Alls Fair in Love and War

Chapter 9 Inuyasha

"Once more Inuyasha. Try again."

"This is stupid."

"Which is what you'll look like if you don't get this right."

"Bite me."

"Don't tempt me pup."

Sesshomaru and I were in the entertainment hall practicing for me and Koga's upcoming ritual for becoming men. I think the terms are similar in some human cultures when a man turns 18. That would mean I'm officially an adult or close to it. But regardless of the meaning behind it all, I didn't want to do this. Dancing and twirling around like some female was not my cup of tea. "This is so dumb Sesshomaru. Why can't we do something else to prove our manhood?"

"Because it's necessary for a male member in the House of the Moon to perform –"

"— To perform his possible value and abilities in front of all the nobleman, royalty, higher ranks and military personnel. It's also important for assurance in the proper production of our kingdom and prospers of our bloodline to continue on thus maintaining a strong legacy." I heard this crap so many times I could say it in my sleep. When were they going to get it in their thick skulls that this wasn't worth it and I didn't want to do this nonsense?

Sesshomaru sighed coming to my side. "If you are aware of the customs then why question them at all?"

"I don't know." I didn't know anything anymore. Something I did know was that I couldn't stand being so close to him. His heat was cloaking my body in waves.

Kami how I loved him. I think I fell in love with him the day I was born. Everything about my brother just set my soul on ablaze. His handsome face had matured significantly since we were younger, so has his body, much to my satisfaction. His voice had become deeper, his height much taller now. He had eventually caught up to Father's height. His snowy white hair that once grazed the small of his back now flowed in silky sheets down to his knees.

He hadn't become worst with age like some demons would. He'd matured like a glass of white wine. His beauty was beyond imagining now, almost like a fairy tale attractiveness that only existed in one's mind. But I wouldn't dare try to persuade my feelings for him. Father wouldn't approve of such a coupling between his sons.

"Let's try again little brother." Sesshomaru came to stand in front of me spreading my feet with his boots and lifting my arms above my head. "Now move your arms in this direction as I demonstrated before. Than position your feet toward the side simultaneously with your arms."

I felt awkward. Dancing was clumsy for guys like me. This was more of Kurama and my brother's style. Father told me three days ago that Yoko and Sesshomaru had to perform the exact same rituals when they were me and Koga's age. But instead of doing theirs separately they did it together. To lessen the stress probably. At least Koga was being forced into doing this crap too.

"No Inuyasha you're four paces too slow. This dance has to be done with perfect sync."

I was becoming so frustrated I threw my hands in the air and shouted "Fuck this!" Stomping toward the door.

Sesshomaru's speed was far quicker than my own, since I hadn't even noticed he was blocking my way until he darted in front of me and I collided into his hard chest. "Damn!" I grunted rubbing my head. "What the hell do you eat for breakfast? Rocks?" His chest felt like a brick wall.

"Little brother you should put that temper of yours to better use. Such as improving your dance movements."

"Maybe I don't want to do this stupid dance."

"You don't have a choice in the matter."

"Whatever."

I could hear Sesshomaru's sigh. He was losing his patience with my attitude. As if I could give a care anyway. His attitude could use some adjusting too. He's become somewhat cold and hard to talk too lately. Father was the one who forced him to help me practice for tonight's performance. My ears were able to pick up their argument on the manner but Father won out on that one. Sesshomaru wasn't too happy about it either. That didn't deter my admiration for him. But it did worry me.

"Come here Inuyasha."

"No."

"Do as I say."

I looked at him as if he'd lost his mind and gave him my back.

"Very well. You leave me no choice."

"What? HEY!" Suddenly I was swipe in Sesshomaru's long arms, each limb wrapping tightly around my waist. His hand positioned itself at the small of my back while the other was busy lacing clawed digits between my own. My other hand was placed along his right arm at the elbow. We were both pressed so close my face warmed up. Oh Kami I hope I wasn't blushing. That would just be perfect for him to see how he affected me.

"Step up."

"Huh?"

"Step up on my feet."

"Oh." I did as I was told placing my clawed toes on his boots. Now we were so close, my forehead was practically on his mouth. I could feel his chilled breathe caressing over my face. I felt so… I don't know how I could describe it. But my heart was beating so fast against my chest I was sure he could hear it.

My eyes looked up to see Sesshomaru's slanted amber eyes half lidded looking down at me. "Ready?" He asked quietly.

His eyes were so beautiful. His voice so magical. Oh how I wish he knew how I felt to kiss those lips and to hear that voice whisper in my ears during the throes of passion.

I nodded ready for whatever he had planned.

Without warning we both were sailing across the smooth marble floor. His steps were sharp and precise even though he had to carry with my weight with him. We glided around the room in a sensual rhythm as if nothing else mattered. His movements weren't rushed nor slowed. Everything was perfect. He kept his hands in position at all times not worst faltering in step.

For a moment I wished that we were dancing for another purpose. Not for this ritual for in a ballroom, dressed in our best kimonos. He would wear one of shimmering white silk to match his moon tanned skin. I would be dressed in my red and gold robes smiling happily. It would be the night we announced our happily approved mating to one another. Kami what a night that would be. If I were blessed with such a faith nothing else would matter to me in this world. Nothing at all.

I hadn't realized my lips had formed a smile until I heard him say "What are you smiling about?" Oops, I immediately went back to scowl mood.

"Nothing. Just keep going." I mumbled. I didn't want this to end. It was like a wonderful dream. The entire world didn't seem to matter to me anymore. All I cared about was being in his arms and never having to leave from them. He was my prince and I was also his prince. Being in his arms…just felt so right.

Finally he twirled me off his feet, stretched me out to arm's length brought me back to his chest, than dipped me low to the floor until his face was pressed in my chest. We stayed that way for a long while, neither of us moving an inch.

The soft breeze of his breathes eased through my kimono causing me to shiver. His face was literally pressed into my chest, so why wasn't he moving?

Whatever the reason I didn't mind it. I could've stayed this way forever. That is until a voice from behind caught us off guard. "Am I interrupting anything?" Said a deep voice dripping with light hearted sarcasm.

"As a matter of fact you are." Sesshomaru said pulling me back up.

I looked over his shoulder to see Kurama grinning at the both of us with his hazel gold eyes. "Hey." I was still breathless with from how close our bodies still were.

Kurama walked into the room keeping his eyes trained on Sesshomaru's until reaching us. "If you wanted to dance Inuyasha you could've come and got me." He was teased.

Oh boy my god brother was such a hopeless flirt. "Kurama, Father wanted Sesshomaru to show me how to do the dance ritual for tonight. Besides I've never seen you dance... not respectively anyway." Kurama didn't dance, he did foreplay.

"Believe me young prince. I have nothing but your best interests at heart."

"Whatever." I mumbled. "What did you come here for anyway?"

"Can't I just want to come and see my favorite little brothers perform?" Yoko came to snake both arms around the Inu's waist pulling them both flush to his sides.

I couldn't believe this fool's bravery. "Let go of us stupid!"

His arms tightened around us. "Oh I can't do that. But actually if you don't mind Inuyasha, I'd like to spend some alone time with Sesshomaru. We need to…talk."

The way he said that made me want to stay. There was no telling what this pervert wanted to talk about…Wait what if what me and Koga feared was true…were they…were they? My eyes dashed between them secretly wanting one of them to tell me otherwise.

Kurama noticed this and chuckled. "No we're not Inuyasha." He answered kissing my cheek. "But don't go anywhere. I won't keep him long."

Well that bit of relief was enough to get me out of the room and give them privacy. So I left out the door closing it shut behind me. He says not to leave but I needed some fresh air. Being cooped inside of the palace all day makes me stiff needing some much needed stretching. I stepped down the hall taking in the basic view of the halls noticing nothing out of the ordinary…except a giant sized door coming to fly pass me and crashing into the far off wall in a thousand pieces of splintered wood chips.

"What the hell?" I chanced a glance behind me to see Sesshomaru and Kurama staring angrily at each other with erect claws. Now that was something I wasn't expecting to see after a so called private discussion.

Sesshomaru's chest was heaving up and down a little more than what I was used too but what caught me off guard was what I heard him say to Kurama before coming out of the room. "Hell will freeze over before I let you have him."

"The same applies to you Sesshomaru." Kurama stated just as coldly after his departing god brother.

I stood there completely shocked as Sesshomaru nearly walked pass me but came to stop by my side. I continued staring forward still not sure what to make of what just happened between them. He turned down to stare at my profile, lifted a single claw lining it down my cheek. "Be prepared tonight." Is all he says when he drops his hand and leaves.

Kurama comes out the room to stay before me looking a bit…was that confusion written on his face? My brother Yoko Kurama was confused over something? But what?

"Inuyasha…just know that…this isn't what I wanted."

Than the strangest thing in the world happens. Kurama lends down to kiss me directly on my lips. Now we haven't shared a kiss since my 200th birthday because it was assumed that I was too old to receive such affection without it meaning something more. The kiss wasn't heavy or long, just a brotherly light peck he used to give me as a child. He broke it off as soon as it began and went the opposite direction of the hallway heading off home.

Ok now I was the one with confusion. This was too bizarre. What on the world had just happened in there? It almost seemed as if they were close to ripping into each other. But that couldn't be. Kurama and Sesshomaru would never ever fight. Not them. And what did Kurama mean this isn't what he wanted? What was going on?

---

I've been a lot of things but scared was rarely one of them. I couldn't believe this… the entire audience of royals, soldiers, nobles, high ranks, and anyone who was anyone was out there. There were so many eyes. So many freaking eyes. I felt like pissing my pants. The entire arena was packed out from side to side.

"Hey what are you staring at?" Koga whispered suddenly from behind my back, startling me.

My heart went into overdrive, beating a million miles per hour. "Don't sneak up on me like that asshole!" I growled quietly.

"Hey don't get snippy with me mutt. I just asked a question."

I frowned. He won't be feeling all confident in a few seconds. "Have a look." I encouraged stepping aside so he could have a see for himself.

Koga shrugged pulling back the curtains to peek his blues eyes outside to see what had me terrified. When he pulled his head back, he had the same expression of worry and nervousness written all over his face. "Father didn't say shit about there being this many people." He grumbled clenching his fists at his sides.

I looked out the curtains scanning the crowd for our families and immediately spotted Sesshomaru, Father, Yoko and Kazo sitting in the dead center of the audience. God father noticed my face and nudge my father causing both of them to look, grin and wave discreetly. "The stupid old farts." I grunted shoving the curtain back in place. "They're getting a kick out of this."

Koga looked out again and received the same treatment. He growled flipping them both off. He snickered when he saw both their mouths hit the ground. Each giving a secret threat of punishment when this performance was over. "I'd like to see them try it, the jerks."

"Damn this is so stupid. I wish we could just get this crap over with."

"Yea. Rama and Father were busy showing this shit since the crack of dawn. Father said if I made him look stupid that he was going to rose whip me until I sprouted wings and danced like a swan."

"Keh, my old man said if I made him look bad that he had a nice hole dug up in the garden ready for me to jump in."

Suddenly we could hear the deep voice of our Fathers announcing to the people there that it was time for our performance to start and asked that everyone be respectful in being quiet and wanting to applause until we finished.

Koga and I rushed to stand at the center of the opening waiting for the curtains to split.

"Looks like this is it. Don't trip up stupid." Koga held out his fist.

I pounded it happily. "Whatever you just make sure to stay on your toes loser."

We both took a deep breathe when the curtains began to slowly pull a part. Demons and even a few humans from many countries and villages littered the many rows and rows of chairs set out for them. The Northern clan of blue haired Inu demons was seated to my left. I noticed the ones Koga mentioned from God father's neighboring kingdom in the south, dark tanned Youko from the southern regions were also present. Quite a turn out if we had those two kingdoms coming to see us too.

Koga and I kept our heads bowed as we walked quietly onto the center. My kimono was similar to that of a samurai warrior as was Koga's. The only difference was design and coloring.

Mines were dark navy blue with glittering patterns of the crescent moon dotting along the sleeves and chest areas. My hakama were pure white with a silver sash over my waist. My hair was left to hang loosely behind my back, brushed to its shiniest form.

Koga's kimono was a deep ruby red with shimmering white roses woven into the cloth on the sleeves. His hakama were white as well with a white sash tied neatly around his waist. His dark raven hair that was normally bound on his head, hung flowing down his back. It too was perked to its finest.

Once in position we waited until the music began to play in the back ground. My eyes scanned until seeing Sesshomaru's own. My twin set looking directly at me. This was it. Either I was going to look good or look like a total ass in front of millions of people. Only one way to find out.

The music began with a haunting melody to tell a long story of opposites attracting in life.

I took another deep breathe, exhaled than we started.

Our hands rose over our heads, stretched out to be brought back to our chests in jerked movements. The dance was to represent many things. Beauty, hideousness, happiness, sadness, life, death, ying and yang. Opposites that pulled the earth together.

Our hair whipped over wildly as we moved and stepped over the stage, stomping our power and tapping our elegance maintaining full focus. We couldn't mess up. No not when so many were looking. This was our moment; To be become men and prove our worth. Nothing else mattered now.

No nothing but our dance. Swing, swing, swish, swish. Hips moved and swayed from side to side to show that we possessed seduction in our handsome beauty. Fingers tipped and met at the center, drawing away to be push forward. Heads twisted side to side. Feet stomped in sync. Long white and black hair swirled around and around each other forming the sigh of peace and tranquility. Ying and Yang.

Our worth, our value, it was all in our dance. I felt my spirit coming to life. As if I was flying in front of everyone. My eyes closed focusing on the air around me. I could hear everyone's mumbles and whispers of admiration. So clear and…Then my eyes opened. I could see him looking at me. His eyes were trained on my every step. My every movement.

Sesshomaru. I dance for you brother. I want you to see my worth. My value. Can't you see it? How I am worthy to be yours? Please see it. In each stomp, in each sway, in all of my movements….I do it for you… Sesshomaru.

The final step came when we stepped furthest toward the back. "This is it." We whispered to each other.

Than we ran brought our hands in the air to land on the ground sending our bodies in the sky for a spectacular flip and turn. We landed on our hands again to somersault into the air one more time coming to land in a one knee position at the very edge of the stage with our heads bowed and long hair covering our faces from view. This signified our completion. Were we men now? That was for the people to decide on.

There was a stunned silence among the people. The quietness made us nervous. Had we did something wrong? Did we miss a step? Were they not impressed? Were we not worthy?

I felt Koga inch his fingertips to my own in supported nervousness. He too was wondering the same thing as I.

Suddenly we were taken back by the sudden uproar of applause. The room erupted with claps and cheers all around. Our hearts soared higher than the flips we did. They liked it. They really like it. We both stood up holding hands and bowed. I looked over toward my family chuckling at the way they all clapped especially Father and God father. But my eyes were focused on the pair that was looking at me.

Sesshomaru's lips curved upward on the side in his sensual smile. My face heated as my stomach fluttered with tiny butterflies. Kami what his approval did to me. I looked over to see Koga blushing wildly from the wink sent his way. Kurama was equally proud.

We did it. That's when I knew we did. With the proud smiles of our older brothers and Fathers, I knew no one else's praise mattered. We were men now.

---

Our celebration dinner was held in the largest dining hall to support the tons and tons of viewers that attended our performance.

Father was seated at the end of our ten seated table with God father on the other end. To Father's right was Prince Ion and his father, King Ionoki. I was sitting between Ion and Sesshomaru. To Kazo's side were Prince Raja and his father Lord Rosado and younger brother named Sakura. Koga was positioned between Kurama and Raja.

"Marvelous work my sons." Kazo praised sipping his soup.

"Yes I was equally impressed with your dance." Father boasted.

"Thank you." We echoed.

The new prince guy, Ion, lend over to politely kiss my cheek. "You were wonderful my dear. You danced with the grace of an angel."

I blushed. "Thanks."

Raja's green eyes twinkled as he smirked pulling Koga's hand to his mouth to kiss. "As were you Koga. I've never seen such elegance done with so much poise."

"Uh thanks." Koga's cheeks turned a bright pink.

Sesshomaru took a long sip of his tea. His opinion was the one I wanted to hear most. But I haven't heard him say a single word sense we sat to eat. Koga's disappoint was the same as mines. Kurama has yet to voice his opinion either. Why were they being so cold tonight? They couldn't be jealous of all the attention we were getting were they? Or did it have something to do with the commotion from earlier today?

"So Taisho, have you considered any potential mates for your youngest pup?" King Inonoki questioned between bites of his food. "My son Ion is a very strong warrior and quite capable of providing for your son's well-being."

Lord Rosado nodded. "Yes Kazo the same with Koga. Have you found anyone worthy of his hand? If not I have two very handsome kits with enhanced abilities in the art of plant youki focusing and well knowledge in the properties of rare seeds."

Taisho and Kazo shook their heads giving Koga and Inuyasha some momentary relief.

"We have already picked mates for the lads."

"Yes and may I add I couldn't be happier with the choices we came up with."

"Well tell us who the lucky ones are then." Inonoki grumbled a bit unpleased at knowing that Inuyasha already had someone chosen for his mate.

"Indeed." Rosado added in. "I'd like to see who you have chosen for the boys too."

Kazo looked over to the older dark tanned Youko sitting beside him. "Come now my friend. Don't be so upset." He placed a hand on his shoulder giving his best charming smile. "Your sons are both very handsome and I'm sure you'll find them someone to match with soon."

The dark tanned Youko's lips tiled upward as he grabbed Kazo's hand bringing it to his lips to kiss. "If you'd prefer Kazo, I could offer them to you sense you haven't a mate of your own or…" He scooted closer. "You and I could maybe become more acquainted with one another—"

The heavy cling of a tea cup cut off whatever else Rosado was going to say. Kazo glanced over to see his friend's disapproved expression of the conversation.

Ah, so Father was jealous huh? I thought as I hid my smile behind a cup of tea.

Koga discreetly passed three gold coins under the table to Sesshomaru in a silent bet they made about their fathers. Unfortunately those three coins were passed to Kurama who also made a bet with Sesshomaru. They were such idiots.

Kazo pulled his hand away from the attractive demon lord. "As tempting as that sounds Rosado, I'll have to decline. My interests are already…" His blue eyes twinkled teasingly in his friend's direction. "Spoken for."

InuTaisho cleared his throat pretending to listen to a conversation at a nearby table. "Let's get back to the subject at hand shall we?"

Just than Kurama and Sesshomaru suddenly got up from the table excusing themselves and left without another word.

Now that was weird. What in the world was going on?

"We wanted to wait until your celebration to let you and Koga know that you were betrothed."

Koga spit out his tea wiping his mouth. "Excuse me?"

"You heard us young kit. You and Inuyasha are to be mated."

My mouth hit the floor. "What the hell? To who?"

Kazo looked very happy as he told me and Koga the worst news we'd ever heard in our lives. "Inuyasha you are to wed with Kurama and Koga you are to be mated with Sesshomaru."

"WHAT THE HELL?" We shouted standing from the table, drawing the attention of a few specters.

I couldn't believe this. "I can't marry Kurama!" For so many reason too. One, Koga was the one in love with him not me. I wanted Sesshomaru but now my best friend is going to get the pleasures of knowing what it's like to be with my brother. Un-fucking-believable.

"I don't agree with this!" Koga stood up as will throwing his napkin on the table. "When the hell were you going to let us know?"

"The issue isn't up for debate pups. Now sit down. You're making a scene." Taisho looked around at the other table occupants who were noticing all of the action taking place at his table.

"NO!" We yelled angrily pounding the table.

Kazo frowned. "Do as you're told little ones. Don't make this difficult."

"You're the ones making it difficult!" Koga yelled. "Both of you can kiss my ass because I'm not going along with this!"

"Yea I'm not doing a goddamn thing!" I said just as loud.

"Silence!" Taisho roared. "You two are going to do as you're told without question. The decision is made in stone and will be performed when you come into heat. Now sit down, be silent and eat your meals."

I bit my bottom lip feeling so frustrated and angry. MY heart was breaking into pieces inside of my chest. "I-I can't…I can't do this. I don't want to do this!"

Koga shook his head. "Me either! Both of you can go to hell!"

With that said we both ran out the doors not listening to the commands of stop and come back.

---

Koga had run off home not once looking back.

I ran off toward the gardens. There was a lump forming in my throat and tightness in my chest. This was bullshit. I couldn't believe Father. Arranging a mating between me and Kurama? Why hadn't anyone asked me on the matter? Didn't my opinion matter too?

I was so angry my fist connected to one of trees splitting it right down the middle. My eyes stung as the salty taste of tears slide down my face slipping by my mouth.

This was so unfair. I wanted another person. I wanted Sesshomaru my brother, my first love. I didn't want to be with Kurama. I didn't love him. Sesshomaru was the one I was in love with. Kurama was the one Koga wanted, not me. I wanted to disappear forever. I knew it. I just something would happen to prevent me from being with Sesshomaru. I just knew it.

"Fuck!" I screamed falling to the ground and pounding into it viciously. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Each pound was followed by a crude word. "Kami why?" I sobbed curling on the ground in a fetal position. I hated this. It wasn't fair.

My heart ached so much. Oh Kami, I felt as if someone was stomping on my soul. I didn't hate Kurama it's just that I was in love with another. Oh Sesshomaru.

"Inuyasha?"

Speak of the devil. I blinked away the blurry tears. Damn it all. He would be the one to know I'd come here. "Leave me alone Sesshomaru."

"Inuyasha get up." He said as if not hearing me say to leave me be.

"Leave me alone!"

Suddenly I was lifted into the air by my arm and placed on my feet. I was so furious I threw my fist to his face but it didn't make it. I stopped a mere inch from his beautiful face. His eyes looked so sad. Almost as if he pitied me. That's when it hit me. "You knew didn't you?"

He didn't reply instead averting his eyes to the side. That was a good enough answer for me.

"Why didn't you ever tell me? How long have you known?"

Still no answer.

His lack of speaking was pissing me off. "Answer me dammit! It's the least you can do for lying to me!"

His silence was frustrating me. I was so close to just…

Than his arms rushed out to wrap around my body pulling me into a tight hug. "No, No, let me go!"

His arms tightened around my waist and his head rested on my shoulder. "I'm sorry Inuyasha."

"No you're not! Let me go damn you!" I yelled pushing on his shoulders. I didn't want to be near him. I couldn't stand it. I wasn't going to be his mate. I was promised to another. "Please let me go." I protested weakly still beating on his thick chest.

"It's alright."

I gritted my teeth angrily. "Don't you get it? It'll never be alright!" I chocked clinging to his sleeves digging my face into the soft cloth. "Dammit!" I cried out.

Sesshomaru pulled me in squeezing me to his chest. "It'll be ok." He repeated rubbing my back in soothing circles.

His comforting words, completed my anguish and my tears finally began to fall full force. I cried and cried. I cried my anger. I cried my frustration. And I cried most of all for my breaking heart.

I was going to have a mate…and it wasn't Sesshomaru. The one I loved most of all. The one that had my heart in his claws and didn't know. Now he'd never know how I feel. Not now. Not ever.

Oh Sesshomaru will you ever know?

"Kurama is a great person Inuyasha. You'll be happy with him."

I shook my head. "I know he's ok. He's my brother too. But…But I don't love him."

I felt Sesshomaru sigh. "Perhaps in time you could learn to love him."

My head pulled back to look into his slender gold eyes. "No…no I won't." Because I was already in love with someone. Someone I'll never be able to have now. He belonged to my best friend…and I belonged to his first love. This was going to cause so many complications between us.

Hopefully we'll be able to look past this. Even if it's with the wrong lovers.

TBC: Hmm life's becoming complicated. And it's only going to get more dramatic as the story goes on. It's Koga's turn to have a say in this in the next chapter. Stay tuned. ^_^

By the way about Kazo's secret...It's two whole chapters long Lol Hehehehe