare."

"Only wanted to be sure that you weren't going to escape your fate, brother."

"Which fate is that?"

"Me killing you." And with a grin the demon added, "It would be awful tiresome to hunt you down in other dimensions."

The hanyou chuckled at that reply.

Then both men turned around. Sesshomaru mounted the dragon and took off, watched the red figure become nothing more than a dot as he looked down. Turning, he flew over the village once, watching the people already rebuilding their homes and cleaning up the mess of Naraku's assault. He had to admit that the resilience of humans was astounding. One could crush them, but the survivors would just rebuild and start over again. An endless circle that ensured the survival of this fragile species. And they would use all means necessary to survive. Even if it meant surrendering their soul to a demon. But such a parasitic existence would weaken both parties. And that had been the downfall to the being that had been Naraku.

Those that lust for power will be consumed by it.

You were right, father...

A/N: Thank you all for the +1K followers on tumblr!
And Happy Valentine's day everyone ^^