ANNOUNCEMENT: So a month and a half ago, this fic turned two years old. I really frickin love y'all. I'm so happy that some of you have followed it this long sdkfjslfsfnsd

As my thanks, I finally conjured up a chapter

It's nearly 5,000 words and has 2 light smut scenes

Raises glass of vodka. Cheers.

Scars of Courage

(~December 9th~)

Trying to be quiet was a thrill in its own right. The plush carpet was comfy with their leisurely long strokes. She had been hot for him after seeing him fight for her to protect her and Shippo. She wouldn't admit it at first, what with her being angry that he would dare send her away from him in battle, but it didn't matter to a demon's nose. This time it wasn't just about her either.

He had been hot and bothered thinking about her leaping into action against Manten. Yeah, she couldn't do much as an untrained priestess, but her determined expression when she struck a meat shredder in the bastard's borish, bald head- oh he couldn't get it out of his mind. Well, he could while he was focused on their eye contact as he consumed the juicy effect he had on her.

They had ended up on the floor after a lazy makeout shower, washing away the metallic sweat and kagome's beer scent from an accident at the bar. Rescuing her lips from the water, he dragged her neck back, massaging the shampoo out with his fist in her wet tendrils. With the vulnerable state it presented, he took over her mouth, delving deep into her moans.

She crawled from their mess of limbs on the floor to the bed, slumped onto the pillow. He wanted to thank the bravest woman he knew for coming to save him. He might've lived the encounter if he'd somehow bribed them out of it. Getting up, he edged the curve of her leg with the deft, clearly-skilled fingers of his non-dominant hand. She hm'ed from the pillow and he went to the bathroom. He wiped himself down from their sloppy needful sex with a wet cloth, watching her take in the view of his bare backside with one eye peeking from the pillow. While he loved the smell of their lovemaking as any demon would, it did tend to cause him to be eager for more. The mirror was in such a useful position at that moment. Even in her drowsed state, she couldn't help but look.

"I-" hands steadied on the sink's edge, "I can't thank you enough Kagome. I- while there was a decent chance I could've gotten away alive- thank you for saving- Kagome!"

He was at her side in the instant he sensed her heart rate spike. The sound of her hyperventilation drove his demon to the surface. The back of his mind occupied itself with scanning the room for any foreign scents and sounds. He pulled her into the nook of his shoulder, his arm wrapping around to lock his fingers with hers.

Kagome squeezed back assuredly.

"You got this Kagome." They were a team against this unseen foe that was her anxiety. It had been so rare and only slight these last few months. He hadn't expected it to emerge full throttle like this, but hadn't expected it to just disappear forever either.

"I just- it scared- me- when you- weren't- here-"

"It's alright. Tell me after. Breathe mate. I'm here."

He wanted to hold her tightly and just push some calm through his skin into her soul. He was a fucking careless idiot. He brought up the topic, causing her brain to flick a light shining down on all that she had bottled up during the encounter while she focused on getting him and Shippo out alive. He didn't miss the way she glued herself to his back as they rode kirara back to his truck. He didn't say anything when she held his forearm to her side as Totosai came out scratching his bald head, asking "Where did you go last night? What kind of arrogant pup runs off in the woods during his period?"

A fucking idiot is what he was. He should have held her sooner. He was eager to talk with her when she got a hold of her anxiety, the scent rolling off of her in waves, a bitter taste in his mouth.

He sat there useless as she grew angry at herself. It had been five minutes of this. "Do I need to get help?"

She shook her head, reaching across his lap for his other hand. She just needed him. In his inner turmoil, he kissed her hair, trying to keep himself calm for her.

Finally, after ten minutes of it, she caught her breath. His eyes shut in relief, forehead resting against the crown of her hair.

"Do you want to talk now or sleep?"

"I'm gonna get some water." He got up with her, grabbing the silky robe from earlier to hand to her. She shrugged into it while he took a towel and secured his lower half from the light-sleeper out in the living room. In his mind being absorbed in her health, he hadn't been prepared to run into the runt just as soon as he opened their door.

"Kagome! Are you okay?" He asked groggily, leaping up to Inuyasha's shoulder, leaving little pricks of his claws as he scrambled to the other side closest to her. She lifted her hands a bit and he jumped into them.

"I'm fine. Thank you Shippo."

He didn't say anything at the lie and neither did Inuyasha. She lifted him back up to perch on his shoulder while she moved into the kitchen.

Kagome decided on some tea instead, punching the microwave to warm up a mug of water. She was patient as she avoided facing the boys behind her. Inuyasha soothed a hand along her hip. She loved that he couldn't keep his hands off her in any situation, except when she was already all over him and there was no need to be handsy. Like earlier today.

Inuyasha plucked the kid and his claws off and set him on the other counter, annoying the kit when he was placed farther away from her. The microwave beeped, her hands dipped the bag in.

She didn't drink. The mug warmed her hands. It felt like too many eyes were on her. Waiting on her. "Shippo. Could you give Inuyasha and I some privacy?"

He cocked his head, "Can't you just go in your room to do tha- hey! Put me down Inuyasha!"

Kagome listened to the padded feet as he presumably took Shippo away. The front door reeled open and boards creaked where Inuyasha stepped out, placing the kit on the railing of the deck. "Just wait here."

"Always kick out the little guy-"

Her mate returned promptly, rocking her a bit and kissing her temple.

"Why am I so weak." The smile on her lips wasn't a smile at all.

"Kagome. You're-" he fought for words, then whispered, "You're not weak. You're the strongest person I know."

"Right…"

"That's it." He huffed. He swooped down and bent her legs to let her fall into him. The occupant gave an annoyed "hey!" to her hanyou. She didn't have time to react before he laid her on the couch. About to roll off, he grabbed her upper arms as he pinned his body weight on top of her.

"What are you doing?" She grumbled at being roughhoused. He adjusted himself so as not to crush her access to air, as well as getting himself comfortable. It might be a long few hours before she opened up.

"I'm just listening to you, Kagome, for whenever you're ready to talk."

"Is this really necessary?"

"When is it not necessary to use boobs for nice…" he groped one for emphasis, "soft… pillows."

He dumped his skull on her breasts and nuzzled them.

~December 15th~

Kohaku shut his navy locker with his mind preoccupied dissociating. Classes are over for the winter and graduation was nearly at hand. He slings his duffel over his shoulder, contemplating how he might spend the break when a still figure leered in his peripheral.

The comfortable stance he held was broken in his fumbled surprise, with a sharp yelp at the newcomer.

"Ah-ah-" she punched his shoulder lightly, "two for flinching."

She wore an inverted pleated mustard skirt with an off-white blouse and her long tresses mussed up in an off-kilter bun. Leather wristband and silver chain about her neck with a center stone were the accompanying accessories. Always dressing as fashionably chic as affordable, she still possessed a stealth that he- even with his slayer heritage- did not. She adjusted her cute black rimmed glasses, "Where are you spending your holiday Kohaku?"

They walked together; her pale pink bag visible over her shoulder. His sunken eyes reflected his lacking ability to brain after all those midterms. "Hello?"

His half-sister was of course, inquiring whether he'd be staying with his father or at their deceased mother's lake house. She wouldn't stay there without a relative present as company. Younger than himself, she couldn't yet drive either.

"I honestly haven't decided, Rin. I haven't talked to Sango yet. She and Miroku might want some alone time over there."

They went down the stairs; a clumsy Rin securing herself to the railing. Most of the students had already skedaddled as soon as the bell had rung. Teachers could be seen packing up in their classrooms. "Well I guess I'll just hang out with you till we figure it out." She hummed.

"Cool." He opened the door for her and she huddled in her sweater walking out toward his car. He was polite but boys just didn't know how to socialize at this age. Rin held back a huff at impatience at that. Sometimes Kohaku walked around like he was half-possessed by a sleep demon.

She pulled herself inside with her bag on the floorboard and Kohaku got in behind the wheel, launching his duffel in the backseat. He ignited the rumbling dash with a twist of his wrist.

"Want to get starbucks?" He asked her.

"Okay!"

Dealing with Shippo's post-trauma tendencies appeared to be past at this point. He'd known about his mother's death for a long time and seeing her remains brought out the rain of the silent storm within him, solidifying what small lack of closure had been left. Inuyasha had purchased a trunk- more like came home with it in the truck bed one day and set it against the wall beside the bean bag, what had become Shippo's nest of blankets. Having stowed away his mother's fur in their room before, he brought it out with a gravest, sincerest aura as he walked and settled it in the open trunk, eyeing the kit's steady gaze upon him.

"You can keep your things in here. It's yours."

In a modest surprise, Shippo quietly nodded. He was used to a teasing brother like figure, not this fatherly sincere Inuyasha. Shippo leaped and bonked him on the head for good measure.

"What was that for runt?" He narrowed his eyes yet his tone still ever so patient.

"I was just making sure you're still in there Inuyasha. You've been acting strange."

A snarky attitude developed, "Well fine this is the last nice thing I'm doing for you then." but he calms with his name being called from the kitchen. The wench was watching, elbow on her hip and ladle in hand- always ready to strike her boys if needed.

Having successfully diffused the drama, she fixates her concern on the red-haired boy. During her time working at the bar, she brought it upon herself to ensure he could enjoy an adequate childhood- only with considering their income isn't really meant to provide for a child. On a night with good tips and after they'd settled in for the night, she would do her usual stroke of her boyfriend's cheek to see if he was awake.

Her touch always awoke him- though the mood might differ on occasion of course. Inuyasha always obliged to her caress even knowing she might only be asking if he could take her to a store in the morning. Sometimes it would take her a few minutes of resting in bed before coming up with whatever she wished to get the boy and thus she felt the need to check if he was awake before asking. The answer was always a slight nod of his head.

Kagome sighed at the look of the boy even now. He acted like a child, did childish things, but when she had put a coloring book in front of him, he'd blankly told her that he didn't like to draw.

"Have you ever tried?"

"Well… I-it doesn't matter I'm too old for this." And he went back to reading Apollo Howl.

"Even adults color sometimes."

Shippo sat unswayed, pretending to be engrossed. "Oi! Don't ignore Kagome!"

She shot him a glare across the bar to quiet him. On the couch, Kagome flipped across the psychedelic pages, chose at random, and flicked a pencil from the tray, filling in an area with blue. With a fifth left of the page uncolored, he sighed and emanated a bored expression, sauntering back to lean against her hip. Acting disinterested, he yawned as he complimented her work. Eventually the stubbornness faded and they worked on a page together. Inuyasha had flipped on the radio, per Kagome's new house rule of limited TV.

Most men would stagger at the acceptance of letting the wife rule the household, but he couldn't care less. It was his job to provide, he thought as he had glanced at Kagome's rather nice ass whilst she leaned over his coffee table, coloring. Provide, he did.

It was for Shippo anyway. He'd seen enough being on his own, having to fare the adult world so soon. Even if they hadn't adopted him, he would have been rescued by Toga eventually to be brought here where he could be safe. Him and Kagome both, preferred that he played with other little ones around, or read and played games. Television limited.

"You know- a typical 90's kid."

As if he knew what that meant. "I assume you don't mean the 1890's."

She slapped his shoulder, "Don't make me start calling you daddy."

Her half demon sauntered over; his mind refocused on a more delicious subject. Whether it was her or her cooking she wasn't sure. His embrace was welcome nevertheless. She hummed in appreciation, offering him a peck on the lips over her shoulder, to which he rested his chin thereafter. His usual smell of iron and smoke had been mellowed out with the snow and humidity and a hint of forest lingered much to her appreciation. Even though it was just Shippo nearby, Kagome felt a slight flush to her cheeks.

What was it about the security of strong arms around her midsection that melted her heart so? What was it about the solid abdomen glued to her back that made her swoon?

He liked her habit of wearing sweaters with loose collars. The black one currently stretched to leave her shoulders bare to him. A seductive as well as compassionate offering to his demon.

As if to remind her, soft lips pressed to the offering of flesh below him. His ear flicked against her cheek, and she giggled, turning slightly to kiss it. It flattened in embarrassment almost immediately. It was cute.

He was a delicious, dominant and intimidating, hulking demon most of the time, even now his growling reflected that and it sent her shivers. But the small emotive reactions were still there and he tended to let them be known since they made her smile more.

"Say Inuyasha?"

He had closed his eyes in joyful bliss and didn't bother to reopen them, pulling her tighter into him as a response.

"Would it be possible to let Sango come over sometime?"

His body withdrew. She turned around and watched him hold his chin, leaning against the counter. "I'm okay with it. It's just letting another human over here without expecting any problems."

She looked down at the pot, a bit dejected. Sango can handle herself better than I could though.

Things haven't been easy lately, and the both of them were feeling its repercussions. There was this line between them since the night after his abduction by the damn thug brothers. He still hasn't figured out how to cross this mental labyrinth to get to her. He puzzled over the whisper of a clue…

"Why am I so weak…"

It might be best for them to let her have time with the others. There was a chance she might open up with Sango, which he could then question miroku if he knew anything his girlfriend might have mentioned. He would be bending some unspoken rules with his father, but he would do his best to play stupid when it comes up. Feigning innocence at the fact that these rules were unspoken, so how could he have known them? The attempt would be futile, but it was some sort of plan Inuyasha could settle for.

"We could try it once at least."

Miroku fondled her shapely ass appreciatively, a hard on firm against her open thighs. "Just thinking of this holiday makes me want to serve my goddess in every way at every waking moment."

Sango nearly purred, but kept herself in check as they awaited Kohaku's arrival. Usually they would camp out in Miroku's dorm during the holidays and let the kids have the lake house, but it wasn't as exciting when you had neighbors with thin walls. They would talk with Kohaku when he got to their father's dojo.

She tweaked his cheek but relented with a roll of her hips against him, "Don't let the tigress out of her cage just yet Miroku. Wouldn't want to have to ditch my brother and sister so soon into the holiday."

"I can't help it baby I'm all riled up. Won't you help me?" He slithered a hand to her left breast and if he didn't stop soon, she'd have to rub her clit against a pole.

He gave off a delighted look when she grinned and kissed him. "They'll probably grab fast food anyway."

She shoved him into the hallway, but he turned around and pressed her to him and they waddled back to a secluded room, clicking the door shut behind them.

She eagerly returned to him, pushing him hard against the wall. "Let kitten do her dirty work baby."

He all but complied as she slithered down his jeans. Freeing his appendage, she spat into her hand and felt him up. He was so needy his head had fallen back in desire already. The sight of his engorged cock heated her slick entrance. She was tempted to touch herself between her squatted knees, but opted instead to fit him inside her mouth, focusing on sating her horny boyfriend. She slipped a hand behind to grab his buttock and thrust him into her mouth. As far along in their relationship as they were, she had become very good at deepthroating. Had no trouble at all much to Miroku's insanity.

Despite how weak-kneed he got for her skills, he coaxed her off by her ponytail, the tactic he knew would excite his girlfriend even more.

"I think we have time for you too, Sango."

She smiled "Come down here then."

"Yeah so we decided to take the lake house for the break, but we can come by tonight for dinner if you wouldn't mind us imposing."

He watched her smile while listening to Sango on the other end. "Of course, we could have dinner tonight! I made the boys spaghetti. I could whip up some more."

"See in you in two hours?"

"Absolutely!" The call ended.

"They just fucked."

Kagome shrunk away from him aghast, "You can tell?!"

"It's in the slight pitch of her voice. It's hard to not notice after years of knowing them. Together."

Sango hung up turning to Kohaku and Rin, "Are you sure of what you saw Rin?"

Rin nodded gravely. They looked to Miroku almost immediately as a thoughtful expression emerged on him. "I could put some sutras around the house."

"Oh! But she didn't seem threatening! She was just a girl, maybe a spirit?"

"I don't know, but you still felt a demonic aura, didn't you?"

Rin resigned with a sigh, "I did."

Sango rose and walked over to put a hand on her shoulder, though she missed the days her sister was small enough to put a hand on her head. "You're kind Rin. I know you don't care if you make friends with humans or demons or spirits, but we do know that it is a demon and we want to keep you safe."

Rain had begun to drizzle. "Just to be sure," Miroku added, "show us where you saw her." He thought it best to refer to it as a her so as not to seem insensitive towards Rin, but he nearly let loose the habit. Gender was very radical in these times anyway, demons notwithstanding.

Rin shrugged on her raincoat, reimagining the white-haired girl who had looked about her age. She had been standing in the brush, eyeing the dojo silently. Kohaku hadn't even noticed her since he was exiting the far side of the car. He had gone up to the steps inside unawares while Rin walked over to the- almost luminescent- girl who looked about her age. Her long, impossibly-white hair and dark skin hinted towards her other-worldliness. The dew on the foliage around her reflected shimmers on her black hoodie.

"Hey? Do you need some help?"

The girl faced her, revealing to Rin the most orchid irises she'd ever imagined, the outer rims a deep Byzantium hue. What disturbed Rin though was her bangs looked tangled and her eyes a bit red.

The girl stepped back as Rin moved closer and she paused. She offered her hot latte, "You look like you're a mess." She babbled, "Do you want my coffee? It's really good and I haven't had much of it if you don't uh mind any germs but it might help you feel better."

The girl looked at Rin incredulously and at the slightest, curious inch forward, Rin closed the distance and put the coffee in her hands. The girl took two steps back this time, and Rin apologized, "I'm sorry I hope you feel better. I'll go inside and get my sister; she can help you!"

Rin hesitantly stepped away to do just that but not before catching the girl give a soft smile with her pretty lips, murmuring something. She hadn't realized that she'd spoken until she'd gone inside, finding Sango on the phone and Kohaku glancing at her rushed entry curiously.

Thank you.

Bringing the group to the scene, Rin was a bit saddened to see her cup resting on the veranda near where the girl had been. She was about to pick it up, when Miroku took it first, inspecting it. "I don't sense any evil intent. I'm not worried about it, Sango."

The tajiya refrained from relaxing her crossed arms. "I trust your judgement Miroku, but that was just a young girl. Demons have families too you know."

Meaning that they can travel in packs- the notion lingered in the air. After analyzing it, Miroku dispelled any lingering aura on the cup, keeping note of the sense of affection left behind by the demon. If there ever was an appropriate time to mention it to Rin, he swore to himself he would tell her privately.

Heading to his jeep, he opened the glovebox for his tools. A calligraphy pen and a carefully packaged ink rested within, along with pre-cut paper. Knowing the others weren't aware of sutra meanings, he opted for making a warning sigil rather than a deflection spell. It would be sensible by demons and others like himself and Kagome.

Rin had gone inside, a bit beside herself at the decision that had been made. Kohaku followed her in. Miroku placed the ofuda on the post nearest where the encounter had taken place, praying a moment for good measure.

Kohaku watched her sip the latte. Unbeknownst to everyone but her, the vinti cup had been returned a quarter full, leaving some for her while knowing the demon definitely took her up on her offer.

"Sango invited us to come with her to dinner at Inuyasha's." He was saying that he wanted to go to, but wouldn't leave her by herself. Rin said nothing, but nodded so as not to be rude. She didn't know this Inuyasha person, only that he was this Kagome-person's boyfriend.

"I hear she made spaghetti and meatballs. Her own sauce recipe."

"Sure. I'll go." Though she would have rather stayed to see if the demon girl should return, but there wasn't anything to eat here. Somehow, she got the feeling she wouldn't be seeing her again any time soon, like how you only see a lost dog or cat once before it moves on, unless you pick it up and establish a bond.

"So how are we gonna do this Kagome?"

Her boyfriend threw on a shirt after Shippo teased about him walking around shirtless like a peacock impressing a mate. It was interesting how he didn't do so until after Kagome talked to Sango, who had texted her later that she would be bringing her siblings.

"Well we don't have a formal dining table- nor the room for one-" she added so as not to express it as a lacking on his providing effort that he so prided himself on. "I guess we can sit the kids here and let Sango and Miroku eat at the couch. You and I can eat . . . wherever. Do you need to let your dad know or?"

"I'll leave him a text. It should be fine so long as I escort them through the barrier." She followed him outside.

"You disobeyed my desires."

While she doesn't appreciate the way it sounded out loud, Kagura knew his intent was to keep her- them- safe. "You already know my opinion about your desires." She deflected.

There is hardly a point to even bring it up. Thumbing the edge of her fan, she lounged on a rock in the central garden of the property. After following his father into the storm, she had been on her way back to her husband, when she realized he had already been pursuing her. Sesshomaru had just arrived in Taisho Terraces, having traced her scent that far, when she felt his presence in her skyward journey. Sensing a need for a treaty, they met face to face below, but it has been days of silence as they chose their battle strategies.

The double entendre isn't lost on him, but he stores those desires for later. He led her out here this evening to discuss, not to cover it up in coupling. "I know of yours, but you are no longer just you."

"I know that."

"Yet you don't consider our pup's relevance to your decisions."

Her earrings click at the twist of her head, "Damn you. I would lean towards your desires more if you weren't so rigid." Being reminded, she did protectively caress the swell of her belly.

"Justify yourself then."

"Taisho gave me an out. From there, I correctly assumed that he would be near during my retreat from her castle. He had something to ask of me."

Sesshomaru had suspected this. Just as soon as he had scented the lingering youki of tetsusaiga on her form, he had understood why he had sensed his father near the castle. "He wished for you to help Inuyasha realize tetsusaiga's ability to cut through the wind scar. How lenient of him."

That damn sword. It was the only reason she hadn't broached the argument sooner. Ideas to avoid the subject of the sword were desired so as not to have this very moment occur. It would not bode well with Sesshomaru to know that his father only asked her safety in service of giving his unfavorable brother a hint on a weapon that the killing perfection could easily master himself. The jealousy would blind him from this blemish on their relationship; the inhibition of the wind going her own way freely. No calm clouds to feel through, nothing but a clear sky cut off from her world below, and thus, before her.

"I would not assume his intentions. I did intend to express my freedom in a moderately safe way."

Recognizing that she had thought of him and his preferences, he kneels to her level. His hand rests on hers, his face unchanging, but his eyes half-mast in emotion, "I regret my accusation."

He was about to say more when a troubled cry whispered to pointed ears. Duty took him towards the scent of many enraged auras on the dog general's estate.

Author's note: The mysterious father that's never around in his own dojo lol. He takes business trips to study and teach martial arts overseas, totally leaving his three capable children unprotected. Did I mention before that Miroku has holy powers in this universe? Well the more you know I guess. Hopefully it won't be another month or two before I can update again. I normally don't get this upset at having writer's block. This time around I have plenty of cooked up ideas and drabbles for the next chapter after this. Stay tuned~

PRAISE DEMON DOG DONG! LONG MAY HE REIGN!