Good evening everyone! Wow, did I have some absolutely lovely reviews this last time. Many of them were detailed and really made my day. Just a couple of things from the reviews: (1) I'm going to try and get my wandering wonder's under check. Thanks for that review and pointing it out. I can see how it would be distracting and I'll make an effort to fix them in the future. Thanks again for the review :-) (2) I couple of reviews recently have implied that I created the character of Bakusen'O and although I'd love to say that I did, it is an original character of the creator of Inuyasha. Bakusen'O doesn't get much "face time" in the series, but I always liked him and thus based this story on the consequences of his intervention into the two Inu's lives. I am so happy that my interpretation of Bakusen'O has been well received. Just wanted to point that out so nobody tries to sue me . . . please, I own nothing and make absolutely no money off this fanfiction. What writing this kind of thing does get me is time away from the mental health professionals :-)

Disclaimers are as before.

Sorry, but this is a shorter chapter. It just made sense to break it here. The next one will be longer, I promise. With that said, on with chapter 12!

Inuyasha simply couldn't believe his eyes. Nor could he believe that he was still in the middle of a city instead of a wooded field. "How is this possible?" Somehow the awe of what lay before him trumped his instinctual mistrust of his brother.

"I would say it was magic, but that would only be a small part of the story. In truth, most of what you see before you is made possible only by the power of money," Sesshomaru answered, a slight smile etching its way across his face at the obvious joy Inuyasha was taking in the gardens the DaiYoukai had spent a small fortune to create.

Wrinkling his nose in distaste, Inuyasha had never liked the idea of money, mostly because he'd never had any. Not that it really bothered him, after all, an extra coin or two wouldn't have saved him from any of the physical and mental beat-downs he'd been through in his life. Throwing a quick glance over in Sesshomaru's direction, Inuyasha had to wonder exactly how his brother had become so wealthy. With that in mind, he asked, "What is it you do . . . exactly?"

"Hmm, exactly? Are you certain you wish to know this, little brother?"

"-Keh," Inuyasha scoffed, "most likely you just whacked the heads off a bunch of rich folks and took all their gold."

Eyes still on his brother, Inuyasha inwardly cringed at the sadistic smirk twisting the DaiYoukai's face. Unfortunately that cringe only worsened when Sesshomaru answered, "Perhaps other body parts were involved as well, but I suppose you are not far off, at least in how some of my fortune was amassed."

Unable to suppress the shiver running through his body, nor the sudden cold seeping into his veins, Inuyasha swallowed a painful lump of saliva. At times, it was all too easy to forget what his brother was. Sesshomaru was beautiful beyond words, but that beauty hid nothing but pain if one wasn't careful, or if one was a half-breed brother the bastard simply decided to hate. Lost in his thoughts, Inuyasha jumped when he felt a clawed hand grip his shoulder. "There is much about this Sesshomaru's life which you do not understand, but rest assured, I am a most legitimate businessman. There is no need to concern yourself over the means used to obtain what you now enjoy."

"You tellin' me you've never killed somebody to get what you want?"

"Do not be foolish, of course this Sesshomaru has killed. I am the leader of all the Asian Lands, do not think this title comes from showing mercy to those whom do not deserve it."

Bowing his head low, Inuyasha felt the breeze shift his long, silvery-white locks of hair, casting a large section of it over his shoulder. Honestly, he didn't even want to begin thinking about what his brother did or how he went about doing it. Besides, Kouga was right, Inuyasha desperately wanted to believe Sesshomaru had changed; that his brother wanted him to stick around; that Sesshomaru didn't hate him and had no further desire to cause him any pain.

Seeing his little brother so pensive, Sesshomaru began wondering if Inuyasha truly had a problem with the idea of using violence to retain control and order over the Youkai world. True, he was a Hanyou, but the DaiYoukai had seen Inuyasha slaughter his fair share of Youkai in defense of both himself and his human friends. "Does it truly bother you to know such a thing?"

Slowly, Inuyasha shook his head. "No, not really. I mean, I don't really like the idea of torture and all, but sometimes there just ain't no other way, especially when it comes to Youkai. Sometimes, I think violence is all they respect."

Sliding his hand from Inuyasha's shoulder, Sesshomaru ran his fingers through the length of his brother's hair, loving the soft cotton feel of it against his skin. To a human, the pride swelling within the DaiYoukai's heart would have seemed cruel, but for the Lord of the West, Inuyasha's words were both pleasing and reassuring. To be certain, Sesshomaru had plans for his little Hanyou brother and those plans would be difficult enough as it was, let alone if Inuyasha allowed his human blood to claim some type of moral high ground which was both impractical and out of place in Youkai society. Pleased and oddly sedate, Sesshomaru didn't even realize the soothing calm his Youkai was emitting until he felt Inuyasha lean into his chest; the Hanyou's body relaxed and pliant within his touch. Leaning forwards, Sesshomaru couldn't help but gently rub his face along the edge of one of Inuyasha's ears. "Does this area please you, little brother?"

Feeling dazed and slightly drunk, Inuyasha's eyes drifted shut while his whole body shivered as Sesshomaru's warm breath glided along the fur of his ear. "I . . . it's beautiful."

Wrapping his arms around Inuyasha's small form, Sesshomaru took the opportunity to extend his scent, coating the Hanyou through and through with it. Truly, he wanted nothing more than to stay as they were, but Kouga was right, if Inuyasha knew he'd become so passive due to some manipulation on his part (as unintentional as it had been this time), the Hanyou would be nothing short of livid and all the progress made thus far would be ruined within a second. And so, reluctantly, Sesshomaru relaxed his arms and began reigning in his Youkai. Once he was certain Inuyasha could stand on his own, he took a few precious steps back, watching as Inuyasha gradually came back to himself; a confused look coloring his amber eyes.

"W-what . . . I . . . " the Hanyou stammered, eyelids blinking rapidly.

"Perhaps you would enjoy exploring the gardens on your own for now," Sesshomaru deftly pushed Inuyasha into a coherent direction of thought. "There is still some business which requires my attention and I would imagine you would enjoy a little time to yourself."

Nodding, Inuyasha shook his head, clearing the odd fog from his brain. "Yeah, okay then." Moving his head around and scanning the area, Inuyasha once again felt overwhelmed by the shear size and beauty of the space. He just couldn't believe that full-grown trees could grow on the top of a building, let alone the smell and sound of water he heard coming from somewhere nearby. "You sure you don't wanna set some guards on me?" Inuyasha asked, his voice mocking.

"There is no need for such. A barrier surrounds the whole of these gardens. There is little chance of any Youkai getting in or out without this Sesshomaru's express permission."

Silently, Inuyasha wondered about the "getting out" part. Since flight wasn't something the Hanyou was gifted with, the thought of him escaping Sesshomaru's grasp from the very top of the tallest building he had ever seen seemed kind of ridiculous. He may be a tough Hanyou, but there was absolutely no way he would come close to surviving a fall from this height, and as shitty of a life as he'd had, Inuyasha wasn't suicidal – yet. Crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes, Inuyasha stared down his brother. "I ain't stupid enough to try climbin' down this behemoth of a buildin'."

"I did not mean to imply such, only that, should any Youkai capable of flight somehow manage to get through to this area of our home, they would not be able to leave with you."

Feeling his face heat up yet again, Inuyasha let his bangs cover his eyes. "You really worried about somebody tryin' to snatch me?"

Closing the distance between he and his little brother, Sesshomaru brought his hands up, cupping Inuyasha's chin and raising the Hanyou's eyes up to meet his own. "This Sesshomaru see's no reason to take any chances with your well being."

"-Keh," Inuyasha gruffed while pulling away, "I still don't know if I really believe yer that concerned about me." Rubbing a finger under his nose, he stared off into the distance, knowing in his heart how right Kouga was; how much he really did want to believe Sesshomaru had changed.

"I shall endeavor to prove myself to you."

Waving a distracted hand in the air, the uncomfortable atmosphere was beginning to get to the young Hanyou. "Yeah, whatever. I guess time will tell."

Feeling cautious hope fill his soul, Sesshomaru allowed a brief smile. Indeed, the DaiYoukai was making progress. "Please, feel free to stay as long as you like. As no other servants are allowed here, when you are hungry, you will need to enter the main dwelling."

Remembering Kadira's promise to help him learn to read, Inuyasha asked, "Even Kadira?"

"Do you mean to ask if Lady Kadira is allowed on the rooftop gardens?"

"Yeah."

"I do not believe she has ever been here and I do not enjoy the idea of her being here unescorted, but if you would like her company while you are present, then I have no objections."

"You mean to tell me Kadira's never been up here?"

"No one is allowed here but me. This area has been a private haven and as you are well aware, this Sesshomaru does not share well."

Glancing up, Inuyasha thought he'd heard a hint of humor in his brother's voice, but Sesshomaru's face was as stoic as ever. Still, knowing how sacred this place seemed to be to the DaiYoukai left him feeling a little bit guilty for invading such a personal space. "If you're not comfortable with me bein' here, then all you gotta do is say so. I don't wanna stink up someplace I'm not wanted."

Tilting his head ever so slightly, Sesshomaru was intrigued by Inuyasha's tone of voice. If the statement were taken alone, one would think the Hanyou upset, but in reality, Inuyasha's tone of voice belied a sense of honest concern. "Little brother, what I have is yours. Truly, there is not another soul alive who can claim this." Lifting his eyes from the Hanyou's body, Sesshomaru looked around the carefully crafted scenery before returning his gaze to Inuyasha's. "Just as the room you now sleep in was constructed in the hopes that Bakusen'O would one day release you into my care, so was this garden. Thoughts of you, more than myself, are in every blade of grass, every leaf upon every tree. This is your home as much if not more so than my own." Seeing Inuyasha's innocent surprise and awe at such a statement, Sesshomaru turned on his heel, a passing, "Please enjoy your time here today," before strolling towards the door leading back into Taisho Tower's.

"Well damn," Inuyasha muttered as he saw the door close behind his brother's retreating back. The bastard is making it damn hard to stay pissed at him, Inuyasha thought while shaking his head. Really, how in the hell was he supposed to respond to something like that? The only things he'd ever gotten in his life were a Firerat robe for protection, Tessiaga to keep his Youkai from taking over his soul, and an enchanted necklace used to slam his Hanyou face into the ground. Sure, this garden wasn't exactly a present for him, but from the way Sesshomaru had just been talking, Inuyasha got the distinct impression that he was the main reason for its creation. So, in a way, it really was a gift, a beautiful, full of life gift.

And speaking of said gift . . . with Sesshomaru gone, Inuyasha felt free to explore. From the place he was currently standing, it was impossible to see the edge of the garden and more than a little difficult to believe the area didn't go for miles in every direction. Around the young Hanyou, flowers bloomed, trees grew, and water flowed. Above his head, he could hear birdsong and behind that was the constant buzz of insect activity. Although there didn't appear to be any small mammals scurrying about, Inuyasha couldn't say he was very surprised by their absence, given the height, Sesshomaru probably would have had to have the little critter's trucked up and knowing a top predator like the DaiYoukai was always around would have scared the things to death anyways.

With a smile stretched across his face, Inuyasha took off in a random direction and began to familiarize himself with what he was sure was the most fascinating part of his older brother's fancy digs. For the rest of the morning, the Hanyou walked the entirety of the roof, constantly in a state of shock and awe. For most of his life, Inuyasha had had little use for money, but given what a shit load of the stuff had gotten Sesshomaru, well, let's just say he was reconsidering his earlier position. With this in mind and lunchtime steadily approaching, Inuyasha used what energy he had left and jumped into a comfortable looking tree; his slender legs dangling idly over a branch as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the breeze.

Finally, when his stomach began crying out for food, Inuyasha reluctantly left his new found paradise to go back down for an energy refill. Finding Kadira in the kitchen areas was an added bonus and after a brief meal the two of them went back up to the rooftop, Inuyasha carrying a pad of paper and things Kadira called pens so he could practice both reading and writing. With his mind so thoroughly occupied, the afternoon sped by and after many hours both he and the old miko were beginning to fade. Struggling up from her seat on the grass, Kadira threw the Hanyou a scathing look at the snicker she received before saying her goodbyes and heading back to her private rooms. Not wanting to go back in yet, Inuyasha managed getting back up in the tree he'd found earlier and soon drifted off to sleep.

When next the Hanyou opened his eyes, twilight had fallen. Still oddly at peace, Inuyasha stretched his body and breathed in the clean night air, only it wasn't as clean as the Hanyou would have liked. "Sesshomaru – "

"You are finally awake, little brother."

Sitting up, ears perked and at full attention, Inuyasha craned his neck around looking for the powerful entity attached to that smooth voice. Only when he'd leaned completely over the branch did he finally see the silvery threads of his brother's hair blowing in the breeze as Sesshomaru leisurely lounged against the trunk of the tree he was currently calling home. Taking another deep breath, Inuyasha was a little disturbed to discover that his brother's scent didn't send his instincts into instant survival mode. With the exception of feeling a bit surprised at Sesshomaru's presence, he found his Youkai oddly at peace with the DaiYoukai's presence. All in all, Inuyasha found the speed of his acceptance disconcerting and yet there seemed little to be done. Besides, as much as he hated to admit it, he was tired of fighting. Bone and soul weary of the constant emotional and physical battle he'd felt himself engaged in as soon as he'd found out he even had a brother.

Leaning further over the branch, Inuyasha asked, "How long ya been sittin' there?"

"Perhaps a little over two hours."

"-Keh, ya coulda woken me up instead of just sittin' there."

"I found no reason to do so. You are still in need of rest and I found the idea appealing as well. This was a pleasant way to end the day."

"If you say so." Shrugging his shoulders, Inuyasha sat back up before swinging his legs around the edge of the branch, preparing to jump down. But when he pushed off the bark with his hands, the Hanyou found his body suspended in the air, Sesshomaru's fluff wrapped around his waist. "What the hell?"

"There is no reason to risk further injury when I am so close by," came the DaiYoukai's irritatingly calm voice.

"I ain't that fragile, Sesshomaru, and I've been jumpin' in and outta trees since I was nothin' but a pup."

"You are still hardly more than a pup and currently far less resilient than all those years ago."

"That's a load of horseshit and you know it! Besides, I already jumped down from this branch earlier today and was no worse for wear so take your fluffy rug off me and let me go." The last was said with just a hint of growl, but the growl was only to mask the Hanyou's growing embarrassment along with the almost desperate desire to run his hands through that softer than silk appendage currently wrapped around his waist.

Pulling the Hanyou down towards himself, Sesshomaru reluctantly pulled mokomoko back, finally relenting in Inuyasha's wishes after his clawed feet were once again firmly planted within the grass. "We both know that you are not at full capacity and I see no need to tempt fate by needlessly jumping from such a high altitude."

Mouth agape, Inuyasha stared. "Such a high what?" Carefully scrutinizing the branch he'd just been lying in, all the Hanyou could do was shake his head. "That ain't nearly high enough to hurt me even if I fell off the limb while sleepin'. Most likely all I'd get is a sore ass."

"Be that as it may, this Sesshomaru has vowed to care and keep you safe."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Inuyasha bent his head forwards. "Yeah, so ya keep sayin'."

"And I will keep saying it as many times as it takes to make you believe I have no further wish to see you injured in any way."

No longer believing simply keeping his head bowed was enough to hide the ever increasing embarrassment he was feeling, Inuyasha turned his face to the side, staring fixedly at the tree trunk directly in front of him. "Yeah . . . well, there's keepin' somebody safe and then there's smotherin' 'em."

Thinking the Hanyou's words over, Sesshomaru stood silently still as darkness continued encroaching upon the dwindling twilight. Weighing his words carefully, he finally answered, "My concern for your well being makes it difficult to simply . . . observe your actions. The need to keep you safe is strong."

"-Keh," Inuyasha scoffed, "I'll bet that's a new feelin' for ya. Tell me, how are ya gettin' along with that?"

Ignoring the insult behind the statement, Sesshomaru answered honestly. "I shall not lie to you, Inuyasha, the feeling is new and strange. It is difficult sometimes to not keep you locked within your room as that would be the most assured way to keep you physically safe."

Feeling his chest tighten, Inuyasha swallowed down the fear he continually harbored that that was exactly Sesshomaru's intention. And, along with that fear came a similar one; that he wouldn't be able to fight his way free no matter how well healed he became. "Sessh – "

Feeling the rising trepidation coming from the Hanyou, Sesshomaru quickly interjected, "Do not mistake me, I have no intentions of doing such. Keeping you locked away would indeed keep you from outside harm, but the damage done to one such as yourself in such a state of isolation would be irreparable. Of this, I am well aware."

Inuyasha was positive there was something to say; something he needed to say in response, but for the life of him, he simply couldn't think of it and so remained standing, head bowed until Sesshomaru finally ended the awkward silence by asking, "Have you eaten since lunch?"

"No," came Inuyasha's whispered voice.

"Then perhaps you wouldn't mind eating with me."

Tired of feeling . . . well, Inuyasha wasn't really sure how he was feeling, and that more than anything was probably the problem. Still, whatever it was, he was damn sick of it, consequently, the Hanyou tilted his head up, eyes blazing with defiance. "Depends on what you're fixin'."

"Ah," Sesshomaru couldn't help but smile, "this Sesshomaru does not cook, but we shall see what the chef has stored away for us this evening."

Shaking his head, Inuyasha began making his way towards the door. "How come that don't surprise me."

"Make no mistake, this Sesshomaru would be a very adept cook if the occasion called for it."

Turning on his heel, the Hanyou gapped up at his brother. "You arrogant jackass. You just can't admit you aren't great at somethin'."

"To admit such would not be accurate," Sesshomaru answered, his face as stoic and sure as always.

"You are such . . . " as Inuyasha's eyes slid past Sesshomaru's shoulders, he could clearly make out the rising moon – the very slender, crescent rising moon. Taking a hissing breath, Inuyasha could only stare as he felt his face drain of all color. There, shining in the night sky was the waning remnants of the latest moon cycle. At most, the Hanyou thought he had two days, three if he was lucky before his human night. Maybe, just maybe, Sesshomaru had come to accept his Hanyou form, but there was no way in hell the bastard would be so accommodating if he knew that one night a month he turned into a weak human. Shit, shit, shit . . .

"Inuyasha, what has happened?"

Pulling himself from his own brewing terror, Inuyasha was surprised to hear the faint threads of worry lacing his brother's voice, and once again, he could smell no lie. Gripping his hands into tight fists, Inuyasha felt a wave of guilt crash into his soul; a guilt born of the idea that he wasn't good enough to be acknowledged as the great Lord Sesshomaru's brother, that his impending human night did nothing but confirm that thought. And layered on top of that guilt was an even deeper one, for he thought feeling this way was insulting his mother, the only living creature to have ever truly loved and cherished him. Izayoi hadn't cared that her son had been a half-breed, only that the small Hanyou had to endure cruelty at the hands of those whom did. In essence, Inuyasha believed his deep desire to be accepted by his perfectly pure Youkai brother was a betrayal of the woman who'd given him life. Confused and freshly heartbroken, Inuyasha felt his appetite dwindle.

"Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru questioned once again, his claws combing through a section of the Hanyou's silvery-white hair.

Head bowed, Inuyasha knew he couldn't stomach eating, especially with Sesshomaru. "Ya know, I had a pretty big lunch, so . . . ah, I'm not really that hungry."

Frowning, Sesshomaru placed a finger under Inuyasha's chin, lifting his face, but not his eyes. "If there is one thing I am certain of, little brother, it is that you are always hungry."

"-Keh, don't act like you know me. If I don't wanna eat, then I don't have to." Inuyasha growled while pulling his face away.

Staring down at his little brother, Sesshomaru's frown grew deeper. Inuyasha's appetite wasn't the only thing he knew about his younger sibling and the way the Hanyou was blustering was a well used ploy to cover his true feelings – especially when Inuyasha was anxious or afraid. The question was, what had made the Hanyou so skittish? Turning his head ever so slightly, Sesshomaru scanned the area over his shoulder, the same vicinity Inuyasha had been looking when he'd suddenly become quiet. Seeing nothing at first, the DaiYoukai's eyes travelled along the skyline until his golden orbs connected with the slivered moon.

Turning his head back, Sesshomaru stared down at the shimmering white of Inuyasha's head as he continued staring at his own toes. Unfortunately, knowing the current phase of the moon explained everything. Although Sesshomaru was well aware of the Hanyou's night of weakness, he doubted Inuyasha was aware he had this knowledge. His little brother had guarded the secret of his humanity well and with good reason and knowing he'd be so vulnerable within a few days had to be what was upsetting him so much. Inwardly, Sesshomaru debated enlightening Inuyasha to the fact that he was well aware of what was to come and that the Hanyou had nothing to fear. But trust was a delicate thing and the last few days had shown much progress in that direction. Perhaps it was best to allow him his secrets – for now.

Knowing the inner turmoil the Hanyou must currently be in, Sesshomaru took a few steps back, intent on giving his little brother a bit more space, perhaps that way Inuyasha wouldn't feel so threatened. Along with the physical space, the DaiYoukai chose not to argue further. "If you are not currently hungry, that is fine. I shall have a small meal prepared and delivered to your room later if your appetite changes. Would this be to your liking?"

"Do whatever ya want, it makes no difference to me," Inuyasha responded, his head still bowed; arms crossed as he began chewing on his bottom lip. Sesshomaru has going out of his way to be nice and all Inuyasha could do was bitch and moan. Gods, could he feel any shittier?

"Then I shall have it done." With that last sentence, Sesshomaru began making his way to the door leading inside, only when he'd gotten half way there did he turn and ask, "Are you coming in now, little brother?"

"Yeah, yeah, keep your pants on." Head still lowered, Inuyasha scrambled past Sesshomaru, placing as much distance between the two of them as he could as he practically ran down the halls and back to his room, shutting the door behind him before the DaiYoukai could even think about following him. Inside, Inuyasha slumped down upon the floor, his back resting against the door while holding his head in his hands. "What the hell am I gonna do?" Inuyasha asked, but the empty room offered only the sound of his own racing heartbeat in return.

Watching the door slam behind his little brother, Sesshomaru stood for a moment, contemplating the coming new moon. Obviously, the Hanyou did not trust him enough yet to willing tell him of his coming human night. Knowing this, plus how anxious Inuyasha was, Sesshomaru could only conclude that if a solution wasn't found, his sibling would wind up doing something immensely stupid – like trying to escape. What he needed was a viable solution, someplace Inuyasha would feel safe within the confines of his home.

Continuing forwards, Sesshomaru began making his way to the kitchens. True, he wasn't exactly hungry himself, but Inuyasha was still healing and needed to eat so he would do as he said and have Jaken deliver a small meal later this evening. If the Hanyou was still irritated, let the little kappa reap his brother's wrath. Yes, that was a very good use of the little imps time. Within minutes, Sesshomaru had located the subservient kappa and informed him of his orders. It was of little surprise that Jaken agreed to do as asked, but what was interesting was the fact that the imp had shown no hesitation regarding who he was to bring food to. It seemed as if Jaken had picked up on the Lord of the West's intentions. Smirking to himself, Sesshomaru made his way to his study, sitting down behind his desk as he stared blankly at the wall of windows before him.

Inside, Sesshomaru's mind wound down road upon road of possibilities, discarding one after another. Unfortunately, given the constraints of the modern era, his choices were fairly limited. Inuyasha would know that if he stayed within his room on the night of the new moon, the Hanyou's scent would change to that of human – something which Sesshomaru could not ignore, nor could the guards and staff. True, Kadira was human and she had a room within a section of Sesshomaru's private living quarters, but the DaiYoukai did not believe his little brother would be any more willing to share his secret with Kadira, plus, it would seem odd if he suddenly recommended Inuyasha spend the night in the lady's personal quarters.

Unaware that he was tapping his claws upon the desk before him, Sesshomaru continued staring forward, eyes unseeing as frustration began weedling its way into his body. Why did the new moon have to be so soon? Things had been going well, the Hanyou had begun relaxing in his presence even to the point where he no longer flinched at his touch. And today, Inuyasha's Youkai had been so peaceful as he lay sleeping upon the tree limb on the rooftop gardens. Even going so far as to continue slumbering when Sesshomaru entered the space, his own Youkai scent announcing the DaiYoukai's presence . . . and just like that, Sesshomaru had his answer. Had anyone been looking, they'd have been hard pressed to realize the Lord of the West's epiphany, for only the light in his golden eyes glowed brighter with the DaiYoukai's fresh idea – the rooftop gardens, it was an almost perfect solution.

Sesshomaru knew well his little brother's penchant for sleeping in trees. True, most likely the habit had begun out of a sense of self-preservation, but he knew the activity was something Inuyasha found peaceful. For better or worse, the trees were Inuyasha's home when he'd had none. On top of that, since the gardens were outside, ones scent was diluted much more so than within the confines of brick and mortar. Given that none but the Lord of the West and now Inuyasha were allowed on the rooftop, the Hanyou would be relatively safe and Inuyasha's human scent would leave no lingering trace.

Satisfied, Sesshomaru rose from his chair. There were still a few issues needing addressed within the Youkai community and with the problem of Inuyasha's human night now solved, he could concentrate on tying up some loose ends left over from the day before retiring for the night. Tomorrow he would ask the Hanyou if he wanted to sleep on the rooftop instead of in his room. If presented in a casual way, combined with the fact that it was obvious Inuyasha didn't think Sesshomaru knew about his night of weakness, chances were more than good that his little brother would take the bait. Although he'd called Inuyasha stupid and inferior in the past, he was well aware that this line of thinking was far from the truth. To have survived as long as the Hanyou had, one needed more than strength. Hopefully Inuyasha's survival instincts would recognize the bone it was about to be thrown.

Well, that's all for Chapter 12. I think you'll find the next chapter a little more fun as Inuyasha and Kouga will have an interesting "conversation" regarding mating and rutting. Thanks again to all of you whom keep reading this and an extra special thanks to those whom review. They are so very welcome.

I am writing the last chapter of this fan fiction (well, they'll probably be an epilogue, but I'm almost done with the main story). Does it scare anyone off to know that less than half the story has been posted at this point? I hope not.

One last shout out to our Olympians (not that any of them read this, but oh-well). You did great and made us all very proud. I'm sorry to see the summer games go but that makes it all the more special when it returns again in 4 years. Looking forwards to Rio!

lumamist