A/N: Would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has followed this story from the start and those who have just hopped on board. Thank you! (And I find it cute that someone actually likes Ichikawa's personality).

Babble Fish

Tensai waited for the cool breeze to pass before he pushed off from the tree he leaned against and started toward Rin's home. If Sesshomaru was just going to stare off into space, there really wasn't much point to loitering around doing nothing. He could feel the golden eyes tracking him as he walked past, but the dog-demon didn't move.

"Spell-caster."

Tensai stopped to look over his shoulder. "Why?" All daiyokai were rather wearing with their holier-than-thou attitudes and lofty looks. And, after all, someone had put those scars on Kichiruka's face. Tensai gritted his teeth. "Well, Lord Sesshomaru?"

In his palm, the daiyokai held one half of a small clamshell. "If memory serves, this came from your own possessions when this body" – Sesshomaru gestured to himself – "visited your home ocean. Do you recognize it?"

Recognize it? Tensai's jaw went slack and his eyes glistened. He retraced his steps to retrieve the item. Sesshomaru simply tilted his palm and dropped the little token into the water demon's cupped hands. He may as well have deposited gold there.

"Thank you." Immediately, Tensai slit the stitches of his collar and withdrew a small chain of similar shells from the space. He tucked the stray shell in with the rest. He could restring it later. Regaining command of his composure, Tensai executed a quick bow. "Thank you," he said again a bit more formally.

Sesshomaru shrugged. "I had no need of it." He started walking, automatically taking the lead.

Tensai quickly collected himself as he became once again aware of Sesshomaru's arrogance. Ignoring the compulsion to pull a face behind the daiyokai's back – Ichikawa had once caught him, so Tensai wasn't going to gamble Sesshomaru – the swordfish followed at a reserved and easy pace.

With his back still to his company, Sesshomaru observed, "Spell-caster, you are…happy."

"I have a name." Tensai did his best to sound sour. "Who's to say?"

"You approved of this from the beginning," Sesshomaru stated in a tone just this side of an accusation.

"I did not." Tensai considered this a moment. And decided to add a bit more truth. "I knew that girl would get him killed from the start."

Sesshomaru didn't smile, but his eyebrows rose in private amusement. They reached Rin's house. Then Sesshomaru slid open the door. And the flesh under his eyes pinched. Tensai saw the moment the dog-demon's back went rigid and the fur on his shoulder bristled.

Dammit, they had better not be having a tryst right now. Tensai shouldered his way to the forefront for a better look. Mercifully, Kichiruka and Rin were still on their respective sides of the room. Both were asleep, but a small universe of origami critters littered the space between them – frogs, horses, flowers, stars, and a boat-like craft held kirin. The loose leaves of paper scattered mostly on Kichiruka's side. A flock of cranes perched near his hand, but one of the folded birds was comically balanced on Rin's head.

Aside from the paper chaos, Tensai saw nothing out of order. Ah, wait. Except that the room was conspicuously empty of anyone else. His eyes flicked up to the demon beside him to gauge this reaction.

"Inuyasha and the rest of that lot…" Sesshomaru's growl smothered the rest of his words. He nodded at Tensai. "Stay here." If Tensai were stupid enough to mock, he would have slapped his arms to his sides and bowed smartly. But he wasn't Kichiruka.

Pivoting on heel, the daiyokai stormed out of the hut. Presumably to hunt down the lax security. As soon as Sesshomaru was out of earshot, Tensai cleared his throat and made an announcement. "He's gooone…"

"Y'sure?" Kichiruka peaked out from between his lashes.

Tensai gave his student a flat look. "Can't you ever behave yourself?"

"Oh, it wasn't his fault!" Rin giggled, making the paper crane flutter off. "I used to fake sleep all the time when I was little. Mostly so someone could carry me. Lord Sesshomaru bought it every time."

Tensai hummed sardonically. Maybe it wasn't so bad not having kids. "Are you ready to go, Kichiruka?"

"Must we?" His gaze lingered on Rin.

Tensai grumbled. "Hanging around here might be all fine and dandy for you, but Miss Rin needs her rest."

"Laughter's the best medicine," Kichiruka opined.

"So is rest. Let's go. My body is beginning to thirst."

"You need booze?"

Tensai mashed Kichiruka's head into the floor plank. "You know damn well what I mean." But Rin stared at him with wide eyes, so for her benefit alone the swordfish added, "As water yokai we need to return to water regularly. And not all of us were prepared to spend excessive time on land." He gave Kichiruka's ear a hard twist.

"Okay! Okay! We're going!" Kichiruka sat up. Then remembered, "Wait! Wanted to drop these off for the kidlets." He scooped up the paper boat and loaded it with a few more animals. "A monk's origami is eight-fold," he punned. Tensai groaned and Rin snickered. Then Kichiruka bounded out the door.

With a snort, Tensai settled down to wait. This being Kichiruka, it could take a while.

Rin glanced at her sulky sentinel. He always wore a lot of black, like a perpetual shadow. Tensai scowled at the sunshine filtering through the window.

"You're in a good mood today," Rin observed. And she could have sworn she heard Tensai's neck creak when he redirected his glare on her.

"You and Sesshomaru have much in common." It wasn't meant to be a compliment.

Rin smirked. "Guess I wasn't the first to tell you that today."

"Huh." Tensai was certain the girl didn't have the spiritual ability necessary to read his aura at its present frequency. But she seems adept at reading people. He snorted irritably. There. Now he was legitimately peeved.

And Rin's grin widened. This time, though, she didn't say a peep.

No longer sure if he was amused or annoyed out of his mind, Tensai forced himself to keep from fidgeting and just sit still. Rin went about her business, collecting the left over origami creatures. Tensai watched her open a small storage chest and add her new collection.

"Memories?" he asked casually.

Rin smiled. "Sort of. I'm just a pack-rat. I like to save all the gifts people have given me." She reached in to show him something Kichiruka gave her and came up with the half piece of the sapphire that matched the dolphin's eyes. "Kich' gave this to me after what he called a successful performance. I don't think the Shikon Jewel itself ever shone brighter. Hey!"

Tensai plucked the jewel from Rin's hand. "Girl, this is no gemstone!" He clenched the sapphire tightly, his chest heaving and eyes wide. How in the seven hells had Ichikawa come into possessing something like this, much less giving it away as if it were as common as dirt? If I had had this back when…

"Is something wrong?" Rin asked. "Master Tensai?"

"No…" he rasped. Tensai traced a finger down the stone's jagged edge. "It's fractured…Kichiruka has the other half?"

Rin nodded. Why did Tensai make this sound like a life or death matter?

"May I borrow this for a while, Miss Rin?"

"Um, sure."

"I promise to return it," Tensai swore. His eyes shone in an earnestness that Rin couldn't doubt.

She laughed. "I trust you, sir."

The fringes of Tensai's senses quivered at the sound of Rin's laughter. She reminded him very much of the woman he loved. He folded his fingers around the sapphire. He would do right with this chance.

oOo

When Kichiruka next visited Tensai's study he found it hauntingly vacant. As usual nothing was out of place. But the eerie order without his teacher's strong personality made it much too quiet. Kichiruka's intuition buzzed on high. He didn't bother consulting the spy sphere. He had a good idea where Tensai was.

When he got there, Kichiruka landed on smooth stone after hoping off a geyser. Even though it they were deep under the sea, the cavern had open air. A small hidden-away sanctuary. But that never was the most miraculous feature of this place. The radiant basin lured all attention to its play of colors. Pulling his gaze away, Kichiruka had to watch his step as he picked his way through the broken glass of shattered vials, the red fluid they once contained spewed all over the ground like a bloodbath. He managed to find one vial still intact and quickly tucked it into his robes. Tensai might want something back. "Master Tensai? What's wrong?"

Under the influence of saké, Tensai's bright yellow eyes had long lost their pupils and now had an off-kilter sheen. With just the tips of his fingers, he tilled through the broken glass. "I…I couldn't remember the sound of her laughter."

"Sir…" Kichiruka slung one of Tensai's arms over his shoulder. "Come on, let's go home."

"Not one of those memories sounded exact."

"I'm sure."

"Are you saying I didn't record them correctly?"

Kichiruka groaned. Weren't you supposed to agree with people when they were half-cocked? Figured Tensai would still be difficult either which way.

"So…what brings this on?"

"I miss her." He shook his head. "It's been three hundred years. I can't fathhh…fathom why the pain is so fresh."

"You loved her."

"I couldn't have…No soul, remember?" He laughed bitterly.

Kichiruka shook his head and left it at that.

oOo

"There's a reason I'm not dead, you know. And I think he'd really like a fair audience with you."

Sesshomaru sighed inwardly. I know, Rin. All things considered, he had yet to sit and speak with the prawn. Kichiruka, he reminded himself. When he finally settled across the low desk from his company – they were borrowing Rin's house – the daiyokai was cordially greeted with an open smile. He glared back. Only when Kichiruka's grin lost a couple of molars did Sesshomaru relent with his default dispassionate expression.

That's a start.

Golden eyes raked up and down the sea demon before them. He was kempt enough. Spiked bangs parted evenly and the length of Kichiruka's hair pulled back in a topknot. Sesshomaru thought the black blotches over his skin were distracting, signs of a guise in progress or the inability to perfectly master it. The daiyokai's own markings were a display of rank – power and poison.

He closed his eyes before his stare lingered too long on the stripes Kichiruka had earned to be in this audience.

Sesshomaru inhaled deeply. This conversation would involve more words than he often cared to expend in a week.

"For reasons beyond comprehension, Rin favors you."

That irritating smile returned. Sesshomaru waited until it was back in proper order. The matter he wished to address was very grave. One that had weighed on his mind since the day he revived Rin.

"I wonder, though…What will you do in ten years? Twenty? The gap between yokai and human life spans is immense."

"Lord Sesshomaru," Kichiruka said with equal seriousness. "I know Rin may not last my whole life, but I know that she will have made my life whole." It was an honest confession, one brimming with love and devotion. Kichiruka wished Rin could have heard it. He'd have to tell it to her face someday.

Sesshomaru remained unfazed. So the prawn can talk pretty. "Huh."

"If I could, I want my life to match hers." Kichiruka placed his hands on the table. "That's why no expense is too great."

Sesshomaru scoffed. "If you're going to be that frivolous with your own life's energy, then I propose you find out how much time you actually have." He closed his eyes and Kichiruka was afforded the rare sight of the magenta marks of the daiyokai. "And I understand that Rin trusts you very much."

"Yessir," Kichiruka smiled, and Sesshomaru arched a skeptical brow. Maybe I should offer an example? "Well, we've slept together."

A capillary in Sesshomaru's forehead burst. He has carnal knowledge of…

Rin sat outside, helping Kagome sift rice from chaff. She glanced at the priestess. "Say, it's been a while. I guess it's going –"

In a loud crack of splitting wood and a hailstorm of splinters, Kichiruka careened from the hut to Rin's feet. Not far behind, Sesshomaru followed, talons glowing green.

"Rin, how well do you know this prawn?" By the daiyokai's inflection it was clear what kind of familiarity he meant.

"We haven't slept together," Rin drawled.

"Yeah, we have," the water demon validated around a mouthful of dirt.

"We haven't had sex, Lord Sesshomaru."

Golden eyes narrowed.

"I'm still a virgin."

"I thought you were human," Kichiruka piped from under the daiyokai's heel.

Rin sighed. "See?"

Sesshomaru arched a dubious brow. His frown stood firmly in place, his gaze fixed on Rin, but, reaching for the spiked topknot, he yanked Kichiruka from the ground. "Come."

When Sesshomaru released him, some several yards later, Kichiruka scrambled to his feet. Following back to the house where Rin's guardian led, the water demon asked outright, "Lord Sesshomaru, is sex bad?"

For someone with your intellect, yes. Sesshomaru declined to answer.

Kichiruka took note. "I guess I can ask Rin to show me."

Sesshomaru came to a dead halt. Then inhaled deeply. It reminded Kichiruka of the way Master Tensai counted backwards from twenty. His answer, when it came, was flat, betraying nothing. "If you are worthy, I'll explain."

Wow, top-guarded knowledge! Kichiruka whooped. "Will you demonstrate, too?"

"No," came the – hasty? – reply.

Then something about Sesshomaru's stiff gait and measured tones reminded him of the time he had asked Kohaku about… "Is it like kissing?"

Again, Sesshomaru stopped moving. "What do you know about that?"

"Well, Rin says I've improved since –"

Rin surveyed the new crater Kichiruka's second landing made. She didn't think it was possible but it actually looked deeper than the first. As good as an impression it left in the earth, Rin doubted that it was the kind Kichiruka meant to make with Lord Sesshomaru.

oOo

"Master Tensai?"

"Hrmph?"

"What's a virgin?"

Yellow eyes slid in Kichiruka's direction. "You're kidding, right?"

Kichiruka blinked innocently. This was, more or less, the first "normal" conversation the two had had since last week's incident. Although Tensai resumed business as usual, the swordfish had kept quiet for the next couple of days following. Kichiruka wasn't sure if Tensai had intentionally meant to leave the cavern in ruins, and once attempted asking…Tensai gave him his back and changed the subject.

Now the swordfish harrumphed with the same old cranky ambivalence. "Go ask Ichika—ah, never mind." He could already visualize the sordid scenario and the depraved manta ray's idea of an answer. Most likely a demonstration. Massaging his temples, Tensai squeezed his eyes shut, trying to cleanse the disgusting image. "Do you think you know the oceanic word for 'virgin'?"

"Well, maybe if you say so…"

Tensai briskly clicked out the word in their basic tongue.

Kichiruka's eyes brightened with understanding right away. "Oh, so it's a woman who hasn't been busted. OW!"

"Where did you hear such a vulgar phrase?" Tensai walloped his student a second time for good measure.

It was now Kichiruka's turn to cradle his skull. Though this time out of pain. "Hey, it's not my fault I was ignorant to the proper words for these sorts of things."

With an exasperated growl, Tensai shook his head and drifted to the other side of his study. "I can only hope that you didn't make yourself out to be a complete fool before Sesshomaru."

The look on Kichiruka's face told all. Tensai swore vehemently. The word he used reminded Kichiruka of another one.

"Master Tensai, what's sex?"

oOo

Kichiruka turned his scribbled directions over a few times, wondering if maybe he had skipped over something. According to locals, Mount Osore overlooked the hot springs of a quiet town and had a straightaway path. So far, Kichiruka had found the hot springs and passed the town, but not tripped up on one decent path up the steep sheer cliffside. But in the shade of one grove, he did find a bush full of delectable looking berries. Kichiruka's stomach rumbled and he reached for one.

"Don't eat those!"

Kichiruka looked up. A human cloaked in a cape of stripped bamboo – the sort donned by travelers – held his hand outreached in a beseeching manner. He was also yoked with empty water vessels that swung lightly on the wooden bar. It was definitely going to be a load to haul back. Upon closer inspection, Kichiruka could tell that mortal looked younger than he did. Barely more than a boy, really.

"Why not?" Kichiruka asked. "They look ripe."

"Those are shinjitsu-go berries," the boy explained. "They turn their victims into babbling idiots who spew every secret they hold dear. They're also known as the Spy's Ally. Otherwise they're nothing but tr…trouble…" The boy had been stepping closer to Kichiruka, until he realized what he was addressing. "You are yokai."

"And water's wet." Kichiruka shrugged. "Why are you coming all the way out here for water?" he asked, pointing to the buckets the boy carried. "The town's back thattaway."

Still a little shaken up about having a normal conversation with a creature that could kill him as soon as look at him, the youth decided it was best to humor the demon. "I—the stream, it's the closest one and…well, my father wanted me to train by myself and…you're not going to eat me are you?"

Kichiruka reached slowly for his conch staff. Sudden motions around this kid wouldn't be a good idea. "I can reroute the stream, so it's a little closer."

The boy blinked. He would have been more convinced if Kichiruka had lobsters crawling out of his ears.

"Let's make a deal," Kichiruka said. The boy tilted his head. A deal sounded a bit more real than spontaneous kindness. "I'll deviate a stream your way and you give me a sound set of directions to Mount Osore. Fair enough?"

oOo

Water yokai were not adept at climbing. And we care even less for heights. Kichiruka gulped and closed his eyes fending off another fit of vertigo. Maybe I can make the rest of the hike this way, he thought, pressing his belly close to the dirt and refusing to stand up. A rock came loose under his hand and tumbled down into oblivion. Kichiruka wished he hadn't watched that thing drop. He closed his eyes. I wish there were another way!

Kichiruka's ears pricked up. A cool, rushing rustle swept over the rocks not too far ahead. He knew that sound very well. Water! Shuffling just a little faster, he managed to locate the stream that trickled out of the mountain's crevices. Well, it wasn't much of a stream, but it was good enough. Taking the conch staff in his teeth, Kichiruka soaked his hands in the stream. Take me up.

Unfortunately, the water was painfully shallow, so even though the water obeyed like a harnessed pony it dragged Kichiruka over the sharp stones and jutting rocks at its very close bottom. When the stream spat Kichiruka out at his destination, the front of his clothes were still damp and sticky with blood after he dried himself.

I must look like a wreck. Kichiruka bided another hour to get in some time for preliminary healing. At least he was on a plateau of sorts now. It wasn't so bad when he stood up. Even if looking over treetops still made him nauseous.

As Kichiruka approached the mouth of the cave he noticed a sign that read In. A painted arrow on a plank beside it pointed to a bowl full of coins. She's an ascetic, right? Kichiruka started to doubt the legitimacy of his excursion. But as he passed under the paper streamers that fluttered over the entrance he was sharply corrected. The spiritual energy snapped at his yoki, almost like a bodyguard shoving an intruder out.

"Please, excuse me!" he called. "I come in peace and would like to enter. I seek the Itako of Mount Osore!"

"You and many yokai!" hissed the quick retort.

Kichiruka cowed as the strength of the plummel increased twofold. From a rebuff meant to defend to a shock meant to deal damage. He walked in a little farther. "Madam Seer, I mean no harm!" Though the task of convincing the itako of such became increasingly difficult as the water demon's natural defenses began to take hold. Involuntarily, his yoki buffeted back. He knew his irises had already swallowed his pupils and bled into the rest of his eyes. Kichiruka just didn't want them to go red. He was positive it was bad enough that his jaw began to unhook and his mouth stretch back. If she stripped him of his guise here there wouldn't be any turning back. And it hurts! Worse than any electrical shock, the itako's power held him to the spot. Kichiruka couldn't even retreat at this point.

But if I ease up altogether she could purify me! Gritting his teeth, Kichiruka took the spiritual beating. Please, please… "I have only a question!" But the words came out garbled. Half-spoken, half-squealed and whistled.

He's so desperate. "Ask now!" the itako demanded.

Kichiruka couldn't. Transform or…He let his guard drop.

The itako faltered. Her curiosity piqued and her reiki came to crashing in. At the last second she redirected, splitting the nearest boulder. But she relented. Kichiruka shuddered back into his temporary form.

The itako clucked her tongue as she shuffled toward the odd demon. Reaching for a wooden walking stick, she tapped the cavern's base to feel for any obstruction. By custom, all itako were blind – either born so or made. It was believed that this made them more acutely aware of the spirits they communicated with. The itako's was a lifetime of training.

And dang, she's one old biddy. Kichiruka's first coherent thought.

Even from his worm's eye view on the limestone floor, Kichiruka could tell she was a small lady, maybe half his height. And she was wearing platformed geta sandals.

"So…a question?" she asked, her voice craggy.

Kichiruka sat up slowly. "Yes, if you'd please."

"You are allowed one."

"Umm…." Kichiruka considered how he should phrase it. He had hoped to be allowed at least two. "How much longer will I have to live? OW!"

The itako's wooden cane cracked over his skull. "If you wanted to ask that you should've accosted an onmyoji! Someone who can read the stars is better suited."

Kichiruka straightened. "Yeah, but no one knows where to find one outside of a human town. I doubt they would see me." He canted his head to one side. "But as a spiritualist, can't you at least judge how much longer my life – ngh!"

Wrapping fingers that looked more like claws around his wrist, she twisted his arm over and ran a sharp nail from the bend of his elbow to his palm. "Be still," she hissed.

Kichiruka bravely did not squirm. Sort of.

"You are thirteen score and five, correct?"

"Uh…two hundred sixty-five? Yeah, that sounds about right. Never really kept tr—"

She jerked his wrist. Hard. "Your natural lifespan should have been a thousand, little water child. But you've since used your present age in addition to seven score's worth."

"So I've spent, like, four hundred and five years altogether so far?"

"Do you want my assistance or not?"

Kichiruka shut up.

The itako turned milky eyes in Kichiruka's direction. "If you keep these little displays up, you won't finish this next century."

"Really?"

"If you're not careful, yes."

Kichiruka scooped up the old diviner and indecorously swung her in his arms. "I get to spend my whole life with her!"

The itako didn't know what to make of this demon's outburst. Not too many creatures rejoiced at the knowledge their lives would be cut short. But this demon had surprised her already. He's, in truth, harmless. There was something benign in his aura. She smiled a little. Then curtly ordered, "Put me down. NOW."

Kichiruka obeyed.

"An offer, strange yokai," she said. "Entertain one question of mine for another of yours." It wasn't too often she got to speak with a demon on such friendly terms.

Kichiruka grinned. "You got it!"

The itako chuckled. His effervescence was contagious. "Why?"

"Huh? Why what?" Kichiruka slapped his hands over his mouth. "Does that count as a question?" He swore. Damn, did that one, too?

The itako outright laughed now. She waved a hand dismissively. "I meant, why are you going through so much trouble? Climbing this mountain? Approaching me?"

"Rin's never any trouble," he said simply. "She's usually in it. But she's never trouble."

"You love someone?" She reconsidered his question. How many years to live, huh? "A mortal, then?"

Kichiruka nodded. Then remembered that the itako couldn't see the motion. "Yes."

"Oh." She let the syllable hang.

And Kichiruka's head hung. He certainly didn't need to ask his second question if that was her reaction.

"You really ought to learn to be a little more selfish."

Kichiruka looked up.

"You're spending yourself for a human. She's not going to live long." The itako laughed. "I'm over a century, but look where my life has been spent…" She laughed and the broken syllables reminded Kichiruka of Tensai. "Oh, just go. And give it everything you got." She turned around, waiting for him to leave.

"Thank you." Kichiruka smiled and bowed low enough so the itako could feel the tines of his hair brush over her shoulder. He made to leave. But decided to try for one last question. "Um, Lady Itako?"

"Hmm?"

"Might I ask a favor?"

She frowned in Kichiruka's direction. "Watch yourself, young demon. Kindling a laugh or two out of me doesn't mean you've endeared yourself."

Kichiruka smiled sheepishly. "Of course not. I just wanted to know, that is, ah, you can contact even souls that have crossed over, right?"

"Yes," she answered cautiously. Then asked, "Why?"

Kichiruka elaborated.

"Now that is a difficult thing. What are you willing to sacrifice, oh little self-serving-one?" She said the last in a teasing tone. "But I'm serious about sacrifice."

Kichiruka held out his arm. "Take whatever amount of life is necessary. You said I've got a few centuries in me still. I won't need 'em."

She laughed. "And what inspires this attitude so brazen…and so generous?"

"Because," Kichiruka said, producing a small vial with red liquid, "at the end of the day, I'm here to make people smile."

oOo

It took more than a little persuasion on Rin's part to coax Sesshomaru back for a second hearing. But he seemed to only take it in stride. All things considered, it wasn't that bad of an outcome. Sesshomaru was still tolerating him.

But Sesshomaru also had his own agenda in mind. During their last meeting, Kichiruka spoke eloquently. When he could. But when he faltered and was stripped of self-awareness, the water demon wasn't so slick. I want to see him without such a carefully prepared guard. And whatever else Kichiruka had been keeping from Sesshomaru. On his way over, the daiyokai met a boy who peddled shinjitsu-go – "truth language" – berries. The stripling said he had met a kind yokai just the other day who, in gratitude for directions, recommended that he sell the shinjitsu-go and even bought a branch himself. Would this noble demon lord be so magnanimous as to…?

"One branch," Sesshomaru ordered.

The boy happily supplied. "That'll be one copper…hey!"

"Your life should constitute payment enough," a little green imp snapped as he trailed after the daiyokai.

Now Sesshomaru looked at the branch in his hands. It seemed somehow…dishonorable. He sighed and slipped it back into his sleeve. Maybe later.

Then Kichiruka entered the room all smiles and swagger. Sesshomaru frowned. He made a note that when the miko came by with tea as she had promised earlier, he would offer a new seasoning.

oOo

Kagome smiled at the boy. He said he didn't normally travel, but a young water sprite suggested that he leave home for a couple of days to sell the shinjitsu-go berries that grew nearby. The lad hadn't considered the berries to have any actual value until the strange and lucky yokai explained the worth. Now he had a pretty priestess buying them at top dollar!

"Thank you, ma'am!"

"No problem!" Kagome set the berries aside. She knew what they were, but if you blended them correctly they lost their properties and made excellent snacks. Oh, a special treat! If she hurried she could have it done before Kichiruka departed. Excited and in a rush now, Kagome tossed the berries with her other herbs – she could sort them later – and ran out to buy some add-ons.

"Ah! Hold it!" Kagome skidded to a stop. She had already prepped some tea to take over to Sesshomaru and Kichiruka. Then she sighted Rin down. "Hey, Rin, tea's in the house. Lord Sesshomaru's expecting it! Later!"

"Sounds good!" Rin called after the red and white whirlwind. Sure enough, when she got there Rin found not one but two kettles prepared. One had a note that read, "For Sesshomaru and Kichiruka." A little happy face drawn at the end let Rin know Kagome had happily anticipated this.

Thank you. Rin lifted the lid. It smelled excellent. But she wondered if there was a way to step it up a bit. Maybe make it sweeter. Rin looked at the stuff lying around the house. There didn't seem to be anything good to use that wouldn't seem redundant.

Then she spied some particularly ripe-looking berries.

Perfect!

"Um, excuse me?" she deferred before entering. "Tea's here." Rin quietly poured two cups as Kichiruka and Sesshomaru continued their conversation, then set the kettle down and bustled out, closing the panel behind her.

From what she saw, it was going…okay. She could only hope Sesshomaru didn't grill Kichiruka too much. Maybe the tea would help smooth things over.

oOo

Pressing his cheek into the back of his hand, Sesshomaru drawled, "Don't confuse your emotional attachment for any material wealth."

"Lord Sesshomaru, I speak honestly." Kichiruka nodded. "I've accrued substantial means in the course of my service to Lord Ichikawa."

Sesshomaru hummed in a way that meant everything and nothing at all. The information might have been pleasing…and he might not have cared either which way. Perfect neutrality. He glanced at the tea served. It was a bit late to add the shinjitsu-go. His nose wrinkled now that he actually paid attention to its aroma. How did…?

In waiting for Sesshomaru to come up with a reply, Kichiruka reached for his cup. And sipped. Hey, this is good. "It's sweet!" He took a few more sips.

Amber eyes widened momentarily, but Sesshomaru decided to remain silent. This might have telling results.

"Answer me something?"

"Yeah, Sesshomaru?" Kichiruka blinked. "Ahem, excuse me. Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru gave no inclination toward any annoyance that the water demon had faltered with his title. He's losing his inhibitions already. Signs of a weak constitution. "Why do you want Rin?"

Kichiruka paused to answer. "She's nice…" Why was it so hard to think all of a sudden? "And she's fun to talk to. Out of everyone I have to deal with every damn day, Rin's the one I like to make smile the most."

"And?" Sesshomaru prompted.

"And she's super hawt."

"I see." Sesshomaru collected the questions he truly wanted to ask now. "Did you want to steal my body that day?"

"Hell yeah."

Hell yeah? Sesshomaru's shoulders tensed. I knew it.

"Would've made things real awkward around Rin, though. For a moment there, I didn't care. I hadn't felt a rush of power like that before. Felt better than anything else." He grinned like just the thought alone brought gratification. "But I didn't do it, you know?"

Sesshomaru considered this. "Because of Rin?"

"Well, not in a million years for you."

Silver eyebrows shot up.

"I mean, I try to get things off on the right foot and poor Rin worships the frickin' dirt you walk on, so I have to act like I'm meeting a god straight out of Izumo and what do I get for my troubles? You try to eat me!"

Technically, the objective was initially to kill. However, Sesshomaru didn't want to interrupt.

"I'm a crowd-pleaser. I live to make people smile. I wish I could have had you in my corner, thought we could at least be sort of friends because of Rin. Like you, I'd do anything to have Rin safe. And yeah, I really think I'm the best damn thing that can see to that. I survived you anyway." Kichiruka laughed in his loud dolphin's cackle.

"But instead I get a potential father-in-law with a stick up his ass. Not one thing I do pleases you. Do you even remember how to smile? Much less laugh? How you manage to mean the world to Rin is beyond me, but I stood out of it. I didn't want to mess up the good thing she's got and was ready to agree that you're right…"

Good, then get out. Sesshomaru's aura started to prickle.

Kichiruka only smiled that irritating grin. "But…I can't quite leave. No opiate can keep you hooked like this."

oOo

Kagome smiled at Rin when she walked back indoors.

"Did you take the tea to Sesshomaru and Kichiruka?"

"Yeah." Rin grinned. "I'm glad he's sort of coming around to Kich'."

Kagome nodded. She set down the new stock with the other herbs. And noticed that the berries were missing.

"Um, Rin, hon…did you happen to notice if there were any berries set down here?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, Miss Kagome." She laughed a little. "I took them to season the tea. They smelled really sweet and seemed like it would be a good mix…" Rin's voice trailed as Kagome's expression crumbled. "They weren't meant for that, were they?"

Without a word and eyes wide, the priestess slowly shook her head. No. "Rin, those were shinjitsu-go berries."

Rin paled. "And what do these truth-language berries do?"

"You don't know what truth serum is, but it's like that. The person who ingests them speaks without censoring themselves." Kagome nervously smoothed the pleats of her red hakama. She remembered when she got braces in seventh grade and the dentist gave her laughing gas. But how to explain this in sixteenth-century terms? "People talk on a subconscious level under the fruits' influence. You know how when you're trying to talk in a dream and you're only vaguely aware of what you've said after it's left your mouth? Like tha—Where are you going?"

Rin didn't look back as she raced out the door. "I gotta get that tea before it's too late!"

But when she threw open the door Kichiruka was already concluding whatever story he had going.

"Yeah, so the old man seriously needs to get laid." Rin hoped Kichiruka wasn't talking about whom she thought. Then Kichiruka noticed that she was standing in the doorway. "Hey, there hotness!"

Rin's head snapped to glare at Sesshomaru. His tea remained untouched. He must have known. At least have smelled it. How could you?

The daiyokai returned with a drab look. "The fool drank before any warning could be issued."

Kichiruka grinned openly. "I like your dress, Rin dear."

Rin heaved a frustrated grumble. "I hope you're not taking anything he says seriously."

Sesshomaru didn't even blink. His eyes had the simple unfocused gaze that stated that he had mentally recorded everything said.

Rin slapped a hand over her eyes. "Oh come on!"

"That's what I said one time," Kichiruka blurted. "But hey, I want Rin to be willing."

That comment got Sesshomaru's attention. "Is that what you think of her?" he said just short of snarling. He had promised not to kill this prawn in front of Rin, but this situation was growing more tempting with each word that left the water demon's mouth. And, on one hand, Sesshomaru also wanted Rin to hear this, too. For her own benefit.

Kichiruka angled his head as if he were sizing Rin up, looking at her from top to bottom. "Eh, I was concerned that she might be a little small, but I think we can make it fit."

"So then you are familiar with sexual relations?" Sesshomaru's lip curled in disgust. So the prawn had been lying to him earlier. Though the dog-demon couldn't recall smelling any dishonesty then. Unless he's very adept at lying.

"Well, now that I got the definition in common language, yeah." Kichiruka clicked and whistled the translation in his native dialect. "So Rin might be a virgin, but I'm more broken in than a pair of good work boots."

While Kichiruka continued babbling his way into his own grave, the entrance panel slid open and Inuyasha walked in. Keeping Tetsusaiga in its sheath as he removed it with unusual delicacy, almost perfect reserve; then Inuyasha raised the sword and in one sweep brought it crashing down on the back of Kichiruka's head. In an instant, the water demon went unconscious.

"Damn, all that yammering was giving me a headache!" Inuyasha barked. Though the shit about Sesshomaru had been pretty funny. He had to listen in a little for that.

Sesshomaru stood. "Huh. I've heard enough."

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin cried, stepping over Kichiruka to go after him. "You can't consider such a thing –"

"Give it a rest, kid." Inuyasha slipped Tetsusaiga back into his sash. "This bastard will use whatever underhanded tactic he wants to make anyone look bad."

Sesshomaru huffed. "This was unintentional." His eyes narrowed. "And the intentions of that sea scum are nothing of the sort I will tolerate."

"Aw fer the love a' – Every normal adult male has those urges."

Sesshomaru blinked slowly.

Inuyasha's ears flattened. "You ain't normal."

A small grunt came from behind Inuyasha. Kichiruka lifted his head. His eyes were still oddly dilated. "Say Rin dear, I really do love you." Then, without any assistance, Kichiruka passed out on his own.

With Rin, Sesshomaru gazed at the sea demon for a moment longer. Then turned to his charge. "We'll find someone else."

Her world snapping back to reality, Rin stamped her foot and pointed at Kichiruka. "I want this one," she insisted.

Sesshomaru sidestepped his vocal obstruction. "Quit acting like a child."

"Make me!" Rin followed him outside.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Hey, small fry, you better wake up soon. We need someone around here besides me to give it to Sesshomaru straight up."

oOo

When Kichiruka came to, he could hear Rin talking outside with Sesshomaru. He had trouble making out the words. Her voice climbing to pleading tones.

That's the second time I've passed out in this room. Rin had better move. This place is unhealthy.

He sat up smoothly. Nothing felt sore. With the possible exception of the back of his skull. Ugh, my head is spinning. Kichiruka vaguely wondered if this was what Tensai felt like after a several rounds of saké. Damn, why did Inuyasha have to hit me so hard? …Uh-oh. Kichiruka sprang to his feet and strode to the door. Only to backpedal with Sesshomaru advancing immediately upon him.

Sesshomaru put Rin at his back and, effectively filling the threshold with his full armored frame and fur, the daiyokai reached for the sliding panel and locked Rin outside. Now it was just him and Kichiruka in the single-room house.

With a rough shove, Sesshomaru knocked Kichiruka off his feet so the water yokai fell sprawled on his back, his belly exposed. Like an angry dog asserting dominance, Sesshomaru stood over him. "Was all that you disclosed true?"

Kichiruka bit his lip. His yoki pulsing.

"Do you remember what you said?" Sesshomaru's aura charged the room.

Kichiruka answered quickly. "Yessir."

"So was it all true?"

"You really tried to drug me?"

"Answer yes or no."

"Yes." Kichiruka swallowed. "Yes, everything was true. They're called shinjitsu-go for a reason, right?"

Sesshomaru eyed Kichiruka. "I will overlook such a brassy statement as residue of the tea." Slowly, Sesshomaru stepped away and walked to one end of the room. When he reached it, he turned around and strode the other way. Sesshomaru continued to pace for a minute more. He glanced at Kichiruka. But right when the water demon thought he was going to get an answer, or at least a death threat, Sesshomaru turned and resumed pacing.

Kichiruka wanted to say, "Any day now," but for the time being, while the dog-demon debated, he could still fantasize about what would happen if Sesshomaru said yes.

oOo

When Sesshomaru stepped out of the house he took no questions, gave no answers, and proceeded to walk straight into the cool of the forest. He needed some alone time. Rin didn't ask anything. Even Kichiruka kept quiet. Until he was sure Sesshomaru was gone. When he finally did speak, he sounded quiet and small.

"Hey, Rin dear?"

She hummed quizzically.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I mean, you were drugged and…"

Kichiruka grinned rakishly.

"You were drugged…RIGHT?"

Kichiruka laughed. And stopped when Rin slugged him in the stomach.

"Depraved, deceitful, rotten…You're as bad as Ichikawa!"

Kichiruka still couldn't wipe the smirk from his face. "And do you think Sesshomaru wouldn't have had doubt always in his mind otherwise? He needed to feel as if he were seeing me completely uncensored. He wouldn't have trusted me otherwise. You know it."

Rin shook her head. "You risked everything!"

The dazzling smile made the scars on his face curl. "But it was all true anyway." Kichiruka sat up, straightened into a kneeling position and gently took Rin's hands in his. As he kissed the back of her wrist, Kichiruka's bright eyes shown up at her. "I love you."

Rin could feel her eyes moisten. Because he really means it. Then she remembered what Kichiruka had said earlier. "Waitasec, have you actually thought of how I'm going to 'fit' you?"

Kichiruka blinked uncomprehendingly for a second. Then laughed. "Oh, that…Well, you are on the small side…"

Rin withdrew one of her hands and smacked Kichiruka aside. "Lech!"

Kichiruka winced. "So much for honest relationships!" And he couldn't help laughing. "Don't tell me you haven't thought about it either! OW! See how much I suffer for you?" He finally got to his feet and caught Rin up. But Kichiruka's expression was entirely sober. "I meant every word…and Lord Sesshomaru was…well, he didn't kill me for it."

Rin just rolled her eyes. Then thought, "Say, your cup was empty. How did you not drink the shinjitsu-go tea?"

Reaching into this collar, Kichiruka removed a pouch with a carefully lined interior that didn't leak. "Have to say, Sesshomaru's eyesight has gotten lazy. He relies so much on his nose and ears that his vision is only slightly better than average. Learned that while in his body." Kichiruka chuckled. "It makes little sleights like this one not so difficult to pull off."

"I still wouldn't pull that again," Inuyasha said, walking from around the corner of the hut.

Kichiruka glowered. "You didn't have to hit me that hard."

Inuyasha shrugged. "Wanted to be convincing…And I couldn't let you say all that about Rin without some retribution."

Rin gaped at Sesshomaru's brother. "You were in cahoots with…?"

"Hey, the shit about Sesshomaru was pretty funny. And damn necessary."

And Sesshomaru called me childish. Then she sank to the ground and curled into a ball. "Go away. Both of you."

Neither did.

"So how did the interrogation go?" Fuzzy dog ears wiggled. "Saw he locked you in the room there."

Kichiruka chuckled. "Not that bad. He just wanted to be sure I meant everything I said." Kichiruka reached over and fluffed Rin's hair. She waved him off. "He kept pawing at that mass of fur on his shoulder. What is that?"

Rin finally giggled. Only she was privy to this nervous tick. "What did you tell him?"

"More like what did he ask," Kichiruka said. Then drawing himself up to full height and brushing up into his best imitation act, recited, "How quickly does news travel in the ocean?"

Inuyasha guffawed.

Rin smiled. "He's adjusting to the idea."

Kichiruka made Rin giggle when he attempted to interpret it. "So this is Sesshomaru's way of saying it then?"

"What?"

"Bring it on."

.

A/N: Phew! Long chapter thar! Thank you for reading. My gallery has some new sketches that I drew up upon readers' requests. Please remove spaces and click around between pages (because I'm a little too lazy to post every link): feral-instinct. deviantart. com/art/Just-for-Laughs-Sketch-310-245879067

I also have an additional announcement to make which is very important to the series' continuity. I will be out of the country for the rest of this month. I do plan on finishing Hooked (hopefully by the end of August), but please understand that updates may be irregular and I will be unable to take further sketch requests until I return. As always, I will reply to all reviews. Thank you for all your kind support!