Later 18 Brothers

A/N I wanted to thank little25victor for her reviews personally, but she has disabled pm. the rogue review has been taken down I think. I reported it as abuse because it was offensive spam, I have children who don't need to see that sort of rubbish. I value and treasure all my reviewers, it makes my day when I see what you think of my story. Thanks again to you all.

STORY

Sesshoumaru now knew what had happened, Inuyasha's youkai felt cut off from pack and the pain it felt was tremendous. The Daiyoukai knew this pain first hand when he thought that Inuyasha was lost in the Meidou and someone of his line had perished; this was the same feeling that the boy was going through, although Inuyasha's was compounded by his human heart feeling totally rejected as well. He was starting to shake and get cold as the symptoms of shock set in, so Sesshoumaru held him tightly before calling to the guards for one of them to go and fetch some sweet rice balls and tea.

The guard was swift and soon was back, boiling water for some aromatic tea on the fire the other guard had made. When the fragrance could be scented, Sesshoumaru jumped Inuyasha down and made him drink the tea and eat some of the fruit rice balls. The food and tea helped but Inuyasha was still cold to the touch and so Sesshoumaru wrapped his tail around the boy offering his own warmth, to comfort him.

When Inuyasha felt more restored to his normal levels, Sesshoumaru decided to speak firmly to him all the time maintaining a reassuring hold on his brother. It was high time that he acted the wise older brother instead of the spoilt brat he had always been to Inuyasha. The pup had never had a father's tender care or instruction like Sesshoumaru had and the youkai now felt that it was incumbent on him to supply the deficiency. It would please their father to know that his elder son felt that amount of responsibility towards the younger son.

But how was he to do this in a way that would prove his sincerity to the younger Inu? Sesshoumaru's thoughts processed quickly, while Inuyasha sat quite rigid and recovered from his shock and grew warmer wrapped in his brother's tail. If Sesshoumaru were his father it would be easy to put the pup at ease and still his fears, their father was a master at inspiring his men and his young pup; ruthless when needed, but loving, kind and patient to any in trouble.

Sesshoumaru remembered his father with such longing it could still bring rebellious tears if he dwelt on the loss for too long. In this situation the previous Inu no Taishou would have drawn his pup close and wrapped his tails round them making a private sanctuary for father and son. A place where the child could say or do anything without fear of reprisal and feel safe and very loved, never feeling shame for any tears shed. Inuyasha had never had any such luxury and from very young his tears had been made a cause for his shame.

Obviously Sesshoumaru couldn't replace their father for the boy and any of the comforts that he could imitate wouldn't have the same effect as from a loving father, Inuyasha didn't trust Sesshoumaru at all. The Daiyoukai knew that their father would hold Inuyasha tight and snuffle his hair and finally rub his head and tickle his ears, all designed to bring an end to grief by annoyance. It had always worked for the older son and he had no doubts that it would work for the younger; it might pay to remember.

The old lady had said Inuyasha wanted a proper brother and that is precisely what Sesshoumaru would be from now on; besides he didn't fail at any of his ventures, Inuyasha would not be disappointed. Sesshoumaru would be a true father for his own pups in the manner of his own father and even Inuyasha who had no role model, was proving fair and kind to his offspring.

Even more importantly though, Inuyasha's youkai needed reassurance quickly or the hanyou would never feel secure. Even more than his human and emotional heart, the instinctive part of him needed to be stable and from what Inuyasha had indicated, it was most upset and frightened. Unfortunately he had to warn the boy that he was going to do this and he knew that Inuyasha wouldn't want him as close as he needed to be and would likely fuss.

Therefore Sesshoumaru warned the guards what he was going to attempt and that Inuyasha would fight but he was not in danger speaking to them in Inu swiftly and succinctly. They agreed that they understood and would not try to prevent their Lord from overpowering Inuyasha, as it was clear the pup needed his brother's help.

But Sesshoumaru was surprised and pleased when he told Inuyasha what he proposed and the hanyou didn't object, saying dispiritedly that Sesshoumaru had said he wouldn't hurt him intentionally anymore. The two Inu guards stood by ready to grab Inuyasha if his youkai got out of control; Sesshoumaru thought that he would appear if his alpha spoke directly to him and even though Inuyasha was holding Tessaiga, the Daiyoukai didn't want to take unnecessary risks.

There was the barest hint of a whine as Sesshoumaru removed the hair from Inuyasha's neck to place over his shoulder before the elder brother started to transform. He only needed to distort his face so that his jaw was at it's strongest, but of course his eyes changed colour too. Inuyasha couldn't see his brother and it was just as well, Sesshoumaru looked every inch the dangerous predator that he truly was.

Soon Sesshoumaru had Inuyasha in a submissive pose with his large fangs around the back of his little brother's neck, forcing the hanyou's head forward slightly. Then he growled in Inu, the language of their instincts and which demanded brutal honesty, for Inuyasha's youkai to submit to his Alpha. At first there was no reply and Sesshoumaru strongly demanded again for the youkai's submission. Inuyasha whimpered but soon the tone of his voice changed and his scent too was different, and Sesshoumaru knew that now he had the youkai between his teeth.

"Inu hanyou submit to Alpha Inu?"

"Inu hanyou not got Alpha, not got pack, hanyou Inuyasha all alone; scared for future."

"Sesshoumaru is Alpha of Inuyasha hanyou."

"No, Alpha Sesshoumaru said Inuyasha not pack; never pack. When born Inuyasha not pack, not marked, not wanted. Hanyou Inuyasha very afraid and sad when pup, again now, afraid pups also leave hanyou father."

"Sesshoumaru only young Alpha when Inuyasha hanyou pup born, made bad mistakes, Now Inuyasha pack, wanted, welcome; Inuyasha make mistake too, make Inuyasha youkai lonely, Inuyasha needs listen to Alpha, ask questions before make decisions by self. Inuyasha often tell Alpha brother fight, why not fight now?"

"Sesshoumaru brother say Inuyasha not family. Inuyasha wrong?"

"Inuyasha very wrong. How Inuyasha youkai feel now, Alpha caring for brother?"

"Now youkai Inuyasha feel safe, Sesshoumaru brother make safe, fangs make safe. When fangs gone hanyou Inuyasha stay safe, Alpha brother?"

"Yes, Inuyasha hanyou brother, very safe."

"Alpha brother not leave hanyou Inuyasha alone again… hanyou in pack?"

"Yes Inuyasha hanyou, all Inuyasha, human, youkai, hanyou in Alpha pack, all safe, all wanted. Now Alpha must talk to hanyou, Inuyasha youkai sleep safe now, no more crying?"

"Inuyasha youkai alright now, stop crying. Hanyou not stop yet."

"Sesshoumaru deal with Inuyasha hanyou brother, you let him come back now to Alpha." Sesshoumaru didn't release his hold of Inuyasha until he could tell that the youkai had indeed become dormant in the boy once more and then he checked the area for any bruising that his fangs may have unintentionally left. There was none, he had thankfully not had to clamp down on the youkai at any time.

Now though he was left with his hanyou brother who was sitting very still and quiet as he assimilated all that his youkai had learned. But Inuyasha was very confused; as the brothers had spoken in Inu, it was taking a little while for the hanyou to understand and when he did do, it didn't make any sense. Sesshoumaru was puzzled too, he was not used to his little brother being so quiet all the time, but at least he was not being aggressive or antagonistic.

Once again he trawled his memories of their father and wondered, trying to remember what the great man had done whenever his firstborn had been confused and insecure. He could feel both feelings coming from Inuyasha. Unfortunately the last time Sesshoumaru had been that way was when the Inu no Taishou had informed his son personally that he was to have a half sibling as his father's mistress was pregnant.

The young Sesshoumaru had been adolescent by then, and he remembered throwing some very Inuyasha like, and quite spectacular temper tantrums, before sulking and giving his father the silent treatment. The father had for once allowed a certain amount of disrespect of his person, recognising the anger in his son and also the fear. Sesshoumaru was a very much loved only child and was not used to sharing, especially his beloved father.

But the Inu no Taishou had only tolerated this for a while before he knew his child needed reassurance and the reinforcing of his pack position. Therefore after a few days of sulky behaviour, during which time he caused considerable disruption to the smooth running of the Palace, Sesshoumaru was called to task and told to apologise for his rudeness in front of the court, on pain of a severe thrashing.

The proud and arrogant youth was mortified at the thought of physical punishment at his age and bent his stiff neck in front of his father and the court, making a perfect apology, just as his father had known he would. But when Sesshoumaru left his father's presence and sought the privacy of his room, he had broken down and wept bitterly, afraid he was losing his father's love. He had not even heard his father enter his chamber, but he was aware when he was seated on his knee like when he was a small whelp.

Sesshoumaru had not been able to put into words all the things that were troubling him about the prospect of the new pup and so he remained silent in his father's arms. But he need not have worried; the father understood his pup and just held on firmly, even against the token struggles the youngster put up against the childish position. After a while, Inu no Taishou had started to speak, he told him of how the new whelp was to be loved and would need more care because he was hanyou, how the older brother had responsibilities too but that the baby would never replace the love that the parent had for his first child.

He had then been told and reminded of the good times they shared, how proud the father was of his child; he had even told him how although the hanyou had not been planned, but that now it was a good thing. Before Sesshoumaru would know it the pup would be following him around, looking up to him and then perhaps he would have two boys getting into all sorts of mischief; just like he had used to be when visiting with Sesshoumaru's mother and her siblings when they were all children.

It was a pretty picture and no doubt had the father lived it would have come to pass, but when Sesshoumaru sat safe and sound with his father it was still the future, the days before tragedy. He brought his mind back to the issue at hand and found Inuyasha staring at him before the boy brought his hand gently to the youkai's face and brushed away some fallen tears.

"I was thinking of father and how he would have dealt with your upset Inuyasha; the last time I was with him sitting as you and I are now he could banish my fears. It was not long before you were born; I was afraid, but he had such plans for us and told me I would never lose his love. But I fear I have been a bitter disappointment."

"You, disappointing, hardly; what father wouldn't want his son to be as able as you are in following in his footsteps? You are almost as famous as he was now, the West is at peace and prosperous; he couldn't want any more from you."

"He would have deplored the way I have treated you in the past; it is ironic that I who strive to surpass my father's greatness can never hope to draw level in so many ways. I doubt he would tell me he loved me now."

"Of course he would, you have to be thoroughly evil to lose a parent's love and you don't qualify for that. Cold and harsh maybe to me anyway, but you never finished me off when you could have done."

"It was not how father wanted it and something I regret now."

"Look it don't matter to me what your father wanted for us, I didn't know him; I know you, what is it you want with me? Don't do anything just could father wanted it, father's gone and I'm sorry; I know what he meant to you. But if you don't want me to belong just tell me, be yourself…or else… I can't… I'll understand."

"What I want Inuyasha…You trust me not to lie to you, do you not?" Sesshoumaru waited for Inuyasha to acknowledge in the affirmative. "I want my Little Brother safe and happy. I want to be proper siblings with you, just as Lady Kaede said. I want you to understand that sometimes I do not understand how a human heart feels although I am learning. I want to explain that I only ever seem to lose my temper around you because you are my brother.

"I want you to know that you have always been a branch on the tree of the West; Father gave his last strength for you and your mother and I have always acknowledged you and never disowned you as my brother. I would like your forgiveness for the wrongs I have caused you and the neglect you suffered, I would like us to grow closer as families and pack. And please don't let my ill conceived words tear us apart, let me be the brother you deserve."

As he finished speaking, Sesshoumaru's instincts told him what to do with the boy who had once again started weeping as his older brother spoke of his acceptance of him. The Daiyoukai brought his tail round further to shelter Inuyasha, just as his father would have done. Eventually Inuyasha relaxed, and leaned against Sesshoumaru who brought his arms up and held him closely; he didn't tell the boy to stop crying or make him feel shame, but he rocked him gently not even realising himself, that was what he was doing.

Inuyasha became aware of his brother's claws stroking through his hair in a soothing manner and he couldn't stop a sob when his ears were tweaked carefully. Then he started to get annoyed at himself, he had wanted this level of belonging for all of his life and now he seemed to have it in his grasp, all he could do was make a complete soggy wet drip of a pup of himself, instead of being the mature father he felt he was. Sesshoumaru felt the swell of his brother's anger and the vicious swipe Inuyasha gave his face with his sleeve and he knew the boy was beginning to feel inferior, it was time to speak;

"When father held me as I now hold you, he would tell me to let the tears wash away the bitterness and pain from my heart and not to stop until my heart felt light. It used to work for me; perhaps you can allow it to do so for you." His softly spoken words were enough of a trigger and Inuyasha turned in to his brother's chest and wept, holding on to his brother's kimono like a small child. Sesshoumaru said nothing more; he just held Inuyasha and rocked him until the hanyou fell asleep, peacefully exhausted.

Below them on the ground, the guards were preparing food and already had tea brewing, knowing that if their Lord wanted anything he would only have to say. Sesshoumaru was ready for some tea and jumped down with the sleeping Inuyasha still in his arms. As the guard handed him a cup, Sesshoumaru invited Miroku to come and join them so that he could see for himself that his friend was unharmed.

The monk was waiting to be noticed, knowing that he couldn't hide from the Inu noses, but Inuyasha's friends had been concerned for him and Kagome couldn't leave the pups as they were still unnerved by their father's howl. Miroku accepted the tea gratefully, but his keen eyes had seen the evidence of tears on Inuyasha's face and he asked if the hanyou were well.

"He is perfectly well Monk, do not be concerned, but if he wishes his friends to know what has happened it will be for him to say. Suffice it that private matters have been discussed and I believe problems solved. You will have to be satisfied with that for now, until you see him again later." Sesshoumaru's face was benign but Miroku knew he was not going to be tolerated if he asked too many questions.

"One more thing; you are privy to Inuyasha's tears, know I will not tolerate it if he is teased about them."

"That Lord Sesshoumaru I can assure you I have never done and I have seen them on more than one occasion in the last few years." Miroku asserted strongly and didn't flinch when he was studied by three pairs of deep seeing eyes. "Inuyasha is my friend and we have been through much together, he knows he can trust me and likewise he has my complete trust. I would not lose that for anything."

"Thank you Miroku; that means a lot to me. Tell the rest I am fine and will be back later please." Inuyasha had awoken and overheard the discussion.

"It is understood then." Stated Sesshoumaru and Miroku knew he was dismissed and was not going to be asked to stay for the meal. As he left he nodded at Inuyasha who looked tired but happier than he had been for a while, so Miroku was fairly satisfied. When he had gone, Sesshoumaru suggested that Inuyasha might like to freshen up before he ate and indicated the stream nearby. Inuyasha left and one of the guards smiled fondly after him;

"Younger brothers My Lord, they are hard work but worth it in the end; I have two myself, they are always in trouble and yet they would do anything for me."

"I have never valued having a younger brother until recently, but seemingly it is not too late."

"If it is not impertinent to say My Lord, your brother has always loved and looked up to you; he is now regained."

"That pleases This Sesshoumaru."

"What pleases you Sesshoumaru?" Inuyasha said as he came back looking more refreshed.

"To hope you can forgive me and we can move forward together."

"Feh, 'course I forgive you; you're my brother." With that Inuyasha gave the startled Sesshoumaru a kiss on the forehead before sitting down next to him wanting his food.

TBC