Inuyasha flopped down on her bed, seething.
Stupid Sesshomaru. He was wrong.
And I suspect, you've been feeling something similar for some time.
Otherwise… we wouldn't have such inclinations now.
She rolled over onto her back, rubbing her arms gently. It was always with her now, crawling under her skin. Just as it had been before she ever got forced into this ridiculous form.
Every time he touched her, affectionate or not, the sensation of his skin lingered. Cool , tingly. An incessant itch that only went away when he was near. Holding her.
What's wrong with me?
How long am I going to be able to … keep lying? To him? To myself?
She wondered as she ran a hand through her long hair.
I'm just scared. He's been my brother so long that even thinking about switching to anything else seems wrong, somehow.
Sesshomaru was not a patient man. Now that he'd tasted her feelings, she was sure she had precious little time to decide to put the brakes on this or… not. He would force a decision out of her and soon. And she needed to be prepared for all that would mean either way.
She should have been relieved, hearing the words that it 'opened up opportunity'. But instead, it'd sent her into a panic. She thought she'd still have time to mull everything over, figure out what the hell was going on.
But now that she knew he was beginning to feel something as well, she'd just panicked.
Why?
Well. Perhaps the answer was simple. How the hell could he ever feel that way about me? Is it just some sort of cruel trick? What happens when I become a man again?
Inuyasha glanced up at the ceiling, her golden eyes tracing the intricate wood carvings there.
I mean… I'm just a half-breed. I will never be worthy of him. So why even bother? Seems like a waste of time.
No amount of bond-marks would take away the human blood that ran through her veins. Her nose wrinkled in distaste even trying to imagine it.
Her, trying to stand by his side? No… it'd be like a peasant farmer standing next to a god.
She'd always felt inadequate in his presence. Trying to be anything more than what they were would just amplify those feelings.
She'd be like a little shriveled hobgoblin next to him. Nothing more than a half-breed. It'd taken years for her to feel like enough for Kagome… She'd probably be dead by the time she ever felt like enough for him.
I love you as a half-demon, Inuyasha.
Kagome's voice whispered in the shell of an ear, and Inuyasha winced.
As if Sesshomaru would ever express the same sentiment.
Diaozuan made sense- he was a second-son of the Fox Demon Tribe leader. Full of ranks and titles and devastatingly handsome to boot… the asshole. Sesshomaru choosing him as a mate seemed to only make sense, especially after finding out they were near-matched for strength in battle.
When they stood together, the markings on their faces glistening against perfect skin, their armor shining in the sunlight… it seemed only natural that they would be a mated pair. They complimented each other physically, and emotionally. His darkness, to Sesshomaru's pale moonlight. Diaozuan was cheerful, teasing, mature… he drew out Sesshomaru's grudging affection by his mere presence.
She and Sesshomaru, on the other hand?
What the hell did she bring out in him that was good? She couldn't think of a single-
Well, she had made him laugh.
'You and your pups changed me. Don't you understand that, stupid hanyou?'
How exactly have I changed him?
She groaned. It was so late, and she was so tired, but these were the sorts of questions that needed answering.
Diaozuan gave him love.
And I…
She thought fiercely. Even today, when he'd stayed and told her what was happening instead of just brushing her away.
I'm giving him some humanity, I suppose.
Inukezi knocked quietly on the door. "Inuyasha? Can I come in?" And she nodded, waving a hand, "Yeah, sure."
He came in, sitting down next to her bed and asking after a moment, " You okay? It sounded like you guys were yelling at each other. Well- mostly you, actually. Sesshomaru doesn't really yell."
Inuyasha sighed, setting a hand gently on her son's hand. " We're fine, Inukezi. We just have intense discussions sometimes. And you know how my temper is." Inukezi looked uncertainly into her eyes before nodding. His green eyes were warm, that black hair that reminded him so much of Kagome.
Her precious son.
"Then… can I sleep in here tonight? The pups keep trying to sneak into my room and sleep on me, and they squish me." He admitted with a soft laugh.
" Of course." Inuyasha made room, and soon the two of them were fast asleep.
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"There she is."
"Shh, she'll hear you!"
Inukezi looked towards the door with amusement. Inuyasha woke up and looked around groggily, spotting a bunch of very small shadows by the door.
"Yes?"
Katsu opened the door reluctantly, giving the others an irritated look. He'd wanted to surprise Inuyasha.
"Hey. You should come play with us. We know you have the day off today." It was true- today was a weekend, and Sesshomaru rarely had anything planned on those days for Inuyasha. Which was a relief because she did not feel at all up for going to any sort of meeting.
" Ugh. Can't I sleep for another five minutes?" She asked, looking blearily through the window. It still seemed fairly early.
" Nope. You promised that if we let you sleep in last weekend, you'd get up early to play with us today." Ame said matter-of-factly. Toshi nodded in the background.
Inuyasha groaned and flopped back down, pulling the covers over her head. "Leamme alone."
The pups started into the room, and Katsu said, " If you don't get up we'll be forced to take drastic measures." And the lump that was Inuyasha huffed.
"All right. Get her!" All at once, the pups transformed into their dog forms. And, jumped onto the bed, grabbing Inuyasha's fire rat robe and gently tugging, trying to get her out the door.
Inukezi watched with amusement. Clearly, they'd been planning the attack for some time.
"Hey! Hey! Why you little-!" Inuyasha was pulled out of bed and onto the floor, little yips and laughs coming from the pups as they started dragging her out into the hallway. She managed to grab Katsu and held the big pup to her chest, nooging him and snarling, " You're to blame for all of this , aren't you? Ooh, you're gonna get it! Don't think you're too young to get a whooping!"
Unfortunately, Ame had a good grip on her left pant leg, and Toshi had her right leg.
"Inukezi-"
Before Inuyasha had a chance to finish, Inukezi smirked, " Oh no, I'm not helping you out of this. I was there when you promised to play with them. No way you're getting out of it so easily."
Inuyasha gave him an offended glare. " My own flesh and blood. You'll pay for this, Inukezi!"
Together, Ame and Toshi started dragging Inuyasha down the hallway while the hanyou cursed and writhed in protest.
"Noooooooo!" Inuyasha said dramatically as she was dragged down the hallway, laying on her back and keeping Katsu firmly in her arms, punishing him by rubbing all of his fur backwards. Inukezi followed quietly.
Sesshomaru opened the door to see what all the rukus was about- only to see Inuyasha being slowly dragged down the hallway by a little white pup, and a little black fox. Both were almost up to his knees now and perfectly capable of dragging someone of Inuyasha's size.
Inuyasha paused when she saw him at first- still feeling an awkwardness left over from yesterday. But she was playing, and she didn't want the pups picking up on the off vibe between them. So he saw her shrug of the feelings, and reach out to him with a smile.
"Sesshomaru- help me." She whispered dramatically as she was dragged by.
The Daiyokai smirked, just a little.
" Oh dear, I'm afraid my arm just is not long enough." He said in a low, teasing tone, reaching out to Inuyasha but stopping short of actually grabbing her hand.
"Ame- make sure the others aren't too rough with Inuyasha. She's a little less durable in that form." He instructed, and the little white pup wagged her tail and gave a bark before dragging Inuyasha the rest of the way to the backyard.
"Traitor!" Inuyasha said with some feeling. Sesshomaru watched them drag her out into the grass, then proceed to tackle her again. She was laughing, pushing each of them away. Occasionally, she used her yokai strength to throw them a good distance, which they seemed to enjoy.
After a moment or two, Katsu somehow managed to escape from Inuyasha and ran down the hallway to Sesshomaru's room.
"Hey, can you come play with us too, Sesshomaru?" He asked hopefully. His little face was flushed from running, and the marks of Inu No Taisho stood out proudly blue on his cheeks. The Daiyokai blinked in surprise and nodded, " Very well. For a little while." Ruffling up the boy's hair with one clawed hand and following him outside.
"Sess- could you please go into your dog form too? Just like Ame and Toshi!" He asked, holding tight to Sesshomaru's red and white sleeve. He glanced around the backyard, assessing. He could probably fit, but it would certainly be a snug fit.
"Inuyasha, could you gather them up for a second?" He asked softly. They shared a bit of an awkward glance before she said, " Ah- yeah-" and held down Ame and Toshi.
Sesshomaru's eyes changed to a brilliant sapphire, the iris turning blood-red. And suddenly, there was a huge gust of wind as his form exploded outward, soon morphing into that of a giant demon dog.
He moved carefully, slowly sitting down across from Inuyasha and the pups. His movements flattened the grass and shook some leaves from the trees. Even Inuyasha had to admit that she was impressed. His demon form had grown tremendously since he and Diaozuan had become mates.
Perhaps, he was now the same size as the great dog demon himself, if not larger. His thick white fur glistened in the sunlight, and the whiskers of his muzzle twitched.
"Yaaaaay!" Katsu yelled, jumping off the porch and transforming into his own demon form, starting to crawl up Sesshomaru's side. The other pups quickly followed suit, making Sesshomaru an obstacle by climbing up his shoulders and sliding down off of his tail.
Inuyasha was surprised when Inukezi joined in as well. Sesshomaru paid close attention to them, lifting his enormous muzzle and catching the pups if they slid a bit too much in his slippery fur. He also flicked his tail as they slid off, launching them a good ten or fifteen feet into a leaf pile. They accepted this with squeaks and barks of laughter.
Soon though, he noted Inuyasha watching from the porch.
Sesshomaru sighed. He leaned forward, his upper and lower canines catching in Inuyasha's red robes.
" Hey. Hey ! Put me down, Sesshomaru, damn it –" Sesshomaru lifted Inuyasha carefully and then set her down in the area between his folded paws. Just underneath his enormous mane.
"I was perfectly fine where I was-" Her next sentence was interrupted by tongue.
A gigantic, warm dog-demon tongue that covered her whole body in a single swipe.
She sat in stupid amazement, thoroughly coated in hot dog saliva. And when she looked up, she could see unmistakable amusement in Sesshomaru's huge blue-and-red eyes. Perhaps his way of apologizing for yesterday's outburst.
Or more likely, because he found it amusing.
"Hey, look, you guys! Inuyasha got slimed!" Toshi said, clinging to Sesshomaru's shoulder. Bundles of fur in each hand.
"Oh, oh! Me next!" Ame shouted, sliding down off the side of Sesshomaru and running to the front as fast as she could.
One by one, he licked all the pups- even Inukezi, who seemed a little surprised. Each of them in turn shook themselves out- shoulders rotating one way, hips going the opposite way. Even Inuyasha used this method to get herself dry before trying to crawl out of the little den of Sesshomaru's paws.
A large black-padded paw created a wall that persuaded Inuyasha to settle back between his huge legs. He and Sesshomaru played with the pups for some time. When they started to slow, clearly needing naps, Inukezi and Inuyasha put them to bed.
Inuyasha paused when he saw Sesshomaru was still in his dog form outside.
Just leave it.
And she almost did too. But.. damn. He was so cute in this form. Slavering, murderous jaws and all. His ears perked up when a flock of birds passed overhead, and his tail twitched faintly.
Okay, fine, but… just for a minute.
"What are you doing?" She asked softly, leaning on one of the red wooden posts of the porch. She saw one gigantic triangle-shaped ear twitch faintly before she heard his voice in her head.
Relaxing. I have not taken this form in some time. It's pleasant.
Inuyasha pondered this. Did Sesshomaru feel restrained in his human form sometimes, if this was his true form? It wasn't ever something she considered before, but it made sense. The pups were always in and out of their forms.
Maybe Sesshomaru's human form was like wearing a shirt that was just a bit too tight.
Something like that.
She heard him answer and startled a bit. Damn. She hadn't even meant for him to hear that. It seemed like their connection was getting stronger all the time and she didn't like it.
"Can I join you? I won't.. start anything."
There was a moment of silence before Sesshomaru dipped his head, You may.
She jumped down off the back of the porch and walked by him. Keeping a hand lightly on his side in amazement. Even laying down, he was easily three stories tall. His form creating a shadow that she walked in as she made her way to his head.
I'm always in someone's shadow, aren't I.
Seeing his paws were tucked inwards like before, she asked permission before sitting there. His head was tall and straight, and he faced the area of the Palace that turned into farms and cropland. His black nose twitching and occasionally huffing out air.
She leaned back against his chest. His fur was very thick, and very warm. She ran her claws over the shorter, denser fur on his leg, pausing.
There was a line on his arm. A line where no fur grew. It was very small, but wrapped all the way around the circumference of his arm.
This is where I cut off his arm.
She thought, wincing.
"I'm sorry."
For?
"For this. I mean, I'm not sorry that I ended up with Tetsaiga- I was just defending myself. But… I panicked, and I took something away from you that I shouldn't have."
A great red eye looked at him thoughtfully for a moment.
It was the price I paid for my own egoism and cruelty. It helped me to stop perusing the Tetsaiga. It helped me to grow. So you needn't apologize for it.
A great white muzzle leaned down, the stiff whiskers tickling Inuyasha's face and arm as he received a little nuzzle. The fur on his face was especially pleasing- extra short, and as soft as velvet.
The sentiment is appreciated though.
Inuyasha sighed, and nodded, pushing away the snout after a moment with a huffed, " All right, that's enough. I've got plenty of drool on me already."
She then reached up instead, following the great inverted upside-down 'v' that made up Sesshomaru's jaw.
Gently, scratching at it with her claws.
What are you doing?
" I'm trying to see if you like being scratched. Most dog's like getting scratched on their chins, if you happen to find the right spot-" She explained, continuing the search.
She knew she'd found the right spot when she felt his head lean into it. She shifted, using both hands to rough up that spot on his jaw, chuckling softly to herself.
"Heheh. Found it."
Do not-
Sesshomaru soon found his words failing him at the promise of a good chin-scratch. He growled faintly in pleasure, and Inuyasha felt one of his back legs tapping the ground lightly in time with her scratches.
She laughed, bracing herself against his upper leg and giving him a good long scratching until his tongue lolled out and her arms started to ache.
"There we go. Bet you're in a much better mood now, huh?" She teased, slapping his chest fur.
His tongue tucked back into his mouth and he snorted, giving a little shake of his head.
Ridiculous.
But she could feel his tail giving a few low wags.
She leaned back once more and closed her eyes contentedly. He very gently dropped his head and she made sure to move her legs out of the way.
Inuyasha tucked Sesshomaru's ear over her shoulder, and he gave a bit of a growl before relenting.
They stayed quietly like that for some time, Sesshomaru thinking of the future and Inuyasha, thinking of the past.
If we do end up mating, the whole court will know one of us is not the son of Inu No Taisho.
Sesshomaru thought with a sinking in his stomach. He'd been avoiding that truth, but that didn't make it disappear.
Well. Katsu and Ame will still hold their places. And if the others decide I am not fit merely based on blood I will of course, step down.
He had them in a bit of a rock and a hard place. Inuyasha was unfit, being a hanyou. And all the other Foo-Dogs were not Daiyokai- many, had never even held office, and would be easily crushed under the weight of ruling a Palace.
Sesshomaru was trained for that since he was born.
In his heart, Sesshomaru sincerely doubted they would take him from the throne. For the alternative would certainly be chaos, famine, and war. And the average citizen cared not for the pure lineage of the ruler as long as crops were good and mouths were full and sons were not sent off to war.
Sesshomaru's reign thus far had been exceptionally peaceful- even more so than Inukimi's.
He'd thought of it carefully, and judged the scenario thus:
Initially, the court yokai and Daiyokai would try to take his throne. But when the votes came in( which were from the Daiyokai and average citizens of the Palace) Sesshomaru would remain.
He offered stability and peace. Taking a chance on a new ruler was riskier, especially after suffering from Inukimi's reign for so long.
They would not take that risk.
Sesshomaru missed Diaozuan terribly. And he missed the babies, as well. Would they even recognize him by the time they came back? His heart clenched a little at the thought. And he looked down at Inuyasha and felt his heart tighten.
He wanted to protect her.
He could not tolerate any harm coming to her, or the children.
He and Diaozuan would be enough. Right? Enough to save the Foo-Dog line from their terrible fate.
"Sesshomaru?" He felt Inuyasha's small hand running up one side of his muzzle, smoothing down the whiskers and petting the velvet fur with tiny fingers.
I won't let any harm come to you, Inuyasha.
He said, and the hanyou looked up in surprise and some shock. But Sesshomaru wasn't looking at her- he was looking out at the fields, and his expression was steely, one black lip lifted to show fangs.
No one will harm you or the pups. Not as long as I draw breath.
She stood up and put her arms out, reaching as far as she could around the huge ruff that was Sesshomaru's neck and fur. But in this form, she could not really reach around him at all- and just ended up leaning against him with her arms outstretched.
He tilted his head a bit.
What are you doing?
"Um." Her voice was muffled by all the fur. " Trying to hug you."
He snorted in amusement, and she had to close her eyes from a brilliant flash of light, and felt her clothes flapping in a strong wind.
Then, arms encircled her, and she was pulled to a strong chest.
Is this better?
"Yes." She hugged him tightly, feeling the silken hair brush her arms and the long tail spreading its warmth down her shoulder.
My apologies for yesterday. I should not have been so rough with you.
Sesshomaru said, after a long moment. She looked up in surprise, and then off to one side.
" I'm the one who should apologize. I yelled at you, and scratched you. I'm just not…" She made a low irritated noise and muttered into his chest, " I'm not good at any of this type of stuff. It took me forever to even think I was good enough for Kagome. And I've only known you as my brother so, trying out anything else is going to be … difficult for me." She murmured, playing with his sleeve and not meeting his eyes. It was clear from her tenseness that it was hard to talk about these things.
But it was also quite important.
Why?
Inuyasha rolled her eyes and huffed, refraining from giving a sarcastic answer. She opened her mouth for a moment, decided against it, and snuggled back into his chest.
I mean… Sesshomaru, I'm just a hanyou. Why would you even have these feelings for me? You're like a God, and I'm just… She sighed tensely, her ears pinned back in turmoil.
And I'm just an outsider- not human enough, not demon enough. A stain in the world's of humans and demon's.
Sesshomaru lifted her chin gently.
" As am I, Inuyasha. The son of a bodyguard, and a quarter dragon no less- I'll be a bit of an embarrassment to the Foo-Dog line myself." He said, nonchalantly before meeting her gaze once more.
We are not so different, Inuyasha.
Her ears went down a bit. But, then , if that were the case- " Wait. If we were to get together, then, then people would know that-"
That I am not the son of Inu No Taisho. Sesshomaru finished for her, quietly, moving some hair back from her head.
She seemed panicked, "Sesshomaru- we can't do that! You'd lose the throne and…" She trailed off, seeing his expression.
" Inuyasha, it was something I never desired. And Ame and Katsu are still your blood, and the blood of Inu No Taisho, so we would still reside here. Not much would change." His finger traced the dark blue mark along her cheek gently and he sighed, feeling tremors from her.
You shake like a leaf whenever I touch you like this. What are you so afraid of, hanyou?
She swallowed thickly, and he was pleasantly surprised by her sincere answer.
Things changing, I suppose. Change has usually never led me to anything good until recently. So.. my initial reaction is always fear or anger.
Sesshomaru left his hand on her cheek and murmured, " Inuyasha, you need not be afraid of me. Or of this sort of change."
She nodded and took a deep breath, her heart beating hard and fast.
He was tempted to do more, but he could tell she wasn't ready. He could give her a little more time, at least.
Sesshomaru could give her as much patience as he had available.
And together , they headed back inside their home.
The day went by so fast. Between caring for the pups, getting everything ready for next week, and answering as much of the pile of letters on his desk as he could the day was finished in the blink of an eye.
Soon enough it was evening. The sky was a pretty purple and Sesshomaru was alone once more.
He sat quietly on the porch, enjoying the breeze and the smells that drifted down from the rolling mountains that surrounded the Palace.
His claws wandered to the Mark on his chest. That lotus of red flames, the mark of the Fox Tribe. Diaozuan's mark. Sesshomaru wondered how he was doing.
It had scarcely been two months, and Sesshomaru was embarrassed to admit that he already missed the fox terribly. Inuyasha could scarcely be expected to give Sesshomaru the support he needed when she was so entangled in her own feelings. And he didn't expect that from her.
Even her attempt earlier showed him she cared, and that was enough.
But even he had to admit these last few weeks had been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for him.
A light pink blush settled on the Daiyokai's cheeks. The Mark was as warm as ever, slightly warmer than the rest of his skin. Somewhere Diaozuan was safe and sound.
Diaozuan.
Sesshomaru huffed, running a few claws through his hair. He was being foolish. He could handle this on his own- he just needed to toughen up a bit more, that was all. Diao already knew about the impeding battle, and the fox was sure to be there when the assault happened.
So, then… why?
He looked out to the mountains, his yellow eyes tinged with the purple of the sunset.
My heart aches.
His tail wrapped slowly over his feet, and his claws dug into the fabric, slowly forming a tight fist.
I miss him so much.
All of the sudden, there was a burst of purple flames about ten feet from him.
Sesshomaru was on his feet in an instant, Bakusaiga in hand. The green electricity crackling down the sword and lending a green hue to Sesshomaru's face, which was bared in a snarl.
Soon, the flames flickered, a shadow growing among them. The shadow stretched and grew and solidified. Slowly, colors starting blooming from the blackness, from the outside inwards.
And as Sesshomaru's snarling reached it's peak, he suddenly recognized the smell.
His armor glistened in the purple light. Large shoulder pieces, segmented, that draped down to his elbows and curved upwards in cruel horns. Seven black tails spread like a peacock's tail to one side of his body, flicking faintly.
Dark purple hair was yanked into a high ponytail, glittering down one shoulder like a waterfall of precious wine.
And those eyes. A thousand of the earth's most precious gems made flesh.
Sesshomaru's chest tightened, and his expression changed in an instant: he quickly sheathed Bakusaiga, sliding it back to where it belonged with a small metallic hiss.
Is this how Inuyasha feels, when he sees me?
"You're not supposed to teleport that far. You will hurt yourself." Sesshomaru snarled, not meeting that gaze. The tendons in his neck standing out. Why were his eyes suddenly wet? He blinked the sensation away.
The paler Daiyokai chanced a glance at the fox.
Diaozuan opened his arms to Sesshomaru, palms up. His eyes were soft, concerned, and full of love.
Sesshomaru cowered under that gaze, his own golden eyes betraying him by filling with tears once more.
" Come here." He murmured, his voice like velvet.
Sesshomaru had never moved so fast in his life.
Instantaneously he was in Diaozuan's arms, his claws digging in to the armor and kimono alike, dragging the fox as close to him as he possibly could. He could hear the faint ripping of fabric as his hands balled into fists, but he didn't care. His cheek was pressed against his armor plate, and it was uncomfortable but he didn't care.
Sesshomaru cared about nothing than the fact he was in his mate's arms once more.
He felt a warm heaviness as Diaozuan's arm went around his shoulders and clenched his eyes shut tighter, hoping to keep the tears from escaping.
"My beautiful love. How I've missed you." He whispered as Sesshomaru cried silently. Looping an arm under Sesshomaru's legs, he carried them both back to their room, settling them in bed with his back against the wall.
He said nothing more for some time, merely pressing kisses to Sesshomaru's crescent moon or neck every once in a while. Slowly the tears on Sesshomaru's face dried and he wiped them in embarrassment. Having a hard time evening out his breath.
"I-" Sesshomaru hesitated, a hand on the fox's armor. He petted the Daiyokai with a few of his tails in reassurance, tucking a few stray hairs behind Sesshomaru's pointed ear.
"What is it, orchid?" His hand laid atop Sesshomaru's and felt the trembles in it, and gave a soft noise of concern. The Daiyokai was quite embarrassed to ask. After all, he didn't know how long Diao could stay.
He lifted a hand to the fox's cheek admiring the caramel skin and those blood-red markings. Flushing when the fox moved his head and pressed a kiss to the center of Sesshomaru's palm.
I need you… to love me.
Sesshomaru finally managed. And Diaozuan could tell exactly the way he meant by how that blush had moved up to those beautiful pointed ears.
Diaozuan sat up a bit, and Sesshomaru's whole face reddened at the fox's expression. Those dark lashes lowered just a bit and he had a cheeky smirk on his face, showing the tiniest glint of teeth.
" That, I can do." He whispered before catching Sesshomaru's lips with his own.
And when his arm went over Sesshomaru's shoulders, tugging him down, he did not resist.
And he was grateful this time, that his yokai did not interfere.
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By the time it was finished, both were rather dry-mouthed and trembling, but satisfied.
Sesshomaru had squawked a little when Diaozuan had offered to clean him up, but soon relented after some love-bites and purrs.
The fox could be awfully persuasive when he wanted to be. And Sesshomaru had to admit that it was nice to be taken care of in such a manner.
With the dirtied cloths discarded Diaozuan hopped back into bed, and Sesshomaru cuddled up to his side, resting his head and arm on the Daiyokai's chest. He was a little fuzzy but quite warm and comfortable.
"Here. You're probably thirsty." Diaozuan said, offering him a small flask of blood. Sesshomaru drank half of it gratefully, and Diaozuan drank the rest before setting it gently on the side table. He combed his claws through Sesshomaru's hair gently and tucked it behind his shoulder. Sesshomaru let out a long sigh and closed his eyes, enjoying the attention.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Diaozuan offered as he pressed a kiss to Sesshomaru's crest mark. The Daiyokai sighed and muttered, " Seems its all I've been talking about, as of late." Wrinkling his nose in disgust.
Diaozuan thought for a moment, tails flicking lazily. A few draped over Sesshomaru to keep him warm while the others seemed to have a mind of their own.
"Well, you could give me the abridged version."
Sesshomaru nodded, ticking off each item on his claws, " Well, basically- Inuyasha got poisoned so he's a woman now, I found out I'm actually not the son of Inu No Taisho, I had a visit from the ghost of him- oh, and, there's something going on between Inuyasha and I that I haven't' quite pinned down yet."
Diaozuan's brows raised. Impressed. " All in a span of two months. Mn. I'm surprised you didn't throw yourself off of the Phoenix Gate."
Sesshomaru muttered, "Oh, I was tempted." and stretched, wrapping an arm over Diaozuan's chest and pulling him closer.
The fox gave a little purr, squeezing Sesshomaru's shoulder gently and affectionately.
"Why didn't you call for me sooner, love? That's what I'm here for."
Sesshomaru and Diaozuan paused, suddenly.
Inuyasha was walking down the hallway, curious about all the talking( and noise). To be perfectly honest, he'd already felt an odd flood of emotions from Sesshomaru and assumed it was some sort of dream- until he'd heard someone else's voice.
Inuyasha was not fond of the idea that he'd be able to feel every time Sesshomaru mated, and vice versa. Hopefully Sesshomaru could teach him how to plug up their connection a bit.
"Uh oh." Diaozuan muttered, grinning. Sesshomaru froze, unsure what to do, only that he didn't want Inuyasha peeking in on this particular scene. He reached down and grabbed the sheets, yanking them over both Daiyokai just as he heard a knock.
"Sesshomaru? I thought I heard voices."
Sesshomaru gave Diao a warning look, squeaking, " I am perfectly fine, Inuyasha-" only to nearly die as Diaozuan called,
"We're perfectly fine, Inuyasha." And gave the Foo-Dog a sly wink.
Inuyasha moved the door open just a crack, peering in suspiciously. Diaozuan sat up a little, his hair a pretty wave of purple as he gave Inuyasha a friendly wave. Naked from the waist up- but safe to assume that he and Sesshomaru were fully naked under that sheet.
Sesshomaru had never been half so mortified in his life.
"Inuyasha! Being a woman really becomes you. Are you going to join us-" Sesshomaru slapped a hand over the fox's mouth, growling, his face as red as Inuyasha's robes.
The hanyou made a disgusted face, " No. Never." and quickly shut the door.
Sesshomaru pinned Diaozuan down, hissing, "I'll kill you, you stupid fox!" as the fox laughed. The two wrestled for a while but neither had the strength to inflict any good damage, and Sesshomaru's mark made it impossible for the Lord of the West to kill his marked one anyway, so he soon gave up.
"Come here, lovely."
"No. I hate you." Sesshomaru said moodily, pretending to be dead as Diaozuan grabbed him and dragged him closer.
" No, you don't. Come on. Gimme a kiss." The fox murmured, nuzzling up the Foo-Dog's neck and placing little apologetic kisses here and there.
"No. Get out of my life." Sesshomaru said dramatically, turning his head away. The fox purred in amusement and scooted closer, nipping at his neck and shoulders. After much more attention from the fox, he soon relented, and they curled up next to each other once more.
"Sesshomaru." He said, and his voice was suddenly serious. The Daiyokai turned a bit to him, all tangled in the fox's legs and tails. Warm and safe.
" You should have called me sooner. That's more than anyone should have to bear alone."
Sesshomaru sighed, closing his eyes and curling up a bit tighter in bed.
"I should be able to handle this myself. You and Inuyasha have no obligation to always be-" He then paused, at the look on Diaozuan's face.
Diaozuan gently pulled Sesshomaru closer to his own body, tucking his chin in the silver part of Sesshomaru's hair.
"Sesshomaru, I'm not exactly sure where you got that notion." His gaze went to the red flames on Sesshomaru's chest and he touched them gently, earning a pink blush from the Foo-Dog.
" Love is obligation. When I gave you my mark, it meant that I would always be there for you. I want you to call me. The most important part of our bond is being there for each other when life becomes difficult."
Diaozuan picked Sesshomaru up, moving him so that he lay atop the fox. Sesshomaru's blush increased, his tail giving nervous little flicks. The fox's tanned hands cupped Sesshomaru's face and their gaze met.
"My dear one. Feel no guilt or shame for relying on me. It would be my pleasure to buffer you against the insanity of life, as I'm sure you would do for me." Sesshomaru laced his hand in Diaozuan's carefully, aware of the thick claws, and gave a small squeeze of affection. He felt the fox give one back.
" Each one of us has our limits-emotionally, physically. True cowardice is pretending those don't exist, and pushing yourself well past the limit, unable to ever return. Sometimes I feel that if I hadn't found you when I did Sesshomaru… that you wouldn't have even been capable of love."
Diaozuan petted along Sesshomaru's face playfully, flicking his hair back so that all the strands rested down his spine in a pretty wave.
The Foo-Dog huffed, " You would have just found some other yokai to impregnate. You would have moved on."
Diaozuan frowned, "No, Sesshomaru. I want to grow old with you. I want to be by your side as long as I walk this earth, and perhaps beyond." then leaned up and whispered playfully in Sesshomaru's ear, " And I want to have lots and lots of pretty babies, with you." And just as he was about to get slapped, he added softly,
Because my heart is yours, my moonlight. My sun and stars.
Sesshomaru paused, hand still raised. Face, faintly red. Debating weither he should follow through with the slap or not. Diaozuan waited patiently, happy to see the conflict in Sesshomaru's face.
Finally, he dropped the hand.
Scooted forward a bit. And placed a very gentle, chaste kiss on Diao's chapped lips. He tasted faintly sweet.
"Hey. Wanna know a secret?"
Sesshomaru tilted his head a bit.
"I love you, Sesshomaru. And I always will." Diaozuan murmured, leaning up and placing playful kisses on Sesshomaru's neck, jaw, cheeks. "That is not a secret, you imbecile-"Sesshomaru chided, soon getting the slightest grin from all the attention. His golden eyes now as soft and full of affection for the fox as the fox's were for him.
"Diao?"
"Hm?"
"I… " Sesshomaru slipped his arms under Diaozuan, hugging him and muttering something into his chest.
"You'll have to repeat that, love." He murmured, tracing a few of Sesshomaru's pretty stripes. He was most fond of the ones on his hips, but Sesshomaru didn't appreciate those being touched very often.
"I said-" Sesshomaru pursed his lips, incapable of saying it aloud.
I said, I love you. Thank you for giving me our children. Thank you for being my mate. And thank you for coming when I call. You will never know how much you mean to me.
Sesshomaru's gaze met Diao's and he immediately looked away in embarrassment. " Don't let it go to your head, fox. I am still mad at you."
But he was soon silenced by a much longer, much more passionate kiss from his mate.
Before the sun rose, they discussed many things. The dream. The lineage issue. And of course, whatever was blooming between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. He was relieved to discover that Diaozuan wasn't opposed to the idea- and in fact, didn't seem surprised that it was happening at all.
"So needless to say, it was a bit shocking to both of us to discover this attraction, but now that we know the whole lineage information, it does make sense."
Sesshomaru paused, glancing over. Diaozuan was cleaning his claws, and then looked over at his mate mildly.
" Oh, I'm sorry. Is this the part where I'm supposed to be shocked?" He said, raising a brow.
Sesshomaru huffed, " Well, I certainly was!" and received an eyeroll from the fox.
"Sesshomaru. You've been attracted to Inuyasha on some level since you were impregnated. Even more so after the battle with the cats, when he said he would take care of your children even after death."
He laid on his back, his many tails flicking as he listed off, " So, lets see. You raised a pup of his together, fought a war together, he produced a Daiyokai pup which is proof enough of his strong blood, he promised to take care of all our children even after death, and now he's in a form that could finally give you another pup of Inu No Taisho's blood. Am I missing anything?"
Sesshomaru flushed. Now that Diao laid it out like that… it did seem a bit obvious that some sort of attraction was going to happen between them.
"Inuyasha's yokai seems keen enough, but she's very conflicted about the whole issue." Sesshomaru said softly. " And… I am too, I suppose."
"Well, let me ask you this. How would you react if Inuyasha wanted to mate with someone else?"
Sesshomaru paused, raising a brow and looking over at his mate.
"What do you mean?"
Diao waved a clawed hand, " You know. Say Inuyasha found some hot uh- I dunno, wolf yokai. And they're flirting, and she's totally into it, she's dropping hints about wanting him to live in the Palace and then one day, you feel them mating via your Mark. Are you okay with that?"
Sesshomaru rested his chin in a clawed hand.
How would I feel?
He tried to imagine it. Inuyasha, flirting and giggling with someone else. Her smelling of other yokai.
Her carrying some other yokai's pup.
All of the sudden, his lip lifted, and a terrible hostile snarl ripped from him. Sesshomaru touched his own chest, having managed to startle himself, just a little.
Diaozuan looked over in amusement. "Ah. So, the hesitation is probably just leftovers from you only knowing each other as brothers. It will be a strange transition into mates. This world is not kind to hanyou's, and… you will have to prove that your love is genuine, and that you see her as being a worthy mate." He hummed, finally starting to shrug on some clothes before returning to Sesshomaru's side. Wrapping around him lazily.
The silver-haired yokai was surprised. Yes… Inuyasha had mentioned something about that.
Hmm. That was going to be as difficult as Sesshomaru shrugging off the Tetsaiga.
"That is not going to be easy." Sesshomaru said, running his hand through Diaozuan's long hair affectionately.
"Love never is. But once you win her over, you'll have her loyalty forever. Just as you have mine." Diao hummed, and reached up, running a clawed finger gently under Sesshomaru's jawline. Earning the tiniest of purrs from the silver Daiyokai before he caught himself.
"I noticed there's a little something going on between you and her, as well." Sesshomaru murmured.
Diao shrugged and stretched. "Nothing will happen until after your relationship with Inuyasha is all settled, if it happens at all. If that's acceptable to you?"
Sesshomaru thought. For some reason, the idea of the fox being with Inuyasha didn't upset him nearly as much as the thought of being with some stranger. But still.
He didn't like the idea of sharing.
" Diaozuan, I do not want to share you. Not for a while- if ever." He admitted, looking down at the beautiful fox and tracing his face with his claws.
You are mine.
Sesshomaru said, and his voice was low and powerful and strong. The whites of his eyes flickered red for just a moment. No... his yokai was selfish, and would not share this mate. His love, the father and mother of their children. Diaozuan looked up and touched Sesshomaru's face reassuringly, " I am yours, my love." calming him with gentle strokes of his fingers.
Sesshomaru's possessiveness was strangely charming to the fox. It wasn't something he was used to.
When the silver-haired Daiyokai had calmed, he said thoughtfully, "You're strangely open to the idea of all of us being in relationships with each other."
Diaozuan said softly, " Sesshomaru. My father has four different marked ones. The more you have, the safer you are. Its quite common among our kind. Besides- I have more than enough love for the both of you-" He was silenced by a cuff from Sesshomaru to the head.
Diao laughed , rubbing his head gently. "Okay. I deserved that one."
"Mm hmm."
At dawn, Diaozuan left. He didn't want to of course, but Sesshomaru persuaded him to go. The Fox Tribe would be suspicious if he was randomly gone, and he had his duties. But he made sure the fox knew that he was loved, and that Sesshomaru appreciated his visit.
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EatEmUp: Yeah, no worries though. Sesshomaru's already accounted for that, lol. Also- here's more of the furry boy for ya :D
No Fan Of Kikyo: Nah, he just growled. But because Inuyasha's in that girl form(and mad crushing on Sesshomaru) she's more inclined to obey him than she would be normally.