Tender Love

Disclaimer-I do not own any of the characters to Inuyasha.



Chapter 16

Sya had returned to the castle before dinner. As Naraku had instructed, she went to speak with Sesshomaru. She found the demon lord in his study with Inuyasha and Jaken.

"May I speak with you in private Lord Sesshomaru?" she asked.

"Jaken you may leave,” said Sesshomaru.

“Of course my lord, and I shall make sure your decree is posted in all the villages at once,” said the green toad bowing to his lord and then hurrying out as fast as his stubby little legs will take him.

When he noticed Sya looking pointedly at Inuyasha, he snorted. “Whatever you have to say can be said in front of my mate," said Sesshomaru in an icy tone as he glared at her frigidly.

Sya silently swore she would dance on his decaying corpse for the humiliation she was about to endure especially in front of Inuyasha. Sya swallowed the bitter lump and began. "I would like you to reconsider sending me away. I have no where else to go.”

“Not my concern.”

“But I can’t go back with my aunt. She doesn't want me back with her. She will just send me some place out of the way. She has already told me that she was going to kick me out if I didn't come with Inuyasha.”

“Once again, it is not my concern,” he said leaning back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. This was getting interesting. He was wondering how much humiliation she was willing to put herself through to stay.

"Please Lord Sesshomaru, I am begging you, let me stay here." She dropped to her knees and lowered her head in repentance. With tears falling from her eyes she spoke softly. “I’m . . . s-sorry Inuyasha for the way I have been behaving. I guess after my father squander away all his wealth, and his lands went to my uncles who did not like me. I became bitter and hateful towards you, because you had everything I had lost. After they had taken away my heritage, my uncles sent me away to live with my aunt who doesn’t like me also.” She wiped the tears from her eyes. “Do you know what it is like to be shuffled around like luggage to people who don’t even want you around? I know my behavior isn’t that of a person who was raised to be a princess but I can change if you give me a chance. Please my lord, do not send me away as my own family did. I’ll do anything.”

Sesshomaru arched a delicate brow at the demoness' action. 'Now this is very interesting. I wonder what happened to make you change your mind?' Sesshomaru tapped a claw finger against the armrest of his chair. 'You are up to something, aren't you Sya? I can smell the deceit rolling off you in waves. So be it. I will play your little game a while longer but if this is some trick to hurt Inuyasha. You better pray to whatever god that will listen that you are swallowed up by the Earth, because I will hunt you down like the spineless worm that you are and pull that black rock you call a heart out of your chest and crush it in my bare hand.' "Very well, you can stay," said the demon lord. He quickly raised a hand silencing the protest that was about to burst from his mate's mouth. "You can stay on one condition. You will show my mate the respect she deserves."

"Of course, Lord Sesshomaru," she said bowing her head even lower.

"As long as we have an understanding. You may go now."

Sya bowed and left the two alone. Walking down the hall, she frowned in disgust. She felt the bile churning in her stomach as she thought about how she apologized to that vile half breed. What a sickening disgusting display. She would have to wash her mouth out with soap later. She hated the fact that she had to humiliate herself and beg that bastard to let her stay. And having Inuyasha there only made it worst. But in the end, it will all be worth it when her beloved destroys the bastard and she would make that half breed bitch pay for her humiliation. She can hardly wait until that wonderful day comes.

xxxxx

Once Sesshomaru was sure Sya was gone. He turned to face his enraged mate. "Don't tell me you believed her?"

"Of course not, I could smell the lie radiating off of her."

"So, why in the hell did you take her back in?"

"Because someone like her who didn't care if she stayed or left one minute and now she is begging to stay the next, is up to something," said Sesshomaru. "Whatever it is I want her close so I can keep an eye on her."

"Oh please," said Inuyasha rolling her eyes. "What can she possibly do to us? Sya is nothing more than a spoiled little brat."

"True, but it's usually that kind of person you have to watch closely." He picked up a scroll and began to read it. "Besides, as my father once told me, keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer." Then he chuckled lightly. “Anyway, wasn’t it fun to watch her grovel at your feet. I thought she would choke on her own words when she apologized to you.”

Inuyasha covered her mouth with her hand smothering the laugh that was threatening to break free. “Yes, that was very funny and strangely satisfying. Okay, I’ll let it go . . . for now." She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. Just then Shippo burst into the study and held out a handful of roses to Inuyasha.

"For you."

"Thank you Shippo." Inuyasha patted him on the head and took his gift.

"Mina sent me in to get you and papa. It's time for dinner."

Sesshomaru watched the smiling face kitsune as he stared up at his adoptive mother with love. It was only a couple days ago when he had a talk with Shippo about formally adopting him.

~Flashback

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were in his study when the door opened revealing a nervous Shippo.

"Come in," said Sesshomaru wearing his patent stoic lord expression. The little kitsune swallowed a lump in his throat and walked inside. He turned to Inuyasha and said, "Do you mind Inuyasha. Shippo and I are going to have a man to man talk about what we were discussing."

"Okay, I’ll see you two later." She walked passed Shippo smiling and winked an eye at him and then closed the door behind her.

The little fox demon smiled as he begins to think that maybe this wasn’t going to be as bad as he had first thought it would be. He was about to relax when he heard Sesshomaru clearing his throat to catch his attention. “Shippo.”

Shippo stood stiffly before the desk with his eyes lowered to the floor. His little hands were clenched into fists at his side.

"Shippo I would like to talk to you about something of great importance," said the demon lord leaning back in his chair.

"If . . . if it's about the water I dumped on that evil witch. I- I will not apologize," the little demon said closing his eyes tightly and cringing in fear waiting to hear the demon yell at him.

"Oh?"

"She had it coming," he said staring up at the demon defending his actions. "She called all me friends, filthy peasants that were raised by pigs and should be locked in a pig pen. Then she insulted Inuyasha. I was going to let the pig insult go since we were playing in mud but I will not let her talk badly about Inuyasha." Immediately, he turned his eyes away from the emotionless gaze of the dog demon.

"Well, you will have to be punished for that. I will not have you showing disrespect to anyone under this roof even if they do deserve it." He winked at the little demon. "No, what I wanted to talk to you about was your position here. I know it was never made official but would you like to become Inuyasha and my officially adopted son."

"You . . . you mean it?" he asked staring up at him with big green hopeful eyes. "Does that mean I can call her . . . mother and you . . . papa?"

"Yes it does but don't force yourself. We understand that we are not your real parents and we do not want you to think we want you to forget your real parents. In fact, both Inuyasha and I would be disappointed in you if you did forget them." He smirked at the watery eyes of the kitsune. "If you are not comfortable with calling us mother and father. You do not have to do so." He got up from his seat and knelt in front of Shippo. "Well, what do you think. Do you think you can take a brash hanyou and an ice lord for parents?"

"I heard that!" came Inuyasha's voice from the other side of the door.

Both demons smiled. Shippo threw his arms around the demon lord's neck and held him tight. "I have wanted to ask you if you would not mind me calling you father and mother for so long. I was afraid. You were always so scary looking. I thought you might not want me around now that you have your own child on the way."

"Just because Yasha and I are having our own child does not mean we will love you any less. And as you said before, you will be my son's big brother. It will be up to you to protect him and teach him."

Shippo stood up straight wiping his eyes. "I will do all I can to protect my little brother." He smiled at Sesshomaru and hugged him again.

~end of flashback~


Inuyasha stared at her mate as he smiled at them. "What are you smiling about?"

"I’m just smiling because I am the luckiest demon in the world. I have a mate I love more than my own life, a wonderful son and another on the way." He stood up and walked over to her kissing her soft lips. "I love you Yasha.”

Inuyasha blushed and kissed him back. "I love you too Sess."

Shippo pulled on the sleeve of her kimono. "What about me and my little brother?"

"You know we love you two most of all," said Sesshomaru lifting the kitsune into his arms.

"Okay, if you two are ready, we should head to dinner. I do not want to hear Mina ranting at us because the food got cold."

"Okay, mother," said Shippo smiling at her. The little kitsune couldn't be happier to have his new family. Sesshomaru put the kitsune on the floor. Taking a hand, Shippo stood between them as they went to dinner.

xxxxx


It was finally the day when Akemi and Li-hua would arrive. Sesshomaru had sent his personal guards to escort the demon lord and his mate back to the palace. Inuyasha wanted to go herself but Sesshomaru forbad her from going anywhere further than the gardens.

Inuyasha paced back and forth in her private sitting room anxiously awaiting the arrival of her father. Waiting with her was Sango, Ayame and little Koji. The two tried to get her to sit down and relax but a minute after she sat down Inuyasha was up on her feet again pacing.

"Inuyasha, you should sit down," said Sango. "It can't be good for you to be pacing like that."

"I know but I’m so excited. I haven't seen my father in months," she said smiling. She rubbed her bulging belly.

"Lord Akemi. I remember my grandfather talking about him. He said that lord Akemi and lord Inutaisho were the terrors of the west and east. There were no one stronger or more loyal than those two," said Ayame sitting Koji on the floor.

"Yes, when I was younger my father told me stories about how he and Inutaisho use to go head to head with the dragon clan before the peace treaty," said Inuyasha sitting and smiling as she remembered how her father use to hold her in his lap tightly and cover her with kisses as he told her about something he and Inutaisho had done as children.

"I guess lord Inutaisho is excited at seeing his old friend again," said Sango smiling as the little wolf cub crawled over to her sniffing her.

"He is." Inuyasha started laughing. "The first thing he said when he got here was, 'were is that old dog.'" The three women burst out laughing.

"Mother! Mother!" yelled Shippo running into her room excited. "They're here!"

Inuyasha stood up and took several deep breaths to calm her nerves. Then she rushed out front to meet her father.

xxxxx

Sesshomaru, Inutaisho, Koga and Miroku were already outside with the servants waiting. She came to stand beside her mate and waited. They could see the carriage being drawn by the demon horses and four white dogs running along side it.

As the carriage came to a stop in front of them, Akemi did not wait until a servant open the door for him. He opened it himself and launched himself at his best friend.

"Taishy!" Akemi wrapped his friend in a powerful bear hug.

"Akemi!" Inutaisho returned the hug. "My old friend, it's so good to see you again."

Inuyasha stepped forward as tears fell from her eyes. As the two elderly dog demons pulled away from each other, Akemi turned to see his beautiful daughter. A tender smile appeared on his face as to him, she looked so much like her lovely mother. "My beautiful Yasha." He opened his arms to her.

"Father." She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck holding him tight.

As he pulled her away from him to get a good look at her, he smirked knowingly at her. "Well, I guess I am going to be a grandfather soon."

Inuyasha blushed and nodded her head.

"I have a surprise for you as well." Akemi turned back to the carriage and helped a very pregnant Li-hua out of the carriage. "You’re going to be a big sister."

Li-hua stood before her smiling smugly at the shocked Inuyasha.

"You old dog," Inutaisho said congratulating his friend.

"Well Inuyasha, it’s so nice to see you," Li-hua said holding her smug smile on her face and rubbing her extended belly. "It seems my child will be born before yours." Inuyasha just shrugged her shoulders and turned to her mate.

Sesshomaru came to stand beside her.

"Sesshomaru, you remember Akemi," said Inutaisho.

"Of course father. It has been a long time, Lord Akemi," said Sesshomaru bowing to the dog lord.

"Yes it has but I see you have grown into a strapping fine young demon that is very powerful if my senses are corrected.”

“That he is,” said Inutaisho laughing.

“You have not met my new mate yet. This is my mate, Li-hua," said Akemi. "My dear, this is my best friend Inutaisho, and his son, Sesshomaru."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Li-hua." Sesshomaru bowed to her.

"And I am honored to finally meet you both," said Li-hua smiling sweetly. "Although we live in China Lord Sesshomaru's reputation as a strong lord has even reached our shores."

"All good I hope," said Inutaisho.

"So, where is my niece?" asked Li-hua.

"I'm right here, Aunt," said the dark hair demoness. "Look at you. You’re as big as a house."

"And how have you been doing my dear?"

'As if you give a rats' ass how I am doing.' "I am doing very well," she said aloud.

"Why don't we move this conversation inside," said Inutaisho.

They went inside into the sitting room. Mina and the other servants brought in tea and a snack for the guests.

"So Inuyasha, how have you adjusted to your new life here?" asked Li-hua when the men began to talk amongst themselves. "I hope it hasn't been too hard for you."

"Oh of course not," Inuyasha said sweetly. "In fact I wanted to thank you for convincing my father to arrange for me to mate with Sesshomaru. I have never been happier. I have a mate I love more than anything in this world, next to my father, friends and a child on the way. What more could I ask for." Inuyasha smiled as she saw anger burning behind her green eyes. 'Take that you conniving bitch.'

Filled with anger, Li-hua got up and asked if one of the servants could take her to her room to rest before dinner. Sesshomaru immediately called a servant into the room and the young female lead the demoness to her room. Sya excused herself also saying she wants to make sure her aunt is comfortable.

Once the two demoness left the room Sango looked at her friend. She was about to ask a question when Inuyasha raised a hand silencing her. "Sess, we are going out to the gardens and don't worry I am in capable hands." She kissed his cheek. "I'm sure you men have a lot of old folks stuff to talk about."

"Hey!" Inutaisho and Akemi said in mock offense.

"If you will excuse us," said Inuyasha smiling.

“Here Koga, take care of Koji,” said Ayame placing the child in his arms. Then the three women bowed to the men and went out to the garden.

xxxxx


Once they stood near the Koi pond Inuyasha turned to Sango smiling. "I know your question would have been about Li-hua and I did not want my father to hear it."

"I quite understand," said Sango. The human woman sat down on the ground. "Is that what you had to deal with since your mother died?"

"Afraid so, and there was nothing I could do about it," said Inuyasha sitting down next to her.

"What do you mean?" asked Ayame.

"Well, after mother died, I had the feeling that father blamed me for her death. He never came into my room again. Whenever I needed him, he would tell me to ask the servants." She sighed. "I was basically raised by the servants but I still loved my father. I still held the hopes of him one day forgiving me." Tears fell from eyes.

"Don't cry," said Sango wrapping one arm around Inuyasha's shoulders. "Who knows, maybe by him coming here he has come to realize that you were not the cause of your mother's death."

"You think so." Inuyasha wiped her eyes.

"Sango is right. He has another child that look as though it will be born any day and a grandchild on the way," said Ayame resting her arm on top of Sango's arm. "I think he always knew you were never to blame for your mother's death. Men just have a different way of expressing their emotions."

"You're right." Inuyasha wrapped her arms around her friends waists. "Thanks guys, you’re the best friends I have ever had."


xxxxx

Back in the sitting room, Inutaisho was telling them all about a battle he and Akemi fought against Ryuukotsusei. "And we soundly thrashed Ryuukotsusei and his great dragon warriors," Inutaisho said sarcastically. "Stupid dragon, didn't know who he was messing with. We weren't called the terrors of the west and east for nothing."

"You two must have been awesome fighters," said Koga.

"What do you mean 'must have been?' We still are," said Akemi puffing out his chest.

"Akemi is right," said Inutaisho folding his arms across his chest. "We can take on any of you young pups and give you a sound thrashing."

"Really father," said Sesshomaru. "Behave yourself and act your age."

"Maybe we should teach these young pups a lesson, Taishy," said Akemi staring conspiratorially at his friend.

"You’re right," said the other elder dog demon. "Maybe then, they will give us old dogs the respect we deserve."

"I already respect you," said Miroku picking up the little wolf cub that was climbing up his leg and sitting him in his lap. "In fact, I’ll hold on to Koji and cheer for the victor."

"Spineless," said Koga.

"Not really, only a fool would fight someone stronger than he is." The monk smiled at his wolf friend. "As I said, Koji and I shall cheer for you on the sidelines. Hopefully, your defeat won't scar your son for the rest of his life."

"If you weren't my friend, monk . . ." Koga raised a fist at the nervously laughing human.

"Then it's settled," said Inutaisho getting to his feet, “to the dojo."

xxxxx

Inuyasha, Ayame and Sango were still sitting beside the pond with their feet in the water watching the koi swim around their feet. It was peaceful and they were enjoying their talk about babies when an all too familiar and unwelcome scent trickled under Inuyasha's nose. She growled to herself as she turned to see Li-hua walking, well waddling, over to her.

"Inuyasha, I thought I might find you out here," said Li-hua smiling sweetly.

"You don't have to pretend around them. I already told them you are an evil, conniving bitch that is only after my father's wealth."

The elderly dog demoness smirked and put away her mask of kindness. Not that she would have been kind in front of the human woman and the wolf demoness. "I would have thought you would be sticking to Sesshomaru's side like a leech considering his reputation for flirting with other women."

Inuyasha was about to call the demoness every thing but her name when Sango stepped in between them. "This is not the time for either of you to be fighting or insulting each other."

"Sango is right," said Ayame staring up at the stupid woman. "You are with child. You should be saving your strength for the delivery and not picking on Inuyasha."

Li-hua snorted and smirked. "So, Inuyasha, have you become so docile that you would have a weak human and a filthy wolf defending you."

Inuyasha had to fight down the urge to leap to her feet and strangle the bitch with her bare hands. "Go away, bitch I am not in the mood to be bothered with you."

"Don't worry. I have no intentions of staying around you and your friends vile presence." She began to rub her swollen belly. "I just thought I would let you see that your information was wrong. As you can see, I am with child and the eastern half of China will be mine."

Inuyasha snorted and then burst out laughing. "You’re a fool Li-hua." She stopped laughing and glared at the woman. "I never once said you could not get pregnant. I said that either you or the child will die during the birthing process. Or both of you could die because your demonic aura is way below that of my father's own aura. It’s obvious you seem to think I was lying but only time will tell which of you will die."

"Are you hoping I will die, Inuyasha," Li-hua said smirking. "That's not a very nice thing to wish on your sweet, kind stepmother."

"You maybe my stepmother but you are not sweet and neither are you kind. And as for hoping you would die, well you're the one who said it, not me." Inuyasha stared blankly at her. "Now, you bore me. You are dismissed." And with that Inuyasha turned her back on the demoness. Inuyasha mentally patted herself on the back as she could smell the anger radiating from Li-hua as Inuyasha dismissed her as though she was nothing but a servant.

The dog demoness huffed and turned red with rage as she could hear Inuyasha and the other women laughing at her as she stormed back inside the castle.

xxxxx

Sometime later, the men walked out into the garden. Except for Miroku the others were bruised and bleeding. "What in the world happened to all of you?" asked Inuyasha as she and the other got to their feet.

"Your father and I had to teach these young pups a lesson," said Inutaisho smiling.

"Are you all right Koga?" asked Ayame giggling at the black eye he was wearing.

"It’s not funny, Ayame," growled the wolf. "Who would have thought these old dogs would be so tough."

"Don't you know, you can't judge your elders on your level," said Akemi proudly sticking out his chest. "That was fun, eh Taishy." He turned to his friend laughing as he and the other dog demon had not a scratch on them. Inutaisho laughed at the sullen expression on his son's face.

"So, was it your father that grounded you into the dirt?" asked Inuyasha winching at the swollen jaw and bruised eye. She walked up to him and opened the folds of his hakama and saw the black bruises on his chest and stomach. "Ouch! Did you have to beat him this bad?" She stared at Inutaisho.

"It wasn't me," said Inutaisho. "I had the wolf."

She turned to her father with wide eyes. "Father?" Akemi just smiled at her. Inuyasha smiled also as she shook her head. "Well at least he let you live." She burst out laughing.

"Why aren't you wounded Miroku?" Sango asked.

"I am," said the monk. He held up his bandaged arm and then opened his rob to show her four claw marks on his shoulder.

Koga snorted. "Yeah, he put up a fierce battle with Koji but my son won in the end."

Ayame grabbed her son out of Koga's arms.

"You were beaten up by a child?" Sango stared at her mate trying hard not to laugh.

"Hey, that kid's strong," said Miroku trying to defend himself but was only making it worse as everyone burst out laughing. He turned to glare at the laughing wolf lord. "Everything was fine until he saw his father getting his ass beat into the ground."

Koga stopped laughing to glare back at his friend. Everyone laughed even harder.

"All right let's go inside and get your wounds looked at," said Inutaisho.

"The rest of you go ahead," said Akemi. "I would like to talk to Inuyasha for a minute."

xxxxx

After everyone disappeared inside the palace, Akemi sat down and pulled his daughter into his lap. Inuyasha was surprised at first but as she began to relax, she rested her head against his broad chest.
"So, how have you been, really?" he asked.

"Fine," said Inuyasha frowning.

"Yasha, Sesshomaru has been treating you right, hasn't he?"

"Of course father, why would you think otherwise."

The elder dog demon sighed and rested his chin on top of her head. "Because I’m afraid Sesshomaru was known for being a cold-hearted dictator at times and then there was his affair with the dragon princess.” At the mentioning of the female dragon Inuyasha growled in anger.

"You needn't worry, father. In the beginning, he was rather rough and cold, but now he shows me nothing but love. Sesshomaru has made me the happiest woman in the world." She smiled against his chest.

"Good." Akemi tightened his hold around her. "There’s something I want to tell you. I know that these past years of you growing up I have not been there for you and I want to say I am very sorry. I know your mother would be disappointed in my behavior." He kissed the top of her head.

"It’s okay, father. I had Jun and the others . . . "

"No, it was not their job to raise you. It was mine," he said cutting her off before she could finish. "I am your father and I turned my back on you. You were suffering just as much as I if not more since you witnessed your mother’s death."

"Father . . . I," Inuyasha choked on her words as tears fell from her eyes. "I’m sorry father for not being able to save her. I know you hate me and blame me for her dying. Please forgive me." She wept against his chest.

"Don't." Akemi held his weeping daughter tightly in his arms as he rocked back and forth with her. "Don't. It is not your fault and I never blamed you. I’m sorry if you thought I believed that. I should have come to you and talked to you about it but I was so lost in my own grief that I could not bear to think about that horrible night any more. All those nights I heard you scream for me and I turned my back on you. When I was finally ready to talk, I felt like it was too late. You had grown into a beautiful young woman that was very headstrong." The dog lord started to cry as well. "Yasha, my little Yasha can you find it in your heart to forgive your pigheaded father for not being there when you needed me."

"Oh father," said Inuyasha crying harder. "I . .. of course I . . . forgive you. I never hated you. I just . . . wanted you . . . to love . . . me like you did before . . . mother died."

"I do love you, my Yasha. I have always loved you. I could never hate you." He raised her tear stained face up to his and smiled. “I love you, my beautiful daughter.”

“And I love you as well, father.” She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight.

Unknown to them a pair of dull hate filled blue eyes and jealous green eyes watched with contempt from one of the opened windows the scene that unfolded outside with Inuyasha and Akemi.