Later 6 A Matter of Clothing
Three months later Sesshoumaru had brought Rin a gift of material for whatever she needed to make, because the elderly Miko had enquired if the Lord wished for Rin to learn the art of sewing. Kaede decided to take a calculated risk; out in the open next to her hut and to catch the good light she sat mending a pale garment that had seen better days, Rin sat with her watching the small careful stitches pulling holes together.
Sesshoumaru was patrolling around the area as Inuyasha had gone with Sango and Miroku to the slayers old village to salvage some of the weapons and powders she used for her trade. When he had finished, he came to sit near and watch what Rin was doing; it was restful sitting in the sun and regarding his ward, a welcome break from the politics of court.
His eyes strayed to the garment that Kaede was mending and he felt sure that there must be other women more suitable for the task, women who had two far younger eyes. He said this to Kaede before remarking that the kosode looked like it was only fit for the fire and was hardly worth the mending.
"Maybe that is so, but the youth only has this and another in like condition to wear."
"In a village such as this, that is shameful; can the boy not find work?"
"He works hard My Lord, but has no money and so far he has not worked here long enough to barter. I will replace the worn panels as soon as the women discard their older garments. There will be something serviceable in the cast offs."
"Why does this service fall to you and not his mother or sisters?"
"He is orphaned My Lord and has no carer. He has made do on his own for a long time but only trusts me with this exercise." At this point Kaede's glance made the youkai uncomfortable and he had sudden insight as to the identity of said orphan.
"Where are his friends, why have they not cared about his lack?"
"The child is proud and shy and even when hurt he is swift about hiding the state of his inner clothes from his friends. Underclothing is not a subject much discussed and money is required for more urgent things."
"This Sesshoumaru was unaware of the condition of his brother's linen.
"I supposed ye may be; it is easy not to think about him as his firerat mends itself and always looks in good condition, but underneath he is mainly in rags.
"He trusts you; could you not have obtained new garments for him, surely the village owes him that much?"
"Aye it does; but the boy as I said is proud and will not accept charity, and he is afraid that because he is hanyou no one will sell to him or for him. There are many hidden complexities and fears in the child that stem from his past experiences."
"Why does he trust you then; someone who he should naturally fear?" At this point although they hadn't mentioned names, Kaede asked Rin to make tea for her Lord.
"I knew him when he and my sister were friends; Kikyou would sometimes mend things in the course of her work and I too learned. One day I was repairing his kosode which had become ripped by one of my sister's arrows, and I knew that he needed many repairs due to the fights he would get in and so I kept on.
"When he was released from the spell, I just took his clothes one day and mended them; it has carried on since then. Besides, he prefers the much worn cotton, it is softer under the rough firerat than newer harsher fabric; his mother will have I presume clothed him in soft linen when she could. "
"Undoubtedly." He replied but was also distracted; his brother was in need and had been most of his life. Sesshoumaru was only just beginning to think about how Inuyasha had lived and he was displeased now with the way he had neglected his own brother, especially when his ward had everything she needed. Kaede spoke again;
"I wondered whether I could use some of the material that ye supplied for Rin to replace the panel. There is ample for the girl to use and the cotton is soft but durable." In fact the bolt of material was the finest and best quality Kaede had ever seen and she was hoping Sesshoumaru would have been moved to let her make Inuyasha a whole new kosode from it. Stitching a panel of new onto the old would probably prove too much for the old material of the rest of his shirt.
"Take what you need to make him complete new undergarments; I presume that the rest is also in the same state of disrepair. Is there enough for fundoshi too?"
"Plenty, I thank ye."
"I shall trust you Miko, to tell this Sesshoumaru of any further deficit you see in my brother."
"Aye Lord Sesshoumaru; I shall see to it."
"When do the Monk and Slayer plan their mating feast?"
"In one month's time, before the harvest; they are at the moment busy with setting up their livelihood, neither wants to be unprepared to earn their living."
"That is commendable; very well, I shall return before long and we shall speak no more on this matter." He stopped as Rin came out with the tea and then they went for their customary walk; Sesshoumaru honouring Inuyasha's wish that he stay away from the well area with Rin. He had however already checked it on his patrol.
Then after he had gone, Rin went to help Kaede and when Inuyasha and the others returned from a couple of trips to the village and back the new garments were ready. Kaede placed them in his hands without a word one afternoon when they were alone; a brand new kosode, complete panels replaced in his old one making it perfectly serviceable and several fundoshi. Inuyasha just stared until Kaede told him that Sesshoumaru had not had any particular garments in mind for the material; it had been provided to help teach Rin only.
Inuyasha was speechless, although he managed to thank Kaede; the cotton was soft, not coarse and yet thicker than any he could remember, far more comfortable than the thin worn stuff that was no real protection anymore. He would also have to thank Rin for helping the old lady and Sesshoumaru. He knew without doubt that Kaede had asked the Lord if the clothes would be appropriate to make from the material, she would not risk his ire by just going ahead.
There was much excitement in the village by the time the youkai visited next, as Miroku and Sango's marriage was within a few days. The villagers were getting used to the sight of the Western Lord too and although there was still slight fear there was also great respect; they had come to realise that they were well protected from any other aggressors. None of this concerned the Lord as long as they respected his concerns as well, namely Rin and Inuyasha.
Besides that he was far too experienced to be swayed by the obvious attentions of the young females of the village who often spied on him, and could be heard easily discussing his many merits. They were harmless, so long as he took no notice and he fully intended to ignore them. It amused him somewhat that Inuyasha got annoyed on his behalf and then would berate Sesshoumaru for encouraging their adulation.
"This Sesshoumaru merely walks around the village I have also claimed under my protection." He said; tongue firmly in cheek. But Inuyasha could see him preening, apart from the fact he would often stand as if observing the scenery right in the middle of the village; flicking his hair, according to Inuyasha 'like a girl' or rearranging his tail. Inuyasha could see the smirk from wherever he stood. Sesshoumaru was not the slightest bit interested in any of the villagers, or their fertile imaginations concerning him, he did however enjoy winding Inuyasha up; it was far more satisfying than fighting him.
Sesshoumaru walked to Goshinboku knowing that Inuyasha would follow and as he did so the youkai watched his brother. Inuyasha was still wary of him; but now they were not fighting and his face was not distorted in rage or upset, Sesshoumaru was made aware of his youth. The boy was still a pup in reality; the image would change in an instant if the situation required it, but at peace he was still round faced and with round amazingly innocent eyes, perhaps only twice Rin's age in comparative terms.
Not quite untouched though, his eyes did show a depth that Rin's did not; a depth that prolonged suffering had put there and that should not belong to a creature so young. The childlike look was dispelled however as Inuyasha awkwardly approached, his frown deepening and his scent betraying the fact he was nervous as to what his brother wanted with him. Sesshoumaru felt saddened, he no longer wanted to cause Inuyasha trepidation.
"Come Little Brother, I have a gift for you." As Inuyasha came closer, Sesshoumaru held out a package and handed it to the hanyou. Inuyasha opened the wrapping to discover it held two silk kosodes and a new top outfit also made of silk. This was very similar in style to Sesshoumaru's; mainly white with red hexagons but the accenting colour was an orange gold. The addition of a deep red obi also highlighted with the same orange gold completed the set.
"They are beautiful Sesshoumaru but what are they for? I already have the new clothes from the material you left with Kaede."
"They are a present Inuyasha; I thought you might like something special to wear for your friend's wedding. Besides, the silk kosode is far nicer than cotton."
"I can't accept all this Sesshoumaru it's too much; what are you trying to do?"
"Nothing sinister I assure you. These things are your right to own; I was appalled when I saw the condition of your clothing, you never wore rags whilst you were with me. I may have been harsh but you were fed and clothed properly."
"You saw my things; Kaede showed you my things?"
"She was repairing them and I reasoned whose they were; the Miko did not betray you." Well not much, he thought in his head, knowing full well that Kaede had intended him to see. "I should have foreseen your difficulty in procuring new garments."
"I don't want charity Sesshoumaru, you can't buy me with presents; what is it you want with me? I've already said I'll look after your kid, I don't go back on my word."
"You read far too much into it Inuyasha, these are not to placate or bribe you; you are entitled to superior clothing in the same way that I am, as sons of our father. Your inheritance is no longer denied you; it is not charity, it is your right." Sesshoumaru watched as emotions passed over his brother's face; he could appreciate that Inuyasha had a lot to take in and he felt a protective wave wash over him, he reached out and petted the boy's head.
Unfortunately Inuyasha's reaction was immediate and he pulled away into a crouch with his claws ready to strike. It had been instinct, but it showed that the two sons of the previous Inu no Taishou were far from comfortable with one another. Sesshoumaru recognised the motivation for his brother's attack stance and stayed very still until Inuyasha stood again; then very deliberately he raised his hand and once more petted his brother briefly.
Inuyasha stayed for a second or two then pulled away and offered a small thanks to Sesshoumaru for the clothing and then walked back to the village. It was of no consequence, Sesshoumaru would see the boy again as he had promised Rin to stay for the few days that covered the wedding. Inuyasha stayed with Kaede on her roof until it was time to get ready for the wedding then he got changed inside the hut. Kaede and Rin were stunned at how regal he looked especially after Rin used her brush to do his hair.
Both Inus were imposing figures at the wedding and their presence served to add kudos to the new couple; but later on while Inuyasha was feasting and talking with Sango, Miroku had approached Sesshoumaru and asked to speak with him privately.
"I wanted to thank you for the honour you gave us in being here Lord Sesshoumaru and also to thank you on behalf of Inuyasha."
"Your meaning Monk, on behalf of my brother?"
"I know you are responsible for the improvement in Inuyasha's attire; he has needed new for as long as I've known him."
"Yet you have never helped him out; surely you would have had opportunity to purchase such necessities?"
"At first I didn't know him well enough and then if I suggested we could buy new things he would get angry about wasting money on things that weren't food. It was obvious he tried to hide his need and I myself had little to share. The girls never knew how poorly he was clothed and I didn't like to embarrass him. It was usually very dark if he lent his jacket to Kagome and we humans do not see quite so well in firelight."
"It is fortunate that I am not bound by such niceties; but surely that is not what you asked to speak to me about."
"No, My Lord. I wondered if Inuyasha's obligation to Rin meant he cannot leave the village for any period of time. I wanted to ask him to accompany myself to the villages that ask me for my services. He is going to need some occupation to keep his mind off Kagome and his loss, apart from the fact he cannot be idle."
"Good, you see his need in this way also."
"My Lord, I know your brother very well; more than he realises certainly. I know he still grieves for what he sees as his lost opportunity for mate and family. He may be very private but I have been trained as a monk and some of the things Inuyasha does and how he acts are familiar to me, and indicative of the various things he has been through."
"Very well, as long as nothing is further done to upset him, I will make sure that a discreet guard is put on the village for whenever your occupation takes you further away. I suggest that you keep this fact a secret from my rather sensitive brother."
"That I can do, and thank you My Lord." With that Miroku drifted away to find his bride and friend. Sesshoumaru sought out his ward amongst the villagers and finding she was next to Inuyasha, walked down to meet them both. Rin was happy as she held a hand of each of them; Kaede too was glad for the young boy who was desperately in need of a place to belong; it finally looked like he was being made welcome by his surviving family. Hopefully he wouldn't destroy this chance.
Sesshoumaru wondered about Miroku's words, what did he mean by Inuyasha's obligation in looking after Rin? Did the boy feel compelled to stay for his brother's ward? This would never do, Inuyasha must not feel forced or he would become resentful." The Daiyoukai went over to the monk again and requested his discernment; after congratulating him on the fact he was to be the father of two female pups. It didn't bother Sesshoumaru that the couple hadn't waited until marriage, and Miroku was overjoyed.
Sesshoumaru was relieved but also touched to hear Miroku's explanation. The monk didn't feel that the hanyou was being pressurized; but that Inuyasha had a natural desire, although much hidden, to please his brother. It was clear to Miroku that Inuyasha had always wanted his brother's approval and love, it was obvious in the way he often called after the youkai and there were many other subliminal signs. Miroku had had many talks with Inuyasha as they used the hot springs and he had been in the hanyou's confidence for a long time. He was not going to disclose those secrets but he could hint enough that the intelligent Daiyoukai could add up the rest.
The wedding feast was set to continue until the early hours of the morning, but long before then Rin had fallen asleep with Shippou not far behind. They had gone back with Kaede to the elderly Miko's hut to sleep and Inuyasha had disappeared some time before Miroku and Sango retired to their brand new hut to start of life as a married couple. Sesshoumaru had watched him go as he leapt of into the forest; understanding that the boy couldn't stay tonight as his best friends consummated their love.
Later Sesshoumaru had found him; after Inuyasha had run for hours finally resting in Goshinboku. The elder brother had followed the younger's easy to follow trail making sure he wouldn't be noticed. He had been concerned that the boy might get into a fight and not be too careful if he was in a defeated frame of mind.
But Inuyasha looked asleep as he was settled on a high branch, although Sesshoumaru was not fooled nor surprised when he was peered at by the golden suns of his brother. The Daiyoukai jumped up gracefully and landed with hardly a movement to the branch.
"Party over? What are you doing here Sesshoumaru?"
"I was concerned that you were alright Inuyasha, you left some time ago."
"Feh! Thought you'd catch me snivellin' like some wimpy spoilsport didya? Well I ain't; I ain't cried for things others have that I don't for years, you knocked that lesson into me well enough." He huffed loudly at Sesshoumaru and then turned to look at the moon, unaware that its silvery light glinted on his damp cheeks just as he was obviously oblivious to the salty trail he'd left for his brother.
"Indeed, Myouga once informed me that he had never seen you shed tears ever; I replied that he merely had not been there at the time. I know how private you are Inuyasha, but as I said before, I made many wrong decisions regarding you previously but no more."
"Feh! I'm alright; hell I lived alone before for long enough, I can do it again."
"You don't think highly of your friends it you think they will desert you Inuyasha."
"They won't desert me; I'll be the one to go before that happens, before they get so wrapped up in their lives and family that they forget me. I seen it happen before, I don't wanna see it again. Give them a couple of kids they'll be so busy and I'll just be in the way." Inuyasha's depth of feeling was evident in his manner of speech.
"Again Inuyasha?"
"Yeah, I had a sorta friend once before; in a village I was at for awhile, but when he got married, had kids, I became a threat and had to go, find someplace else to live."
"That will not happen here; your friends are true to you."
"Yeah sure, whatever; now I'm tired Sesshoumaru, is your kid alright?" Inuyasha felt jaded and Sesshoumaru didn't castigate him for trying to dismiss him; instead he just nodded in affirmation and settled down to rest on a branch near his brother and closed his eyes so that Inuyasha would not start an argument. Eventually the silly pup went to sleep exhausted and Sesshoumaru watched over him all night.
TBC