It was a quiet morning. There was a pretty grey blanket of fog hovering a few feet from the ground outside. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha both rose with the dawn, the persistent, soft light eventually lulling them out of sleep and back into consciousness.

It was fairly cool in the room, as some of the leaks and insulation had not been fixed yet. Not wanting to move or think just yet, Sesshomaru contented himself by wrapping an arm around Inuyasha and pulling her a little closer. Giving one of her ears and affectionate swipe with his rough tongue. She emitted a faint feminine sound in return and tucked her head back to his chest. Not wanting to face the day just yet.

Not wanting to face being parted yet again.

His hand wandered to her abdomen, almost unconsciously. Unable to help the curiosity that bubbled in his mind. Would it be a hanyou? A daiyokai? Would she end up keeping it after all? She was certainly putting off getting rid of it, if that was her true intention.

His pup inside Inuyasha. Had he traveled back in time to tell his old self, he would never have been believed by anyone, most of all himself.

He felt her consciousness sharply and her gaze, and looked down curiously.

Charmed when she glanced away, a bubble of embarrassment and shyness overcoming her. Overwhelmed by the strange sharp beauty of her mate on a cool morning. His mane of liquid moonlight and the way his horns caught the light, casting warped rainbows behind his head in an ethereal crown.

Wildfire, I know you're awake.

He teased her gently, and she huffed. Pushing her head roughly deeper into his chest and the folds of their layers of blankets.

I'm sorry.

He pressed his head to hers, nuzzling slowly and gently, a purr rising in his chest.

As am I. I will spend my life striving to be the mate you need, Inuyasha. Until each day is better than the one before.

She paused then and lifted her head, meeting his gaze. Still not used to the gold-and-silver combination. Another thing they needed to deal with; telling everyone that he was not the son of Inu No Taisho.

His gaze was gentle and unusually soft. Sensing that was what she needed just then. She pressed her forehead against his and trembled slightly as she felt the points of his claws and the curiosity about the thing inside her body.

She could tell he wanted to ask, but also did not want to upset her. Or bring it up to early. She could hardly blame him given her temperament.

I couldn't after Inukezi …. I couldn't. Guess this form makes me weak in more ways than one.

She muttered, about all the explanation she could give him for now. Inuyasha closed her eyes. It was tiny in there, like a tiny flame. But strong. Strong like Sesshomaru, and that was a good thing ; the more it was like him, and the less it was like her,the better off the … the pup, would be.

She was crying suddenly. Not in a loud way but in a soft vulnerable way. The hot tears running down her cheeks almost before she realized it.

Sesshomaru was a bit alarmed, sitting up straighter.

"Inuyasha-"

"Sorry, sorry." She wiped the tears furiously, pausing when he caught her wrist gently. Cowering under that gaze that cut right through all of her walls like a knife through butter.

"Its just, it's a lot. This is a lot for me." She laughed weakly, and he whispered, " I know."

Wiping the tears from her face before pulling her flush to him, curling up his legs and placing both arms around her. Even that tail, so soft and long. Draping around and over her, and its soft heaviness pushing her deeper into him and deeper into the blankets.

You are so strong Inuyasha. You have the strongest spirit.

" I don't fuckin' feel strong." She whispered as she covered her face, closing her eyes tight to keep more tears from flowing. Her body trembling from head to toe as she tried to get a hold of herself.

You kept the Foo-Dog palace running, wildfire. Swallowing your grief, juggling this madness-doing what needed to be done. How much more evidence do you require? Whom else could have accomplished this?

She peeked out at him, a golden sliver of suspicion. Shivering slightly when the thumb-claw of his drew a line gently down her tanned cheek, leaving her skin tingling and raw.

Why do you think I chose you?

She felt his emotions, trickling up and down that mark on her neck. Something so warm and intense.

"Sesshomaru…"

He was proud of her; but it wasn't just that…

He loved her despite her ferocity… or perhaps because of it. Admired her. And even more, he wanted her to feel this. Sesshomaru wasn't cutting himself off like usual. His mate was vulnerable. He needed to do this, to support her.

To do everything he could to repair the damage he'd done from leaving her so alone. No to mention, the damage he'd down with his claws, and his words.

Filthy half-breed.

A waste of our father's blood.

Had it been him, that said those words? Dripping with venom? It seemed so long ago.

So he did something else.

He pressed a deep kiss to her lips instead. Slowly sinking them both down, comfortably so. Drowning in blue and red blankets and his white fur and their own limbs.

"Mmh- Sess-"She resisted at first as she always did. And that made it all the sweeter when she finally softened, those dark eyebrows lifting, then coming together just a bit. Her lips wet and pink and sweet and her ears turned faintly down and outward, trembling and flicking. Sucking that bottom lip and giving a low growl of satisfaction when she timidly returned the affection.

He pulled away, satisfied.

Satisfied with her low trembles, the bright red tinge to her cheeks. The short, heavy pants that she was trying to hide. The way her lips were still slightly parted, then furled gently under a canine as she bit her lip. Irritated with herself at how easily she was swayed by him.

Satisfied with the way he could turn the acid in her eyes into soft, honeyed gold.

She seemed to snap herself out of it and murmured, " S-Stop that. Bastard." halfheartedly.

No, I do not think I will.

He smirked, a wicked little smirk in the corner of his pale lips.

She just snarled, twisting them together until she was on top. Her hands using his horns to pin him against the pillows. Sesshomaru grunted in surprise, caught a little off guard-the noise was silenced before a rather vicious bite from the hanyou.

Sucking hard on Sesshomaru's neck and leaving a rather large, black-and-purple welt. Just above his collarbone.

And now it was his turn to go soft, and starry eyed. Tangling his claws in her hair and letting a low satisfied growl-purr escape from between his teeth as she marked him. Oops. He'd forgotten to hide that he enjoyed this part.

Ah, well.

Some small part of him just didn't care; was just happy that Inuyasha was warm and alive and carrying his pup.

She sat up when she was finished; a low, challenging growl in her throat. " Then I won't, either. Pretentious ass." One hand still pinning him down by a horn. He looked up at her in amusement and murmured, " Oh, so you think you can take control, pup?" His tail snaking up her form.

" Well I'm not gonna find out until I try, am I?" She snarled, trying to ignore the tickling of his silken fur, and trailing of his claws upon her flesh.

They were distracted for quite some time.

I love you.

And I you, Inyasha.

They were both coated in fresh scratches and bites when they returned. Luckily, both had had enough of their senses to do this in places easily hidden by clothes… well, for the most part.

When they returned, Sesshomaru was all but assaulted by his pups. All of them clinging to his legs or begging to be picked up. All except Toshi, who had not removed himself from Diaozuan's arms since the fox had arrived back home.

In an uncharacteristic show of affection, he cradled them all, giving them little pats or licks of affection here and there. Katsu and Ame. The fiery prince and the sweet, snow princess. They clung to him, relief clear on their faces. It had been almost two weeks… and the last time they'd seen Sesshomaru, he'd been barely holding in his own intestines, and his skin more black and red than white. They all spent a little time calming the pups. Who were tripping over themselves to take the blame for what had happened to Inukezi.

"It's our fault. Toshi told us, and we didn't listen. W-we-"Ame hiccupped, her little sharp claws digging into Sesshomaru's sleeve and all the way to his skin. Toshi didn't say anything, just hid himself deeper into Diaozuan's dark sleeves. The fox gave his son's cowlick a soft lick, smoothing a section of the hair down. His purple eyes full of pain for the kit in his arms.

Sight-blessed… More of a curse than a blessing. But at least the dragon's hadn't known about it. Sesshomaru and the others were doing everything they could to keep Toshi's gift a secret. But even he knew that someday, whispers, rumors…. Somehow, it would slip out.

And Toshi - he'd be hunted for his entire life. Not just for being a Daiyokai but for his gift. To use him, abuse him, drain him dry. And when they were finished… discard him.

"Look at me little princess. The only one at fault was the yokai who let the arrow fly. And when the winds calm, I will show you exactly what happened to those yokai." Sesshomaru murmured, his voice and expression going so sharp, angry. Lip raising, the skin at the bridge of his nose wrinkling. She looked up at her father and nodded, still sniffling, before going quiet.

Her hand reaching up and silently touching one of his horns. Surprised by the warmth of it. Sesshomaru's expression softened and he tilted his head down a bit to let her explore, ignoring the twinges of sparkling pain that went through his skull.

They still hurt.

" Dad… what happened to you?" She whispered. The other pups were quietly in awe too, too distressed to notice it before. Her gaze dropped from his horns to his arm, and she rolled up the side that seemed to glitter a bit. Gasping when she saw the scaling on his arm.

"Yokai- change, little one." Sesshomaru muttered indistinctly, not exactly feeling up to the task of telling her the truth of his lineage. It was going to be hard enough telling the citizens. The Foo-Dogs. His own people. And a sliver of fear snuck into his belly as he imagined it ; every filthy Foo-Dog mutt for miles, crawling over themselves for the chance to try and get into his throne.

Sesshomaru had to believe he'd won the trust of his people.

That was the only way.

"I'm old enough for you to tell me the truth, daddy." Ame said, very softly. Her eyes just a little squinted. And for the first time in a while she reminded him quite a bit of Inuyasha.

" Perhaps- but not quite old enough to get an answer from me I do not wish to give." Sesshomaru said, meeting her gaze levelly until she dropped her own.

He then waited just a moment before pressing his head to hers for a moment. Letting her know that he wasn't angry. She soon relaxed and snuggled back into him. No matter what he looked like, he would always be hers. Her second father.

Sesshomaru's eyes glanced around the room before meeting Diao's and saying softly, "Where is Rin?"

The black fox just sighed, and his eyes flicked towards Wumei's quarters. He'd tried to get her to talk, but she'd just wanted to talk with Sesshomaru.

The Daiyokai's gaze went to Inuyasha, and she sighed as well. " She won't talk to me, either. I tried."

Sesshomaru went quiet for a moment. Poor Rin was probably blaming herself. And after hearing a play-by-play of what had happened from the pups, he could hardly blame her.

When he got the chance, Sesshomaru quietly slipped away from the group, giving Diaozuan the simple instructions;

Take care of Inuyasha. Do not let her overexert herself. Not in her state. I will be back before dark.

Diauzuan gave his mate a small nod, not perceived by Inuyasha, who was still busy with the pups.

Sesshomaru found her in the corner of their smaller library, looking out.

"Come with me."

He said, his voice gentle enough for the situation, but firm enough to not be resisted. She looked at him, her usually bright eyes so dark, so… still. He did not like that at all.

He brought her to the medical tents. Inside, Foo-Dog and Dragon yokai alike laid side by side in their suffering. Many were well on their way to being healed… others, blinded, limbless, or skewered, would take many more weeks of magic healing before they would stand.

If they ever did.

The smell was atrocious- a mix of pus, blood, and dried sweat. Rin clapped a hand over her nose in surprise, and the Diayokai's snout wrinkled slightly.

Foo-Dog nurses and doctors flitted about, doing everything they could. Even calling in favors they were understaffed. But that was to be expected. A few acknowledge him- but most were too busy to even pause and give him a proper greeting.

After all, they had thought it would end in one of two ways- the dragons calling off the battle early, or the Foo-Dog clan's utter destruction.

"My lord Sesshomaru." He lifted his gaze, surprised to see the dragon yokai that had tossed him the water for Inuyasha after the battle had ended. The man with the soft lilac scales, and the dark blue eyes.

Sesshomaru noted the way he too, was helping the wounded.

And , more interestingly, the way the dragons that were left reacted to him. They trusted him. Followed his gaze. Joked and weakly smiled. Clearly he was well-liked, and well trusted in the clan.

Sesshomaru tilted his head slightly in return, saying softly, " I did not catch your name, that day."

"It's Yuu, my lord." He murmured, not meeting the Daiyokai's gaze at first. And when he did, it was fleeing and unsure.

" You were Ryuu's servant." Sesshomaru said quietly. Something about the man held the scars of the dragon- and he had guessed correctly, for Yuu flinched and spat, " Pet, more like. Better I'd have been killed than suffered under that man's hand."

Sesshomaru looked the man up and down. This one had been female, once. And though Sesshomaru wasn't quick to trust, he could sense somewhere deep in that yokai, a kindness.

Rin would be safe with this yokai.

"I think some of your kin would disagree." Sesshomaru noted lightly, setting a hand on Rin's shoulder. She was starting to get antsy, nervous around so many yokai.

" I am… highest-ranking, now that all the generals have perished."

" At dawn, meet me at the Dragon Gate. There is someone I want you to meet." Sesshomaru said. The young male dragon looked up at the Foo-Dog in surprise.

"In the meantime, Rin is here to help. Please make sure she is kept busy."

The Foo-Dog nodded thoughtfully, smelling yet another yokai. A fox yokai. A scent that first made his tail bristle slightly, triggering an unpleasant memory in him.

"Rin!" It was Shippou. He looked a bit worse for wear, but seemed unhurt aside from a few scars. He was about her age now; bigger now that he'd finally given in to a yokai diet of demon blood and flesh.

So he's finally left the humans.

Sesshomaru thought mildly. It was for the best, no matter how painful it had been. Human diets had kept his growth stunted; not he was finally reaching his potential. At full height, he'd be about a foot shorter than Sesshomaru. Slimmer, too; foxes were lithe.

Rin looked stunned," S-Shippou-?" Some of the sunlight returning to her brown eyes. A weak smile even flicking on her face for an instant as the fox yokai hugged her. Then, suddenly seemed aware of his own actions, stepping back and tucking his tail slightly between his legs.

Ears flat against his head as he gave a nervous glace to Sesshomaru, who simply lifted a perfect silver brow.

"S-Sorry, Lord Sesshomaru, I just haven't seen her in forever-"

Rin stuttered, " How- how did you grow so fast? I only saw you a few years ago, and you were still a tiny kid!" looking him over. She seemed especially interested in his feet- how the skin transitioned smoothly at the calf to soft brown fur. And how he stood permanently on his toes- his feet tiny, perfect fox feet. Tipped with little black claws.

He was sort of bouncing on them- full of energy now that he was with Rin. Finally, one of the old crew to talk to!

His glance deferred to Sesshomaru again and he stuttered, "Uh, well, ya see, what happened was-" he wrung his hands a bit, messing with a wettened towel he'd been carrying.

" Human food stunted his growth when he was with Inuyasha's human pack. Now that he's back on a proper diet, he's catching up to his correct weight and height." Sesshomaru said in an almost bored tone.

He touched Rin's temple lightly with a claw.

You will have plenty of time to grieve, sweet one. But today I want you to help these yokai. I did not know Inukezi for very long, but I know he'd be here. Assisting the wounded.

I also know this; he'd want you to feel useful. Happy.

Rin looked up at Sesshomaru and nodded, fresh tears springing to her eyes and down her chin. Shippou was alarmed, "R-Rin? What's wrong?" scooting closer to her as Sesshomaru made his way to Yuu.

"Keep them both busy. How many felled outside the wall?"

Yuu looked suddenly weary. " Too many. We can't seem to bury them fast enough. And the tribes you sent out will be back any day now. We'd hoped to get them all buried before they came back but-"

" Do you care if they are buried in our soil."

Yuu shook his head. " As long as you can try to get identification on the marker. So… whoever's left can find them if they want to."

"And of Ryuu?"

If Sesshomaru could even find his skeleton- he wouldn't be surprised if it had disintegrated already.

Yuu's expression hardened. " You find his remains, you can put that fucker's head on a pike for all I care." His gaze wandered to Sesshomaru's horns. Even in the weak streaks of sunlight the tents had to offer, they still glittered faintly.

"You are forged in chaos-fire, my lord Sesshomaru. More of a dragon than he ever was, no matter what portion of our kind is in your blood. I wish-" Yuu paused, biting down words. Sesshomaru tilted his head just slightly, encouraging the dragon yokai to continue.

" I wish it had consumed me, my lord. I'm not- I'm not ready to lead these men. I… I'm weak."

The Foo-Dog was quiet for a moment.

This was an opportunity. Yuu was the new leader of the dragon yokai, whether he was aware of this or not.

And Sesshomaru greatly desired peace between the Foo-Dogs and the dragons… what was left of them.

" The chaos-fire is cleansing to the dragons. Healing. And you have greater experience than any yokai here how not to lead, having been under Ryuu. Surely, that is a promising beginning for any reign."

Sesshomaru's voice was low, strong. Like a river beating against rocks. And when Yuu looked up this time, there was at last some hope in the young dragon's eyes.

Sesshomaru left to help bury the dead.

And despite his promise to Diaozuan, he was unable to make it back before dark. When he did finally return he smelled of dead bodies and dirt, and his arms and legs ached. He'd found Bakusaiga's twisted hilt underneath one such body and tucked it away for safekeeping.

As he'd done so, his felt his arm twinge with pain, but he'd thought nothing of it.

He all but dragged himself to the hot springs. So tired that he flopped half-out of them, letting his tail drift on the top of the water.

Faint warm mist clung to his form, beading in his tail in beautiful fat rainbow droplets. The spring was blessedly empty at this time of night, the air full of steam. The water a calming green and the rocks were reflecting the undulating patterns of the water.

Sesshomaru felt Diaozuan's presence well before he heard of smelled him. But he was far too tired, not even lifting his head from its comfortable position on his folded arms.

Evening , darling.

There was a faint splash and the smell of scented soaps.

Inuyasha's going to need all of my attention these next few weeks, you know.

Sesshomaru felt his tail gently wrapped with one of Diaozuan's sleek fox tails.

I'm perfectly aware of that. It's only fair. And you're still learning how to have two mates. But please understand that you cannot be there for the both of us, all the time.

Inuyasha will be all right, and so will I. Don't spread yourself too thin my orchid.

Leave time and energy for yourself.

Sesshomaru half-opened his eyes wearily. The usually bright yellow something softer, like sunlight glinting off the edge of a lake.

I'm not sure I can do that. It's been so long. And she needs so much. And…

His mind wandered to the pup. And more importantly, Inuyasha's reaction to it.

I do not know if she even wants- this. She is missing Inukezi terribly and… It really couldn't be worse timing.

Sesshomaru felt Diao moving a bit closer and gave a feeble warning growl. Which of course the fox ignored.

She still chose to keep it Sesshomaru. We must be grateful to Inuyasha for that mercy. And I am cautiously optimistic that she will love your pup. Especially when she feels its movements; and how like you it is.

For that is when I fell in love with our pups. Diaozuan assured Sesshomaru, and he felt a wet kiss being pressed to his temple, and a warm arm across his shoulders.

Sesshomaru turned a rather lovely shade of pink around the cheeks. Meeting Diao's gaze for only a moment before glancing back down at the rocks.

It is unfair how you always know just what to say. Sesshomaru muttered, dropping his haze and giving a sigh. Diaozuan just chuckled, taking a section of hair from Sesshomaru's sixty inches of locks and starting a braid.

"You say what I need. Just in a different way." The fox assured him, tucking the now-finished braid behind one of his pointed ears before looking up at the stars and saying softly.

"When all this is over, I think I'd like to get married."

Sesshomaru sat up, his expression wide and surprisingly vulnerable. Yellow eyes large with shock.

"We're-already married." But his words were quiet, and unsure.

Diaozuan snorted, tapping the crescent moon mark that rested just between his collarbones. "Unofficially, yes. But I mean- I want everything else. The big ceremony. I want it written somewhere. So that when yokai look at the records of history they know exactly how we felt about each other."

He picked up Sesshomaru's slim, beautiful hand, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

"Would you marry me, my love? When that time comes?" He purred, turning on the charm. His beautiful purple eyes reflecting the soft green of the water.

Sesshomaru huffed and dropped his gaze, his cheeks now very red as the fox leaned in. Giving a slight growl.

Mother would have thrown a fit. Not only a man, but a fox yokai; the Foo-Dog's enemy for so long. Worse; a second-born price. Not even a Daiyokai.

But father would have understood. Oh yes; for his one and only mate had been that human woman. And if it was a defect in a Daiyokai to desire this kind of love no matter its origin, then… Sesshomaru was now irredeemable.

"Come on, you know you want to." His voice was something low that settled deep in Sesshomaru's frame. Persuasive. Comforting. The fox nuzzling his neck, placing tickly little kisses up his jawline. Letting Sesshomaru feel the warm, sharp points of his teeth as they gently scraped.

"I don't even like you." Sesshomaru muttered, as if to convince himself. This earned another low chuckle from the fox.

"You do."

Despite his best efforts Sesshomaru was soon softening, the tiniest of smiles appearing in the corner of his lips. And his low, angry warning growls had changed into soft content purrs. He felt himself nuzzling the other yokai in return.

His mate.

The only yokai who'd ever tied with him in a swordfight. Ryuu's nasty trick-sword didn't count; had it been one on one with fair swords Sesshomaru would have bested the dragon easily.

But not this one.

"Yes." Sesshomaru whispered after some time, letting his head rest against Diao's broad chest and closing his eyes.

"But I cannot further upset Inuyasha. I want her permission."

The fox's expression filling with relief and gladness as he set an arm over Sesshomaru and pulled him close. His beautiful killing perfection. " I doubt she'll disapprove. Hell, maybe she'll wanna marry you too. It's certainly save on expenses."

Sesshomaru gave a snort of amusement.

They sat in warm comfortable silence for a bit before Diaozuan noticed Sesshomaru covering a yawn with his hand.

"You're tired. Let's get you dressed and dried off." Diaozuan murmured. And Sesshomaru didn't have enough strength to even protest; letting Diaozuan silently help him. He was in a different kimono tonight; soft blues and silvers that accented his horns in quite a beautiful way.

Usually Sesshomaru did not allow Diaozuan to carry him anywhere. He detested being babied when he had strength in him. But tonight, after digging more graves than even he could recall, he allowed it.

As they passed the pup's rooms he was mildly surprised to smell Inuyasha inside as well. She must have fallen asleep accidentally after playing with the pups. Ah, well. Their beds were large enough for a night or two.

"How in the seven hells your father manages four mates, I will never understand. I am exhausted." Sesshomaru muttered under his breath, earning an amused laugh from Diaozuan.

"You'll learn to manage it. And Inuyasha has to learn to adjust a bit too. With her old human mate, she could hog her attention and time. Now, she has to learn to prioritize when she really needs you." He spoke softly so that he could not disturb their children or Sesshomaru's sleeping mate. She was the one who needed the most rest out of all of them.

I… It is going to be difficult for me to give her the affection she requires.

"Remember that she knows you. Even efforts will be appreciated. She doesn't expect you to suddenly be super cuddly. Just… be near her. Just proximity will soothe her." Diaozuan said, continuing down the darkened hallway and to their bedroom.

They flopped into bed together with little grace. Sesshomaru giving a surprised grunt. Diao simply giving a soft huffed bit of laughter before adding, "Though. She would probably appreciate you bidding her good morning tomorrow before you leave to meet with Yuu."

Sesshomaru paused. " I didn't know you were aware of my plans." And Diaozuan said softly, " Rin isn't very good at keeping secrets. She told me after she returned home for the day." Tracing Sesshomaru's pointed ear with one of his claws.

"At the very least, you got her talking again. And it seems like spending time with someone her age will be a good thing. Take her mind off of Inukezi."

He was relieved to hear that. He'd been so worried, seeing her eyes so dark like that.

" How long do you think I can put off addressing my lineage to the court?" Sesshomaru said, his eyes dark once more. The yellow going back to its usual icy, cold shade.

Diao sighed, his many tails flicking in thought for a moment. " I'd say maybe another day or two, tops. The yokai you've evacuated will be returning, and you need their support against your cousins and uh… other Foo-Dogs. I'd play it off as you being as surprised as them to learn of it. Like this was the first time your dragon blood ever emerged."

Sesshomaru thought for moment, realizing his mate was probably right. If he told the entire truth of it, it'd come off as him being a fraud; ruling even though he knew he had no direct blood relation to Inu No Taisho.

It'd come off as him being a liar. Untrustworthy.

And it would not help him keep the throne. If his citizens wanted him to leave, he would step down. But he would not step down to the slavering dog-bred cowards that had been courting his throne. Waiting for an opportunity to sieze it out from under him. Dogs fighting over a bone.

Relax. I think, with time, all of this will be water under the bridge.

Diaozuan murmured, his hand going to the place where Sesshomaru's horn emerged from his temple. Gently massaging the sore juncture from bone to newly-sprouted horn.

It had been nearly two weeks, yet they still ached. Sesshomaru gave a relieved sigh, pushing his head hard against Diaozuan's fingers like a cat. Wanting relief.

Diaozuan got a little pleased smile on his face, slipping both hands around Sesshomaru's horns and gently rubbing them with his thumbs and forefingers. Little circles.

"Heh. You should've told me you were sore earlier, Sessho-" He paused.

Sesshomaru was meeting his gaze. And the yellow was soft again, but soft with the wetness and redness that often came with tears.

" My ancestors must have truly been blessed, for fate to have led me to you." Sesshomaru murmured, slipping his hands gently over Diaozuan's and giving them a light squeeze. The fox had changed everything about his life. Changed him, from the inside out. And there was nothing he could do to ever repay every kind word, every loving embrace.

Finally, the memories, the scarring of his mother's claws was melting away. And he was looking forward to the day when he no longer recalled her face. When the word Inukimi was something he'd have to concentrate on to remember.

When her words no longer tainted his thoughts, his tongue. And his heart.

Diaozuan kissed him so gently Sesshomaru was a little afraid he'd start crying.

"I think … we were always meant to be together. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life by your side, Sesshomaru the Undying. Now, come here."

Sesshomaru fell into his arms.

And for the first time in weeks, Sesshomaru slept deeply, and well. Nested in a pile of glittery black fox tails and in his mate's arms.

So well in fact that he was almost late to his meeting the next morning.

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Smiles- yep yep xD As Jaken said, 'There is a seething demon underneath' so, uh, that's what I usually base my version of him as. Always stuff going on underneath.

DMadukes- well, ahem. I DO have plans as far as the kiddos go, and I'll leave a clue or two for you sweetie. Lets see if you can figure out what's going on beforehand hehe~

EatEmUp- That's cool man. I just like reading your reviews and I hope you liked this chapter too. It's a bit shorter but at least its something xD