Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this splash of progress... especially for the giddy one. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Standoffish
After her morning jog with Inuyasha, Sango hurried through a shower, jumped into her work clothes, and skipped breakfast in the hopes that she'd catch Sesshoumaru alone. Thankfully, when she slipped into the back room at Founder's Coffee, he was at his desk, quietly working his way through the mail that had piled up during his extended absence. Clearing her throat lightly, she ventured, "Sir, could I ask you a personal question?"
Golden eyes lifted from a coffee grower's newsletter. "You may ask."
Taking a deep breath, she continued, "It's about youkai and... mating?" The inu-youkai grew very still, and holding up a shaky hand to beg for patience, she hastily added, "More specifically, I was wondering if you could help me understand how the whole betrothal thing works. Ayame mentioned something about a go-between...?"
The subtle tension in the air eased, and Sesshoumaru adopted a more confident posture. "It is customary for those seeking an alliance between two clans to send a representative to negotiate on their behalf. In the she-wolf's case, Miroku's adoptive father approached her grandfather, presumably on his son's behalf."
"Does the go-between have to be a wolf-youkai in order to be heard?"
Sesshoumaru set aside his newsletter and steepled his fingers, a shrewd light gleaming in his eyes. "Not necessarily. For instance, if I were responsible for a young female, I would have no problem approaching Takeo; we are business associates, so the acquaintance is already established." Pursing his lips for a moment, he added, "Naturally, I would begin by determining the suitability of the male. Then, I would secure the blessings of his alpha. Indeed, I would ensure that the whole pack pledged to protect her, her family, and her progeny."
"You could do that?" she breathed.
"I could," he confirmed. "Do you wish to approach a youkai clan, Miss Sakamoto?"
"I do," Sango replied seriously.
"Have you spoken to Miroku on this matter?" he inquired lightly.
Blushing somewhat, she admitted, "No. From the little bit I was able to find out, it sounds as though it's up to the female to initiate everything once the male has demonstrated interest and intent." With an awkward smile, she said, "That's been covered, so the ball's in my court."
"That is true," Sesshoumaru agreed solemnly. "Your initiative is entirely appropriate."
"It is?" she asked, nearly shaking with relief.
"Hnn," he agreed. Rising, he moved slowly to her side, then courteously guided her to a chair. "There are other things to consider. In most cases, some form of exchange is made—a dowry and a bride price. In fact, I believe that may be the reason why Takeo is unable to unmake the match with Ayame."
Lowering her eyes, she shyly confided, "I think Takeo-sama would accept me."
Sesshoumaru caught her chin, much as Miroku's adoptive father had done, forcing her to fully meet his gaze. "You've already met with him?" he demanded.
"I met him," Sango corrected. "It was just for a minute, but... he complimented me. He also warned me that wolves do not beg."
Releasing his gentle grasp, Sesshoumaru urged, "Explain." Sango did to the best of her ability, and by the time she was done, the taiyoukai seemed very pleased. "I am willing to become your go-between." In casual tones, he added, "I do have a request, though."
"Yes?"
"Would you be willing to come under my protection?"
Sango blinked and asked, "How do you mean?"
"You and yours would become part of my pack... legally."
"Kohaku and I?" she asked. When he inclined his head, she ventured, "Why?"
"No matter Takeo's response, you and your brother would be cared for. Also, it would lend credibility to my interference and strengthen my position for negotiation." He pursed his lips slightly, then grudgingly added, "It would also benefit me and my enterprises."
"You wouldn't be... unreasonable?" Sango ventured worriedly. She wasn't sure she liked the idea of becoming his bargaining chip.
Sesshoumaru took more time that she would have liked to answer, but he finally said, "Not unduly." When she continued to scrutinize his calm face, he sighed softly. "Miss Sakamoto, the goal at such times is to unite two clans, not to create rifts between them. You may rest assured that your interests will guide my actions."
A few days later, Sango and Kohaku placed their signatures on more dotted lines than they could count, followed by the application of Sesshoumaru's seal. With a satisfied hum, he announced, "Your strength has been added to ours."
Inuyasha gruffly interjected, "Which is dog-speak for welcome to the family."
Rather abashed at the formality, Sango glanced between the brothers, wondering if she was supposed to say or do something. Shippo caught her eye and winked, reminding her that the kitsune was also one of her new relatives... kinsmen... packmates? She'd have to ask about all the particulars later. For now, she settled on, "I don't know how to thank you enough for all this.!"
Inuyasha sidled over, and in a stage whisper, he said, "Don't let our alpha fool you for a second. He's always wanted a little sister, so he'll probably spoil you rotten."
Sango stole a glance at Sesshoumaru, who was very busily straightening papers. She was honestly relieved that Inuyasha had chosen to cast the taiyoukai in the role of a sibling instead of trying to replace her father. With a shy smile, she admitted, "I always sort of wanted a big brother."
"Well, now you have two," the hanyou replied smugly.
"Hey!" Shippo protested. "What about me? I've been a member of the pack for ages!"
Inuyasha snorted. "Last I checked, you were just a two-tail, runt. Sango's more mature than you, which means she's your big sister."
The kitsune's expression grew speculative, and his green eyes slid towards Kohaku. "What about him?"
Sango's younger brother shuffled his feet self-consciously, and Inuyasha ambled over to stand between them. Dropping a hand atop both teens' heads, he frowned thoughtfully. "Hard to say. You're about the same size. What do you think, Sesshoumaru? Will they have to work this out in the usual way?"
"Possibly."
That sounded ominous, and Sango spoke up. "What do you mean by 'working things out'?"
"Oh, you know," Inuyasha replied casually. "They'll have to vie for rank."
"Vie?" Kohaku asked nervously.
Sango frowned deeply. "As in... fight?"
"More like... scuffle," Inuyasha corrected.
Shippo cockily exclaimed, "No contest!"
"Hnn," Sesshoumaru mused aloud, eyeing the adolescents. "A contest would level the playing field."
Some of Kohaku's discomfort faded, and he tentatively asked, "Does it matter who's older?"
Sesshoumaru's 'yes' and Inuyasha's 'nope' were simultaneous, and the half-brothers traded glares that Sango guessed meant there was a scuffle in their near future. Taking charge of the conversation, the elder brother declared, "It matters."
"What kind of contest?" Shippo quizzed.
Folding his hands together atop his desk, the taiyoukai considered the two boys with care. Then, he remarked, "Miroku has been giving you lessons in latte art... has he not?"
"Yes, sir," Kohaku replied.
"Uh-oh," Shippo muttered.
"I suggest you practice," Sesshoumaru decreed, adding an eyebrow quirk for emphasis.
The teens scuttled out of the back room, and Inuyasha snorted. "Are you really going to use froth to sort them out, or are you just jerking Shippo's tails?"
His brother merely lifted a shoulder, then looked towards Sango. "Any questions?"
She thought fast, then asked, "What's next?"
Folding his hands together, Sesshoumaru considered the matter, then announced, "Normally, I would begin by determining the suitability of the male you are considering."
"But...!" she protested
Inuyasha held up his hands, his golden eyes alight with eagerness. "Please," he begged. "Let him?"
Sango warily asked, "Isn't my opinion on his suitability enough?"
"'Course!" the hanyou immediately replied. "But I couldn't go to his thesis defense, and this'll be twice as much fun. Think of it as payback for all the times Miroku cornered you by the napkin dispensers... and the prep sink... and the cup racks... and the broom closet..."
Sango's chin came up, and she coolly admitted, "I wouldn't mind seeing him squirm a little."
Miroku hadn't been raised by wolves for nothing; he was pretty quick to pick up on nonverbal messages. Within minutes of showing up for his shift, he was trying to glean clues to the oddly expectant atmosphere surrounding everyone in the coffee shop. "What am I missing?" he finally asked Inuyasha.
With a sniff and a shrug, the hanyou replied, "Nutmeg?"
"Ah." Not what he'd meant, but Miroku reached for the spice jar and casually scrutinized his coworkers. Sango was sweeping and straightening out on the floor. Shippo and Kohaku were thick as thieves, as per usual... but the freckle-faced teen seemed especially relaxed today. Good to see him finding his feet. That's sure to ease some of his sister's worries.
Just then, Kohaku's expression lit up, and Miroku turned to see who had earned so much of the boy's admiration. Sesshoumaru? Well, that's a switch. Normally, the kid showed signs of nervousness around the imposing shop owner. At best, he was painfully polite. What might he have done to so thoroughly overcome Kohaku's fears?
He tugged absentmindedly at his ponytail, caught up in the possibilities. The only thing to do is ask, of course. Maybe during my break, I can... "Whoa!" Miroku nearly leapt out of his skin when he turned and found Sesshoumaru looming behind him. "Excuse me," he apologized before easing around the inu-youkai.
"Hnn."
An hour later, Miroku was completely flummoxed. He couldn't recall a time when Sesshoumaru had given off any aura other than calm competence. His boss was one of those rare demons who never resorted to posturing, in large part because he didn't have to; Sesshoumaru was in a class all his own. But Miroku didn't know what else to call the sommelier's strange actions.
He could have asked, but it became a matter of professional pride to unravel this behavioral mystery for himself. For all he knew, this was some kind of convoluted test that Sesshoumaru had cooked up to try his doctoral mettle. But he'd probably consider that unprofessional, and Sesshoumaru doesn't do unprofessional. He was quite sure the taiyoukai wouldn't mess with him unless it was within his rights to do so... and it wasn't. Yet he was confounded to once more find himself systematically herded towards his work station. "Would you like a cup of coffee?" he inquired politely.
Sesshoumaru merely waved off his suggestion and returned to his brewing, leaving Miroku to wrack his brain, trying to think if he'd done something... or left something undone. The taiyoukai's displeasure could reflect poorly on his future prospects, for he'd applied for a position at the university. Perhaps more importantly, his actions could reflect poorly on his pack, and the gravity of that thought worried him even more.
The space behind the coffee shop's counter became an obstacle course, for he kept almost-colliding with the owner. Miroku could feel him staring, and thanks to his inherent sensitivity, he knew Sesshoumaru was throwing around enough youki to curdle milk. "What?" he finally begged when he again found the formidable demon's neatly-aproned chest blocking his view.
Sesshoumaru stared down his nose at him, face unreadable. It was almost as if the demon was warning him off, but all he'd been trying to do was... oh, is it possible...? Miroku's gaze darted along the path he'd attempted to take moments ago, and violet eyes widened. Sango bent before one of the lower cupboards, presenting a fetching view of her posterior as she rummaged for napkins and straws.
"Hnn," Sesshoumaru haughtily offered, as if he'd just made an excellent point.
He's protecting Sango? Miroku paled as a fleeting idea took hold. Is he treating me as a rival? He'd always had a sneaking suspicion that the taiyoukai would end up with a human mate somewhere along the way, but not Sango. That wasn't acceptable. Sango was his. Heedless of the consequences, he glared rebelliously at Sesshoumaru, whose brow quirked. Then, golden eyes glittered, as if accepting the challenge.
The posturing continued throughout Miroku's shift, and a definite pattern emerged. Every time he took a step towards Sango, he ran up against a silver-haired wall. "Do you need something?" Sesshoumaru archly inquired.
"Spoon," Miroku replied tersely.
Quicker than he could follow, Sesshoumaru was there and back again. "Spoon," he drawled, offering him the utensil.
With a soft sigh, he muttered, "Thanks."
He knew he wasn't imagining things. Inuyasha was very carefully minding his own business, but his ears were slanted their way. Shippo was watching with obvious delight, and even Sango was stealing glances. If anything, she seemed amused by his predicament. Wonderful. I risk life and limb for love, and she smiles as if my imminent demise is cute. He shook his head morosely. It would be much better if she though I was cute. Wait... not cute. Dashing... or debonair... better yet, desirable!
A very pleasant daydream was rudely interrupted by a low growl, and Miroku snapped to attention, self-preservation instincts jangling. Sesshoumaru had begun to circle, and every dusty tome and ground-breaking journal article Miroku had ever read agreed that this was a very bad sign. Given his employer's current disposition, the young man did the only thing he could do; he put his upbringing to work.
Shifting his weight, he adopted a wholly passive stance and let one shoulder drop, his pack's allowance for his lack of a tail. Miroku's chin was up because a wolf had pride, but his eyes were downcast because he knew his place. Releasing a slow breath, he simply waited, for this was Sesshoumaru's territory. The taiyoukai would do as he pleased, when he pleased... with me. Sango was still another matter entirely.
"Hnn. Very well," Sesshoumaru declared with finality. And just like that, all the tension in the air dissipated.
"Ah... eh?" he tentatively replied, but the taiyoukai was already wandering towards the back room. Feeling rather like a chew toy that had been dropped because the game had become dull, he rounded on Inuyasha. The hanyou was clutching his gut and shaking with silent laughter. Shuffling over, Miroku sagged against the counter next to his best friend and wearily asked, "Do I want to know?"
"So long as the bastard's happy, does it matter?" Inuyasha rejoined.
Miroku's eyebrows shot up. "He was happy?"
"I know it's hard to tell, but trust me," the hanyou said with a broad grin. "Positively giddy."
Shortly after noon a couple days later, Inuyasha poked his head out of the back room and asked, "Hey, Sango, want to come with me? I heard a rumor that there's a big meet-up across campus right about now!"
"Oh?" she asked curiously. "What sort of meeting?"
"A secret meeting!" he gruffly teased. Turning to Shippo and Kohaku, he said, "You two cover things until Miroku gets here. He's due any minute, so it'll be an hour tops."
"Sure thing!" the kitsune said, bumping Sango from her place at the cash register.
"We know what to do," assured Kohaku.
Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder, ears pricked, then grumbled, "Of all the days for him to actually be early! Sango, move it! Out the front door!"
She hurried out around the counter, which the hanyou neatly vaulted, offering a hasty apology to the two little old ladies waiting for their order. "Miroku will be with you in a sec!" he promised, as he hustled Sango outside.
"What's the rush?" she asked, lengthening her stride to keep up with the hanyou.
He turned to jog backwards, a sly look on his face. "I have it on good authority that representatives from the city's highest-ranking pack and the city's largest pack are going head-to-head. They're thinking of strengthening ties the old-fashioned way!"
"Takeo-sama has the biggest pack?"
"Hands down," Inuyasha confirmed. "Kouga's got more aunts, uncles, and cousins than you can shake a stick at."
"Which means yours is the highest ranking?"
"Ours is," he firmly corrected. "And yeah... we're totally prestigious. You hooked up with nobility."
"I had no idea," she confessed.
"I know," he chuckled. "It doesn't much matter in this day and age... except to other youkai. But Sesshoumaru's got rank and pull and the prettiest pedigree on the planet." He slowed to a stop and waved her closer. "We'll make better time if we piggyback it."
For the first time since she'd met Miroku's family, it dawned on Sango that she had a pack, too. The very thing she'd envied about him had been given to her. By taking her in, Sesshoumaru hadn't simply improved his business connections; he'd put her and Miroku on the same footing.
As Inuyasha took to the rooftops, Sango adjusted her grip until it was less hang-on-for-dear-life and more hug-for-all-she-was-worth. She'd never been very good at expressing softer emotions, so it was hard to know what to do with all of the happiness bottled up inside.
The hanyou spared her a quick peek and asked, "You okay back there?"
"Better than okay," she promised.
"Keh... thought so," he replied. He gave her leg a pat and kept on running.
Sango could have laughed or maybe even cried, but she only held on tighter to her packmate, a hanyou who didn't need words to understand her feelings.
Inuyasha slowed when they reached the far end of the campus and crouched to let Sango off his back. Holding up a finger for silence, he waved for her to follow him towards a long row of venerable trees that had probably been planted at the university's founding. They were huge, and the intermittent shrubbery stretching between them made for good cover. Peeping up over the nearest hedge, Inuyasha grinned triumphantly. "What did I tell you?" he whispered. "They're going at it. Have been for a while by the looks of things."
Sango cautiously peered over the greenery and into the huge lawn beyond. Sesshoumaru and Takeo stood facing each other across the expanse, and... nothing was happening. Finally, she murmured, "They're just staring at each other?"
The hanyou eyed her curiously. "You can't sense youki at all, can you?"
She slowly shook her head, feeling a little guilty even though the trait was fairly rare in humans. "I guess not?"
"That's okay," he assured, pointing towards the two demons. "Take a look at their hair."
Sango studied the pair more closely and realized that even though there wasn't so much as a breath of wind, Sesshoumaru's long, silver hair stirred around him as if caught by rising currents. Takeo's long braid was also swaying in perfect counter point with the idle lashing of his tail. "Is their youki making that happen?"
"Yeah," Inuyasha confirmed. "From my perspective, it's pretty impressive. They're both powerful, and neither of them gets to cut loose often. I wonder if they'll pull the last stops just for the hell of it."
"Will there be a... scuffle?" Sango asked worriedly.
"Oh, they're way past scuffle," Inuyasha replied unconcernedly. Just then his gaze swung past her shoulder, and he snorted. "Looks like we're not the only eavesdroppers."
Sango turned to follow his line of sight and spied and unmistakable shock of silver hair showing above the next hedge over. "Hakkaku?" she murmured.
"You two are just begging to be found out, aren't you?" Inuyasha accused in amused tones.
Ginta and Hakkaku popped up, traded a guilty look, then grinned. An instant later, they were right next to her, and Sango hadn't even seen them move! It was a vivid reminder that despite their non-threatening behavior, these two were youkai—swifter, stronger, and stealthier than a mere human. Still, it was hard to find Hakkaku even the tiniest bit intimidating, for he tugged her into a gentle embrace and rubbed his cheek against hers. "I'm so happy, little sister!" he crooned.
"Actually, she's my sister," Inuyasha grumbled.
Ginta touched the hanyou's arm and said, "Your alpha is generous to take two humans under his protection."
"And you're generous to put it like that," he replied wryly. "You know the clans will give him hell."
"Of course we know," Hakkaku calmly replied, stepping back so his packmate could greet Sango.
Tugging one silvery ear, Inuyasha conceded, "Guess you would."
The mohawk-crested wolf glanced towards the ongoing standoff, then dropped his voice to share, "You couldn't have chosen a better go-between, little sister. Takeo-sama is enjoying himself."
"How can you tell?" Sango inquired.
"It's all in the tail," Ginta whispered, his own tail giving a short wag.
Hakkaku cheerfully confided, "I think Takeo-sama probably would have accepted you for Miroku's sake, but your new ties have changed everything. He is impressed by your cleverness!"
"I'm not sure I understand."
"The match will bring about an enviable alliance!" Ginta interjected.
Inuyasha snorted. "It's like I said, Sango... you've given the biggest and the best a chance to go head-to-head. Sesshoumaru hasn't had this much fun since he ran the last dragons off the continent."
Ginta pulled the young woman's hands into his own and offered, "I'll bake your wedding cake!"
Hakkaku edged closer to whisper, "And I'll watch your babies!"
Blushing furiously, she mumbled, "Thank you for the offer."
"Keh," interjected Inuyasha. "Isn't it a little premature to be welcoming her into your family? It might be a while before Miroku can claim her."
"But he will, and that's what's important," argued Hakkaku.
Just then, all three males whipped around to watch their respective alphas. "Oh, good!" exclaimed Hakkaku with a smile.
Ginta nodded, "A very good sign."
"What?" Sango demanded, for she couldn't see any change.
Inuyasha slipped behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Watch close," he instructed. "Even you'll be able to see this, and you don't want to miss it."
Suddenly, the wind picked up, flattening the grass and sending the surrounding trees into disarray. She squinted as leaves were torn loose by the whirlwind, but her eyes widened when she realized that something was changing. Both males were backing slowly away from each other as their bodies shifted. Even though she knew what must be underway, Sango disbelievingly asked, "What's happening?"
"Something that doesn't happen often," Inuyasha replied. Moments later, he quietly exclaimed, "Hell, he's even bigger than last time! It really has been a while."
Sango gaped in amazement as an enormous silver dog with a luxuriant ruff lifted his head to scent the air. He was joined by a rangy black wolf whose spiky fur was somewhat less elegant, but whose size was equally impressive.
"That's Sesshoumaru?" she breathed, noting the crescent moon that decorated the dog's forehead.
"Yeah." In gruff tones that couldn't hide how proud he was, the hanyou murmured, "That's our big brother out there."
"He's so... silky," she murmured.
Inuyasha snickered as scarlet eyes slid their way, then with a soft wuff, the inu-youkai leapt into the air and galloped towards the clouds high overhead. Takeo darted after him, eagerly bounding skyward. Brakes screeched on the street just beyond campus, and Sango gasped, "Can everyone see them?"
Hakkaku leaned back to watch the two canines circling higher. "Yep!"
"Oh, yes... they'll totally make the evening news," Ginta agreed.
Shaking his head, Inuyasha remarked, "So much for secrecy. Miroku's sure to hear about their little celebratory romp."
"Not from us," Hakkaku replied. "And we're the only ones who know what's up."
The hanyou grunted, then eyed the pair speculatively. "Why is that?"
With a definite sparkle in his dark eyes, Ginta replied, "We're the bride price!"
Sango was on her way home that evening when Sesshoumaru approached her, looking as calm, cool, and collected as always. Gazing at him with a new level of awe, she wondered how you packed a dog bigger than her dormitory inside one perfectly poised package. "Good evening, sir," she greeted.
He frowned slightly, then said, "You may use my name."
With an awkward smile, she replied, "Thank you, Sesshoumaru... -sama?"
This time, his lips quirked, and he shook his head. "Sesshoumaru will do, Miss Sakamoto."
Laughing quietly, she asked, "Shouldn't you use my name, too?"
"With your permission," he calmly rejoined, quirking a brow.
"Please do," she invited with a warm smile.
"Hnn... Sango," he accepted, falling in step beside her. As they strolled along the sidewalk towards the dorms, he announced, "Takeo has agreed. You may pursue Miroku."
"Oh... that's good," she sighed. Then, the young woman asked, "Is that all there is to it?"
"The particulars will be documented in due course, but the verbal agreement is binding." Golden eyes slanted her way. "The rest is up to you."
End Note: Posted on September 16, 2011. 4,112 words.
