Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Inuyasha Characters, they belong to Rumiko Takahasi. I'm merely using them for my own twisted enjoyment. I do however, own all Original Characters, this plot line, and all the fan fics referenced in this story. :D

Chapter Ten:

The next day Bankotsu and Naien woke up at about the same time. Each slid off of their side of the bed and stretched.

Bankotsu smiled at her. "Jakotsu did a pretty spiffy job and making your clothes fit right." He nodded with approval in his eyes.

Naien smiled. "Yes he did. Your brother sure is nice to do this for me." She added wryly, "Considering his aversion to women."

Bankotsu sighed and stared at her, holding her arm. "He has good reasons."

Naien held her hands up in an 'I give' position. "I wasn't saying anything bad about it. Merely observing that he doesn't like women."

Bankotsu nodded and walked towards the door. "His reasons for hating women are just as serious as yours are for not trusting men."

Her mahogany eyes filled with sadness. 'Guess I'm not the only one who's been treated cruelly by the opposite sex.' She dropped her head and sighed. She walked over to him and they exited the room.

After breakfast they went outside and ran five laps around the castle. She only had to stop and catch her breath, resulting in Bankotsu's smirking and groping her twice this time. Once they were done they went inside and he stood over her and she completed her chores.

After dinner Jakotsu fixed up another two sets of haori and hakamas for her and then everyone settled in for the night.

XOXOXO:

The Next day everyone carried on much the same as the previous two days. After the laps around the castle Bankotsu insisted on Naien doing twenty five each of push-ups and sit ups.

Once she hit twenty her breath came out in heavy pants. "I… I can't do any more."

Bankotsu flexed his biceps as he held her feet in place. "Yes you can. Come on only five more."

Naien did another sit up.

Bankotsu nodded. "Twenty one."

Naien did another one and sweat ran down her back.

"Twenty two, come on now just a few more."

Groaning as she felt the pain making the muscles of her belly sore she did another one.

"Twenty three. Only two more."

She did another one and fell onto her back. "No more."

Bankotsu sternly countered, "Twenty four, last one Naien."

Naien groaned and did the last one glaring at him. She fell back groaning and panting heavily.

Bankotsu smirked., "See I told you that you could do twenty five.."

Her narrowed into slits while she continued catching her breath.

Bankotsu released her ankles and slowly slid his hand along her hakama clad thigh giving it a squeeze.

Naien's brown eyes widened and she instantly shot up to a sitting position. "What do you think you are doing, mister?" Furious flames danced in her eyes.

Bankotsu chuckled. "Seeing how fast I could get you to jump up," His eyes twinkling with amusement.

She sent him what she hoped was an icy stare.

He laughed. Turning serious he ordered, "Now for the push-ups."

Knowing it would be futile to argue with him about the training, Naien groaned and got into position.

Bankotsu hid a smile and removed his haori. "I'll even do these with you. Now come on."

They began doing push-ups, he of course was just showing off his chiseled upper chest and muscles and enjoying every minute of it as her blush deepened every time their eyes met.

After they hit twenty Bankotsu encouraged, "Come on only five left." Mischief twinkled in his eyes because he knew he was going to get a rise out of her with his next comment. "Unless you want to stay weak that is."

Naien growled and did the next one.

Bankotsu smirked when he caught sight of the flames licking her eyes. It was a sure sign that he was getting her riled up. "Four more."

They did the next one.

"Three more, come on Naien, keep going."

She groaned and they did the next one.

"Two more."

Naien felt her arms begin to shake and managed to do the next one.

Bankotsu smiled. "Last one, come on now." They did the last one and then she let herself fall flat on her stomach, panting heavily as she lay there regaining her breath.

Bankotsu rolled onto his side facing her. "Man twenty five each of push ups and sit ups and you are already that winded?" He shot her a grin. "You really are a weak girl."

Not willing to take anymore from him Naien pounced on him. "Take that back, merc!"

Laughing he rolled onto his back with her on top.

her fists slapped into his chest. "You take that back! I am not weak." She stared down at him with her face flushed from the exercise and her temper evident.

Bankotsu smirked thoroughly enjoying her temper and began rolling around on the ground with her.

After they wrestled around a good thirty minutes Bankotsu rolled her on top of him again so that he could stare deep into her eyes. "Naien, I knew you wanted me, but I didn't know you wanted me this bad," His arms locked behind her waist. He leaned up sliding his tongue along her outer shell of her ear. He felt her shiver and she shoved him onto his back. He smirked. "If I did we would have been doing this much sooner." He winked at her.

Looking down and finally realizing how intimately positioned they were Naien's cheeks flushed and she tried to climb off.

He held fast pinning her against the top of his body.

She stiffened.

He chuckled and rolled her underneath him, pinning her hands above her head. 'It's been too long since I've kissed her. I want to taste her sweet lips again.' He lowered his head to her face and captured her lower lip between his teeth, lightly licking and nibbling it. Naien gasped and he slipped his tongue inside, thoroughly exploring the inside of her mouth.

After getting over her shock Naien moaned and shyly traced her tongue along his.

His tongue danced around hers and he tried to wrap his tongue around hers and pull it into his mouth.

Jakotsu walked up behind them and shrieked, "Big brother! What the hell are you doing?"

The kissing pair jumped startled and stared at each other with wide eyes.

Sighing Bankotsu released his hold.

Naien quickly climbed off of him and started walking back into the castle.

Bankotsu moved to his feet. "Jakotsu, it's not that big of a deal. We were just -"

Jakotsu scowled with tears in his eyes. "Not that big of a deal? She's bewitched you! That vile wench has cast an evil spell over you."

Catching the rant Naien stopped dead in her tracks and lowered her head. She scuffed her feet in the dirt feeling like an intruder.

Jakotsu sobbed, "All I ever hear anymore is how you have to spend all your time training with her." Stomping his foot like a petulant child, he whined, "It's not fair!" He thrust a delicate finger in his brother's face and yelled, "You swore you wouldn't ever let a girl become more important to you than me again." Crystalline drops ran in rivulets down his cheeks.

Remembering what had happened in their past Bankotsu ducked his head and ran his fingers through his bangs. His voice cracked. "Look Jaky I swear it's not like that. i just - "

Naien heaved a heavy sigh and walked back. Her tone was clipped and devoid of any emotion. "Bankotsu, spend time with him just you two while I do my chores today." Without waiting for a response she walked off again.

Both brothers stood there gaping while watching the woman walk away. Bankotsu nodded to his brother and they followed her inside. They sat over by the wall talking just the two of them while Naien went about cleaning the kitchen floor, washing the dishes and making some tea.

Feeling a little better and a lot less jealous Jakotsu glowed with happiness and lapped up his brother's attention like an eager puppy.

Bankotsu made it a point to focus on what his brother was saying and only checked to make sure Naien was okay a few times. Bankotsu placed a hand on his brother's slender shoulder. " I was only training her Jaky. I meant what I said, there isn't one person in the whole world who is or ever will be more important to me than you are."

Jakotsu hugged his brother rocking back and forth. "I hope so aniki."

Bankotsu pat his brother's back and hugged him in a fierce bear hug. "You know me Jaky."

Jakotsu sniffed and closed his eyes.

Renkotsu returned from his duties and placed the water inside the pantry. 'It seems like that wench is becoming important to Bankotsu. Considering he's been spending all his time with her and even ignoring Jakotsu lately. That must mean that she is his main weakness.' His hand rubbed the top of his bald head. 'If I can get rid of her, then that brat Bankotsu would die too. Then all that would be left is to kill Jakotsu and take his shard.'

Bankotsu and Jakotsu continued their bonding time as they sat back talking about all the things they had done over the years.

Naien walked over placing some freshly brewed tea and honey on a try before them. Without a word she walked off to prepare some bread for tonight's meal.

Renkotsu cleared his throat and sat down with the brother's talking of the villages they had slaughtered since he had joined them.

Naien dropped off some tea for him too, before returning to her bread.

Bankotsu waved. "Hey Ren." His eyes searched for Naien and he found her making bread in the kitchen. "Jaky it's time for you to start dinner."

Sighing because their time had come to an end Jakotsu nodded. He walked over and shooed Naien out of the kitchen while he started the stew.

Naien took her tea and sat over beside Bankotsu.

He smiled at her and mouthed 'Thank you.'.

She smiled and mouthed back 'You're welcome.'

Renkotsu pretended not to notice. "So big brother, how's the training coming?" He was trying un-suspiciously to glean what information about it that he could.

'Hm since when does Renkotsu care what I teach someone?' Bankotsu pretended not to notice anything amiss and replied smoothly, "Her training's coming along just fine."

Naien smiled to herself. 'He's smarter than you give him credit for Renkotsu.' She watched the two comrades talking.

Renkotsu tried to push a little more. "Have you taught her any weapons yet?"

Bankotsu replied in a no-nonsense tone, "Training her is my job and I'll do whatever I think is required, understood?" He quirked a brow.

Renkotsu nodded. "Of course, forgive me. I wasn't questioning you methods Big brother. I was merely curious." He turned away and frowned. 'Big brother is determined not to tell me anything more. Why?'

Bankotsu nodded. He turned to Naien. "Was that bread you were making?"

Naien smiled inwardly. 'Nice try there Ren, but it's a no go. Told you, he's smarter than people think.' She nodded. "Hai, nothing fancy mind you, but at least it will be fresh."

Jakotsu finished preparing the stew and set it over the fire to cook and then walked back over and sat by his brother.

Naien excused herself and went to check out the bread. Finding it done she took it out of the oven and left it on the counter to cool. Walking back over she sat in her spot and cleared her throat hoping to get the brother's attentions.

They looked over at her.

"I just wanted to let you both know that I have no intention of ever trying to come between you two." Locking her calm brown gaze with Jakotsu's grey ones, she informed him, "Jakotsu, I understand you're brothers and need time. I would never try to get between you. Okay?"

'She's just saying that to try to look good in front of everybody.' Jakotsu blinked and then shrugged. "Whatever you say, wench."

Bankotsu smiled at his brother nodding. Bankotsu's eyes held silent thanks as he smiled at Naien before addressing his group and handing out orders for tomorrow's activities.

Renkotsu sat there nodding his head when he was spoken to and replying with the automatic. "Hai big brother." He rubbed his chin. 'It seems I missed something earlier. Why else would the wench even bother saying something like that?'

When the stew was ready Jakotsu stood up and doled it out.

Naien stood up and brewed some fresh tea.

Before Jakotsu could leave the room and deliver the food, Naien stopped him. "Jakotsu, I just wanted you to know that I mean every word I said earlier. I'd never try to get between you and your brother. I -"

Jakotsu snorted and pinned her with a cold stare. "Listen here bitch, you're not going to get bonus points with him by pretending to befriend me, so don't even bother!"

Naien gasped feeling like a knife had been plunged into her chest. her hand flew to her chest and she stumbled back a step. "How could you even think something like that? I'm not trying to do anything but make peace between us."

Jakotsu hissed, "I'm not falling for your little innocent act you stupid whore. Now, move!" he roughly shoved on her shoulder pushing her out of his way.

Naien stood there blinking as she watched his retreating back. With shaky hands she poured tea and adding the bread to the tray. Blinking back tears she sighed and straightened her shoulders. She returned to the others and silently sat there picking at her meal with eyes glued to her plate. She managed to eat about half of the food before pushing her plate away.

Bankotsu frowned. "What's the matter Naien?"

She replied automatically in a level tone, "Nothing, I'm just not all that hungry." She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the wall.

Bankotsu scoffed. "Don't give me that! We worked your ass off today. You should eat to keep up your strength."

Naien sighed and snapped back at him. "Look, I said I'm not hungry, okay?"

Bankotsu clenched his jaw and set his empty plate aside. Standing up he reached down and pulled her to her feet, leading her out of the room. In the hallway before their room he shoved her against the wall and pinned her between his arms. his eyes narrowed at her."Cut the bullshit and tell me what's wrong, now!"

Naien sighed staring back at him with dull eyes. "I'm more exhausted than anything okay? I just didn't have much of an appetite tonight." She shrugged.

Bankotsu hissed, "If you don't fucking tell me what it is, I'm going to - " he cut off grinding his teeth.

She clenched her fists. "You're going to what Bankotsu? I can't help it if my damn stomach is upset." Defiance glowed in her eyes.

Bankotsu gripped her chin and forced her to look into his eyes a long tense moment. he huffed. "Fine," He drug her back into the dinning room daring her with his eyes to defy him. "You stay put until everyone else is finished."

Naien sighed and placed her head on her knees closing her eyes.

Bankotsu had a second helping while the others finished their meal.

Jakotsu stared at the woman. 'What is that bitch up to now?'

After the meal was finished Bankotsu pulled Jakotsu and Naien aside. "What the hell happened earlier when you two were in the kitchen alone?"

Both remained obstinately silent.

Bankotsu glared from one to the other. "Well?" Naien remained silent pissing him off even more.

Bankotsu paced back and forth, glaring at them both. "I expect an answer - now!"

Naien sighed and rubbed her temples. "I told you I just have an upset stomach tonight."

Jakotsu blinked. 'I thought for sure she'd whined to aniki about it by now.'

Bankotsu glared at him. "Is that so Jakotsu? Nothing happened?"

Jakotsu fidgeted with his hands and bowed his head. "She came to me and said she'd never try to get between us."

Bankotsu glared at Naien. "Nothing happened, huh?"

She lowered her head and mumbled, "Nothing important. " She crossed her arms over her chest.

Turning back to Jakotsu, Bankotsu snorted. "And?" he stood to his full height with his arms crossed over his chest.

trying to keep Jakotsu from blabbing the rest, Naien said, "Just forget it, it doesn't matter."

Bankotsu pinned his brother with a hard gaze, "Out with it, now!"

Jakotsu huffed. "I told her she wasn't winning any brownie points with you by pretending to be nice to me and called her a whore." Jakotsu pouted.

Bankotsu snapped his attention to Naien and growled. "Nothing happened huh? Bullshit!"

She shifted her feet while looking at the floor.

Bankotsu turned to Jakotsu and his voice turned icy. "Jakotsu I expect you to at least try to get along with her."

Naien sighed. "This, is exactly what I was trying to avoid in the first dammed place. Forget it, I'm going to bed." She pushed off the wall and entered her room.

Jakotsu pouted. "it's not fair Aniki -"

Bankotsu snapped, "At least she's trying to get along. I expect the same from you. She's a member of our group and you will respect her!" He spun on his hell and entered his room and slamming the door shut hard enough that Naien cringed.

After using Banryu to bar their door Bankotsu walked over to Naien and yanked her off the bed by her arms. He pushed his face right in front of hers. "Don't you ever," he took a deep breath and then continued, "do that again! I don't give a rat's ass if you're trying to protect him or not! the next time I ask what's wrong I'd better get a straight fucking answer right then and there!" His stormy eyes crashed with anger, while he glared through her. "Am I clear?" He shook her to get the point across.

She trembled at the intensity of the anger she could feel rolling off him in waves. She squeaked, "Yes."

He released her arms and she dropped back onto the bed rubbing her now bruising arms.

Bankotsu ran a hand through his bangs and he took deep breaths. Calming down a little he spoke softer. "Naien, I realize you were trying to keep me from yelling at Jakotsu. But, I don't ever want this shit to happen again! If anyone even Jakotsu acts out- I will handle it. You don't have to try to cover up for him."

Naien closed her eyes and rubbed her bruises. "I just didn't want you angry about what he said. I kept my mouth shut to - "

He loomed before her and snapped, "I know, just don't ever do it again," His eyes bore into hers.

She nodded and continued absentmindedly rubbing her bruised skin while holding his gaze.

Bankotsu followed her movements and cursed under his breath as he spotted the purple skin. Reaching out he stared at the bruises. his voice nearly a whisper now. "I didn't mean to bruise you."

Naien shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I'm used to it." She turned away to lie down on her side of the bed fighting back tears.

Bankotsu sighed and sat on the bed pulling her into his lap. He forced her to look at him and saw the un-shed tears brimming in her eyes. 'Damnit,' He traced her lips with his finger. "Naien."

She looked away and refused to allow her tears to fall.

He sighed and leaned her head against his chest just holding her in a silent apology. After a few minutes her body began to relax and she softly sobbed into his chest. He silently rubbed her back in small soft circles.

A minute later she stopped and pulled out of his lap. She moved back to her side of the bed and laid down closing her eyes.

Bankotsu removed his haori and climbed into the bed, holding her in his arms. Once her breathing evened out he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

A/N that's chapter ten, enjoy! :D