Mild corporal punishment in this chapter. If you do not approve then do not read. Those who do read, keep in mind it is not made out to be abuse, but mainly a lesson used with love. Thanks.

Chapter 23- A Heart to Heart

Shippo felt a heavy blanket of guilt mingled with a sense of dread envelop him as he stood, facing Inuyasha, who had his back turned away from him. The fox shivered slightly in the cool night breeze. The moon had risen in the endless sky, bestowing a shadowy, milky light upon them.

His tail twitched nervously as he watched Inuyasha. Shippo's nose was greeted with the abundant wave of emotions that came rolling off of Inuyasha's person in waves, crashing themselves over his senses, seemingly expressing their disappointment in him.

Shippo's ears drooped in shame and guilt. He could look back and remember when Inuyasha was a brash, angry young man, who would frequently vent his anger out on Shippo in loud, angry verbal lashings. Placing a hand absentmindedly on his head, Shippo also recalled how Inuyasha would usually get his message through to him with several bobs to the head.

But this…… this was different, Shippo knew. Inuyasha had grown up quite a lot in the last few years. He (for the most part), had learned to control his violent temper and physical actions. Shippo almost preferred the angry Inuyasha over the disappointed Inuyasha. Yes. The disappointed Inuyasha was too much for Shippo to bear.

A sudden sound caused him to look up. Inuyasha had stalked over to a nearby trickling stream and had begun to wash his hands vigorously in the moonlit water. Loud splashing penetrated the tensioned silence that had fallen over the clearing. Then as suddenly as the splashing had started, it stopped.

Shippo nearly flinched when Inuyasha's rough voice finally spoke.

"Shippo. Come here."

Shippo swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, and slowly, padded his way over to the red robed figure. It seemed to take an eternity for Shippo to cross the small distance between him and Inuyasha. But unfortunately, he finally did, and came to rest beside him, his head tilted towards the ground as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world.

"Shippo." There it was again. His voice, calling him, demanding his attention. But Shippo did not want to face him. Inuyasha and all his fury and wrath. Shippo shivered involuntarily.

Inuyasha growled slightly at being pointedly ignored, when he knew that Shippo had heard him.

"Shippo! Look at me."

The young fox demon's head snapped up from the ground to look into his molten eyes. Those eyes held so many different emotions, all bubbling just below the surface. Anger, disappointment, worry, relieve. Inuyasha's eyes burned into Shippo, making the fox wish the ground would open up and swallow him, so that he could escape that stare.

Shippo dropped his head from the intense gaze and back to the ground. He felt his chest heave with emotion. His cheeks burned with humiliation. He could not bear to look into those eyes again. Those eyes that held such intense feelings directed toward him!

Shippo heard a sigh, and stiffened when he felt two clawed fingers grip his chin and turn his face. Inuyasha stared at the young fox whose chin he held, forcing his face to look at him. This kid reminded him so much of himself when he was that age. Rambunkshish at times, brash and quick to jump to conclusions, tough, and fiercely loyal.

When Inuyasha had spotted Shippo nearly in the wolf's jaws, his heart had skipped a beat. To think that he had almost lost him. All he could think about was Shippo getting hurt. What was he thinking?! Straying so far away, specifically when he was told not too! At this Inuyasha's mouth hardened into a thin line.

He sat down on a nearby boulder that was close to the stream, his hands still gripping Shippo's chin. He turned to look at the fox child.

"Shippo what did you think you were doing?!" He asked him, his voice half angry half curious.

Shippo flinched again at the harsh tone.

His mouth felt as dry as the earth, he wiggled his tongue around, trying to find the right words.

"I-I," Shippo stammered, trying to get the words out. Inuyasha cut him off with a harsh rebuke.

"I told you not to be gone so long! You knew not to wonder so far without more protection!"

I-but- Kilala" Shippo fumbled over his words.

Inuyasha growled angrily. "That's not the point! You went too far out, and dragged Kilala with you! Both of you where hurt! What if I had not gotten there in time?! Don't you have enough common sense in that head of yours to stop and think before you act?! God dammit Shippo, what if I was too late?! What if-" But Inuyasha had to stop himself. He took a deep breath, placing his hand against his chest, the other still encasing Shippo's chin. After calming himself down he turned to Shippo, who's eyes where quivering.

"I- I'm sorry Inuyasha.' He stammered out.

Inuyasha fixed him with a frustrated gaze. "Sometimes sorry isn't good enough Shippo. I think what you need is something more than a scolding to get you to behave yourself." And with this Inuyasha tightened his grip meaningfully whilst his eyes held a momentous look.

Suddenly Shippo realized what Inuyasha was talking about. He began to panic.

"No! No, you can't! Inuyasha! Not that!" He began to tug frantically at his captor, trying to escape. But it was useless, and Shippo remained rooted, in Inuyasha's grasp.

Inuyasha sighed, always hating this part. He remember from his own childhood, when his mother had used her own firm hand a few times to keep him in line. He had never forgotten after that, always promising to be good afterwards. Inuyasha softly brought a hand around to rest gently on Shippo's back, to keep him from running away.

By now Shippo's heart was beating wildly. He was twelve! Not completely a teenager yet, but not a complete child either! Sure Inuyasha had bobbed him over the head a few times when he was younger, but never a spanking!

"Look Inuyasha, I promise I will never disobey you again. I promise! Just- don't spank me."

A sliver of sympathy passed through Inuyasha's orbs. Oh the promises he had made to his mother, saying anything to get out of his punishment. His mother had not been lenient about that, and neither was he, as much as he hated doing it, he knew that Shippo needed this in order to see how much worry he had caused and how much danger he had put himself in.

He drew Shippo closer to him, trying to calm the kit down.

"Shippo, do you know why I am going to punish you?" Inuyasha asked quietly, taking a different approach.

Shippo sniffed, despite his age. "Because I disobeyed you, and worried you and the others. I put myself in danger, as well as Kilala."

Inuyasha nodded. "And do you think that maybe this spanking will help you to remember to behave and to think before you act?"

Another wet sniffle, Shippo wiped his nose hastily. His head moved in the tinniest of nods.

Inuyasha smiled, in spite of what he was about to do. In a way, he was proud of Shippo for admitting his mistake, and owning up to his punishment. He encircled his hands around Shippo's form and lifted him easily from the ground. He placed the kit over his lap, positioning him so his bottom was a direct target. He placed a hand firmly in the small of Shippo's back, to keep him there. He felt Shippo grasp his kimono and hold his breath in dreaded anticipation.

Inuyasha looked down at the quivering young fox. He took a deep breath. It was now or never. He raised his hand high and brought it down upon Shippo's bottom with a thunderous smack.

Shippo stiffened as he felt the hand collide with his vulnerable bottom. Inuyasha's hand was very large, and covered nearly Shippo's entire bottom. It was only the first smack and already Shippo felt the sting. His hakama provided little protection from Inuyasha's hand. He felt Inuyasha's hand leave his buttocks, only to slam down a few seconds later. Shippo bit the inside of his cheek tightly.

Again and again Inuyasha's hand descended upon Shippo's backside. By the sixth smack Shippo was squirming uncomfortably. Inuyasha's hand alternated between each cheek, also making sure to cover the back of Shippo's thighs and his sit spot. At one point Shippo tried to cover his bottom to protect it, only to have them smacked away.

"None of that. Unless you would like me to remove your pants."

Shippo immediately put his hands back, afraid that Inuyasha would come through with his threat. The spanking hurt enough already! Inuyasha continued on, his hand flying over Shippo's bottom expertly. By now Shippo felt the heat rise in his bottom tremendously. The sting was all over, and he yearned to rub his bottom! He knew that it was probably pink if not red by now.

"Now you know not to disobey me like that Shippo", Inuyasha said in between smacks. At this point Shippo was wiggling tremendously and began to kick his legs slightly. His chest was heaving uncontrollably. I just hurt so badly! Shippo felt hot tears run down his cheeks, from the pain he was suffering and also from the pain he knew he caused Inuyasha. He had worried him so much, Shippo knew that now.

Inuyasha's hand smacked his behind once more, causing Shippo to gasp aloud. "Will you do something like this again Shippo?" He asked him.

"N-No! I promise I will be good!' Shippo cried.

"And will you apologize to the others for making them worry so?"

"Y- Yes I will! I will! I'm sorry Inuyasha! I'm so sorry!" Shippo wailed over his lap.

"All right then," Inuyasha concluded, with one last solid smack. Shippo just cried, hanging there over Inuyasha's lap. His bottom had been soundly smacked, and he had deserved it. He was just so glad it was finally over, and oh so sorry.

He felt Inuyasha's hand gently lean him up to sit on his lap. Shippo immediately buried his head in Inuyasha's kimono, muttering sorry over and over again. Inuyasha hugged him close while stroking his tangerine hair soothingly.

"There there." He soothed. "You are forgiven, it is all over now."

Even though Shippo's bottom was burning terribly at this moment, as he cried it out in Inuyasha's kimono, a sudden feeling gripped him. Instead of feeling scared or angry due to his punishment. He felt something else. A warmth that had nothing to do with his bottom spread thought his being. And Shippo knew what it was. It was love. He felt truly loved after his spanking. And it was out of love that he was spanked, not anger or hatred. As he sat there, Inuyasha stroking his hair and rubbing soothing circles on his back, Shippo felt honestly and really loved by the half demon. And Shippo loved him too.

He poked his head from the red folds of Inuyasha's kimono. Golden eyes stared back at his watery green ones. Now Shippo saw the other emotion in their depths. It was love. Inuyasha reached down and gently wiped Shippo's tears away.

Shippo took a shuttering breath, preparing himself for what he was about to say.

"I love you-otousan."

Inuyasha froze. He felt his heart beat quicken. Shippo had called him father. Inuyasha felt moisture on his own cheeks. But he ignored it and hugged Shippo tightly to him. His arms held Shippo protectively to him as he contemplated what he had just said.

Shippo had been the first one, besides Kagome to join the group. He was young, and he had lost his mother and father to the thunder brothers. In a way Inuyasha had always looked out for him, like his own pup.

Well I did call him my pup. And he is, rightfully so! I would do anything to protect him. He is my son, my pup! And I- am his father.

Inuyasha pulled Shippo closer. He bent down so that he was close to his ear.

"I love you to- my son." He whispered.

Shippo thought that his heart was going to explode! He had never felt so safe, and loved before. He wrapped his arms around Inuyasha's neck, and stared up into the face of his savior.

"Otou." Shippo uttered quietly, before burying his face once again. He liked that word. It meant he had someone to love him, someone to call family. And Shippo liked that.

A deep, soothing growl began to vibrate from Inuyasha's chest, soothing Shippo. He had always enjoyed this part of Inuyasha. Somehow that growl comforted him, it told him that nothing would hurt him, and that he would be ok.

Shippo gripped tighter to Inuyasha's warm body, trying to shield his body from the chilly night air. A rustle of fabric entered his ears, and suddenly a felt much warmer, as the chill was lifted.

Inuyasha tucked his kimono securely around the kit. He smiled fondly down at him. Shippo snuggled closer.

"Ready to go home my child?" Inuyasha asked quietly.

Shippo nodded, suddenly feeling very warm and drowsy. He felt Inuyasha lift him easily. After gathering the fox into his arms Inuyasha set off dashing through the shadowy, moonlit night.

In a matter of minutes they had reached the village. A dim light penetrated Shippo's eyelids and he opened them, looking around in a slight fog. He realized that they were standing in front of Kaede's hut. Inuyasha set him down gently.

Shippo yawned and rubbed his eyes. Inuyasha gave him a slight push towards the door.

"Remember what you must say." He reminded him gently.

Shippo nodded. He pulled back the heavy mat that covered the doorway. Instantly a wave of light, sound, and smells greeted him.

The room was light pleasantly with the glow of a roaring fire that crackled merrily in the center. Kagome seemed to be stirring a pot of something that smelled delicious. Shippo's mouth watered. He hadn't had breakfast, and he was famished! But before he could eat he knew what he had to do.

He approached Kagome, who saw him, her eyes softening.

"Shippo, there you are, I was wondering where you and Inuyasha had got to." She said warmly.

Shippo gulped. Kagome being one of the kindest people he knew made this all the much more difficult. But Shippo knew he had disappointed her to, even if she was not showing it directly.

"Kagome- I came to apologize to you. I didn't mean to make you worry. I know that what I did was extremely foolish and I am sorry that I put myself and others in danger. I'm really sorry." Shippo said this last part in a whisper.

Kagome felt her heart go out to the guy. She knew that he was truly sorry based on his sincere apology. She pulled Shippo into a warm embrace.

"Apology accepted kiddo. I'm just so glad you're safe."

Shippo hugged her back, basking in the warmth. A slight cough interrupted his warm hug. Inuyasha stood at the door, his arms crossed, and a knowing look on his face.

Shippo quickly got the message and left Kagome's arms to go apologize to the rest of the group.

Sango was equally satisfied with Shippo's apology, and he earned another hug. Miroku smiled in understanding at the young kit- he himself had gotten in trouble quite a few times in his youth. A hug and a fond ruffle to the hair had Shippo back in the good graces of all the human members of the group. Now there was just one left.

Shippo slowly approached Kilala, his hands clasped behind his back. The small feline was resting on a mat. Most of her wounds had been healed. But Shippo noted with a pang of guilt that there were some scars left behind.

"Oh Kilala- I owe you the biggest apology of them all. I'm the one who dragged you into that mess. I never should have wondered so far into unfamiliar territory. You got hurt because of my stupid mistakes. And for that I am truly sorry. I hope that one day you can find in your heart to forgive me." Shippo said. He looked at the ground, feeling his eyes well up.

A soft meow caused Shippo to look up. Kilala had stood. She leaned and licked Shippo's cheek softly. She rubbed against him, purring slightly. Shippo took this as her accepting his apology, and he smiled gratefully. He threw his arms around her in a hug.

"Oh Kilala, thank you! I'm so sorry about all this! I promise never to make such a foolish decision again!"

Kilala just purred contently, satisfied with his answer.

After finally apologizing to everyone Shippo ran over to the fire, where Kagome handed him a bowl of delicious stew. He started eating it gratefully.

"So Shippo- what did you and Inuyasha talk about?" Kagome inquired him.

Shippo automatically blushed. But luckily before he had to answer Inuyasha came to his rescue.

"Kagome, let's just say that Shippo and I had a littler heart to heart. And he won't be pulling any stunts like that again. Right?" Inuyasha tapped Shippo's bottom meaningfully.

The young demon blushed further and nodded, before vaguely rubbing his sore bum.

Inuyasha smirked at Shippo, before giving him a sly wink. Shippo's face lit up, and he winked back. Yes sir, things between him and Inuyasha had sure changed over the years. Their relationship had improved by far compared to when they first met. They had formed a bond between each other. And neither would have wanted it any other way.

I think that Inuyasha and Shippo can form a strong connection, much more that the show ever depicted. I enjoyed making them form a bond between each other, I think that Shippo's punishment was something that drew them closer together. You don't see the love between these two, which is why I decided to write a chapter such as this one. You begin to see that Inuyasha truly cares about Shippo's well being and wants what's best for him. I have never written a story involving any corporal punishment, and I felt like this portrayed Inuyasha's love for Shippo and the need to protect him and act as a father. Please comment on what you thought if I should continue like this or if you have any ideas or questions please put them in a review. Thank You!