Sesshomaru ran his fingers through his half-brother's thick white hair, smiling softly down at the half-demon's bowed head.
It had been a long time since he'd seen Inuyasha like this -- so anxious to please, desperate for his attnetion, his affection. Ever since --
But no. Best not to think about that.
Naraky would pay. But more than that, KAGOME would hurt. Half-demon or not, NOBODY hurt his brother. Except for him ... but that was different.
And this woman ... what good were her sacred powers if she couldn't even discern truth from lies? She merely provided more fuel for his hatred of all things human.
And yet, Inuyasha still cared deeply for her, still wished to keep her safe. She didn't deserve his selfless love -- not now, not ever.
Leaning forward slightly, Sesshomaru tilted Inuyasha's chin so that they were looking directly into each other's eyes.
No words were said. None were need. Among the higher classes of demon families, a bond is formed between mother and child ... and sibling to sibling. It was through that bond, now, that he sent all of his love, forgiveness, and understanding.
Inuyasha smiled gratefully before allowing his head to drop back down, silent sobs wracking his body.
Inuyasha had always been so dependant on him; it was why his leaving had come as such a shock. How could his little brother survive without him? But he had. The next time they had met, it had been as if all those years together had meant nothing, as if they meant nothing to each other. And so, Sesshomaru had responded in kind, throwing one insult after another at his once-fragile brother.
But here was that old dependence once again, shining through in his greatest hour of need.
Sesshomaru allowed a small, gentle smile to curve his lips, eyes slowly sliding closed as he once again ran his fingers through the silken strands of his brother's hair.