Intervention Thy name is Bakusen'O!

by lunamist

Determined to undue the damage Sesshomaru has wrought, Bakusen'O takes a dying Inuyasha into his protection until the Lord of the West comes to understand his brother's worth. Centuries later, Inuyasha has been released into his brother's care. Soon Sesshomaru comes to understand, a sibling relationship is not what his Youkai has in mind. Ah, but how to woo a battered Hanyou?

18. Chapter 18

Good evening everyone! Thanks for all the reviews over the last chapter. I had some interesting ones and appreciate them all. As always, I enjoy writing this story and am ever so happy that there are people out there still interested in it as I love continuing their story as I envision it. As long as you keep reading, I'll keep posting. If anyone's curious, I think we're a little over half-way there (by my estimation).

Not much else to say besides I hope you enjoy Bakusen'Os reentrance into the story. I wish I had a sage-like demon tree sitting in my backyard, that might cut down on some rather nasty mistakes I've made in my life. Oh-well . . .

Disclaimers are as in previous chapters.

Now, on with Chapter 18 . . .

Sitting in his study, Sesshomaru gazed at the papers before him, seeing nothing. Three days of not seeing his Hanyou. Three days of having nothing but the stale scent of his little brother lingering in his nose. Three days of torture. How had he lived so long denying his need for his Hanyou?

With a snarl on his face, the DaiYoukai sat back into his chair, just the thought of Inuyasha being out in the world, alone with that damn wolf . . . it was all he could do to remain within the confines of his home and not out rampaging the local countryside. When Kouga had finally approached him about going up to the roof and bringing the Hanyou down, Sesshomaru had just finished removing the tongue from one of the council member's incompetent offspring. Of course, the appendage could be reattached, but the Wolf King had thought his move unnecessarily harsh. Scraping a deadly claw across the ancient wood of his desk, the Lord of the West thought the wolf might have had a point, if only a small one. Still, he did not regret slicing the tongue from that whelp's mouth, perhaps it would teach the young upstart to mind it better in the future.

After sneering at the wolf Youkai for even hinting at this Sesshomaru needing such aid when it came to his intended mate, the DaiYoukai had finally agreed. Inuyasha was clearly avoiding him and would not even speak with Kadira. At this rate, the Hanyou would have to be forced down, something Sesshomaru found unappealing. With his patience at an end, he'd finally agreed with Kouga and left Taisho Tower while the wolf extricated his infuriating little brother.

That, had been nearly seven hours ago and Sesshomaru found himself restless, his Youkai pacing his soul in a never-ending loop of fury. He had let his intended mate leave – leave without him. To be sure, Inuyasha's health was much improved with all of his previous physical wounds having healed. Truly, the boy only lacked further meat on his bones, something that would simply take time. Still, Inuyasha had lost five hundred years to gain in power and Sesshomaru worried his Hanyou would overestimate his capabilities in the modern era.

"I should not have agreed to this," Sesshomaru scowled, his mind having increasing difficulty controlling his raging Youkai. Body still and quiet, the DaiYoukai's form betrayed his inner turmoil. With a deep and throaty growl, Sesshomaru stood from his chair, an icy, "Enough," slipping from his lips before he began making his way towards the door of his study. Hand on the doorknob, his eyes softened as a familiar presence began creeping ever closer. "Inuyasha."

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"W-why t-the fuck do w-we . . . wheeze . . . gotta t-take the d-d-damn stairs?"

Feeling a little winded himself, Inuyasha refused to show his own fatigue. "Shut it, dog-breath. Quit bein' such a pansy. The exercise is good for ya." Looking up, Inuyasha saw they had about seven floors left to go and sighed. Maybe he should look into taking that elevator thing the next time. Going down hadn't been so bad; up on the other hand . . . maybe Kouga was right on this one.

Trudging his way up the remaining steps, Inuyasha felt mixed emotions. On the one hand, he couldn't wait to be done climbing these damn stairs, on the other, he could already feel Sesshomaru's heady Youkai waiting for him at the top. With only one more flight of stairs, Inuyasha felt his pace falter until he came to a complete stop in the stairwell.

"Don't fuckin' stop n-now, m-mutt."

But Inuyasha wasn't listening. Instead, he was staring at the door at the top of the stairs – the door leading to his brother. By now, he knew what he wanted to speak to Sesshomaru about, but he doubted the DaiYoukai was going to like it.

During the car ride from the shrine, Inuyasha had decided he wanted to see Bakusen'O. At first, he figured the only way to do that was to get Sesshomaru to take him, but after some consideration, he began wondering if maybe Sang-di knew the way, after all, he'd said earlier that he'd been Sesshomaru's driver for over century. And so, when the car stopped, before getting out, he'd asked only to have Sang-di tell him he didn't know who Bakusen'O was, but he did know the way to the place the Lord of all Asia had brought Inuyasha out of. After finding out that that place was indeed a woods, Inuyasha was pretty sure he was on the right track and didn't need his bastard brother to help him get there. He could damn well go on his own – that is, if Sesshomaru would willingly let him leave again.

Taking the opportunity to catch his breath, Kouga stood, bent over with his hands on his knees. "Fuck, maybe I am gettin' soft." Standing up straight, the wolf Youkai looked at his friends pale face. "Don't tell me you've come all this way to stop now?"

"He's up there," was the Hanyou's soft reply.

"Who? Sesshomaru?"

"Who the fuck else."

"What, did you think he wouldn't be?"

Shaking his head, Inuyasha answered, "No, I knew he'd be there."

"So what's the problem now?"

"Just thinkin', if I go through that door, will I have to fight the jackass to let me back out?" Although he didn't say it, Inuyasha knew that if it came down to that . . . if Sesshomaru really fought him, he knew whom the winner would be and that winner didn't have puppydog ears sprouting from the top of their head. That didn't mean he wouldn't fight, but he'd loose and it would be a painful loss in so many more ways than one.

Feeling a cold, tingling sensation creep down his spine, Kouga's eyes moved from Inuyasha's worried face to the now ominous door only a few feet in front of them. Although he hated to admit it, the wolf thought the mutt might have a valid point. But, in the end, there was only one way to find out. Slapping his hand on Inuyasha's back, Kouga laughed. "Well, somehow I got the feelin' if he tries that, he's gonna have a shitload of pissed Hanyou on his hands. I think the bastard knows better."

"Yeah, lets hope so." Taking a deep breath, Inuyasha began mounting the final steps, inching closer and closer to the door. Not hesitating a moment when he reached it, the Hanyou turned the handle. As soon as the portal was open, Sesshomaru's strong scent swept over and through Inuyasha, making him shiver for all the right and wrong reasons.

"It is good to see you again, little brother." Sesshomaru's cold voice hid his overwhelming relief at having his Hanyou within the walls of their home once again.

"Y-yeah," Inuyasha answered, clearing his throat, "it's, uh . . . good to see you too."

Fighting the overwhelming urge to envelope the Hanyou in his arms, covering the pup further in his own scent, Sesshomaru turned his attention to the Wolf King, allowing his golden eyes to narrow in disdain. "I had not expected you to be gone so long."

Scratching the back of his head, Kouga brushed off the irritated look he was getting. "Well, we really weren't. You see, first the mutt and I had to come to an understandin' on the roof. That took some time. Then I made him take a much needed bath, and then – "

"I need not know all the details. It is sufficient that you have returned." Eyes softening, Sesshomaru looked back towards Inuyasha. Normally the Hanyou was an open book of emotion, but right now, he found it difficult to tell what was going through his intended mates mind. "Did you enjoy your time outside our home?"

There is was again, our home, only now, that phrase held a much deeper meaning. "I did."

"Would it be invasive of me to ask where you went?"

Shaking his head, Inuyasha figured Sesshomaru would demand to know where they'd gone, but his tone had been far more cautious. Still, Kagome may be long passed, but she had living, breathing offspring that his brother could hold over him. "We visited an old shrine," Inuyasha finally answered, knowing it wasn't a lie, but also not the whole truth.

Stoic mask firmly in place, Sesshomaru knew his Hanyou was holding something back, but did not press him on it. "Very well." Eyes shifting in Kouga's direction, the DaiYoukai simply stated, "You are no longer needed, Wolf."

Bristling, Inuyasha felt his hackles rise. Sesshomaru didn't ask, he demanded and that just pissed him off royally. He was just getting ready to tell his jackass of a brother where he could shove it when Kouga answered, "Don't have to be so rude about it, I was gettin' ready to head out anyways."

Head bowed, Inuyasha used his hair to hide his emotions. In truth, a huge part of him wanted to beg Kouga to stay, but he'd be damned if he'd be that weak. Raising his head and giving a nod in the wolf's direction, Inuyasha gave a quick, "See ya later," before watching his friend head not for the stairs, but the elevator. "God's you've gotten soft," the Hanyou muttered. In response, as a way of goodbye, Kouga flipped him the bird before stepping into the elevator, the doors quietly closing behind him, leaving the two Inu's in unearthly silence.

Waiting, staring at his toes, Inuyasha stood, for how long, he didn't know until finally Sesshomaru said, "Inuyasha – "

Holding a hand up, the Hanyou's eyes shot up, determined not to flinch. "Stop. Don't touch me."

He'd taken but a single step forwards and upon hearing Inuyasha's order, Sesshomaru merely brought his other foot up even with the first. "You do not wish me to be near you? Do you fear me again?"

Letting out a barking laugh, Inuyasha just shook his head. "When have I not feared you?" God's but it hurt being this honest, admitting something he'd so desperately denied all his life. "Don't fool yourself, big brother, no matter how accommodatin' you've been these past few weeks, I've never thought of you as anything but a threat."

At the sudden clenching around his heart, the DaiYoukai found himself deeply saddened. "Is that so. I suppose my actions of a few days ago did little to change this feeling."

Rubbing his neck, Inuyasha shivered. "You could say that."

"Even though, at the time, I believed it was not you, that what I was attacking was an imitation of you and that you were in danger."

"Sesshomaru," Inuyasha sighed, "when are you gonna realize that since the death of Naraku, you're the only thing that is dangerous to me. Everything else, no, everyone else – none of them can beat me. Just you."

"I do not believe you to be weak, little brother, but to say such is very naïve."

"No, it's not. There are a lot of ways to be beaten, Sesshomaru, dyin's just one of 'em."

Absorbing those words, Sesshomaru's body went cold, including his heart. "I see. So, you have decided then."

Cocking his head to the side, Inuyasha felt genuinely confused. "Decided? Decided what?"

"You will not agree to be my mate. An alpha mate should be looked to for protection, this is obviously beyond your capabilities where I am concerned."

Taking in a deep breath, Inuyasha tried seeing beyond the cold and callous tone of his brother. It was hard to find, but there, in his golden eyes, the Hanyou found it: hurt, unbelievable hurt and pain.

"I haven't decided anything. Not yet." Seeing the flicker of relief cross those unbelievably beautiful eyes, Inuyasha prayed Sesshomaru's hope was not as short lived as he feared it might be because the answer to his next request might prove the end of whatever this was. If the DaiYoukai denied him this . . . "Sesshomaru, I want to go out tomorrow. Sang-di can drive me where I wanna go, but otherwise, I wanna go alone."

Still not moving an inch, Sesshomaru felt his Youkai scream in protest. It had taken all his will to keep the beast at bay while the Hanyou had been gone today, and he'd had the wolf with him for protection. "Inuyasha – "

He'd been prepared for the disappointment, but knowing this was about to be the end . . . Inuyasha felt abandoned all over again. There was no way Sesshomaru was going to willingly let him out on his own. The bastard didn't trust him enough and in the end, he just couldn't consider being actual mates with someone who didn't trust in his own strength and honor. Waiting to hear the denial, Inuyasha felt his ears perk when his brother actually asked, "Will you be gone long?"

Feeling an odd sense of hope, Inuyasha's heart began pumping with vigor. "Huh?"

"I do not like repeating myself, even with you, little brother."

"Oh, uh . . . I'm really not sure. Most likely it'll be awhile, but I'll be back before dark."

Closing his eyes briefly, Sesshomaru fought with his emotions. He didn't like this idea – not in the least. But, the DaiYoukai had a sense this was very important, perhaps the most important thing the Hanyou could have asked of him. "I noticed you did not take Tessaiga with you today. It would ease my concern if you took father's fang with you tomorrow."

Nodding, Inuyasha answered, "Yeah, I think that would be okay. I wasn't sure where Kouga was takin' me today. Didn't know if carryin' a sword around modern Japan was acceptable or not. Besides, I thought between the two of us, the wolf and I could of handled most anything without it."

"Understandable, but seeing as you will be alone – "

"Probably a good idea to take it."

Silence once again descended upon the room, neither knowing what to say and both afraid of upsetting the fragile peace they seemed to be currently enjoying. But once again, it was Sesshomaru who finally broke it. "I would imagine you are tired after your travels today. There should be some food in the kitchen if you desire a meal."

"Okay."

"If that is all, I shall see you tomorrow when you return. If that is agreeable with you."

Nodding, Inuyasha wasn't really sure what to say. All in all, his brother was being exceedingly polite and accommodating. It was a far cry from what he'd expected. "This Sesshomaru has work which he has been neglecting these past few days. I will retire to my study and leave you in peace."

Still barely two steps from the door leading to the stairs, Inuyasha watched his perfect brother stiffly turn to leave and couldn't help feeling like it was taking everything Sesshomaru had not to do something else. What that something else was, the Hanyou hadn't a clue. "Sesshomaru – "

Back still towards his little brother, Sesshomaru barely turned his head, the only inclination Inuyasha got that he was listening until he uttered a brief, "Goodnight, little brother," before continuing on his way, leaving a confused Hanyou in his wake.

Closing the door of his study, Sesshomaru's graceful steps took him back to the windows covering a single wall. Everything inside him felt tight, as if he were a coil ready to burst, but he had to be cautious. To lose control, to do what his Youkai was demanding of him . . . he felt sure that would only lead to losing his Hanyou. Well, perhaps losing him wasn't the correct term. By now, the Lord of all Asia knew he'd never be able to let Inuyasha go, these past few days had more than proven that. If his little brother denied him . . . Sesshomaru knew the outcome. He would not force a mating, but neither would he allow Inuyasha to mate with any other. When the game was played, when all the cards had been dealt, Lord Sesshomaru was what he was: an InuDaiYoukai of indescribable power. He would never be able to tolerate another claiming his Hanyou, it was as simple as that. But what he could do was give the pup more time to come to the realization that he wanted to be his mate. If another got in the way of that, they would not have long to live.

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After a fitful night of sleep, Inuyasha woke and dressed for the day, anxious to see Bakusen'O. Stopping in the kitchen to grab a quick bite, the Hanyou wondered if he should stop by to say goodbye to Sesshomaru or not, but his decision was made when he saw the powerful DaiYoukai waiting for him in front of the elevator.

Seeing his brother standing there, as if he were guarding the exit, Inuyasha immediately went on the defensive, wondering if Sesshomaru had changed his mind. Hand reflexively gripping the hilt of Tessaiga more tightly, the Hanyou simply stared, amber eyes narrowed.

"You may relax, little brother, I am simply here to see you safely to the car, if you will allow such."

"-Keh, don't know how much can really happen on my way to the garage."

"Perhaps not, but it would please me to do so."

Shrugging his shoulders, Inuyasha acted as if it were no big deal. "I guess it's your place, plus, didn't we already determine you do whatever you damn well please."

Giving that odd smile, Sesshomaru looked disturbingly pleased. "Indeed, we have."

"Well, ya don't have to look so gods damned pleased with yourself."

Ignoring the comment, Sesshomaru merely motioned towards the elevator. "If you are ready, Sang-di is waiting."

Looking in the direction the DaiYoukai was indicating, Inuyasha blanched. "No way in hell I'm gettin' in that death trap."

"I can assure you, the elevator is a very safe mode of transportation. I have ridden in it several times and it is serviced regularly."

"Maybe so, but you ain't gonna be the one fallin' to your death if somethin' goes wrong. In case you forgot, I can't fly on some floatin' cloud like you can."

Moving a step forwards, Sesshomaru's face grew cold. "In case you forgot, this Sesshomaru has vowed to keep you safe from all harm. That includes falls from great heights."

Swallowing, Inuyasha looked from his brother's serious face to the ominous looking door behind him. Kouga had claimed the thing was okay and it had riled the Hanyou deeply that the mangy wolf would do something he wouldn't. In the end, he'd been able to pass it off as weakness on Kouga's part and haughtily opted on taking the stairs. Looking back at the DaiYoukai, Inuyasha thought it came down to a matter of trust and decided to take at least a small leap of faith. "Okay, let's get goin'."

With a lack of any type of acknowledgment, Sesshomaru simply pressed the button calling his private elevator. Within seconds, the door opened and both Inu's moved inside. Once the door closed, Inuyasha began debating the intelligence of such a move. He hadn't been this close to his brother since Sesshomaru's little confession, a few days ago and now found the proximity unnerving. Despite the fact that the DaiYoukai appeared to be ignoring him, Inuyasha had little doubt Sesshomaru was all too aware of his own quickened heart rate. With a small jump and embarrassing squeak, the Hanyou gripped the sides of the elevator as it lurched into motion.

"If I thought it would ease your mind, I would move to comfort you."

Feeling his body break out in a fine sheen of sweat, Inuyasha shook his head. "I'm all right. It's just new is all. You don't gotta come any closer."

"As you wish," was Sesshomaru's emotionless reply.

What seemed like a small eternity was most likely less than a few minutes. Still, by the time the doors opened, Inuyasha fairly threw his body forwards and into the garage while Sesshomaru calmly followed. Breathing a sigh of relief to be both off the elevator and to have a little more breathing room from his brother, the Hanyou eagerly sought out the Lord's chauffeur, easily spotting Sang-di as he leaned against a sleek black car.

Feeling Lord Sesshomaru's Youkai closing in, Sang-di straightened his body before bowing slightly.

"Sang-di, I trust you shall take good care of your charge today."

Looking up, the driver felt a pang of fear. "My Lord, you are not accompanying us today?"

"No. Inuyasha wishes to make this trip alone. You shall be his only companion."

"I . . . I do not mean to question, my Lord, but are you sure that is wise?" Poor Sang-di was well aware that the Hanyou before him meant far more than even a sliver of his own life to the powerful DaiYoukai. Should anything happen while they were out . . .

Clapping the driver on the shoulder, Inuyasha rolled his eyes at the fear the man exuded. "God's above, Sesshomaru, is everybody this fuckin' terrified by you?"

"Sang-di is aware of the consequences of failure," was the Lord of the West's only response.

With another roll of his eyes, Inuyasha began pulling the driver towards his side of the car. "Come on before ya piss your pants." Opening the door and pushing the elder Youkai inside, Inuyasha made sure Sang-di was settled before closing the door again, all the while assuring the driver he was more than capable of opening his own door and finding his seat.

Taking a step towards the front passenger's seat, Inuyasha came to a stop. Sure, he'd like to sit up there, but Kouga had acted like it would piss Sesshomaru off, and while he didn't really care about that, he had no interest in getting the obviously worried Sang-di into any trouble. And so, with a hidden pout, Inuyasha made his way to the back of the car, looking up at his brother as he opened the door. What he'd expected to see was the icy bastard Sesshomaru was, and, to an extent, that's exactly what met the Hanyou's eyes. But beyond that, there was worry. That same pain he'd seen the night before laid buried deep in the DaiYoukai's golden orbs. Inexplicably, Inuyasha felt that same pain stab his heart. Out of all the hell Sesshomaru had put him through, it seemed he couldn't stand doing the same. And so, with a gentle sigh, Inuyasha said, "I'll be back. Whatever happens today, I promise I'll be back before dark."

Stoic as ever, the Lord of the West nodded his head. "I expect nothing less, Hanyou."

Ducking his head, Inuyasha climbed into the back seat, a small smile gracing his lips. Although his bastard brother's voice had been as empty as ever, that look in his eyes had eased. With the door closed, he leaned forward, hitting the same button he'd seen Kouga tap the day before to lower the glass separating him from the driver. "Okay, Sang-di, take me to the forest Sesshomaru drug me out of."

"As you wish, Lord Inuyasha."

Settling back into the plush comfort of leather, Inuyasha kept his eyes trained on the impossibly beautiful picture his brother cut against the stark contrast of concrete and steel behind him. Never moving an inch, the Lord of all Asia stood like a forgotten statue. What Inuyasha would never know was that not only did Sesshomaru remain where he was as they pulled away, but the DaiYoukai stayed there, standing throughout the day until his Hanyou returned.

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"So, this is it?" Truly, Inuyasha didn't know why he'd asked. Already he could feel the gentle pull he now recognized as Bakusen'O.

Nodding once, Sang-di stood beside the young InuHanyou. "I'm afraid I won't be of much help beyond this point. Lord Sesshomaru commanded me to never follow him into the woods."

"-Keh, figures," Inuyasha scoffed, but at the same time, he found it sort of comforting. He didn't have a clue what he'd looked like for those lost five centuries, but he had to figure it wasn't good and he didn't like the idea of being on display in such a weak and pathetic fashion. Why he seemed to keep getting stuck to trees, Inuyasha didn't have a clue, but this fact hadn't changed his love for them. In fact, it was just the opposite.

Staring into the dimly lit woods, Inuyasha could just barely make out a trail. Although he was pretty damn sure he didn't need it, logic dictated it was probably the most direct route to the demon tree. "Don't know how long I'll be, so if ya need to run some errands or somethin' that might be a better use of your time than just hangin' here."

Shaking his head vigorously, Sang-di declined, "Lord Sesshomaru would flay me alive if I were to do so."

"Okay, just thought you'd be bored sittin' here all alone," Inuyasha answered with a shrug.

"It will not be the first time, but I appreciate the consideration."

Uncomfortable with Sang-di's gratitude, Inuyasha began walking forwards, sticking to the path etching its' way through the thick underbrush. Once surrounded by the woods, he took a deep and cleansing breath, feeling his heart rate slow in contentment. Gods but he'd missed this. Sure, Sesshomaru's rooftop garden was fantastic, but nothing beat the real thing.

Within a few minutes, Inuyasha found himself standing in a clearing, the sun breaking through the leaves overhead, and in front of him, stood the most impressive tree he thought he'd ever seen. With a wide trunk and expansive canopy, the Hanyou thought he'd rarely seen such a majestic gift of nature. Having been on his knees at the time, his view of the demon tree had been skewed at best, but even so, the gentle thrumming in his soul told him without a doubt he'd found his tree. Stepping forwards, Inuyasha laid a hand upon the bark of the trunk and whispered, "Bakusen'O?"

Under the palm of his hand, Inuyasha could feel the bark begin to shift and move. Pulling his arm back, he quietly stood, watching in awe as the peaceful face of Bakusen'O appeared within the tree. "Young InuHanyou, son of my good friend, Inu no Taisho, it is good to see you looking so well."

Smiling despite himself, Inuyasha scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, it's good to see you too. I don't think I ever knew you had a face."

"Indeed, it is rare for me to show it and if I recall, you were not in a position to have seen such before."

"No. Sesshomaru'd fucked me up pretty royally by the time we first met."

Frowning, Bakusen'O stated, "Lord Sesshomaru's actions were both painful and destructive. His denial led to much suffering."

"Denial, huh? Is that what you're callin' it?"

Pausing for a moment, Bakusen'O stared intently upon the Hanyou before him. Although the tree did not technically have a nose as most Youkai would understand it, he could still sample the air through his leaves and what that air was telling him now was that the Lord of the West had placed a claim upon his younger half-brother. A mating claim no less. The only aspect of this that was unexpected to the ancient demon tree was how quickly it had happened. "Inuyasha, long did I care for you within these branches, keeping you safe and apart from time itself. Although it is a time you do not remember, this Bakusen'O cherishes these memories. To look upon you now is soothing to my soul for your physical wound's appear well healed, however, there is still confusion and pain within your heart."

Looking off towards the ground, all Inuyasha could do was nod his head. "Yeah, you could say that. Sesshomaru's . . . " sighing, he raised his head and asked, "would ya mind if I sat in your branches for a while? I don't know if what I need to talk about I can really say out loud, maybe if we just kinda did that mind connection thing again, that might help."

"Nothing would give this old tree more pleasure than having you sit in my branches, young InuHanyou."

Needing no further encouragement, Inuyasha did what he'd wanted to all those years ago and leapt into Bakusen'Os great canopy. Quickly finding a sturdy and wide branch, he settled down and was amazed when the wood beneath his ass started to shift and mold to his own shape, making his seat tailor made and more than comfortable. Muttering an embarrassed, "Thanks," Inuyasha settled in, leaning his back against the trunk of the tree while crossing his arms over his chest. With a contented sigh, the Hanyou closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of the light breeze tugging at the ends of his hair.

"Are you comfortable?"

Hearing that voice within his head, Inuyasha sighed, "Very, feels kinda like home."

"Does this mean you do not feel so with your brother?"

Squirming a bit, Inuyasha considered the question. He'd come here to get Bakusen'Os advice but even thinking these questions and answers in his mind was tough on a Hanyou's pride. "It's nice. You know the bastard, everything's the best. He's got a rooftop garden with trees and ponds and such, it's really nice, but not nearly as great as this."

"Ah, I see, but these are all material things, young one, home is not necessarily a physical place, but those you share that space with."

"Yeah, I know that better than most."

"So, am I to understand that you do not feel at home with your brother?"

"No, that ain't it. I mean, he can still scare the fuck outta me, but with the exception of one misunderstandin' he's actually been pretty descent. Maybe a little too descent."

"Time did not pass for you as it did the rest of us, it is difficult to accept Sesshomaru's change of heart."

Grunting out loud, Inuyasha thought, "Ain't that the fuckin' truth. After all those years of bein' his punchin' bag . . . how could he hate me so damn much then and feel so different now? It don't make sense."

"And so, is that what has you coming to see me? You can not forgive your elder brother? You can not accept his new perception of you?"

"No, I . . . hell, Bakusen'O, I just don't know."

"Young one, would it help you to know that in many ways, what Sesshomaru did to you, hurt him more than yourself."

Sitting up, Inuyasha couldn't help but speak out loud, "Bullshit! Besides cuttin' of his gods damned arm, which eventually grew back, I don't remember him bein' the one paintin' the forest in red. Not to mention . . . " leaning back upon the tree, Inuyasha heard, "Not to mention what?"

"Nothin'."

"It seems as if the word denial can be used for others besides Sesshomaru."

"I don't know what you're talkin' about tree."

"Of course you do. Tell me, was it only the physical damage your brother inflicted that you have a difficult time forgiving?"

Turning his head to the side, Inuyasha squeezed his eyes closed, stupidly trying to silence the poisonous words his brother had said time and time again. "No. I coulda taken the beatin's. All in all, my body heals pretty fast. I mean, Youkai are violent, it's kinda in their nature, especially Sesshomaru. It wasn't his fist or claws that hurt, not really."

"Words can cut more deeply and fester longer than the deepest gash."

"Yeah, I guess."

"And tell me, does your brother still say such vile things?"

Blushing, Inuyasha's heart beat just a little bit faster, something that did not go unnoticed by Bakusen'O. "No, he says other things now."

"Interesting. Tell me, what does the Lord of the West say that has your heart speeding?"

"I – "

"You have come to me today, Inuyasha. Much like your father did in his day, you have come seeking this Bakusen'Os council. If you can not be honest with me, then you have wasted your time."

"It's . . . it's just hard. He says things . . . wants things from me that I don't know if I can give. Hell, I don't even know if I wanna give them."

Feeling how difficult it was for the Hanyou, Bakusen'O decided to offer a small amount of aid. "Does this have to do with the claim I scent on you?"

"T-the claim?"

"I may be a tree, but the scent you carry is unmistakable, especially when placed by someone of Lord Sesshomaru's status. He has claimed you as his future mate. It is a warning to all those you come into contact with."

"God's damned fucker!" Inuyasha shouted into the woods. "Of all the pretentious, assholish, stuck up things – "

"Did you truly not realize?"

Calming minutely, Inuyasha hung his head. "No, evidently I'm as much of an idiot as Sesshomaru always said. I mean, I just found out about him wantin' to be more than brother's, but I didn't know about the scent thing. It's just . . . I mean, how was I supposed to know? Sure, the jackass has been sayin' some weird shit lately about him ownin' me and me ownin' him, and he totally lost his fuckin' sanity when he thought it wasn't me standin' before him but some kind of imposter. And, then, there's been all the touchin'. You know, in a kinda nice way, not the makin' me bleed way. But a mate? Gods above, pure-blooded Youkai think I'm nothin' more than trash and human's are fuckin' terrified of me most the time. I was just happy when either one didn't wanna run me through."

"So, you have never considered yourself worthy of becoming another's mate?"

"Of course not!" Realizing what he'd just said, Inuyasha amended, "Well, at least I never thought they'd think I was worthy."

Although he doubted the Hanyou was really that secure, Bakusen'O let it go. Sometimes it was good to allow one to keep at least a few of their delusions. "But obviously, Sesshomaru believes you to be worthy of such a title."

"Yeah, so he says. Fuck if I know why."

Sighing, Bakusen'Os leaves shifted lower in the wind. "I will tell you what I told your brother all those years ago, when I first took you into my care and Sesshomaru was beset with an unreasonable hatred. You, my dear InuHanyou are a gift."

"I think Sesshomaru's poison has addled your brain, tree."

"Do you believe so?" Bakusen'O chuckled. "Perhaps in some things, you are correct, but not in this. On that day, I told Sesshomaru you were a gift from your father."

"I can just hear what he said about that."

"Indeed, at the time, your foolish elder brother believed his own delusions over my council, but despite his opinion, I was correct then as I am correct now. Lord Inu no Taisho knew the life of a DaiYoukai was one of duty and responsibility. Although he had the love and admiration of his people, he could not find such in his private life – not until he met your mother. Izayoi gave the dog general a sense of peace he had not known, an all too brief sense of peace. Your beautiful mother wanted nothing more from your father than his love and to be by his side. This is a rare thing for someone of such a status. A rare thing indeed."

Letting Bakusen'Os words sink in, Inuyasha remained quiet until he finally thought, "Sesshomaru said somethin' like that the other day. He says he trusts me more than anybody else."

"Ah, it is good to hear such. I had hoped he had learned this when I finally released you into his care. At that time, I knew he had not fully realized your importance, but he was so very close and so very lonely that I felt it was right."

"H-how could you tell? I mean, how did ya know the bastard wasn't just lyin' to ya?"

"I am not so easily fooled, young InuHanyou. My senses may not be as keen as yours but I can still detect an all out falsehood."

"'Kay, didn't mean to insult you."

"Do not concern yourself, no offense was taken."

Curious, Inuyasha asked, "So, are you sayin' father had me just for Sesshomaru's sake? 'Cause if that's the case, then the old man was as insane as the rest of ya."

"No. You were conceived due to no other reason than the love he had for your mother. Unlike Sesshomaru, whose conception and birth were for the sheer purpose of providing a strong heir for the Western Lands."

"T-that's really why he was born?"

"It is not an uncommon practice amongst Youkai nobility, nor human nobility if I am not mistaken."

"Yeah, that's true." Taking a deep breath of air, Inuyasha thought, "I'll bet he was pretty stoked about Sesshomaru. Can't get much more fuckin' powerful than that bastard."

"True, your brother was born such and it was quickly known that he would be a force to be reckoned with, but as Sesshomaru grew, so did his cold disdain for life. It seemed as if he had inherited his mother's personality with none of Inu no Taisho's compassion to balance it. By the time of your impending birth, your father was aware that below that cold exterior laid one of the loneliest souls he'd ever encountered."

"You think Sesshomaru's a sadistic bastard just because he's lonely?"

Chuckling, Bakusen'O answered, "No, he is such because it is in his nature to be so. Do not be mistaken, your father did not find Sesshomaru's demeanor to be an all together bad thing, he only wished for his son to find someone worthy of himself, a positive outlet for all that power your brother had brewing within his body. Your father knew that having someone to protect would only make his heir stronger. Not only that, but powerful rulers require an equally powerful mate to balance their actions. In short, having a confident and capable beta mate would make Sesshomaru a better ruler for the West."

"And he thought I could do that? That the perfect fuckin' Sesshomaru would find his half-breed brother acceptable in any way."

"Naïve as it may sound, yes."

"I guess we can all see about how well that turned out."

"You speak as if your father had been wrong."

"I think it's pretty fuckin' obvious he was."

"On the contrary, events of late would prove just how right he was."

"I . . . I mean, that's only been within the past couple of weeks! That fucker tormented me for centuries."

"I will not argue this point, but you can not deny that as of this moment, Sesshomaru has come to value your life above all others, just as I said he would when I first took you into my care."

"-Keh, only took the bastard five hundred fuckin' years."

"Self deception is a harsh mistress and it invades the soul like nothing else ever could. As a DaiYoukai, Sesshomaru is able to defeat any enemy, but not the enemy within himself. Unable to accept feeling emotion of any kind, your brother did the only thing he knew how, he turned it into an enemy to be defeated, and that enemy was you."

"Damn, and I thought I was the fucked up one."

"I do not say any of this to excuse your brother's past actions, for indeed, most of what he has done to you is inexcusable. But, the question now, Inuyasha, is if you can forgive him."

"I can forgive him, just not sure I should. I mean, I was already there. It was nice, thinkin' of Sesshomaru as a brother and not some Youkai who only wanted to slay my Hanyou ass. But then he went and threw this mate thing into the equation."

"And that is what you are truly unsure about?"

Feeling his face heat up yet again, Inuyasha nodded. "I don't know if I can do that. Give up so much control. Besides, why would Sesshomaru find me attractive like that? I'm just an ugly half-breed."

"Inuyasha, it is unfortunate that you have heard such hateful words in the past. Those words have distorted the way in which you view yourself, for you do indeed have the wondrous beauty those of the Inu line hold. But I shall leave the task of convincing you of such to your brother. For now, I have but one question, do you find Sesshomaru attractive in this way, little InuHanyou?"

"I . . . you and I both know that jackass is a looker. I ain't above admittin' the prick's the most beautiful creature the gods ever placed upon the earth. So much so I'm afraid to even touch the bastard. But beauty sure as hell ain't everything." And that was most definitely true, for although Sesshomaru had willingly touched him these past few days, Inuyasha was afraid to do the same.

"Indeed, it is not. I am pleased but not surprised this is your opinion."

"Yeah, well, I've seen enough beauty in my life to know that the prettiest things have the nastiest thorns. It sure as hell ain't what's on the surface that counts."

"Then, what would count for you?"

Thinking hard, Inuyasha knew what he wanted to say, but it hurt more than anything to admit it. "Safety. Damn but I feel fuckin' weak to admit that shit, but it's true. I've spent my whole life runnin'. Just once, I wanna run towards somethin', not away from it."

"And, you do not feel safe with your brother?"

Concentrating on the last few days, Inuyasha knew there were times he had. God's, his Youkai just wanted to curl up at his brother's feet and wag its tail in contentment. But when Sesshomaru lost control . . . sighing deeply, Inuyasha thought he could feel safe if he could only trust the bastard. "I feel safe, some of the time. I don't think it's smart to really feel that way all the time yet."

"Ah, intelligence often has little to do with how we feel."

"That your way of tellin' me I should trust my instincts?"

"If I remember correctly, you have remarkable instincts, perhaps it is not so foolish to heed them now."

"I got good survival instincts, not sure about the rest, didn't work out so well with Kikyo."

"Perhaps, but only you can decide if it is time to give it another try."

Laying his head back against the trunk of the tree, last nights dubious rest was coming back to bite the Hanyou in his ass. "Maybe you're right."

"Would it help if you had some idea what happened in those five hundred years you were in my care? To know that Sesshomaru's change of heart did not happen as quickly as you feel, but gradually over many centuries."

Inuyasha knew Bakusen'O had hit one of the roots of his problem. It was damn hard to accept Sesshomaru's sincereness because it just seemed too fucking quick. "Yeah, I think that would help, but how are you gonna do it?"

"Simply lay back and close your eyes. I will open my memories of the past to you so you may see for yourself."

Doing as he was told, Inuyasha settled in and emptied his mind. Soon enough, visions of Sesshomaru began filtering their way into his brain. Visions of his brother's disdainful face and cold eyes. Over and over again, that stoic, icy mask Sesshomaru wore so well stood staring up at something and then, that image began to change. Subtle at first, Inuyasha questioned anything was different at all, but there, in the eyes, just as he'd seen last night and this morning – pain. Deep, mournful regret and pain. Unblinking, golden eyes of longing became the only thing Inuyasha could see and those eyes both disturbed and healed him in equal measure.

On and on the visions came as the years of the past rolled through Bakusen'Os memory until Inuyasha saw himself, beaten and bloody being lowered to the ground, a beautiful female Youkai with hands alight in blue flame healing the worst of his injuries as an obviously anxious Sesshomaru stood nearby. And then, Inuyasha watched as his brother knelt on the ground beside his wounded body, finally pulling his diminished form into his arms and oh-so carefully lifting him to his chest. Heart thudding, Inuyasha could see the gentle care the Lord of the West took with his body and in that moment, he had his answer.

"Does this make things clearer for you?"

Taking a deep breath, Inuyasha's hand came up, clenching the fabric resting above his heart. "He really came to visit me that often?"

"As the years passed, so did the frequency of your brother's visits increase. He would sit or stand for hours and sometimes days just to catch a glimpse of your Firerat through the canopy of my leaves."

"Shit, I had no idea."

"So, has this helped you come to some type of decision?"

"Yeah. I mean, I still ain't sure, but I can at least give it a try. Besides, somehow I doubt Sesshomaru's gonna give up. No matter how nice he's been, I got no illusions as to what he really is."

"And what is that, little InuHanyou?"

"A powerful as fuck DaiYoukai whose used to gettin' whatever he wants."

"And what he wants now – "

"Is me. That don't mean I gotta make it easy on him."

"Indeed, it does not."

"I'm sure it ain't gonna go real smooth. I won't be some weak ass Hanyou he can boss around and somehow I doubt I'm gonna always do what he says just because he says it."

"I would hope not and I suspect Lord Sesshomaru would not want you so badly if he thought such."

"Most likely he'll live to regret that," Inuyasha thought with a smirk.

"There have been few times in my long existence I have regretted being rooted to this singular spot, but I find myself in one right now. To bare witness to the coming days would do this old tree good."

"Don't worry, I'll drag the bastards sorry ass out here to visit more often. Most likely you'll get your fair share of knock down drag out fights that way."

Hearing the tree's laughter easing through his mind, Inuyasha gave a tired yawn. "Ya mind if I get a little rest. Had a lot on my mind last night and didn't sleep much."

"You may rest in my branches as long as you wish, son of Inu no Taisho, for you shall always be welcome here."

Smiling, Inuyasha let his body relax even further. He'd decided this might be worth giving a try, but there was something he needed from Sesshomaru first. Whatever happened tonight would probably be the deciding factor. There were still a couple of things he needed to know and both his and Sesshomaru's reactions would allow the Hanyou to know if he could ever truly feel safe within his brother's arms.

Ah, another one done and posted! Hope you all liked Inuyasha and Bakusen'Os little talk. I also hope you all don't mind my take on Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's births and the reason's behind them.

I'm not sure how to tease next weeks chapter. For those of you who've been missing more Inuyasha/Sesshomaru time, you'll get it, but I'm not sure it will be in the exact way you're expecting :-) Still, next chapter is a major turning point for our Inu's.

Until next time, thanks so much for continuing to read and if you feel so inclined, please drop me a review. They truly make my day. Lunamist . . .