The Love of Brothers

***** means flashback or memory

Chapter Fourteen

Kagome woke to bright sunlight streaming through the windows. She tried to roll over, only to find herself face to face with a sleep rumpled Sesshoumaru. He was staring at her intently and she felt herself blush in spite of herself. "Morning." She whispered. Sesshoumaru ran a clawed hand through his hair, "Yes it is. Late morning. We have missed your training today…. I think under the circumstances it can be overlooked.". Kagome blushed redder than fire remembering the events of the evening. She felt Inuyasha curled against her. He was silent but she knew he was awake, he always woke before her.

As if reading her thoughts, a clawed hand stroked against her stomach. Kagome covered that wondrous hand with her own. "Morning Inuyasha." She said softly. His response was to nuzzle lightly against her shoulder. Sesshoumaru wanted nothing more than to spend a few more hours in the embrace of those he cared for, but the western realm was vast and he had much work ahead of him.

"Inuyasha," he said at last, "Get up, we have things to attend to.". Inuyasha hmpfed, "Being a lord sucks." He grumbled but he stood, untangling himself from the sheets and Kagome. Kagome stretched and groaned slightly when her body protested. Might as well get up, she wanted a bath. "You two have fun." She remarked, "If you need me I will be in the village."

Sesshoumaru's cool voice stopped her actions, "No, you will not be.". She turned to stare at him in question. He met the gaze head on. She turned to Inuyasha but he wore the same stubborn expression. It seemed they were united against her. "Why can't I go?" she asked. "Because I forbid it." Sesshoumaru replied. Inuyasha wanted to groan, he had forbid her plenty of times in the past, much to his discomfort.

"The well is still a threat," he explained attempting to soothe her budding temper, "Naraku is still out there. Now that he's made a move, it's too dangerous.". Kagome glowered at the two before her. Sesshoumaru wanted to throttle his brother, the reasons he listed were true enough, but Kagome needed to learn the way of things with demon mates. She could not always question. In the times ahead he needed to know that he would have blind obedience, her safety and their victory depended on it.

"I am not completely helpless, I have faced him before." She reminded them. She knew Sessh hadn't wanted to explain to her…. Not yet anyway. She knew that quite often if she obeyed, he gave his reasoning later. A sudden thought occurred to her then, "Do you think I am going to run away?" she asked softly. Inuyasha's ears twitched and Sessh stiffened almost imperceptibly. "Don't be foolish." He snapped.

The thought of her leaving made his chest feel heavy and he disliked the feeling a great deal. Kagome stared at him with barely banked anger. Even as mad as he made her, she couldn’t seem to stop the wave of longing for him that swept through her. His delicate nose made note of this and he leaned closer. "I have treaties to attend to, and Inuyasha must sweep the border to parlay with the wolf prince. It would please me greatly if you remained within the palace walls."

His voice had been soft and though she knew it was a command, his wording soothed her ruffled pride a bit. Crossing her arms over her chest in a very Inuyasha-like gesture, she tossed her head, "Fine. But did you say that Inuyasha will talk with the wolf prince? As in Koga?". Sessh nodded and she laughed outright, "Good luck with that one." Then she turned on her heel, heading for the bath.

Sessh frowned at Inuyasha, "You will not kill Koga, we have business.". The dog-eared demon snorted, "Feh, we don't need a pup like that. Besides, I can't stand the way he flirts with Kagome." Sesshoumaru hmpfed in his usual way, "He will take no untoward notice of our mate." He said with grim finality. Inuyasha fingered his sword, "Whatever, see for yourself. But when he does it, just remember you said I can't kill him."


Kagome soaked in the bath for a long while. So much was different now…almost sadly so. What would mama think of her daughter now? Bedding two demons? Feeling sorry for herself in the bath? Mama wasn't like that, she sharply reminded herself. Mama would love her no matter what, and would b e thrilled to think of her grandchildren.

Grandchildren. Kagome drew her knees to her chest hugging herself. Grandchildren who would be born centuries before her mother, faces and voices she might never see, might never know. They would be raised in a demon world, where human blood was something to despise. Standing she grabbed a drying cloth, not in her home damn it! She'd be sitting the older of her two hubbies down for a long talk. Why was she suddenly thinking about kids?

That was a definite possibility now, she reminded herself. She had been with Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru several times now with no kind of protection. She wasn't sure but she was assuming that demons were a little more virile than the average human male. If she thought they were bad now she could only imagine how controlling and protective they would be of her then. The thought nearly made her groan.

Tugging her yakata into place she went to find Rin. The courtyard was cold and her breath rose into the air with small white puffs as she searched for the girl. A squeal of delight just ahead caught her attention and she moved toward the sound. Surely Jaken wasn't that entertaining.

Kagome stopped short when she saw Rin being tossed high into the air, only to be caught by the once-hanyou she loved so much. The girl laughed and squealed and shrieked with delight, making Kagome smile. "Inuyasha-sama! Please one more time!" Inuyasha smiled a fanged smile and the tossed her skywards again. The little girl hugged him tightly as he caught her and he spun her around, before setting her on her feet.

"Ok Rin, that's enough for today, I have to get going." He told her gruffly. She pouted up at him and Kagome could almost hear his resolve crumbled. She covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her own giggles. His twitching ears told her he had already heard. "Inuyasha," came the cool, smooth voice of Sesshoumaru from the eaved corner of the yard, "Don't you have more important matters than tossing my ward around like some errant leaf?"

Inuyasha felt the thread of amusement that ran through his brother. "I'd rather spend time with Rin than Koga if that's what you mean." he snapped back. Rin hugged his leg with a wide smile. "Koga-sama is coming?" she asked brightly, "Rin likes Koga-sama. I used to be afraid of him but Sesshoumaru -sama can whip his puny ass so now I'm not."

Inuyasha burst out laughing at her words and Sesshoumaru sighed, "Rin" he said in a stern voice that almost made her wilt, "Where have you heard this?" Rin looked up at her lord bravely, "From your guard my lord, they said that the wolf prince was full of crap and he's a snot nose brat, but they seem to like him a little." Sesshoumaru stared back at the wide guileless eyes, "Rin, ladies do not say such things. I forbid you to use such words." Inuyasha clutched his side as he crossed the courtyard, "Can't say it isn't true." He quipped and then he was gone in a flash of red.

Sesshoumaru watched him go, seeming not to notice when the young girl pressed against his leg for warmth. Without looking at her, he dropped his large clawed hand to her head, "Rin, you mustn't come outside without warm clothes." She nodded her understanding, and Sesshoumaru looked around, "Jaken!" he snapped and the little toad toddled quickly over.

Kagome watched the imp scrape and bow, much to his lord's indifference. "If Rin catches cold, I will rip your arm off and pummel you with it." Then he turned in a blur of white silk and stalked back into the palace. Kagome came out of hiding a moment later, she knew that Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru could smell her but they had ignored her. It was fine, she knew that they had a lot to do, and whenever they got together…well people got distracted.

"Kagome-sama!" Rin cried, catching sight of her and hurled herself at the older girl. Kagome hugged her and ruffled her hair, "He's right Rin, it's cold out here. Lets go inside ok?". The child latched onto her hand and followed dutifully into the palace. Kagome offered to take her to the kitchens, maybe they would convince Laylia the demon woman who guarded the kitchens to let them make cookies.

Laylia was also inu youkai as were all the guards here, but her bark was worse than her bite as Kagome had soon found out. She welcomed them into her kitchen calling them 'her half frozen dears' and plunked Rin on top of the high counter. Rin clapped with delight when the large batter bowl was set beside her. Kagome was content to help out and listen to Laylia chatter about palace gossip.

Sesshoumaru leaned back in his seat, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was frustrated. He hated treaties and he wondered for perhaps the millionth time why he hadn't settled for simply conquering everything within sight like his father. No, he had conquered and wheedled and allied himself with other lords and then took full control of the land they held. It was cheaper and more effective that way. He'd not risk inu youkai soldiers for something that he might do alone.

Turning back to the task at hand he jotted down a few more conditions. Those who sought alliances with him should be fairly certain of his terms. Full control, a quarter of the regions profits, weekly summaries on the goings on, and of course the acceptance of his personal patrols whenever he felt the need. In exchange, the lord was allowed to retain some authority of his own, was given free trade with the already vast west and of course was afforded the finest military protection. Few lords were as skilled as he was at governing and more often than not, they blundered into bad situations which he would remedy. Thus, he had nearly tripled the domain of his father.

A faint knock at his door broke his concentration and he nearly snarled until he caught the scent of Masani. "What is it Masani," he asked, not bothering to allow her entrance. The maid spoke quickly and concisely, "My lord, the lady Kagome wishes to know if you will be busy with diplomatic affairs this evening." Sesshoumaru looked at the stack of papers before him, he would devote the rest of the afternoon to them "Not likely. Is something amiss?" he asked. Masani answered him, "No my lord, she wished to know if perhaps you would consider meeting with her and lady Rin in the library this evening. She wishes to make a date with you."

Sesshoumaru almost smiled, "Masani tell the lady I shall be there after dinner. Was there something else?". Masani stammered out her 'no' and was promptly dismissed. She hurried to tell Kagome the news. Meanwhile Sesshoumaru leaned against his desk, suddenly eager to get his work finished, after all he had a date with two lovely women, it would be rude to keep them waiting. It had been weeks since they had spent an evening in the library, just the three of them. He had…missed it. Apparently, she had too.
Glancing out the window he stared a moment at the falling snow. He recalled that first night in the library, it seemed like ages ago.

****Sesshoumaru was reading quietly near the hearth when the library door opened admitting Rin and his brother's wench. The girl seemed reluctant to invade his haven, his ward however held no such reservations. "Kagome-sama is going to tell Rin a story!" she announced happily. The demon lord peered over his book at the two humans.

"We can go somewhere else if you'd like." Kagome offered, her voice holding a twinge of nerves. He eyed her silently, coldly. Her hands were clasped in front of her and she was twisting her fingers together. It was an unconscious gesture, completely human completely irritating to him. His gaze fell to her hands and them back to her face. As though she sensed his feelings, she ceased the actions of her fingers.

He returned his gaze to his book, "Rin accompanies me here most nights." He told her, as though he was explaining the wonders of the universe to her. She stood, saying nothing. What did the woman want? A hand written invitation? Flicking his wintry eyes to her again he spoke, "You may stay."

Kagome let herself breathe again. She hadn't thought this was a good idea, but Rin had insisted. The little girl had pulled several large cushions near to Sesshoumaru's seat and was settling herself at his feet. She gleefully patted the silk covered clouds, "Come on Kagome-sama, tell Rin a story." Kagome sank to kneel in the cushions, the furthest away from him.

He could sense her unease and waited until she was settled. "You intend to read to Rin without a book?" he asked then. Kagome looked up at him, "No I am not reading, I am telling her a story. There's a difference." She told him. He peered over his book again like she was an insect about to be squashed, "Can you read… human?" he asked. Her cheeks suffused with color and her eyes grew angry, "Well of course I can!" she snapped. He hmpfed, "Unlikely. Humans don't learn well, especially women." Kagome saw red, "That's sexist." He shrugged, "That is the way things are. Tell your story before I have you fed to my men."

Kagome went stock still at his threat, could he be any more vile? Taking a deep, calming breath she turned back to Rin. "Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who lived at the edge of a great kingdom." She began. Rin perked up, "Like the west?" she asked. Kagome nodded. "Was she like Rin?" the girl pressed, and Kagome nodded again.

"She was very beautiful, just like Rin." Kagome assured her. Rin fell into fits of blushing giggles. Behind his book the demon lord rolled his eyes but gave a faint half smile. Kagome continued on with her story about the terrible stepmother and two ugly stepsisters, and a sweet girl who worked day and night. 'What kind of story is this?' he wondered.

When Kagome told Rin how sad Cinderella was to be forbidden from the ball, she tugged Sesshoumaru's fluff around her, hugging it tight. He peered over the book at her then resumed his reading. He wasn't really interested in the characters on the page before him, he had been listening to the story for a while. The wench was skilled at telling tales, and her voice was soothing. Rin was half buried in his fluff now, her big brown eyes peeking out at Kagome.

Kagome was somewhat surprised that the cold demon lord would allow such an affront to his person. If he hated humans so much why would he let a little human girl twist his tail, and paw at him so? With an inward shrug she went on with her story. "So a light came into the garden and Cinderella was afraid at first.". Rin looked up at Sesshoumaru, "Sesshoumaru-sama is a light." She offered. Kagome nodded, "I remember that Rin." Rin smiled widely again, "And was the light a demon? Was it going to eat her and leave pieces everywhere?" she asked with the eagerness that only a child can muster.

Kagome stared at her, "You're a blood thirsty little thing aren't you?" she asked in a teasing voice, "Does Sesshoumaru tell you stories like that Rin?" The demon lord hmpfed, as Rin shook her head, "Oh no Kagome-sama, my lord doesn't tell me stories. But he is teaching Rin to read and I can even write my name now!". Kagome lifted her eyes to lock with golden eyes, so like Inuyasha's. He was teaching her? How was that possible? His eyes challenged her to question the truth of the words but she held her tongue and began her story once more. "No the light was a fairy godmother Rin. She's a magical person who looks after you and can grant your wishes." Kagome explained.

Rin looked skeptical, "Can she fight?" she asked. Kagome gave a nervous laugh, "No Rin, she isn't like that. She is good and doesn't fight with others.". Rin looked duly unimpressed, "Sesshoumaru-sama is good but he fights. I think Sesshoumaru-sama is much better than a fairy godmother." She announced.

Sesshoumaru thought it was quite ridiculous the very idea of such a creature but Rin was enjoying the story and her loyalty pleased him greatly. He patted her head almost absently and pretend to nose into his book again. "The fairy godmother knew how much Cinderella wanted to go and so she helped her. She turned six white mice into horses and a pumpkin into a shining coach. A fat cat was to be her driver and take her to the wonderful ball in the prince's castle."

"What would she wear?" Rin asked, now concerned for the girl in the story, "She can't go wearing rags, it would shame her and the make the prince angry.". Kagome smiled, "Well the godmother knew this and she took spider webs and the pretty flowers from the garden and she waved her magic wand and there was the most wonderful dress that had ever been seen."

Rin let out a little 'O', enraptured now by the story. Kagome went on and soon the demon lord put aside his pretense of reading and listened to the tale. It was intriguing to say the least. When Kagome reached the part about Cinderella fleeing the castle, Rin squeezed herself against his leg, her eyes like saucers. "But why Kagome-sama? Why did she run away? The prince would have protected her." Rin blurted out and Sesshoumaru silently agreed.

Kagome patted the girl's hand, "It's ok Rin. She didn't want the prince to see her in rags and she ran away but one of her glass slippers fell off on the steps and she couldn't get it back before he came." Sesshoumaru wondered who in the world would wear glass shoes. That was nothing short of foolish. Kagome finished her story just as Rin's eyes became heavy. She fell asleep moments after Kagome finished.

She smiled at the sleeping child. Raising her eyes to meet Sesshoumaru's she spoke in a hushed whisper, "She's asleep." He said nothing. Kagome rose to her feet and crept closer, "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice slightly suspicious. Kagome had been reaching for Rin, but she stopped at his words. "I was going to put her to bed." She replied.

Sesshoumaru tightened his fluff slightly, "I will see to that in a moment." He told her. She stared at the floor, "Then I will say good night." Sesshoumaru stopped her with a light growl and she looked back at him, "I have not dismissed you miko." He said flatly. She fisted her hands at her sides but said nothing. She watched as he lifted Rin easily and the child cuddled against his broad chest. "She seems like such a happy child." Kagome mused.

Sesshoumaru looked askance. "I mean, you can't be so bad if you can raise such a well mannered and happy child Sesshoumaru." He shrugged lightly not sure how to respond to her comment. Kagome watched him carry her to the door, "You will remain here miko, there is much to talk about."

Kagome grumbled about his highhanded tactics while she paced the library. Her gaze fell on his book and she wandered over to his chair. "Probably some book about war and killing." She mumbled as she lifted it to see. Her breathe caught in her throat, "Poetry?" she breathed. "Do you make a habit of going poking your nose where it does not belong?" he asked coolly from the door.

Kagome nearly dropped the book and jumped at least a foot. "I didn't see you." She blurted out. He strode into the room, "That much is obvious." He commented as he gently took the book from her grasp. She watched as he put it back on the shelf. With his back to her he spoke again, "Sit miko.". Kagome sank into the plump chair opposite of his. He turned slightly, the light of the fire catching in his eyes and seemed to be trapped there.

"I do not like humans." He told her and she snapped out of her reverie. "You have Rin." She pointed out before she thought better of it. He bristled slightly, "Rin is not your concern." He snapped at her then lowered his voice again, "You….are kind to her. I thank you for that. A human child in a demon palace finds little warmth."

Kagome felt a pull of empathy towards the stoic demon before her. He sighed and spoke again as though there had been no pause, "Inuyasha has asked me to bring you here. You will reside in this palace and I will afford you protection in his absence. You will obey me without question, you will be good to Rin and you will live. Is that understood?"

Kagome stiffened. "I will always be good to Rin, not because you command it but because I happen to like her very much! I don't know what happened with you and Inuyasha but there is more than what you are telling me. He isn't here and I am stuck with you. So what's the deal?"
He wanted to wring her neck. Apparently she had missed the 'without question' part. Still, being fair he knew that they would be asking a great deal of her and perhaps plain facts would soothe her. He sniffed delicately, "Very well. Inuyasha and I have come to an agreement of sorts."

"An agreement?"
"Concerning you."
"Me?"
"Inuyasha will hunt Naraku and I will send men across the land to assist in tracking him. For whatever reason Inuyasha does not wish to endanger you or your little band of friends, thus he has gone alone."
"But…"
"I am to guard you here… for the time being. You are for the moment safe, I have given my word."
"That's the agreement."
"No."
"Then what else is there?"
"Inuyasha wishes to claim you."
"WHAT?!"
"Indeed. I find myself in need of an heir. Rin cannot be named."
"HUH?!"
"No demoness will accept Rin in this household and I will not send her away. Still the thought of a human is enough to make this Sesshoumaru's skin crawl."
"Whoa! Wait a minute!"
"You are a miko and though you are untrained you are quite powerful. You accept the child, you do not care for bloodlines overly and you are not completely unappealing."
"Why you!"
"Therefore the deal was struck. If Inuyasha dies, you are mine."
"And if he lives?"
"Then you belong to both of us."
"Gahhh!?"
"Close your mouth miko it makes you look like a simpleton."
"Just a minute! You Can’t just decide things like that!"

Sesshoumaru watched her sputter with righteous indignation. Her spirit could grow on a person. He arched one elegant brow. "I can and I have.". Kagome felt tears flood her eyes even as heat filled her cheeks. "It wasn't supposed to be like this." She whispered, then raised wet eyes to him, "I was supposed to be with someone that I love. I hate you both!"
"You don't"
"I do! With a passion even!"
"Hah. You don't even know what passion is."
"I wanted love."
"You love Inuyasha."
"I wanted someone who loves me back."
He hmpfed softly, "Demons do not love. Even Inuyasha with his half human heart is limited. We do not show such things." Her next words struck a chord deep within him. "Who?" she asked quietly, "Who decided it had to be that way?"
He didn't know and there were no easy answers to give her. Had he been in her position he would have fought to the death fueled by pure resentment. He didn't want a woman in his palace that hated him, that would only make things complicated and Sesshoumaru would have none of that in his home.