Happy Bath Ending

A/N: I'm so sorry this took so long. I got sick again. :( Anyway, thank you for the reviews! You all are so sweet. And because I took so long, I added some info about Chisato's arm healing as sort of honoring a reviewer request. *hugs*

Chisato shuffled around the castle, sniffing angrily. She had looked into the sky after talking to Sakura and saw the dirty miko and the baboon riding a miasma together and snorted to herself. She knew she should have slit that girl’s throat the moment she laid eyes on her. She had walked into the library and saw her son about to kill the girl, but due to Inuyasha’s meddling his heart was swayed. She sighed in frustration at not being able to pick up either son’s scents and leaned against a wall, only to yelp and pull back.

Her arm was not healing properly, and it was bothering her immensely. She could do nothing more but roll against the wall, trying to find a comfortable spot to wait out the pain. It had been steadily increasing since the day she moved back to the castle, and went from being a simple nuisance to something she was genuinely concerned about. It was hidden well by having servants carry items for her and by wrapping her arm in herbal medicines, but the pain was increasingly becoming intolerable.

“La-Ch-are-you-jured?” A voice wafted over to her, the words cutting out. She had not even noticed that she had slid down the wall, holding her arm. She turned hazy, unfocused eyes toward the figure, but her tongue felt thick and words refused to exit her mouth. Her silver hair was pasted to her sweaty brow, and she mumbled something incoherent before her head gently sank to the floor.
************************

Chisato opened her eyes and blinked, trying to focus them. She stared around, trying to place the room she was in and how she got there. She turned to her right, seeing Sakura sitting there, brow furrowed. Chisato returned the scowl. How dare she look at her in such a scolding fashion?

“Were you going to tell anyone about your injury, or were you just going to simply keel over and die at dinner?” Sakura asked, the words sharper than broken glass.

“You can’t speak to me that way! I’ll…ohm,” Chisato moaned, falling back when she tried to sit up. Sakura clicked her tongue disapprovingly and wrung out a damp cloth to dab at Chisato’s skin. She placed a cool cup of water to the demon’s lips, and after a few moments of wary staring, the youkai drained the cup thirstily.

“What if it had been Lord Sesshoumaru or Master Inuyasha that found you in the hallway? When I saw you in the woods, I noticed that your sleeve had blood on it. I didn’t comment because it could have been anything. But then when I saw you leaning in the hallway about to fall over, I called to you to ask if you were injured, and you just fell over. I couldn’t leave you there. I wouldn’t,” She added, reddening slightly.

Chisato sighed. Even though being reprimanded by this ningen child was humiliating, she was right. If Sesshoumaru found out that her giving him her arm was still causing problems, it would just add more guilt and stress to him, which was not something she wanted to do. She turned weak golden eyes to the girl and nodded her head.

“Thank you for helping me, Sakura.”

Sakura shook her head. “Let me try to heal your arm. It is not in a gangrene state, but it isn’t healing on its own. Tell me, do you feel weak at all?”

“No.”

“Please don’t lie to me.” Lavender eyes darkened, and Chisato was impressed at the girl’s perception.

“I have been more tired than usual. But I have been more active also. Between Rin-chan, coming back to the castle, this mating ceremony, the baby…” She trailed off and looked down at her hands. Both hands looked normal, but her left arm was bruised, some of the spots purplish and other spots sickly yellow, signifying the flesh was nearly healed.

“I mean nothing but respect when I say this, but do you think that the baby is draining your energy?” Sakura asked carefully, making Chisato jump.

“That is the most idiotic, preposterous-”

“Then you do believe it too,” Sakura said quietly, mixing a salve with her fingers. Chisato pursed her lips and looked away as Sakura placed the goo on her arm, wincing when the girl began to massage the skin.

“This might sting a little, but I have to rub it in to make sure it gets into your muscles. I’m sorry,” Sakura whispered, working the medicine into her skin. They were both silent while she worked, Chisato drawing her knees to her chest and resting her chin on them. Her face remained stoic, despite the pain she was feeling. Sakura moved as quickly and efficiently as possible, not wanting the woman to feel too much more pain. Only moments passed and Sakura was done, wrapping the last of the gauze around the injured arm.

“Don’t tell my sons,” Chisato said, looking at Sakura. She flexed her hand and breathed a sigh of relief. Her arm indeed felt better. Sakura nodded.

“I won’t tell anyone, on one condition.”

Chisato groaned. ‘Nothing was for free’, She reminded herself. “Alright then, what do you desire?”

Sakura wiped her hands off on a towel and looked at her. “I want you to let me check your arm twice a day. Once in the morning, and once at night. If that baby is Shimizu, and we are to be under attack from Naraku, then we need you at 100%. Deal?”

Chisato’s face relaxed. “You are a good person, Sakura. Thank you,” She whispered, taking the girl’s hand. Sakura reddened again and shyly bowed her head. “That means very much to me, Lady Chisato. I just want to help in anyway I can.”

Chisato nodded and stood, balancing herself on Sakura’s shoulder. “Help me to my room, please. All this excitement has been a bit much for me.” Nodding, the girl wrapped an arm around Chisato’s lithe waist, assisting the older woman to her room. Anything she could do to make her better, she would. They needed her more than ever now.
*******************

“So that is the brilliant plan?! To go to the castle and beg for forgiveness? That Sesshoumaru will kill us both!” Sango screamed, shoving Kagura. So far they had been unsuccessful plotting a plan to get back into Inuyasha’s good graces, and impatience was starting to bleed through.

“Don’t put your hands on me again, Slayer. We need to be thinking, not fighting!” Kagura retorted, sitting down on a rotted log. She hoped that Sesshoumaru would be willing to talk to her, but wasn’t sure about Sango. She did, after all try to kill Inuyasha. Kagura doubted that telling Sesshoumaru that the slayer had been under Naraku’s influence when she tried to kill his mate wouldn’t exactly smooth things over either. Kagura frowned and put her head in her hand, mulling things over when something white caught her eye.

“Hey, Sango.”

“What?”

“Look over there, that’s what!” They walked over to a white rolled scroll with a beautiful gold ribbon. Kagura unfurled the scroll, Sango trying to peek and read it.

“It’s an announcement of the mating ceremony between Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. It’s today,” Kagura said, raising her head and smiling. “We could go talk to them today!”

Sango grabbed the scroll and hit Kagura over the head with it. “You moron! Do you realize how many demons will be there? And guards? What are we gonna do, just slip past everyone and be like ‘Hi, please don’t kill us’? Real smart, Kagura. Fucking brilliant,” Sango said in a surly voice, making the sorceress glare at her.

Kagura spread her hands out. “Do you have a better idea? Of course you don’t; you barely even know what day it is, let alone be left up to coming up with an idea. We may as well kill ourselves if we have to wait for you to come up with an idea,” She snipped, sitting back down on the stump. They were there at a standstill for a moment, Sango standing with her arms folded and Kagura sitting on the log.

“The jewel shards.”

Kagura looked up at Sango, shielding her eyes from the sun. “Huh?”

Sango gave her a frustrated look. “You said you gave Sesshoumaru jewel shards, right? Well, he kinda owes you, whether he wants to admit or not. You could lie and say you had more to give him!”

Kagura looked at her pointedly. “It wouldn’t necessarily be a lie. We do have a shard…” She trailed off, treading around the subject.

“He can’t have Kohaku’s shard.”

“He doesn’t need it anymore! He’s dead!” Kagura regretted the words as soon as she said them. Sango’s eyes watered.

“Yes, he’s dead. No thanks to you,” She spat, running off. Kagura stood to follow, but the grieving girl was too fast for her. She sighed and flopped back down on the log, only to have the rotten wood give way beneath her and drop her onto the hard, cold forest floor.

“Well, shit.”

Kagura placed her head in her hand, pouting.
*********************************

Inuyasha sighed as he pulled at the bedding covers. Sesshoumaru had carried him from the spring to their bedroom, soaked clothes and all. He had quietly undressed both of them and carried Inuyasha to their bed, setting him down so gently, the hanyou barely felt the impact of his body on the bed. The thick covers were pulled up to his shoulder, and he watched Sesshoumaru round the bed to get in beside him, not crawling over him as he usually did. Despite being tired, sleep was elusive. He saw the beautiful golden of his brother’s eyes trace patterns on the ceiling, and felt pained.

“Do you want to talk?” Inuyasha asked gently, rubbing his swollen stomach.

Sesshoumaru swallowed and shook his head. “I am more than content just to lie here in your presence.” His eyes fluttered when he felt his brother’s hand encircle his. He sighed deeply and tucked into Inuyasha’s warmth, his youkai pleased that he could be so needy and vulnerable, but at the same time know that his place of the head of the family was not threatened.

Inuyasha pulled Sesshoumaru’s head to his breast, stroking the magenta stripes on a creamy cheek, murmuring sweet nothings to him. He ran his fingers through snow white hair, loving him completely.

“Darling, we shall be mated in a few short hours. How do you feel about that?” Inuyasha asked softly. Words were lost to his lover, so he took Inuyasha’s hand and laid it across his chest, right over his rapidly beating heart.

“My heart beats for you, My Inuyasha. Can’t you feel it race? It can’t beat fast enough, and you excite me so. I love you,” The powerful lord whispered, leaning up to kiss Inuyasha. Their lips pressed together sensually, slowly, and deeply. Inuyasha opened his mouth and allowed his tongue to trace the contours of Sesshoumaru’s mouth, making them both moan.

“I think maybe we should wait until after we are mated to make love again. I guess it would be more romantic,” Inuyasha said, pulling away. Sesshoumaru smiled.

“Whatever you wish, my sweet. I promise I’ll be good. I won’t do this,” He said, brushing a hand over Inuyasha’s breasts.

“Or this.” He moved his hand lower, slipping it between Inuyasha’s moist folds.

“Or even this.” He deftly inserted two fingers inside of Inuyasha, making the hanyou squirm and moan. He smiled deviously and removed the fingers, making his brother whine.

“Patience, puppy.” He kissed the soft mouth and turned over on his side, licking his fingers and smiling. Inuyasha whimpered but the whimper quickly turned into a snore, the hanyou finally being able to sleep curled into his lover.

Sesshoumaru looked at him with a gentle smile. “Sure, why not?” He whispered, closing his eyes. Moments later, he too was snoring loudly, a thin trail of drool running from the corner of his mouth.
*************************

Suzuka threw the rolling pin down in frustration. She had been cooking and baking all night and all morning, her sister no where in sight. She was well versed in what youkai could and couldn’t eat, and the guards had taken turns killing fresh game to bring back to the castle for her to prepare, and well, frankly she was getting tired. She wiped sweat off of her brow, sighing. Miroku had been gracious enough to at least skin and dice the animals, but the smell of carcasses was starting to bother her, and she also had to pee.

“Suzu, Suzu, I’m here, I’m so sorry!” Sakura cried, trying to run into the kitchen and tie an apron at the same time. Suzuka turned and gave her twin a look that was nothing less than pure hatred, and started beating on a nearby pile of dough that was waiting to be knead.

“I have a good excuse for being late,” Sakura said tentatively, noticing the red splotchy marks on her sister’s neck that only came when she was super angry.

Suzuka said nothing, only kept beating the dough.

“Don’t you care about where I was? And what I was doing?” Sakura pushed, infuriating her sister further. Suzuka threw the dough in a clay bowl so hard, she cracked the rim.

“DO I LOOK LIKE I CARE? All I want…all I need from you is to help me finish this food so we can get through this ceremony! Just shut up and work,” Suzuka said dryly, picking shards of clay from the dough.

Sakura pouted and hung her head, sad that her sister was mad at her. They worked quietly for a few moments until they felt uncomfortable, as if someone were watching them through the window.

“Who is that out there?” Sakura asked gently, not wanting to irk her sister anymore.

“It must be Miroku playing games.” Suzuka walked over to the door and opened it, gasping.

“YOU!!!” She screamed, grabbing a kitchen knife.

“WHO?” Sakura asked, wanting in on the fun. She ran over to the door, her mouth gaping open.

Sango was standing there before them, Hiraikotsu in hand. “I need to speak to Inuyasha.” Her voice was grating and loud, and it was the final straw for Suzuka.

“Go to Hell!” She shrieked, attempting to stab her. Sango easily moved away, hitting the healer’s hand with Hiraikotsu. Suzuka flipped backwards, grabbing the knife that fell when she was hit. She held the blade outwards and backed up, crouching low.

“You wanna fight? C’mon bitch, I’ve something for you!” Suzuka narrowed her eyes as she and Sango circled the garden, Sakura watching with piqued interest. Seeing her sister grapple was always fun.

Sango glared at her, matching her steps. “I’m not here to fight. I’m here to talk to Inuyasha.”

Suzuka laughed. “The last time you ‘talked’ to him, you almost killed him. You have nerve, showing up on his mating day looking for trouble. Well, no need, because trouble just found YOU!” She screamed, lunging for her and catching her off guard. She deflected the swing from the bulky boomerang and stabbed her in her underarm, making the slayer scream and drop from pain. She deftly swung around behind Sango, removing the knife and holding it to her neck.

“Give me a reason not to slit your throat now,” Suzuka hissed in the girl’s ear.

“Suzuka! Suzuka, stop!”

The healer looked up to see Miroku rushing towards them. Sango took the opportunity to elbow Suzuka hard in the stomach and roll far enough away to turn and foot sweep her, causing her to fall. Sango picked up the knife, holding it at Suzuka.

“Now, bitch, you give me a reason not to slit your throat,” Sango panted, holding the knife dangerously close to Suzuka’s face. The healer breathed hard, staring at the slayer for a moment before bringing her leg up and kicking her brutally in her stab wound. Sango fell back, grabbing her arm pit as Suzuka ambled to her feet. She brought her leg straight up and prepared to axe kick her when a new voice stopped her.

“Suzuka. Stop.”

Sesshoumaru stood in the doorway, glaring at Sango. “In five words or less, tell me why you are here, or else Suzuka gets to end it all.”

Sango scrambled to her feet, eyes wary on Suzuka. “I want revenge for Kohaku.”

Sesshoumaru cocked his head, thinking about the words that were said. He sniffed, noticing her scent had changed, and that he didn’t sense Naraku on her anywhere.

“You tried to kill my mate, wench. Why shouldn’t I kill you now?”

“Lord Sesshoumaru,” Miroku began, but was silenced by a clawed finger in the air.

“She is no better than the miko. Just like Inuyasha, you will defend her, even as she sticks a knife in your back and tries to take what is not hers. Houshi-sama, do you not love Suzuka? How dare you defend a woman that would strike the one you love?” Sesshoumaru turned piercing golden eyes on Miroku, but the monk wasn’t looking at him. He was looking at Suzuka, her wide open lavender eyes that were misting over. Sesshoumaru’s words had hit her hard, and she stared at Miroku, and then hung her head.

Sango pursed her lips. “I’m not here for Miroku. I doubt if he would come with me anyway. I just need to explain myself to Inuyasha…please, Sesshoumaru. You can be there when I talk to him if you desire.”

Sesshoumaru smirked. “This Sesshoumaru doesn’t need permission from some dirty slayer to do anything. I will allow you to talk to Inuyasha, but not today. Today is our day. Come back tomorrow afternoon, and I will permit you ten minutes with Inuyasha. If you try to harm him, you will be begging me to kill you before it is over with. Do you understand?”

Sango nodded. “Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru.” The youkai nodded and went back into the castle, scowling at Sakura, who’s mouth was still open in shock.

Suzuka also walked back into the castle, wrenching her wrist from Miroku when he reached out for her. He turned and watched her go back into the castle and sighed heavily.

Sango walked up to him and instinctively placed a hand on his shoulder, only to have it shrugged off.

“Why did you come here?” He asked tightly before walking away. Sango sighed and watched him leave before also walking away, leaving the garden. She needed to go find Kagura and also tend to her arm. Ten minutes wasn’t a long time to pitch an idea; they needed to brainstorm to figure out what to say to Inuyasha to get him on their side. She sighed again, holding her underarm and trudging back through the forest.
*******************************

Chisato, Rin, and Sakura all stepped away tentatively, careful not to muss the careful hairstyle of Inuyasha. He had been remarkably quiet and patient while they dressed him, but that could be more attributed to the lengthy nap he’d had rather than proper manners. His ceremonial robes were of the deepest red, plush and velvety against his skin. There was a white underlay to the robe, and his long white hair was in a high ponytail and braided with gold and red silks woven in. Then the hair was swooped into a bun with a tortiose shell clip that had a small hole in the top that Baby’s Breath and small golden bells on a thin golden wire were placed in. Inuyasha whined only once, and that was when Chisato wanted to paint his face. The hanyou firmly declared that he was not a geisha, and did not want to be made up as such. He was still given an enticing red lip, and his eyes were lined in black, making the golden orbs shimmer brilliantly.

“Master Inuyasha, you look pretty!” Rin declared, kissing him on the cheek. Inuyasha smirked and glanced in a nearby mirror.

“Yeah, I clean up well for a mutt, huh?” He asked, winking his eye. Chisato grunted and waved her hand.

“Not a mutt for long, my boy. After the blood exchange, you will practically be youkai. And then the bond between you and Sesshoumaru will be complete and irreversible.”

Inuyasha swallowed at the word irreversible. “Mother, girls, may I have a moment? I need to think about something.”

Chisato looked panicked. “Is it the mating ceremony? Are you having second thoughts?”

Inuyasha was a better liar than anyone knew. “No, no nothing like that. It’s just the Kagome situation…you know,” He said waving his hand. Chisato grunted again but nodded and ushered Rin and Sakura out of the room before closing the door. He looked at the door and stood, pacing around the room for a moment. He looked past the bed, and remembered there was a secret passage to get to the room that Sesshoumaru was dressing in. He slowly crept toward the passage and walked inside, sliding stealthily along the wall, and after creeping for a few minutes, ended up outside of his brother’s door. Sighing, he knocked gently.

Sesshoumaru looked up from the vanity where he was brushing his hair. Initially he looked at the door facing the hallway, but then turned towards a panel behind the vanity.

“Yes?”

Inuyasha swallowed nervously. His brother sounded annoyed. “It’s me…can I come in?”

Sesshoumaru’s brow softened. “No. I’m not supposed to see you until the ceremony starts. Is there something wrong, koi?”

Inuyasha pouted and looked up towards the ceiling where some water was dripping on his robe. “I, uh, just wanted to talk for a minute. Chisato was saying how final that this step was. And I guess…” Inuyasha trailed off and leaned against the panel, putting his hand against the cold wood, “I guess I wanted to be sure. And to make sure that you were sure.”

By this time, Sesshoumaru had stood and walked over to the panel, and he also had his hand on the middle of it, wishing desperately to have Inuyasha in his arms.

“Poor, tragic, unloved puppy. Why must you second guess everything? It is too late to turn back now. No one else will be mated to you but me.”

Inuyasha recoiled from the wall. “No one else? Why is that? No one wants a half breed? Is that what you are saying, brother dear? To hell with you!” Inuyasha screamed, gathering up his robes to run away.

Sesshoumaru heard the shuffling and scrambled to open the panel and persue Inuyasha. “Stop running. Stop running from the one who loves you!” Sesshoumaru shouted, grabbing Inuyasha’s shoulder. The hanyou halted, but didn’t turn around.

“No one else will be mated to you, because I’d kill them first. You belong to me, just as I belong to you. You can’t feel the pull like me because your youkai isn’t as strong as mine.”

“Is that my fault?” Inuyasha tossed behind him tightly, making Sesshoumaru wince.

“No, koi. None of it is anyone’s ‘fault’.” Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around Inuyasha’s chest, and the weary demon fell back into them, sighing.

“I just don’t want you to make a mistake,” Inuyasha whispered, closing his eyes and leaning into his brother’s warm touch. Sesshoumaru nuzzled his neck and kissed him gently, resisting the urge to bite.

“The only mistake I made was not coming to you sooner. I should have done more for you. I should have…” He trailed off and squeezed Inuyasha harder, both of their hearts pounding.

“Inuyasha? Inuyasha can we come in now?” The voice of Chisato floated down the corridor, and both men sighed. “I have to go,” Inuyasha whispered, moaning when Sesshoumaru kissed his neck again. He held on to Inuyasha’s hand until he walked away and couldn’t reach him anymore. He watched his love disappear down the small corridor and smiled. He was more determined than ever to keep Inuyasha safe and have a beautiful life with him.
**********************************

Miroku nodded at a few of the demons that had arrived and were gathering in the main hall. He had tried a few times to talk to Suzuka, but she had brushed him off, busying herself with serving guests. He made eye contact with her from across the room and smiled, but she coldly gave him a blank stare and then turned around sharply, walking away.

“Is your bitch giving you hell?”

Miroku turned to see Kouga, wearing a light blue robe and looking the most clean and polished he had ever seen him. His damn tail was wagging behind him, and his eyes were raised in amusement.

“What do you care?” Miroku grumbled. Kouga shook his head. “I don’t. But your woman and mine are sisters. Twins, in fact. So if one is mad, the other more than likely will get mad too. And if I don’t get any because of you,” He bared his gleaming white fangs, making Miroku twitch. The monk cleared his throat nervously.

“There is nothing for you to be concerned about. Suzuka and Sakura both have minds of their own. I assure you, your relationship is intact, my friend.” He cast another look at Suzuka, frowning.

Kouga nodded. “She doesn’t hate you, she’s just mad. So apologize, bring her something pretty that smells good, and all is forgiven. And if not, I’m sure Kagome is lurking around still.” He laughed at the dirty look that Miroku shot him and walked away to mingle with some bear demons from the Eastern Sect.

“Here goes,” Miroku muttered under his breath, stopping at a vase with lavender and hyacinth sticking out. He took a few of the buds and crushed them in his hand, taking them up to his room.
*********************

Suzuka smiled at Lord Izzard and his wife, Lady Kanako as she served them wine and pies. She had kept an eye out for Miroku throughout the event, but when their eyes connected instead of giving him the wanton and lingering look that she wanted to, she hardened her features and glared at him before turning away. A furtive glance back saw him looking depressed and withdrawn, and though part of her wanted to throw down the tray she was holding and jump into his arms, pride and distrust kept her from doing so.

She looked up and noticed Kouga and Miroku talking and looking her way. Kouga still had that sly look on his face, but Miroku looked more troubled, frowning as they talked. She turned away, angry at herself for even caring. Curiosity got the best of her, and when she turned around again, she saw Miroku heading up the stairs to his room. Piqued, she followed stealthily behind him, handing the tray over to one of the other servants.

She paused outside of the closed door and hesitated before knocking. She felt stupid. The bruises that his ex had left on her were still red and tender, and he had barely reprimanded the woman that put them on her! The more she thought about it, the angrier she got.

“Miroku! Open this door right now!” She banged against the door, backing up when the monk opened it.

“Why did you leave the party?” She asked, her voice harsh and accusing.

Miroku looked down at the small vial now in his hands. “I’m sorry. And I wanted you to know. I wanted to give you something to show you that you are the one I love and want.” He placed a small glass bottle in Suzuka’s hands. The bottle was smooth and black, and the top was encrusted with multicolored gems.

“Miroku…what…I don’t-”

“Please,” He said, his blue eyes pleading. Suzuka opened the bottle and sniffed the contents. A smile crept across her face.

“That is quite pretentious of you. Making a lavender scented oil…in hopes of what? Perhaps rubbing it on me? Or me rubbing it on you? On your cock?” She purred, inching closer to him. He closed his eyes and shivered when she used her sexy voice, moaning when she placed a hand on his chest.

“Or maybe even,” She brought her mouth close to his, and he could feel her warm breath on his lips. “Maybe you could take this oil and get your slayer bitch to fuck you,” She spat, slapping him across the face. His eyes flew open and he looked at her in a way that made her take a few steps backwards. She reached and opened the door, only to have Miroku come up behind her and slam it.

“Do you like teasing me? Testing me? DO YOU?!!” He bellowed, pressing himself hard against her, nearly crushing her against the door. He savagely pulled her by the hair back, biting her exposed neck hard enough to break the skin. His other hand feverishly groped at her breasts, and Suzuka twisted and pulled until she broke away from him. Her lavender eyes had turned a darker shade of violet, and her hand flew to her neck, and she gasped finding blood on her fingertips. Miroku stared at her, panting with blood on his mouth.

Suzuka looked like she was about to cry. “Why?” She whispered, sinking to the floor. “Why did you hurt me?”

Miroku seemed to snap out of his daze and rushed to her side. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, I-I just wanted to mark you. To show you that you belong to me and-”

“I belong to no one but myself!” Suzuka declared in a shaky voice, pushing Miroku away. She stood and walked away wobbly, leaving Miroku on the floor. She paused upon opening it and turned around, tears freely running down her face. “And when I asked you why you hurt me I wasn’t talking about marking me. I understood that. But what I don’t understand is why you still love Sango.” Biting her lip, she fled the room, unable to still look at him.

All Miroku could do was lower his head to the ground and weep silently.
********************

Kouga smiled at Sakura, who was across the room serving guests. She was in a simple but nonetheless elegant white kimono with green and gold leaves scattered at the bottom. Her hair was pinned up, and her creamy neck was visible to him, and he was partially glad that she had not worn a collar with her kimono. The smell of him was all over her, so any demons looking at her for mating purposes already knew that they had him to contend with. Also it would be extremely poor taste if one of the other demons were to try something at a mating ceremony.

Sakura smiled at Kouga, but noticed her sister rushing down the steps and heading toward the kitchen walking faster than she’d walked in a long time. The twin smiled at the guests and excused herself, citing she needed to get more sake.

Suzuka was bent over the butcher block, sobbing her eyes out. “Suzu? Suzu-chan, what’s wrong?” Sakura asked, running over to her. She noticed the bandage on her neck and narrowed her eyes.

“Did one of those demons sneak and bite you?” She asked, unsheathing her tanto. Suzuka stared at her and cried harder.

“No, it was Miroku! He bit me to ‘mark’ me as his own. But he isn’t mine! He still loves that bitch Sango!” She buried her head in her sister’s shoulder, shaking both of them with her sobs. Sakura stroked her sister’s hair and rocked her for a few minutes, letting her ger it all out.

“Well, is he in love with her?”

Suzuka sniffed and wiped her nose. “What is the difference?”

Sakura smiled gently. “He very well may still love her. Just like Master Inuyasha may love that ninny Kagome, and how Kouga still loves Ayame. Those people were a significant part of their lives. But they aren’t with them, and it’s because they don’t want to be. Well, Kouga being the exception, but if Ayame was alive, they wouldn’t be together. He wasn’t happy with her, but he didn’t think there was anything else out there. So they settled. All three of them settled, and they were miserable. But now,” She said, cupping her sister’s face in her hands,” Now you, me, and Master Inuyasha have a chance at love. Real love. And Miroku loves you. He watches every step you make. I’ve never seen two humans so drawn to each other. It makes sense for demons, but you two ask like youkai with your attraction. It’s sickening, really.” She smiled when Suzuka chuckled a bit. “It’s gonna be ok, you’ll see. But forgive Miroku, he’s still getting used to his love and affection being returned. Give him time, encouragement, and most of all your love.” She gave her sister a hug, smiling at her.

“What is the meaning of all this? It smells like blood, tears, and burnt pastries in here.” The girls turned to see Chisato standing in the kitchen, infinitely gorgeous with her hand on her hip. She glowered at the two girls and walked over to Suzuka.

“Lady Chi-sato-sama,” The girl hiccupped, making Chisato roll her eyes. She took a hankerchief from her kimono sleeve and dabbed carefully at Suzuka’s eyes, tsking her.

“Your tears smell bitter. They are because of that man, aren’t they?” Suzuka nodded. Chisato snorted. “Listen to me, because I am almost as old as the hill outside. Don’t ever cry over a man. Cry over spilled sake, or over lost broaches, or even a stubbed toe, but never over a man. It makes you weak and intolerable. Here, keep this towel. If this ceremony is as beautiful as I hope, you may need it again.” She stroked Suzuka’s cheek and helped her stand. “Go out there with your best bitch face, and no more crying! Understand?”

“Yes, Lady Chisato-sama.”

“Good.” Chisato swatted Suzuka lightly on the bottom as she left the kitchen. She turned to Sakura and then frowned.

“Have you eaten yet, Chisato-sama?”

“Not hungry.” The youkai’s voice was clipped, but she leaned away when Sakura glared at her. She watched silently as a plate of cooked deer, squirrel, and vegetables was prepared and pushed toward her. All the youkai attending contributed something towards the dinner, and had sent messengers through the night with fatted kill to be made delicious and tender for the day’s events. She pushed the food around her plate and sighed in frustration.

“I can’t eat with you watching me, girl.”

Sakura turned her back. “I won’t watch then. But you’d better eat all that food. You’ll need your strength, and passing out at your son’s mating ceremony would look ill on your part.”

Chisato paused and sneered. As much as she hated it, the girl was right. Sighing and placing her head in her hands, she started eating the food. Sakura turned and walked over to her, patting her on the head.

Chisato’s jaws snapped. “Don’t push your luck, kid.”

“Sorry.” Sakura sheepishly slinked away, making Chisato chuckle.
**************************

Sesshoumaru easily slipped down to the study, wanting to be the first one there to not only make sure no guests had anything shiesty planned, but also to calm his nerves. His heart beat almost violently in his chest as he opened the oak doors, and then frowned.

Jaken was inside, seated in a chair in the corner. “Lord Sesshoumaru,” The toad gushed, standing and bowing. Sesshoumaru closed the door quietly behind him. “Why are you here, Jaken? Did I not send you to the Northern Desert to arrange peace treaties and trade routes?” His voice was thin and stressed, not so much from Jaken, but from the event about to take place.

Jaken bowed deeply. “Yes, M’lord, but I heard that you and your brother were planning to mate.”

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. “Is that your concern?”

Jaken flushed. “Not that, M’lord, but I heard that Lord Inuyasha was attacked. By his slayer friend. I just heard bits and pieces, and though I assumed them rumors, I started the trek back to the castle to stand beside you.”

Sesshoumaru’s eyes narrowed. “Inuyasha stands beside me. No one else.” Jaken’s flush deepened. “Yes of course, M’lord. I came back because…because…” Jaken trailed off, looking at his staff. “I want to see you happy, Lord Sesshoumaru. And if it is your brother that makes you happy, then I am glad for you. You have long needed someone to share the burdens of your heart. He is strong, and he suits you well.”

Sesshoumaru’s expression softened. Of course his assistant would know him better than anyone, and at times better than himself. He walked over to Jaken and smiled genuinely. “I appreciate you taking it upon yourself to come to this ceremony. Only the most important of people are allowed to attend.”

Jaken grinned broadly, back to tripping over his own feet. “Yes Lord Sesshoumaru! And congratulations!” The toad practically skipped from the study, grateful to be accepted. Little did he know Sesshoumaru was equally grateful, for the toad had eased his mind greatly. He smoothed out his robes and sighed, preparing for the others to enter and begin the ceremony.
******************

A few moments later, Chisato appeared before the guests, beaming. “Fellow nobles and friends, please follow me to the main study. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha will be down shortly.” The demon nobles carried their drinks in hand and followed the Inu youkai, whispering amongst themselves. A family that was once broken by mistrust and scandal now seemed stronger than ever, and with the mating of the two bright and handsome sons, many demons were green with envy, and Chisato reveled in it.

Opening the study doors, she smiled at Sesshoumaru, who was already inside. He was wearing a long white robe, made from the finest silks that Japan could offer. The hakama pants and collar on the robe were matching the same red Inuyasha wore, and his golden eyes shimmered brightly. His demon stripes on his face were a rich and deep shade of red, and his skin was paler than normal, but that only accentuated his beauty.

“My son,” Chisato said warmly, arms open to embrace him. He practically fell into them, sighing and then smiled, caressing her cheek softly. They raised their heads when the study door opened, their smiles deepening. The first thing they saw was Sesshoumaru’s precious ward, Rin, dressed in an elegant green kimono with a light pink sakura flower pattern adorning it.

“Ladies and gentlemen, pwease allow me…allow me…” Rin pulled at her bottom lip and looked scared for a moment before Chisato rushed over and whispered a few words in her ear. “Allow me to in…duce? Introduce Master Inuyasha, son of Izayoi and Dog Daddy. I mean the Great Inu no Taisho.” Rin bowed formally and switched her small hips as she walked off, clearing the way for Inuyasha.

“Kami-sama…he’s beautiful,” Someone from the crowd whispered. A few onlookers murmured in agreement where others were just staring gape mouthed, Sesshoumaru included. Inuyasha gracefully walked into the study, looking at no one but Sesshoumaru. Once in reach of his brother, he shyly took his hand and intertwined their fingers, their eyes fixed on each other.

The youkai priest that had walked in behind Inuyasha looked at both of them, clutching an old scroll in his hands. “Inu sons, you do your father justice on this day. I need not ask the heavens for permission for you two to mate. It was written in the sky since the days you were born. Arrogance, pride, and misunderstanding may have marred your paths early in life, but I can see future centuries of love and happiness for both of you. Today marks a new day, one in which your minds, bodies, and souls shall be permanently bound. Sesshoumaru, do you accept Inuyasha as your mate for life?”

Sesshoumaru turned to Inuyasha and gave him a gentle look. “Yes. I accept Inuyasha as my mate and shall cherish him the way that the morning bellflower cherishes the sun.”

The priest smiled and nodded at Sesshoumaru. He turned to face the hanyou, who looked more nervous than ever. “Inuyasha, do you accept Sesshoumaru as your mate for life?”

Inuyasha opened his mouth, and then closed it. Silence reigned for a moment, and then, right before Sesshoumaru got nervous, Inuyasha took his hands and kissed them softly. “Yes. I accept Sesshoumaru as my mate and…and…” Inuyasha looked up watery eyed at his brother, who wore nothing but a kind and understanding look on his face. “I just hope I can make him at least half as happy as he makes me. If I can do that, then I’ll be pleased.”

A single tear slipped down Sesshoumaru’s cheek. Inuyasha gently licked the tear away, barely aware of the sniffling and eye-dabbing from the audience. The priest grinned. He had not seen such a loving and dedicated couple in at least 50 years.

“The declaration of love and ownership has been completed. Next is the bond of blood and consummation ceremony.” The priest was happy with the announcement, almost as if Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were his own children. “Sesshoumaru, you may now correctly mark your mate.” The priest looked serious as he turned his look to Inuyasha. “I noticed there was a mating mark on your neck, but the true mating mark must be made a bit lower. This will hurt you, because his teeth must puncture your bone. It will be sore for several days, but I’m sure activities that will begin soon will keep your mind…preoccupied. And there’s no need to be nervous, as you at least know that Sesshoumaru…knows what he is doing.” The priest quickly glanced at Inuyasha’s protruding belly, making both brothers blush. They managed to exchange a good natured smile, and Inuyasha turned to face Sesshoumaru.

“This is the only time I’m giving you permission to hurt me.” The hanyou was serious, and a few crowd members heard him and chuckled.

Sesshoumaru smirked. “I can live with that. And this is the only time I’ll enjoy it.” He allowed his fangs to extend, and he gently peeled back Inuyasha’s high collar, cupping his brother’s head in his hand as he bit down. He punctured the skin and muscle easily, and he felt Inuyasha shift his jaw in anticipation of his bone cracking. Sesshoumaru could feel the fear from his love, and growled, knowing the vibrations would soothe him. Inuyasha relaxed and Sesshoumaru bit down harder, tears slipping from his eyes when his teeth hit the clavicle. The blood and marrow he drank were the sweetest he’d ever tasted, and he drank several gulps before he felt Inuyasha sway in his arms. Backing up and licking the wound until it closed, Sesshoumaru looked into his brother’s eyes, beaming.

Inuyasha tiredly smirked. “You drank so much blood, I was starting to wonder if you were a Koumori youkai,” He joked, making his brother wink at him. Inuyasha turned to the priest, who offered him a cup filled with an orange colored liquid.

“This will replenish some of your strength to prepare you for the consummation ceremony. It’s an herbal concoction that is given to youkai that are with child.” Inuyasha stared at the liquid, and Sesshoumaru could practically read his mind.

‘But I’m not a youkai, I’m a hanyou.‘

“Drink the cup, my love. I shall drink some also.” Sesshoumaru looked at the priest, and when the man nodded, he took the cup from his mate and took a swallow, noting the fruity flavor. It was sweet in a different way from Inuyasha, and was almost overbearing in flavor. He nodded and tipped the cup against Inuyasha’s lips, smiling as the hanyou drank. When the cup was empty, he handed it back to the priest, taking his thumb and wiping the excess juice from Inuyasha’s lips. He sighed as quietly as he could when he felt Inuyasha lick his thumb. They stared at each other, lost in golden eyed gazes. Chisato cleared her throat and walked to the middle of the room, clapping her hands.

“Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha shall retire to private quarters to finish their consummation, and we humbly ask that they not be bothered. We have ample food and sake for all, and we also have games for the little ones.”

“Yay!” Rin inadvertently yelled, making Kouga and a few others chuckle. Chisato gave the child a look of reprimand, making Rin slink back into the crowd. Sesshoumaru offered his arm and Inuyasha took it, and together they walked up the stairs to their suite. Chisato smiled, but winced when she felt a shooting pain in her left arm. She looked around, frowning when she saw Sakura staring dead at her. Sighing, she looked discreetly to the hallway, and the girl nonchalantly followed her to check on her arm.
************************

Inuyasha smiled once he and Sesshoumaru had reached their mating quarters. They didn’t go to their own usual bedroom; they went to a somewhat remote part of the castle, and he had to grin cockishly. He guessed Sesshoumaru had chosen the location so that he could make a suitable amount of noise without alerting their guests. The room was airy and the bed was large and inviting with many pillows. There was more of the juice the priest had given them in a black wine bottle on a table stand beside the bed, and an ornate fruit platter with honey and wafers topped off the plate. Inuyasha sat down on the bed and bounced a bit, making Sesshoumaru chuckle.

“Is this room to your liking, my love?” He joined Inuyasha on the bed, bouncing on it also to humor him.

Inuyasha smiled shyly. “We could be in Hell and I’d still love it, anything as long as you are there with me.”

Sesshoumaru nearly purred and gently ran a clawed finger over one of Inuyasha’s ears. Inuyasha moaned and squeezed one of his breasts in his hand, throwing his head back.

Sesshoumaru licked his lips hungrily. “You are infinitely sensitive. You even have the beginnings of markings on your face. I love them,” He whispered, licking at the chubby rosy cheek. Inuyasha whimpered and gyrated his hips on the bed, the scent of his wetness making Sesshoumaru’s fangs extend. He patiently stripped his pregnant mate, using the utmost care as he slid the robes down Inuyasha’s back, kissing the newly exposed soft skin. He gently pushed Inuyasha on his back in the middle of the bed and got on top of him, making sure he wasn’t applying his weight on him, and began kissing him slow and deep. Their tongues were scorching hot against each other, and he pulled his lover’s hair free, spreading it about the bed. He sensually panted against the hanyou’s mouth, eliciting lewd moans from him as his hands roamed the body beneath him.

Sesshoumaru sucked at his brother’s neck, bruising the skin. He moved lower and furtively licked at the brand new mating mark before moving lower and catching a swollen pink nipple in his mouth. One hand massaged and worked a breast while his tongue and teeth worked on the other. He paused to gather a few drops of honey on his fingers and spread the stickiness over Inuyasha’s breasts, licking it off. He loved how Inuyasha arched into him, and gasped when he realized that his witty lover had hooked his feet in the waistband of his hakama and had managed to pull them down to his knees. He paused in suckling at the delicious nipples to give Inuyasha a smirk, rewarded with a melodious laugh.

“You are rather crafty tonight, aren’t you?” Sesshoumaru teased, running a finger over Inuyasha’s lips. The hanyou smiled and kissed the finger lovingly. “You can’t expect for me to be here buck ass naked and you still fully clothed! It just wouldn’t be fair,” He said saucily, a blush reddening his cheeks.

Sesshoumaru leaned back. “You are right.” He stripped off his robe and pulled off his hakama pants, standing rigidly erect before Inuyasha. The hanyou propped himself up on his arms drank him in like a cup of cold water, even shivering as he swallowed. He gave out a strangled cry when he felt a tongue against his privates, throwing his head back and panting. The tongue swirled almost impulsively, and it was hard for Inuyasha to guess where it would probe next. His lover made damn sure every inch of his slit was coated in saliva, and his eyes fluttered when Sesshoumaru commented on how sweet he tasted. The tongue was a precursor to what was next to fill him, and after a few tugs on slivery white hair, Sesshoumaru realized the teasing would get him nowhere, and slowly crawled and kissed his way up Inuyasha’s body, kissing him deep again and letting him sample his tangy juices.

“I want you on top of me,” Sesshoumaru hissed, his eyes bright. Inuyasha nodded and easily straddled the youkai, who was now lying on his back. He exhaled slowly as he slid down Sesshoumaru’s cock, biting his lip as he was filled and stretched. Sesshoumaru cried out at the heat enveloping, and almost cursed that Inuyasha was so tight. He didn’t want to hurt him, but looking at his brother’s face, he noticed the demon markings getting a bit darker.

‘He’s changing.‘

Sesshoumaru’s youkai could tap into Inuyasha’s easier now, and he could feel any discomfort or pleasure that that he was giving, and likewise Inuyasha could feel his youkai also. Their eyes locked and lips smiled, and Sesshoumaru began to pump in and out, growling slightly when Inuyasha opened his mouth in ecstasy.

“Yes, Koi. Deeper…deeper,” Inuyasha practically sang, his hands pleasantly stroking the strong chest below him.

“You are so beautiful. I love you, my Inuyasha.” The whisper was filled with raw emotion, and it made Inuyasha lean over and tuck into Sesshoumaru’s neck and nuzzle him.

“I love you, my Sesshoumaru. Please don‘t stop. Please make love to me,” The hanyou breathlessly whispered, tugging on his own ears to heighten the intimacy.

Both of their eyes turned an almost violent shade of red, even though the act remained calm, steady, and gentle. Their hands roamed, their mouths kissed, and their loins raged as they made love over and over again. Sesshoumaru watched Inuyasha’s face contort as he came, and cupped his breasts as he thrust into him. He massaged his brother’s back as he rode, making him cry out numerous times after each orgasm.

“More, Shou, please!” Inuyasha wailed, bouncing up and down faster. He arched his back so deep that his head actually landed on the bed between Sesshoumaru’s legs. He came back up and began kissing his brother’s chest, lavishing attention on his nipples the same way his own had been earlier.

Sesshoumaru wantonly moaned and sighed, for the first time really not holding back. Making love to Inuyasha was always something wonderful and erotic, but now that they were truly in tune with each other, it was like each orgasm was that much more intense. He spun Inuyasha over so that he was on top and grabbed the headboard for more leverage so that he would not lean on his lover. He started to trust deep and hard, some of his true Inu demon features coming through. His face began to change, and after a few moments, a dog’s head was where Sesshoumaru’s face had previously been. Inuyasha’s eyes went wide, and he wrapped his arms around his lover’s neck, holding on as he was pounded into. He could hear his brother panting, and felt the now rough tongue on his neck and face, licking and sniffing. The youkai lord threw his head back and gave a powerful howl before biting into Inuyasha’s neck one last time. The intensity of the bite coupled with their simultaneous orgasms were too much for the demons, and both of them passed out almost immediately into a deep sleep.
**************************

Sesshoumaru blinked and swallowed as his eyes struggled to open. His mouth felt strangely full, and his jaw was sore from being open. His mouth tasted sweet but faintly coppery, and upon further examination, his fangs were embedded into Inuyasha’s neck, and there had been a significant amount of bleeding. Shocked and worried, he quickly unhinged himself from his brother’s neck, watching in awe as the wounds immediately closed. The hanyou stirred and opened his eyes, smiling at his brother.

“I feel…different. Stronger maybe?” Inuyasha surmised, looking around. He grimaced at the bloody pillow and gazed at Sesshoumaru. “Is that your blood?”

Sesshoumaru shook his head, wide eyed. “No. It is yours. But the way I bit you…you should have bled to death.”

Inuyasha was taken aback. “Why would you do that?” He asked, his voice shrill. Sesshoumaru shook his head quickly.

“No, no my love, it’s not what you think. When I transformed, my teeth were much sharper, and when I bit you, it overwhelmed us both. I’m not sure how long we have lay here, but you did bleed in my mouth and obviously on this pillow. However, when you awoke, you said you feel stronger. Also, when I withdrew my fangs, your wounds closed immediately without me licking them.”

Inuyasha’s hand flew to his neck, searching for the wounds that he knew should be there. Confused, he scratched at his cheek and yelped, as the skin there was sensitive.

“Oh, be careful, dearest. The stripes can be very tender at times.” Sesshoumaru leaned over and kissed the stripe gently, making Inuyasha growl.

“I have stripes now? Where? And why?”

Sesshoumaru looked around the room and walked over to a bureau in the corner. He found a mirror and handed it to Inuyasha to show him his new marks. Inuyasha gasp at the face looking back at him. He had one magenta stripe over his eyelid and three stripes on his left cheek, two on his right. Looking lower, he also had the stripes on his thighs. His chin trembling, he slowly lowered the mirror and stared at Sesshoumaru.

“What does this mean?” His voice was small and unsure, and his brother naturally had to cradle him.

“It means…that after I bit you that I painted your skin in your sleep.” He laughed loudly when Inuyasha shoved him.

“Be honest!”

Sesshoumaru’s laugh tapered off to a chuckle, and then he gazed at Inuyasha with light colored eyes. “It means that you are a youkai now. Not fully, but almost all youkai. More so than you were before we officially mated.”

Inuyasha looked down at the bed sheets. For so long, he had danced the line of wanting to be a human, then a youkai, then a human again. For a moment, he thought about Kikiyo and then Kagome, and how both of them wanted him to become human. And how neither of them combined loved him as much as Sesshoumaru did.

“Do you regret the decision to become a youkai?” The question was presented neutrally and calmly, and Inuyasha turned and smiled.

“No. I’m glad I could share this with you. I could have never been happy with anyone else.” Inuyasha’s last comment made Sesshoumaru smile selfishly, and he tossed the bloody pillow off the bed, bringing over a fresh one.

“Lay with me,” Sesshoumaru demanded, possessively wrapping his arms around Inuyasha. He offered him some juice and fruit, and after both of them had eaten and drank a bit, they lay entwined happily in the bed, talking and smiling, for once their burdens light and hearts full.



A/N: Whew! That was a long ass chapter! I was going to write more, but shit I'm tired. I hope you are enjoying this as much as I enjoy writing it. And wasn't Rin darling? *pinch*