Good evening everyone (or, at least it's evening where I live). So many great reviews from the last chapter. I'm so happy that you guys liked Bakusen'Os reentry into the story and that you also enjoyed the small scene between Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. I've had a couple of reviews wondering why Inuyasha couldn't smell the "scent claim" on him. Well, I kinda think of it like this . . . I had a whole year of anatomy in college and hung around with people taking the same class. None of us knew just how badly we reeked of formaldehyde. The following year, I was in the library in the copy room (I was now a sophomore) and a group of freshmen sauntered in (now they were in anatomy). Damn but did they ever smell, but the whole previous year, I seemed to be in blissful ignorance of my own stench. So . . . I kinda think (to a degree) that's how we all are, we never smell as strongly to ourselves as we do to others. So, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it :-)

Disclaimer's are as in previous chapters.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. It's a little shorter, but I really think it needed to end where it does. I don't want to say much more, so I guess with that . . . on with Chapter 19 . . .

"Shit!" Inuyasha swore as he jumped from Bakusen'Os branches. "I told the bastard I'd be back before dark." Evidently he'd been more tired than he'd thought, because looking at the fading light within the already dimly lit forest let the Hanyou know he'd be pushing that promise.

Feeling a light brush of leaves against his back, Inuyasha turned to see the smiling face of Bakusen'O staring back at him. "I hope I have been able to help the son of my dear friend, Inu no Taisho."

Taking a moment, the Hanyou stepped forward, awkwardly patting the trunk of the tree. "Yeah, I'd say that's a fair statement. Thanks for listenin'."

"Anytime you are in need, you have but to find your way here and I will be more than happy to do so."

With an odd sense of contentment, Inuyasha realized the demon tree was kinda like the dad he'd never had. Or, maybe the brother he'd always wanted but never got. "Hey, Bakusen'O – "

"Yes, young InuHanyou."

"Uh, thanks . . . you know, for savin' me all those years ago. No matter what happens between Sesshomaru and me, I just wanted to say that."

"I am only pleased that I was able to help my friends' son's."

"Yeah, well, not many woulda done somethin' like that, especially for a half-breed like me."

"Then they are the fools, Inuyasha, for there are none worthier than you."

Blushing to the tips of his puppy-dog ears, Inuyasha gave an awkward bow before turning and taking off down the path leading back to the car. Breaking through the brush, the Hanyou shouted, "Start up the car, we gotta get back – like yesterday!"

Having fallen asleep himself, Sang-di jumped off the hood he'd been lounging on and scurried to the passenger side door of the backseat. "God's above, I don't need ya to open the damn door, just get in and start drivin'."

Berating himself, Sang-di knew what he'd done was simply instinct, something so ingrained in his job expectation that he'd simply been going on automatic when the Hanyou began shouting. With a quick, "Sorry, my Lord," the chauffeur did exactly as he was told and as soon as he heard Inuyasha's door shut, they were headed back along the rough road leading towards the highway and the heart of Tokyo.

"Fuckin' hell, I totally lost track of time. I promised Sesshomaru I'd be back before dark."

Leaning down, Sang-di looked out the window at the setting sun. With a smirk upon his face, the driver pressed down on the gas pedal, throwing an unsuspecting Hanyou into the back seat. With grace and precision, Sang-di evaded both the local authority and other vehicles, timing stop lights and intersections perfectly.

"Damn! No wonder the jackass has kept you around so long."

Beaming with pride, Sang-di rarely if ever got the opportunity to illustrate his skills. "Thank you, my Lord. I dare say we should make it back to Taisho Tower with time to spare." And, just like he'd said, as the sun was just settling over the horizon, the sleek black car pulled into the underground parking garage. Once through the security gate, Sang-di pulled into Lord Sesshomaru's private area only for his headlights to hit upon the very being himself.

Staying where he was, Inuyasha took a few minutes to simply compose himself. Looking out the car door window, he had a perfect view of his stunning brother. Now that he knew what Sesshomaru wanted and even more importantly, that he was willing to try it, Inuyasha felt a fresh new sense of awe. Sesshomaru really was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. Standing amongst the unforgiving backdrop of silver and gray, the DaiYoukai looked as regal as ever. With a painful swallow, Inuyasha felt a deep sense of inadequacy, but remembering Bakusen'Os words, he took a deep breath and opened the door to the car.

As soon as he'd seen the car lights, Sesshomaru felt the tightness in his chest loosen, especially when the distinct feel of his brother's Youkai hit him. Inuyasha was back, and just as he'd promised. Silently, the Lord of the West refused to believe he'd feared otherwise, still, the relief he felt when his little brother opened the car door and the full scent of InuHanyou entered his nose was difficult to ignore. But even with all these feelings, Sesshomaru's voice was apathetic when he stated, "It is good to see you again, Inuyasha."

Stepping out of the car, Inuyasha felt a slight blush hit his cheeks, his eyes automatically going to the floor as he scratched the back of an ear. "Didn't expect ya to be waitin' by the elevator to pick me up."

Inside, it took everything within Sesshomaru's being not to move forwards and pull the Hanyou into his arms. With his Youkai constantly screaming its desires, Sesshomaru grit his teeth in his effort to stay as still and calm as possible so as not to frighten his little brother further. "I did not wish for you to feel the need to take the stairs, and since the elevator makes you feel uncomfortable, I thought it would be helpful if I were to ride up with you."

Thinking that statement should make him mad for some reason, Inuyasha simply couldn't muster up that emotion. Preoccupied as he was with everything that was Sesshomaru and what he was about to ask his brother to do that night. And so, instead of throwing a tantrum, he merely said, "Okay, that sounds good."

Raising a single, silvery-white eyebrow, Sesshomaru thought his siblings capitulation odd, but would not tempt it. "Then, if you are done for the evening, we shall retire."

Again, all the Hanyou could do was nod his head before throwing a quick, "Thanks for the ride, Sang-di," over his shoulder.

Never really having been thanked for simply doing his job, Sang-di was at a loss and became even further flustered when Lord Sesshomaru nodded in his direction. Feeling oddly appreciated, the chauffeur watched as the two Inu's stepped into the elevator that would take them to their home. With a relieved sigh, he slumped against the car, glad the day was over.

The ride up in the elevator was just as, if not more awkward, than the morning ride down had been. All around him, Inuyasha could smell the heady scent of his brother, not to mention the power radiating off the bastards Youkai. Even when he wasn't pissed, Sesshomaru's Youkai was something to behold. And, just as their previous ride, few words were spoken as they moved ever upwards and to the sky.

When the elevator doors finally opened, Inuyasha was so lost in thought he barely registered the activity. Only when Sesshomaru asked, "Are you coming?" did the Hanyou look up and realize they'd arrived.

"Yeah, sorry about that, spaced out for a minute."

"Indeed, you have seemed lost in thought since arriving home."

Now standing in the foyer, Inuyasha realized there was no more time. Sure, he could always put this off, but that had never been his style. If something was scary, it was sure as shit better to attack it head on and get the fuck over it. But Sesshomaru had always been the exception to that rule. He might have foolishly attacked his brother before he'd known better, but now that he was aware of the full capabilities of the DaiYoukai . . . well, lets just say it made a Hanyou rethink things a little.

Sucking in a deep breath, Inuyasha raised his head, looking his brother straight in the eyes. "Yeah, I've had a lot to think about."

A slight shifting of feet was the only indication Sesshomaru outwardly gave that he was suffering from any form of anxiety. "And, would it be too presumptuous of this Sesshomaru to ask if you have come to any decisions?"

Running a clawed hand through his thick bangs, Inuyasha shook his head. "No."

"No I should not ask, or no it is not presumptuous of me to do so?"

Damn but Sesshomaru always sounded so fuckin' uptight. "You can ask, but just so you know, I'm still not sure about things. Seein' Bakusen'O today helped, but – "

"Ah, so that is where you have been. How is that old tree?"

Thrown off his train of thought, Inuyasha's eyebrows scrunched down. "Oh, he's good. It was nice to see him, you know, when I wasn't dyin' and bleedin' all over the place."

He'd said it more as a matter of fact than an accusation, but Inuyasha still noticed Sesshomaru's shoulder's tensing just a bit more and decided to head it off. "I didn't mean it like that, I . . . I wanna try and get past all that stuff. I'm probably one stupid ass Hanyou for sayin' that, but it's true."

Feeling a sliver of hope, Sesshomaru dared ask, "And, what is the extent of your willingness?"

Blushing all over again, Inuyasha stared down at his clawed toes. "You askin' if I'm willin' to try this mate thing out or if I just wanna be brother's?"

"Yes, that is the heart of it."

Looking off to the side, the Hanyou felt his heart speed. "Maybe the mate part, but before I decide for sure, I want somethin' from you."

God's it was all Sesshomaru could do to stay rooted to his spot and not pounce upon his Hanyou. "You have but to ask, little brother."

"Yeah, well, you may not be so willin' in a few minutes."

Narrowing his golden eyes, Sesshomaru wondered what his little brother would want. Retribution made the most sense, and if that were the case, he would willingly allow the Hanyou to maim his body in any way he saw fit. The Lord of the West would passively let Inuyasha bleed and beat him until his sibling was content. Of course, one night of this would most likely not be enough, but perhaps it would be a start. Feeling as if some form of punishment would ensue shortly, Sesshomaru stated, "I will willingly capitulate to whatever you believe necessary."

Taking a moment to critically look over his brother, Inuyasha finally nodded. "Okay then, lets head to my room."

Slightly surprised, Sesshomaru had thought they'd be going somewhere with a larger area; somewhere Inuyasha could toss and throw his body until it was broken and utterly defeated. None the less, the DaiYoukai did as he was told and quietly followed the Hanyou's stilted and obviously anxious steps as they made their way to his younger sibling's bedroom.

Once inside the door, Inuyasha pointed and said, "Take off your shirt and get on the bed."

Suddenly, the Lord of the West was beginning to doubt what the coming night would bring. He'd been expecting pain, but could it be Inuyasha had something else in mind? Feeling his cock begin hardening at the mere thought, Sesshomaru obeyed while keeping his increasing lust at bay. With his shirt off, the DaiYoukai asked, "How would you like me?"

Cheeks fiery red, Inuyasha kept his eyes on the floor. "J-just lay back, against the headboard."

Doing as told, Sesshomaru scooted back until his skin met the soft fur lining the top of the Hanyou's bed. Golden eyes shimmering with desire, he watched as Inuyasha scooted closer, removing his own shirt, only to hold the fabric within his hands, twisting it into something that would never be wearable again. "Inuyasha –"

"Just . . . just be quiet for a minute and listen." Sitting on the edge of the bed and facing away from Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's eyes stayed trained on the knotted fabric within his hands. "This is the part you're probably not gonna like, but just remember, you promised, 'kay."

"This Sesshomaru will keep his word."

"Yeah, we'll see." Leaning forwards, Inuyasha placed his elbows on his knees, his eyes looking at the mirrored glass lining the wall of his room. "I'm gonna say and do some shit, and I want you to sit there and not do a god's damned thing unless I say so, got it."

"This Sesshomaru understands."

"Good. Now, if this thing is gonna have half a chance, there are some things I gotta do. First off, I just wanna say you are the most arrogant, sadistic, jackass I've ever met in my life. You've tortured, hunted, and berated me. And, lets face it, you killed me. We can argue all we want that I'm still alive, but we both know if it hadn't been for Bakusen'O, I'd of been nothin' but a pile of dust and bones long ago. You hurt me, Sesshomaru, more than anyone else ever could simply because it was you doin' it. But even with all that, I've never once hated you like you've hated me. Stupid and reckless as it may be, I can forgive all that. Dog-breath was right, I've always wanted to forgive you and with you bein' all descent and shit recently . . . well, lets just say you still piss me off on a regular basis, but I think that's somethin' we can both work around."

Pausing, Inuyasha was mildly surprised Sesshomaru was keeping to his word as not a single syllable had passed through his lips. Chancing a glance in his brother's direction, the Hanyou was further surprised to see the unmasked pain and regret deep in the DaiYoukai's golden eyes; eyes that were forever betrayed by that damned cold expression he always wore.

"So, that's the stuff I've got figured out, but there's a whole shitload of stuff that's still confusin' as hell. But, I'm gonna take a leap of faith and see if we can get through it as time goes on. But to do that, I gotta know a couple of things, things you can't talk your way out of, things you can't fix or not fix, it's stuff you've got no control over and that's what you can't handle. That's why I want you like this for tonight – silent and obedient. I know you're an alpha, a tough as shit alpha, but for tonight, I need you to let me be in control, at least a little. I'm too fuckin' jaded to expect miracles, but I want you to try. I don't know if what I wanna do tonight will be difficult for you or not, but I know it would be for me."

Feeling a sudden wave of lust wash over his senses, Inuyasha's amber eyes widened slightly before narrowing in accusation. "Fuck, Sesshomaru, we sure ain't doin' what you're thinkin' tonight, so you best get that idea outta your head right now." At the word, "head," Sesshomaru's eyes drifted ever so slightly down to his swollen cock, pushing none to gently at the fabric of his pants. Following his brother's eyes, Inuyasha's own widened. "Yeah, definitely not happenin' anytime soon." Taking another embarrassed glance at the DaiYoukai's groin, Inuyasha had to admit, at least to himself, that it was good to know he could affect the ice prick in that way, still, it was hardly what he was after tonight.

"Think of Jaken or somethin'." Eyes wide in amazement, the Hanyou watched his brother's bulge deflate. "Damn, I'll have to remember that for later." With Sesshomaru's little problem apparently dealt with, Inuyasha pushed himself further onto the bed, moving forwards until he was cautiously straddling his brother's hips. Closing his eyes, he knew that in the next few minutes, he'd know if this thing between the two of them had even the slimmest of chances. Either that, or Sesshomaru would gut him.

Hands clenched and shaking, Inuyasha closed his eyes tight before opening them, finding his face mere inches from his powerful brother's. "I – I'm gonna touch you, nothin' else, but I got a feelin' nobody's done that and lived for awhile." The knowing smirk and slight narrowing of Sesshomaru's eyes confirmed what he thought. Swallowing past his nervous anxiety, Inuyasha's claw tipped finger reached up, gently tracing the perfect alabaster skin before him. Sure, he'd touched Sesshomaru before, but only in an effort to defend himself. In truth, Inuyasha had always marveled at the magnificent porcelain quality and had wondered if it truly felt as soft as he'd always imagined. And, it did. But not only was it soft, but unyielding, just as with every other aspect of the Lord of the West, the beautiful exterior hid an indomitable strength, and the DaiYoukai's skin was no different.

Amazed curiosity taking over his fear, Inuyasha moved so that more of his fingers along with the palm of his hand rested upon his brother's face. Tracing the magnificent magenta stripes, he managed to elicit a small gasp from Sesshomaru, but otherwise, the DaiYoukai laid perfectly still, allowing his younger brother to explore at will. With his eyelids dropping closed, Sesshomaru allowed Inuyasha's gentle touch to extend over this most vulnerable part of his body. With no more than a flick of the Hanyou's wrist, he could easily pluck those golden orbs from their sockets, permanently blinding the Lord of all Asia, but Sesshomaru understood, this was a test in trust, and it was a test he must not fail.

Reassured by how Sesshomaru was reacting, Inuyasha moved his hands down, ghosting his fingers against the powerful pulse in his brother's neck, and even further to the hard muscles of the DaiYoukai's chest and arms, following along the magenta that slashed across the paleness of the lean form before him. Leaning back to gain better access, the Hanyou poked and prodded every available inch of his brother, at least, those areas above the waist. True to his word, Inuyasha had no interest in anything even remotely sexual this night. No, what he needed to know was what it felt like to feel safe, well and truly safe, and if he could even come close to that emotion lying in his brother's wickedly destructive arms.

With that thought in mind, the Hanyou lifted one of Sesshomaru's arms, turning it until it was palm side up, running his hands over and around the skin until reaching those poisonous claws. Holding the DaiYoukai's hand within his own, Inuyasha felt the phantom pain deep within his gut that that very same hand had pierced all those years ago – the same hand he was now about to place his well being into. God's but he must be a masochist.

With Sesshomaru's available skin fully explored, Inuyasha moved on to that perfect, silken hair. Grabbing a section, the Hanyou watched with fascinated eyes as the strands moved like liquid water, floating and slipping through his fingers. Wanting more of that feeling, he reached down, only for his fingers to alight on the softest texture they'd ever come into contact with – Sesshomaru's fur. Taking both hands now, Inuyasha reached over and to the side of his brother, lifting the heavy substance from where it laid on the bed. In his hands, the fur undulated and slithered as the Hanyou's fingers eased through its length. Just like his skin, Sesshomaru's fur hid a truly sinister weapon. Inuyasha knew well, should anyone ever get through the Lord of the West's impressive defenses, mokomoko would render them silent, squeezing the air from their bodies as bone cracked under its constricting weight. In every way, Sesshomaru's body and Youkai had been made for one thing – killing.

Feeling a shudder run through him, Inuyasha wondered why this thought didn't bother him more. It should, especially seeing as how that killing power had been directed at him on more than one occasion. In fact, many times it seemed as if his brother's one true purpose in life was to make his own a living hell, right up until the point he decided to end his half-breed brother's pathetic life. But now, now he no longer felt that rage directed at him. Of course, he'd been scared out of his mind the other day when Sesshomaru had thought him an imposter, but wasn't that just proof of what Kouga had said; that now, instead of having all that killing instinct directed at him, it would be aimed at anyone and everyone whom threatened his life? Could it really be that easy?

Still unsure, Inuyasha laid himself down, chest to chest with what was likely the most lethal being upon the entire planet. Tilting his head up slightly, he was able to place his nose in the crook of Sesshomaru's neck, inhaling deeply that intoxicating scent, but more than that, testing to see the DaiYoukai's reaction. More than his eyes, the pulse point was Sesshomaru's weakest area, and besides a barely felt tightening of muscle, the Lord of the West allowed it with almost no perceivable protest. Satisfied, Inuyasha pulled his head down, resting the side of his face against his brother's chest, hearing the comforting and steady beat of a heart he'd once questioned even existed.

Taking in a deep breath, the Hanyou lifted his brother's arm over his body, resting it across the back of his shoulder's before settling down, silent and still as he waited for his own reaction, only, it was not what he'd been expecting. Almost as insidious as Sesshomaru's poison, Inuyasha felt a bone weary easing of his body. In that instant, lying so intimately within his brother's arms, Inuyasha felt a deeper agony than he'd ever known – the agony of what should have been and how good it would have felt. Protected, cared for . . . safe. He'd wondered if it would be possible to feel this way, and the devastating truth was that it was not just possible, it was how it should have always been. All those times he sat alone, freezing and starving, hiding from predators and insane mobs of humans. All those times he'd drug himself to some cave, bleeding and beaten . . . all those times, here was the one who could have prevented them all. Here was the Youkai whom should have protected and cared for him, and here was the Youkai who'd done nothing. No, Sesshomaru had done worse than nothing, he'd injured him more than any other.

Feeling the utter and overwhelming sense of loss, the tears Inuyasha had not even realized were present began their rare and heavy descent down his cheeks, pooling on his perfect brother's alabaster skin. With a heart full of pain, the Hanyou beat his hand down upon that unmovable chest and uttered one heartbreakingly whispered word, "Why?"

With his Youkai howling in his soul, all the passion Sesshomaru had been feeling earlier dissipated. His intended mate was in agony. An agony whose sole cause could and should be laid at his feet. When Inuyasha had first started touching him, the DaiYoukai had found the experience enjoyable, yet confusing as he tried to think of what information his brother was gaining if not meant in a sexual way. But as Inuyasha laid his head upon his chest and the salt of his tears reached Sesshomaru's nose, he finally understood. This . . . this was what his little brother needed the most. Not to physically punish him. Not to take out some type of revenge. So used to devious plots and machinations was the Lord of all Asia, that he did not recognize the simplicity of what Inuyasha needed – to feel comforted, to feel safe. The most basic of needs, his little brother had never known and it was all his doing.

Having no verbal answer that would even come close to explaining away his past actions, Sesshomaru relied on his instincts and wrapped his young, InuHanyou brother within both arms, sliding mokomoko over the rest of Inuyasha's body and encasing his little brother within his own strength. Tightening his grip just to the point of making the boy feel secure, Sesshomaru simply held Inuyasha as the tears continued to fall. Not another word spoken, just comfort and the feel of absolute protection. And as the tears dried, Sesshomaru felt his brother's heart slow down as sleep claimed him. All through the night and into the first rays of the next morning, Sesshomaru laid on that bed, holding the being who'd become more precious than his own existence and all the while knowing he'd failed at the one thing that had been the most important in his life – he'd failed his little brother and future mate.

Ah . . . more angst, but it's cathartic and in my view necessary. Well, at least our little InuHanyou feels safe now, lets see if Sesshomaru can really live up to that calling. Next chapter Inuyasha will have to deal with his reaction. Don't worry, no backtracking . . . only forward moving towards eventual mating :-).

As a side note . . . Inuhime, your last review indicated that you were recovering from surgery, I hope you are doing well and I'm glad the last chapter allowed you a small mental break from your pain.

As always, thank you all for continuing to read my story and an extra special thanks to those of you whom choose to review. I read them all and they mean more than I can ever say. Until next time, I hope you all have a good week and will come back next Sunday.

lunamist