Disclaimer: I do not own 'Inuyasha' or any of its characters.

Chapter Fifty-One: Shouting Match

"Sesshomaru-sama," Tsubasa was the first one to speak. She tilted her head as much as it was needed, not that Sesshomaru had ever seen her bowing properly, just appearance. "It seemed you are trying to revive the spirits this evening," she said, eyeing Rin next to him. "Such wonderful news; everyone in the West rejoices because you took a mate. Although... it comes naturally to wonder if you felt you had to look for a human mate since you have always stressed the fact that no demoness in this court fascinated you."

"Lady Tsubasa," Sesshomaru wrinkled his nose in disgust, but his gesture was so imperceptible that almost no one noticed. "maybe insect demons don't know it, but as a dog demon, I can say that in finding a proper mate a scent it's very important. Indeed, none of the demonesses in this valley has a scent so alluring to attract me, some are even tainted."

It didn't take long to figure out who the insult was referring to, and it certainly wasn't lost on any of those present. However, it was the first time Sesshomaru let someone goad him; Inuyasha couldn't believe his own ears since it was so not Sesshomaru-like. After all the times he had told Inuyasha, again and again, that he shouldn't listen to what others said or it would be too evident how much of a weakness Kagome was for him, here he was responding to a dig the first time he appeared in public with his mate.

Come to think of it, at the time of their shard hunt, it had been all too clear how important Rin was to him; Naraku had, indeed, understood it all too easily. It was obvious that now that she had become his mate, the sentiment and the protective instinct had only increased exponentially.

"Sesshomaru-sama," Tsubasa gasped and brought a hand to her heart dramatically, "were you implying that demonesses in this valley are not up to your standard, that maybe they are corrupt or impure?"

Murmurs began to fill the room again. Certainly, Tsubasa was not to be trusted because she was an alleged traitor's ally, but Sesshomaru had used big words.

"Oh, I would never. I was merely implying how much the sense of smell is important for dog demons and how every scent calls one in different ways. It is evident by now that no one has ever inspired me in this valley, but I cannot blame my inner demon, can I? As for impureness... every demon with a keen nose in this room can tell you that it is easy to discern if someone is corrupt or not. Certainly, it's not of my concern what a demoness do with her body, as long as her methods do not interfere with my ruling and protection of these lands," he shot back delicately.

"Excuse me if I point it out to you, but by the words you used, it seemed as if you deemed us inferior. You will agree with me that it is not very nice. Has your mate perhaps something that we lack? Much like that human princess was considered superior to your beautiful Lady Mother?" She turned to Kimi, "Oh, Kimi-sama, your late mate did not put you in a good light when he bonded with a human and not with you, the one who had gifted him with such a strong son, didn't he?"

"At least he had the decency to sire a full demon before he went off to lay with a princess sold by her family!" Katashi interjected. "What do you hope to get out of a union like that? Half-demon children are not enough to rule these lands." He turned to the council, "I hope you'll agree with me that even if he is bonded with her, he should at least sire a full-fledged son! Concubines are common among courtiers and, more often than not, required. I would say that such is this case; this way, we could also do some damage control."

At that point, both the brothers were fuming, but Sesshomaru would never let his rage take the best of him, nor his mother, that was currently incinerating with a glare the butterfly. As expected, Inuyasha was the first to react since he couldn't let an insult to his mother go unnoticed. He promptly left his place on the dais, stole the nintojo from Jaken's hands and slammed it on the ground with such force that the floor shook under their feet.

Everyone froze.

"ENOUGH!" the half-demon bellowed. "Where do you think you are? This is not a squalid tea room where you can raise your voice as you like. No one taught you respect? Yet I would have expected so, considering you are ancient rather than grown-ups. Katashi, I've been told your father was an honourable man, but from your behaviour, I would say you're not making him look good."

"Why you..."

"I didn't allow you to speak," Inuyasha stopped him, enraged. "You already said enough! Do you want me to kick your ass on the battlefield, or should I throw you in a cell directly? It wouldn't take me much to do that, you know? Before I order a guard to escort you in the dungeon, I suggest you shut up in this very instant. Unlike you, I respect my parents, even though they are long dead. So you'd better rinse your mouth out the next time you think you can mention my mother's name without permission and especially like that!" He dismissed him and made a sign to him to return to his place. Katashi didn't seem inclined to; Osamu went to help him.

Inuyasha made to address Tsubasa then, but he was stopped by slender fingers wrapping around his wrist. He turned to his right to see Kimi's lethally beautiful face smiling at him. "Inuyasha, dear, would you let me?"

That woman had managed to insult her whole family in one sentence, and she wouldn't let an opportunity like this pass her by. On top of that, Tsubasa had also been quite direct with her insults; usually, she was veiled and implicit. Kimi had always deemed her smarter than this. Perhaps failure burned on her more than it appeared? Not that such an attitude could help her. What did she hope to accomplish? Support? People were murmuring, and Kimi was the first to learn everything. She knew full well how much discontent was filling everyone's spirits, the anger directed at her brother's circle, of which Tsubasa had always prided herself to be the Lady. The butterfly would have done better if she had remained in her place that evening.

Inuyasha bowed to her respectfully. "Of course, Kimi. As my father's first mate, I am sure you will be able to satisfy her curiosity with no problems."

Back to his place, his youngest immediately reclaimed his hand, perturbed by the scene. Inuyasha could see his brother wasn't very satisfied with how he had dealt with Katashi, but he couldn't care less. If Sesshomaru wanted to growl in silence, he could do it, but Inuyasha wouldn't.

The hanyou knew that if Sesshomaru could, he would wipe the floor clean with the bug. However, he was perfectly able to contain his rage and maintain his cold blood. Currently, he was simply waiting for his turn to put Tsubasa in her place.

Kagome, next to his mate, seemed unperturbed by the display - after all these years, she was used to this back and forth - but Rin's wide eyes denoted definitely surprise. It didn't last long anyway; she remembered where she was and promptly schooled her features.

"Tsubasa, was my son's first answer not enough? I understand that, without a stable partner, it could be difficult for you to comprehend the meaning of a true mate. But I assure you it is a very easy concept to grasp," Kimi jibed.

Tsubasa sneered. "Kimi, as every demon in this hall, I am very well aware of what a true mate is. However, it seems that only the demons of your family know what it means to be mated with a human. Maybe they want it to become a family trait? Toga-sama was mated with you, and we know you are a strong and respectable demoness coming from an equally respectable family, but this wasn't enough for him. It didn't stop him from leaving you."

Kimi giggled, covering her mouth with her fan, but her eyes held only contempt. "You claim to know the meaning of a true mate, yet you don't know how it really works. I never experienced it first-hand, but it should be known to everyone that a true bond is rare and occur only when two souls are in tune and call to each other. Although we loved each other, my late mate and I were incompatible, and we recognized it. That is why we both went our separate ways, by mutual accord. He later found Izayoi and was very lucky indeed."

"You are right, Kimi," Hayato interjected before Tsubasa could keep making a spectacle of herself. It was the first time he spoke up this evening, but he had had enough of the farce. "Founding a compatible soul is rare; Toga would be proud of his sons if he could see them today. We got acquainted with Kagome-sama and her strong and compassionate heart more during these years. Now I am sure that Rin-sama is the right choice for Sesshomaru as much Kagome-sama is for Inuyasha. We are delighted with her presence, and we are looking forward to getting to know her better." He bowed, not before he offered the new Lady a mischievous look and a toothy smile.

Rin smiled in return and felt less nervous now that the hawk demon had lightened the air. Kagome and Asuka had both told her about him, but she had only had the opportunity to meet him in more formal settings. The girls had assured her that he was a jovial person, incredibly talkative and that he loved to tease people, especially Sesshomaru.

"What an incredible coincidence that both Toga-sama's sons have found themselves a human mate," Tsubasa continued undeterred.

"I wouldn't speak of coincidences. You could say that both Kagome and I recognize their greatness of spirit when no one else has been able to do," Rin finally spoke up, shocking everyone who hadn't expected such a strong voice coming from a frail-looking girl like her. "Everyone always focuses on Sesshomaru's icy demeanour or Inuyasha's mixed blood, but none of you ever stopped to observe and judge them for who they really are. Demonesses have always wanted to mate with Sesshomaru because of his position, and I am sure that since he announced that Inuyasha was to be his heir, a lot of them have been thinking they could even mate with a half-breed just to climb the social hierarchy. Maybe, they thought, they could still manage to seduce him and get something out of him, although he already has a true mate. Then again, concubines do exist, don't they? What better way to rise than through bed relationships? Just give the current leader a son, and it would be like you had put a leash on him."

Behind her, Inuyasha couldn't contain his laughter, but Kagome wasn't pleased. It's not like she was unaware of that line of thought; she had been the one to enlighten Rin after all. However, she didn't like to remember it, much like she hadn't appreciated Katashi's proposition and Goro's expression. She had seen the contemplative eyes that always followed Inuyasha, even after all these years. Demonesses thought they could entice Inuyasha, and they kept trying, undaunted. She would gladly turn them into ashes, even if her mate didn't deign them of a look and even liked to embarrass them when he thought they had crossed the line – which happened every time.

However, the council could not force Inuyasha to take one of them as a concubine. With Sesshomaru, though, it was a possibility, but she certainly didn't want Rin to struggle with the idea of her mate having a concubine. Especially if he had one because he needed an heir, which Kagome knew Rin wouldn't give Sesshomaru before the 20th century. If the council took into consideration Katashi's suggestion, the situation would get tenfold more difficult.

"Well said, young girl. Demons sometimes forgot how it is to get to know someone deeply. We lack a human heart, after all, and not always the strength can compensate. Inuyasha certainly knows both sides of the coin, like every other half-demon." Minato had just reached the dais and stopped next to Hayato. She had been observing the girl who had been silent until now; she certainly had a lot of nerve to speak that way. Sure, she was now the new Lady of the West, but she was still surrounded by demons stronger than her, and it was her first time in the palace. Who knows, maybe being close with Kagome helped.

"You must know your mate very well by the way you speaks. How long have you been knowing him?" Tsubasa inquired.

Rin was about to answer, but Sesshomaru stopped her before she could say too much. It was time the damn butterfly closed her mouth and learnt her place. "Lady Tsubasa, it seemed you have a lot to say this evening. Are you trying to compensate for someone else's absence? In any case, everyone present will agree with me when I say that your behaviour here today is not becoming of a lady of your status. You are saying that I tried to belittle the demonesses in this valley, but you're the one who's not making them look good. You're the first one to approach my mate, and as such, you should be setting a good example. You don't want her to think badly of all the others just because of the ungentlemanly way you approached her?"

Tsubasa bit her tongue not to retort with some very nasty words but shot him a dark glare. "Of course not, Sesshomaru-sama. However, the Ladies of this court knew very well I am always a little bit direct; it has never been a problem. I am sure your mate is not so impressionable to think like that, isn't she?"

"Believe me, Tsubasa, we are very aware of your ways in this valley. This is why we wouldn't want Rin to think that others share your beliefs," Kimi said.

"Rin-sama seems a fine lady, indeed," Minato added, amused. "We don't want her to be led astray, and certainly offering poor manners isn't a good way to welcome her here, Tsubasa."

Council elders were among the few who never feared to publicly deride someone. Even Sesshomaru as the leader needed to be composed and educated; he certainly couldn't go around mocking people. But Minato didn't care and didn't fear Tsubasa either.

"I can assure you that Rin has been educated in the best possible way," Kagome suddenly interjected, joining the party. "I took care of her education, and later Kimi helped me make sure she acted like a worthy Lady of the West. I am sure you will find that her knowledge is even greater than many in this valley. Then again, in holding a certain position, one has to be very prepared. Not to mention that she had been educated in the way of a healer and a such she would be very helpful if problems raised."

"Ah, Kagome, dear, that is certainly something that makes us sigh in relief; healers are never enough, and we saw how skilled you are. We do not have to fear anything if you are the one who educated her," Minato agreed.

"And do you think this is what people mean with respectable?" Tsubasa turned her angry eyes to the miko. "If it was you who educated her, the two things do not go together, priestess. After all, we've all seen your idea of a Lady," she said, wrinkling her nose. "Surely, a little more finesse and grace could never hurt."

"Are we sure, Tsubasa? And what should a very Lady do? Plotting behind other people's backs?" Kagome spat back.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha hissed, trying to stop her; that was being too direct. She dismissed him and continued. "A leader, may that be male or female, must be ready to stain his own hands, no matter what, if he wants his lands to prosper and his people to live in peace. A leader's wife is a leader herself. Perhaps here you still have a too primitive a concept if you think a woman is only good for giving pleasure or churning out children. Yet you had given me the idea that you were clever with your ways, though I would gladly do without your devious schemes. Evidently, I was mistaken if you think that a woman is only meant to be looked at and should never bend over to help others. If your leader doesn't, who do you think should help the people? Is that why you said Sesshomaru should take someone else as his bride? Why do you think being cultured is wrong for a woman? Do you prefer an ignorant leader easily to be overthrown? Perhaps, that way, you could have what you desire." She was aware she may have said too much and that Sesshomaru would likely bite her head off later – he was giving her the cold stare, indeed – but certainly, she wouldn't do with a woman jibing at all of them.

The crowd followed the exchange with keen eyes. Kagome was clearly accusing Tsubasa, and since her mate was the one who had made sure Noboru was confined, it wasn't a surprise either.

It seemed that everyone's efforts to shut Tsubasa up weren't working. She was on the warpath today, even though she probably knew she was exaggerating and exposing herself. What was she willing to do to poison others' minds? Wasn't it better to stand on the sidelines after such a defeat? It didn't help her cause, but Kagome's and her family's for sure.

They two glared at each other for quite some time while Inuyasha tried to soothe his mate, and others in the grand hall murmured and gasped at the display. Then suddenly loud laughter was heard in the silence, and of course, it couldn't have been someone else than Hayato.

"Of course, of course. What are you talking about, Kagome? It's obvious that, here in the West, no one thinks that women should be relegated to such a small place, and each of us appreciates a strong mate who can speak for herself. After all, the first example is Kimi here, who had always been Toga's equal, and he had always treated her as such. In my many centuries of existence, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot; I know that, unfortunately, in human courts, it doesn't work like that. I was ecstatic to discover that Inuyasha had chosen such a worthy mate who would act as his equal, as it is only right. I also know how your knowledge sometimes surpasses even the oldest among us, so knowing that you have educated our new Lady is a relief. Isn't it?"

Murmurs of absence were heard among the crowd. Every time Kagome had been in the West, she had always wanted to help as she hated being lazy. More often than not, she had found herself joining the healers of the court, and she had always helped whoever was to ask, even if not many were comfortable with a miko. However, throughout the years, they had realized she meant no harm and was only trying to do her job.

"Lady Tsubasa, I think we have spent enough time together today, even if I cannot say I have enjoyed your company," Sesshomaru said with gritted teeth. "However, your ideas had been enlightening. You are dismissed." He fixed her with beady eyes and dared her to defy him even more, but she would not cross that line; she had indeed already said and done too much.

Another silence filled the room while people came back to their places, but it didn't last long, as was expected. At that point, Etsuho approached the dais with her sparkling eyes and waving tails, his mate behind her.

They bowed, and Jaken introduced them, "Lord Shigeru and Lady Etsuho. Their family has been helping these lands prosper for centuries."

"We welcome you to the West, Rin-sama," Shigeru spoke, his voice firm. "I, for once, am very curious about the way you will be leading us. Of course, I am now, even more, because of Kagome-sama's statement. I had the pleasure to have some debates with her during those years, and she is indeed very educated. Isn't she Yasu?" He turned to the badger demon, who was very known to Kagome as she always met him in the archive Inuyasha's family had put together over the centuries.

"Indeed," Yasu spoke up, reaching the dais and bowing. "I will gladly offer you a tour of these lands whenever you like. I remember Kagome-sama appreciated it a lot last time; maybe we could bring the little lords, too?" He proposed, offering a wide smile to the children who hadn't liked the previous ruckus.

"I would love to," Rin replied, trying hard not to squeal.

"Not so fast, Yasu; we are likely to steal her from you before you manage to do that. I have to introduce her to some of my pupils, after all. It's been a while since we've had a nice ladies afternoon, hasn't it Kagome-sama? But then again, with all the turmoil of recent times..." Etsuho interjected.

"I am sure you will have the time to do everything, ladies," Inuyasha said, chuckling inwardly. He knew very well how Kagome loved these lady events.

"Indeed. We appreciate your warm welcome," Sesshomaru told the ones currently in front of him, tilting his head. The worst part had passed; no one else in the crowd seemed inclined to come forward. In a matter of minutes, he would dismiss everyone, and they would retire in their private rooms.

Shou's family, however, was still enraged because Inuyasha had cut off their possibility to speak. They had the chance to say something that had pleased Goro, though, and much to his dismay, even Kosuke. The former, in particular, was grinning smugly as he had already found the solution to all of his problems. Oh, Sesshomaru was looking forward to finally kicking him out of the council. They already had all the reasons to; he would only wait for the appropriate moment. He should find a replacement first; perhaps a Commander could do. He would ask Inuyasha for an opinion and, maybe, even use his nephew's peculiar ability.

The dog demon already anticipated a very nasty council meeting. Things could end badly if they insisted on a full-fledged demon heir. Sesshomaru didn't have any intention to take a concubine, let alone Keiko, and tie himself with a crazy family who had delusional dreams about power and leadership. He could almost see the wheels spinning in their minds; they were thinking about a loophole to fool him. He would have to talk about it with his mother and Inuyasha later.

After all, a bonded pair's son had always first rights, and their plan wouldn't work anyway.

But is not what you did? Inuyasha should have been the heir per right, but you took his chance away even before he could claim his place, the rational voice inside him said.

However, the circumstances with Inuyasha were different. His father had died, and his brother had been an infant back then; Inuyasha couldn't have taken Toga's role. He realized, though, that if he really had wanted to follow the rules, Inuyasha would have been the ruler now. This way, he had created a way out that said 'every bonded pair's child has first rights, but a full-fledged demon comes first anyway.'

Back at the royal wing, Sesshomaru let out all of his contained anger. His aura pulsed once, twice, and then settled again.

"Did you perhaps want to make a spectacle of yourselves?" Sesshomaru asked his brother and his mate cooly.

"Keh!" Inuyasha crossed his arms and looked back at him defiantly. "So what? Should I let Katashi speak ill of my mother? Well, dear brother, you may remain still if someone offends your mate or mother, but I am not you, nor am I going to pretend otherwise."

"That is not the way you act in front of the court. I told you millions of times; you do not show yourself vulnerable or impressionable. You only make them believe it is easy to provoke you."

Inuyasha cracked up. "That's rich. Sesshomaru, I think your perception is a little too wrong. Acting like your usual self in front of them make them believe they can sprout all the shit they want and not be dealt with consequently! You may be right when you say we cannot kill them or even maim them, but if I have to raise my voice to make my point, so be it. It's not like they think I am controlled and calm like you. They know me, and that's me."

"This is my court, Inuyasha. I know every one of them, and I know how to act properly."

"And I've been travelling back and forth for seven years now! I think I have enough experience by now. If you are so wise, as you claim to be, why you let Tsubasa goad you easily then?" Inuyasha retorted.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "Someone needed to put her in her place."

"That's exactly what we did!" Kagome interjected. "Your words weren't working very well, were they?"

"Do you think you acted better than your foolish mate, miko, accusing her in front of the whole crowd?" Sesshomaru shifted the focus of his rage to the priestess.

"I was defending Rin!" Kagome shouted. "I will not stand here while someone like her jibes at us because of her wrong perception of a woman. What do you think she was doing? Of course, she is displeased with your choice and not only because Rin is human. They wanted you to take a malleable mate, much like Noboru had tried to use your mother against your father when they first mated. It is good for everyone in this court to know that the role of a woman, of a leader, is not to birth heirs!"

"This is not your future, miko!" Sesshomaru suddenly raised his voice. "Here, we follow a different set of rules, and it is obvious that a lady is expected to act properly. I have never imposed myself on you because it's not my job but your mate's, and certainly, you don't make Inuyasha look good by showing yourself superior to him or even authoritative. You can do whatever you like, but you can't give the court the impression that my mate will also behave that way. It's obvious you left an open field for Tsubasa. I do not care the way you have been raised in that strange world of yours, but here a lady acts differently."

Kagome gasped, peering at Kimi and the guards currently in the same room. Sesshomaru had just openly declared her origins, and while Kimi seemed unfazed – she would have to investigate about it – the guards seemed at loss. She began to shake violently; she wouldn't let Sesshomaru speak with her that way, nor to belittle her or impose his way.

She continued to speak as if Sesshomaru had said nothing strange. "It doesn't seem to me that Hayato thought the same, and from his words, neither did your father. What, Sesshomaru? Are you so intimidated by a woman that you can't let her be herself? That you have to relegate her to just a wife and mother? Well, I feel sorry for you, Sesshomaru, but I helped Kaede raise Rin and rest assured, I made sure several times to teach her that a woman's place is not that, no matter what others say. If you really love her, you will give her the freedom to act and speak," she spat back. "By the way, Sesshomaru, I do not act like I am superior to Inuyasha. We are equals, and that's what I taught Rin and what I am teaching my sons. To treat their companions equally."

"It's clear the introduction didn't go as you had wished," Kimi interjected, "but there's no reason to act so barbarically and immature. We already knew that people would oppose this union, and we saw that. Sesshomaru, you shouldn't think that Kagome put your mate under a bad light, if anything, many seemed satisfied with Rin's reactions and retorts," she added, turning to her son. She kept talking without addressing her son's comment about Kagome's world. She had noticed how Kagome had tensed, and she wanted to avoid any other blunder.

"It could be cruel, but I must say it. Better the truth than a well-constructed lie. Those two, as human women, have their disadvantages and, surrounded by demons, they wouldn't last a day if they showed themselves weak; your mate in particular since she lacks Kagome's spiritual power that is still feared by most of the court. Everyone expected Kagome to break down as soon as possible, especially after those unfortunate events, and look where she is now. Do you think that her courage and stubbornness are negative traits? Come on, son, do not insult me. After all, I, myself, had always taken pride in my being an Alpha woman, and I seemed to recall you took advantage of that sometimes." She gave him a pointed look. "Aren't you happy Rin had someone to instruct her and make her the woman she is today?" Finally, she addressed Inuyasha, "And you, boy, please do not pick a fight with each of the late First Commander's sons. It seems it's everything you do every time we have an introduction to do."

Inuyasha chuckled in response and then shrugged. "What can I say... I like to put them in their place. They offer me the chance on a silver platter."

After a while, when Sesshomaru thought he had lectured them enough, Kagome and Rin decided to head towards the bathrooms with two clingy children in tow – especially Toga. Four guards were also following them, and Kagome felt slightly smothered, but she also knew that complaining would be unproductive, thus, she saved her breath.

Now alone, Inuyasha thought he could be the one to lecture Sesshomaru because of his blunder. He only needed Kimi to leave them some privacy.

"Kimi? Do you mind leaving us alone? I'd like to exchange a couple of words with my brother."

Her answer was a compliant smile and a vague hand gesture. "Oh, my boy, there's no need. Nothing you will say could disturb me."

The half-demon raised his eyebrow, but he continued undaunted with his request. "It is extremely important, Kimi; please, humour me," he tried again.

"Little brother, there is no need. Leave her alone." The demoness, meanwhile, had settled quietly into an armchair and was stroking her mokomoko as she enjoyed the show.

"No need? But say... Are you going to spill the beans to everyone now and get us in trouble?" Inuyasha growled.

"No need because Sesshomaru didn't spill anything to me, Inuyasha." She might as well tell him now; it wouldn't make a difference anymore if they knew or not how much Kimi knew. She and Kagome had by now established a nice relationship and there was mutual trust, just as Inuyasha no longer considered her a bitch ready to oppose him because he was a half-demon and the son of the one who had taken her place in Toga's heart. No longer would they cry betrayal. "If anything, I am the one who first informed Sesshomaru of your mate's origins. My son brags a lot, but in reality, if you don't point everything out to him, he doesn't understand."

Inuyasha's head snapped back to her, a stunned expression on his face. "WHAT?"

"Are you deaf by any chance, Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru rolled his eyes inwardly. "It was my mother who informed me a few days before I came to pay you a visit in your village, and it was only then that I went to verify for sure the things she was telling me. We did not tell you anything because, of course, you would have been more suspicious than my mother. But as you can well ascertain for yourself now, she guarded your secret perfectly."

"Which is something that cannot be said about you," Inuyasha hissed. They had been fooled for years because, in reality, Kimi had discovered them long before Sesshomaru, and she had been the one to set it all in motion. "Well, what else should I expect now? How many more demons will pop up that know about this tiny secret that couldn't possibly create a mess of absurd proportions? " he asked wryly.

"No one. Only the two of us know about it," Sesshomaru replied, annoyed.

"And what else have you kept from us? Huh? Seven years following your orders, I changed my life to meet you halfway, and what do I get out of it? To know that I've been fooled the whole time?"

"Don't push it, brother."

Inuyasha raised a hand to interrupt him. "No, I have the right to say whatever the fuck I want, don't you think? I'm sick of it! I become your heir to help you despite our past, and next thing I know, that damn uncle of yours tries to kill my son with the help of that bug he takes to bed. Nevertheless, I continue to offer you my help, to bend to your demands. Then, I find out that after seven years, you still consider me inferior because I'm a half-demon. Seven fucking years and you still don't think of me as your equal, although you have a half-demon child on the way; after seven years, my brother still treats me and my family with condescension. You still allow yourself to raise your voice against my mate, who did nothing but make sure yours was ready for this wolf-filled pit that is your court to which you condemned all of us just on a whim. What does this have to say about you, Sesshomaru? HUH? Tell me because I'm tired of doing what you tell me and then be considered the stupid, ignorant one all the time! Do you get it or not?"

He had long since crossed the line, and yes, he was the first to say that their relationship had changed. Yet, sometimes that something would happen that made him realize that underneath, Sesshomaru hadn't changed at all. It had taken him seven years to say it aloud. If that wasn't a symbol of maturity, he didn't know what! But this time he'd had enough; he demanded that Sesshomaru start seeing him for what he was and stop with his obnoxious attitude. It was true he had done everything for Rin and to ensure a place for Kagome to stay when Miroku and Sango would be gone and the village would be a too painful memory. But at the end of the day, he had proven to be a first-rate ally for his brother and had received nothing but suffering and worry. How much longer would the farce go on? When he thought of the 500 years ahead, he wanted to groan.

Where would future Sesshomaru come from, the one who could apologize and help him without even expecting anything in return? Well, come to think of it, he'd say that everything the past version was putting him through was enough as a steep bill.

Sesshomaru carefully observed all the emotions that appeared on his brother's face: anger, bother and determination among the main ones. He had told himself that he would start to consider his brother in a different light because he deserved it. Inuyasha was right, he had endured too much, and he had never really appreciated it even though it had required huge sacrifices. Yet today he'd begun again with his usual manner; he hadn't wasted two seconds judging them for the way they'd acted in front of the court.

What had he expected? Inuyasha was made one way, and he had never tried to sugarcoat it for any of the demons in his valley. Everyone was aware of who he was and how he liked to deal with problems; trying to change him was impossible. It was already enough if he didn't curse during those events, or not too much at least. Maybe his outburst could help Sesshomaru to start over properly – it was about time too. Not to mention that since they had faced the council together a couple of days ago, he still hadn't offered Inuyasha the apology he owed him.

"You're right."

"And one more thing Sessh- huh? What?" Inuyasha turned and looked at him with wide eyes. The dog-ears on the top of his head twitched as trying to recapture those two little words that had seemed almost a mirage. The half-demon looked around to see if it was actually Sesshomaru who had uttered them.

They were alone; Kimi had left them as soon as she had noticed the tension between the two brothers.

"You heard me perfectly well, and I won't repeat it a second time. I haven't behaved properly, especially given all you've been willing to do for my mate and me over the years."

"You can say that," mumbled the other with folded arms. "Well? What are you going to do about it?"

"I cannot assure you a more amiable tone towards you and your family; I cannot change either. However, know that I have already begun to look at you in a different light. These recent events have opened my eyes, and I know for certain that you're a leader just like anyone born into our family. I continued to harbour resentment against you, even though I didn't need to because it had become a part of me, and perhaps because in you I saw everything that had been our father, everything that had divided us." He had pinned Inuyasha down with a stern stare as he spoke, and he saw his pupils dilating, even more, the shock radiating through his entire being, those ears quivering with each word.

Yes, it was indeed time to make amends completely and for good. Not just with Inuyasha but with his father's memory as well. For he was sincere in saying that, in Inuyasha, he saw too much of his father. Every time he had clashed with his half-brother since he had become his heir, deep down, he had seen Toga again, all that his father had tried to teach him to no avail.

"I'm sorry," he finally said.

Inuyasha didn't respond initially; he was too intent on thinking about everything Sesshomaru had just told him. Silence descended in the room, and the dai-youkai spoke again. "I appreciate everything you have done for Rin and me; I know I haven't shown you enough. I always judged you incorrectly, even when everyone around us saw the real you. I understand now, more than ever, why you were so angry the day I came to ask you to be my heir, and you had every right to be. Being in front of the council and then the court made me understand why you did what you did and why you tried to forget I always mistreated you. I thank you, brother. It would mean a lot if you could accept my apology, both for you and your mother and if we could start over on the right foot."

"Is he serious?"

Sesshomaru almost snorted, "If you are waiting for me to add something, you can forget about it, Inuyasha. I already said everything I needed to, even more, and you know I do not like to repeat myself. I admitted my mistake, and I am willing to re-start all over again."

"I didn't do it for you. Not today, not every other day since the moment I accepted to be your damn heir," Inuyasha finally said. "I couldn't care less."

"I know, that's what I'm telling you now. There will be time to show you my gratitude and earn your forgiveness. It is enough for me to know, for now, that you are aware that I have finally recognized the reasons behind your and your mate's actions. You have put your own family at risk time and time again, and I have not even appreciated the depth of your actions. Everything will change from now."

"Well, except for your ice king tone."

Sesshomaru gave him the hairy eyeball but then nodded.

"I won't try to change you or obstruct you anymore – unless it's about you wanting to kill someone for no reason or create a disaster – but the same goes for you."

"I get it, I get it, I was a bastard, but I can promise you, I'll find the way to make you forgive me in your time. Can't tell you how and when, but I'll do."

Suddenly Sesshomaru's words that day in the modern era rang in his ears, and Inuyasha realized that this was the moment his brother from the future had been speaking about. This was the day it would all begin, and just because he had made sure Rin wouldn't suffer the same way his mother had because they had helped secure her a place in the West.

Inuyasha laughed. He pulled his head back and began to laugh like a madman instinctively. Tears escaped him, and he found it difficult to breathe all of sudden, but he didn't stop. Maybe, just maybe, this whole situation was driving him crazy. His brother had seen the light; he had apologized to both him and his mother and was willing to see him as his equal. And the trigger had been the affection he and Kagome held for Rin.

Minutes passed, and Inuyasha continued to laugh as Sesshomaru watched him with a raised eyebrow thinking the same thing: had his brother lost his mind?

Finally, the half-demon wiped his eyes, composed himself and quietly patted him on the back. "We'll see about that next time you're being an asshole to me, you bastard. In the meantime, I appreciate your words and how you found the time to talk about it with me."

He held him pinned with his gaze for a few seconds, then he let him go.

"Well, I think I'll go see if Chie can get me something to eat. All this excitement has made me hungry! Ah, before I forget, see that you don't let something like that slip in front of the guards again, or Kagome will turn you into ashes without much thought. And learn to make a difference between our old man and me; I'm not him. See ya!" He gave him the back and then threw a hand over his shoulder as a goodbye. He left behind a brother who was beginning to question his sanity.

A/N:

This chapter represents a big milestone in Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's relationship and I thought we're at the perfect point for the former to make peace with his brother in every aspect. As he said, however, it doesn't mean they won't argue anymore or that I will turn the dai-youkai into a big softie, but at least he won't be such an asshole anymore.

Even though is not very Sesshomaru-like to say sorry, I really liked writing the last scene as much as I'm loving writing about Sesshomaru. It's not always so simple, especially because he's a very complicated character – I think it's safe to say one of the most complicated – and I'm glad I started writing this story. I hope you're enjoying the ride as well.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions. Until next time!