Riding on Inuyasha's back just wasn't the same.
It felt awkward now. And as they flew through the trees on their way to the first village, she found herself cringing at her previous behavior.
All those times...
Enjoying the thrill of him squeezed between her thighs...
Wondering if perhaps he felt it too...
Imagining his cheeks pinken and his thoughts run wild as she purposefully, yet subtly squeezed just a little bit tighter...
She had been so stupid.
It was so embarrassing. And really, she felt ashamed.
She thought he shared her feelings. That her intimate contact was wanted. But she hated the idea that all of this time he had only been enduring it for her benefit; sparing her feelings. She felt like she had been sexually harassing him. It probably just made him uncomfortable.
But they had always traveled together like this. Since... forever.
Miroku always rode with Sango on Kirara. Only now, a very human demon lord sat between them, cradled into his unfamiliar position between the seasoned pros for safe keeping.
Kagome wondered who among them actually was the most uncomfortable in that moment. At least they were all going through it together.
Thanks to their speediest companions, they made it to their destination well before dusk.
The first village they met on the tiger clan's likely trajectory was unexpectedly sparse. That was a shame.
The point of this plan was to let the slow- yet socially acceptable- humans network around the mortal dwellings and see if they could dig up any gossip or firsthand accounts regarding Rin and her captors. Hell, any old demon sighting would do. The clan was several days ahead of them by this point, and probably not anywhere nearby. But with no solid leads to go on, they had to be as thorough, time-sensitive, and resourceful as they could manage.
While the humans poked around the village, those with demon blood would be going on ahead. Searching greater areas in faster time, and scouring the more youkai-friendly destinations.
They would meet up the next morning, and compare notes. Any leads would be investigated, or else they would move onto the next town and start again. Hopefully, they would not have to be traveling blind for long. Troublesome demons tended to make a name for themselves rather quickly. So hopes were high that someone would have heard something.
Unfortunately, this village seemed to be a bit spread out. They had not seen a single person since they landed, and the only inn for miles was not exactly in the middle of the action.
There appeared to be a modest market a ways up the road. But seeing as how huts were few and far between, it did not look like the people were incredibly neighborly.
"I sense an ominous presence. We would be happy to exterminate it for you. All we would require in return is a place to stay for the night."
Miroku's easy charm betrayed none of his nervousness. Too bad the innkeeper wasn't younger. He tended to have more success with inexperienced women.
"Weren't any ominous presence until you brought that half breed filth in here with you. Be gone!"
The way she eyed them from the moment they entered pretty much told them how this was going to go. Though down a few demons from normal, tolerance levels were always hit or miss. It was why Inuyasha had planned to go on ahead with Kirara. But seeing as it was their first stop- and seeing as it would be the first time he left his pack alone with his wildcard brother - he decided to remain until he knew they were settled.
"Keh, I won't be staying. I'm only their escort. These humans can take care of that demon for you, and I will get outta your hair."
That they were wary of demons was both good and bad. It meant they would likely not be welcoming of their kind, nor sympathetic to their plight. But it also meant they may be eager to employ some demon exterminators to take care of the pesky threat.
The old woman squinted at him disdainfully.
At least she didn't seem to be afraid of him. If anything, her beef appeared to be with youth in general. Never mind that he was older than she was.
"Ain't no demons here. Coulda used you a couple days ago though."
Bingo. Now that was why they were here. Kagome took a hopeful step closer as she gripped the straps on her shoulders more tightly.
"What happened?"
The woman closed her eyes in some form of exhaustion while the group eagerly awaited what they hoped was good news. Well, good enough.
"Had a whole group of 'em come through here. Killed some town folk, and a few of our best soldiers."
"Were they tiger youkai?" Sango asked eagerly. Demon attacks were not exactly rare in these parts. As a demon slayer, she had seen more than her share of villages torn apart and destroyed by vicious youkai. Decimated and overrun. But even a brief visit from the wrong demon could cause immense trauma and upset. She knew it was lofty to hope for a bullseye on the first shot.
The woman shook her head.
"I wasn't there. But I heard they were some kind of clan."
It sounded promising, at least. If they could find out anything about the attack from the townspeople to steer them in the right direction, it would save them a lot of time and useless searching.
"Did they have a little girl with them?" Kagome asked, shooting a quick gaze to Sesshoumaru. The quiet man stood in the back of the group, seemingly resigned to allowing the rest of them to handle the interaction. His usual method of 'threaten and demand' would no longer be affective. And he had zero experience engaging with mortals cordially. He didn't want to blow it before they got what they needed.
"Like I said, I wasn't there. They ransacked the home of our lord. His house is a few miles east of here, what's left of it anyway. I think they are still rebuilding if you want to go ask them."
Ah. Maybe that was where everyone was. It would be ideal if they could just get their information and go. But it was already getting late, and even if they did hear something helpful, they would need a place to sleep. The woman seemed pretty eager to kick them down the road.
"Please," Kagome begged, putting on her best puppy eyes. "They took our friend's, uh, daughter. We are trying to get her back. But we need a place to stay for the night. You are the only inn for miles, and if you turn us away, we will be sleeping in the snow."
Finally, streaks of sympathy began to worm through the old woman's weathered face as she looked down at Kagome. They were 4/5th acceptable, provided she hadn't noticed Kirara.
"Alright. You can stay for one night. But your half breed has to go." She met his eyes sternly, to which he remained indifferent. "The villagers are especially wary of his kind at the moment. I doubt they will be very helpful if they were to see him with you."
Though she recognized the friendly warning cleverly masquerading as gross bigotry, Kagome couldn't stymie her attempts at making even one person understand.
"Not all demons-"
"It's a deal. Thank you." Inuyasha grabbed her shoulder and quickly ushered them outside before the innkeeper could revoke her momentary kindness.
Before she could protest, the alpha issued his orders.
"You all go ahead." He stood beside his brother as he addressed the others in his pack. "Sesshoumaru is going to stay here."
Everyone else nodded in understanding, but the Western Prince finally spoke his first words since leaving the village. He turned sharply at Inuyasha's unexpected command and scowled dubiously.
"Why?"
Sesshoumaru was not used to sitting idly by and waiting for others to do what needed to be done. He was not used to taking orders either. And though he had little interest in shaking down a bunch of pathetic humans for whatever scraps they could muster, he did want to be present. How else could he be sure he was getting the correct information? What if these humans he traveled with were not thorough enough? He could not risk it.
Inuyasha turned to face him as the others prepared to depart.
"What is your plan when you get there?"
Though he already knew the answer. Sesshoumaru got the feeling that he did too, but he still lifted his chin confidently and told him the truth.
"Demand they tell me where the tiger clan went to."
Inuyasha raised a brow.
"And if they refuse?"
The older brother offered a casual shrug.
"I will kill them."
Knowing moral reprimand would get him nowhere, the hanyou opted to pick apart his logic.
"With what?"
Damn. He hadn't thought that far ahead. Normally, he didn't have to. Even a pathetic human sword would be something. His nails were shamefully short at the moment. And he doubted his puny ninja star would prove very threatening. It did have one kill under its belt already. But from what the old woman had said, this village had soldiers. He hated how mortal armies could stifle him even a little.
"Getting information without your intimidation takes a much more tactful approach. You need to be charming and personable, so I don't think you should go with them."
Miroku nodded. And seeing that Sesshoumaru did not have an immediate response to that, he decided to weigh in.
"I see your point, but we can't just leave him here by himself."
No.
As bad as it would be for an impatient warlord to try his first hand at social etiquette, it could easily be worse to turn him loose on the rest of the town unsupervised.
He had no experience dealing with humans that wasn't violent or demanding. And if he caused a stir while they were gone, they could easily find themselves sleeping in the woods.
"I'll keep an eye on the bastard while you all go ahead. When you get back, I will take Kirara and move on as planned. Unless you get any better information."
The others seemed pleased with this arrangement. Inuyasha appeared to have his eyes on the prize. And that it was Sesshoumaru's mission, he was unlikely to cause any unnecessary trouble for them.
Still, he felt the need to interject.
"I do not need a keeper."
"Just shut up, will ya?"
The small group made to leave. They did not know how much time they had before the brothers were completely at each other's throats. They had best make this quick.
Sango finally approached him, and he softened.
"But you heard the innkeeper. You can't stay here."
She hated that that's how it was for him. As a demon slayer, she was not shielded from the prejudices held toward his kind. She had even been guilty of harboring the same beliefs not long ago.
Now, she just felt ashamed, and sad for him.
But he was used to it. And he only smiled in the face of her concern.
He put his hands on her upper arms to assure her gently, and Kagome hoped she didn't visibly wince.
"We will get away from the village while you are gone. I need to go over the plan with him again anyway."
The pair looked like they may kiss in that moment. But both seemed uncomfortably aware of their audience, and resisted.
Kirara would have made the trip to the lord's home much faster, but they could not risk being booted out for bringing a demon. Even though Kirara was especially cute, and usually an exception among most humans. She would remain with the dog brothers, and wisely kept her counsel.
The three walked in silence to a nearby field. It was on the edge of the woods, and appeared to be deserted. Woods tended to be demon territory. So even in villages where youkai were scarce, all but the bravest humans tended to steer clear.
Once they arrived, Kirara gabbed a seat off to the side and proceeded to give herself a much-needed bath. Felines required several per day as it was, but she was acting as main transportation to at least three passengers for the duration of this little quest. She would enjoy her grooming, and her alone time where she could get it.
The brothers went over the plan easily. It wasn't really needed; both knew what was expected. They had been over it at length several times before their departure. They were just supposed to sit and play the waiting game now. Normally, both would be content with ignoring the other, if not pretending he did not exist in his company at all.
But Sesshouamru didn't need a babysitter. He was several hundred years old by this point. And even though he had no experience existing alongside humans as anything other than their better, he refused to subscribe to the idea that he could not handle a couple of hours left to his own devices. Besides, he had an errand to run anyway.
"Where are you going?" Inuyasha demanded at his back, as his older brother silently began to walk ahead in the clearing.
Not normally one to explain himself, he found that option decidedly less taxing than enduring the hanyou's whining.
"Into the village. I must procure a sword."
He was worried about that. The market was up that way. And though it looked pretty empty upon their arrival, it was likely the place where most humans could be found around here.
Inuyasha followed his measured steps.
"But they said no demons in the village," he reminded him. Though he had a feeling his brother hadn't forgotten. Hell, it was likely why he decided he suddenly needed to go there.
Sometimes, the company several humans was preferable one half breed.
Sesshoumaru turned slowly, and Inuyasha could have mouthed his reply in unison.
"Then I suppose you must stay here."
Oh well. What was the worst that could happen? He didn't even have a weapon yet. He certainly wasn't in the mood to start fights... unnecessarily.
And, Inuyasha surmised, he had to get his sea legs somehow. They were going to be visiting a lot of villages on this journey. Best to get him assimilated as soon as possible.
He just wished he could be there to supervise.
And he would, he decided. The trees were tall, and he could find a good vantage point to keep an eye on things. If his brother started any shit, Inuyasha would sweep in and break it up.
Knowing there was nothing he could say, he only waved him off passively.
"Don't cause any problems. If you piss them off, its gonna hurt our chances at finding Rin."
Sesshoumaru wouldn't respond to that; only turn on his heel and continue his path.
Inuyasha considered telling him his plan, and decided it was for the best.
"I'll be keeping an eye on you. Just stay out of trouble."
This human market didn't seem nearly as bad as the one he had visited in Inuyasha's village.
Maybe he was just a little more prepared this time.
Or maybe it was because it was simply less populated. Crowds made him uncomfortable, but not due to fear. He just never felt so terribly out of place.
It helped being on his own. Adding himself to this pack had ensured that any moment of solitude was few and far between. And not nearly long enough. But wandering the stalls on his own let him feel like he was stretching his wings a bit. Nobody here knew him, or what he had been. The only looks he got were from hopeful shopkeeps looking to make a sale, or the occasional approving glance of the young females in the area.
He decided that his preference must deride from the scarcity of human life, because upon visiting the shops, he found them incredibly wanting. Most appeared to be closed, and the ones that remained open had hardly anything worth looking at. If there was indeed a weapons shop, he could not discern it.
It occurred to him that any weapons that had been available may have been claimed by the soldiers who apparently had demon invaders to now ward off. As if any youkai worth his salt could succumb to such a meager threat. He supposed they could; he had vanquished more than his share of weak opponents. But such demons had no business waging war in the first place. All that they took would be his in due time.
Hn. Perhaps it was those demons who raided these shops bare as well. How he hoped it was those tigers. He would follow their pathetic path of destruction right to their deaths. Their slow, tortuous deaths. Just thinking about it lifted his mood exponentially.
Deciding he desired nothing from these people other than information, he opted for trying his hand at some easy back and forth.
He did pretty well, he considered. Finding the least offensive mortals at his disposal, he approached a couple of them here and there and fired off a few questions.
They seemed startled a bit by his curtness, though he thought he was being generously polite. He was just a blunt man, and hated wasting anything; especially time. Perhaps on the next go, he would build up to his interrogation. The idea was unappealing.
Regardless, none had been able to tell him anything he didn't know. They were aware of a demon attack, but did not see it occur. They could not tell him which kind of demons they were, or what they wanted, or where they were going. He saw fit to inform them of where he was staying, and if anyone learned anything, to please bring it to his attention. That a little girl's life was at stake seemed to soften their regard, as he figured it would.
Tired of this expedition, and resigned to the fact he had probably gotten as far as he was able without the aid of his 'charming' companions, he finally opted to leave. Sans a weapon, unfortunately.
He had the clearing in his sights as he breached the edge of the market when three men headed his way came into view.
They were large, but not like the farmers he had encountered on his previous outing. These men were taller. Leaner. Their musculature obviously had been put to specific use. These men were soldiers. After all this time, he could recognize one a mile away. Even without uniform, he could tell by their posture and gait, and that foolish confidence he had witnessed so many times before removing them effortlessly from this plain. But they were only human.
He supposed they could be considered more honorable than most. At least in that they had chosen a noble path for themselves, and in addition a shorter lifespan.
But though coming his way, into his path, their sights were not on him. They were focused on each other, laughing and boasting and speaking crudely. He recognized a soldier's cadence as plainly as day, though if he ever witnessed his own men behaving as such in his presence, he would remove the stain to his house as permanently as possible.
He didn't look at them either, keeping his gaze ahead of him. His confident stride kept him moving down his predetermined path. Which it became increasingly obvious was their intended path as well. Or so they thought.
In his form, and dressed plainly, Sesshoumaru was smaller than these men. As a demon, he would tower over them. His very aura would evoke fear.
But these soldiers were accustomed to seas parting for their arrival. They were probably expecting a certain level of deference from any they encountered. Though Sesshoumaru couldn't fathom why. It was clear they had done a poor job in protecting even this tiny village. He wanted to smirk.
They continued their banter, not paying any mind to the man approaching them. A former demon, who was also accustomed to moving for no one, as was not about to start now.
In the end, only one man had grazed him. Perhaps it was slightly more than that. But by the way he startled at the contact, it appeared to be unintentional.
The soldier stopped for a moment, as Sesshoumaru continued passed without a glance up. The man looked confused, but seemed to shake himself out of it. He prepared to continue on ahead.
"Watch your step, cretin." All three men stopped this time, and turned to the source of the low, but very clear demand.
But all they got for their troubles was the sight of a retreating back. A man walking away with no real concern, but confident in his course.
"What the fuck did you say?"
Sesshoumaru stopped at the incredulous man's question. He only considered for a moment if these vermin were worth his trouble. He threw his head over his shoulder to get a better look at them.
Brows knit together, they appeared angry and expectant. They were offended, but they shouldn't be.
If they didn't want to be referred to as scum, then they shouldn't exude it so forcefully. What did they expect? Probably not to be cut down by some random, unarmed stranger. And a human at that.
If these soldiers thought they were fit to take on invading demons – and perhaps they were. They may have taken down a few of lower stature than his previous self – then they certainly would assume to be more than a match for your average mortal.
They were probably regarded as some sort of heroes among their kind. That or feared. And by the way they had been bragging just before the unfortunate contact, they were likely constantly itching to validate that treatment.
Sesshoumaru didn't have his demon sight, but he sized them up in an instant. They wore no armor, foolishly. But each had a sword at his hip.
Nothing impressive, but made well enough to have survived several battles. Recently sharpened, but they could use a good polishing. He would have considered them too small, and too light for him in the past. Not to mention unworthy. But compared to his current 'nothing,' he decided he was probably outmatched. The odds were low that he could relieve even one of them of their weapon at the moment. Perhaps if he had thought of it as they were passing... maybe next time.
But he didn't fear these men. It wasn't in his DNA. He had looked down the edge of far too many blades; gone nose to nose with much more fearsome opponents; even visited death's doorstep in the most literal sense. And what did they do?
They kneeled.
They all kneeled to him. Unlike these men, he had earned his indignation.
"I said that if I desired to be touched by a lowly human, I would simply make eye contact with your women."
His face moved not a muscle as he turned back around. And even after allowing these brutes a moment for sputtering, he was not surprised to find his path suddenly blocked.
Their rage was apparent, but they also seemed somewhat amused.
Their leader stood between them, and right in front of Sesshoumaru. None of them seemed concerned enough with him to draw their weapons, or even finger the hilt.
But Sesshoumaru wasn't concerned either. He certainly didn't appear it. This seemed to perplex them somewhat. Though still very confident, they were sizing him up meticulously. It was like they were trying to discern what it was they were missing.
"What? You think you're better than everyone?"
Men of power carried weapons. And those not strong enough to fight traveled with guards. There was nothing about this stranger that screamed privilege to them, aside from his haughty tone. And then there was the way he looked at them, as if they were nothing but insects.
"Not everyone," Sesshoumaru admitted magnanimously. Not in his current state, at least. "Certainly you."
Anger and amusement warred until finally there was a winner. The two cronies could do naught but laugh to themselves in disbelief, while their spokesman smiled wide, and turned to his buddies.
"The balls on this guy!" He turned back from his giggling comrades and looked at Sesshouamaru again. He was almost impressed. Almost.
But his smile faded as he looked the lord over once more.
His clothing was the one thing about him that just didn't fit. Literally and figuratively. It was clear that it was made for royalty. He didn't recognize the crest, but it sat proudly upon his shoulders to signify he was of a powerful house. The material was well made, and incredibly expensive. And the size and style told him that it was fashioned for a demon to wear. This was what an advanced youkai would don, if he had significant standing.
So how did this human get ahold of it? It did not seem likely that he had vanquished some powerful demon and taken his clothing as a trophy. He had a feeling that the answer to this question would account for this strange man's behavior. Because if there was some hidden talent festering within this simple form that could take such a demon down, he knew he would do well to suss it out.
But the longer he looked at him, the more confident he became in his assessment. And then, absent of any threating feature, another scenario occurred to the soldier as to how to get a youkai out of his uniform.
"Well, he is wearing nicer clothes than us, I'll give him that." The soldier reached forward to test the material at his collar with a smirk. Sesshoumaru did not move, only narrowed his eyes slightly and committed this face to his memory. "Those are a demon's silks. Do they belong to your lover? Or do you just like playing dress up?"
As the last word was uttered with more force, he used both of his palms to push Sesshoumaru harshly at his shoulders.
He was slowly becoming familiar with how his new body reacted to force. It was a given that having his strength and senses reduced to nearly nothing affected the way he interpreted, and reacted. But even his muscle memory - the way his body had been trained perfectly over the years to move at its own accord, automatically and effortlessly through eons of trial and error, improvement and finally perfection - was now failing him.
His judgement was always off. He couldn't account for the difference. He felt like he was wearing a robe made of sand while someone threw a rock at him from a close distance. If he was going to survive, he desperately needed recalibration.
He would get used to this body. It was just going to take some time. But for now, he was flat on his back, with a man on each arm to pin him down.
He gave an experimental jerk forward for good measure, to test his strength against his opponents. As expected, he wasn't able to move much, and he was above kicking his feet. So he watched with a scowl as the lead soldier crouched over him casually.
"Those are some nice silks." Sesshoumaru's frown deepened when the man reached forward to touch him again. He fingered the material at his lapel as he admired the fine quality of his tailor-made garment. His mocking tone took on a harder edge as he lifted his eyes to match the death glare he was receiving. "Too nice for you. And you appear to be swimming in them." A wicked smirk graced his battle-worn features as he determined his next course of action. "I believe they would fit me better."
From his vantage point in the trees, off at the edge of the village, Inuyasha watched the scene unfold with a grimace. He inwardly cursed when he saw the parties begin to interact. And his demon hearing left him privy to the tense exchange.
He didn't want to jump in too quickly. Showing his face to a soldier could blow their whole arrangement. If anyone was eager to pick a fight with a demon, it would be these guys. And then he would have to kill them. Killing soldiers beget killing more soldiers, and whipping the recently attacked town into a pitchfork wielding frenzy. Not only would they be forced to sleep outside, they would have to run. Or kill. Or both.
And he could do fine if it was just him. God knows he'd been through all this before. But the rest of his pack couldn't move as fast. Couldn't handle the cold. No, the best thing to do was let Sesshoumaru handle this on his own. Inuyasha sighed, and continued to watch.
When they pinned him to the ground, he tensed. And when they began to tear the haori off of his subdued brother, his claws twitched at his side.
He nearly leapt from his branch to take on all three of them. But he held back.
No punches had been thrown yet. No swords had been drawn. And if the price to be paid for his condescending demeanor was to get his shirt stolen, Inuyasha figured he could live with the guilt of remaining put. For now.
Sesshoumaru started it. And he didn't feel too great about racing down to help his brother bully some humans who were basically minding their own business. He had told him several times before, but if his brother needed to learn the hard way, then that was fine with him.
But he watched on intently to see how far this was going to go. He said a prayer in his head that the men would just take their prize and leave.
When his haori was untucked, the man on his left released his arm so that they could pull down his sleeve. As soon as released, Sesshoumaru took the opportunity to land one good punch in the lead soldier's face. He was able to knock him slightly off balance, but the solider didn't fall. He didn't have much room to wind up, so the force behind the hit was lacking. He more caught him off guard than anything else.
But he did connect, and the soldier became furious at the perceived lucky shot. But before he could retaliate, the man at his left regained control of his arm and twisted it violently.
The pained yelp that reached Inuyasha's ears was nothing he had ever heard from his brother before. Even when he had taken his arm, all he seemed to get was an angry roar for his trouble. But when the lead guy used his boot to stomp harshly on his offending limb, the cracking sound that followed made his stomach turn.
He prepared himself to leap as he watched them remove the shirt the rest of the way without further resistance. Sesshoumaru didn't make another sound, but his face was scrunched up in obvious pain.
While he continued to watch on anxiously, something kept Inuyasha's feet from leaving his perch.
The man held up his new acquisition proudly, admiring the garment and judging the size against his own frame. The other two had released their captor; who rose to a seated position, but only to better cradle and prod his damaged elbow.
They kept him in their periphery, but no longer considered him a threat. Not that they had to begin with. The laughing and boasting resumed, but now he was the subject of their mockery.
When the man threw the silk over his shoulder and made to leave, Inuyasha exhaled in relief. It was over. But he found he celebrated too soon.
As the three began to walk away, on to the marketplace as intended, the leader stopped.
He turned and walked back to Sesshoumaru when he noticed him begin to stand. And once on his feet, he was taken right back off them. A forceful blow to his mouth had his back hit the earth once again.
This time, Inuyasha finally jumped. But by the time he reached the clearing, the men were already on their way. Their crude voices could be heard as they merrily sauntered off, but Inuyasha waited until they were out of sight before he finally approached his fallen brother.
He had resumed his seated position, but was making no move to stand. Inuyasha grimaced when Sesshoumaru turned his head to spit blood past his lips with a disgusted look on his face. The copper in the air was strong, and upon closer inspection, the hanyou could see the split that ran down the center of both lips.
Sesshoumaru still hadn't acknowledged him when he finally deigned to speak.
"Thanks for your help," he accused bitterly. Inuyasha frowned.
He reckoned that had he helped him, Sesshoumaru would have resented him stepping in. Sesshoumaru didn't need help. And even if he did, he certainly didn't want it.
To offer assistance was to imply weakness. And the stubborn bastard would rather get thrashed around or even die before admitting he needed aid. Especially from someone like him.
And normally, that wouldn't have mattered. Inuyasha didn't listen to his brother, and even against all protests, he would pitch in when he felt he needed to. If anything, to only piss the fucker off.
But it was different this time.
Sure, he was weaker than he had ever been. More vulnerable than he had ever seen him. But he would survive. He would have been there in an instant if the men had drawn their swords, or even handed down a more vicious beating. But from what he'd witnessed, the whole encounter seemed pretty justified. Maybe even merciful.
As he watched the scene play out, and flexed his claws indecisively, a montage ran through Inuyasha's mind.
Insults and beatdowns. Tetsusaiga and Kara and the Unmother. Hell, even how he'd treated his real mother when she was alive. This wasn't even close to penance.
He would help him find his brat, because it was the honorable thing to do. And he would even be gracious enough not to engage in turnabout now that he was the stronger one. But he would not be there to pull him out of every scrap of his own making. Unless it somehow benefited the rest of the pack.
Because Sesshoumaru would never do that for him. Had never, even when he was a child and desperately needed it.
Nope. Sesshoumaru had never considered him his brother, so he wouldn't be. Inuyasha was duty bound; had a familial obligation. Beyond that, he was just a busy guy with too much on his plate at the moment.
Perhaps some turnabout was in order.
"Come on," Inuyasha replied dismissively. Sesshoumaru lifted his gaze to find his brother looking down the path that would lead them back to the inn. Watched him scent the air, with mounting envy and longing. "Let's go."
They retrieved Kirara and travelled back in silence. Sesshoumaru still had an under layer, luckily. It protected Inuyasha's gaze as much as it protected its wearer from the rapidly chilling cold.
The sun had just gone down, and the temperature along with it. By the time they reached the inn, it was very dark.
Inuyasha was relieved to scent his packmates in the wind, with one notable absence. When asked of Miroku's whereabouts, Sango rolled her eyes and informed him that the monk was off 'investigating a lead' with a young woman in the village.
Kagome ran outside to welcome them back, but her relief turned to horror when she took in Sesshoumaru's mangled appearance.
He had blood on his undershirt, and all over his mouth.
"Oh my god! What happened? Where you attacked by a demon?" Kagome stepped closer to inspect, but without making eye contact, he brushed moodily past the women and went inside to find their room.
"What happened?" Kagome demanded. The hanyou averted his eyes and shrugged.
"He got into a little scuffle. It's no big deal."
"No big deal?" she asked incredulously. "What happened to his shirt?"
He began to walk past her, unwilling to feel guilt. He stood by his decision, and she didn't need to know the specifics.
"He started a fight with the wrong guys, is all."
Even Sango picked up on his evasive behavior, but she opted to remain silent. Kagome was becoming irritated.
"And where were you?" she asked his retreating form, causing him to halt.
"I couldn't enter the village," he reminded her. "I was waiting for him."
But it sounded strangely convenient. Kagome knew justification when she heard it. She crossed her arms impatiently over her chest.
"Did you see it happen?"
At his silence, she grew angrier.
"Inuyasha! What were you thinking?" she chided. But Inuyasha felt more put out than ashamed. He fought the urge to roll his eyes as she rounded on him. "I know you two don't get along, but he needs our protection right now. He's got a new body, and poor social skills-"
"What he's got is a smart mouth and a shitty attitude!" His sudden outburst took her by surprise. "We aren't always going to be there for him, Kagome. Protection is the last thing he needs right now."
And this argument was the last thing he needed. He had a long night ahead of him; traveling in the dark and scouring the land while the rest of them slept. All for that bastard, by the way. He was in no mood for a lecture.
But Kagome didn't like his answer. She was worried Inuyasha might take advantage of his brother's predicament eventually and dish out some cruel, if not undeserved, payback. But they were on the road now. They had to work together, not against each other. This was a bad way to start the mission.
She sharpened her glare as she moved her hands to her hips.
"Oh yeah? Well, what does he need then?"
To be left out to dry? To get kicked out of the pack? A sharp fucking stick to slay enemies on his own? She did not like the many options their alpha may be considering at the moment.
But when he let out an amused scoff, her defenses dropped a smidge.
"He just got it."
The cocky grin he flashed was unappreciated. And in her exasperation, all she could do was go chase after her new patient. Her supplies were in the room, and she hoped he would be too.
Inuyasha began to follow after her, but Sango's hand grabbing his stopped him in his tracks.
When he turned to see her smiling at him goofily, he returned it and allowed her to pull him back to her.
They were still getting used to the new dynamic between them. With all the chaos going on, they hardly had time to start this new relationship out properly. It had only been last night that they'd confessed their feelings, and they departed for their mission the very next morning.
And then there was the matter of privacy. It was hard to find a spare moment alone. And now Inuyasha would be spending every night for the foreseeable future traveling ahead while she slept; it looked like they were going to have to squeeze in little moments together whenever they could.
They were going to be busy looking for Rin. And between Kagome and Miroku, neither felt comfortable even displaying the smallest gestures of affection toward each other. Flaunting their relationship in front of them was not a classy move.
It was just a shame. He had been dreaming of this for years. And now that he had her, he didn't even get to see her. She deserved better. She deserved his full attention.
As she pulled him to her lips, all he could do was wish that the innkeeper had given them a room of their own.
The kiss became more heated as they ran their hands all over each other. Finally, they pulled apart panting.
"Come with me. I need to show you something." She began to lead him away from the inn, but he dug in his heels.
"What is it?"
The coy smile she gave him sent a thrill through his spine. Her hand never released his as she moved closer to him again.
"I found a nice little spot, and I think you need to see it." She pressed forward and he surrendered to another kiss.
"It's cozy, and secluded. And private." When she smiled at him suggestively, a grin crept up his lips.
"Right now? What about the others?" Not that he really cared at the moment, but he felt obligated to ask.
"Kagome will take care of Sesshoumaru. So I can take care of you." Yes, she was busy playing nurse to his brother at the moment, and it wasn't like he could go in the room anyway. But he was supposed to be getting ready to leave. He had a long night ahead of him.
When she rubbed his groin through his clothing, however, all the fight left him. He groaned lowly.
They'd stayed up very late last night talking. Well, mostly talking. He didn't want to go any further before they'd broken the news to the others.
But now they were in the clear. Nothing was stopping them from exploring this relationship to the fullest. Except time and opportunity.
"You're going to be gone a lot, and lodging is going to get pretty cramped." He closed his eyes in pleasure as she continued to stroke him.
"We are going to have to get very creative, and flexible with our time together." When she stopped, he opened his eyes to take in her lustful gaze.
"So before you go, I need you to come with me. I'm tired of waiting."
This time, when she led the way, he followed.
A/N: I swear, I wasn't planning to give Sesshoumaru this hard of a time when I set out to write this story. But don't worry, he's gonna get his.
Also, as what always seems to happen, my planned chapter just grew way too long to post as planned. It gets hard to edit when im upwards of 40K words, and im sure it makes it harder for you to read as well. So as it stands, my previously planned chapter will be chopped into 3. The bad news is, you have to wait for the rest. But the good news is, I have most of it written, and it shouldn't be too long.
Thanks for your patience, and if you want to drop me a note, that would be great =)