CLAIMING KIN by Salome and Talon

Tai Intervenes
By Salome and Talon

Warning: Shouta. Smut. Kinks of many varieties. Don’t read it if you don’t want to.

Authors' Note: This immediately follows "Kin Asks" in time.

Tai has been listening for several minutes now, smiling inwardly. He has been watching them since he presented the child to his son through other eyes and hearing through other ears. From Sesshoumaru delegating the child's care to servants for the day, to ordering food for the child to his chambers, to assigning the child his own bathing servant, and lately? He had procured a tutor for the boy, despite his status. Every moment shows him that Sesshoumaru is learning things that cannot be taught by a scholar or a teacher...or even a father. He knocks sharply.

“Come,” Sesshoumaru says, simply, putting Kin down and turning to face the door. He knows his father’s knock, but he has not had a servant announce him or otherwise prepare him for his Sire’s visit. His heart thumps in his chest. He hopes nothing is wrong with his mother…or anything else.

He grips Onii's trousers with his hand, and moko-sama slips under his arm and around his back. Something...is different, and his ears flatten and his neck hairs prickle.

Tai opens the door with neither haste nor slowness, closing it behind him, and observing what is before him. Two sons, both fruit of his loins, similar and yet so different. One, his True Son...his only Heir. The other, hanyouu, born out of favor...weak, submissive, and yet with the strongest coloring and composition of his Lord Father of all his illegitimate offspring, youkai and hanyouu. "I trust I am not interrupting, Sesshoumaru."

“Never Father,” Sesshoumaru says, voice more firm than his insides. “We are honored.” And he bows his head slightly. “Show proper honor to our Lord Father, Kin,” he says firmly to the child.

He...does not quite know what to do...so he does the only thing he can remember doing when he was last in Papa's presence. "Hai, Oniisama." With some effort, he lets go of Oniisama's pants, kneels and makes the proper deep bow of one unfavored in his father's sight.

He notices that until Sesshoumaru gives the child instruction the boy does not make a movement. And he notices that Sesshoumaru's fur does not let go of the child as he humbles himself. Inside he rejoices a bit, though he will not let his son know. Not yet. Perhaps not ever. "Hn."

Sesshoumaru watches the way the child abases himself. How small he looks. His fur reacts with the instinct to protect, and Sesshoumaru would do even more if he did not have control over himself. He longs to command the child to simply nod as he does. Or even to kneel with head lowered. But the way he sinks to the floor, flattens his ears. Sesshoumaru does not like it. Not one bit. He looks to his father: how does he accept the child’s gift? He looks pleased enough, though taking it for granted. Poor hanyouu bastard. Even if he were never brought before Sesshoumaru, at least he is neither servant nor slave. His hand clenches involuntarily as he thinks about taking the boy into his arms. He is certain his father must smell his insecurity upon him; how weak he must seem, though he at least preserves proper decorum as he holds himself in place. “To what do we owe this honor, my Lord Father?” As he asks, he realizes he not only wants Kin in his arms, but he also longs to be a child in his father's. The reek of power and assurance is a perfume he knows as well as he knows his own scent. Alpha or not, he is his father's boy.

"We have matters to discuss. Retrieve your...puppy, son." He stalks over to the window...it is a large, bowed window with a seat and silk cushions. And littered with toys and furs. In the corner behind Sesshoumaru's desk is a box filled with more toys. He can even scent the faint smell of fruit. He wonders if food had ever passed through those doors before the pup.

He...whimpers softly. He does not know what Onii wishes him to do. He does not know if he is supposed to get up yet. Please...

What does he mean “retrieve”? The child still obediently flattens himself to the floor to do his father honor. And he speaks of Kin only indirectly… It makes Sesshoumaru feel…tangled… But of course it is what he expected, when he thought about his father’s visit. He knew it had to come, sooner or later. And he cannot expect his Sire to acknowledge Kin any more than he already has by even accepting him in the room. “Retrieve”: he goes to the child and picks him up. It is so good to have him in his arms, safe. But his father is no threat… He holds Kin close but tries not to show any more affection than just holding him…which is already too much. Now what? Frustrated, he knows he must ask. “My Lord Father, would you have me remove…my brother…so we may talk?”

"Oh I do not think that will be necessary. After all, the child has already been present for more treaty meetings and negotiations than you had at your age."

He is silent, but he is so relieved to be lifted into Onii's strong arms. He keeps his eyes down, in fact his entire head down, tucked under Onii's chin. Moko-sama squeezes him, and it comforts him. He feels more nervous now than when he had first been presented to Father. A horrible thought occurs to him: what if Papa had come to return him to Mother? His claws dig into Onii. Onii said no one would take him from his Onii. And he won't go. He won't!!

Sesshoumaru does not know how to take this statement, and he must deal not only with father’s words but with Kin’s claws. He must not let father know the child is reacting this inappropriate way. On the face of it, Father merely states a fact. Beneath the surface, he tells his son that he knows how he has been conducting business, and his life. And deeper still, is he criticizing his choices? He carries his worried brother over to the corner where his softest “baby” toys are, lifts the cloth “Onii dog” and gives it to him, then puts him down. “Play quietly, Kin.”

He whines softly, his ears flat. "Hai, Oniisama." He clutches the soft doggie to his chest, and watches his Onii with big eyes. This Onii dog was not the same as the wooden jointed one...but it smelled more of Onii, and was soft and made with real white fur on his ruff and back and ears.

Tai makes neither movement nor sound that shows he is watching. He is. But he is still turned toward the window, presumably looking outside. Sesshoumaru would not be fooled, however. His son is more astute than that. He is not surprised the boy puts the child down, nor is he surprised that the child does not outwardly protest, though his panic is plain to smell, even if one did not know his personal body language. Tai does not, not particularly. But he sees those ears flat to the white-silver hair. And Sesshoumaru uses the child's mother's name for the boy. Another interesting fact. Of course he was aware of it, but to hear it...interesting.

He waits for Kin’s reply, and astonishes himself when, his back turned from his father, he winks at the child. He remembers his father winking at him several times during difficult negotiations when he had started to whimper in fear of the fierce warriors whose smells were so threatening while their words were cloying. So, why does he not wish his father to see him winking at Kin now? Well, he will keep his secrets because he wishes to. He is an adult, after all. He takes a deep breath and replies to his father’s words and their nuances: “It is true that he has seen much of my work, my Lord. My brother…Kin hears more, yet understands less. I find his presence not only calming but…distracting to foreign negotiators. I am certain his attendance works more often in our favor than against.”

He...is relieved and smiles a wavery smile up at Onii, burying his nose in his doggie. And Onii says it true too. He pays little attention to what is being said at meetings. But he likes it when he can tell when Onii wishes him to remain in his corner or window...or when he wants him in his lap, or at his feet.

"It seems you have taken the hanyouu child's responsibility to heart, Sesshoumaru." He turns from the window, and watches his son. "Are you quite sure he has not been distracting you from your work?"

Sesshoumaru knows the instant those eyes hit him that he will not lie. He has been looking so long at Kin, that he has almost forgotten the lines of his father’s face. Not forgotten, of course, just…not been reminded. His father’s beauty is unearthly. And both of Sesshoumaru’s parents say the same of him. Such powerful beauty. No, he will not lie. “Yes, my Lord Father. I find I enjoy taking responsibility for my brother—the child you chose to present into my care. I hope…” he swallows “that this pleases you, Father.” He fights a desire to retreat to his desk on some pretext, but instead forces himself to walk, slowly, to the window beside his father, as he continues to speak. “Have you any complaint to make about my work, my Lord?”

He curls up with his doggie and sucks his finger quietly. He will be quiet and wait for Onii. Onii will let him know what he is to do. Papa is pretty, but Onii is everything to him. He only cares about what Onii wishes.

"Complaints? I do not believe so. Not as such. No, I cannot say I have many complaints, Sesshoumaru. However, since I presented this Inuyasha to you, to do with as you would...his dam has come back into favor with me."

Sesshoumaru smells Kin’s anxiousness. But he cannot turn to him, not now. Every word from his father must be attended, carefully, fully.

"She, of course, wishes the child be returned to her." He smells the spike in both the Inuyasha's scent, and his son's. Interesting. "What say you to that, my son?"

His heart slams in his chest. He must not turn to Kin, but he hopes with all his soul that the child will not speak. Will be quiet and good for Onii…. No. He will not lose the boy. He cannot even respond. In a heartbeat, he is certain his father will take Kin from him. And he is not prepared to face this…nor to face opposing his father when he is still barely adult in his Sire’s eyes. So he addresses the former point, careful to control every nuance of his voice into cool dispassion. “You say you do not have ‘many’ complaints, my Lord Father. I could wish that you had none.”

He holds the doggie tighter, and tears leak from his eyes, but he muffles any sound he might make in the fur of his toy. He will NOT GO.

"One could wish for snow on a hot summer's day, child." Interesting. As though he could not read his boy's scent and body like an open book. He does not wish the child to be taken. No, more than that. Much more than that. "You postponed your trip to the Monkey Lord by more than a fortnight. Prince Icchi would know why...and yet he claims you do not respond to his messages." He knows very well the Monkey Lord is a liar...and he knows Sesshoumaru did indeed respond to the messages. He does not know the reason for the postponement of the trip, as Sesshoumaru gave none, and did not need to give any. He suspects...and rightly as he watches his son...that it has something to do with the Inuyasha.

Sesshoumaru knows that the anger he feels has far too little to do with words that now form in his mouth, but he cannot seem to stop himself. Something important is happening here, though he is uncertain of what it is. Only that it concerns power and respect…and love. He looks out the window and speaks. “My Father, if you lack confidence in my abilities, you need only command and I will remove myself from negotiations with the Prince.” He pauses. It will not do to be openly hostile. So, he will be the adult he must be to keep control…and to keep Kin. He faces his father and holds his gaze…as an equal…or as close as can at present be. He speaks too quickly, but with authority. He hopes his smell matches. “Sire, Prince Icchi is disrespectful and disingenuous. I postponed my trip intentionally, knowing that making him wait would increase his anxiety and show him the disdain that his underhanded maneuvers in handling our shipments deserve. If you disagree with my methods, I will be guided by your wisdom from this moment forward in my dealings with him.” He bows his head slightly, showing his willingness to defer.

"I see." He considers. The monkey clans are always such. They can be terribly loyal, but they are crude, disrespectful...far too close to humans in appearance and thought processes for true youkai interrelationships. And interesting how the boy faces him...holds his gaze...but defers.
"Lady Izayoi," He uses her human title, though since being made one of his concubines her status with her own people was...not what it once was..."Dearly wishes her child returned to her. What do you think of that, my son?"

He will not let the other matter rest. His father has not given him a proper answer, and he feels it as he would feel a strike. But he must address Kin’s status. He smells the child’s tears. Damn it. Why must his father speak to him from such a height? Why can he not just say, “Papa, I love you” and let everything flow from this. But that is foolishness. “Please consider the matter and let me know your wishes, Father. I would prefer not to proceed without your formal approval.” Yes, he wants the words. Words his father is so loathe to offer.

He...he loves Mother. But...he belongs to Oniisama!! Only Oniisama!!!

He raises his eyes again. “As to the matter of the child, you have now twice asked me what I ‘think.’ In all honesty and respect due to you but not to the ‘Lady,’ I ‘think’ you have given the child to me and I shall do with him as I see fit. If you accede to her demands, the court will interpret it as a placement of her favor as of higher status than my own. And, my most respected Lord Father, so will I. That, Sire, is what I ‘think.’” His eyes blaze, and he hopes his father sees all that is there: the Alpha status his son cannot help but own; the respect he has for matters of court; and the desire for his father to truly see him as an adult.

"You may continue business with the Monkey Clan as you see fit. I have no reason to remove you from that venue. However, I would make it clear to you, my son, to examine closely the relationship with the Prince and 'Lord' Naraku." That is all he will say on that subject for now. As for the other, his son is entirely right. Not only would he not return the child to its mother, but Sesshoumaru is completely within his rights to react like this. However...he is still the son and heir...not the Lord. "Indeed...were I inclined to favor Izayoi in this manner, it may indeed look that way to the court...to my son. I prefer her as she is...angry and wanting. I will not give her another pup...and I will not return this one to her. However...he is very pretty." He looks at him, the pup...now. Quiet...cowering and crying. Hn.

Sesshoumaru is more than pleased at the way his father is responding. He shows such…respect. He can but offer the same in return. “I will do as you say, Father. I already see that Lord Naraku claims far more than his due, though I did not know he had particular ties to Prince Icchi. I will heed your words well, my Lord, and handle matters with tact, diplomacy, and confidence.” He turns to Kin. He likes that his father does not hesitate to agree with him on this matter…on where Kin belongs. He cannot bear the child’s pain any longer: the smell or the sight of it. “Kin,” he commands, needing his father to hear. “To whom do you belong?”

His head jerks up from his doggie, his eyes swollen and wet, face snotty. "Kin belongs to Oniisama!! Only to Oniisama!!" His voice is desperate and thick with effort of keeping back his sobs.

That...he wants to smile. Oh, he does. That Sesshoumaru has brought such worship from the least of the least...but how far does it go, he wonders? "I see. However, I am Lord of this castle, and these lands." His voice is calm, and he walks toward the child, slowly.

Sesshoumaru knows he should not interfere. But he must. He will. He steps between his father and Kin, knowing it will calm the child and his father can continue his intimidation without panicking the pup unnecessarily. “Please, Father. Have faith in me.” He turns to Kin quickly, before his father can interrupt. “Kin, to whom does Oniisama belong?”

He gasps for breath as Papa comes towards him, and then Onii is in front of him. And...Onii...he hiccups loudly, bowing, pressing his face to the floor...this time for Onii. ONLY for Oniisama. "Oniisama says..." he hiccups again and trembles..."Papa is more powerful than Onii. Kin belongs to Onii...Onii belongs to Papa." There is a deeper truth, though it does not form in his mind as such. He knows Onii belongs to Kin. Because Onii has said so. But that is not what Oniisama wishes Papa to hear. He KNOWS this. "Please Kin belongs only to Oniisama...please...please...Onii..."

“Hush, child,” he says. “Whatever changes in this life, you belong to Onii. And Onii is proud of his wise brother.” He bends forward and strokes the child's hair—just once or twice—to calm and reassure him. Then, he rises and turns proudly to his father. Just the few passes of his hand through the child’s mane, the smell of his devotion, and he feels renewed. “See, my Lord Father: Kin understands. He knows your might, and though he does not fully understand that we of your kingdom all belong to you, he knows that his powerful Onii belongs to you. It frightens him—you frighten him. And, in truth, my Lord, you sometimes frighten me, too. But I am grown enough now to tell you this, and to tell you, too, that, yes, your children—both Kin and Sesshoumaru—are very ‘pretty’ indeed: we reflect your beauty as our heritage and our stations permit.” He turns back to Kin. “We are grateful for our lineage, however different from one another’s, are we not, otouto-san? Is our Papa not the most magnificent creature alive?” His eyes do not tear, though they would if he but permitted it.

Perhaps he has underestimated this hanyouu offspring of his. He certainly has had the desired effect on his heir. From this Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru was clearly learning compassion, responsibility and other things that defy his naming at the moment. Has his heir ever spoken to him like this? And he can smell the calming effect just the simple touch of the child has on Sesshoumaru. Very interesting, all of this. This desperation in his son's scent...not desperation...yes...desperation but more. His child is growing. In just the few months since he has had possession of this hanyouu pup...he has grown from his sullen teenager state to one approaching true alpha status and adulthood. But...he is not yet there.

"Hai Oniisama...Kin is grateful. But...but...Kin thinks Oniisama is...I do!!! I do think Oniisama is more beautiful than Papa!!"

Tai almost laughs at that...ALMOST. It is a very near thing to not let his face show any of the amusement at the pup's declaration that he feels. But it is helpful, and he bares his teeth at Sesshoumaru. How will the boy react to this?

“Kin!” Sesshoumaru snaps to halt the child’s rash speech. Then, he turns from Kin to his father, feeling burned by his glare. He is shocked as he does so to see his father’s anger so visible, his dominance so tangible. The child has said something foolish; he has not insulted his Lordship’s might or power. He finds himself shocked at the excess of his father’s gesture, the baring of teeth for so foolish a matter. Is he misunderstanding something? No matter. There is no threat here and he will ensure he father knows it. Looking into his father’s eyes, he says simply, “Kin, though you speak foolishly, I do agree with you: Onii is more beautiful than Papa.”

He flattens his ears at his brother's sharp rebuke, and bows his head forward. "Kin is sorry for speaking foolishly Onii."

Maturity. Very nice. He narrows his eyes though, even as he pulls his teeth in. "Do you now." His voice is dry, emotionless.

Before he can respond to his father, he must respond to Kin. Still, he does not turn away. “I am not the only one in the room you should apologize to, child. Learn, my brother: you cannot belong to me without belonging, through me, to our Father. We owe him our life and our allegiance and our respect. Now apologize to our Lord.”

He whines softly, but obeys at once. "Kin is very sorry, our Lord Father. Kin spoke foolishly."

“That’s Onii’s good boy. Does he not learn quickly, my Father?” he says, into those narrowed eyes. More quietly, he adds. “And is it not every father’s wish that his son shall equal and even outshine him…in some fashion? Do I not have the best of my mother’s and my father’s beauty, my Lord?” He has never teased in this fashion with his father, and this may be the last time. But Kin has taught him the value of play, and, dammit, he wants to play with his father.

He huffs softly in his chest...a wuff of sorts. Amusement and annoyance in one. Were he pressed to admit, he would say his son's beauty has no equal, for it does not. And that the child thinks so...yes. However, he resists being drawn into the play just yet. "You will tell your father, Sesshoumaru, what this Inuyasha is to you."

He is Onii's very good boy, and he creeps on his hands and knees until he is clutching Oniisama's leg again, kneeling and hiding his face in the soft, slippery silks.

Sesshoumaru is shocked, disoriented. That his father might…soften, just a bit…he was a fool to expect it. That he might reject his initiative, that was more likely. But how he turns this to a demand to explain something that he can see so clearly before him. He will never understand his father. And perhaps he does not need to, after all. He looks down at Kin, so pitiful there. The child has no need to be so frightened. But very well. He will not keep scolding the child for being…a child. He is not being groomed to be a Lord. He scoops the child into his arms and holds him close. His fur wraps softly and comfortingly around him. “Be still now, child. You are safe, and our Lord Father must have an answer to his question without your distractions.”

He turns his attention to his father, feeling sustained by the child in his arms, though he is uncertain how to answer. So, again, he is honest: “I am not, in all truth, certain exactly what my brother is to me, my Lord Father. But he is not just ‘an Inuyasha.’ You did not grace him with a name, which is as it should be. My mother deserves no less. But he is unique: you can see that when you look at him; I feel it in your gaze. He has suffered no more than other hanyouu bastards, and very likely no less. You presented him to me, and you were wise to do so, Father. I care for him as I have cared for no other apart from you and Mother. And the way in which I care for him is different, also. I cannot explain it well, nor rationalize it into language you will accept. And I regret this. Yet, I can tell you that possessing him will never cause me to endanger myself, my integrity, my responsibilities, my future, or my just respect and admiration for you. Can you accept this answer, my Father?”

He obeys, as he always does, laying his head on Onii's shoulder and slipping his finger into his mouth so he can be very still and quiet for Onii. Onii is warm, and moko-sama is soft, and he is reassured and safe in Oniisama's arms. The last time he saw Papa...was in the same room with Papa when he took him from his mother, whom he loves. It is not a large leap for his puppy mind to suppose that it would happen once again...to be taken from one he loves, and who loves him.

He watches his son as he speaks. The way he holds the pup. The way the pup responds to his touch. And the fur. That is most telling. His own fur liked few people. It was fond of Sesshoumaru and his fur, and his mate, and that is all. He could not recall his fur wrapping like that around anyone since Sesshoumaru was an infant. His son and heir's answer is good. His honesty is good. But something is unsettling him, and he is not certain he likes it. Surely the puppy is afraid of him...he knows he is. Had not Sesshoumaru said so? And he had smelled the fear himself. Hn. He wuffs again, in his chest as he thinks. He allows this...slight breach of himself as he considers. "You cannot tell me what the child is to you. Your brother, yes. I cannot fault you with how you have taken the responsibility given to you. But I am not certain I agree with your assurances, my son."

Damn him for not allowing them to talk more openly. This formality…will it never come down between them again? “What is it you need of me, then, my Father?”

He reaches out...faster still than Sesshoumaru, who has been noted for his speed since he was a tiny puppy scooting through the rooms of his mother on all fours, and jerks the child from Sesshoumaru's grasp. The pup's shriek is of no consequence to him...it is his son's reaction he wants. He knows he is pushing him. And he is doing it deliberately. His son is growing...but he is not yet grown.

Sesshoumaru snarls loudly before he even knows it. His father will not hurt Kin; he is certain of it. He has caused Sesshoumaru pain, though, in ripping the child away while his fur clung to him. The pain is physical and emotional and there is neither reason nor sense to what his father is doing. His father has always been, will always be, a wise and just man. What is he doing? Sesshoumaru cannot speak; words will not form. His eyes darken, cloud. He will not lash out rashly, but he assumes a posture indicating a willingness to challenge his Lord. He loathes his father for bringing them to this pass. And he wants the child back. Now. He growls deep and flashes fang. And he waits.

He only shrieks once. Because that shriek becomes a warbling growl as his eyes do more than flash red, his claws lengthen and his fangs grow. Ken is not afraid of this man who is their Father. He WILL NOT BE TAKEN FROM ONIISAMA!!!

Oh so very interesting!! One hanyouu-youkai...he holds him by the scruff because the child has apparently NO problem trying to draw his father's blood, and a son and heir who will challenge his Lord and Father over this small scrap. He shakes the boy roughly. "You will be still." He turns to Sesshoumaru and bares his own teeth. "You will challenge me over this?" He holds the youkai-hanyouu up.

He watches as Ken appears. Does not want his father to hurt the child. Does not want this confrontation. Does not want this way of things. He summons courage and sanity and sense. “I will challenge you, Father, over the disrespect you show me. Why give me the child only to taunt me with the power you have to take him away? How is this leadership? How is this teaching me to follow and someday lead? You know I am Alpha. You know I do not seek to usurp your power…despite this. What other gift can your firstborn give you? See me, Father, for who I am. Respect me. You gave the child birth but little more. Please, Papa, put him down and show me the respect you have helped me to earn.”

Fuck...he is so proud of his son at this moment...so incredibly proud. Look at him!! Look, he wants to yell!! Look at how calm and strong an alpha he is!! Look how he tries to diffuse the situation instead of diving head first into a beating from his father!!! And look at the hanyouu!!! He shakes his head, lowers the pup, but does not release him. He holds him out carefully from his side, because those claws are sharp, and the teeth are indiscriminant. Look at his boy!! Demanding every ounce of the respect he has earned!!! He shakes the child slightly again. He is quite vicious. "Your lap puppy turned into an attack dog. Are you certain you wish me to release him? I am not at all certain he will not go for my throat." His voice is mild.

He yowls and howls and swipes and tries to bite the hand that his holding him so tightly. "I WON’T GO!!! KEN BELONGS TO ONIISAMA!!!"

Sesshoumaru feels the tense aura dissipate. Is it truly possible his father is persuaded by his words? No. Impossible. Foolish fantasy. And yet, he has called Kin “his.” And “lap puppy”: oh, his Papa understands more than he would had given him credit for only seconds ago. He relaxes his posture. So much goes unsaid, so much in father’s thoughts that he is never privy to. He wants to say something inconceivable, something like Let him down, Papa, and let us “subdue” him together. But that is unthinkable on even more levels than simply earning his Lord’s respect. It presumes equality and camaraderie and, equally impossible, shared desires. And Sesshoumaru has only recently discovered his—for a wild child that currently dangles from his father’s fist. He looks at Kin, now fully Ken, struggling hard. He raises his voice to a command: “Ken. Use your senses rather than your fierce little mouth. Be silent, stop fighting, and scent the air. See whether the danger is real and protect Kin more wisely. Make Oniisama proud of you and earn your freedom before you find yourself a meal for your father.”

He is impressed when the child in his fist stills at ONCE. The little wild thing...that youkai self he had heard so much about...so different to the child he had seen just a few minutes earlier. It seemed that his information was correct...the child's youkai self was a completely separate entity.

His eyes go wide, and he obeys at once, his feet curling up as he stops screaming and fighting. And he looks up at Oniisama...uh oh. He looks up at their Lord Father. Oh no. He scowls defiantly. "Kin was very frightened!! We do not wish to be taken from Oniisama!!"

“And do you think you could have defeated your Father to earn what you seek? Even had you been able to wound him and escape from his arms to mine, do you think Father would have allowed me to keep you after you had proved yourself a rabid beast with neither self-control nor respect—for your Father’s rights or your brother’s ability to manage your situation?” He calms, recognizing the importance of acknowledging Ken’s protective desires: after all, he too had threatened his father…albeit in slightly more sophisticated fashion—if with equally negligible chance of success. Oh Father: must his essence be so powerful, his love so impossible yet so necessary to life? “Ken, you wished to protect Kin, and Onii understands that. And you obeyed Onii. You are a good boy. And if our Father will allow it,” he looks into his father’s eyes, “I will hold you and reward your behavior while showing my Lord that you can be controlled…by me.”

He holds the blood thirsty little spitfire out to Sesshoumaru. And he is impressed. Again. Clearly his boy has not just been spending his time fucking the little hanyouu. "Their scents are so different, for being the same person," he comments. "I had heard of course...of his rampage, despite Jaken's...attempts otherwise." Again, his voice is mild. And he watches as the defiant child's ears flat, and his eyes lower at Sesshoumaru's words. How did the boy manage to cut through that bloodthirsty youkai drive? To make him submit, even when still held in the throes of that which he saw as a threat? His son...his Sesshoumaru would be the finest Lord when it came time for him to take the title.

He shrinks in Father's grasp as Onii scolds him. No...he could not have defeated Father. But...but...he could not just let...he couldn't...surely Onii understood...And Kin was still so frightened...he whines, despite himself and tries to cover it with a growl, but his entire posture is one of utter submission to his Onii.

“My proud, brave Ken,” Sesshoumaru pronounces as he takes the creature from his Father’s outstretched hand and holds him close. “Thank you, my Lord. Ken, like Kin, has much to learn about self-control and to whom he owes allegiance. I did not realize how little the child understood about power and authority. I have clearly kept him too much to myself. I have wanted to…perhaps not unlike our many ‘lessons’ in your chambers? But I owe him more. And the very first lesson is that while he is mine, we are both, always, yours.” He puts Ken down, not among his toys, but on the large chair before them, where he can watch…and learn. “You will be still, Ken, and observe. You—and Kin—are not in danger. Nor am I.” He releases the child and walks back to his father, then comes to his knees and bows, pressing his face to his hands at his father’s feet. “I thank you for this lesson, my Father, and whatever continued confidence in my leadership potential you hold for me. I pledge that I will always show you both my power and my submission…Papa.”

He clings to Onii while Onii holds him, but sits obediently in the chair when he is put down...and...and then Onii...he...he...but...but Onii!!! He whimpers softly, confused at what Onii is doing. But this time, Kin tells him to be quiet and to watch, because Onii always knows the right things to do. They both watch...but Ken keeps control...just incase. Just incase. Kin thinks it is silly, but is scared enough of Papa to agree.

How long as it been since the boy so willingly gave his submission? Sesshoumaru's long adolescence had been...harrowing. He regretted many of the things he felt he had needed to do. Now he finds himself wishing that the hanyouu had been born years earlier. He had not had a “Kin” of his own...it had been his mother's strong compassion that had balanced his father's cruelty. For his father had indeed been a cruel man. Strong, and fierce, and intelligent, but cruel. And his mother had been no less strong or fierce, and had been the one being to routinely stand up to Father. It had been she who taught him the strength of compassion, not his Lord Father. And it had been her memory that had prompted his idea of presenting his boy with...someone...something. He had been looking for several years, but none of the other bastard pups had been...right. "My son...I trust that you will learn to see when it is not your submission that I require from you...though I accept it now. One day you must truly challenge me for what will be yours. But...today is not that day. Rise and stand before me, my child."

Always the same language, no matter what the action. He “accepts” his submission. He neither respects nor takes pleasure in it—the latter being Sesshoumaru’s deepest desire, to which the erection growing in his garments testifies. And the challenge: the concept of it fueled him for years and now it leaves him cold. No, they cannot rule together, nor does he desire such. He has no wish to rule the land now, and when he does, he will not want his father’s control to point out all the ways in which he is inadequate or simply different from him. He rises, fighting the urge to resist that command, though the image in his mind is an impossible combination of wanting to barrel into his father’s stomach and knock him to the ground and to bare his throat and be mounted. He vows he will never cause Kin to feel such painful contradictions. He raises his eyes and looks up at his Sire in silence.

He smiles, and reaches out to stroke Sesshoumaru's cheek...before grabbing a handful of hair and pulling him closer, setting his teeth into that throat. The teeth are sharp, but his touch is gentle, and his tongue smoothes over that silk skin between his jaws.

He yips loudly at that, and only Onii's previous order keeps him in the chair, as well as Kin's reminder of such. But...but...Onii...but...but not Onii...right? No...Onii...Onii WANTS this!!!

He hears Kin’s small sound, but cannot heed it. No, he is Father’s boy now even more than he is the child’s Onii. He catches his breath, then allows the ghost of a whimper to emerge from his throat. His cock is instantly rigid, and he is overwhelmed with the rush of sensation of being possessed by his Father: he is adult now, and it makes the embrace all the more meaningful and powerful. He can not be still, though, signifying even more fully than he can realize that he is adult. He presses his neck into his father’s grip, rubs his jaw across his father’s, his entire body conveying how badly he simply wants.

He shakes him, gently in his teeth, then releases him, licking up his jaw to his cheek. Instead of commanding his child to disrobe, he unfastens the ornate obi himself, and lets the silks shimmer down the boy's body. Let it be a lesson then, for the hanyouu as well. He points to Sesshoumaru's desk, where the child sits, ridiculously small in the huge chair, and waits for his boy to obey his unspoken order.

Was...did Father mean to...but...he shifts in his seat, because Onii's arousal was thick in the air, and that meant he would begin to be hard too.

Sesshoumaru basks in his father’s incomparable touch. He had been a child the last time his father removed his clothes for him. He watches the long fingers extend, pointing to his desk. And he sees Ken’s red eyes wide and staring. Now the child would see his future…as well as he could give it to the boy. There would never be as much at stake; hence, he feared he could never make it as meaningful to his Kin…but he would certainly try. He walks silently to the desk and draped his body over it, just beside Kin’s small body in the chair. He spreads his legs and raises his ass, placing his cock so it hangs down rather than rubs against the desk. He will take no easy pleasure that way today. The only stimulation that stiff member will receive was the feel of father’s balls slapping his own and pressing them into it. And it will be more than he could ever wish for.

"Onii?" He can't help his query. He...he has never seen his brother...his...his Oniisama like this, and it worries him, even though he can clearly smell Onii's arousal...can see his willingness...

Tai walks over to his boy, bent over so pretty...so perfect, and he strokes his claws gently down that smooth back. "I am...very proud of you today, my son." Gods, it has been too long since he last mounted Sesshoumaru. Far too long. And the heady scent of his son's want and need...his clear acceptance...this need not be a bloody battle like his more recent mountings with the boy.

How good it is to hear these words, and how astonishing that they come now. Sesshoumaru’s breathing will become panting soon, even before his father has touched him again. He calms himself so he might speak, while wondering why he has always before fought this thing that he wants as much as life itself. “Father,” he says with confidence, still entirely submissive in posture, “may Ken bring you some oil? Your One True Son would welcome the ease; he longs for the…pleasure only you can provide.”

He leans over his son, and kisses a line down his neck. He has not released his own cock yet, and his own hair is still tied up on his head. His hands stroke down the sides of his heir as he considers the request, and he chuckles, wuffing softly in his chest. "I would suppose the hanyouu-youkai knows well where the oil is kept?"

He squirms even more...wanting to do for Onii...but he has not been given direct permission yet. Everything...everything was different with Father here. Onii sounded so...happy. It pangs him only a tiny bit, because he is used to being the one that makes Onii happy.

“Only too well, Father,” Sesshoumaru freely confesses, shivering from his father’s intimate touch. In this position, at this time, there is little he will not confess. He is grateful his father will not likely be interested in taking advantage of this. His only unmet desire now is to talk to Ken more fully. He longs to know Kin and Ken understand what is happening, though he can smell that the child is not in distress. Well, there will be time for talk…and more…later. Kin belongs to him, and he belongs to his Father. All is more than perfect in his world. He arches into the desk, displaying himself to best advantage in a way he would do for no other soul on earth.

"Then let him fetch it for you." He strokes his claw down the boy's cleft...again gently, weighs the sac in his fingers. Gods...he remembers when the child was smaller than the hanyouu with red eyes watching them. So tiny and perfect. No longer tiny, but no less perfect, even in a father's biased eyes.

He wonders which oil Onii will want. There was some with clove in it that made everything warm and a little numb. And there was the sweetly scented oil that tasted of cherry blossoms. And also some...no...Kin says the other got used up, and is not in the office anymore. Onii might also want some from his chambers...but there was plenty in here to choose from, right?

Sesshoumaru presses wantonly into his father’s fingers. He knows he is meant to lie still, but this is different. He has asked for this, as openly as he can, and he will now relish it, equally openly. And, increasingly, he is excited by the thought that his child is watching him enjoy this. Desire comes in many forms and fashions, and though the child will NEVER take him—no matter how old he gets—he should know that his Onii can enjoy taking the acts that he so pleasurably gives, if only with Papa…and one other, his beautiful Prince Kouga—but that friendship has been lost to Kouga's mating. Never mind that now. “Ken, get us the oil in the clay pot, that I used when I took you. You will know it by smell if not by sight, I am certain.” How odd it is to be giving commands to his precociously sexual child even as he cannot wait to be rendered a slave to his father’s prodigious appetite for his body.

"Hai, Onii." He slides off the chair, and pauses...frowning. Then his face clears. "Oh yes!!" He patters over to the cupboard and climbs up to open it.

He watches the child, even as he touches and caresses his own child. True...the hanyouu was his...from his seed he had grown...but in truth he can no more lay claim to the boy now than Izayoi can. "Very interesting, pup. I had heard you have not yet taken the child."

He does smell it first, and he smiles as he grasps the clay pot to him closely so he may climb down. It smells like...like memories. And Kin is jealous again, but he soothes him...Kin's body is not ready. He does not lord it over Kin much...that Onii has mounted him and not the hanyouu self. Not much. And not right now.

“Am I not my father’s child?” Sesshoumaru murmurs in answer to his father’s comment, arching and writhing into his father’s every caress. He wants to feel more than his hands, but even this is far beyond any and all expectations. Feeling this good, he risks more, and peers over his shoulder to watch those skilled hands touching his flesh. He wants to capture and hold every moment, though he fully expects to be slapped for his overbold action.

"Indeed." He smacks the boy's bottom with a flat hand. "Eyes forward, boy." But he is not angry.

Ken approaches the desk cautiously...he is not certain what exactly to do. He swallows, and slides the pot onto the desk next to Onii...wishing that their Father was not here. Onii could be taking him instead!! But...he knows...and Kin reminds him...LOUDLY...that Onii must always have what he wishes. Always. "May Ken do anything else for Onii?"

Oh kami, is it possible his father is …playing with him? Yes, play with me, Papa, he wants to say, his voice that of a child again, without the control and lack of emotion of his adult self. And now Ken, greedy child, no doubt wishes to play, too. Well, this is not Sesshoumaru's game—and so much more than a game—to control. “Ask your father, child: he is…claiming Onii now.”

He does not WANT to ask Father. But Onii said he must...so he bows his head and addresses their Lord Father. "May Ken do anything more for...for...Father?"

"You may sit here on the desk and observe, Inuyasha." He does not use the 'un'name in dismissal...he is not certain of the child's...it appears he has a name each to go with his split hanyouu-youkai and he does not know which is what. He lifts the boy and sets him near Sesshoumaru's head and uncorks the oil, dipping his fingers in and stroking them down his son's fine, strong back.

The scent of the oil that has heretofore only been used in Sesshoumaru’s dominant activities makes his mind whirl. He smells Ken’s confusion and arousal, too, now so very close to him. Kami, he would love that tiny prick in his mouth as his father mounts him, but he will not go this far, not with his father. Instead, he closes his eyes and takes pleasure in those familiar hands on his lower back. The wash of both shame and pride that flows over him now is also familiar. But this time he courts the sensation, desires it, urges it on. He matches the movements of his back and ass to the stroke of his father’s hands, needing to arouse him as fully as he can. He wants his father in a place where dominance does not overwhelm an even more potent desire—one he has only recently found with Kin.

He does not protest being picked up, or set down. He crosses his legs and sits quietly, watching Onii. He wants to touch him...but...he knows he cannot. Has not been given permission. He argues with Kin in the meantime, muttering occasionally as the internal dialogue spills into voice every so often.

"Shhh...relax..." Even as Tai speaks them, the words have little meaning. Sesshoumaru IS relaxed...and wanting this in a way he has not since he was small. And even then...it was not like this. He dips his fingers again and strokes his son's entrance...prodding with one finger and slipping it in...then two. With his other hand he releases his own cock, sighing softly as he watches his son's ass all but eat his fingers in its eagerness. "I think my boy wants this very much. Is this so, Sesshoumaru?"

“Oh Papa…” Sesshoumaru sighs. Then: “Yes, your Sesshoumaru wants you…needs you…badly…” He cannot speak more, and he cannot worry overmuch what the child thinks…not now. Perhaps he is being irresponsible, confusing the child. He is torn as to whether he should wish the child out of the room or, again the thought of sucking that cock while he is fucked surges through him. But he cannot think clearly nor does he wish to as his father’s fingers enter him. “I am yours, Papa…as I always have been,” he says, pressing back and receiving his father’s possession of him as an adult. It feels entirely new, like a first time for them both. Like nothing else on earth.

Ken watches with trepidatious eyes. He filters what he sees to the nearby Kin, but most of his attention is on Onii. Onii wants this, and it makes Onii smell not like Onii...not exactly. And his prick is hard, but he knows he cannot touch it or Onii right now. It is too much, with Papa right there. Papa's eyes see everything, he knows, and he fills up the room with his bigness.

Tai watches as his One True Son and Heir writhes on his fingers. He watches his bastard child carefully not look at him. He breathes in the heady scent of Sesshoumaru's submission, and the bastard Inuyasha's arousal and confusion and fear. "Indeed, you are mine Sesshoumaru." He presses further in, pressing a third finger to join the first two. "It has been a considerable time since you have given yourself so fully to me."

He tries to speak calmly as he is worked open. "A good parent…like a good leader…," he groans, "knows how to make even a dominant individual want to give himself…" He begins to pant and cannot speak more. Yet, even as he loses himself so willingly to his father's control, he also smell's Ken's sweet blend of curiosity, concern, and willingness to obey. Even as he is Papa's, he is also Kin's…and Ken's…his unique and perfect child's. And that is so right—as right as his father's strong fingers prying him in body and spirit.

"Good boy," he croons, the rumble in his chest possessive, dominant and calming all at once. "Watch now, Inuyasha. Watch as your brother submits fully to your Lord Father." His voice is calm, strong and frightening at the same time. There is no room for dissent in his voice, no chance for protest as he pulls his fingers out and lines his cock up with his boy's entrance. His dominant aura is focused on Sesshoumaru, but his gaze is on his bastard child...the one he has gifted to his boy...the youkai-hanyou who obeys Sesshoumaru so willingly and eagerly, yet fights his father's dominance.

He doesn't WANT to watch, but he has to. Papa is too big to go in there...no one should go in there. His tongue, yes. He loves to lick Onii's ass, Kin too. He shrinks under Papa's gaze, his ears flattening to his head. He watches as the big, drippy head of Papa's cock positions itself against Onii's entrance.

Sesshoumaru has not felt that dominant heat of his father's in some time. The full pressure of it as it bores into him and holds him down. There is no pain in it now, though. Like when he was a small child, he wants to give this gift to his father. For one who is subservient to submit is a gift, of course, but for an alpha to give over and submit to another alpha? He knows well how deeply that moves his omnipotent sire. That he is making Kin, through Ken, watch this? Sesshoumaru is certain his father knows well that he could truly give no greater gift. He arches hard and displays himself proudly—in all his pale, striped inuyoukai beauty—for his Lord Father…and, in a way he will not yet understand, for his boy.

"Such a seducing little slut you are Sesshoumaru," Tai murmurs, with love. "Even as a pup you were so..." He thrusts himself suddenly, hard and sure and unyielding into his boy. He presses him down to the desk with his body and growls softly over him. "Mine," he says quietly, balls deep in his boy.

Ken whines...he can't help it. "Oniiii...."

Sesshoumaru gasps, then stills his voice and his body. He is no pup anymore, and he will not cry out. He will take it like the man he now is, and his boy will see that power can be had in submission as well as dominance. "I belong to my Lord Father," he says softly, his voice in almost perfect control despite the pain of being wrenched open so suddenly and so harshly. He loves the give and take of it: the way his father has always been so entirely prey to his beauty; the way he has always so needed his father's approval. Even with the ache of that enormous shaft sunk deep within him, he smiles inside. He hopes his boy can smell it, this loving dance they do.

"My good boy," Tai says as he gathers Sesshoumaru's hair up with one hand and pulls his head back, exposing his throat. "Pup," he commands. "Come forward and lick your brother's throat."

Ken whines, moves to his hands and knees and whimpers, moving forward just a bit...but..."Oniii..."

Sesshoumaru pants, allows his throat to be bared, cannot do otherwise—does not wish to do otherwise. The languor of obeying his father's heavy dominant scent is upon him as it has not been for many years. But the command to his boy, he freezes. It is vital he ensure his child's safety, and he will do so even now if…but no…there is no threat. Just Papa, being Papa. He lets his mind be calmed again—as his body already is, growing quickly used to the fullness inside him and the aura of power around and within him.

"Do it, pup," he growls softly, pushing his dominance out. The youkai child moves forward and licks with a tiny pink tongue that reminds him so much of Sesshoumaru's as a child that he swells and throbs within his boy.

Onii does not say not to, and his scent...it's so...so...he leans forward and licks, two, three little licks and retreats...watching.

Sesshoumaru moans with a combination of pain and pleasure so rich in mixture it is difficult to separate them. How much his pet loves him. How obedient he is and far braver than he knows. How much his father needs, and how willing he is to give it to him. His life is far richer than he has ever truly known. "I belong to my Lord Father," he says again, "and my perfect boy."

Tai doesn't like that, particularly. That Sesshoumaru says he belongs to the boy. No. His child belongs to HIM, and he growls low, but not truly in anger and begins to fuck, hard, deliberate thrusts. "What do you want, Sesshoumaru...tell Papa."

Ken wishes he had his soft Onii doggie to cling to, but he does not. He wraps his arms around himself and whimpers softly as Papa begins to fuck Onii. His prick is only half hard now, because Papa is too scary...too big...and is too much fucking Onii for him to be completely aroused.

Sesshoumaru is again awash in his father's control, particularly in body. With Kin and his strong beta scent in the room, even as Ken, the need to protect hovers at the edges of his mind. That fuck, however, makes thought impossible, and soon all he can think of is that pounding rhythm, threatening to split him wide but never giving him more than he can take. Oh Papa…how you own me. "I want Papa's fuck," he groans, gritting his teeth as he is ridden, harder and faster. "Papa's cock…his love…as he gives it to no one else." His voice is a moan, a whisper, and he curses it for not being as strong as he feels it. But Papa…his body…it is no longer his own.

"That's right. You want Papa's fuck. You'd beg for Papa's fuck. You'd crawl on your knees for Papa's cock and his fuck." Then, tenderly he licks the pointed ear near his mouth. "But you never need to beg for Papa's love, do you, my precious." It is not a question, but a statement, and yet it still requires an answer.

Kin pushes inside him, but he shakes his head no. This is too scary for Kin. He has to protect him, and he'll stay, even though it is scary for him too. His red eyes don't miss anything, and his ears flick and twitch, but mostly stay down.

"I belong to my Lord Father" comes the answer, both automatic and deeply heartfelt. "I belong to his cock," he says as he takes a hard thrust. "I belong to his fuck," he says, as another rocks his body. No matter his size, Papa's fuck meets and matches all he can take and urges him to take yet more. "Give it to me, Papa," he begs, his body beginning to shake with the effort of withstanding the driving force.

"Yes, my little one...Papa will give it to you." He wraps his strong arms around Sesshoumaru's chest and presses over him, holding him tight and still and fucks him hard and fast. "Take it," he murmurs. "Take all of Papa's love."

Ken wants to move back, because suddenly Papa is much bigger, and closer, but he trembles and keeps his seat. His knees draw up and his arms wrap around them, but he remains close to Onii's head, not touching, but not backing away either. Go away Papa.

That he can be grown and Papa still so big, still looming in both body and aura, awes him entirely. He is enthralled. And he is this way for no one else, nor will ever be. His cock is hard and jutting from his body as his father grips and rides him. He pants and loses himself in the beauty of release from the burdens of his own dominance.

He leans his head down and takes Sesshoumaru's neck in his grip and bites him, hard enough to break skin, just a bit, and lick up the blood. "Come for Papa, Sesshoumaru." He pulls him upright, so his cock is pointed at the desk but is not actually touching anything, holding him tight against his body and fucking him hard. "I will not tell you again."

He breathes a little easier when Papa pulls away, but he pulls Onii with him. Onii's cock is so hard and big and red and drippy...he wants to suck...he does...

The bite electrifies him, sends shocks throughout his body that soar and collide and rush into his cock. Despite his own alpha status at all other times, right now he is entirely under his father's control, his climax hits him like a blow, his seed spewing forth like a geyser. "Papaaa," he howls in pleasure and adoration.

Only when his boy begins to come does he touch the throbbing organ, pointing it at the desk to make a sizeable puddle. He groans as Sesshoumaru's ass squeezes him rhythmically. "Do you want Papa's come? Do you? Beg for it, Sesshoumaru."

He really does want to move when the first spatter hits the oak surface of the desk...move so it touches him...but he doesn't quite dare.

He is panting so hard and so dizzy from his own enormous climax he finds it difficult to concentrate, but Papa's command could summon him from any distraction or weakness—even from death itself. "Fill me, Papa, fill your boy with your come." And he presses himself back to grind on the thick rigid column that could belong to no one but his magnificent Lord Father.

"Good boy," he growls, drawing his claws down Sesshoumaru's chest as his fur twists and winds around Sesshoumaru's own. But he is in control of himself and he fucks his boy hard for several minutes before bending him over the back of his large chair and filling his ass with his seed and his ears with a long, drawn out snarl.

Ken shivers at the snarl, but what is even more frightening is the way Onii is so limp and pliant. He...he doesn't understand...he does...he understands Papa is boss of everything, even Onii...but...when the smell of his Lord Father's climax and dominance fills the room, he hides his eyes.

Sesshoumaru whines at the sound of Papa's snarling orgasm; it is the only appropriate sound to make as he yields his body to that perfect alpha fuck. He stays just as his father places him and rocks back a little into the pulsing cock as it empties itself deep inside him.

He holds him for a few minutes, then pulls out, nuzzling his boy's neck and moving him back to drape on the desk as he tucks his sticky cock back into his hakama and ties his obi. He leans down to kiss his boy lovingly and nuzzles his cheek, then leaves.

Ken is completely taken aback by Papa's abrupt leaving. He has no idea how to react...Onii is laying on his desk, there's a puddle of cooling semen...and...and..."Onii?" he whimpers.

"Papa," Sesshoumaru says, rising, blinking as if suddenly exposed to bright light after hours of calming darkness. He sits up with a groan, for his body aches in ways he did not know while being fucked by his father. It brings its own pain but makes others vanish. He watches the muscled frame disappear as the door closes firmly behind him. His mouth opens and closes. How could he? Why? The aura of dominance dissipates. And he begins to boil. What happened here? Was the fuck about him—or only about teaching the boy a lesson? Was he no more than a vehicle to tear him down in his boy's eyes? The contradictions swirl, and Sesshoumaru's repressed alpha energy surges to the surface. His claws ache and he digs them into the desk beneath him.

Ken whines softly, and crawls over to Onii hesitantly. "Onii?"

Sesshoumaru whirls to find his red-eyed brother's alter ego looking forlorn and in need. Papa has reduced them both to this. Even the fierce Ken whines. He closes his eyes for a moment and forces himself to recall it all, including the kiss that he is in danger of forgetting in the shock of his vanishing act. He breathes deeply, opens his eyes again, and holds out his arms. "Come to Onii, Ken."

The room feels so empty now without Papa, and Onii smells empty, at first and upset. He crawls into Onii's arms. "Are you okay, Onii?" His voice is muffled against his Eldest Brother's chest. "Did I do good? Was...was Papa angry?"

He tips up the pup's face and kisses him softly. "You are so brave. And loyal. I am so very proud of you. Ken belongs to Onii-sama." He strokes his hair and his fur winds around him contentedly. "Papa was not angry…he was dominant. That is what Papa does. Did it frighten my brave little youkai pup?"

He nods. "It frightened Kin very much." He pauses. "And me too. I never felt Papa so big...Kin either. And...and when he pulled Kin away...and..." He looks up at Onii. "Onii submits to Papa," he whispers. "But I don't want to." His ears flat again. "That is bad, isn't it. Because everyone and everything belongs to Papa. Even Onii. But I belong to Onii," he says plaintively.

"I belong to my father, yes, but I also belong to Kin—and Ken. You understand this, do you not?" He runs his fingers along a coarse eyebrow. "It is not bad to know who your alpha truly is, little one."

He sighs a bit. "Ken tries to understand." He thinks hard, and thinks back and realizes something. "Papa said...Papa said Sesshoumaru-oniisama never has to beg for his love. What does that mean Onii?"

"It means Papa loves Sesshoumaru unconditionally, just the way…the way I love you." He pauses, holds Ken close and smells the sweetness of his full-youkai aroma. His ass aches and he feels a trickle of his father's ejaculate run down his leg. He thinks about asking the pup to clean him, but right now that is not what either of them most needs. Soon enough he will summon a bath, but right now, this. His voice softens. "Once when I was very small, Papa asked me to beg for his cock, and for his love, too. He teased that he could give his love to someone else if I did not beg properly for it. It broke my heart, even when he explained that he did not mean it so. I am wondering right now if he was, in his way, apologizing again. Papa is proud but he is not cruel…not randomly so."

He listens very carefully, because he wants to understand everything that happened. He thinks about how it would feel to him to have Onii say to him to beg and that he'd love someone else...and the wonder of the thought of his Lord Father apologizing. "That means Papa makes mistakes," he says slowly. "And he fixes them..." He shakes his head. "Papa is not cruel," he repeats. "Papa loves Onii the way Onii loves us."

How did the pup get so much wisdom into so few years? "I could not have said it so well myself, little youkai. Papa is complicated…but so is Onii. Yet you never doubt that you belong to me, and I never doubt Papa. Though at times he tries my patience." He nuzzles the boy. "But so has Ken once or twice, eh?"

He looks up. "Yes...and Onii punishes." It is said matter-of-factly. "We belong to Onii because that is the way Onii wishes it, and...and...it is right. The belonging. We think about it," he says. "But it is easier for me to speak in this way than it is for Kin." Again with the matter of fact voice. "Ken protects Kin," he reminds Onii.

"And Onii protects Kin and Ken," he adds. Just as Ken speaks more plainly than Kin, so Sesshoumaru can speak more plainly with Ken than Kin. "I think perhaps I protect Papa, too, in a way. From loneliness in his power. My mother loves him fiercely, but my love is different. He knows well that in not too many more years I could seek to challenge him to become Lord. But the older I get, the more I think he at last believes that I will not. He needs to show me his strength and power but also his love and pride in me. And having you, little beast, and our Kin, has helped all this become real." He looks at the quizzical expression on the little crimson-eyed face. "That means you are a very good boy."

"Oh. That is good. I like being a good boy." He looks up at Oniisama, his hand strokes moko-sama gently. "Papa did not take me away," he says as much for his benefit as Kin's, who is only just now beginning to settle, within.

His fur ripples and winds gently around the boy's wrist. "No, he did not. And have no doubt, pup. He will not. Onii will not allow it." He is as certain of this as he is certain he loved being bent over and fucked by his one true Lord and Sire.

He settles contentedly against Onii. "Onii smells happier now...feels happier." He feels bold though..."Maybe Onii would like a bath?" He grins up at Onii, teeth his mouth cannot contain flashing. "To soak his bottom in," he pushes further.

Sesshoumaru smiles inside. "Onii is happy, and rather exhausted. Papa's energy is…"—he looks beyond Ken and the splash of his come across the desk and simultaneously takes note of his cooling sweat and Papa's scent all over him—"messy," he finishes. "Shall we summon Yumi and bathe together, little beast?"

"Yes please!!" He wriggles like the happy and reassured puppy he is in his Onii's arms.

"Is Kin clamoring to get out or is he quiet and happy too?" he asks, trying not to hurt Ken's feelings, not quite knowing precisely how to handle the matter. But he worries about his boy in there…what he did or did not witness, how he feels now.

"He is settled now. He was very afraid for awhile, like me, but he is settled and happy. Bath bath bath!!!"

Sesshoumaru puts Ken on the table and gets a towel to wrap him in, and a robe for himself. He is beginning to loathe being so…untidy. Once robed, he leans out the door to tell the guard to get Yumi to draw their bath, then comes back to Ken, bouncing in place. "Do you not wish to clean up after Onii?" he says, looking at the cold little puddle—so wrong on his desk.

He hesitates. "Ken did not wish to do so without permission," he mumbles, his face and ears down.

"Consider yourself permitted, pet." He sits back and watches the obedient little monster poke his behind in the air and settle down to enthusiastic and greedy licking. When the table is clean and Ken does not stop, however, Sesshoumaru intervenes, scooping him up under his belly with a teasing swat to his behind. "Bathtime," he says, giving a teasing swat to his wriggling behind.