AN: Another short story (well, that's my intention). Maybe a bit longer than Roses. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter One

He looked at the hanyou, brows furrowing as he moved closer to his brother. Grabbing the hanyou around his chin, forcing him to look at him but the other snatched away from him. Crossing his arms across his chest as he pointedly looked away from the other once more.

The dog demon running a hand over his face, letting it rest over his mouth as he looked to the silent hanyou. Disbelief coursing throughout at the words his younger sibling just spoke aloud. "How?" He asked him.

"Oh, I don't know, Sesshomaru." The hanyou started before turning around to face him, his eyes narrowed and the sarcasm in his words apparent. "One person sticks their penis inside the other and they have this thing called sex. You know the white stuff that comes out? It tends to be quite important when making a baby."

"Damnit Inuyasha," he said in irritation, closing the distance between them to grab him by his arm. Leaning down to speak to his face directly. Lightly shaking him as his frustration sprung free. "Be serious about this. You have the nerve treat this as if it's something to take lightly."

Inuyasha snatched his arm away, his golden eyes blazing. "I don't know, okay. I don't know how but I took the test and. . .it said I was." Shaking his head of white before turning to go and sit on the edge of the large mattress. His voice more defeated as he looked to the older demon. "This wasn't supposed to happen."

He let out a long exhale. "Maybe the pregnancy test was faulty. It could have been wrong."

"All three of them?" Inuyasha whispered, staring into a mirror of amber. The hanyou shaking his head, placing his head in his hands at his brother's silence.

Sesshomaru feeling lost as he watched Inuyasha's gloomy state. "We were. . .we were careful." He said, nodding to himself as he was sure they had done everything possible to prevent this. "We used protection."

"Well we obviously weren't careful enough." Came the sardonic filled response. The dog demon's mind racing too quickly to pay it much mind.

"Father is not going to be pleased," He sighed, those words an understatement as he thought of the beating he may well receive. His father enforcing his rule of no sexual contact under his roof. He would be infuriated to discover his youngest son pregnant while in high school. "He'll be furious."

"No he won't," Inuyasha spoke more calmly than expected at the possibility of having to face his parents. "because he's not going to find out."

He rubbed across his forehead, hoping to will away the forming of the headache he felt. Searching for patience. "Inuyasha. You can not possibly hope to hide this from them. It will not be possible in your later stages of pregnancy."

"I'm not going to hide anything because there's not going to be anything to hide."

He turned to face him fully. "What are you talking-" Coming up short as he realized the meaning in his brother's words. The vulnerable look in Inuyasha's eyes confirming his fears. "You can't mean to-"

Inuyasha shook his head. "I'm not ready for a baby, Sess." He said lowly, the first traces of fear showing on his face and his tone. "We're not ready to be parents. What do we know about raising a baby?" His words fading into the silence.

Sesshomaru watching him before making his way over beside him. Pulling him into his chest. Inuyasha laying against him as he let the demon stroke his hair. "You're right. We don't know anything about raising a life. But I will never leave your side. I would never leave you alone. We'll stay united through this together, Inuyasha."

The hanyou pulling away to look at him with an confused look over his features. "I can't keep this baby, Sess." He told him, standing up before turning around to face him. "I. . .can't do this. We're still in high school. I'm only a sophomore. I'm sorry but. . . raising a kid is the last thing we need right now. I'm not keeping it."

Sesshomaru stood up as well. His own confusion apparent as he looked down at his brother. "You're speaking of doing away with an innocent life, Inuyasha. It breathes the same as you and I. This if life," he stressed. "that did not ask to be here. The baby is our responsibility whether we're ready to be parents or not."

The hanyou brows furrowed. Tilting his head as if having difficulty processing the words the dog had just spoken. "And what I want suddenly doesn't matter? Your not the one who has to carry it around for nine months. They're not going to look at you and say you got knocked up in high school. This is my body and I have a right to decide if I want to do this or not and I don't."

He placed his hands on either side of Inuyasha's shoulders. "You don't seem to grasp the fact that this is our child. Their is new life growing within you. It is apart of you. It is apart of me. We created this. Would you seek to destroy something you played a hand in bringing into existence."

The demon never looking away; watching Inuyasha as he seemed to stare back at him with searching eyes. "You'll hate me if I don't have it. . .won't you?"

The whispered words making the older of the two come up short. The answer not as simple as he'd thought it'd be. His jaw tightening as he slowly put space between them. His hands falling to his sides as he stared into knowing amber. Inuyasha nodding to himself before abruptly turning on his heel. Hurriedly making to leave the demon's room. The door opening up to reveal an ebony haired woman with her hand obviously raised to knock.

"Oh, there you are," she breathed in surprise, a small smile forming on her lips at noticing her son. "Just letting you know your father and I are back from the store." Her brown eyes drifting over to the watchful dog demon before turning back to look down at her child. "What's wrong, Inuyasha." Noticing the tension that hung in the air.

"I have to go, mom. I'll be back later." He rushed to get out as he passed her, the human calling out to him but only the distant sound of a door opening and closing met her.

She turned to face him as she crossed her arms over her chest. Licking across her lips in nerve as she obviously thought of where to begin. "What happened between you two, Sesshomaru?" She asked softly.

Sesshomaru turning to look behind her at the steps that made their way up the stairs. Locking eyes with his father before the older demon turned to his wife. "What's wrong with Inuyasha? He left out here without a word my way."

"I don't know," she said, turning her chocolate orbs back to her husband's eldest child. The large silver haired male seeming to pick up whatever was wrong with his youngest son concerned his first born.

He stepped further into the room, his towering height making the space suddenly seem small. His face stern as he looked expectantly at the young demon. "Why is Inuyasha upset, Sesshomaru?"

He looked to Izayoi before turning back to face his father. There was no way to ease the heaviness of the truth he was about to reveal to them. It taking everything in the young one to school his features to hide the nervousness he felt being under the older man's stare. "Father. Inuyasha has informed me that he is. . .carrying our child."

The silver haired man seemed to freeze. The dark haired woman letting out a gasp as her hand flew up to her mouth. Her eyes flickering to Sesshomaru before turning to stare at the back of her husband. "Taisho. Did he just say-"

Taisho quickly putting a hand up for silence before focusing in on the seemingly calm dog demon he raised. His face slowly morphing into disbelieving anger. "You two were intimate despite my firm standing on no sexual contact." He growled out, his rage leaking through heavier with each word spoken aloud. "In my house." He screeched, one of his hands pushing Sesshomaru until he went flying backwards onto the bed. Taisho reaching down for the belt that wound around his waist.

"Taisho, no. Stop it," Izayoi came rushing up to stand between her angered spouse and the watchful Sesshomaru. "Beating him isn't going to change anything."

"Woman. Move. I am going to beat him within an inch of his life." His lip curling back over his fang as he looked to his son. "He disobeyed me. He is not an incapable pup. Him being reckless landed them in this mess. He's going to take his punishment like the man he seems to believe he is."

"Dearest," she spoke softly, her hands raised up in a placating gesture. "I understand your upset. I'm certainly not happy about this either. But that doesn't change the fact its happened. Our son is somewhere out there scared out of his mind around God knows who. Bringing him back home to us should be your biggest concern right now."

"Izayoi. Get out of my way. The boy needs to be disciplined."

"Damnit Taisho!" She yelled, shocking both men at her uncharacteristic action. Her fists balling up at her sides as she stared up at the man that seemed to dwarf her. "You touch him or our son I'll serve you with divorce papers so fast your head will spin."

The demon's mouth falling open slightly as he stared down at her. His helplessness apparent as he looked to his wife. His golden eyes finally going over to his son. Jaw clenching as he pointed a clawed finger at the silver haired young man. "I will deal with you later." Turning to leave out the room with a snarled, 'damnit,' in his wake.

The woman heaving a visible inaudible sigh before turning to face him. "We're going to go out and look for your brother. If he returns before we get back, call us."

He stared at her for a moment before nodding. Staring at him with a sadness in her eyes before leaving out after the dog demon.

Sesshomaru landing on his back with a huff as he stared up at the ceiling. Wondering if Inuyasha would really take the life of their child.

...

The three occupants of the room turned at the sound of the front door being opened. Golden eyes looking to them. The hanyou's movements slowing at being watched so intently. "What's going on?" The caution in his voice not hard to pick up as he looked them over as well. Finally closing the door behind him as their father raised up from his seat on the couch.

"Where the hell have you been?" The older man demanded as he moved in closer to his child, Izayoi standing up as well.

"Sesshomaru told us, sweetheart." She told him softly. "We know that your. . . your pregnant." The woman clearing her throat at the slight choke those words caused.

Inuyasha locking eyes with his brother. "Of course he did." He said lowly. Sesshomaru looking away from Inuyasha.

"Do you have any idea what time it is? How worried we were something might've happened to you when we couldn't find you?"

Inuyasha flinching at his father's ire directed upon him. "I'm sorry. I caught a train to the next town over. I lost track of time."

Sesshomaru stood up as well, drawing three pairs of eyes his way. "Did you. . .is the baby well?" Not able to form the words that might prove their child's demise.

"That's all your worried about isn't it?" Inuyasha asked with narrowed eyes.

"Answer the question," Taisho barked, spittle flying from his mouth.

Inuyasha looking to his father before shaking his head before bowing his head down to the ground.

"Boy, I know you're capable of speech." Taisho raising a brow as he sent his child a pointed look.

"No, okay." He said as he turned his head to look him in the eyes. "I didn't. . .I didn't kill it."

Sesshomaru letting out a deep breath, the fist over his heart loosening at hearing those words leave his brother's mouth. Opening his eyes to see Inuyasha looking at him. Moving forward to go to him but stopped short at the hand that came up between them as the hanyou made to pass him. Bypassing him without a word to take up a seat on the couch.

His mother coming to sit beside him. Watching her child with worry in her eyes. "Inuyasha," she breathed, everything she felt spoken through his name alone.

"I know," Inuyasha told her softly, his amber softening as he met her gaze. "I'm sorry mom."

"Damn right your sorry," Taisho spit out, running his hands along his face as he made his way closer to them. "I don't ask much of you two. And I expect the little I do tell you to be followed without question. So why is it your sitting here before me pregnant. Do you have any idea how drastically your life will change from this day forth? Your still nothing but a baby yourself, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha bowed his head. "I know, father. I regret not listening to you. I know we're not ready to be parents."

Sesshomaru's mouth twisting at hearing that before looking away with a light shake of his head. Feeling father stare at him but he couldn't bring himself to care. Inuyasha regretted what they did. Regretted being with him.

"Why didn't you do it?" The older man asked the hanyou, voice notably lacking its irritation. Replaced by a more calmer tone. "You could've gotten rid of the baby seeing as how we couldn't even find you."

Inuyasha looking up to his father before turning that uncertain look onto Sesshomaru. "Because I didn't want him to hate me." The barely audible words making everyone turn to the obviously stunned demon. Every ounce of breath leaving the young demon's body as his eyes held his brother's stare. Izayoi was right. He was scared.

Head whipping back towards his father at Inuyasha's attention suddenly being pulled by something their father said. Having not heard him.

"What," Inuyasha exclaimed in disbelief, standing up as he stared up at the older demon. "I don't want to leave my school. There's no reason why I can't finish out there. Everyone I know is there."

"Do you really expect to be able to focus on your studies with everyone talking of your pregnancy. No, you'll graduate from an alternative school. This will ensure you still get a proper education and keep you and the baby out of harm's way."

"I'm pregnant. Not an invalid," Inuyasha argued. "Your trying to make me a prisoner." Eyes widening at seeing his father unchanging. Turning to his mother. "Mom," he cried.

Her mouth falling open helplessly as she stood up, turning to face her husband. "Taisho. I'm sure it's possible for him to stay in his school for at least a few more months. There's no reason to take him out right away."

The silver haired demon's face not being swayed at her soft tone. "You've interfered with me disciplining them before, Izayoi. They need to learn that their actions have consequences. You coddling him is not preparing him for the change coming his way in a few short months. We've been too lax with them as it is and they're over due for a reality check. They want to act like they're grown while under my roof I'm going to treat them as such."

"That's not fair," Inuyasha cried with a shake of his head.

"You should've thought of that before you spread your legs!" Taisho barked out towards him. The hanyou backing away from the dog demon: the hurt apparent in his eyes. Cutting his eyes to Sesshomaru before rushing for the stairs.

Izayoi calling after him before sending her husband a heated glance. Going up the stairs after Inuyasha.

Taisho turning his head to see Sesshomaru's bowed head. A sigh leaving him as he went to sit on the opposite couch.

"Son," Sesshomaru lifting his head to meet his father's eyes and the disappointment he saw there hurt worse than any sting of a belt. The older demon seeing his son knew of the severity of his displeasure with the situation and his actions. Tiredness settling in his old bones as he took in the submissive air of his son.

"I can't begin to explain just how disappointed I am in you, Sesshomaru." His tiredness leaking through into his words. "As the eldest I expected you to know better. To look out for Inuyasha. This child between you two will force you to grow up faster than your prepared for. Raising a child is no small matter and you'll understand the weight of your actions when it becomes your reality. I expected so much more for you."

It taking everything in him to hide the wince. His father's words cutting him deeply. The defeated air about him worse than the rage he'd rather face. It wasn't often he displeased the older dog demon and this was more serious in comparison than to times of the past. There was nothing he could say because he was old enough to know better and they both knew it.

"You'll be graduating soon," the silver haired man continued. "You will go to university as planned but you will be expected to find work to support your new family. You will take responsibility for your brother. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal," he muttered.

The sigh to follow telling Sesshomaru his father wished to say more but instead opted to leave him alone in the living room. Sesshomaru standing up to go to his room upstairs. Pausing in the doorway at seeing Inuyasha sit up from his laid position. Closing the door behind him as he made his way over to the bed, the scent of tears filling the dark space.

Stopping just before climbing onto the mattress as the two looked to one another. "If father finds you here, it'll only anger him further."

"I'm already pregnant. Me being here is not going to make this any worse." A nonhumorous laugh leaving him before quickly sobering up. "This is all your fault."

Sesshomaru closed his crimson lids in a sigh, knowing Inuyasha's fear of the life he was carrying. "Need I remind you that it takes two to have sex, Inuyasha. I didn't force you and if I recall you were more than willing."

The hanyou looking away at the truth in those words and Sesshomaru finally climbed on the bed. Reaching out for the quiet hanyou. The other resisting him for a moment but eventually gave in. Tucking his face in the dog demon's neck as Sesshomaru held him close. Fresh tears scenting the air as the two shared warmth and space.

"I'm scared." The whispered words making his heart twist uncomfortably.

"I'll be here for you Inuyasha. Your my responsibility now and I'll take care of you both. You have me and I'm not going anywhere."

The demon feeling helpless as he stared ahead blankly. Silently offering comfort as Inuyasha's soft cries reached him.

Sesshomaru closed the front door behind him, walking further into the house. Noticing light spilling forth from the kitchen and knowing Inuyasha was the only one home. He went inside, seeing the hanyou sitting there with open textbooks and scattered papers. Head bent over a book as he scribbled away. Looking up as he eventually seemed to notice he wasn't alone.

Inuyasha looking back down at seeing his brother. Sesshomaru watched the slight shift in his brother, noting his brother seemed to grow uncomfortable with just his presence lately. This whole journey had been taken with tentative steps but Inuyasha seemed to shut down in a way he hadn't before. Therefore making he himself uncomfortable. Inuyasha was supposed to be able to come to him for comfort. Not lock up at seeing him. He wondered why it was. He didn't know but he planned on finding out considering they were truly alone for the first time in weeks. Inuyasha the only one mostly at home alone with everyone else going out to work. True to their father's word, Inuyasha had been pulled from public school months ago and was now in his third year of high school.

He took up a seat across from Inuyasha, the other looking up at him before turning back to his school work. Seemingly consumed with the words before him but Sesshomaru knew Inuyasha wasn't concerned with his assignments now.

Point proven when the white haired male let out a deep sigh, finally leaning back in his seat and giving him proper eye contact. "Your staring."

"And your avoiding me." The demon stated knowingly.

"I don't know what your talking about." Inuyasha responded what Sesshomaru was sure was meant to be casual as the hanyou stood up from his seat. Sesshomaru's eyes falling down to the bulging stomach his brother carried these days. Watching him amble across the tile floor to open the refrigerator.

"I make you uncomfortable. Why," he asked once Inuyasha closed the door back, a bottle of water in hand.

"Look, I'm busy right now okay. I don't need you coming in here with your nonsense and distracting me." Inuyasha grumbling under his breath as he went over to stand before one of the cupboards. Reaching inside to grab the green bottle of prenatal vitamins that rest there. Inuyasha unscrewing the cap before shaking out a large pill. Throwing one back before reaching for the bottle of water. Unaware of the silently stalking demon until the heat was almost pressed into him. He turned to face his brother. "What the hell-" Eyes widening as Sesshomaru placed either of his hands on the nearby counters. Effectively boxing him in. "What are you doing?" The slight raise in his voice not going unnoticed. Sesshomaru making to act as if he were to kiss him but the lips he reached for evading his own confirming his suspicions. Inuyasha's breath hitching as he stared back at him with panic. He leaned away, confusion filling him at seeing Inuyasha wrap his arms around himself. As if trying to appear smaller. He backed away, wondering what had happened for his brother to react so strongly to him simply being near.

The hanyou lifting his head to stare at him at seeing his retreat. Sesshomaru turning on his heel and leaving out without another word. His pointed ears picking up on the low sigh of relief. Deciding he'd deal with his brother when the fatigue of work didn't weigh as heavily on his mind.

His chance coming sooner than expected when he woke up to the sound of the bathroom door in the hallway being opened and closed. Looking to the nearby clock on the nightstand and seeing it was two in the morning. Sitting up before leaving the bed and slowly opening his bedroom door. Seeing father's bedroom door closed and knew he and Izayoi were asleep and wouldn't leave their bedroom to use the bathroom as they had one in their room. Creeping forth to the bathroom door and quietly twisting the knob before pushing it open. Peeking his head around the door to see Inuyasha standing before the mirror with his top bare. Head tilted as if studying his body. Particularly his swollen stomach as he lightly fingered the moving skin under his touch. Wondering what Inuyasha was thinking as he couldn't discern by looking at his face.

Inwardly startled when Inuyasha's head suddenly whipped towards him. Turning to reach for the red shirt thrown over the counter and the dog demon quickly made his way inside the same space. Inuyasha's eyes wide as he stared at his brother. The panic from earlier swirling around in his eyes as he held the red material over his chest as some type of barrier.

"What are you doing?" The hanyou hissed quietly, keeping a mind to remember his sleeping parents. "Get the hell out. Now Sesshomaru," he added at seeing he was just being stared at. Sesshomaru unable to help his eyes go to his brother's filled belly. As Inuyasha did his best to remain covered and hadn't let him close to him as of late. His child growing inside of Inuyasha. Their child. He found it fascinating. Which is why when the hanyou came forward with demanding arms he was taken by surprise. Inuyasha reaching for the doorknob behind him as he looked to Sesshomaru. "Get out, Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru gently easing his brother away from the handle. Locking the doorknob behind him. Only moving forward at seeing Inuyasha made to don his shirt once more. Taking it from his hands as he pulled him closer. The hanyou looking to him with wide eyes as he pushed at the demon's chest. Desperate to get away for reasons Sesshomaru could not see. Pure shock going through him at the tears that filled the other's eyes. Inuyasha becoming a trembling mess in his arms.

"Inuyasha," he breathed helplessly as looked back with wide eyes of his own.

"Let me go," came the desperate gasp as he continued to beat at the elder's chest with less intensity than before. The tears making his gold watery and heart piercing. Sesshomaru dropping the shirt to hold Inuyasha with both hands. Inuyasha's words a mantra to be released.

"No," the demon replied resolutely. "Tell me why. Why won't you let me hold you Inuyasha."

"I don't want you to see me like this," the hanyou gasped as he bowed his head. "I'm dirty." Sesshomaru tilting his head back to look into his brother's water filled eyes before crashing his lips over Inuyasha's tempting pair. Unleashing all the pent up sexual tension that accumulated within him over the past two months in one demanding kiss. The other's attempts at getting away growing less and less as he focused on not being swept away by his brother's need. Sesshomaru feeling Inuyasha grow heavier in his embrace as he relaxed into him. The moans that passed between them telling him his brother desired this as he: so why?

A moan ripping from Inuyasha as he forced his head back, placing his hands on the older demon's shoulders to hold him back at noticing his intent to follow after him. Inuyasha turning his head away, the hanyou's breathing coming out heavier as he littered kisses and suckles onto his neck. "Sess, stop," came the pleasure filled sigh of protest. "Please stop."

"You don't want me to stop, Inuyasha." His breath blowing across Inuyasha's peach tinted skin as he moved up to his lips. Capturing them once more and found them not nearly as resisting as before. Sesshomaru turning until Inuyasha's back met the sink counter. The other's arms looping around his neck as his own need from continuously denying them this moment was read by the older male.

The dog demon's hands lightly tracing down Inuyasha's arms as he ravaged the mouth beneath him. The pads of his fingertips barely coming into contact with his brother's stomach before feeling him tense up. Inuyasha pushing him back, the two heavily breathing as they looked to the other. Something in his brother's eyes urging him to close the space between them once more but Inuyasha quickly put a hand against his chest. "Will you stop, damnit." He said before sliding out from his trapped placement. Going to stand before the closed door. Eyeing the other as if he expected the other to try to reach out for him at any moment. "You always have to get your way. It's like my words don't reach you. I don't want you touching me, Sesshomaru. Not. . .while I'm like this."

His brows furrowing as the hanyou looked down at his stomach. "There is nothing wrong with you, Inuyasha. What is it. Do you fear I won't find you desirable so late in your pregnancy. This is why you send me away when I come to your room?"

"You don't get it, Sesshomaru." He said with a shake off his head.

"Then help me understand."

"I don't feel like me anymore. With all I'm feeling lately the last thing I need is you seeing me naked. So forgive me if I don't want to do anything sexual with you." He bit out harshly, face frowning up as he obviously battled with the urge not to cry. Raising a hand up to his forehead, eyes slipping close. "Do you have any idea. . .what's it like to feel uncomfortable in your own body. To carry something inside of you that you don't want there. The bigger I get, the more it sinks in that I am going to have a baby whether I like it or not. My life will never be the same."

"You won't. . . you won't always feel this way, Inuyasha." His words not holding in them the conviction he meant to convey. "Once she's here, you'll grow to care for her as I do."

"I want my life back," the quietly spoken huff of words holding in them a hitch of unstable laughter. "I just want things to go back to the way it used to be but that's not going to happen." Any other words he might've spoken cut short. His mouth falling open in a silent scream of pain as he suddenly bent over at the waist. Hand reaching down to cradle the underside of his stomach as his eyes squeezed shut. Sesshomaru racing forward, Inuyasha scrambling for his arm as he focused on breathing through the pain. "Shit," he said with a deep chest heave. "I-I think it's time." Looking down at the wetness that pooled beneath their feet. The hanyou's water broke.

Their daughter was ready to be brought into the world.

He looked away from his intense glare onto the carpet of the living room floor at the sound of a key being slid into the door, looking up as the ivory haired figure came walking into the house on unsteady feet. Shouting loudly his goodbye to the large car that was pulling out of the driveway.

He watched as the hanyou locked the door before slumping against it, a snort of laughter escaping him as he struggled to right himself up.

The dog demon shook his head as he looked away from his brother, rising up onto his feet from his seat on the recliner. Barely suppressed irritation taking hold of him as he looked to the clock underneath the television on the entertainment stand. It was three in the morning.

Sesshomaru turned back to his brother at seeing him finally manage to get his posturing back under his control, turning around only to jump at finally noticing him. "The hell, Sesshomaru. Why are you just standi-"

"Where have you been," The lowly spoke words very much holding a hint of a bite behind them. Slowly inching his way closer to the scent wafting from his brother. His face frowning up in disgust as the smell of the alcohol filled his sense.

His brother instantly took on a guarded expression. "Out. I told you I was going out with some friends."

He took a deep calming breath. "You didn't say you were going to stay out until three in the morning, Inuyasha."

The hanyou snorted before raising a dark brow. "What am I? A baby now. So what. The party ran a little later than we expected. At least I came back."

His eyes narrowed. "A call. A text message would've sufficed. Anything to let me know you were alright. Staying out all night, Inuyasha?" He asked in confusion. "This has never been you."

Inuyasha crossed his arms, seeing the hanyou was fully prepared to be difficult. "Maybe its always been me. I just never had the chance to really find out for myself, ya know. With you knocking me up and all."

He let out a small breath of humorless laughter, shaking his head in disbelief. "Of course. It always comes back to our daughter. As if you somehow getting pregnant is solely my fault. I didn't hear any complaints from you when we were making Meyumi, did I?"

The hanyou looked away, mouth parting in clear offense before pushing himself off the door. Coming to stand right before his brother. Tilting his head as he let his eyes roam over the dog demon's face as if truly seeing him for the first time. "I told you I wasn't ready for a kid, Sesshomaru. I told you how I felt and you didn't give a damn about my feelings. You pressured her on me."

Staring down at the hanyou as if he were mad. "Pressured," He reiterated as if he couldn't believe his ears. His tone saying it all.

"Yeah, pressured." The hanyou didn't hesitate to respond. "If I didn't somehow keep her then I was the lowest scum on the planet. If I didn't keep it you wouldn't love me anymore." He said before walking past his brother to go and take a seat on the couch. Slumping back into the plush cushioning. "I did my part. She's your kid. I've been raising her for four years. Don't I get a chance to have a little fun for myself? All I fucking do all day is change diapers and feed her. And she never stops crying. . ."

He looked down, moisture clouding his eyes as the weight of his brother's words hit him. His hands cupped over his mouth, willing away the sting in his chest. "She's your daughter, Inuyasha." His words strained and watery. Willing for the hanyou to understand. "She didn't ask to be here. You were talking of aborting our child."

"There! Right there!" Inuyasha suddenly exclaimed, abruptly standing up from the couch as he gestured out a hand towards him. "That look in your eye. As if I'm somehow this God awful monster! I had her. For you!" He cried, tears pouring down his cheeks. "And I still can't seem to do anything right in your eyes." Throwing his hands in the air with a helpless shrug.

"Your not supposed to just tolerate our child, Inuyasha." His pain manifesting into anger and it showed in his eyes. The tight set of his jaw. "Your supposed to care about her. Interact with her. Take an actual interest in her! Show that you actually give a damn. What do you thinks going to happen when she gets older and starts to understand why you push her away every time she tries to get close to you."

"I wasn't ready. Wasn't ready for a child." He muttered to himself as he started to pace the living room floor. "You pressured me. Just wouldn't stop talking about how good it would be. How happy we were gonna be. You pressured me and I gave in. Loved you. Loved you so much." He suddenly stopped and looked to his brother. "But no one's happy."

"What was I supposed to do? You were talking about taking an innocent life. I couldn't just stand by and let you kill her."

"What about me! What about my innocence!" He cried as he walked up to the teary eyed demon. Both of them with pain in their eyes. "I'm only twenty-one, Sesshomaru. There was so much we could've done. So many things I missed out on doing. And all because I didn't want you to leave me. It was like talking to a brick wall. You wouldn't even consider the possibility. . . you always try and force your will on me. I did what you wanted and it's still not enough for you. What about what I want for once?"

"I'm afraid that what you want is no longer top priority for me." Heart clenching at the blank look that slowly washed over his brother's face. "We have a little girl to consider now. Do you know that she asks about you every time your away? If I never brought her up to you, I think you'd be content to act as if she didn't exist. And yes. You missed out on a few years of your life due to caring after Meyumi but that comes with being a parent, Inuyasha. She didn't ask to be here and bringing her up in a fucked up situation is not an option. Not when we can give her so much better. She needs you. I need you."

"And I needed you. I was scared. I was so scared. . .but you didn't care about that. Only thing you gave a damn about was the child I could give you."

"That's not true. I was there for you every step of the way."

"Yeah," the hanyou muttered lowly before turning on his heels and towards the hallway. "You were such a comfort with your talks of happy family life when I was terrified out of my mind. You were such a great help." The sarcasm heavy as he disappeared down the hallway.

He followed after him to their bedroom. Looking to the ajar door further down the hall before going in after his brother. Closing the door slightly behind himself. Walking in further to watch Inuyasha strip out of his clothes.

He watched in silence as Inuyasha stripped and made his way into the connecting bathroom. The door slamming with greater force than necessary behind him. He watched him go before shrugging off his own clothing and heading for the large bed.

Listening to the running water in the bathroom as he thought of the silver haired little girl in the room down the hall. Wondering where her papa was tonight at dinner. He'd lied. Like every other time. And like every other time, felt disgusted with himself. What was he supposed to say to a four year old. That Inuyasha would rather be out partying than spend time with her?

He opened his eyes at the flush of a warm and wet body pressing against his back, an arm coming around to hug his waist as the press of lips met his shoulder. "I'm sorry," Inuyasha whispered against his skin. "Don't be mad at me. I'm sorry." Another kiss pressed against him at the silence that followed. "Sessh-"

"There's going to be a day where you'll have to take responsibility for you own actions, Inuyasha." Speaking towards his shoulder as he cut in. "You may not have wanted to have Meyumi, but you still chose to carry her. Me wanting her aside. She's your daughter just as much as she is mine. Your going to have to start accepting the choices you made."

He heard the hitch and felt Inuyasha still for a moment before the pressure of the arm around him disappeared. The hanyou turned his back to him but the feel of him behind him never left. Neither of them slept that morning.

...

He made his way to the front door, exhaustion gripping him as he stuck his key into the cylinder. Stepping inside his home and closing the door back. He walked down the hall and made to call out to Inuyasha to let him know he was back but came up short at the sound of laughter. A smile found his lips as he thought maybe. . . hoped it had something to do with Meyumi.

He quietly made his way towards his and Inuyasha's shared bedroom, peeking inside to see Meyumi sitting in the center of their bed. Her tiny frame seemingly being swallowed up by the sheer size of the mattress. Her hanyou ears sticking from her head of silver strands swiveling at every sound that left the hanyou. Her golden eyes locked onto the smiling hanyou currently walking around the bedroom. Phone pressed up against his ear.

"Ha. Yeah, I can go out tonight. What time are you coming to pick me up. . . Fine. Yeah, that's good. What club. . .ugh, I don't like the bartender. He's creepy. . .Haha, I know. At least the drinks are cheaper."

The demon's eyes drifted back to his daughter, seeing her tiny hands holding out the yellow sippy cup towards her papa. The hanyou too busy rifling through the closet to see.

"Papa." Mia called out softly.

Only laughter greeted her as Inuyasha described the outfit he had in mind for tonight to whomever he was talking to on the phone.

"Papa!" She yelled out louder.

Inuyasha sighed as he turned his head towards her, seeing the cup she held out towards him. "Yeah, she's hungry." He spoke into the phone as he dropped a pair of gray jeans and walked over to the bed. Taking the cup from her hands. "He should be back soon. Then I'll start getting ready. Then he can take over. It's like I can't breathe for five minutes. I can't wait to get out. She's been driving me up a wall all day. . ."

Meyumi suddenly started to cry and the hanyou sucked his teeth as he looked to her in irritation. "I'll call you back. I need to try to get her to sleep. . .Yeah, see ya."

He hung up the phone before casually tossing it on the opposite side of the bed of Meyumi. "Alright. Stop crying. Damn."

Sesshomaru looked to the opposite wall of him, listening to his child's cries and his brother's obvious irritation. Moisture filled his eyes but he refused to let the tears fall. He closed his eyes, head thrown back against the wall as he pulled his emotions together. Several deep breaths before he turned and walked into the bedroom.

Meyumi's sadness broke his heart and he didn't hesitate to reach for her at the arms that reached out for him.

"Good, your back." He looked to his right, seeing the yellow sippy cup held out towards him. Now filled with a red substance. He took it and handed it to Meyumi, who's sniffles soon morphed into loud gulping as she looked to her papa. Tears clinging to her dark lashes. The hanyou turned back to the closet. "Hey, I'm going out tonight. Should be back around one but don't bother waiting up for me."

Managing a faint hum as the hanyou turned to the bathroom to get ready. Sesshomaru sitting on the edge of the bed with Meyumi. The little one leaning back into him as she drank. Lightly bouncing her as he stroked the hair identical to his own. Her facial markings his own. Only thing linking her to Inuyasha were the ears they shared. He mumbled apologies in her soft ears that brushed against his lips. Not quite sure what it was he was apologizing but knowing his daughter deserved far more than what she had. Whether it was her papa's lack of interest in her or his failure as her father to make it work, he didn't know. But he was sorry for either case.

He rocked her as he listened to Inuyasha in the shower. Doing his best not to look at him when he came out of the bathroom to get ready to go out once again. Chatting away to people over the phone who didn't truly have his best interest at heart. . .but it's who his brother chose as company. He tried to be understanding. Knowing Inuyasha's pregnancy made him miss out on many things teenagers his age usually got to do before adulthood. He figured maybe allowing the hanyou out every now and then without protest would alleviate some of the tension between them surrounding Meyumi but he saw how foolish hope had made him. Their problems ran far deeper than Inuyasha missing out on school dances and making up for time lost. It didn't matter anymore. Meyumi was his first concern now and the same could not be said for Inuyasha.

A car horn from outside made him turn to face his brother. Seeing his brother dressed in faded dark jeans that flattered his frame along with a red silk button down. A black leather jacket completing his ensemble. Hair bound behind him in a high ponytail. Looking pristine in it's ashen color.

"Yeah, I hear ya. I'm headed out now. . .alright." The house phone placed on the dresser before Inuyasha turned to face him. Making his way over to the bed and bending down to kiss him but the demon turned his head. Feeling the questioning stare burn into the side of his head. "Um, I'll see you later. Love you." The uncertainty in his words palpable but he pulled away before turning towards the bedroom door.

Sesshomaru watching him go. Looking down at the slumbering figure in his arms at the sound of the front door closing. As was usual, Inuyasha hadn't bothered to look her way. No words of goodbye.

He kissed her head, gently easing her to lay on the mattress before walking over to pick up the house phone. Punching in a set of familiar numbers before walking out the door after one last parting glance toward Meyumi. Walking into her bedroom to hear the line had finally been connected. Switching on the light before walking over to the closet. Picking out the purple and yellow backpack his daughter fancied.

"Sesshomaru. To what do I owe this pleasure." The teasing words not taking away from them the thickness of sleep in the owner of the deep voice.

"Naraku. I need to bring Meyumi over for a while." He told the spider hanyou as he gathered a few of Meyumi's clothes. A dark haired man he'd met while attending classes at the university. Both majoring in Business. The two striking up a fair friendship of sorts over the years.

"Yeah, of course." The spider's words more serious. Sleep seemingly lifted.

"It's just for a few hours. I'll be heading for my mother's home in Kyoto in the morning. I just. . .I need to get her away from here."

"You two are always welcome here. I take it he's still-"

"It's. . . not working." He cut in.

"Alright. I'll look out for you."

"I appreciate it."

"I'll see you soon."

He hung up, zipping up the backpack and picking up a thick coat and shoes before walking out and back towards the master bedroom. Going over to their closet and grabbing a small duffle bag. Throwing in some clothing of his own before going over to a sleeping Meyumi. Bending down to slip on her shoes before making to put her jacket on. Her face frowning up at being disturbed but he managed to cover her before she fully awakened. Watching her gradually slump back into the bed before going over to pick up their belongings. Taking the car keys from the nightstand.

He loaded the silver car before going to retrieve his daughter. Strapping her in before taking up the space behind the wheel. Backing away from the home and driving off into the night. Looking to Meyumi as he drove. Wondering why Inuyasha couldn't feel what he did for the little silver haired girl.

...

The expected red car that parked in front of the spider's home had finally arrived. The dog demon lifting his head from out of his hands as he watched the white haired figure leave from the driver's side with a slam of his door. Stalking around the front of his car and toward the front door of the modest sized home.

Sesshomaru rising up from his seat on the porch and walking down the few steps to meet his approach.

"Are you crazy," the hanyou demanded to know as he neared him. Turning to look at the home behind him before turning his golden stare onto him. "You think you can just up and take my baby?" Making to walk around the demon but was stopped by the arm that wrapped around his waist. Pulling him towards him and keeping him pinned against him. Ignoring the push to his chest as the hanyou made to dislodge from him. Both wrestling as Inuyasha made to get to the spider's door.

"What the hell is wrong with you," Inuyasha yelled in irritation at seeing the demon had no intentions of letting him go. "That's my daughter. I carried her."

"Then act like it," Sesshomaru bit back with a shake of his brother's shoulders. "because what you've been giving her isn't going to work anymore. This is more emotion out of you than I've seen concerning Meyumi."

The hanyou closed his eyes in a sigh. His expression saying he was searching for patience. "Sesshomaru. I'm not doing this with you. Go get my daughter and your stuff. You are not leaving."

"I'm not staying. Not if you were continue the way you are now. There is no point in going back if it will remain the same."

"Great. What am I doing wrong now, Sesshomaru. What do you want from me now." The hanyou said with a sigh, stepping back from his brother. Raising a brow. "You want me to stop going out at night. Is that it?"

"It would be a start," he started cautiously. "Meyumi. The way you treat her. . ."

"And how do I treat her, Sesshomaru? Hn. I've never raised a hand to her. Never yelled at her. Don't I take care of her? I'm not a monster."

"No, but the way you are around her now isn't much better. I shouldn't have to tell you to care for your daughter. She doesn't understand now but one day when she's old enough she will. And how do you think she'll respond to you then?" Looking down the dark street as he took a deep breath. "When's the last time you hugged her? I don't think you've ever even told her you loved her." Looking back at his brother expectantly. "Do you even love her?" He asked with bated breath.

Inuyasha's mouth falling open but no words came forth. His lips gradually closing shut as he looked to him. Apparently having nothing to say.

Shaking his head past the lump that formed in his throat. Closing his eyes only to open them at the hands that reached for him. He pushed Inuyasha back, his eyes ablaze with hurt and fury. He couldn't even say he loved their daughter.

"Sess-"

"You can't even say it. You don't deserve her Inuyasha, and you're going to regret missing out on her. I refuse. . .to have my daughter around you." Slowly walking a few steps back from the other as he looked into eyes like his own. "Your better off staying out of her life than being in it and treating her as you are now. I'll make sure to love her enough she won't even notice your gone. Stay away from her. And stay away from me."

"You don't mean that," the hanyou taking a step forward but stopping with wide eyes at the hand that rose in the air signaling to stay away. "You can't mean that," he continued on with a desperate shake of his head. "You can't just leave."

"Watch me," he whispered with serious eyes as he turned his back on the white haired male. Walking up the steps that led to his friend's home.

"Your just. . . your just upset right now," the hanyou said to his retreating back. "I'll. . . I'll come back in the morning and we. . . can talk about this. Sess, don't do this," he cried out at seeing he was ignored.

The dog demon closing the door behind him before leaning back against the door. Slowly shaking his head as he finally allowed the tears to pour down his face. Raising a hand to stifle the light sobs that left him. Taking a moment of solitude in the dark space to shed his weakness because the little silver haired girl in the next room needed his strength.

He felt as if he were being torn in two separate directions. His heart was split in two. The love he held for Inuyasha. It would never disappear but he'd lock it deep within himself.

Meyumi would be just fine. He'd make sure of that.