Dogs

Sesshoumaru arrived at the caves telling everyone to get packed up since now they were leaving. They all looked at him like he lost his mind. They had only been there for a couple of days and had been waiting for his ass to get there.

“Sesshoumaru this isn’t even acceptable for you? What the fuck is going on?”

Inuyasha roared. Sesshoumaru slapped a hand over the hanyou’s mouth before it caved them all in.

“Look Inuyasha, your wife is pregnant and should not be in this cave. I have plans for the both of you. Plans changed as far as the caverns went for now. We can come back here when the weather is better since your mate insists on being here. Sango has a cold and Miroku is pissing me off. I want them married tonight or I am serious about stealing that woman.”

Inuyasha frowned at his brother. What stick got up his ass today?

“What is this really about Sesshoumaru?”

Sesshoumaru stopped and looked at Inuyasha sternly.

“Did I not make myself clear? I will talk to you after we get home.”

Inuyasha looked at Sesshoumaru.

“What do you mean after we get home? You ain’t my wife.”

Sesshoumaru frowned and grabbed Inuyasha pulling him by his ear to another side of the cave.

“Look, I have a problem and you owe me. So you and Kagome are going to adopt a kid for me. He is in the hospital as we speak and he needs a family.”

Inuyasha looked at Sesshoumaru like he finally lost it.

“Look, I know you miss your little Rin, but you can’t just go around adopting people. These days you have to do things by the book and what if I don’t want to adopt another brat. I still have Shippo to deal with.”

Sesshoumaru looked at Inuyasha and then clocked him on the head.

“I raised you, I am helping you raise Shippo, and I put up with your friends. You owe me. Now come on and get everyone ready. I am taking Sango and Shippo can take the pervert. You and Kagome are coming with me. I am not sure if I want to come back for the wolf and Ayame.”

Inuyasha smirked. He liked that idea, but then thought that wouldn’t be right.

“No, we have to come back for them or I ain’t gonna do this for you.”

Sesshoumaru told everyone they would be back and grabbed Sango first then allowed the others to hang on to him. Of course it was a bit longer since Kouga and Ayame were hanging onto his tail with all of them wearing back packs with gear. Kagome had the baby in her arms and was being held by Inuyasha who was in Sesshoumaru’s other arm. It was a good thing Sesshoumaru was damn strong or he might have been seen by the humans.

When they landed it was not very graceful since pretty much everyone except Sesshoumaru, Sango, Kagome, and the baby ate dirt. The puppy went tumbling and whimpered a bit. Akiyoshi ran after the pup and soon everything was back to normal.

“Ok, now tell your woman Inuyasha so we can go to the lawyers. I want this done today.”

Kagome looked at them both wondering what these men were conspiring.

“What is this about boys?”

Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome like she was a dot again on the earth blemishing it.

“You and Inuyasha are going to adopt my new project.”

Inuyasha shrugged at Kagome trying to look innocent.

“If I don’t do it…………”

Kagome finished the sentence.

“He will kill you. Yes we know this line by heart. Truth is we need to meet this child, see what issues the child has, and try not to let your brother warp this little one.”

Sesshoumaru sighed.

“The boy’s name is Keith, he is not a small child, and I can handle this. I just am not allowed to do this legally without a mate. So either you have to adopt him or I am going to mate Sango. If you like your pervert best friend I suggest you do it my way.”

Sango hid behind a fuming Miroku. Miroku couldn’t do crap though because Sesshoumaru would kill him and only feel sorry about that for maybe three minutes.

“Fine, let’s get to the hospital before Sesshoumaru has kidnapping and murder charges against him.”

Inuyasha stated as Kagome shook her head at this whole situation. It wasn’t right and Sesshoumaru would not have final say in this matter if she had her way.
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After arriving at the hospital, the doctor led the group towards Keith’s room. He recognized Kagome and knew the doctor who was delivering her second child. The doctor mentioned that Keith’s case was a hard one and that the boy would be a handful. Still Kagome was a nurse and that would be helpful in such an adoption.

Kagome sat in the room reading the medical history on the boy shaking her head sadly.

“This child is definitely a hard case Sesshoumaru. It is going to take all of us to help him out with his life from this point on if you are serious.”

Inuyasha just leaned against the wall.

“What is the problem? A couple of knocks in the head will straighten him out and we had the same issue with Shippo.”

Kagome looked at Inuyasha and told him to sit.

“Inuyasha the boy has been beaten enough without you knocking him in the head. You are going to have to change your discipline with this boy. That is one area Sesshoumaru might be better then you are.”

Sesshoumaru shook his head.

“Not really, that is how I kept Inuyasha in line and look how well he has turned out.”

Kagome shook her head.

“Exactly, that is the problem. Inuyasha has no tact and neither do you.”

The men looked at Kagome like she was being ridiculous.

“You don’t know how to raise boys. Boys need a bit of a knock in the head to listen. It ain’t like we are going to beat him or anything.”

Inuyasha stated and the doctor seemed to agree with the guys.

“Boys are more physical learners and a small pop to the back of the head does wonders sometimes since Fathers have done that to their son’s for years. My Father did the same to me. Just not too rough, I do it with my boys.”

Kagome looked at the men like they were all mean. Then she touched the cheek of the young man who was sleeping. He was a very beautiful little boy in her eyes even if he was a teenager. He wasn’t very old. Only maybe 15 years and she remembered how that was.

“Well, what do we need to do now so I can take him home?”

Sesshoumaru asked as the rest of them looked at him like this was not going to happen.

“He needs his rest and you need to settle down. He will stay in the hospital until the legal papers are completed. It may take a few months Sesshoumaru.”

Kagome stated sternly not able to believe that her own husband seemed to think that this was just so easy to do like adopting a pet or something. This was harder and a lot more was involved. They would have social workers checking in on him until they were sure the boy was in a safe environment and there was the therapy for the boy who went through so much.

“So, let him stay with me until you are all done. He can stay at the hospital until he feels better and then I can take him until you get this done? Is that allowed?”

Sesshoumaru stated testily. He didn’t want to wait.

“We can set you up Mr. Tashio as a foster parent temporarily for Keith. I don’t think that would be too difficult, but we would have to send people to inspect your home.”

The doctor stated firmly.

“That is fine. They can meet me tonight then?”

Sesshoumaru got a stern look from the doctor who was trying not to laugh at the boy who wanted to take Keith home.

“Why are you in such a hurry young man?”

Sesshoumaru looked at Keith.

“I don’t like him being here. I don’t want him to have bad memories and I want to start helping him now. I don’t see the problem in that, plus I am paying for his care. Does that not show something of my intentions? I am no monster like his Father and I would not injure him.”

Inuyasha frowned at this.

“You jerk. You will be nice to this kid, but you would beat the hell out of me!”

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes.

“You are my little brother. It is my job to torment you.”

Keith woke up to Inuyasha’s yelling.

“Man, how can someone sleep with all this yelling? Who are you people? Oh, it’s you, am I going back to your place or what?”

Sesshoumaru sat by the bed.

“Well if they would let me you would be, but they insist I have to do some sort of foster parenting thing and they have to check out my home.”

Keith freaked out.

“They won’t let you adopt me? What kind of bastards are these people! I want out of here!”

The doctor looked shocked as did the rest of the group except Inuyasha.

“Oh, he just brainwashed the kid into thinking he is a good guy. That is all. Believe me Keith, once you get to know my brother you will think he is a jerk like the rest of us do.”

Keith rolled his eyes this time.

“I know he is a jerk, but he is an honest jerk. I can at least believe what he says is true and he ain’t gay doc so you don’t have to worry about me being molested. So can I go now?”

The doctor was a bit taken back and Kagome with the others started laughing.

“Yep, he brainwashed the kid alright. He won’t molest him though.”

The doctor finally realizing this was humor then smiled. Keith wouldn’t leave tonight, but maybe tomorrow after the home was checked.

“You will stay here tonight. We will see how tomorrow goes.”

Sesshoumaru then sat back in the chair.

“I am staying then.”

Everyone looked at him like he was insane.

“You can’t do that! You aren’t his family yet!”

Kagome stated angrily.

“I will be and I am staying. You are supposed to go get paperwork and so go. I am staying here with Keith.”

The doctor threw the pen and the clipboard into the air giving up. This kid was impossible and just as bad as Keith. They would do well for each other.

“Do as you will, but I don’t have any cots available.”

Walking out Kagome smiled at Keith.

“So how do you feel about coming home with Inuyasha and me for a while? We are going to be the ones adopting you.”

Keith’s eyes bugged out of his head.

“Mr. Tashio, you said I was coming home with you! Not these people! Who the hell are they?”

Sesshoumaru sighed.

“This is my brother Rick and his wife Kimberly. I know they are a pain, but they will be good for you for a while. They will not let me adopt you because I have no wife. I do not want anyone except his stupid friend’s woman and so I have to make them adopt you so I can keep you. See, that is the plan.”

Keith started laughing.

“So, you are making your brother and sister adopt me you big softy of a demon? It ain’t going to be that easy you know. You should just have kidnapped me and made me look like I died. You could have changed my name.”

Sesshoumaru put his head in his hands.

“I did not think of that.”

Kagome freaked.

“Don’t give him ideas!”

Inuyasha started laughing.

“Too late, my wife is a nurse kid and you are going to be ours. Lucky you. I don’t take any back talk either and my brother is even meaner then I am, so don’t think you are just going to keep getting away with trouble. I know your kind because I used to be just like you.”

Keith looked at Sesshoumaru who was looking at his brother smiling.

“Yes you were, but I knocked that out of you did I not?”

Inuyasha frowned.

“Yes, and it still hurts. I am a half demon though kid so we won’t be able to be as rough on you as we are to each other.”

Keith looked at Sesshoumaru to explain.

“He took my left arm and I beat the hell out of him until he wished he hadn’t done that. I got my arm back, he still hasn’t recovered.”

Sesshoumaru stated dryly.

“That is true. He put a hole through my chest with his hand more times then I want to count.”

Inuyasha stated showing the recent scar.

“You deserved that one for questioning my masculinity for the fortieth time and it will be healed by tomorrow Keith. I am not going to do anything like that to you.”

Keith’s eyes could not get any bigger.

“I am afraid.”

Sesshoumaru looked at his new project and patted the kid’s hand.

“I won’t do that to you. I know you are too weak for such a thing.”

Keith then got upset.

“I ain’t no wimp.”

Inuyasha pushed the kid back onto the bed.

“Don’t push it kid. It has been a rough enough day and we got work to do. You couldn’t handle him and believe me you don’t want to. Just say it is ok to be a weak human. Trust me, it is in your best interest since you know what he is capable of even if he has brainwashed you.”

Sesshoumaru looked at his family who were all leaving finally. It took them long enough.

“So they are saying you can’t find a girlfriend? I think that is hard to swallow and you are saying you ain’t gay. So what are you then?”

Sesshoumaru looked at the kid.

“I am immortal. You will die before me and I will live on. That is what I do and that is my life. I haven’t found a mate and that is what I seek. There is a woman I would like to rut with, but she is taken.”

Keith looked at Sesshoumaru funny.

“Mate? Rut? What the hell is that?”

Sesshoumaru gave Keith a tired look.

“Do not tell me you do not know about the reproduction of a species. Did you not go to school or did your parents not teach you such things?”

Keith then blushed.

“Oh, you mean sex. Is that mating or rutting?”

Sesshoumaru proceeded to tell Keith the difference in detail as he had done to Inuyasha.

“I am scarred for life.”

Keith stated softly staring straight ahead.

“Yes, but you will heal.”

Sesshoumaru stated sitting back reading a newspaper he found in the waiting room.

“I can’t believe you went into that much detail.”

Keith stated in awe.

“Well, you wished to know the truth. Now go to sleep.”

Sesshoumaru stated firmly. Keith couldn’t after that talk. He had so many more questions as he looked up at the ceiling. He would not ever look at a pretty girl the same ever again for as long as he lived.
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In the morning Sesshoumaru led the people who were to determine his ability to be a foster parent around his home. Everything that was not acceptable to a child had been hidden. It was immaculate and the only concern these people had was of having Sesshoumaru robbed by his foster child. It had happened before and Sesshoumaru assured that would not be a problem. He also signed a waiver so they would not be liable and that he would be responsible for the child until a proper home was found for Keith.
Keith was taken out to meet the limo in a wheelchair.

“I ain’t broken and I don’t know why you have to push me around like this.”

Sesshoumaru looked at his new ward. The boy was just like Inuyasha at that age.

“It is hospital policy and you will follow it young man.”

The nurse stated firmly. Sesshoumaru helped Keith who was still pretty drugged up on medications into the limo. They gave Sesshoumaru a prescription and told him they would be in contact with him throughout the week to check on Keith’s status. He was to bring Keith back for a follow up in two weeks.

“So now we escaped that hell hole. Are we going to your place now?”

Keith stated holding his head in his hands. The nice suit Sesshoumaru bought him was now wrinkled, but the kid didn’t look too great either.

“You need to rest so shut up. You will be at my home soon enough. I made you a room of your own so you will not be using mine again.”

Keith nodded which was a terrible idea. He felt like the world was spinning and so he laid himself down on the floor of the limo wishing to God that he could just die right now since his head hurt that bad. Soon though he was out cold and Sesshoumaru was home sighing as he carried the boy into the building.

When they got upstairs Sesshoumaru tucked Keith into his new bed and after reading the kid’s mind before he left the hospital he was able to decipher that the boy was into outer space things. The spell worked nicely. So he had the room decorated like a starlit sky with big planet posters and a mobile of the solar system. There was also a very expensive telescope in Keith's new room and books for him to study. It was well thought out.

Sesshoumaru closed the door and felt like his own head was spinning. He had a kid now and so he had to do something about his rutting situation without causing problems. Inuyasha and Kagome had to come here.

Calling the cell phone number his brother gave him, Sesshoumaru demanded that they come to his house or he was going to get them. When he mentioned Keith was there, Kagome caved in easily, but Inuyasha whimpered for a while about it.

After they arrived, Sesshoumaru went out. He gave the two of them the prescription and told them to go get it. It was below a demon Lord to do such a menial task.

“And he wants to adopt this kid?”

Kagome stated after Sesshoumaru left.

“No, he wants us to do it while he raises him.”

Inuyasha stated sitting back on the couch watching TV.

“And this isn’t a problem for you?”

Kagome stated sitting next to her husband.

“No it isn’t. All we do is sign the paperwork and babysit on occasion. What is the big deal? Like we haven’t done that before for him, it ain’t anything we can’t do.”

Inuyasha got a dirty look from Kagome.

“That isn’t the point Inuyasha! Your brother can’t just go around thinking he can own people and just adopt people through us. That isn’t right.”

Inuyasha pulled Kagome into the bedroom where Keith was sleeping.

“Look at that. That kid will have everything he needs plus more. He won’t have to struggle or suffer any more. You want to take that away from him? I would have begged for this.'
"Sesshoumaru is going to give us this in return for these dumb little things he becomes obsessed with on occasion. We have our lifestyle because of him. This is not much to ask and he doesn’t want to be alone.”

Kagome was shocked at the room which was any kids dream. Sesshoumaru did a great job.

“It is like Rin though Inuyasha. When this boy dies, he is going to fall apart again. He will outlive this child too. Rin died too young and this boy will too if Sesshoumaru isn’t careful. He can’t let this boy run him over or allow him too much freedom. Keith needs structure and guidance. Something you both are lacking. You both always go by the seat of your pants and get yourselves into a big mess.”

Inuyasha shook his head.

“Kagome, Kagome, Kagome………you just don’t understand demons. I tried to tell you, but you don’t listen. Sesshoumaru has made his choice in a ward again. You can’t budge him on this unless you want people to die so he can keep this kid. Let’s do this the easy way before he becomes an asshole about it.”

Kagome frowned.

“Fine, but when it blows up in both of your faces don’t blame me.”

Inuyasha sat back enjoying a night in Sesshoumaru’s awesome home. The guy had excellent taste and it was a bachelor’s dream home. No one would believe Sesshoumaru had a kid or was strait with this place. It needed some dirty laundry hanging around or something. Sesshoumaru needed beer and pizza in the fridge. That was what this place needed and some lava lamps. Maybe even a mini bar.

Looking around the place Inuyasha found the mini bar, but when he opened the fridge there was only raw meat. That was great, but not for Kagome.

“Hey, let’s call for pizza and I will pour us a few drinks.”

Inuyasha stated smiling. Kagome came over and wacked him across the back of the head.

“No drinks. We are watching a sick little boy, what is wrong with you!”

Keith came out of the bedroom and Kagome was up immediately. She had Sango and Miroku watching Akiyoshi tonight.

“I don’t feel so great.”

Kagome helped Keith into the bathroom as the poor boy threw up for hours. All that medication they gave him made him sick.

“We need to talk to the doctor about these medications Keith. You are having a slight reaction to the antibiotic. It is nothing we can’t fix. It is just mainly for pain.”

Kagome stated rubbing his back gently and then helping him clean up.

“Inuyasha will you get Keith some pajamas from his bedroom and stop playing with Sesshoumaru’s play station!”

Inuyasha frowned and grumbled as he went into the boy’s room to find pajamas. It was funny because Sesshoumaru even thought of that with fancy dark royal blue silk ones in the bottom drawer.

“Keith I will start a bath for you and we will set your clothing out and a robe. Just let us know if you need anything.”

Keith nodded too sick to argue. When Inuyasha came back Kagome gave him a stern look. No underwear and slippers with the rest of these things?

“I believe you are missing some things that perhaps you may not wear, but a child would.”

Grabbing the items setting them on the counter she started the bath water and went into Keith’s room to get his things complaining that these two men had no idea on how to raise a child properly.

Inuyasha was helping Keith out a bit and turned off the water making sure it wasn’t too hot. Kagome seemed to like to boil people. He also didn’t want it too deep just in case the boy fell asleep.

“Here kid, I won’t look, just let me help a bit and we will leave you to your privacy. I will have to come to check in on you though so you don’t drown on me, so don’t think I am a pervert. Believe me I have better things to look at.”

Keith nodded and let him help. He felt so horrible. This stuff was kicking his but and it felt nice to be cared for since that hadn’t happened in a long time.
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Sesshoumaru wandered about town for a few hours only to find the same old same old. Nothing interesting except the same girls who still wanted him and he had no interest in them. Instead he went to a coffee shop and sat trying to relax.

His demon was impossible. It wasn’t right or fair to push so fast to mate. Still that wasn’t his demon’s purpose. It was to kill and rut. That was it.

A young woman came in and ordered an iced coffee. Then she sat at a table by herself reading a book. Now this was a different type then he was used to. She was not only pretty, but had a good smell to her. She smelled like vanilla ice cream.

Sesshoumaru wandered over. It was still fairly early in the evening and he hadn’t eaten dinner yet. Perhaps she would join him.

“Hello, do you mind if I sit here?”

The girl looked at all the empty tables thinking he had to ask to sit here when there are other places?

“Suit yourself.”

The girl shrugged. Sesshoumaru was surprised she didn’t bother to look up from her book and she was wearing these reading glasses. It made her look sophisticated and intelligent. He had expected a better response though.

“What is it you are reading?”

The girl looked up at him and answered.

“A book, you should try it sometime.”

She was sick of guys coming on to her and wanted time alone. This was just another guy who thought he was better looking than anyone else and that she should just drop everything to ogle him. It wasn’t going to happen.

Sesshoumaru smiled a bit. A challenge, this was going to be fun.

“Well, I do read, but usually it is something more along the lines of Shakespeare or Edgar Allen Poe. Not ‘The Thorn Who Devoured the Rose’ if that is what you call a novel.”

The girl looked up at Sesshoumaru annoyed.

“May I help you with something or are you just here to insult me? I read poetry, Edgar Allen Poe, and some Shakespeare. I just like romance novels. Do you have a problem with that? If so there are many empty tables here you could be sitting at rather than here at mine.”

Sesshoumaru smiled even wider. This was way too much fun. It was almost as fun as tormenting Inuyasha.

“Touché. You like romance novels then. At least you read unlike most women I have met who prefer the movies over a good book.”

The girl then put her book down and gave Sesshoumaru a dirty look taking off her glasses.

“I like movies too. Excuse me if I do not wish to converse right now, you have insulted me enough for today and I am sure you will find a way to do this to someone else tomorrow. Have a nice life.”

Sesshoumaru smirked as the girl put her things away and got ready to leave.

“Afraid that someone might find you interesting or are you just running away? I was trying to just talk to you and I thought we were doing pretty well until you ended this so abruptly.”

The girl leaned over the table and looked him strait in the eyes.

“You are the kind of guy who thinks that every girl should fall head over heels for you and I am not that kind of girl. You sat here knowing by my body language I didn’t want anyone to bother me otherwise you do not pay attention to your surroundings too well. For an educated man you have a lot of learning to do. Good day.”

Sesshoumaru leaned forward.

“For an educated woman you behave like a little girl.”

The girl stood up strait.

“For a man you need to learn about personal space little boy.”

With that the girl huffed and walked out the door. Sesshoumaru followed her.

“What you giving up already?”

Sesshoumaru stated as he followed her.

“Are you stalking me?”

The girl asked perturbed that he was still there.

“Maybe, you intrigue me. You are pretty and yet you sit alone. You are intelligent, but you are rude so my conclusion is no one likes your attitude so that is why you are single. I however find this amazing.”

Sesshoumaru stated grinning from ear to ear.

“You just can’t take no for an answer. Should I pepper spray you or are you going to leave now?”

The girl stated looking at Sesshoumaru pissed off he was still following her.

“You wouldn’t do that and if you did I wouldn’t care. Come now, you and I have not even made friends yet. You cannot be a complete shrew. There must be more to you than this angry young woman.”

Sesshoumaru watched the girl stop and then turn around as she pointed a finger at him.

“You do not know me! I do not know you! I do not want to know you! I am not a shrew. I just don’t like young boys hitting on me.'
"What are you like 16 or 19 years old? You are not old enough to even have a hormone imbalance yet. Just because I am in my thirties does not mean I hit my sexual prime like all of you biology junkies seem to believe. Go home to your Mother!”

Sesshoumaru started laughing. It was funny as hell. The girl kept marching forward cursing under her breath at him.

“Will you quit following me?”

The girl yelled at him.

“No, I have something to say to you.”

Sesshoumaru stopped her and smiled.

“What is it, it is getting late and I would like to get home without some kid stalking me the whole way there. Do you need money for the bus or something?”

The girl looked at Sesshoumaru warily as she dug in her wallet.

“No, I want to make you my mate.”

Sesshoumaru saw the girl stop digging.

“Are you insane?”

The girl stated firmly. Then she started walking again trying to ignore the brat following her.

“No, I like you. You are interesting. What is your name? Mine is Stephen Tashio.”

Sesshoumaru stated with a big grin. Usually that worked for any girl, but not this one.

“That is nice. I ain’t telling you my name stalker.”

Sesshoumaru caught up with her and smirked.

“I can read minds. I bet I know what your name is.”

The girl looked at him and crossed her arms.

“Ok Houdini, what is my name then?”

Sesshoumaru cocked his head to the side.

“Houdini? Oh, the magician. No I am no magician. It is Aveline Pearl Witherspoon is it not?”

The girl stopped and looked at Sesshoumaru.

“You looked at my driver’s license didn’t you?”

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes.

“I didn’t have that much time my dear.”

Aveline looked at Sesshoumaru suspiciously.

“So what am I thinking now, Mr. Tashio know it all?”

Sesshoumaru smiled.

“You think I am too young for you and that I think I know everything. I do not. I am not that young either. You need to get to know people before you judge them.”

Aveline rolled her eyes.

“I have, why do you think I am avoiding them?”

At that Sesshoumaru really started laughing.

“Human beings are rather annoying I agree, but do not give up on everyone Aveline. I refuse to give up on you.”

Aveline actually growled at him and it caught Sesshoumaru off guard.

“You should give up since I am not the kind of girl who just jumps into bed with boys and I am not going to go home with you. You are also not going home with me so give it up!”

At that Sesshoumaru pulled Aveline into a dark alleyway before she could blink.

“You should not assume things about people being young.”

With that he bit into her mating point. She tasted like heaven and then some. Aveline is wolf demon Princess with a tiny bit of cat demon. He found one perfect female in his mind in a million people he could have chosen. A demon female and now she was his.

Picking her up, Sesshoumaru carried his new bundle to his home with a wide grin on his face. Sango was now free to mate the stupid pervert. He found his match.
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