Author's Rambling: So, um, this chapter is uber lovey-dovey. Ha. I was just thinking that if Inutaishou and Achika had been married for such a long time, they would be comfortable around one another. Thus explaining the extra fluff. See, I really hate the teenage couples in stories because their love is so shallow. I'm not saying married couples aren't shallow...but it's easier to make them sickly sweet and flirty when they've been married forever. Ha. So if you're offended by really cheesy flirting between parents, then this fic isn't for you. I mean really cheesy. But I wrote it with humor as my purpose. I actually have a plot for this story, but I wanted to add a fluff chapter before the story got depressing. XD Also, a correction—the third InuYasha movie will be called Swords of an Honorable Ruler. Swords of World Conquest though was the direct translation, at least according to the subtitled version I watched. I can't wait, only a few more days until it comes out in English. Inu-Papa's dub better not suck emu eggs. Oh! Another thought! I'm planning out two new InuYasha stories after this. The first one will be an Inutaishou/Izayoi romance. Its purpose will be to make you hate Izayoi even more! I was also hoping to write a Sess/Arya romance fic too. Jeez, I'm in such a fluffy fic mood. Perhaps I might write a modern twist on InuYasha, but I promise it won't be your typical high school fic and it'll most likely be short. It'll allude to deeper meanings. And, in my spare time (cough) I want to write two separate fics on the animes Saiyuki and Fruits Basket. One more thing before I shut up for a while... Thanks for all your reviews! I can't remember who said it, but I laughed so hard when someone wrote, "Can Inutaishou die again now?" XD Thanks to all the people that reviewed my one shot! I luff you all! When you watch the third movie, look for the stripe on Inu-Papa's tummy!
Ack, one last, last thing. I wanted to tell everyone why I made Inutaishou mean so quickly. One, because when I first started the Warlords Don't Cry fic, I wasn't planning an ending. I was just exploring characters really. I needed conflict so I decided to make him mean. But then as I learned more of his character, I was able to explain his actions. Two, so that the readers would feel for Sesshoumaru. Kind of like the Disney effect, you know? They either kill off a parent or make him or her mean so you feel for the main character. Third, because in the third movie when Inutaishou and Sesshoumaru are talking, there is an obvious underlying conflict between the two. I just felt compelled to write why that was. Last, because in writing and anime, mean characters are just awesome. Not in real life, mind you. XD
After their bath together, the married couple stood in their bedroom chamber, changing into something more regal for dinner. Achika wore a purple kimono, trimmed with embroidered ivy. Untying her ponytails, she brushed her long hair; proud of the way it still glistened when the light touched it.
Yet, her husband wasn't as content. Inutaishou was grumbling as he dropped his bathrobe to the floor, searching through his closet for a kimono to wear that night. The lord became more and more perturbed as he discovered that there wasn't a single garment in his closet that belonged to him. Of course, there were enough of his wife's clothing, but he couldn't even find a sash.
"Achika," he began with a disgruntled air, "have you noticed that none of my possessions are still in the castle? I can't find a kimono or haori or anything else in this damn closet. And can you also explain why all the paintings of myself have been removed?" His wife sighed, shaking her head.
"Well, you said yourself Sesshoumaru and you don't get along. I suppose he removed everything."
"Yes, but when you left the castle everything of yours was ridded of also and yet, I noticed that some of your clothing as well as the paintings of you have reappeared."
"Then perhaps Sesshoumaru managed to salvage some of my possessions," Achika finished, still looking in the mirror as she braided her hair. Huffing at this, Inutaishou kept from snapping out by turning away from her. He then proceeded to go through the closet again, hell-bent on finding him a garment.
Noticing a gray hair in her lovely locks, Achika scowled, trying to hide it in all the other strands. "Oh, I can't believe this! A gray hair! I'm going to be like Totosai if I don't figure out some way to stop this...this, aging thing. Sure, being two thousand years old can do a number on a woman...but I thought maybe I had a few more years and..." She trailed off upon hearing a flustered growl from her spouse. "Inutaishou-sama, why are you so stubborn? You know you aren't going to find anything—" Achika stopped in mid-sentence as she turned to see her husband, noticing for the first time he wasn't wearing anything at all. Her brush instantly fell from her hand and then met with her free hand, clasped together as she held in a squeal. Wandering eyes studied his backside, while a coy smirk tugged at her lips. Unable to contain herself, she went to him as he complained about clothing and surprised him by pinching his rear end.
At this moment, the lord jumped ever so slightly. He then shifted his weight so he was facing his flirtatious wife, a questioning brow raised. She met this with a grin, watching him cross his arms.
"Normally if anyone tried that, I'd rip off their hands but seeing as you are my wife I think I'll overlook it," the lord commented wryly, before his hands found her waist and pulled her to him. Several giggles escaped the demoness as she hugged him around the neck, enjoying the warm kisses that Inutaishou placed on her neck.
"Oh, hubby-wubby-hubby," Achika cooed before kissing the lord's lips, lost in pure bliss. Lovingly stroking the small of her back, Inutaishou moved his other hand to the shoulder of her kimono, gently pushing it off of her. To his disappointment, his wife pulled away from him, adjusting her kimono and putting a tapered finger to his lips.
"No, no, sweetie. You can have your 'dessert' after dinner," she scolded light-heartedly, shaking her head. "You are such a naughty puppy."
There were very few times where Inutaishou didn't concern himself with his pride and dignity. He was typically calm and collected, unless his temper raged to life. Still, the lord didn't flirt around like he did in his youth. That wasn't to say that he didn't have an interest in women—far from it. Inutaishou was just better at picking times on when and where to demonstrate his affections. Currently, Inutaishou was in a very good mood until his wife had denied him his desires. So when she ignored him, he continued to try and flirt.
"But Achika-chan," he smirked, using rare endearments as he stroked her face, "you just said that you missed me." Nuzzling his face below her collarbone, the lord took in her scent, intoxicated by the aroma and his love for her.
"Remember, we're the responsible adults," she said, clucking her tongue while running fingers through his hair.
"Responsible my ass." He smiled as his wife rubbed behind his ears.
"Inutaishou-sama, you can be such a dog sometimes," Achika laughed, shaking her head.
"Mmhm," he mumbled, resting his face against her chest as she continued to massage the back of his head.
"Anyway, enough of this. We've got to find got to find you something to wear tonight." Again, she pulled away from him as he pouted like a petulant child who didn't get his way. "Now there must be at least one outfit in this closet," Achika said aloud to herself while her husband sat down on the bed, muttering about something. "Ah, here, honey, you just didn't look hard enough. Honestly, why are men so unobservant?" she said to no one in particular, showing him a black kimono, layered with different shades of gray.
"I'm very observant, thank you. I'm just observant in different ways because I'm a male," he smirked. Achika decided she wasn't going to ask. She'd been married to the lord long enough to get a pretty good guess about his thoughts.
"Inutaishou, you're acting like we're teenagers again. At least pretend you're mature."
"I can't help it. You bring out my instinct." Achika blushed with all the attention he gave her, sitting down beside him.
"Ooo! I've missed you so much, hubb-wubb!" she sighed dramatically, dropping the kimono on the bed. "You're so romantic!" Kissing his face a few times, she then patted the kimono. "But you need to get dressed. There's no telling what might happen if you don't."
"Right," he agreed, reaching and taking the kimono from her, "the quicker dinner is over, the quicker tonight will come."
Achika just kissed him, falling in love with her husband all over again.
XXX
Inutaishou had placed himself at the head of the table, enjoying his first meal he'd had in a long time. His second son sat to his left while his first wife to his right. Sesshoumaru sat next to his mother with Rin beside him. Finally, Kagome had settled by InuYasha, Shippou in her lap, while Sango sat beside Kagome and Miroku next to Sango. The monk had chosen the seat farthest from Achika he could manage without appearing rude.
Amber eyes alert, Sesshoumaru waited to see if his father was going to attack anyone. His sixth sense kept telling him that there was something wrong. Yet, Inutaishou continued to eat, never making a violent move. For a while, an awkward silence hung over the dining hall.
"InuYasha, my son," Inutaishou said after some time, looking to his favored offspring, "has the Tetsusaiga been of use to you?" A soft growl came from Sesshoumaru at this. Inutaishou chose to ignore it.
"Yes, it's been real useful, Father," InuYasha said between mouthfuls, nodding as he did so, "I've gotten down several of the techniques. I've slain lots of enemies with it too." Sesshoumaru gave a look of utter disgust, his eyes narrowed. His appearance was softened though when Rin tugged at his sleeve. She needed assistance with her chopsticks. Blinking at this, the lord helped her, glaring at anyone who gave the two a strange look. The rest of the company was painfully quiet, still scared of Inutaishou's presence.
Achika was starting to realize that talking of InuYasha's birthright might have not been the best idea. Quickly, she tried to lighten the atmosphere. Grabbing her husband's arm, she cooed.
"Inutaishou-sama, isn't it wonderful having the entire family here, along with friends? Aren't you happy?"
"Yes, dear, very nice." Achika looked at him, saddened a bit he wasn't flirting back. Therefore, she tried harder to win his affections.
"And I'm sure everyone just loves being here. I know I do. I love being here with you," she said, swooning a bit as she traced his arm underneath its kimono. "You're so handsome, Inutaishou-sama, I could just eat you up!"
"I don't think I would mind that, love," Inutaishou said almost too quickly, a hinted brow raised. Achika's face flushed as she gazed at him, giggling.
"Oh, Inutaishou-sama!"
It was around this point that Miroku choked on his meal, his face turning a putrid green. Swallowing hard, he looked to Sango, nervousness gripping him.
"Dear gods, is anyone else besides myself finding these two a bit nauseating?" he whispered, while the demon slayer put her hand across his mouth.
"Hush! Do you want to be butchered on the spot?" Miroku pushed her hand away.
"No, of course not! But...they're just so...so...old! If you knew how old Sesshoumaru's mother was, you'd gag!" Achika's sensitive hearing picked up the houshi's murmuring, and she smiled at him.
"Come now, monk, was it not you who was flirting with me earlier? I don't blame you. We demons keep our youth for quite a long time." Inutaishou heard this and decided to tease the monk. His visage became completely intimidating, eyes stone as he glared at Miroku.
"Flirting with my wife? Aren't houshi denied pleasures of the flesh? Would you like to explain why you were attempting to seduce her? Speak quickly. I've never been a very patient demon." Miroku paled, rubbing his throat. He hoped it would stay connected to his head.
"With all due respect, milord, I had no idea she was your wife. And I wasn't trying to seduce her...just harmless joking."
"Harmless? You call your vulgar displays of violating a women's personal space, harmless? Inutaishou-sama, he was practically on the verge of asking me to bear his children! Well, not that I'm capable of bearing children anymore but I—"
"Mother, please, the unnecessary details can be spared," Sesshoumaru cut in between bites of his meal.
"Sorry, sweetie. Anyway, Inutaishou-sama I didn't know what to do! Imagine me, a helpless damsel in distress, manipulated by the perverse man! I was so frightened," she said, completely over-the-top.
"You're the one who told me how old you are! I was sure I was going to die from shock!" Miroku defended, terribly afraid Inutaishou would kill him. "Uh...from shock that a woman your age can still...er, look so absolutely gorgeous..." Sighing at this, Inutaishou shooed this argument with a wave of his hand.
"Do not worry, monk, I won't kill you tonight. I have plans anyway." Another squeal from Achika. Sesshoumaru had to cover his ears at this. He wished his mother would calm down just a little bit. She was acting as if she was on honeymoon. Looking away from his parents, he decided that it would be best to push their thoughts of a romantic evening to the far depths of his brain.
"Speaking of bearing children and what not..." Achika began, glancing to Sesshoumaru. Patting her son's arm, she smiled at him, waiting for his attention. When he finally turned, her grin widened. "Sess-chan, when are you going to marry and give me some grandchildren?" she asked, her eyes as innocent as she could muster.
Sesshoumaru stared at her for a moment before returning to tend to Rin. A disappointed look crossed Achika's face as she gave a melancholic sigh. Inutaishou watched this exchange for a moment, analyzing the situation.
"Come to think of it, Sesshoumaru, why haven't you chosen a mate yet? That is part of the duties of being an heir to any throne. Even your brother has a suitable woman to bear his children." Inutaishou waited impatiently for a response while his younger son blushed insanely.
"Father, honestly, you couldn't be suggesting that me and Kagome—"
"As if I'd want to marry you! You're just a self-absorbed—" InuYasha's father just put up his hand to silence the two. It was then Kagome's turn to blush. She gave an apologetic look to Inutaishou, who nodded. When it seemed the two had settled down, the taiyoukai continued.
"How do you plan to continue our bloodline if you keep avoiding responsibility? As a matter of fact, when was the last time you attended one of the Meetings?" Inutaishou stared at his firstborn, his patience continuing to diminish. Hand tightening so that it formed a tightly wound fist, Sesshoumaru cast a disdainful stare to his father.
"The last time I attended one of those pointless meetings? Why, I'd have to say it was the day you beat me within an inch of my life in front of every demon of power in Japan. And I believe Mother was there too. Even that human whore of yours was there with the filthy half-breed. If you're having trouble remembering, why don't you ask InuYasha, your favorite? Oh, wait, he was an infant then-- So, let's see here, you apathetically beat me in front of both your wives and a pup, along with everyone else. What a wonderful person you are, Inutaishou-sama," Sesshoumaru ended with a caustic sneer, sarcasm lacing his words. Inutaishou clenched his chopsticks tightly, the utensils threatening to break. Silence returned to the room as the older lord's temper began to build rapidly. Concern flashed across Achika's eyes as she tried so hard to stop the two's fighting, but the two threw barbs at one another so quickly the demoness couldn't get a word in the conversation.
"Boy, I swear, if you keep this smart ass uppity attitude of yours—"
"Why the hell do you insist on calling me a boy? I'm a full-grown adult and you know—"
"Maybe I call you a boy because that's what you act like. An immature, spoiled son of a bitch who needs a damn good beating to keep him in line—"
"As if your mother wasn't a bitch?" Sesshoumaru said sharply, his eyes flooding with crimson. His father, just as equally enraged, stood up unexpectedly, pointing an accusing finger at his firstborn.
"Listen to me, I don't have the time to—" Inutaishou found himself being interrupted yet again, only this time it was because of his wife's sniffing and soft sobbing instead of his son's insults. She had her delicate hands folded in her lap as she looked down, crying quietly. Glancing around the table, the lord realized he'd made a mistake losing his temper in front of his guests, two of which were children. Everyone beside Sesshoumaru had a terrified look etched on his or her faces. Taking in a deep breath to calm his anger, Inutaishou sat down, putting his hand on his spouse's leg.
"Achika, love...I apologize. I didn't mean what I said." Achika tried to stop crying as she squeezed Inutaishou's hand for comfort.
"I...I know. I just wanted so very badly for you and Sesshoumaru to get along." The demoness' son watched her, frustrated at his father for making the woman cry.
"Mother, please, don't listen to him. I don't know why you continually seek his approval. But you must remember this is who the half-breed inherited his barbaric temper from," Sesshoumaru said, shooting a cold look at InuYasha. Immediately, the hanyou became defensive.
"You're the one who just snapped out at Father!" Inutaishou shook his head at his favored son, signaling that it was best to just let the situation go; although, the warlord was struggling with his fiery temper as well.
"Enough of this," Inutaishou said firmly, ending the feud. He stood, looking at his guests. "You are all free to do what you please, within reason, as my guests. But I do not want anymore of this meaningless bickering. If anyone of you needs something, there are plenty of servants welcome to do your bidding. I do not want my castle to be filled with yelling. I am glad to have you all here and hope to know you all better. For now though, I am excusing myself from your company." This said he walked to InuYasha, placing his hand on the hanyou's shoulder. "We will talk tomorrow." Then, he left the dining room at a brisk pace, tired of being polite to guests, as he headed to his bedchamber.
Miroku stood, done with his meal.
"Well then, I'll see you all tomorrow I suppose. Unless, of course, Sango you would like to join me tonight?" The demon slayer rose, anger evident in her eyes. Miroku swallowed. "Or not. That's fine too." He then left to his room while Sango went in the opposite direction to hers. After this, it was InuYasha's turn to leave. While he stood, he growled at his brother and left in a hurry to his room, not sure of what to make of everything. Shippou followed the hanyou, eager to tease him. Kagome and Rin remained, quiet in the presence of the youkai.
"Mother," Sesshoumaru said quietly, looking to the sobbing demoness, "don't you want to go with Inutaishou-sama? You seemed overjoyed to be with him tonight." True, Sesshoumaru hated his father. But if Inutaishou made his mother happy, then so be it. Right now, Sesshoumaru just wanted his mother to smile again, even if that meant letting a few emotions slip out while doing so. Besides, there was no one to watch, except for Rin and Kagome. He knew Rin had seen him a few times like this before. As for Kagome, if she ever leaked out any of this, he'd take pride in slitting her neck.
"I...I will. I'm just sad right now. I think I'll go see if my gardens are still in good condition," Achika said softly, leaving silently. Rin dozed off after a minute or two, causing Sesshoumaru to pick her up and put the human child in his lap.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, that was very nice of you...comforting your mother. I know she must drive you crazy," Kagome said, trying to understand the lord. But the lord wouldn't allow it.
"I'd suggest you keep your nose of your business, filth. My family's conflicts occurred long before you even existed. There's nothing a pitiful human like yourself can do to change this fact." Kagome looked hurt but not surprised. Despite this, she attempted once more to try and get him to talk.
"Your father...Well, I wanted to tell you, he has at least five shards of the Shikon Jewel in his neck. When we fought the Band of Seven, they only required one jewel to resurrect them. But Inutaishou-sama needed five? I've heard some of the stories, but I now know he must be very powerful and his power is only increased with these jewels. I just wanted you to know this because your mother is so deeply in love with him, I don't want her to be hurt when she discovers this. Sango went through the same thing with Kohaku. I don't know if this is Naraku's doing, but please tell Achika-sama this. She seems to be very kind, and if this is Naraku's fault, I'd hate for him to ruin yet another person's life." Kagome finally stood, not waiting to see Sesshoumaru's reaction. Even as she left, Sesshoumaru didn't seem surprised. Although, he found it odd that his father didn't smell like the scent of rotting flesh that the Band of Seven had. His father had the scent that he had always possessed. All Sesshoumaru could figure was that Inutaishou must have been given a new body. Whoever had brought his father back to the living clearly wanted Inutaishou to be just as he was hundreds of years ago.
XXX
Once Rin had been put in her little futon, tucked in with warm blankets, Sesshoumaru went to his, though he was unable to sleep. This castle put him on guard. He hated it here. There were too many memories that hid themselves in the castle walls, waiting for a chance to haunt its inhabitants. Sesshoumaru was so attentive that when he heard the door to his room open, he already had poison forming at the tips of his claws. When he saw that it was his mother however, the poison retreated, and he gave her a questioning look.
"Mother? What are you doing here?" he asked, looking her as she came to sit by him.
"Tucking you in, of course!" Sesshoumaru blinked twice, a bit bewildered by her mood change.
"I thought you were still brooding over how Inutaishou-sama hated me."
"Well, I was. But you know what I realized? Now that Inutaishou-sama is back, you two can have all the time in the world to get over each other's differences." Achika spoke while she tucked the blankets around him snuggly, kissing his forehead. Sesshoumaru gave an inward sigh. She certainly got over conflicts fast. For some reason, he was calm around her—when there was no one he had to worry about blackmailing him. In truth, he loved his mother dearly. She'd always been there for him. When he was a pup, she read to him, sang to him, protected him. And as he grew older, when Inutaishou beat him, Achika was always there; ready to help with his wounds. Yes, she cried a lot and talked a lot and frustrated him a lot—but Sesshoumaru knew this was Achika's way of showing her love for her son. Perhaps this was the reason he allowed her to baby him a bit when no one was around.
"That's good, Mother," he said softly, knowing full well her idea would never work, but didn't have the heart to ruin it for her. "But why don't you go to Inutaishou-sama now? Knowing him, he's probably waiting for you." She blushed, lightly slapping his arm.
"How dare you tease me! I'm your mother and yet you act as if I'm a love struck teenager."
"That's because you're acting like one, Mother. I wonder sometimes if I'm the only one who really acts his age."
"If you acted your age, you would have a wife by now. Sesshoumaru, please tell me why you don't get married," she said to him, serious now. Achika hadn't talked to her son in a long time and there was plenty of catching up to do. Yet, Sesshoumaru wasn't willing to spill his entire story in front of her.
"Don't concern yourself, Mother. It's nothing you should trouble yourself with."
"Yes it is! I think I should have every right to know why you haven't found a mate yet. What about Arya? Have you talked to her lately? She's a very good person and would make an excellent bride for you! I would know, as I'm the one who taught her to sew! And how to talk to a man! Besides, she's very good with a blade now. She's not some clingy woman who will make a clingy bride!"
"Like you are with Inutaishou-sama? Clinging to him?" Sesshoumaru snapped suddenly, frustrated that his mother kept pushing this topic. He told her over and over again that he didn't want to wed yet. Taken aback, Achika stared at him, deeply hurt.
"Sesshoumaru? Why do you say such things to your mother? I'm only trying to help," she said, pleading her case. Sesshoumaru growled softly, his temper threatening to take control of him. Usually, he was able to contain it, but because he was comfortable talking to his mother on most topics, Sesshoumaru found it easier for him to snap out at her.
"Fine! You want to know why I have chosen a mate! Because the last time I was intimate with a woman, she stabbed me in the back and humiliated me in front of the entire court! I didn't know anything about women and how to handle that sort of thing. I was a stupid pup of sixteen who couldn't keep control on his emotions or his desires, though I tried to be stoic. And she, 'experienced,' took advantage of me! Now, can you see how embarrassing this is to me? A male, who'd never been in a relationship, tricked by some whorish daughter of Sasame!" he hissed, glaring at his mother but he stopped there, realizing that he had to contain all feeling. Sesshoumaru wasn't going to lose his cool any longer. Despite his decision to conceal his emotions, the young lord's thoughts raged inside of him, the whites of his eyes still blood red. But when he saw such a frightened look on his mother's face, he calmed down, looking at the floor as overwhelming thoughts rampaged through his head. And suddenly, you were there, Mother, witnessing me being beaten by my own father! He didn't give a damn. Inutaishou just saw it as a chance to beat me, the sadistic prick. He treated me like a servant, no, a slave! When I volunteered to take my punishment that day so that you would not be harmed, he agreed, without even trying to reason with Sasame! The fucking bastard just beat me over and over with your screams echoing in my ears. I couldn't do anything. I was so damn helpless. I couldn't save me, and I couldn't save you! I hated Inutaishou. I always hated him, but at least he made you happy. I could deal with that. You cried so much when I was a pup because of Inutaishou hurting me, and I knew you were torn with loving him, your husband, and loving me, your son. But I saw that when he embraced you or kissed you, any signs of affection, then you were happy, hopeful that he might change. And that was enough for me. I'd deal with the bastard if that was what it took to get you to smile. But then, when he betrayed you, for a human woman, I became enraged. He chased you out, only for you to be raped by that bastard Sasame! And there I was, finding myself helpless once more. I was a boy, powerless with Inutaishou around. I could do nothing to save you, Mother. He always asked me why I didn't have someone I wanted to protect. He was so ignorant that he didn't even realize he had taken away my mother, the only person I knew to protect! These thoughts had been bottled up inside him for so long, yet he refused to pour out his heart and soul. His pride wouldn't allow it, even in front of his mother. Although, he did open up a bit more, almost silent as he whispered, "And I fear if I take a wife, someone I need to protect, that'll I'll act just like Inutaishou did, hurting my spouse and my children. I find that I am so much like him, so sickeningly alike. So I drown out these violent emotions with my aloof behavior. Do you know how worried I am with Rin? She's like a daughter to me, Mother. What if I lose my temper one day and take out my anger on Rin by striking her? I'd kill myself. I can't be like that monster." Sesshoumaru finished, his hand quivering as he clenched it, his body trembling in bitter hatred as he fought desperately not to raise his voice. Without warning, Achika began sobbing as she embraced her only son.
"I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru. I was just teasing you about marriage. If this is the reason you don't want to wed, then I wish you had told me sooner. I never meant to hurt you by continuously bringing up this topic. I'm sorry, so sorry. I thought this whole time you didn't tell me why you found a mate was because you were too shy. I didn't mean to cause this much trouble. Oh, my sweet boy," she wept, feeling accountable for her son's outburst.
"Mother, please don't cry. It was wrong of me to tell you this now, especially when you were so excited with Inutaishou back. Do not worry about me. I'm just frustrated. Look, go to Inutaishou-sama, I know you have missed your husband. Just because I don't love him as my father does not mean you cannot love him as your husband," he said quietly, wanting so desperately to take back what he had said. He held his mother though, hoping she would stop crying as he looked at the tears trailing down her face.
"But I can't, Sesshoumaru! I feel awful for loving the man who brought you so much harm! I'm a terrible mother for not seeing this sooner!"
"You are not a terrible mother," he said curtly, pulling away. "Just please, go to your husband and enjoy the night with him. I know you love him. I told you that if he made you happy, then that is what I want. It does not make me angry at all that you love him. I do not feel betrayed. Please, Mother, just stop crying like this," he said softly, seeing as he had disturbed Rin's sleeping.
"But, I, I—"
"Mother, go to him. It's what you want, right?"
"Oh, but Sesshoumaru—"
"It would make me happy if you would, Mother. I want to see you smile again, like you did those few times when I was younger." And as guilty as Achika felt, she wanted her son to be happy once more.
"All right," she blubbered, adjusting the blankets around him as she kissed his forehead again, her body still shaking. "You won't think me a bad person, right?"
"Mother," he said, scolding lightly, becoming impatient, "I wouldn't have told you to go to Inutaishou if I thought it would make you a bad person." Achika wiped her eyes, nodding between sniffles. If she stayed to talk with her son, she'd feel guilt-ridden. Yet, at the same time, if she didn't do as he'd asked, she'd feel guilty still. Thus, Achika hugged her beloved son once more before going to Inutaishou.
When Achika entered the bedchamber, Inutaishou didn't look up at her, intently reading a book (or as best he could with saké fogging his mind.) An abundance of alcohol had relaxed the lord, leaving him quite silly. Blankets were pulled up to his waist, though his shirt had been discarded. A saké bottle was on the ground as a few tiny drops dripped from its mouth. Two additional empty bottles rested on the bedside table, consumed a while ago. Silver tresses of gorgeous hair had escaped its tie, pooling down the lord's handsomely sculpted chest. Achika was so depressed, she didn't make note of this at all, turning to her closet and changing into her sleeping kimono. A flirtatious growl came from her husband while she had undressed, but Achika said nothing, only slipping under the covers but not too close to Inutaishou. Watching this in slight confusion, Inutaishou studied her. Even though he was in a drunken stupor, he was able to see she was upset.
"Achika, what's bothering you?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling his wife closer to him.
"Nothing," she choked on a sob, "it's nothing at all. I'm just distracted."
"Well, that's to be understandable. All women are distracted by myself," he teased her while pressing kisses on her neck. A small smile appeared on her lips, as she peered at the book in his hands.
"What are you reading about?" she asked, still withdrawn in her actions.
"Nothing really important. Just something to pass the time. It took you a while to come to me. You shouldn't torture me so," he said, his lips brushing against her cheek now as he spoke, dropping the book to the floor. A tiny laugh now came from Achika, a bit embarrassed by all this attention. Soon her thoughts drifted back to worrying about Sesshoumaru though, and she scooted away from Inutaishou. A puzzled look crept over the lord's face, his visage altering. Why did she keep pulling away from him like this? Wasn't it her who was so eager to see him tonight?
"Achika, what's wrong? In all the years we've been married, I would think that being apart from me wouldn't change the love we have for one another but strengthen it. Is it because of your affair with Sasame? I know the bastard took advantage of you. I forgive you, just as you forgave me with Izayoi. Surely you aren't embarrassed to be with me? We've known each other for the gods know how long. We've been married for quite some time, had a child together—" He stopped suddenly, seeing that she had started crying.
"I'm sorry, Inutaishou-sama," she murmured softly through her tears. He was being so forgiving and all she could do was cry. "I'm being a terrible wife. I'm just so exhausted with everything that's going on, and I can't believe you've returned, and I'm so happy and sad at the same time but I don't know what to—"
"Achika, relax. If you don't want to right now, it's not the end of the world. We've been married for as long as I can remember; it's nothing new. I just want you happy." He pulled her flush up against his chest, letting her weep. "I'm doing this for you...and well, me too I suppose," he laughed, playing with her hair, "but you don't have to stress over every little thing. And you don't have to worry about calling me 'Inutaishou-sama' when we're alone. Come now, how can you cry? I thought you liked it when I was drunk." Achika let out a silly laugh here, nestling her head in his warm chest.
"I do. It's cute. The smell of saké isn't nice though."
"Well, maybe you need some alcohol too to help you forget the smell."
"No, no. I won't be able to remember how silly you acted if I'm drunk too." Inutaishou chuckled lightly at this, rubbing his hand along her back.
"Oh, all right. I'll be polite and not take 'advantage' of you. We'll just cuddle tonight and save 'snuggling' for later, hm?"
"That sounds nice, hub-wub."
Sesshoumaru was crying. It took me a minute to wake up back to reality and realize this completely, but I felt Inutaishou nudging my arm.
"Your kid's crying. Do something," he groaned, eyes tired from lack of sleep. Sesshoumaru was at one of those stages where he loved waking us up in the middle of the night. And although we youkai could go for days without sleep, we needed some rest at least. However, Sesshoumaru wasn't going to permit this.
"All right," I mumbled, rubbing sleep out of my eyes. Picking up Sesshoumaru from his crib, I sang to him softly, trying to calm him. When this didn't work, I figured he was hungry. Letting the shoulder of my kimono fall, I allowed him to nurse, glad that he was quiet for the moment.
"Why do you insist on him sleeping in here? It would be nice if we could once sleep through the night. If you left him in the nursery, I'm sure one of the wet nurses could tend to him." A grumbling came from Inutaishou after this, still griping about being awoken.
"I couldn't do that. He'd be lonely. Not to mention he's helpless at this age. I'd kill myself if anything were to happen to Sesshoumaru because I wasn't there to protect him."
"Achika, do you really think anyone is going to try and hurt him in this castle? No one in their right mind would do such a thing to the Western Lord's heir."
"Well, I'm sorry for having maternal instinct. Sesshoumaru's my baby, and I love him so much. What's wrong with a mother being protective of her child? If it's really that big of a deal, then I can go stay in the nursery with him," I said, determined to keep our son safe. Sighing deeply, Inutaishou reluctantly agreed.
"Oh, all right. If it means that much to you, let him stay here. I guess I can sleep in a guest room if needed," he reasoned. "Besides, I like you here with me. If keeping Sesshoumaru here is what you want, then I'll agree to it so that you stay." Flattered at this, I kissed the top of my hubby's head as he rested it on my shoulder.
"It's really wonderful," Inutaishou said after a moment of silence.
"Yes, the miracle of life is a miraculous thing," I whispered while resting my head on his.
"It's certainly miraculous," Inutaishou sighed, almost wistfully. "We need to do it more often."
"What?" I asked, so proud that he was such a good father and husband, "admire our child and cuddle?"
"No. Have more children and you nurse them. Then I can see your chest more often." As soon as he said this, I groaned, shoving him off of me. Men. Honestly.
"And here I thought you were deeper than that," I said, adjusting my kimono. I still held Sesshoumaru close to me though, placing my finger in his tiny palm as he clamped around it instinctively, gurgling softly.
"What's wrong with a man looking at his wife? I was complimenting you," he jested, kissing my cheek.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm raising two children with the way you act," I told him, shaking my head. "But I love my naughty puppy and all his quirks anyway."
Years went by too quickly and Sesshoumaru was six, the stage at where he didn't have a fancy for clothing in the least. I suppose every mother thinks that her child is the best, but I was sure of it with Sesshoumaru. I loved him so much it made my heart ache. I wanted him to grow and learn, so that he wouldn't be dependent on me or anyone else. Yet, I still loved having a child that came to me to ask if I could help him with his obi or brush his hair or kiss a boo-boo. There would always be the unconditional love between us mother and child. He'd always be my baby boy, no matter how old he got. I'd always cherish every moment I spent with him. Of course, there were some moments that were funnier than others. Especially when he went through the stage of shedding clothing.
I don't know why Inutaishou never learned from the incident with Sesshoumaru tinkling on his fluff...excuse me, fur pelt, but he didn't and not long after, Sesshoumaru had gotten a hold of the pelt that Inutaishou had left out yet again. I was reading a letter, trying to help Inutaishou with all his paper work, when suddenly I heard a loud noise in the living room, followed by a few more crashes. There was a high-pitched war cry, which could have only been my son. Afraid to see what damage had been done, I set the letter down on a table and proceeded to the living room, only to discover Sesshoumaru running around the room, completely naked except for Inutaishou's pelt which he had tied to his neck, draping his back like a cape. Waving his arms around, he ducked behind some furniture when he saw me enter.
A frantic maid then came up to me, her eyes widened.
"I'm sorry, milady, but none of the maids can get a hold of your son to stop him from running around."
"It's all right," I told her, "I can handle this." I then dismissed her, looking at Sesshoumaru as he peered from behind a couch. "Care to explain what you're doing, my son?" I asked, forcing myself to give him a mock angry look without cracking a smile. A small whimper came from him as he appeared in front of the couch. He kept quiet though. "Well?" I pressed, folding my arms.
"I'm sorry, Mother! I was just trying to be like Father! One of the maids told me some of the stories about him being a great lord, and I wanna be just like him! So I stole his pelt 'cause I don't have one yet..." he said quickly, giving me the best guiltless look he could manage.
"Yes, but that doesn't explain why you are running around naked, Sesshoumaru," I said, tapping a foot. His eyes darted away from mine, clearly searching for a retort. When he thought of one, he puffed out his little chest, hands on his hips.
"Lords can do whatever they want," he declared and I bit my lip to smother my laughter. Around this time, Inutaishou had entered, causing our son to cower behind the couch again.
"What's all this racket? Where's Sesshoumaru?" he snapped, in a bad mood due to all the paperwork he had to attend to. When he caught the boy's scent, he raised a brow. "Sesshoumaru, come out from there." Sesshoumaru didn't hesitate when his father asked him. Brows raised, Inutaishou continued. "Mind telling me what you're doing with my fur pelt, Sesshoumaru?"
"He's pretending to be you, milord," I said, looking at the pelt, which was dragging the ground behind our son. "That's why he has the pelt."
"Yes, but why is he unclothed? How is that like me? I do not run around the castle naked like this."
"Oh, but I wish you would, hubby," I said softly, so only he could hear, tracing his chest with my index finger. Smirking ever so slightly, he then turned back to Sesshoumaru.
"Sesshoumaru, I thought we went over that you do not run around this castle without clothing. Do I need to spank you to make sure you don't forget this?" Inutaishou frowned. Swallowing hard, Sesshoumaru shook his head.
"No, sir! I'm sorry!" he said, tears in his eyes from the mere thought of being punished. I felt my heart drop at this. True, I had been scolding Sesshoumaru earlier, but I wasn't going to punish him.
"Inutaishou-sama, that's a little rough, don't you think?" I said, walking to Sesshoumaru and wrapped the entire pelt around our son so that only his head was visible in the massive fur. I then picked him up, kissing his forehead. "It's just a stage he's going through. Besides, we're family. It's not too big of a deal."
"Yes, but someday he is going to have to rule these Lands. He is not going to want some of the maids or any of our guests reminding him about how he ran around nude. It won't do well when he's trying to be intimidating," he said firmly. "And get one of the maids to clean my pelt. There's no telling what's happened to it since Sesshoumaru got hold of it." This said, he left, returning to his office.
"I'm sorry, Mother," Sesshoumaru whispered, placing his head against me. "I'll wear clothes if that's what a proper lord does." I laughed, shaking my head.
"You're very silly, Sess-chan, but I love you a lot. Just don't break anything valuable in the castle anymore, all right?"
"Okay, Mother."
"Well, now that that is settled, let's get you some clothes and then find you some candy. You deserve a reward for being such a good son," I smiled, ruffling his hair.
Sesshoumaru cheered.
Yet, despite Sesshoumaru's happiness, he wasn't as joyful at dinner that night. In fact, he was painfully quiet. He'd hardly touched his food, staring at it with a bored look on his face. I watched him carefully as he pushed a sushi roll around on his plate with one of his chopsticks until it rolled off the plate and onto the floor. He then proceeded to stab the remaining food with his other chopstick, a frustrated look on his face.
"Sesshoumaru," I said, "are you sick? You haven't eaten any of your meal. What's bothering you?"
"He probably hasn't eaten anything because you keep spoiling him with sweets," Inutaishou said, not looking up from his meal. I gave him a cold stare, shaking my head.
"There's nothing wrong with giving him a treat now and then. He's a good son and deserves to be rewarded. But that's not the point. I don't think this has to deal with food. Can't you see something concerns our son?" I persisted, patting Inutaishou's arm, hoping he would try and get Sesshoumaru to talk. Finally giving me some attention, he sighed as he set down his chopsticks and placed a hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder.
"Son," he began, "what's wrong? Hurry up and tell us or your mother is going to have a nervous breakdown." Well, that wasn't the exact method I was thinking of to get the boy to speak, but I supposed it would work.
"I..." Sesshoumaru murmured, blushing for a minute or two before mumbling something even I couldn't hear.
"Sesshoumaru, a proper lord never mumbles. He says exactly what he wants to and doesn't sugarcoat anything. Just come out with it and be blunt," Inutaishou said sternly, patting Sesshoumaru's shoulder a few times. Looking at his father, he nodded, still blushing uncontrollably.
"I wanted to know where babies come from." For a moment, neither Inutaishou nor I spoke. I suppose as parents both of us knew this question would arise some day, but I don't think we were expecting it this soon. Therefore, we were both equally caught off guard. However, Inutaishou was the first to recover from this.
"Well, Sesshoumaru, I guess you have to find out sooner or later. See, in order for a woman to become pregnant, she needs the male to—" Here, I grabbed my husband by the ear, shaking my head. Giving me a slightly surprised look, confounded that I would dare tug his ear and treat him like a child, he snarled a bit. "What?"
"You can't tell him now!" I half whispered, half hissed into his ear. "It's too much information at once. You have to sugarcoat this subject right now. He'll be overwhelmed if we present this idea to him at such a young age," I told him as he pulled away.
"What do you suggest we do then?" he snapped, hushed as well. I glanced over at our son who was trying to figure out what we were talking about, confused about what was going on.
"I suggest we come up with a codename for this. You know, something to satisfy him now and tell him fully later on when he's older."
"Codename?" Inutaishou asked, raising a brow. "For sex?" I cringed at this, hoping Sesshoumaru didn't catch any of our conversation. I was determined to protect my son from the horrible world until he was old enough to understand.
"Inutaishou! Keep your voice down! A codename is a word that will take the place of another for the time being."
"Oh, and what word will this be? He's not stupid. He'll figure out we're lying sooner or later," Inutaishou told me, clearly thinking this a stupid idea. But it was better than just bluntly telling Sesshoumaru the truth when he was so young! I thought for a moment before turning to face Sesshoumaru.
"Snuggling!" I said firmly, "it requires lots of snuggling, Sesshoumaru." Coughing came from Inutaishou. But I didn't look at him to see what his reaction would be.
"Snuggling, Mother?" Sesshoumaru asked suspiciously. I jabbed Inutaishou with my elbow, hoping he'd play along.
"Yes, that's how it's done, sweetie. Isn't that right, Inutaishou-sama?" Inutaishou was still staring at me in disbelief.
"Um, yes, that's most certainly it," he muttered. "'Snuggling?' Honestly, was that the best you could do?" he whispered, shaking his head.
"Well, if Father agrees to that too..." Sesshoumaru blinked, still not completely convinced. "How come I don't have a lot of brothers and sisters then?" Another question?
"What are you getting at?" Inutaishou asked, seemingly interested in his son's logic.
"It's just when I see you two and you both think no one's watching you, both of you are smooching and hugging...and lots of other stuff I don't really get, like what you say to each other. That must be snuggling, right? Well, if you are both snuggling all the time, then where are my brothers and sisters?" I mentally slapped myself. Why did Sesshoumaru have to think so much?
"Sesshoumaru, I think it's best you go ahead to bed. Your mother will come tuck you in later," Inutaishou said, and I was thankful for this. Sesshoumaru pouted.
"What? So you two can snuggle some more without me here? Where are you keeping all my brothers and sisters?" he snapped, demanding an answer as he stood up in his frustration, hands on his hips.
"Sesshoumaru," Inutaishou said quickly in response, "that offer to spank you is always available. Would you like to take me up on it?" A yip came from Sesshoumaru as his little palms went to his rump.
"Good night, Father, Mother!" he said, kissing me on the cheek before heading up to his room. When Sesshoumaru had left, Inutaishou stood, offering me his hand.
"Now that the pup is gone, we can...what did you say the codename was again?"
"Snuggle?" I offered.
"Yes, let's do that, love."
