Miroku wasn't a fan of the blue paint that had been streaked along his shoulders. It itched once it dried and he wondered aloud if there was some kind ritual he'd need to undergo to get the tattoos.

"It's more trouble than it's worth. You'd have to be sworn in as an official member of the clan by marriage or by merit." Sesshomaru's head was tilted backwards, his hair pooling on Miroku's futon as he waited. His own marks had long since been perfected and now he was waiting for the others to be finished.

"I'm the least useless person in the room," Miroku reminded him, "how do you earn citizenship through merit?"

The man working on his streaks was the one to answer when Sesshomaru turned his gaze elsewhere. Self important bastard didn't have the guts to tell him that he wasn't sure so he just said nothing at all.

"Breakthroughs in healing are the easiest, but there's also joining the board of advisors, or becoming an important person to the Lord and Lady." He smiled broadly at Miroku and he noticed that his fanged smile was intentionally charming, "you've got an amazing chance at any of those, if you ask me."

Sesshomaru knew he shouldn't much care, the monk was hardly his to command, but that schmoozing smile of his subordinate ruffled his fur.

"I don't think anyone did ask you. Please finish your work in silence and be gone."

Sango gave him a withering look, "you don't look good in green, my love."

"Nonsense."

But Miroku was hardly stupid. He smirked to himself and turned back to the man packing away his things, "allow me to walk you out. Has anyone ever told you that your smile is radiant?"

"Why thank you, Monk Miroku."

He followed the other man out of his bedroom, "and I've always been so fond of the silver hair. May I touch it?"

Flustered, the painter leaned forwards, "you're very kind. However, I'd hate to get in trouble with Lord Sesshomaru, word around the palace is that he's quite fond of you and the slayer." He stepped away with a bow.

"That's silly. He's made it very clear that his interest is with Sango. So long as my boyfriend is fine with a bit of harmless flirting there is no need to worry." The painter nodded again, "what is your name?"

"I am Natsuo. I apprentice under Hina, for now I'm stuck painting temporary marks, but when the time comes I'll be allowed to practice giving tattoos of all sorts."

"Well, Natsuo, I look forward to my first tattoo being by your gentle hand."

The door opened and his friends came spilling out.

"Why is it that you are still here, apprentice? Did I stutter when I told you to be gone?"

The young man froze, bowing low, "my apologies my Lord. I was merely explaining a few things to Monk Miroku."

"Leave him be, Lord Sesshomaru." Miroku waved in front of his face, "I trapped him into a conversation."

The side of Sesshomaru's palm on his skull made his ears ring for a moment and he stumbled, thanking the young painter who steadied him.

"Need I remind you to keep your hands to yourself?" Miroku asked coyly and Sesshomaru bit back a smirk of amusement.

"And if I don't heed your warning?"

Miroku shrugged, "I'll send my boyfriend and my new friend, Natsuo, after you." That's where Sango interfered, waving away the tension as if it were a bad smell.

"The testosterone in the air is suffocating, Gods in heaven, Natsuo, dear, it may be best if you go. Thank you for your help, though." It took no time for him to scamper away and then she turned to face the two men that couldn't seem to stop nipping at each other.

"Gods have mercy. You two need to fuck."

XxXxXxXxXx

Sango didn't much like three out of five of the men Haruki had chosen. They were condescending pricks that continued to compare Sesshomaru to Touga as if shared genetics could make them the same person.

They also insisted on calling InuYasha a half breed- which was starting to royally piss her off.

"Lady Sango, you may start your questioning." Haruki offered her a comforting pat upon the shoulder. So she rose from her seat beside InuYasha, her fingers brushing with Sesshomaru's as he passed her.

While his questions centered around their views on defense, Sango's were based in human rights. She wanted to know how they felt about reintegrating humans into the clan and what they thought about opening positions of power to humans and half demons.

She and InuYasha had gotten lucky. Their intimate relationship with Sesshomaru made it impossible for anyone to deny them, but when the clan was diverse she wanted to be sure that the most suitable candidate was chosen.

Not the most suitable demon.

This vetting of the board would ensure that they had like minded individuals helping them build a place that was safe for everyone involved.

The first man claimed that, "building diversity would need to be slow. The people of this clan have not seen hide nor hair of a human in two hundred years. To suddenly open the gates would throw the balance into chaos and endanger the humans we welcomed. For the moment it is best to end human-hate propaganda and make sure our Lady is portrayed in the best light."

The second didn't say much of value so she nodded thoughtfully, thoroughly unimpressed by his use of the phrase 'as you know'.

"Integrating humans would be dangerous and foolhardy, the old board didn't kill that traitor, Lord Touga, only for some human wench to come and muck it up."

Sesshomaru had smiled as the summoned guards to cut out his tongue. Still as creepy and sadistic as he'd always been. Haruki shuddered a bit, trying to comfort his Lady as best he could.

She was hiding behind her hands and he feared that the display had offended her. Warrior or not, she was still a woman.

"Can we save the tongue slicing for any other time? Now we only have four people to choose from."

One stood abruptly, bowing as he excused himself and followed the trail of blood, "three. Those two were mates." Haruki sighed. Maybe Sango was more than a woman. The distress he expected was more inconvenience.

"Now we don't even get to choose." She pouted. Lord Sesshomaru shrugged.

"How many displease you?"

She sighed when all three stiffened in their seats, "just one, but I won't tell you which until you swear not to hurt anymore of them. We can't expect honesty if you're going to cut out their tongues."

"He disrespected you in my presence. Besides," he glanced at his own brother when he said this, "dogs get unruly when left unthreatened for too long. We need honesty and obedience, like our dear Haruki."

He was suddenly reminded of the sharp way he'd regarded his Lord the last time they spoke.

"Isn't that right, Haruki? A dog left unattended for too long forgets himself?"

If there was one thing Haruki knew, it was that he needed to leave. Soon. Something had put his Lord in a terrible mood and he didn't want to be the fool that acted as another example.

"Leave him alone, Sesshomaru. You're such a bully." Lady Sango was standing before him, ever so small, but her spirit blazed and his Lord smiled at her.

"You will not continue to test me, my love."

She laughed at him running her thumb over his cheek, the woman was a beast tamer. The magic she possessed was unspeakable. When the late lord would go into a rage his punishments would be swift. None were safe from lost tongues, broken arms, and shattered ribs.

He always said the same, "dogs will forget themselves if left unattended."

However, Lady Kimi never had the power to protect them. She would cover her eyes and plead with him to stop, but he would disregard her. As if she weren't even there.

"Don't be silly. We're in this mess because you thought I wouldn't challenge you. How wrong you were."

"I almost won."

"Almost doesn't count for much now does it?"

He told his eyes at her, "you don't have to ruin my fun. His tongue will grow back." Then he rolled his neck and the tension left his frame, "I promise that I won't hurt the one you don't like. Should he not say anything that I consider offensive."

"The second one. His answers weren't very well thought out and he seems to have some kind of issue with half demons."

Without a word of complaint the man rose from his seat and bowed before them, "thank you for your time Lord and Lady." He was gone before Sango could thank him for his time.

"Now what?" InuYasha asked. They needed three people, but they were down to two, "must we do this again?" He was all but rolling his eyes as he refrained from indulging his hooligan persona.

"I can continue my search or you can appoint someone."

Sango's eyes lit up and she dragged Sesshomaru outside by his sleeves, leaving everyone else to stare after them.

"Sango gets weirder everyday." InuYasha muttered. Miroku chuckled.

"What choice does she have? Your brother is so one of a kind that it's contagious."

When they returned InuYasha and Miroku were holding hands, making jokes about the other two that made a smile brighten even the straightest of faces.

"Monk, you've been appointed to the board. Do you accept?"

Miroku cleared his throat a number of times, "are you sure? I have no experience in government," but looking at the shit show team that was Sesshomaru, Sango, and InuYasha, he realized how little that mattered.

"You wanted your citizenship, didn't you? And if anyone knows what's going on, it's you." Sango was beaming at him, her eyes crinkling shut in the cutest way.

He glanced at InuYasha, "should I accept?" But InuYasha only scoffed and shoved him towards them.

"A human monk on a board of demon advisors? I can't imagine anything more right." So Miroku took a knee before his friends.

"Well, it would be my pleasure, my Lord and Lady." He grabbed both of their hands and kissed their knuckles in a flirtatious show of loyalty, "I look forward to making this a better place for everyone involved."

XxXxXxXxXx

Kagome knocked on Sango's door. She'd heard from the servants that her friend had finally returned from her impromptu disappearing act.

The door opened and Sesshomaru leaned against it, his fur wrapped lazily around his hips. Purple marks on his hips framed the silver hair that disappeared behind fluffy fur.

"Why are you naked!" She felt her toes going red, the color spreading upwards like wildfire and she let her eyes bounce around, trying to not stare at any one part of him for too long. His hair was damp, still tangled from washing.

"The same reason you're here. I can be."

"Sesshomaru who are you tormenting with your indecency?" Miroku's voice came from out of sight and the idea that he may also be naked, prancing around with his-

She turned around and covered her eyes.

"Humans are weird."

"Us!" She spun back around, face aimed at the sky, "I just came by to show Sango the designs for her wedding dress. I didn't expect you to be completely naked."

"It's just a body. Do you think I'm hiding a duck beneath my hakama? Honestly."

Miroku shoved a kimono into his hands, "now shoo. You're scaring our lovely Kagome." He shoved the sturdy demon, staggering when the other man turned suddenly to walk away from them.

The kimono was dropped somewhere unknown.

"Sango is still in the bath, but you can go in there and join her. It might be more fun than sitting with Naked One and Naked Two."

Kagome lifted her eyebrow, only catching on when she caught sight of InuYasha sitting in the bed pit, a bit of blanket pulled over his winky.

"Sesshomaru has been right about exactly one thing in his entire life," InuYasha yawned, "and it's nudity."

"I'm in heaven, but I can only imagine that you're a bit uncomfortable." Miroku used his long sleeves to hide her eyes and warned Sango that Kagome had come.

Sango had been lounging in the hot water, her eyes closed as whatever magic steadily cycled the steaming water through the connected pipes.

"I finished my sketches for the wedding dresses and I thought I'd give you first pick." Kagome sat beside the tub, wondering why they got marble perfection and her quarters were equipped with a wooden basin and scentless soaps.

"Wanna join me?" Sango scooted over, "the water cycles somehow and so it stays hot all night."

"Isn't Miroku waiting?"

"Nope, I take my baths last so I can sit in here until I turn to one big wrinkle." Still, Kagome refused. She didn't have all night to lounge. Healer Saiki had her coming in before dawn every morning to clean bedpans and sweep floors that never stayed clean.

It was miserable work, but she had to start somewhere.

"Thanks, but I've got to head to bed soon." She held up the first design. It was a flowy, chiffon bottomed dress with a slit up the middle and a lace bodice. The sleeves were long and the neckline was modest.

"How did you come up with things like this?" Sango asked as she inspected each drawing.

"When I was back home there was a show about buying western wedding dresses." Kagome tried not to tear up, but the baby hormones were hardly on her side, "I used to watch it all the time with my mom."

"You miss home?"

Kagome snuffled, her shoulders sagging, "more and more everyday, but I couldn't just leave. You guys and Kōga were here. There would have been no future for me in my time, not pregnant at sixteen. No high school degree. No husband." The tears came freely now, shaking her. Wet feet padded closer and Sango swam into view, a towel wrapped tightly around her.

"And I know you're busy. I don't blame you for that, but it's been...lonely with just Koga. I love him, but he's only one person. You and Miroku and InuYasha...you guys are all I have now." Sango smelled sweet and her strong arms never ceased to comfort her, "but I feel like I ruined that too."

"It's alright, Kagome. We have been busy and maybe we've grown distant, but we still love you. If you want to come and hang out you can, whenever you'd like. I'd appreciate your company."

Sango had always been a comforting person, earnest and strong, but something about her was off. She commanded a kind of calmness that made Kagome feel as if she were being crushed, held so tightly and completely that there was no room for doubt.

"Did you like any of my designs?"

With a nod, Sango grabbed the sheet of parchment gently, the floaty material pooled in an impossible train of fabric that felt light and royal, "this one is pretty, but are you sure that we have the materials to make it?" Kagome nodded sleepily.

Pregnancy was already taking its toll.

"I spoke to the seamstress and she's confident about her ability to make each of these. However she is demanding the use of the designs as well as gold for the trouble."

Sango shrugged, "this one would be radiant on you, Kagome." She held up the other option. Elven sleeves stretched from the peak of her shoulders. A plunging, lace layered neckline led into silk that brushed at her feet.

When Kagome merely nodded again she climbed to her feet and called upon the guards that protected the door, "please see to it that Kagome gets back to her room. She seems to be far too tired to go alone."

Miroku watched Sango lead Kagome into the waiting protection of the guard. Water droplets raced along her skin, like rain on glass.

"I can brush you next," he offered. He'd brushed InuYasha hair for a bit before he realized he lacked the strength to untangle three feet of neglect. Sesshomaru had gladly taken over, ignoring the desperate cries for mercy.

Then he'd untangled Sesshomaru's hair. It was far easier to get through and he'd felt a bit warm when the other man praised his thorough work.

Now he wanted Sango. Her hair was thick, but straight and obedient. It wouldn't take long and he was in a mood. Grooming his companions was making him feel more level. Joining the board had been the right thing to do. He'd be able to help generations to come- which was more than any monk could ever dream of accomplishing, but it was a massive responsibility.

He was the human representation. When the clan looked up at him they'd see a human man whose eyes were still wide with adolescence. The people here were hundreds of times his senior and yet he would be leading them?

There were so many situations in which things could go terribly wrong and he would be held accountable.

It wasn't often that he felt young, but eighteen was hardly leadership material.

Sango regarded him strangely, before shrugging, "just be gentle. I'm a baby about tangles."

"Excuse you woman." Sesshomaru scowled at both of them, "you don't let me brush your hair, but you let the monk just go for it?"

"Last time you called me a cry baby and told me to shut up!"

"You are a cry baby. It was one knot."

She shoved him away and settled before Miroku, "you'll be gentle, won't you?" Sesshomaru looked stricken, massively unhappy that she wasn't allowing him the simplest of pleasures. Miroku assured her that he was gentle in all of his endeavors and then proceeded to become her favorite person.

"Aren't you too old to pout?" She asked lightly, but he only huffed at her, "you can do it next time. Alright?" She toe-d him in the stomach.

He gripped her ankle, suddenly not so upset anymore as he dug his thumb into the sole of her foot. He moved in deliberate circles, "maybe I am, but I do as I must to get my way." When Miroku was all finished he pulled her back into his chest and buried his face in her hair.

Caring for others was the main characteristic of a good monk, but today...he wanted to be wrapped up and protected. No matter how unmanly it may seem.

"Do that thing."

She gazed back at him, "what thing?"

"The magic comforting thing."

She wasn't sure what he meant and she assumed it was another little trick she'd subconsciously picked up. Sesshomaru watched her in amusement for a moment before he released her foot.

"I don't think she knows how to do it on command just yet."

Sesshomaru motioned for Miroku to come closer and, after a glance at InuYasha, who only smiled at him, he did. The large demon always seemed so much bigger up close, immovable and invincible.

Miroku allowed himself to be led between Sesshomaru's legs, "get comfortable." He heeded the command, letting his head fall back onto Sesshomaru's chest and wrapping the long fur around himself.

Sango was so lucky.

And then the vibrations hit his back.

Sango watched as Miroku's wide, violet eyes went heavy. He looked so snug curled up in Sesshomaru's impossible fur, and her demon lover was tender with her friend. He dragged his claws along the other man's scalp -chucking the elastic band out the open window.

"You're ruining your hair with those things."

"They make it easier to read," was the mumbled reply. Sango moved to settle closer to InuYasha, the sheer between his legs hiding most of his bare sex.

"So when is Sesshomaru going to stop playing hard to get?" The husky rumble of his whispering in her ear made goose flesh break out along her skin.

"Some divine intervention may be necessary." She shook her head as she watched him. He was still petting the man who'd drifted off, now cradling his limp form, "because all he does is mutter about how annoying Miroku is or tease him."

"Any plans?"

She turned to look at him, sticking her nose into his jaw. She'd never know what Sesshomaru smelled when he did that, but it was about the closeness for her. Being so ensnared in someone else made her feel...content.

He'd stiffened a bit. He was still so afraid of base amounts of affection, even though they'd been as affectionate as any two people could be, but soon he relaxed and returned the gesture.

"Woah," she fell on her back as he shoved a bit too hard, trying to bury his face in the sweet spot, "it's like the whole world is made of you." She didn't say a word when he laid beside her, arm draped over her waist and face in her shoulder.

She made sure to speak softly, his twitching ears were ticking her chin and she'd hate to be the reason they folded in on themselves, "we'll discuss it tomorrow when they're reading. A nice walk around the gardens while we plot?"

"Fine by me." His leg wrapped around hers, "those two are sickening," he muttered. His breathing was slowing, "all wrapped up in one another...cuddling like children."

She said nothing as he pulled her closer and the candles went out around them, "isn't that rich." Sesshomaru moved quietly, Miroku still pressed to his chest, "you and my brother all pressed up together?"

"I already told you," she knew he'd see her smiling at him, "he's my favorite brother."

Sesshomaru settled next to her, "let's see who's your favorite when your arm goes to sleep."

She hadn't considered that, but InuYasha was so comfortable. His gentle breathing and soft ears all made her want to hold him forever.

"I'm not as weak as you."

He snorted, "even my arm falls asleep, but okay." He kissed her good night, a smugness in his voice, "enjoy your favorite brother."

XxXxXxXxXx

It was well into the morning and Sango's arm was still tingling.

InuYasha was far heavier than he looked, but when she opened her eyes to find him massaging her palm, "stupid, why didn't you shove me off," she'd known it had been worth it.

Now they were in the garden, far away from Sesshomaru's unnatural hearing, but still huddled close and whispering.

They'd entertained ideas of concerts and fancy clothing, but dismissed it when they realized that there was no way to plan such a thing without the others catching on.

"What about something simple?" Sango led the way through winding flowers, happening upon a fountain. Her eyes crinkled as she spun to face him and -not for the first time today- he wanted to hold her face and pepper kisses along her cheeks and nose.

She and Miroku always inspired the mushy, disgusting, cuddly feelings that infected his spirit like mold, but he'd not have it any other way.

"We could put candles along the stone and set up a picnic ?" She was mapping it out in her mind, "oh! Maybe you're as talented as Sesshomaru? We could have music and wine and peaches!"

"Music? I don't sing. I'd actually make things worse."

She rolled her eyes, "then I'll do it. I'm not as good as Sesshomaru, but if I practice I might be able to squeak something out in key."

He nodded, "so, I'll drag them to this spot and set up, you'll arrange it with the kitchen and practice the song?"

"Sounds perfect, but how are we going to capture Sesshomaru? He's too big to just drag."

InuYasha, however, already had a plan for that, "I'll handle that too, but we will definitely need you there to keep him from killing us."