The Love of Brothers

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Chapter Eight

Kagome slept the rest of the day and Sesshoumaru was content to let her. He knew that they'd worn her out completely. Her stamina was after all, only human. As demons he and Inuyasha could go for hours, even days. She'd not be able to. The feast he would have gladly skipped but it was tradition and protocol and these things could never be cast aside by nobility. He had dozed a while longer, bathed and dressed and headed out to find his brother. What would he have to fix?
Sesshoumaru was mildly surprised to find that his fortress ran smoothly, and he found Inuyasha receiving reports from incoming patrols. The younger demon asked the very questions he himself would. He was most impressed. Apparently, Inutaisho's skill of leadership and governing had been inherited. Inuyasha glanced his way before turning back to the kneeling soldier and dismissing him. "Finally up?" he asked. Sessh slid him a sidelong glance, "Not at the moment, no.". Inuyasha snorted.
Sessh leaned against the battlements and looked over his domain. "I see that the palace is still standing." he remarked. Inuyasha said nothing but smirked. Sessh suddenly turned to him, "I must ask this Inuyasha... in all the time that you traveled with Kagome...why did you never take her?". Inuyasha had often wondered that himself. With a shrug he crossed his arms over his chest, "I had other stuff to do. Besides, what would I have done if there had been little ones?". Sessh leveled a cool gaze at him, "Brought them here."
Inuyasha shook his head, "No, I wouldn't have. I wouldn't have trusted you." he admitted. Sesshoumaru frowned, "Yet you left her in my care.". Inuyasha leaned his arms on the rail and stared into the distance. "I knew if I had your word, she'd be safe." Sesshoumaru tsked, "And we are brothers...after everything you didn't trust me.". Inuyasha barked with laughter, "Hell no! How many times did we try and kill each other?". Sessh turned and walked into a shadowed alcove, "Had I intended to kill you little brother, be assured I would have done so." Inuyasha followed him, "Well that might be, but just because we were lovers didn't mean that she or my pups would be safe from you."
Sesshoumaru smiled, "I suppose that it's a non-issue now. She was quite incredible. She has a very talented mouth Inuyasha. In a few days when she has rested sufficiently I suggest you try it." Inuyasha's eyes went wide at the mental image and he growled. A demon's need was great and knowing that he would not be able to bed her for at least a little while filled him with frustration. Sesshoumaru chuckled and walked away from him. Inuyasha growled softly to him and the elder turned to look over his shoulder. Inuyasha moved with speed and was behind Sesshoumaru. Pressing against his back, he murmured into the pointed ear, "More talented than you?". Sesshoumaru smiled, "Perhaps we shall see tonight."
Kagome woke as the sun was setting and her maid Masani was at her side, directing the servants to see to the lady's bath, her gowns, her hair, every detail must be perfect. Kagome groaned when she saw the assortment of clips and pins and turned pleading eyes to Masani, "Can't I just wear it down?". Masani tucked the fine robe firmly around her mistress, and gave a disapproving cluck. "I think not milady...as lady of the west.."
"As lady of the west, she may do most anything she pleases." came a cool and aloof voice. Maids bowed in a flurry of silks and ahs as Sesshoumaru strode into the room. He paid them no mind, his golden eyes falling to Kagome. "I prefer it down.". Masani nodded and Kagome smiled with victory. Sesshoumaru dismissed them with a quick gesture. Kagome felt heat touch her cheeks at his unwavering gaze. She chewed on her lip wondering what he was thinking and he stared at her wondering why he wasn't chewing her lips instead.
At last the Taiyoukai seemed to remember himself and straightened. He held out one clawed hand to her, "Come we must meet Inuyasha in the great hall. The guests are waiting.". Kagome stood and made her way to him, taking his hand. He noticed that she moved with stiffness and felt more than a small tinge of male pride. He chose not to comment on her condition knowing it would only embarrass her, but he slowed his pace so that she might keep up easily. "You will stay with one of us at all times." he told her.
Kagome looked up at him in question, "Do you think someone might try to harm me?" she asked. He shot her a quelling look, "That would be an insult to me, and none here are capable of defeating me." Kagome looked back to the floor with a small "Oh.". Sesshoumaru hated, positively detested formal functions, they always soured his mood. Kagome understood that well enough, his cold answers were not for her. She tucked her hand into his elbow and pulled lightly against him. He paused to look at her. Kagome smiled gently and leaned up on tiptoe, smiling a little more when the tall demon instinctively ducked lower for her. "Don't worry about tonight." she whispered to him, "Tomorrow you can chase them from the palace if you want."
Sesshoumaru met her eyes with dread seriousness, "You would let me do this?". Kagome nodded and he pressed a small kiss to her brow with a light chuckle. "You do amuse me my love." he told her before tugging her along with him. His love? Did he just say that to me? What did he mean? Does he love me? Kagome wasn't given much time to wonder as Inuyasha came into view, leaning carelessly against the wall. "Bout time you two show up. Why ya walkin so slow?" He asked sharply. Kagome blushed and it was only then that he seemed to notice her distress. He laughed, "I see. Well, hurry up... I ain't spending all night with these losers.".
Kagome glared daggers at him, and Inuyasha watched in trepidation as she eyed the beads that lingered at his throat. "Inuyasha.." She said all too sweetly and Sesshoumaru stepped back a pace or two. Inuyasha turned almost pleading gold eyes to the irate woman, "No, Kagome wait..". She fisted her hands at her sides, "SIT!".
Inuyasha slammed to the floor in an undignified heap, and while Sesshoumaru found it vastly amusing, he was glad that the noise of the guests had drowned out the sound and the following litany of curses. He wondered how much longer those beads would hold sway over his brother. He was surprised they did now. Soon enough, he knew that Kagome would loose this precious weapon. What a pity.
When at last the double doors were thrown wide admitting the ruling family of the west, the demons within fell silent. Sesshoumaru took the awe and fear in stride, while Inuyasha glared at just about everyone. Kagome tried to stare directly ahead and pay no mind to the goings on. When they were seated, she breathed a sigh of relief. Inuyasha remained tense beside her and reaching under the table she squeezed his hand.
He glanced at her warmly and held her fingers. At least she understood how he hated this. It wasn't so very long ago that these demons had despised him for being hanyou, would have thought nothing of slaughtering him and his companions. Now they accepted him because of his youkai status and noble bloodline? Yeah right, tigers didn't change their stripes and he'd be damned if they caught him off guard.
"Um, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked softly and his ear swiveled in her direction. "Yeah what?" he responded. She looked down at the table, a blush covering her cheeks. "Are you sorry?". He shrugged, "You already sat me so why should I be sorry… by the way you're gonna pay for that later.". She bit her lip to keep from sniping at him. "Not that you dough head." She whispered, her voice irritated.
Sesshoumaru had been looking around the room, without appearing to of course. He'd had no interest in what the others spoke of, now however it promised to be most enlightening. A dough head? He glanced at his brother and Kagome and saw that they were glaring hostilely at one another. "What the hell are you talkin about then?" Inuyasha demanded. Kagome closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath. There was no point in fighting with him, he'd just make a scene. "I meant," she stated in a voice reeking with checked anger, "About us, the way things are now."
Inuyasha's eyes widened and he blushed. Sesshoumaru nearly laughed outright at him. He'd bedded the woman and yet he still had issues talking about these things? Inuyasha saw the wide, questioning eyes, the worry in them and smiled softly. He leaned forward and put the tip of his finger on her nose. "Why do you worry about these things?" he asked. She shrugged and he tapped her nose, much like one would a naughty pup. "I'm not sorry so stop that." He grumbled.
"I suppose she can't help it." Sesshoumaru intoned, and they turned to stare at him. Kagome quirked a grow in question. Inuyasha snorted, "Yeah? Why's that?". Sesshoumaru tucked a stand of hair behind Kagome's ear. "Women worry, it is in their natures. At least from what I have seen." He replied. Kagome would have liked to argue with him about it but found she couldn't. She did worry a lot, about most anything. Sango and her mother did too. "Maybe." She conceded.
It was perhaps ten minutes later that Jaken hobbled into the hall, young Rin trailing behind him. Together they approached the main table. "My lord it is in Rin's bedtime." Jaken announced. Of course Sesshoumaru knew this, it was stated for the sake of Jaken's wish to seem important he supposed. Rin bowed low before edging around the table.
Inuyasha liked the kid, he'd never say it but he did. She smiled at him and he hmpfed at her. "Good night kid." He said. Rin went to Kagome who gave her a squeeze and bid her pleasant dreams. She loved attention from them, but it was her lord's attention she sought most. Her whole little world revolved around the tall demon and to her there was no world she'd rather be. She stared up at him in adoration and he patted her head fondly sending her off to bed.
It was only a few hours later that he happened to notice that Kagome looked tired. It was apparently past her bedtime too. He and Inuyasha would be required to stay at least a few hours longer, but he saw no need for Kagome to. "Are you tired Kagome?" he asked. She nodded, leaning lightly against him. With a quick motion, the captain of his guard was at his side. "Escort her ladyship to our quarters.".
The tall dark haired inu youkai nodded and bowed, "Of course my lord.". Kagome stood and trailed after the man through the throng of guests and up to the rooms. She knew him, his name was Daijo. She had always thought him kind, though they didn't speak often. "You don't approve do you?" she asked, knowing he was a purist. He continued walking, "It is not my place my lady to approve or disapprove of my lords' decisions regarding anything other than military matters.". They reached her quarters and he held the door wide for her. Stepping inside his next words caught her attention, "Though if I could, I would approve. Good night my lady." Then he turned and was gone.
His words soothed Kagome for she knew that he would not have said it lightly. No matter how 'fond' demons claimed to be of her, she was just human and considered below them. "Inuyasha is rubbing off on me." She muttered as she crossed the room. She stared at her empty room, and the two doors on either side of her. She supposed her bed was as good as any, she had no idea how long they'd be.
She slipped into her sleeping gown and climbed into bed, tugging the silken sheets over her and closing her eyes. She was so tired, and a little achy. She knew what it was from, and deep down she wondered if she could turn them down if they wanted her again tonight. She didn't think she could say no, not after learning what they could do to her… It was too wonderful. Maybe she'd feel better tomorrow.
Inuyasha dismissed himself about an hour before Sesshoumaru left the festivities. He hoped that his younger brother was not bedding Kagome again. She needed at least tonight to lose the tenderness in her body. He strode silently through the halls. The demon court was a trying place at best. They all had a hidden agenda, that his brother was only now feeling.
The multitude either plotted against him and his seat of power or they fawned over him, begging for more titles, more land, military help. It was a nuisance. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Your father did that too." Daijo said coming from the opposite direction. Sesshoumaru met the gaze of his trusted follower and friend. "I recall.".
"What has you growling tonight?"
"Nothing of importance."
Daijo snorted, "Nobles are a pain in the ass. Present company excluded."
Sesshoumaru met his without expression, "So they are."
Daijo shared his lord's burdens and empathized. He bowed and continued his passage. Sesshoumaru walked the remaining few steps to his rooms. His eyes fell immediately on the bed. No Kagome. Perhaps she was curled up with his sibling. He strode across the expanse of floor and entered her room quietly. The moonlight streaming in from the tall windows cast the bed in a silvery glow.
Kagome was there, curled against Inuyasha. Her features cast in warm pearl, her hair highlighted in blue. Inuyasha was asleep on his back, one arm hanging off the large bed, the other curled to allow Kagome's head to rest on his bicep. She was on her side with one knee drawn up and that pale leg draped over Inuyasha.
They made an inviting pair and Sessh stood there for several minutes, just watching. They were so peaceful now. "You gonna stand there all night?" Inuyasha asked in a voice pitched only for demon ears. Sesshoumaru grunted lightly, shrugging out of his clothing. Without a word he climbed in on the other side of Kagome, curling himself against her back. Inuyasha settled himself back to sleep, turning over and giving Kagome his back. She snaked her arm over him and he laced their fingers together. Sessh breathed in the clean scent of her hair, and closed his eyes. Soon sleep claimed him.