Sesshomaru's POV:

It is not often the unsanctioned Lord of the West finds himself caught off guard. In fact, it was once an extremely rare occurrence but these days he hardly knows what to expect. And why does it almost always have to do with Inuyasha? So many questions spring to mind he almost reels in place from them, but as always, he maintains his poise. His cold stare hardens even more as the red-clad hanyou stutters back another step while guarding his gravid stomach.

His brother is with child.

He can see it. Hear it. Sense it. But how? And why is it he constantly finds his half-breed brother in some compromising position? And with another male no less. Indignation burns his chest, and he can feel his youkai raging as he recalls how mere moments ago his brother was entangled with that wolf.

Said hanyou is cowering away from him but still making a show of snarling at the incensed lord. His lips are pulled back enough to bare his fangs in clear warning. His claws are flexed and prepared to attack; no longer shielding the swell to his stomach. However, Sesshomaru can see through the bravado; the flat ears, his rapid breathing, the trembling, the smell—his brother is…afraid. 'Why? Does he realize his blunder in putting himself in harm's way? Again?' Enough is enough. "I said come, Inuyasha."

When again his brother makes no move to heed his words, Sesshomaru strides forward with purpose. He reaches out at the same time, but before he can make contact his eyes widen slightly as he realizes his mistake a little too late.

"SANKON TESSO!" Inuyasha's iron reaver soul stealer slices through the skin on his hand and up to his wrist before Sesshomaru can yank his arm back. His shock is short lived when the attack sends the hanyou reeling backwards and he loses his footing, "Ugh!" Before the pregnant Inu can crash into the ground, Sesshomaru whips out with his uninjured arm and catches him around the back, halting the male's fall all at once. On instinct, Sesshomaru yanks him forward until he is secured against him and no longer so parallel to the ground. Inuyasha's hands settle against his broad chest as he steadies himself and swallows down the gasp that had caught in his throat. Sesshomaru can feel the younger's heart beating wildly against him as he stiffens and dares a look up at the daiyoukai.

But Sesshomaru's attention is no longer on the hanyou. He raises his right hand to stare directly at it as his blood flows in abundance to stain his ivory skin. The hand on Inuyasha's back absentmindedly lowers until it settles on his lower back as his blood drips down to stain the earth. It has been a while since his blood has been spilled in such a way. He knows the exact moment Inuyasha notices where his attention has gone when he hears him suck in a trembling breath. The shorter male suddenly starts pushing against his chest, but despite his best efforts he finds it impossible to escape the hold. Sesshomaru stares impassively at the injury for one more moment before locking eyes with his panicking half-sibling. "I—don't, I'm so—let go of me! I—"

"…Explain yourself."

"I—"

"You dare to spill my blood?" His brow furrows slightly when Inuyasha goes completely rigid at his words. His nose itches with the pungent scent of fear and he squashes the unexpected impulse to assuage his mate's unease. "You—"

"Please…" The whispered plea leaves his lips in a tremble. "You can take your revenge after, but please don't—"

"Inuyasha!" Inuyasha startles in his hold again when someone calls out from behind them. Sesshomaru's says nothing as he spots the owner of the familiar voice in the distance. The monk is riding the nekomata the lord recognizes as the feline companion to Inuyasha's pack. Sesshomaru's face falls back into total neutrality and he allows Inuyasha to twist away from his touch as the human quickly closes the distance. He hops off the feline and hurries to the hanyou's side with his golden staff gripped tightly in his hand.

"Miroku? Wha—what are you doing here?!" Inuyasha tries to shake off his previous stupor as the male scrutinizes his tense state.

"I noticed you had not returned, and Tatsuya eventually told me of your whereabouts. I rushed over in case there was trouble." When the monk says this, he locks gazes with the daiyoukai for the first time since arriving. Sesshomaru's eyes narrow when he keeps his dark gaze on him when he speaks again. "Everything alright Inuyasha? You do not look so good."

"I'm fine…"

"Mm," It is evident by the way he glances back at his friend that he does not believe him at all. Irritation once again burns in Sesshomaru's chest as the monk places a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Either way, I can tell you have over done it. Let's get you back." He speaks with an air that brooks no argument and makes it clear he is ordering not asking. This is further shown when his hand goes from the half-demon's shoulder to his arm. Before Inuyasha can say anything, he pulls him along to where the feline is waiting. The neko hisses at Inuyasha's approach, but the monk soothes her enough for him to help Inuyasha up. Sesshomaru watches the entire spectacle quietly and unmoving until they turn to leave.

"Inuyasha." Both he and the monk freeze at the sound of his icy tone. "I expect to speak to you at dusk…alone." He looks to the monk to emphasize his point before adding, "You will know where I am. Do not keep me waiting." Without bothering to wait for an answer, he turns his back on his brother and disappears into the forest.

…

(A little while later)

"This is curious indeed."

Sesshomaru stares blankly at the tree demon as he takes his time to think over what the daiyoukai informed him. This is the second time he finds himself standing before Bokusenso seeking answers to problems caused by his hanyou half-brother. Seeing as his father's previous vassal knew so much before, he is hoping he can shed light on this most recent development. He has recounted all he has learned about Khuzaimah and the events leading up to this tiring game of cat and mouse. The tree was content with listening and nodding every now and then but could not help commenting when Sesshomaru finally detailed the state he found Inuyasha in earlier. "What do you make of this? It should be impossible, no?"

"I cannot say I have ever known of a half-demon man being capable of bearing children. Siring? Yes. But not in the way you have just described. It is certainly not an ability ningen male possess. Even Naraku's way of having children did not involve him carrying them."

'As I thought.'

"Nevertheless, hanyous are exceedingly complicated creatures. They do not follow the principles of life since, in principle, they should not exist to begin with."

"And yet male Inuyoukai should not be able to produce children like this just as male humans cannot." Sesshomaru points out as he thinks this over.

"You are correct, of course." The tree shrugs with a dry chuckle. "As he is of your father's blood it should be impossible as it would be for any full-fledged dog demon. Are you sure you saw what you saw, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Yes. My eyes did not deceive me." And besides that, he could hear the heartbeat—his child's heartbeat even over Inuyasha's erratic one.

"Then I am just as much at a loss."

There is something the Lord of the West has been considering. "Do you think it has something to do with him being held captive by Khuzaimah?"

"Hmm…I suppose it is possible. It may be a more likely explanation than Inuyasha always having had the ability to carry a child. I simply know not of any viable way Khuzaimah could have caused it. Not that I am all-knowing regarding ryus, mind you. They range from rudimentary demons who are little more than animals to ethereal spirits. They are unusual to begin with…Khuzaimah's bloodline exceedingly so."

"How so? Because of his barrier ability?" Although Sesshomaru tested the formidability of them for himself, he is loath to admit the pathetic dragon has any skill. It is hardly enough for him to consider the imposter lord a real threat.

"Yes, there is that, but I am sure there is something else I am forgetting. Hm…maybe it did not have to do with Khuzaimah, but with his sister. You met her, yes? What do you think of her?"

"She is unreadable. She gratuitously displays emotions such as fear and yet I cannot sense it in anyway. I cannot discern whether she is putting on a show or not, but she appears much weaker than her brother."

"Hm."

"You do not remember anything about her?"

The tree closes his eyes in another hum as Sesshomaru waits patiently for anything he can offer. "Unfortunately, there is not much I can add. When she was mentioned on the wind, it was only regarding Ryukotsusei taking her as a concubine. What you have mentioned is interesting. I will see what I can find out."

"Understood."

"Before you take your leave," Sesshomaru pauses mid turn and grants the elder his full attention. "I did not want to interrupt you earlier, but was I correct in hearing you say you claimed Inuyasha? In order to…get him away from Khuzaimah?"

"You heard correctly." His blunt admission is met with open and honest surprise by the aged youkai. "You seem surprised. Khuzaimah trifled with a bloodline he has no right to be a part of. I will not allow it to happen."

"Even if it is to your own disadvantage?"

"…"

"Incredible. I do wonder what Toga would make of this. Would he be proud? Or too cynical of your intentions to see them as honorable?"

"…" It is very faint, but Sesshomaru feels a muscle tense in his jaw at the mention of his father. He can hear his haunting words as if the great dog demon is suddenly standing at his side.

Tell me, Sesshomaru, have you someone to protect?

His father had sounded so disappointed at his answer back then. It was not the first time the young Inu faced the dissatisfied tenor to his father's voice, but it was the first time it stuck with him. The first time he lacked comprehension of what lesson he was supposed to learn. The first time it was something he could not correct with more training and conquering. It is not something Sesshomaru allows himself to think about these days but…he does wonder, out of mere curiosity, if his father would trust the person he is now. Would he still be disappointed?

"It does beg the question," The tree continues, completely unaware of the other demon's inner thoughts. "Is the child young Inuyasha is carrying yours or Khu—"

"I have already staked my claim on Inuyasha. I told you this. As such, who else's child could it be?" His question is not a question at all, and they both know it. It is a warning.

"A foolish question."

"Foolish indeed." 'Even if it were possible, the timing does not match, and I could feel…it is my child. As strange as Inuyasha being with child is—there is still no way a ryu could sire a child with an Inuhanyou.'

"Let me ask you this instead, Lord Sesshomaru." The young lord observes him coolly, but the old tree knows he respects him enough to at least hear the query. "Who managed to harm you? And why is it not healed yet?" Sesshomaru does not have to follow his line of sight to know he is referring to his injured hand. He remains stiff and stoic, but his fingers do twitch under the scrutiny. Although it is no longer bleeding, the gashes are still wide open when they should be completely gone.

He should not have been so easily injured in the first place.

"It matters not." He finally answers as he turns his back to leave again.

"Pardon a bumbling old man, but if this has to do with young Inuyasha, I may be able to provide some guidance."

"…"

"The strained relationship between you two is likely the cause of his hostile behavior."

He reconsiders leaving and spares the elder a look over his shoulder. "What do you speak of?"

"Most youkai…mothers place protecting their young above all else. The instinct is ingrained in them. It is not uncommon for them to resort to protecting the children from their sires. There are many reasons for this instinctual distrust. Many face circumstances in where the child was conceived from violence. Or is simply an inconvenience to the sire. Some fathers even eat their children—sometimes based only on a whim. Mothers have taken their sires lives and given their own to ensure the survival of their progeny."

"And what does that have to do with me?" 'Or Inuyasha's behavior?'

"It is likely Inuyasha shares these instincts with demon mothers despite his ningen blood. You two have had many deadly clashes and because of this, the seeds of mistrust have been sown and nurtured for many years."

"…" This time he does turn fully around to face the elder once more.

"Since Inuyasha does not trust you, his intuition to protect may be overriding his reason." Again, the tree drops his eyes to his injured hand, but Sesshomaru refuses to acknowledge it. "In fact, his human half may be working to make this instinct and fear stronger. Human mothers' attachment to their offspring are typically more frivolous and sentimental than straightforward instinct. He may know in his mind you will not harm him, but not in his heart."

For once Sesshomaru breaks eye contact to gaze off into the distance; where he knows his brother waits. The sun is low in the sky indicating soon they will face each other again. 'How foolish. Frivolous indeed. Am I expected to abate his fears? Am I to disgrace myself by making his comfort any of my concern? All because of Inuyasha's sensitivities? His blatant show of vulnerability is sickening. Why should This Sesshomaru fuss over Inuyasha?' "What—" He is speaking before he can even help himself and his indignant curiosity almost make his words sound rushed. "Would one do then?"

"Haha!" The old demon almost wheezes on his laugh and Sesshomaru's deadpan stare is enough for him to poorly cover it up with a cough. Still, Bokusenso is the smartest and most competent of his father's former friends, so he does not comment on the nature of his question and chooses to answer right away. "It is simple. One would need to do what comes instinctively. Show the mother you mean no harm and listen to your youkai."

"Tch," This time he does not hesitate as he turns and walks away. "Farewell."

Khuzaimah is looming over their heads and now his sister is involved as well; an unknown. He does not have the time to coddle Inuyasha. Even if the daiyoukai was willing to lower himself to do such a thing, Bokusenso's advice made no sense to the stoic lord. 'Show Inuyasha I mean no harm? How exactly? Why should I have to?' Inuyasha will have to get a hold of himself. They have more pressing matters to take care of.

…

Inuyasha's POV

He feels like shit. Inuyasha closes his eyes in another sigh as he shifts to a more comfortable sitting position on the tree stump he is perched on. To say he is tired would be an understatement. He feels drained. His eyes are half-lidded and a little unfocused as he takes in the scene in front of him.

"You can do it Tatsuya-kun!" Rin's encouragement rings out with exuberance and is almost enough to seep some energy into Inuyasha. She is practically bouncing on her heels as she stares up the big tree. Even after a full day of learning and duties, the girl exudes boundless energy.

Tatsuya for his part nods, but it is apparent he does not share her enthusiasm nor confidence. He is standing on one of the tree's higher branches and he looks anything but sure of himself. Yet, like the many times Inuyasha watched the whelp fling himself off the old mountain, there is no hesitation as he leaps now. Inuyasha is not sure he can call what happens next flying because the little dragon wings barely unfurl from his back at all, and he ends up stuttering through the air. Without much momentum, he does not make it far before plummeting downwards with a ground shaking thud. Inuyasha does not have the time to even think of checking on him because Rin beats him to it.

"Tatsuya-kun! Are you alright?" She grabs his arm to help as he lifts his face from the dirt.

Even from this distance, Inuyasha can see the embarrassment reddening his cheeks. "Y-Yes, I-I am alright R-Rin-san. Sorry…"

"Heehee, no need to apologize!" She lets go of his arm to give him an encouraging slap on the back that almost sends him back to the ground. "You did well! Good effort and good job!"

"I…I d-don't think I c-can call what I-I just did 'doing well'." He ducks his head down to hide behind his bangs in the face of all her high praise.

"Huh?" Rin tilts her head to where she can still see his face before continuing. "Nonsense! Yesterday, I didn't know you had wings at all because they never came out of your back. Today they are trying to spring forth and you stayed in the air longer! Seven seconds longer! I counted! So, did you do better than last time?"

"Y-Yes…"

"So then you did well!" She beams at him in triumph.

"Thank you…" In the face of his shy smile, she giggles again and pulls him back to the tree to try once more.

'At least they're having fun.' Inuyasha almost lets out a bitter laugh as he wipes the sweat from his brow with his sleeve.

"Don't you admire their carefree attitude?" His ear twitches when he is reminded he is not alone. He looks to the side to find Miroku standing there watching the youngsters as well. Inuyasha can tell from the contemplative look on his face, the monk is deep in thought and not really focused on the duo in front of them. When he feels the hanyou's attention on him, he turns his head slightly to meet his golden gaze. "Or perhaps your thoughts are elsewhere?"

"Yer' the one who looks like his thoughts are elsewhere."

"Got me there." He concedes with a little smile that does not reach his indigo eyes. "With the setting of the sun, I cannot help but think of you going off on your own to meet Sesshomaru."

He instantly stiffens at the name of the one person he has made sure to not think about all day. He looks away with a roll of his eyes and an annoyed huff. "Are you kidding me right now? I can handle Sesshomaru just fine."

Miroku raises a cynical eyebrow at him. "Oh yes. You were handling him just fine before I showed up."

"Will you shut your trap!"

"Will you at least—"

"You aren't coming with me!" Inuyasha barks with finality even as his heart races. He is not scared of Sesshomaru. Never has been. But some part of him fears what he would do to his pup. 'Those words he said back then…They were the same as Khuzaimah's.'

You dare to spill my blood?

Those are the very words Khuzaimah said right before he committed the unforgivable act. Inuyasha will never forget and never forgive. Any hopes that Sesshomaru would be different were dashed with those words. If Miroku did not show up when he did, he is not sure what would have happened. And that thought alone is enough to churn his stomach. But he cannot risk Miroku coming with him. Inuyasha does not think Sesshomaru would outright attack any of them. They are beyond that now. But what if Miroku gets in the way? He still does not know the extent of Sesshomaru's newfound tolerance, nor does he intend on anyone he cares about getting hurt while testing it. Although he does not want to be alone with his unpredictable brother, this may be the safest option. And besides…'Nobody knows this brat belongs to…Seshomaru, besides Tatsuya probably…' And he would like to keep it that way.

"I just do not understand." Miroku finally speaks again with an exasperated shake of his head. "What do you owe Sesshomaru? Since when were you so agreeable with him? And why must you go alone?"

Inuyasha can feel himself physically deflate with an exasperated head shake of his own. He is so tired. Tired of explaining. Tired of avoiding. Tired of carrying this child. Tired of being so afraid all time. Tired and weighed down. All he wants is to rip Khuzaimah limb by limb. The rest can come later. Or not. He does not care. He does not want to think that far ahead. He just needs to get through this. "Look—"

The words die on his tongue the moment he senses Sesshomaru nearby. It is almost as though whatever kami out there is mocking him. Inuyasha would have been able to sense Sesshomaru anywhere near his village with ease, but his brother is purposefully making his arrival more obvious. Letting it be known right away that his patience is short. The hanyou turns to look in the direction his presence is coming from and knows that it he is somewhere near the Bone Eater's Well. 'Great…Now I have to think about her too? Give me a break already.'

"Inuyasha? He's here isn't he…"

It is not really a question, but he grumbles a reply anyway. "Yeah."

"And I assume I have not convinced you to let me accompany you?"

Inuyasha accepts the hand the human male extends to pull him to his feet, but he lets go immediately afterwards with a scoff. "You already know the answer to that. I'll be back soon, so don't go searching for me." His eyes narrow in a silent warning, and he bristles when Miroku answers it with a non-committal shrug and an "innocent" glance up at the sky.

He glowers at him for one last time but decides to let it go. He needs to save his energy for a potentially bigger fight after all. He takes one more steadying breath and walks, or more waddles in the direction he knows his brother is waiting. It is slow going, but Sesshomaru's presence seems less oppressive than when he first made himself known. It is as though he is pacified by the fact the hanyou has accepted his fate and is trudging towards him. Sweat is pouring down his face and his legs feel like jelly, but he rather deal with this without any prying ears.

Inuyasha sinks his fangs into his bottom lip as the trees finally clear to reveal his brother. The taller demon is standing with his back to him and he does not move as the hanyou leans against a tree to catch his breath. He stops with enough space between them that a human would have trouble seeing his face in the waning sunlight. 'We are so close to the well. I wonder what would happen if I tried jumping in now?' Inuyasha looks in the direction of the enchanted Bone Eater's well, but his alert eyes quickly snap back to the demon lord who has not bothered to acknowledge him yet. "Oi!"

"You did well not to make me wait."

"Feh! Sesshomaru you arrogant bastard, it's been a long day. Just tell me what the hell you want and be done with it already!" As if to mock him, Sesshomaru keeps his back to him for a long pause before finally turning to face him. The Western Lord's face is as rigid and impassive as ever. Inuyasha has come to expect that from him, but right now his aloof nature does little to set his nerves at ease. It makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand when the taller man wordlessly stares at him. "Are you just going to stand there and gawk at me?"

"And If I do?" He snaps back. "Will you flee with your tail tucked between your legs again?"

"Who's fleeing?" Inuyasha sneers, crossing his arms into his sleeves and resting them on his gravid stomach. "I've never run from you Sesshomaru—never will."

"No? You just hide behind others. Behind humans."

Even though he came with every intention of keeping his cool, Inuyasha bares his fangs as he balls his fists so tight his claws pierce his palms. 'He's in for a hell of a shock if he thinks can look down on me again because of everything that's been going on.' "You—!" The insult dies on his tongue when, in an uncharacteristic move, Sesshomaru suddenly averts his gaze. Most would not have noticed at all. It is subtle and he almost instantly flicks his cold eyes back to meet his, but the move is unusual enough to stun Inuyasha into silence.

"Nevertheless, This Sesshomaru is not here to antagonize you."

Inuyasha cannot help raising a skeptical brow at that. "Then why are you here without Khuzaimah? Did you find—"

"You are with child."

Inuyasha startles not only at the blunt interruption, but also at the blatant disregard of his questions. "W-Wha—…yeah. You have eyes dontcha'?"

"Explain."

"Tch." This time Inuyasha is the one who breaks eye contact but since he can no longer see his feet, he is stuck staring at the last thing he wants to think about right now.

"Do you hear me?"

"I… ". As much as he works his jaw to form some kind of response, he can only grit his teeth.

"Did you already know you could carry a child?" 'Why does it feel like there is a lump in my throat?'

"…Not exactly." Finally, he barely manages a croaked reply.

"Not exactly? Explain yourself."

"Look," He shakes his head and meets the other's demanding frown with an annoyed scowl of his own. "How about we talk about what really matters here first?" By the way his cold golden eyes narrow, Inuyasha can tell he is not enthused by him changing topics like this. "We need to—I need to find Khuzaimah no matter what. Above all else. So, I'll tell you everything I learned about that bastard. Then you tell me?" He is trying his best to check his attitude while making these demands. The hanyou is not known for being diplomatic and he knows his haughty half-brother is prone to getting offended at the smallest slight.

"…"

Taking his silence as acquiescence, Inuyasha thinks back to what he learned from Koga. "Not only did Khuzaimah get trained by Ryukotsusei, but the old dragon also killed off his clan. I don't get why Ryukotsusei would off all his own folks like that, but seeing that Khuzaimah is the same way—"

"Ryukotsusei and Khuzaimah have no blood relation. You are telling me that which I already know."

"What?!" His head was reeling already and he all but topples over at his blunt statement. 'No blood relation? Then why?! What did he want from me and—what does Sesshomaru mean he already knew?!' "You already knew, and you didn't tell me?"

"Since when do I answer to you otouto?"

'Tsk, stupid mocking title. Does he think this is a game?! Keep your cool, keep your cool, keep your cool.' The last time he lost his temper with his pups' sire did not end well… "Is there a reason why yer' being so stingy with information about Khuzaimah?!"

"Because I do not owe you any explanations."

"Tsk!" Why did he think Sesshomaru would be reliable? Sure, they have teamed up in the past, but he should have known better than to expect much from him. 'It's not that I need his help, but since he keeps sticking his nose where it does not belong, he could at least be useful.'

"And can you truly stand there as you are and accuse me of holding things back? When I find you carrying my child with me none the wiser?"

'My child?' Again, shock ruins whatever retort he would have usually responded with as he eyes the taller male incredulously. Sesshomaru does not look away this time, but Inuyasha's eyes nearly bug out of his head as he sneers at him coldly.

"I am already aware of your idiocy, but did you really think you could hide from me?"

"Hiding? How am I hiding when I'm at home, baka? And besides, I don't owe you any explanations." It takes every bit of his self-control not to stick his tongue out for good measure, but he does defiantly turn his head away.

"You are wrong." Inuyasha stands his ground as the demon lord stalks closer to him. He manages to keep his composure well until the full demon stops within grabbing distance. With the pale youkai directly in front of him Inuyasha can see the injury he inflicted on his hand earlier. 'Why didn't he heal it already? Did he leave it there for me to see on purpose. Shit.' Inuyasha curses himself as his knees suddenly feel too weak to hold up his own body weight. His scowl falters as his heart starts beating too quickly and his ears all but bury themselves into his silver hair. 'Shit. What is wrong with me? I am not scared of Sesshomaru— or anyone for that matter!' "I have told you before; everything concerning you, concerns me."

"Why? Because of this stupid mark or bond or whatever? Feh! I don't care anything about that."

"A bond made by your own stupidity."

"Go to hell! If yer' not going to tell me anything useful about Khuzaimah, then I don't see why yer' here bothering me."

"…" Although his older brother's silence is nothing novel to him. Inuyasha is surprised he has nothing to say after that.

"Got it? So, why don't you quit wasting time and tell me already!"

There is another stretch of uncomfortable quiet before Sesshomaru startles him by snapping his gaze down to his large stomach. "I will tell you what you need to know—"

"Finally!"

"And then you will answer my questions." He continues, still staring meaningfully at his belly.

"We'll see." Inuyasha scoffs again and folds his arms tighter into his sleeves to better hide it away. He is fighting the urge to have his claws out and bared. "Tell me what you found out about Khuzaimah."

Sesshomaru briefly hesitates, likely unused to taking orders from anyone; lest of all his hanyou little brother. "Khuzaimah is not the lord he is proclaiming to be. His bloodline is insignificant, and he is not a descendent of Ryukotsusei as I said. He was Ryukotsusei's charge and nothing more."

"What?! So, that bastard was lying! I knew it!" Although his expression remains cool, Inuyasha still picks up on the doubtful stare Sesshomaru gives him. 'Koga's elders were right then.' "But Koga told me the old dragon killed off all Khuzaimah's clan except him and his little sister. Why would Khuzaimah pretend to be related to him after that?"

"The why is insignificant. You only need to know Khuzaimah wanted retribution from Ryukotsusei, however father ruined his foolish little fantasy by sealing the dragon lord as a spirit. Khuzaimah then turned his attention to father who had no time to waste on the likes of that lowlife." It is interesting to for Inuyasha to hear the venom in Sesshomaru's otherwise flat tone when he speaks about Khuzaimah. 'I still don't get why he's so involved.' "Little is known about his activity after both father and Ryukotsusei perished. When you defeated Ryukotsusei, it left you as the only one for him to enact his…vengeance on."

It feels like all the air has left his lungs suddenly. So many thoughts bounce around in his mind at once, it makes his temples throb. 'That's it. That's really it? I suspected he had a problem with me for killing his "uncle" but really? All that begging and pleading…all the asking why—demanding why, for something so stupid? That monster trapped me, tortured me, changed my body into something unrecognizable…My pups are dead. And for what? For revenge? For something that has nothing to do with me in the first place?' He should be angry—exploding with rage even, but instead he feels cold. It is as though someone threw a bucket of chilled water on him in the middle of winter.

Seemingly unaware, or indifferent, to the Inuhanyou's shocked state, Sesshomaru continues. "I did find Kaida."

That is enough to instantly snap him out of his stupor and before he can think better of it, Inuyasha closes the remaining distance between them. "Really?! Why didn't you start with that?! What did she say? Did she know where to find Khuzaimah? Do you know where—"

"Silence."

"TELL ME!" His hands fly out of his sleeves, but he keeps them balled at his side as he glares up at the other.

Sesshomaru looks down his nose at him as he speaks. "She has one summer to find and present Khuzaimah to me."

'One summer? That long? No, that's not good enough. What if she's just as much of a snake as he is?' "What makes you so sure she'll keep her word?"

"Tatsuya's life depends on it."

"What?" Inuyasha gapes up at his matter-of-fact tone. "What do yah' mean? Keep Tatsuya out of this. He's not—"

When Sesshomaru raises his hand in a clear demand for silence, Inuyasha is caught off guard by the way his mouth snaps shut without a second thought. 'What the hell?' It is as though his body moved on its own.

"Save your pity for someone who will hear it. Explain yourself now."

"…" He wants to back away. He wants to run, but instead he forces his chin up in defiance. "What's there to explain? I was…in heat and you…"

"That is not what I am asking, and you know it."

"And I am telling you, I don't know what to tell yah'!"

"You did not know you could have a child this way?"

"No…"

"…" 'What is he looking at me like that for? He is always on about how he doesn't owe me any explanations, well it's the same for me!'

'When will the child arrive."

"I…I'm not sure. Kaede says soon. Maybe—" 'What am I doing? I cannot tell him if I want to keep this pup safe. I probably have 14 days left.' "Uh, maybe one full moon left."

"Hm."

"Anything else?! Or can I go now?" Inuyasha meant for the request to sound sarcastic, but his cheeks color when it comes out sounding like a genuine request for permission.

"One more thing. Stay away from other males."

"What. What was that?!"

"You heard me."

The shock he felt is quickly replaced with indignation as Sesshomaru continues to stare down at him meaningfully. "Is that supposed to be a threat?!"

"A warning for you. A threat to others, yes."

'What the hell is even happening?' "You have finally lost it and I am not sticking around for any more of your nonsense—"All at once, his vision blurs, casting his surroundings in a dark shadow. Inuyasha stumbles back a step as his world seems to tilt on its' axis. He thinks he is going to faint, until a strong arm wraps around his shoulder, instantly steadying him. Darkness still colors the edge of his vision, but the blurriness clears enough for him to see Sesshomaru's face so close to his. It takes a second for the hanyou to realize their position, but once he does, the tiredness leaves him abruptly and he tries to yank himself away.

Ignoring him entirely, Sesshomaru looks to the tree cover for a second before looking down at the protesting Inu in his arms. "A'un will be here soon to take you back."

"I don't need A'un! I made it here on my own, I can make it back on my own!"

"Hmm, do you wish to be carried?" His tone is mocking, but he uses his hold on him to yank him all the closer. Inuyasha feels the blood rush to his face, and he puts his palms flat against the other's broad chest to push him away. Sesshomaru rewards his efforts by pulling him even closer. There is no space between them now.

"W-What are you doing you creep?! Let me go!"

"Which is it going to be?"

"Are you listening to anything I'm saying!? I don't need—eh!?" He is confused when Sesshomaru suddenly stoops down and hooks his other arm under his knees. With his other arm wrapped securely around his back, Sesshomaru effortlessly lifts him into his arms as if he weighs nothing. "OI! PUT ME DOWN!" When his brother ignores him and starts walking forward, Inuyasha starts kicking and hurling insults at him. "Are yah' deaf, moron?! Put me down! Oi Sesshomaru! Stop! Stop right now dammit!"

"…" 'God damn him! He's not even paying any attention to me!'

"B-Bakayaro! What if the others see!?"

Again, If Sesshomaru hears him, he shows no indication and continues walking without comment. Just when Inuyasha was resigning himself to either die of embarrassment or kill Sesshomaru the moment he is let down, the taciturn demon leaps into the air and flies upwards until they are well above the treetops. Inuyasha instinctively latches onto the front of his regal clothes as the daiyoukai soars wordlessly through the night sky. He still is not happy with his brother doing what he pleases all the time, but at least this way no one will see them. He will not admit how exhausted he is. He is not some weakling who needs looking after. It takes mere moments before they touch down in front of his home in the cover of darkness. Sesshomaru places him down with surprising gentleness and when Inuyasha looks up at him to give him a piece of his mind, he is caught off guard by how hard he is staring at him. "I will hear nothing more. Go inside and do not forget my words."

'He really thinks he can boss me around. Wait until I get my strength back up. You won't be so smug then. But for now…' "I am going inside because I am tired. Not because you told me too."

"..."

"And don't ever do that again! I don't need to be carried around!"

"…"

'Tch, he's totally not listening anymore.' As much as the hanyou would like to stay and make it clear to his arrogant half-brother, he feels like his legs are going to give out at any moment. He feels uncomfortable and defenseless turning his back on him, but he forces himself to calm his nerves as he rushes inside. To his confusion, he can still feel Sesshomaru's presence outside well after going inside. Inuyasha stands there for a few beats yet still Sesshomaru remains. 'What is he doing?' Although wary, he sets about his nightly routine, and it is only when he is settled into his bedroll does he sense Sesshomaru shift outside. However, instead of leaving, the unpredictable daiyoukai jumps onto the roof of his home. Inuyasha waits for him to take off but the silence stretches on for a long time and yet Sesshomaru does not budge. 'Is he going to stay? Why?' He should go back out there and tell him to get lost but somehow him being there brings the hanyou an alarming sense of calm. Any other night, he tosses and turns until eventually succumbing to sleep out of pure exhaustion. Usually, his heart is thundering in his chest as he reflects on his current situation but, right now his heart is beating in a steady rhythm. He can hear his child's heartbeat as well and if he did not know any better, he would think he can somehow hear—or rather feel Sesshomaru's as well. All beating as one.

But he knows better than that.