This story is AU, I don't own the characters, just the plot and original characters in this story. This story will have LGBTQIA+ characters, mating, Alpha's/Betas and there will be MPREG, it is rated M cause well Citrus goodness lol

"italics" means inner thoughts

"bold italics" means inner demon thoughts

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Inuyasha, all credits for story and characters belong to the creator.

Rated M: for mature language, and adult content throughout story

Trigger warning: Self image issues, depression, emotional abuse/physical abuse.

Chapter 8: I want you around

Inuyasha sighed as he placed his cellphone in his pocket, he moved through the sliding doors and walked towards the register as he tried to tune out the bubblegum pop song playing through the grocery store. He shrugged his sweater off, and tucked it underneath the register; he sighed as he logged into the computer, and opened the register;mindlessly counting change to pass the time and ineffectively keeping his mind off a certain football player. It had been two weeks since the awkward, and downright frustratingly stupid blunder on his part and Sesshomaru hadn't returned any of his calls or answered a single text message.

He missed the alpha demon, ever since they had stopped speaking he felt like there was a hole in his life. He hadn't realized how much he had grown to rely on Sesshomaru; his warm smile and boisterous laughter had begun to thaw his heart. The dog demon had filled his evenings, and stomped out the silence that had crept into his life since his ex husband had left him.

He felt alone.

"Inuyasha?" a voice said sweetly.

He looked up, into blue eyes and cocked his head. "Can I help you?" he said quietly, his gaze falling into his tray as he played with coins.

"Are you Inuyasha?"

He sighed, and said "That's what the name tag says"

"Oh you're a joy, I'm Koga" the man said tapping his foot, as he tried to get the half demons attention.

He hummed, and nodded as he continued to count the quarters aimlessly.

Koga rolled his eyes, and said "We met a month ago" the wolf demon trailed on trying to jog the half demon's attention.

Inuyasha sighed, and cocked his eyebrow before he said montonely "Sorry, I don't remember but we have a sale on pinto beans in aisle four. Have a wholly wonderful day"

Koga frowned, and crossed his arms in front of his chest; he took a deep breath in an attempt to quell the bubbling anger in his stomach.

"I'm Naraku's husband, Sesshomaru's cousin"

Inuyasha's eyes widened, as his head shot up; he looked at the wolf demon in bewilderment.

"Sesshomaru's cousin in law?"

Koga nodded, and uncrossed his arms and said "Yes that's what I've been tryin to -"

"Is he okay? Is he still upset? I've been calling everyday! Where is he and-" Inuyasha started ranting

Koga held up his hands, and took a step back before he said "woah woah slow down there darlin', take a breath! First thing first"

Inuyasha nodded, and waited for the wolf demon to continue; he shuffled his feet anxiously.

"Before I answer any of your questions, you need to answer one of mine" Koga said sternly, blue eyes stared intensely into honey coloured ones.

"What happened between y'all" Koga asked

"Okay with all due respect, I don't know you like that and I aint-" Inuyasha began before Koga cut him off

"Either you tell me or I walk outta here and you can continue to be left on read baby boy!" Koga said challenging Inuyasha

Inuyasha sighed, and huffed as he leaned against the register. He ran his hands through his mane, as he tried to figure out what to say.

He bit his lip, and said reluctantly "It's honestly stupid and doesn't paint me in the best light"

Koga cocked his head, and said "Believe me darlin' I already don't like ya so it can't get much worse"

He groaned, and turned around before motioning Koga to follow him. He walked passed the cashiers bay, and walked through the aisles; he waited for the wolf demon to catch up before he leaned against the can of tomatoes.

"I don't know how much ya know, but Sesshomaru and I used to date back in College. We broke up and then ran into each other here-"

"I know all of that, I was there! Get to the point" Koga said impatiently

Inuyasha looked up at the wolf demon coldly, and said "Watch it alright, I might be desperate but you ain't gotta talk to me like that! Anyways, we started spending time together and we flirted a whole lot but I didn't think much of it cause well for obvious reasons"

Koga cocked his hip, and clicked his tongue before he said "Mhm and what are you implying by that? Obvious reasons? Look you're soft in the head if you think he hangs around everyone like that"

"You've got one more time to insult me alright, and I mean because I ain't his type anymore. I've packed on a few so I didn't expect him to look twice. Anyways things got heated a few weeks ago and he freaked me out and I overreacted" Inuyasha said glaring at the wolf demon that was applying pressure to his final nerve.

"Freaked you out? What did he do?" Koga asked as he tucked a brown loc behind his ear.

Inuyasha sighed "Look I've been going through a lot and I've got some shit to work through but I know I fucked up. I shouldn't run out like that, and I've been trying to make it right but he won't answer me! So are you gonna help me or not?"

Koga smirked, and chuckled at the half demon, he was starting to see what Sesshomaru liked at the half demon;He was feisty.

"We're having a couple of people over tomorrow afternoon, a family event without the 'rents. Just siblings, cousins and friends. Sesshomaru will be there, if you want to fix it! You will be there too" Koga said before pulling his wallet from his back pocket, and pulled out a white card and handed it to Inuyasha.

"Party starts at 2 and it's potluck so bring something" Koga nodded, and turned to walk away. He stopped briefly, and turned as he said "Fix it"

Inuyasha watched the wolf demon slowly walk towards the sliding door, he took and deep breath as his eyes fell to the white card in his hand.

He bit his lip, and said under his breath "Fuck I need to call Kagome"

Inuyasha bit his lip and slid deeper into the backseat of his Uber as he nervously stared at the large canary coloured house;it looked picturesque, something out of Southern Living. The grand house stood atop perfectly manicured grass; it's coloring was canary yellow with white accents, a wrap-around porch and beautiful full bay chewed the inside of his cheek, as he watched people walk up the long driveway. He adjusted his shirt, and shifted his bangs before he took a deep breath and opened the car door softly; he took Tanner's hand as the little boy jumped out the car. He balanced the casserole dish in one hand, and held Tanner's small hand in the other; he took a deep breath and walked towards the porch; trying desperately to conceal his anxiety.

He had rushed home after work yesterday afternoon, and immediately called Kagome. She came over and they worked through a sort of game plan; he was unsure about what he should say or what to do for that matter. Kagome ran through some points while he made his famous smothered bacon and cheese macaroni pie; she had agreed to watch Rea as he opted to bring the little boy. The wolf demon has implied it was a family event!

He walked up the stairs cautiously, and gently knocked on the front door. He adjusted his pants nervously, and patted his shirt in an attempt to further perfect his appearance, he silently cursed Kagome for convincing him to wear the tight high waisted jeans.

His eyes wandered as he took in the white porch furniture, and the tall plants that framed the front door.

"Papa, what we doing?" Tanner asked, his tiny fingers collapsing around his fingers.

He looked down and corrected the small boy "What are we doing Tanner!, don't drop words"

"Sorry papa"

He nodded, and said "We are visiting Sesshomaru, remember!"

Tanner smiled brightly, and bounced before he said " I miss 'maru, he's super fun"

He smiled, and nodded as he tried to calm his nerves. His head whipped forward, as he heard the door open; he came face to face with ruby eyes. He looked into red eyes, and watched the spider demon frown as the alpha demon walked onto the porch, closing the door behind him.

Naraku crossed his arms, and kissed his teeth.

He cleared his throat, and said "Hey Naraku"

Naraku cocked his eyebrow, as his eyes fell onto the small child hiding behind Inuyasha's leg.

"You're lucky I don't cuss in front of kids"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, and said "Calm yourself, Koga invited me"

Naraku was taken back at the sound of his husband's name, falling from the half demon's lips.

"Koga invited you" Naraku repeated

Inuyasha nodded, and said "Yep, showed up at my job and asked me to come by! You gon continue to stand in my way or move"

Naraku cocked his head, and chuckled "Good to see you aren't completely nurtured" Naraku turned and opened the door, walking in and leaving the door ajar.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, and followed the spider demon inside. He was greeted by a waft of scents, and sounds; the grand hallway led straight to the kitchen. He walked past the closets, and looked to his left as he heard boisterous laughter. He briefly watched a group of alpha's laugh, and play cards in the large living room; the room was painted white with blue accents. Two pristine white couches faced each other, leaving plenty of space in the middle for a grand oak table.

He whistled lowly, before walking through the large hallway. The walls were littered with photos of the Rivera family, he briefly looked at the photo's of Naraku and Koga, Sesshomaru and Naraku. He smiled at portraits, before he entered the kitchen.

The kitchen laid at the end of the home, a beautiful open space with bright grand windows that overlooked the gigantic open yard. Copper coloured pots hung from metal beams, around the stove, bright white cabinets were pristine and cleaned to perfection. A marble island was nestled in the middle of the room, littered with open pots, and dishes that wafted with the scent of southern food. His eyes fell upon the brown haired man, beaming upwards at the spider demon.

"Your home is stunning" Inuyasha said quietly slowly approaching the island, he tucked his casserole dish neatly beside the baked beans. Tanner tugged at his leg, and he looked down and smiled at the small child. He bent down, and picked up the little body who shyly clung to him.

"Oh whose this" Koga cooed, detaching himself from the spider demon's wandering hands; leaving a disgruntled alpha demon.

Koga kissed his teeth, and rolled his eyes at his husband's antics as he walked over to Inuyasha; he cooed at the small toddler tucked into the half demon's side.

"This is Tanner, my son" Inuyasha said looking at the small boy proudly

Koga sighed, and gently ran his hands through the child's tuft of hair. Inuyasha looked at the wolf demon, he watched the look of longing pass over the brown haired demon's face. He hummed to himself, watching Koga closely.

"Some of the little kids are playing outside by the pool," Koga said knowingly, his blue eyes remaining on the small child.

Inuyasha shook his head, and said "He can't swim yet" he bounced Tanner playfully, earning a small laugh from the shy bull demon.

Koga looked over at Inuyasha, his blue eyes swirling with mirth; the wolf demon smiled and said chuckled "Sesshomaru's out there playing with them in the pool"

Inuyasha looked over at Koga, his eyes widened as Tanner wiggled out of his arms. He shrieked as Tanner jumped from his arms, and ran towards the sliding door; his little arms tried to pry the door open. He turned as he jumped up and down, "Papa "Maru outside, please" Tanner whined anxiously

Naraku walked over and looked at the small child with curiosity; he watched the small child pat against the sliding door. Tanner craned his head trying to get a glimpse of the familiar dog demon, Naraku walked over to the jumping toddler, and opened the door quietly, watching the child dart into the backyard.

Inuyasha sighed, and said "He can't swim, what the fu-"

Naraku shook his head, and asked "Your son, he likes Sesshomaru?" ruby eyes followed the small child as Tanner stood in front of the pool, his small head craning as he tried to find Sesshomaru in the water.

Inuyasha crossed his arms in front of his chest, and said, with a frown on his face "Yeah, they usually play together whenever Sesshomaru would comes over! What of it?"

Naraku nodded, and passed his hand along his face before walking out into the backyard.

Inuyasha looked at the spider, his frown deepening. He was incredibly confused by the alpha's line of question.

"Naraku didn't think Sesshomaru could bond with your kids" Koga said knowingly

Inuyasha's head whipped around, he looked at the wolf demon questioningly, waiting for the blue-eyed demon to continue.

"They got in an argument when you two started hanging out, and when things blew up, Naraku made a point to rub Sesshomaru's nose in it! He didn't expect you or your kids to actually bond with him"

"But you did?" Inuyasha asked

Koga smiled, and walked closer to the window. The blue eyed beta watched his husband sulk around the yard, he shook his head and looked over at Inuyasha.

"I met Sesshomaru first, and I knew he was going to be great! His drive is incredible but I also noticed what kind of man he was. Sweet, and kind! Things that aren't associated with my husband" Koga chuckled, he sighed and turned to face the half demon.

"The Riviera alpha's are competitive as all hell! They're all amazing men but Sesshomaru, he's the best of them! Naraku knows that but it doesn't mean he likes it! I think he likes having something that Sesshomaru doesn't"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, and leaned against the marble island; he huffed "Yea Naraku's always been rough and a bit of an ass"

"A bit?" Koga laughed, causing the half demon to chuckle, Koga walked closer to Inuyasha. He gently took the half demon's hand, and said "I knew you both would fall for Sesshomaru, he's the best of us"

Koga gently let Inuyasha's hand fall before the blue eyed beauty disappeared into the hallway, he sighed and dipped his head back before walking towards the sliding door. He took a deep breath and walked out of the door, his feet hit the steps as he anxiously descended the large concrete steps. He scanned the yard, before he found his son on the edge of the pool. His heart sped up as he feared the worst, he quickened his pace before his son pointed at him, he froze as the little boy's body pivoted and revealed a wet half naked Sesshomaru.

The felt blood rushed to face as he looked into the swirling golden eyes, he craned his head and licked his lips. He suddenly felt vulnerable under the dog demon's gaze, he watched the wave of emotion wash over the silver haired demon's face, his breath hitched as anger appeared evident on Sesshomaru's face. He watched Sesshomaru pull himself out of the pool, and his breath hitched as water droplets fell down his bare chest, his pectorals jiggled as he knelt down and spoke to the small child. He watched Tanner run towards the other small kids, on the far side of the yard; he sighed and looked over at Sesshomaru, he swallowed a lump as the large demon walked over to him. Jaw set tightly, as a frown marred his perfect face; he sighed and closed his eyes before he took a deep breath trying desperately to calm the nerves, and doubt clouding his mind.

He quietly rehearsed what he had wanted to say, before he opened his eyes and was suddenly taken back by the large demon looming over him. He looked up at Sesshomaru, whose jaw was tense and body was stiffened as he loomed over the half demon, Inuyasha opened his mouth to speak before Sesshomaru roughly grabbed him by the arm and dragged him to the opposite side of the house, away from prying eyes. He stuttered, and sprouted a string of curse words before he was roughly pushed against the side of the house.

"What the fuck are you doing here" Sesshomaru said angrily, his hand placed above his hand as the full demon's body loomed over his.

Inuyasha frowned, and rubbed his arm and said " You're mad I get it, but that fucking hurt"

Sesshomaru leaned closely, and sneered "Mad doesn't fucking cover it Takakashi"

Inuyasha chewed the inside of his cheek, and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and blurted "I'm sorry, 8I shouldn't-"

Sesshomaru stood up straight, and took a step back from the half demon.

"You said all this shit in my voicemail! Still doesn't answer my question!" said Sesshomaru

Inuyasha groaned, and opened his mouth but nothing came. He struggled to find the words, Sesshomaru scoffed and said "Whatever, just get out of here"

The alpha demon turned and began walking away from the half demon, Inuyasha sighed as tears prickled his eyes. He bit his lip and shouted "It's not you!"

Sesshomaru halted, and turned around looking at the half demon frustratedly, he stalked forward and said angrily "It's not me? you're really going to pull that whole, it's not you it's me bull shit! You have some kinda fuckin-"

Inuyasha waved his hands frantically and babbled loudly "It's true! I'm this insecure mess! I have been miserable for so long and then you came along and gave me everything I needed. You've been so amazing with the kids, and you're always there when I need you! The other night, you felt so good but I freaked out because you grabbed my body, this body that I fucking hate"

Sesshomaru cocked his eyebrow as Inuyasha ranted, and babbled like a child. He stared at the crying half demon, and shook his head as he tried to understand the incoherent string of words that were spewing from the beta's mouth.

He held his hand up and said "Okay stop, I didn't understand a word you just said!" Golden eyes watched the beta hiccup, the sight in front of him pulling at his heart strings, every fiber of his being wanted to pull the half demon into his arms and soothe him.

Inuyasha wiped his face anxiously,took a breath and hiccuped "I pushed you away because you touched my love handles, and my size it uhm bothers me! I feel disgusting, and I freaked out when you touched it because it makes me uncomfortable"

Sesshomaru shook his head, as cupped his own face before he said plainly "Wait, you shoved me off of you, hid in the bathroom and told me to get out because I touched your back? Inuyasha that's fuckin-"

Inuyasha rushed forward, and placed his hand on the demon's bare chest. He looked up into Sesshomaru's eyes and said "I know but it's that's the truth. Kakashi used to rip me apart because I put on a few pounds, and over the years I guess I started to do too" Inuyasha's head hung, as he looked down at the grass.

Sesshomaru shook his head, as he began to piece together the situation. He clicked his tongue and asked "So that's why you told me to get out?"

Inuyasha nodded quietly, and looked up at Sesshomaru once more.

Sesshomaru hummed, and looked over Inuyasha's head as he said "but you wanted me too, erm kiss you"

Inuyasha frowned, and said "Yeah, look I know I got cold feet and that's a major boner killer but-"

It was Sesshomaru's turn to frown, as he scoffed and crossed his arms in front of his chest " You actually think I was upset because I didn't get to fuck you?"

Inuyasha sighed, and said "Sex is obviously an important part of your life and-"

"Right because I'm a whore who sleeps around huh?!" Sesshomaru scoffed, and moved from the half demon, only for Inuyasha to grab him and pull him back.

"What? No, Sesshomaru I don't think that, okay! Wait, if that's not it then why were you mad?"

Sesshomaru shook his head, and said " It wasn't the first time you told me to get out of your life"

Inuyasha was taken back, his eyes fell to the floor as he tried to search for answers. It hadn't occurred to the half demon that Sesshomaru might of had some lingering issues, he merely thought the alpha had felt slighted.

"Guess i'm not the only one with insecurities" Inuyasha thought

The sound of children playing, and shouting resounded in the background; they felt the afternoon breeze blow past them as they remained in front of each other,

"Look clearly-" Sesshomaru started before Inuyasha cut him off

"I was wrong! Dead wrong Sesshomaru" Inuyasha said sternly looking up at Sesshomaru with sorrowful eyes, he took his hand and continued "I can't change the past but maybe we can figure out what's next together?"

Sesshomaru took a breath, and nodded as he tried to internalize the beta's words. He felt a weight lift from his chest, as he looked into the half demon's eyes; he had been heartbroken when the beta rejected him! His mind when down a rabbit hole filled with anger and despair, he chewed his lip and asked cautiously "Is that what you want?"

Inuyasha said breathlessly "More than you know"

Sesshomaru closed his eyes, and grabbed Inuyasha's hand roughly causing the half demon to stumble into his chest. His hand cupped Inuyasha's cheek softly, as he looked deeply into honey eyes and said "Are you sure?"

Inuyasha flung his arm around the dog demon's neck pulling him forward as he stood atop his tippy toes, he pulled the demon into him. Sesshomaru leaned down and pressed his lips against Inuyasha's, as he titled his head, his lips moved against the beta's soft plush lips; his tongue gently licked Inuyasha's bottom lip earning a moan from the half demon. His other arm slid down the half demon's back cautiously and fell onto Inuyasha's plump bottom, the alpha demon stretched his palm against the beta's ass and gripped the full heavy globe, enjoying the weight against his hand; shocking the half demon.

Inuyasha gasped, and laughed before he looked up into soft golden eyes, he smiled and said "Enjoying yourself back there?"

Sesshomaru chuckled, and nuzzled into the beta's hair as he held him close to his chest.

"You've got no idea"

Inuyasha smiled softly, and said "Yes by the way"

Sesshomaru cocked his head, and hummed waiting for the half demon to continue

"I'm sure"

"As much as I'm enjoying the attention, I need to check on Tanner" Inuyasha said as Sesshomaru's face fell into his neck, he felt teeth scraping the sensitive area.

He bit his lip as Sesshomaru kissed the tender area.

Sesshomaru reluctantly let go of Inuyasha, his kissed his teeth and said "Mhm fine"

Inuyasha smiled softly,and hummed before his hand fell into Sesshomaru's,Inuyasha threaded his fingers through Sesshomaru's and led them back to the bustling yard. Inuyasha scanned the area until his eyes fell upon the small bull demon running joyfully through the yard, he smiled as he watched his son chase at the tiny girl with pigtails. It had been a long time since he had felt sincerely happy, although he and Sesshomaru had a long way to go, he was more than excited and nervous to figure it out together.

The party had been so much fun, Tanner made a slew of new friends and Inuyasha spent the day tangled up in Sesshomaru's wandering hands; he had chastised the demon for his behavior but silently enjoyed the attention, the alpha demon made him feel wanted.

A small glimmer of hope blossomed in his chest, each time Sesshomaru smiled at him.

He briefly spoke to Koga, and welcomed the conversation; the two beta's vowed to meet up without their alpha's and get to know one another. It had been an incredible day; after dinner Sesshomaru agreed to follow Inuyasha back to his apartment, after a slew of goodbyes they left. They arrived back at Inuyasha's apartment quickly, and after a long day of playing Tanner was dead weight curled on Sesshomaru's shoulder as he climbed the stairs.

Inuyasha pushed the door open, and quietly motioned Sesshomaru into the apartment.

Inuyasha whispered "I left Rea at Kagome's. Could you put Tanner in his bed?"

Sesshomaru nodded and walked into the run down apartment, and quickly walked over to Tanner's bedroom. He quietly opened the door, and walked over to the bed; he pried himself free from the clingy toddler and began removing the small childs shoes. He peeled the comforter back, and delicately tucked him in.

Sesshomaru sighed, and walked out of the toddlers room, and took his shoes off. He placed them in front of the door, walked into the kitchen and leaned against the sink. He heard the front door open, and watched Inuyasha quietly beeline towards Tanner's room; he chuckled as Inuyasha held the baby to his chest and disappeared behind the door. He hung his head back and closed his eyes, as the day finally began to settle in. It had been a whirlwind, he had spent the morning peeling himself from Kyora before spending the early afternoon helping Koga prepare for the onslaught of people that began to pour into the large house.

It had been a long two weeks since he had last spoken to Inuyasha, he had thought the half demon wanted nothing to do with him and figured the apologizes were just some half assed attempt to save face. He had spent the duration of that time in the gym, at practice or inside of a certain phoenix demon; he hadn't expected the half demon to show up at his cousin's house with some heartfelt explanation. He cursed himself quietly, it had all been a giant misunderstanding and instead of talking it out he had been quick to anger and punished the beta for his indiscretion.

Kakashi had certainly left a mark on Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru wanted nothing more than to kick the bull demon's bull demon sowed seeds of doubt, and hatred into Inuyasha that bogged the half demon down; tonight was the first time since they'd ran into each other that Sesshomaru had seen a glimmer of the man he used to know.

"Okay Rea's down, do you want to change into something comfortable?" Inuyasha asked, a blush creeping onto his face.

Sesshomaru looked at him blankly, lost in his thoughts.

"Unless you want to go home?" Inuyasha said

Sesshomaru shook his head, and walked over to the beta.

"I'll stay for as long as you'll have me"

Inuyasha smiled brightly, and said "Good, you left your gym bag here and I took the opportunity to wash some of the stuff"

Sesshomaru wrapped his arm around Inuyasha, and held him tightly

"Thanks Thickness!"

Inuyasha hummed, and said quietly "I missed you, I've been going out of my mind"

A small nagging feeling tugged at Sesshomaru, as Inuyasha whispered softly against his chest; He nodded, and listened as the half demon spoke.

Inuyasha looked up at Sesshomaru with adoration, and said softly "I've missed this, just being around you!"

Sesshomaru nodded, and cleared his throat as guilt bloomed in his chest as images of his heated weeks with Kyora flashed through his mind; he said quietly "I missed you too Thickness"

Inuyasha sighed, and wrapped his arms around Sesshomaru; the alpha demon tucked Inuyasha's head underneath his chin; they stood in silence as Sesshomaru looked through the small kitchen nook window.

Inuyasha held him tighter, and said softly "I'm so sorry Sesshomaru"

Sesshomaru bit the inside of his cheek, and remained silent as the tiny spec of guilt gnawed at him, he took a deep breath and tried to ignore the nagging feel as he tightened his grip on the snowy haired beta.

WOAH two chapters in one month! I'm amazing I know lol

So we've got some progress, and a little cloud looming! But you'll love what's coming a head!

Stay tuned

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