Hello again everyone. Once more, thanks so much to all of you whom reviewed. This next chapter is longer than the last and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do. Just a heads up, this one ups the profanity (we can thank Kouga for that) so if you're at all sensitive to sexual terminology . . . please hit the back button now. You have been warned.

Disclaimers as before.

Not much else to say this time around (I'm still in mourning that the Olympics are over). With nothing further, on with Chapter 13 . . .

Inuyasha stood, his claw tipped fingers tapping along the glass in front of his face; a wall of glass now alight with the early rays of the rising sun. During the long night, he'd gotten little sleep and the full plate of food lying on the side table where Jaken had left it last night was testament to the fact that he'd had little relief in his anxiety. In fact, if anything, Inuyasha's agitation had only increased. Over the long hours of darkness, he'd thought over his options and come up with only two possible scenarios. Well, Inuyasha supposed it would be three, but he absolutely refused to tell Sesshomaru about his human night. Leaning his forehead against the glass, Inuyasha scowled knowing his reasons for refusing to tell his brother had less to do with fear of death and more to do with the absolute terror of rejection. It was amazingly frightening how quickly he'd gotten used to the idea that the ice prick might actually give a damn. In his heart of hearts, Inuyasha knew rejection now was not something he'd live through. Survive – yes, but he'd be an empty shell, not a living creature.

And so, with that option off the table, there were only two real choices left. One: find a way to escape and hide out somewhere in the city. But that option was fraught with all kinds of difficulty. The first of which was actually finding a way of leaving this place. Sure, Sesshomaru said he wasn't a prisoner, but his release was contingent upon regaining his strength. And although Inuyasha was getting better, he was by no means up to snuff in that category. Also, there was the added issue of what to do after the moonless night was over. If he did manage to escape, it would be against Sesshomaru's wishes so coming back to his brother was, at best, questionable. Still, faced with Sesshomaru's willing rejection verses the DaiYoukai just being pissed off . . . well, Inuyasha knew which option he'd choose.

Given the problems with the first choice left Inuyasha focusing on the second: finding somewhere in this place to hide. But it wasn't just hiding from sight, but scent as well. Everywhere he'd been so far was covered in Sesshomaru's scent, but that didn't mean he couldn't still smell the others, not to mention feeling the Youkai, or in Kadira's case, spiritual energy of ever other living creature within these walls. Even Jaken's weak ass Youkai could be felt in the mix. The only place this wasn't true was on the rooftop gardens. True, Inuyasha could still smell Sesshomaru's scent up there, but it was weak and had to be searched for. In fact, it was the only place he'd been thus far that hadn't been swamped in the stuff. If he could somehow get Sesshomaru to agree to let him stay outside that night . . . alone . . . then by morning, the human scent of the Hanyou would be gone with the wind and if any of it did linger, there was a fair chance Sesshomaru would dismiss it as Kadira's.

Breathing in deeply, Inuyasha released a long breath, feeling his shoulder's slump as the air left his body. As crazy ass obsessive as Sesshomaru had been lately, there was no way in hell his brother would let him sleep outside all night long. Damn, he was getting one screaming headache – suddenly straightening, Inuyasha felt the pressure of Sesshomaru's Youkai as the Lord of the West entered his room.

"You are up early, little brother."

"Don't you ever knock?" Inuyasha asked, his mood instantly souring given his dilemma.

"I see no reason to."

"-Keh, big surprise," Inuyasha grumbled, uncaring if Sesshomaru heard or not. Seeing no reason to turn around and greet the current cause of his anxiety, Inuyasha remained where he was, steadfastly staring out upon the city below. Behind him, he could feel his brother move closer; the heady scent Sesshomaru emitted becoming stronger as the DaiYoukai came to stand behind him.

"Is there something that troubles you this morning?"

Inuyasha felt Sesshomaru's hand lightly touch his shoulder and rolled himself away. "Nothin' more than usual. Just feelin' like one of those pampered human pets."

"Is there something wrong with pampering you?"

Turning sharply, Inuyasha's amber eyes were slit in annoyance. "Since when do you pamper anything? Even when that little human girl followed you around you made her search for her own food."

Frowning, Sesshomaru absently stared at his hand as it hovered mid-air. Only moments ago his fingers had barely grazed the Hanyou. Finally lowering his arm, the DaiYoukai looked at his brother and his frown only grew. It was obvious Inuyasha had slept either fitfully or not at all overnight, leaving the Hanyou looking haggard and worn. Although not formally mated, Sesshomaru and his Youkai saw Inuyasha as such and felt bereft at having their beta in such a condition.

Ignoring Inuyasha's earlier brush off at his attempts at physical contact, Sesshomaru moved closer, not farther away. "Rin was very capable for a human child and although she came to mean a great deal to this Sesshomaru, your worth is far greater."

Stunned, all Inuyasha could do was stare. Stare with wide eyes at the truth in Sesshomaru's words. And with that truth, came another – that he would do anything and everything within his power not to let Sesshomaru know how weak and pathetic he was on the night of the new moon. Swallowing hard, he could only reply, "I still think you've lost your gods damned mind."

Running slender fingers up and through Inuyasha's hair, the palm of Sesshomaru's hand came to rest upon the Hanyou's cheek. "Perhaps some would agree, but not this Sesshomaru."

With his eyes now closed, it took everything in Inuyasha's power not to rub his face against the cool skin of his brother's hand. God's in heaven, but he'd been deprived of touch for so long that he craved it like no other. Pulling himself together, Inuyasha forced his mind away from the offered comfort; pulling away once again from his brother's touch. With his head bowed, the Hanyou missed Sesshomaru's frown.

Pushing down the awaiting sigh, the DaiYoukai took a few steps back, giving his little brother a bit more space and returning to the issue at hand. Although Inuyasha hadn't intended to, he'd actually given Sesshomaru the excuse he needed to bring up the Hanyou's sleeping arrangements. "I am not sorry for pampering you, but I do regret that you feel so caged. Perhaps more time on the rooftop gardens would please you?"

Blinking rapidly, Inuyasha could hardly believe the words Sesshomaru had just spoken, perhaps . . . "Um . . . yeah, that, uh, might be helpful."

"I am well aware you spent much time in the wilds in your past, even sleeping all night in the trees. Is this not so?"

Nodding replaced blinking and Inuyasha wasted no time in replying, "Yeah, I ain't used to sleepin' in a bed all the time."

Keeping his face devoid of all emotion was second nature to the DaiYoukai, but inside, his Youkai was practically wagging its tail at the relief already flooding the Hanyou's body. "Do you wish to spend the night in the gardens then?"

Gods up in the heavens, Inuyasha thought, this simply couldn't be this easy. Nothing was ever this easy. "You wouldn't . . . I mean, you don't mind?" The Hanyou thought he'd berate himself later for asking Sesshomaru's permission to do anything, but at the moment, he wasn't about to look a gift Youkai in the mouth.

"Of course it is not my preference, but the area should be safe enough. The barrier should prevent any Youkai from entering unwanted and there is hardly anything dangerous living within the gardens. My primary goal is to improve your health and if this is the means to do it, then I have no overt objections."

Just to be sure, Inuyasha asked, "No guards or nothin'? Not even you?"

"If it will ease your mind and allow you further rest, then no."

Scratching the back of his skull with an errant claw, Inuyasha could only bob his head up and down. "Yeah, I think that might help. You know, it feels more like normal up there." Although that might not be the real reason for wanting to stay out at night, Inuyasha told no lie for it did feel more natural being among living, growing things.

"Very well." Turning from the Hanyou, Sesshomaru took a cursory look around the room and noted the unslept in bed. Even though Inuyasha could have slept on the floor, he thought it more likely his little brother had merely paced his room all night, worrying about the upcoming new moon. Knowing this sent yet another pang of regret coursing through Sesshomaru's chest. To know Inuyasha trusted him so little; that the Hanyou felt fear at being so vulnerable and that he thought Sesshomaru might take advantage of this weakness. Well, the Lord of the West had brought it on himself and had no other to blame. In time, he would rectify the situation so that his intended mate felt only comfort and protection within his presence.

Staring curiously at Sesshomaru's back, Inuyasha cocked his head to the side, wondering what on earth was going through his brother's mind. Chances were pretty good that whatever it was would scare the ever-loving shit out of him. "Uh . . . so, you gotta work or somethin' today?"

"Indeed, there are several issues in need of this Sesshomaru's attention." Inwardly, the DaiYoukai's mind traveled to Lord Tullic's recent behavior and the reports he'd been given. Truly, the scorpion Youkai was foolish to think his ministrations would not be noticed by the Lord of all Asia. Smirking, Sesshomaru's face was sinister with glee, he would show Lord Tullic exactly what happened to those whom sought to undermine his power. Shaking such dark thoughts from his mind, he turned once again to his brother, all visual signs of his previous mechanations gone from his face. "Is it too much for this Sesshomaru to hope that you shall miss him today?"

Face coloring red, Inuyasha looked down at his crossed hands. "No. Of course I ain't gonna miss your sadistic ass. I just . . . well, I was just kinda wonderin' what exactly it is you do all day."

"I see. When you are well enough, I shall be more than happy to show you exactly what inane Youkai issues I must deal with, although I believe you shall find them less than entertaining. Youkai politics can be . . . headache inducing."

Flicking his ears, Inuyasha had to wonder, "If you don't like it, then why don't ya just let somebody else lead?"

Staring blankly, Sesshomaru noted not a hint of malice nor sarcasm in Inuyasha's voice, only an ernest desire to understand why he would continue doing something which he obviously found irritating. Inwardly smiling, the Lord of the West found his Youkai brimming with pride at its choice in future mate, so much so that Sesshomaru felt as if his internal beast was gloating. Here, in this room, was one of the only creatures the DaiYoukai knew who had no lust whatsoever for power. When Inuyasha came to accept his role as beta and mate, it would not be because of a desire for more power, but because he truly wanted Sesshomaru for Sesshomaru, not the DaiYoukai's status. Dear gods above, but he'd been a fool to have ever treated the Hanyou the way he had. Perhaps his Youkai had reason to be smug.

Pleased beyond belief, Sesshomaru strode towards Inuyasha, leaning down, he placed his nose against the Hanyou's skin where shoulder met neck and inhaled deeply, all the while ignoring the tension his actions brought. Only when he felt full of sweet InuHanyou scent from the roots of his hair to the clawed tips of his toes, did the DaiYoukai pull away. Before him, Inuyasha stood, ram-rod still and heart racing. "Little brother, you have no idea how much it pleases me to hear you ask such a question."

Blinking almost as rapidly as his heart was racing, Inuyasha's wide amber eyes stared up into Sesshomaru's face, all the while wondering why the rapid pace of his heart had little to do with fear and more to do with some type of emotion the Hanyou had no name for. " . . . I . . . I don't . . . "

Seeing Inuyasha's confusion, Sesshomaru brushed the palm of his hand against the Hanyou's cheek – a swift and gentle motion. "Currently, it is of little consequence that you understand. To answer your question, though I may detest the petty squabbles of those beneath me, as heir of our father, it is this Sesshomaru's duty to keep these lands safe and stable. To leave them in the hands of these cretins would surely lead to exposure of our kind to the humans and in such, eventual extinction. As a whole, humans may be weak and lowly creatures, but they are numerous. Like maggots spread across the rotting flesh of the earth, they devour all they cross – including Youkai."

"Nice imagery, you realize you've just ruined breakfast and perhaps lunch, don't ya?" Inuyasha cringed, his mind already conjuring up a vivid picture of the ground covered in writhing worms. Shaking off such thoughts, Inuyasha simply answered, "Okay, I think I get it – duty mixed with distrust. Sounds like a great way to live."

"I admit, dealing with these troublesome Youkai was simpler in the past."

"Yeah, I'll bet ya just chopped off a limb or somethin'." Inuyasha had meant it as a joke, but Sesshomaru only answered, "If I were feeling generous that day."

Knowing what it meant to be on the painful end of the Lord of the West's wrath, Inuyasha felt a pang of sympathy towards the countless other's Sesshomaru had become displeased with through the long years. "So, uh . . . you need to get goin' or what?"

"Sadly, yes, though knowing you are here will hasten my resolve to put an end to these matters as quickly as possible." Sesshomaru couldn't help the small smile lifting the corners of his lips as he watched the Hanyou's face redden once again.

"Don't be rushin' home on my account."

"Five hundred years is long enough to have been parted," Sesshomaru answered, his face a mask of indifference which contradicted his words.

"Yeah, well for me it don't feel nearly that long."

"Of this, I am aware, but whether you believe it or not, I have been waiting to have you within my presence for far too long. I see little reason to waste the time given to us now." With nothing more to say, Sesshomaru turned and left the Hanyou alone. The DaiYoukai may not like the reason's he thought were behind Inuyasha's desire to keep his secret, but he was pleased he'd been able to alleviate the Hanyou's worries. That was, after all, what an alpha mate did.

::::::::::

With his fears somewhat allayed now that he had some type of plan that didn't involve trying to escape from the fortress Sesshomaru called home, Inuyasha was able to pass the day in relative peace. The majority of the morning was spent in the gardens with Kadira, absorbing as much as he could in regards to reading and writing. Thankfully the old miko had the patience of a saint and simply ignored Inuyasha's grumblings and irritations when he either didn't understand something or felt he should be remembering a kanji better. Still, the Hanyou knew Lady Kadira was trying and as such did his best to curb some of his nastier outbursts. On more than one occasion, Inuyasha wanted to share his thoughts about how odd he thought his brother's behavior, but in the end, he wasn't comfortable enough discussing something like that with a woman, let alone a human one. And perhaps that thought, more than anything else, made him scratch the back of his head in confusion. What exactly was it about the way that Sesshomaru was acting that made him embarrassed to speak of it?

After sharing lunch with the miko, Jaken appeared at the door leading to the rooftop gardens and to Inuyasha's surprise, the little imp simply stood in the doorway, never once stepping foot upon the grass. Evidently ordered not to enter the Lord of the West's private sanctuary, all Jaken could do was stand in the open space and screech, "Lord Inuyasha! I have a message for you!"

At the sound of the imp's voice, Inuyasha's puppy ears automatically flattened into his hair. "God's above, that is an annoying sound," which earned a snicker from Kadira's direction.

"By all means, Inuyasha, please go and find out what the kappa wants and end our auditory torture."

Not needing to be told twice, the Hanyou stood from his spot on the grass and ambled his way towards the grating imp. "Enough with the screamin'!" Inuyasha bellowed just to get Jaken to shut up. Once standing in front of the toad, he pointed dramatically at his ears. "Ever notice these big things stickin' outta my head? Well, just so you know, I've got fantastic hearin' and your screechin' is like a knife to my brain."

Closing his beak, Jaken bit back every foul mouth word dangling at the tip of his tongue. Why his great Lord would ever choose such a crass, ignorant, unworthy half-breed such as this to be his future mate, Jaken had no idea. But the scent covering the Hanyou was unmistakable and as such, he would abide his master's decision and wisely keep his thoughts to himself. Bowing slightly, Jaken's speech was stilted but polite. "Forgive my intrusion, but that wolf, Kouga has requested to see you."

Amber eyes wide with shock, Inuyasha couldn't believe how nice the imp was being. "What's with you? I ain't stupid and my memory ain't gone either. You don't think I'm worthy enough to kiss Sesshomaru's boots let alone lick 'em, so what gives with all the polite shit?"

Grinding his beak down, Jaken almost bit his tongue with the nasty retort hot at the ready. Swallowing down his disbelief at the injustice of it all, the little kappa answered, "I am doing my best to respect the station you have been given."

"The what? You mean bein' Sesshomaru's half-brother? I don't see how that's changed."

Blinking bulbous eyes up at the ignorant Hanyou before him, Jaken could only stare and wonder how such a creature could be so dense as to not realize what was going on. A Hanyou he may be, but Jaken found it difficult to believe Inuyasha knew so little about mating habits and the obvious scent claim his master had placed on the half-breed. Not sure why his Lord hadn't informed the Hanyou of his intentions made little difference to him. If Lord Sesshomaru hadn't seen fit to enlighten the ignorant half-breed, then Jaken would be damned if he would. Thinking quickly, the imp simply responded, "I was merely speaking of the fact that my Lord now holds you in higher regard."

Scratching the back of his head, Inuyasha considered Jaken's words and could only shrug his shoulders. "Guess that makes sense, but it's still weird. I know ya can't stand me. Tell ya what, when the iceprick ain't around, you can be just as nasty of a little shit as you've always been. How 'bout that?"

Bowing slightly, Jaken felt a smirk pulling at the edges of his beak. "As much as I might wish to take you up on that offer, Lord Inuyasha, I'm afraid it would not be appropriate. Now, shall I inform the mangy wolf you will be with him shortly or shall I send him on his way?"

Sighing, Inuyasha didn't exactly know what to think. I mean, the little toady thing being nice was novel and all, but he'd never liked false ingratiations and Jaken being so polite was starting to get on his nerves. Blowing out a deep breath, all Inuyasha could do was shrug. "Sure, tell the flea-bag I'll be down in a second. I just gotta let Kadira know what's goin' on."

Nodding his head once, Jaken scurried out of the doorway and down the stairs. Absently, Inuyasha thought he should have paid more attention to the imps progress down the tall stair steps. Given Jaken's short status that was bound to be kind of amusing. Internally laughing at the image that brought up, the Hanyou made his way to Kadira and both decided to head on into the building. Kadira claimed to be tired anyway. Perhaps she said it just so Inuyasha wouldn't have to ask her to leave since he wouldn't be up there as well, but whatever the reason, he appreciated the old miko's understanding.

Once inside, Inuyasha followed his nose to find the wolf, who was currently scuttling about in the kitchen scrounging for food. "Don't you have a home of your own or somethin'?"

Pulling his head from the refrigerator, Kouga gave a fang filled smirk. "Of course, and I'd be there too if I didn't have to babysit your delicate Hanyou ass."

"Well if that's the only reason you're stinkin' up the joint, then you can take your furry ass on home cause I don't need watchin'."

Finally finding something suitable to sate his appetite, Kouga turned from the fridge. "Unfortunately for both of us, you're stuck with me until the high lord and master thinks you're okay on your own. If it were just up to me I'd have my dick shoved into Ayame's wet pussy right about now."

Spluttering, Inuyasha's face turned a brilliant shade of red. "What the fuck is wrong with you?! What gave you the demented idea I'd wanna hear that? Gods above, now that image is gonna be burned into my mind." With a final disgusted grunt, the Hanyou slammed his forehead against the table, his clawed hands ineffectually grabbing at his ears.

"Oh, come on. It ain't that bad, quit actin' like a blushin' virgin."

At that comment, the whole of Inuyasha's body flushed, the wolf's words hitting a little too close to home for his liking.

Having silence as his only answer had Kouga more intrigued than if the Hanyou had leapt to his feet and jumped on the table. Setting down the items in his arms, the Wolf King stared down at the top of his friends' head, his own blue eyes widening at the sudden realization that he'd stumbled upon an accidental truth. "Hey, mutt-face, is that the problem? You really a virgin?"

"'Course not," came the Hanyou's muffled reply.

"Idiot," Kouga scoffed, "you stink of a lie."

Raising his head, Inuyasha's eyes were narrow; the whole of his body set on defensive mode. "So what if I am? Not like there was a line of Youkai wantin' to fuck the Hanyou."

"What about those human women you hung out with." Taking a bite of elk meat, Kouga thought, "Or hey, that monk wasn't so bad. What about him?"

Sitting up, Inuyasha stared in disbelief. "Ya mean Miroku? You think I'd ever shove my dick into that leacher?"

With a casual shrug of his shoulder's, Kouga answered, "Who said it woulda been you shovin' your dick in anything. Maybe you woulda been on the receivin' end."

Now utterly and completely flabbergasted, Inuyasha's mouth hung open, his jaws moving up and down in a futile attempt at making noise. Finally, anger overwhelmed the Hanyou's surprise. "I ain't no bitch, you stupid wolf!"

"Never claimed you were and even if I had, it wouldn't of been meant as an insult." With a claw pointed in the Hanyou's direction, Kouga wanted to make sure his point came across loud and clear. "Ayame's my mate - my beta bitch, that's her title and she's proud of it. Powerful alpha's don't fear a strong mate, we seek them out and they are more precious than anything else in the world."

Slightly mollified, Inuyasha felt his anger fade. "I didn't mean any disrespect to Ayame. I've always thought you were one lucky son of a bitch to have landed her as a mate, but I don't see how you can compare her to me. I mean, she's a female.

"Yeah, she's got a fine pussy, but bein' female or male don't matter in the whole beta and alpha scene. I've met my fair share of alpha females over the years. True, more often than not, they're male, but nothin's written in stone and it don't make their beta's any less of a Youkai for it. I know you didn't grow up in Youkai society, but you've hung around enough with me and my pack to understand there ain't no hard and fast rules when it comes to Youkai mating, and thank the god's for it. You know, humans always have a way of fuckin' stuff up and matin' ain't no different. They've got this crazy notion that it has to be a male and female only. What a load of horse shit."

Scratching the back of his neck, Inuyasha thought he had to agree. It had been pretty rare to find a same sex couple in a human village and when he had, he thought the humans were actually more prejudiced against them than his half-breed status.

Pleased at the thoughtful look now covering Inuyasha's face, the Wolf King added, "Besides, plenty of alphas like takin' it up the ass now and again."

Thinking as he was, it took Inuyasha a moment for Kouga's words to fully process through his occupied mind. "W-what? You tellin' me you've actually . . . "

"Actually what? You wanna know if I've fucked a male before or do ya wanna know if I was the one bein' fucked?"

Blushing for all he was worth, Inuyasha's head tilted down, allowing his long bangs to cover his face. Adding to the red coloring of his skin was the odd picture of his brother as the DaiYoukai suddenly popped into the Hanyou's mind. Why he'd be thinking of Sesshomaru at a time like this, Inuyasha had no idea. Shaking his head of the unwanted image, he kept his eyes firmly planted on his lap as he answered, "Um . . . well, maybe both."

Tilting his chair back again, Kouga laughed at the Hanyou's bashfulness. God's above, Sesshomaru was gonna shit kitten's when he found out his intended was a blushing virgin. Nothing would please a dominant alpha like the perfect bastard more than knowing he'd been the only one to touch his own mate in such a way. Snorting, the Wolf King could only imagine the unneeded ego boost this was gonna give the mighty Lord of the Asian Lands.

Setting his chair back down on all fours with an audible clack, Kouga leaned forwards, his elbows resting on the kitchen table. Seeing the defensive body language Inuyasha was now sporting, the wolf Youkai wondered if laughing had been such a great idea. Clearing his throat, Kouga tried being as serious as possible. "I've always enjoyed ruttin' so it's no great surprise that before Ayame and I mated, I had a lot of different partners. And before you start thinkin' anything, I just wanna let you know that's pretty commonplace for Youkai. Anyways, to answer your question; yes, I've rutted with males. Most of the time I was the one givin' it to 'em, but I'm not embarrassed, nor unhappy to say that I've taken a cock in my life and enjoyed every damn minute of it."

Allowing the shock from Kouga's confession to roll through him, Inuyasha raised his head, his large amber eyes round with wonder. Teasing his bottom lip with a fang, the Hanyou thought about all the wolf had said and began wondering just how many Youkai Sesshomaru had rutted in his life. For some reason, he found the idea of his brother being intimate with anyone . . . unsettling. Clearing his throat, Inuyasha sputtered out his next words. "D-do ya t-think . . . do ya think Sesshomaru's done that t-too?"

Quirking up an eyebrow, Kouga stared at his friend. Truly, the wolf Youkai hadn't been expecting that question. Perhaps he'd been wrong to worry about how the Hanyou would take Sesshomaru's intentions. "Are you askin' me if Sesshomaru's been as active as me?"

"I just can't picture it, ya know. I mean, the bastards so . . . so cold. I mean I know he likes, or maybe liked, to beat the shit outta me, but mostly he seemed so disdainful of any kind of touch. Even with that kid he used to tote around."

"Can't say for sure, but somehow I doubt he's had as much lovin' as me. That's not to say there wouldn't be takers. You and I both know that if there's one thing Youkai crave, it's power and Sesshomaru's got that in spades. I'd imagine most would jump at the chance to get laid by your brother."

Shifting uncomfortably, Inuyasha hated the thought of Sesshomaru with some other Youkai, especially if they were just in it to increase their position in Youkai society. That's not why Kouga and Ayame had mated, and Inuyasha was certain it wasn't the reason behind his mother mating with Inu no Taisho. But no matter how disturbing he found the idea, Inuyasha still wondered why Sesshomaru wasn't officially mated after all these years. Sure, Youkai lived practically forever, but the DaiYoukai was well past the age where most would have chosen a life long partner.

Deciding he'd already embarrassed himself, Inuyasha thought there was nothing to lose by asking another question. "Why ain't Sesshomaru mated?"

Opening his mouth to respond, Kouga's lips turned into a smirk as he stated, "Why not ask the bastard yourself." Seeing Inuyasha's confused look, the Wolf King nodded his head towards the open doorway.

Following Kouga's line of sight, Inuyasha turned his head, but the tall human he saw standing a few feet away did little to enlighten him. "Who the . . . "

"I have only been gone a few short hours, little brother. Hardly a long enough time for you to have forgotten me."

"Fuckin' hell . . . Sesshomaru?" Eyes wide, Inuyasha could only stare in disbelief combined with a healthy dose of awe. Now that he knew, it was easy to see the resemblance. Sure, the DaiYoukai's hair was now a shorter, light blond color and the stripes were gone, but what really stuck out were the crystal clear blue eyes staring back at him from Sesshomaru's face. Despite the human façade, Sesshomaru still carried himself with all the stoic regality he was known for. Every mannerism, every quirk of the lips, was pure Sesshomaru. What wasn't his brother was the smell, or lack there of, nor could the Hanyou feel the intense Youkai that normally exuded from the Lord of the West.

Tentatively standing, Inuyasha approached the human looking Sesshomaru with cautious curiosity. Just a few days before, he'd been wondering what the DaiYoukai would look like as a human. True enough, a lot was lost in translation, but if you didn't know what Sesshomaru's natural appearance was, then you'd think the human standing before you was the most beautiful creature ever created. Creeping ever closer, Inuyasha's nose tweaked and sniffed but still came up empty. "Damn, that's a good disguise. You don't even smell like the you I know." Closing his eyes, the Hanyou tried again to feel his brother's Youkai and was once again disappointed. "Where'd your Youkai go?"

"All full blooded Youkai are capable of suppressing their inner demon when the occasion calls. Have you never noticed how mine changes?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Inuyasha answered, "Sure. When ya were pissed the damn thing nearly smothered me. I just thought it was a natural response. Kinda like pullin' out the reserves when you were windin' up for a fight."

"Although that is partially true, this Sesshomaru, like most other high level Youkai, can suppress or release our power at will."

Turning away from Sesshomaru, Inuyasha stared over at his smirking friend. "Is that so dog breath?"

Nodding once, Kouga tilted his chair back again. "Yup. Thought ya woulda figured that out by now, mutt-face."

With a renewed sense of inadequacy, Inuyasha bent his head down, letting his anger cover his shame. "How in the hell was I supposed to know somethin' like that? It ain't like – "

All of a sudden, Inuyasha's senses exploded as Sesshomaru released his human façade and allowed both his scent and Youkai into the room. Feeling a hand on his chin, the Hanyou raised his expressive eyes up to the beautiful golden orbs of his brother. "There is no reason you should have known such a fact. Rest assured, little brother, this Sesshomaru will endeavor to fill in any gaps in your knowledge in such areas as this."

Staring into Sesshomaru's golden eyes, Inuyasha felt a peaceful ease settle deep into his soul. At almost every turn in the young Hanyou's life, he'd felt at odds with his own inner Youkai. Suppressed by his human soul, Inuyasha's Youkai raged a constant war for independence. But his Youkai was dangerous and unstable and at one time only the Tessaiga was able to reign in its wrath once let loose. In the years following Naraku's death, he'd gained some control over the beast, but it was tenuous at best. As he stared up into Sesshomaru's eyes, he felt only a warm acceptance coming from his Youkai, a feeling he'd seldom experienced and was thus completely captivated. Only the sound of an interruptive cough coming from Kouga's direction broke his revelry.

Embarrassed, Inuyasha pulled his face away, a hand coming up and roughly rubbing at his nose. "So, uh . . . I guess that disguise is meant to fool more than the humans."

Beyond pleased with Inuyasha's reactions, Sesshomaru's face relaxed enough to allow a small smile. "Indeed, when desired, I am capable of fooling almost any other Youkai. Only those of DaiYoukai status can see beyond the mask."

Nodding his head, Inuyasha wondered if there were really any other Youkai out there who could match the Lord of the West's abilities. Knowing Sesshomaru was the Lord of all the Asian Lands implied there were others in control of different parts of the world. Logic dictated that those Youkai must be pretty bad-ass themselves. Thinking on the subject as he was, it took Inuyasha a moment to register his brother's next words as Sesshomaru asked, "Do you find my human appearance to be pleasing?"

Flushing, Inuyasha scoffed. "What kind of a question is that? Ya look like a stuck up jackass no matter what."

"Is that so?" Sesshomaru frowned, although it was only for show. "From the responses and propositions I've garnered, I'd thought the look to be visually appealing."

"W-what propositions?" Inuyasha asked, eyes wide.

"Do not concern yourself with it, those who have made them are of little concern."

Feeling unreasonably annoyed, Inuyasha was set on getting the ice-prick to loosen up his tongue when Sesshomaru asked, "What were the you and the wolf speaking of before I entered?"

"Nothin'," Inuyasha answered a little too quickly.

"If I recall, I distinctly heard the wolf say you should ask me something yourself, now, what was it?"

Embarrassed all over again, Inuyasha shot pleading eyes towards Kouga, only to have the bastard wolf smirk and shake his head. "You're on your own on this one, mutt."

Giving a growl, Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest, turning away from his brother's questioning gaze. "It ain't really any of my business."

"I would be the judge of that, little brother," Sesshomaru answered, a touch of smugness entering his voice.

"-Keh" Inuyasha pouted, pulling on his bottom lip with a fang. Sesshomaru had always been one big, mysterious black hole to the young InuHanyou. Truth be told, there were about a billion and one different things Inuyasha wanted to ask his older brother, the topics of which ranged all over the place, from why the powerful DaiYoukai had instantly hated and tortured his younger sibling to why Sesshomaru wandered around so much during the Feudal Era, and why did the DaiYoukai have a fluffy thing over his shoulder and Inuyasha didn't? But right now all of those topics paled in the light of this new and somehow all important need to know why the Lord of the West hadn't yet taken a mate. Shifting his eyes towards his brother, Inuyasha decided if the bastard was offering . . . "Why ain't you mated yet?"

Raising a single brow, Sesshomaru masked his true pleasure at the Hanyou's interest in this particular area of his life. Weighing his responses, Sesshomaru finally answered, "I had thought none worthy of the position."

"-Keh, figures," Inuyasha scoffed, not completely happy with the response for some reason.

"Does it displease you that I am not mated?"

"No. Why the hell should it matter to me either way?"

"I do not know, you are the one who asked."

Huffing dramatically, Inuyasha waved a hand in dismissal. "Yeah, well, you know the mangy wolf found someone who'd have him, I just figured with all the options available to a Youkai like you that you'd of popped out a couple of pups by now."

Inwardly cringing at the mental image the Hanyou's words brought on, Sesshomaru answered, "Although this Sesshomaru is capable of almost anything, bearing young is not among them."

Blinking rapidly, Inuyasha crinkled his nose in confusion, and only after several minutes did his face break out in a deep blush once he realized the misunderstanding. "I didn't mean that you'd be the one birthing the pup, just that you'd of found some Youkai princess to do it for ya." Off to the side, Kouga was laughing openly which only drew a deeper scowl from Inuyasha.

"A Youkai princess? Why would this Sesshomaru wish for such?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Inuyasha stared at his clawed toes. "Ain't that what everybody wish's for? A beautiful mate."

Closing the distance between them, Sesshomaru reached a slender hand up, caressing the Hanyou's puppy dog ear, relishing when Inuyasha actually leaned into the touch. Voice low, he moved his lips close to the ear he was massaging, allowing his warm breath to ghost across the silken fur. "Beauty is indeed something to be cherished, little brother, but why should it only be found in a pure, simpering Youkai princess. This Sesshomaru is not so easily impressed."

Reluctantly pulling away, Sesshomaru made his way towards the table, ignoring the flustered Hanyou he'd left in his wake as he began speaking with Kouga. "Wolf, a messenger is to arrive late tonight with information on Lord Tullic's dealings. She shall arrive sometime after midnight."

Sighing dramatically, Kouga let his chair fall back down on all fours, earning yet another glare from the DaiYuokai. "I suppose there's a reason I gotta do it and not you. I also suppose you ain't gonna tell me what that reason is."

Seeing as how the wolf was correct, Sesshomaru saw no reason to answer. Instead, he simply sat down and began discussing the particulars of where Kouga was to meet their informant. As the two Youkai discussed business, Inuyasha remained standing, his mind still fixed upon what had happened only moments before and wondering why Sesshomaru's actions and words had sped his heart the way it had. By all rights, he should still be hating his brother, but the problem with that was Inuyasha had never truly hated Sesshomaru a day in his life. Oh, he'd hated the bastards actions, but not the actual creature who'd performed said actions. And now that Sesshomaru was being so civil and, dare he think it, affectionate, Inuyasha found himself falling deeply into a well of need. Whether he knew it or not, Sesshomaru was hitting all the Hanyou's soft spots and Inuyasha was frightened by the swiftness of his own capitulation. But even knowing this was true, he was helpless to stop what he'd so desperately wanted all of his life – to be needed and wanted, to have a family to come home to. Watching his brother as he casually spoke with Kouga, Sesshomaru's posture relaxed and at ease, Inuyasha knew he'd already lost.

Shuffling his way forwards, Inuyasha sat down and began eating some of the food that had miraculously evaded the Wolf Kings mouth. Lost in his own world of thought, the Hanyou barely heard as his name was called, somehow, the way Sesshomaru was acting, he had the feeling it wasn't the first time his brother had called out to him.

"Inuyasha, are you well?"

Shaking his head, the Hanyou felt his ears droop. "I'm fine, what do ya want now?"

"I was merely going to ask if you planned on sleeping outside tonight."

Ears at full attention now, Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah, thought I'd try it." The new moon wasn't until tomorrow night, but he thought it would be good to set up some type of pattern so Sesshomaru wouldn't start becoming suspicious.

"You sleepin' outside when you've got a nice comfy bed? What the fuck's wrong with ya?" Kouga asked, his face and tone clearly expressing his belief that Inuyasha had lost his mind.

"I ain't as soft and needy as you, dog breath. Sleepin' all cooped up inside ain't my idea of the perfect night." Although his night of weakness had spawned the need for sleeping on the roof, Inuyasha wasn't really lying when he answered his friend. Sleeping indoors was odd to him and now that he was feeling better, the idea of drifting off with the wind whispering through the trees was more than a little appealing.

"Inuyasha is more at home in the woods, Lord Kouga, you should remember this," Sesshomaru answered, trying to ease the tension suddenly radiating from his intended mates body.

Scratching his head, Kouga sighed. "Forgot you grew up in the woods. I've always had a pack and den of some type. Stayin' indoors wasn't really a difficult thing for Ayame and me to get used to. I guess it might seem a bit claustrophobic to ya, mutt."

"Speaking of rest, do you require it before your appointment tonight?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Nah, I slept good last night so I should be okay for tonight. Still got some stuff to do before hand so I'll be takin' off for now." Standing up, Kouga stretched his arms high above his head before closing his eyes, and just like that, the wolf's tail, pointed ears and fangs disappeared, leaving a very human looking Wolf King standing in the kitchen.

Shaking his head, Inuyasha still felt in awe of the whole thing. "That's just fuckin' weird." Sniffing, the Hanyou tried picking up the wolf's scent, but only the lingering smell from before was left.

Rubbing his clawless hands down his abs, Kouga smirked. "Yeah, but no matter what the form, I still look damn tasty." Ignoring Sesshomaru's scowl and Inuyasha's scoff, the Wolf King gave a mock salute before sauntering from the kitchen, swaying his hips back and forth in what Kouga thought was a tantalizing way.

"What an idiot," Inuyasha sighed before catching the pensive eyes of his brother, evidently Sesshomaru's mind was still on what he and Kouga had been speaking about. "So, ya gonna tell me what's goin' on or is it a secret."

Turning slightly within his seat, Sesshomaru contemplated his younger brother. Part of him wanted nothing more than to speak with his intended mate regarding the happenings in the Youkai world. Knowing Inuyasha had no interest in politics or power plays, Sesshomaru found the InuHanyou unique and longed to share the burdens of his world, but there was also value in keeping Inuyasha innocent of such things as well.

Seeing his brother's silence as a reluctance to share, Inuyasha stood from his seat, somehow both hurt and disappointed that Sesshomaru trusted Kouga more than himself. "Whatever, I'm goin' to clean up before goin' outside for the night."

"Inuyasha – "

"What asshole?" the Hanyou stated as he came to a halt but didn't turn around.

"I believe you asked this Sesshomaru a question, do you no longer wish the answer?"

Finally turning around, Inuyasha folded his arms across his chest and pouted. "Listen, just cause you've been decent to me these past few days don't mean I expect nothin' else. You wanna keep secrets, that's fine by me. It ain't like we trust each other a whole hell of a lot anyway."

"On the contrary, little brother, I trust you above all others."

Standing perfectly still, Inuyasha stared blankly at his older sibling. Once again, no lie could be detected and the DaiYoukai's face gave no hint of mockery. "Y-you trust me? Why?"

Instead of answering, Sesshomaru asked a question. "Tell me, Inuyasha, what is it you want from this Sesshomaru?"

"-Keh, besides you leavin' me the fuck alone and not beatin' the shit outta me?"

Giving an odd smirk, Sesshomaru answered, "Besides that."

Uncrossing his arms, Inuyasha fidgeted with the edge of his shirt completely unsure what to say. Not that he didn't have an answer at the ready, but he wasn't at all sure he was prepared to share that bit of himself, not when it would declare a vulnerability only Sesshomaru could exploit. Staring a hole into the floor, Inuyasha remained silent, all the while weighing his options carefully. In the end, he decided it came down to a matter of trust and while Sesshomaru had just declared that he trusted him, the young Hanyou wasn't at all sure he felt the same way towards his older brother, not that he didn't want to trust the DaiYoukai, because every part of his being was screaming for that very thing.

Finally, Inuyasha took a deep breath and decided to take a chance. "You really wanna know what I want? No makin' fun, no holdin' it over my head and usin' it against me later on?"

"You have this Sesshomaru's word as long as you speak the truth."

"Okay," Inuyasha nodded as he felt his hands go cold and clammy with the realization of what he was about to reveal. "I want a family. I want ya to not be embarrassed by your half-breed brother. I want to be able to trust you. I just . . . I just want my brother to be a brother."

Although the Hanyou hadn't said a word about wanting Sesshomaru in any type of sexual way, the DaiYoukai was not displeased with the answer he obtained. Given the fact that Inuyasha had only been living within his home for a few days and he was already wanting to give his older brother another chance was more progress than Sesshomaru could have hoped for only a few short days ago. Silent and pleased, the DaiYoukai merely stared at his little brother.

"Well, say somethin' asshole," Inuyasha scoffed, not liking the odd look on Sesshomaru's face.

"Forgive me, you have no idea how much your answer pleases me."

Feeling embarrassed once again, Inuyasha looked down and to the side. "Yeah? Well it's damn hard knowin' what you're thinkin', let alone feelin'. Besides, I don't know why you're so happy about it anyways." Finally glancing back up, his face reddened even more at the continued look of contentment visible within the DaiYoukai's normally cold eyes. Running a finger under his nose, Inuyasha looked away once again. "Not really sure how that answer's my question though."

"As to why I trust you?"

Nodding, Inuyasha kept his eyes averted, afraid of the emotion that was lying there.

"Do you know what the Youkai I rule wish of this Sesshomaru?"

Shrugging his shoulders, the Hanyou thought about the question but could only respond, "Uh, a good leader?" Sure, Inuyasha knew Youkai were power-hungry jackasses, but he figured most would see reason and simply want to live their lives in relative peace.

"I wish you were correct, but sadly, what most want is to take my position. None have such simple desires as you."

Feeling as if he'd just been insulted, Inuyasha's hackles rose and he was just getting ready to spew a litany of insults in return when Sesshomaru interrupted his train of thought. "I meant no offense, quite the contrary. It is refreshing to have someone so near who desires my presence not because of the power I wield nor the authority I hold, but simply because they wish to be with this Sesshomaru for who he is, not what he can do for them. And that, little brother, is why I trust you above all others. Your only desire is for family and kinship. By your own admission, you seek nothing more."

"I – " pausing, Inuyasha realized he didn't know what to say. Feeling uncomfortable with the sudden atmosphere, he tried playing off his brother's words. "Well, it ain't like pure blooded Youkai would wanna follow a half-breed like me anyways. Besides, what would I want with a bunch of stuck up Youkai."

"Little brother, I believe we have already discussed the use of that term," Sesshomaru responded, his voice full of reprimand.

"Yeah, but it don't change the fact that that's what I am and that's what most others see me as."

"It may be true that you are half human and half Youkai, but that is at most, the definition of what you are, not who you are."

Even from across the room, Sesshomaru's golden eyes captivated him and Inuyasha found himself lost once again within their depths. In all the years he and his brother had been fighting, Inuyasha had always found the DaiYoukai's eyes cold and distant, never before had he envisioned them capable of such emotion. Flushed and unsure of how to answer, all Inuyasha could do was shift his weight from side to side as a quiet, "Thanks," dropped from his lips.

"Of all the creatures upon this earth, you are the last whom ever needs thank this Sesshomaru, little brother."

Nodding his head, Inuyasha let his snowy white bangs cover his face and eyes. No longer caring about what Sesshomaru had been discussing with Kouga earlier, Inuyasha stated, "Um . . . I think I'm gonna go take a bath and head for the roof now."

"Of course," Sesshomaru answered. "Do you require any assistance in the bath?"

Jerking his head up, Inuyasha's mouth gapped at the salaciousness lacing the DaiYoukai's voice. "Like hell, bastard! Why the fuck would I need your help with that?"

"I was merely wondering if you'd lost your odd sense of prudishness when it comes to the naked form."

"My odd sense of . . . what? What in the hell are you goin' on about now?"

Allowing his eyes to wander the length of Inuyasha's body, Sesshomaru considered baiting the young Hanyou further, but in the end, visions of their last communal experience within the bathroom prevented him from taunting his brother further. "Perhaps it is a discussion for a later date."

Scrunching up his face, Inuyasha was still trying to figure out the meaning of Sesshomaru's words when the Hanyou decided he just needed to get out of there and find some alone time. Already Inuyasha had more than enough new information to contemplate, information that would probably keep him up most of the night. "-Keh, whatever. See ya tomorrow." For once, the Hanyou left off his typical derogatory salutation at the end.

::::::::::

Having bathed and eaten, Inuyasha headed for the rooftop garden, settling into the tree he'd found earlier and leaning heavily upon the trunk. Deep within the large tree's branches, he could just make out the sliver of the dying moon, knowing that tomorrow would find him nothing more than a defenseless human. And, just as he'd thought before, Inuyasha's mind wandered back over the words Sesshomaru had spoken earlier tonight, feeling a fresh flush of heat enter his cheeks at the thought that the mighty DaiYoukai might actually value his presence after all. Perhaps that was the real reason Sesshomaru wanted to repair his relationship with him. Maybe he was just tired of all the backstabbing bullshit thrown his way day after day. Some would have found this line of reasoning disturbing and selfish on the DaiYoukai's part, but not Inuyasha. Instead, the Hanyou realized that having some kind of sound reasoning behind Sesshomaru's recent actions actually made him feel better, made him feel as if his older brother might actually be telling the full truth and really wanted to repair their relationship. Given how desperate Inuyasha had become to be near Sesshomaru, he decided the reason didn't matter, only that there really and truly was a reason to begin with.

Closing his eyes, Inuyasha's peaceful frame of mind became tinged with an uncomfortable type of embarrassament as his mind wandered back even further to his conversation with Kouga. "-Keh," he griped while adjusting his ass upon the tree branch, "never thought the fleabag would swing both ways." Staring back up at the moon, unwanted images of the Wolf King on hands and knees, moaning and thrusting his body back onto a cock invaded Inuyasha's mind. "God's, now I've got that burned into my brain. Fuckin' hell, I'm gonna puke if that keeps up." Shaking his head as if to dispel the visions of both Kouga giving and taking cock, Inuyasha forced his mind into some type of more useful endeavor and began forcing the kanji images he and Kadira had gone over earlier into the fore of his mind. And every time his mind strayed, a sharp claw found its way into tender flesh to jolt Inuyasha out of such disturbing thoughts. Surprisingly, it only took a few hours for him to tire and fall into twisted dreams of furry tails and eager asses.

Whew . . . that's all for chapter 13. Next chapter will be the night of the new moon. To those of you whom continue to read this - thank you! And, to those of you whom continue to review - thank you very much! As stated earlier, I hope you all liked this one. I had a lot of fun writing Kouga's part in this. I thought it was important for Inuyasha to understand that being the beta in a relationship doesn't equate to being the weaker partner. He's got enough baggage to get over without that adding to it.

Thanks again and until next time . . . lunamist.