He sensed the miko's distress the second he crossed into Inuyasha's Forest, and took off so fast he nearly dropped his doll.
Rin's doll. Or rather, the doll she'd fashioned out of sticks and straw to give the fox kit for his annual day of birth. These birth days were a tradition in the miko's era, apparently, so he'd been forced to endure the festivities all year as one by one, each of her companions were assigned a date on which to celebrate- to the best of their estimations.
Unfortunately, his ward became afflicted with a human ailment just the night before, and despite tearful pleas to the contrary, would not be allowed to attend the much-anticipated event. It should have excused his absence as well, as the only reason he came to these things was for Rin's enjoyment and to socialize her with other humans. But alas, the sick, sorrowful girl wailing for him to deliver her gift was apparently one battle he was unequipped to weather. After all the work she'd done in crafting it, he didn't have it in him to refuse her.
Besides, the miko knew which herbs to gather for the child, so he had to come to commission her services anyway.
Encountering more feminine distress only moments after escaping it was so annoying that he had to rush to put an end to it immediately. Honestly, it was like he couldn't get a moment's peace around here, and that was unacceptable.
He was just happy his ward's gift was wrapped in fine parchment so he didn't have to kill any unlucky passersby who might have thought they witnessed the Lord of the West carrying around a doll.
Annoyance flittered through him when the well came into view and he saw his brother was there. That would be enough to irritate him on its own, but he was standing close to the miko- too close for his liking- as they appeared to be engaged in some sort of heated discussion. Fury radiated off the whelp in a way with which he was all too familiar, and he assumed the pair was having another one of their childish arguments.
He didn't listen to what it was about- because he didn't care- but if Inuyasha was the source of the miko's annoyingly elevated distress level, he would swiftly put an end to it in a way he very much enjoyed.
The pair didn't so much as glance his way when he pulled up beside them, and that displeased him even further. Glaring at his half-brother, he ignored the woman's obnoxious welling tears as he issued his command.
"Rin is ill. I require more of your herbs-"
"Yeah, hold on a minute," Inuyasha barked, shoving his flattened palm Sesshoumaru's face. He felt his blood begin to boil. "What did that pipsqueak say to you?"
His incredulous demand caused the dog demon's temper to cool, and curiosity filled the pregnant silence that followed. Blue eyes shifted warily to him as he waited, furrowed brow arching when she leaned in to whisper something into a furry silver ear.
She had to know it was useless, and he very nearly scoffed at her ridiculous effort- until hushed words left her lips that caused that boiling blood in his veins to freeze.
Confounded as he was furious, he couldn't think of a less fitting description for the young woman. The man truly was a fool, for several reasons, to say that to her. A dead fool.
His glower deepened as he briefly caught his brother's gaze and found the whelp and he, for once, were of the same mindset.
"Who is it that called you such a thing?" he asked, voice dangerously calm as poison claws secretly pierced the meat of his palm.
"Her boss," Inuyasha supplied when she wasn't immediately forthcoming, and for once he was grateful for his interjection.
Her aura radiated an agitating mix of anger and shame as she averted her gaze.
"Kagome decorated some guy's shop last week to earn some extra money. Why didn't you tell me?"
Turning back to her hotly, his frustration was bred from concern, but the miko's rage often stemmed from hurt.
Crackling reiki sped his pulse as he had to will his hackles to rest, and ignored the vomitus instinct flee from the threat while simultaneously ignoring the wild blue flame in her eyes that dared him closer.
Sesshoumaru waited for the impending explosion, only to see it fall apart before making it to the surface.
"I was supposed to get a paycheck on my last day," she finally admitted, "but because I walked out, he says he isn't going to pay me anything." Resentment turned sorrowful as both dog demons scowled. "All those hours I put in last week, and now I can't afford Shippo's party. He's going to be so disappointed."
Rin had been gushing all week about cake and balloons and games. It didn't sound terribly opulent to him, but inspired excitement in the children nonetheless. The miko always managed to add her own little flair to the simplest things and make them special in a way that even with all his wealth he couldn't replicate.
The offer to give her the money to purchase her silly items was on the tip of his tongue.
"Keh, we'll see about that."
Inuyasha's confidence earned both of their attention, prompting his proud chin to lift. "You should get paid for all the work you did, and I'm going to make sure you get what's coming to you."
Him too, was the unspoken implication.
With one wild leap, he was standing on the well's ledge.
"Okay," Kagome called after him, "but don't hurt him or anything."
Sesshoumaru knew that smirk, and felt the strangest mix of approval and pride towards his younger sibling.
"We're just gonna have a nice little chat," he assured her, catching his brother's eye before turning around to stare into the well's depths. "I'm sure he'll see things my way. Shippo's going to have his party."
As he watched him prepare to leap into the future, Sesshoumaru had never been so envious of his brother- and that was saying something. How he would love five minutes alone with Kagome's so-called boss.
"Thanks, Inuyasha."
Her voice was so soft and sweet it beckoned the half-breed to turn look over his shoulder. He was greeted with a smile that emanated appreciation and love. "You're always my hero."
That envy inside the daiyoukai grew as a grin cracked Inuyasha's determined features. Then, in a burst of warm, mystical light, he was gone.
Sesshoumaru watched her smile fade with the well's power until both were gone. As she held herself soothingly, he batted back the desire to take over in that duty, restricting himself to only a single step closer.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
The smile she offered to him was sad and unpleasant compared to the one his brother had gotten.
"Yeah," she sighed. "It just hurts, you know? I really thought he saw something in me, but he only got me that job because he thought it would increase his chances. Like I would owe him or something."
"Pathetic."
She brushed passed him to take a seat on the well's edge.
"I thought we were friends," she said, scooting to make room. Their arms grazed in the tight space as he joined her. "I mean, I always knew he had a little crush on me, but I've made it clear I wasn't interested. That never stopped him from flirting, but I convinced myself it was worth putting up with for a few days so Shippo could have a party. I didn't think it was leading him on."
"The boy is clearly delusional," he assured her. "And bitter that he could not deceive you into accepting his pursuit."
She'd done nothing wrong, but that loathsome human was playing off her kind nature and insecurities to plant his seed of doubt. He refused to allow her to nurture it. No seeds would be planted on his watch.
When her gaze dropped, unconvinced, he wished more than ever she placed the same credence in his word as she did his dimwitted brother. The hanyou was nowhere near as talented and capable with them- or anything- as he was; but then again, he couldn't offer her the justice she deserved, as he hoped his brother was in this very moment.
A sturdy hand cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"The horrid thing he said to you could not be further from the truth," he said sternly. When he released her chin, he lifted his arrogantly. "I should know. I am an excellent judge of character."
This time, when she smiled at him, he was much more pleased with the result. The warmth she emitted breached deep into his chest, touching his core.
"Thanks, Sesshoumaru. You really are the best."
"Your judge of character appears to also be exemplary," he said haughtily. His lips ticked upward as she scoffed her amusement. "Another thing that wretch had working against him."
As much as he was enjoying her new relaxed state, impotent vengeance was eating him from within. He knew which boy she was talking about now- she'd bemoaned his clumsy attempts at courtship for some time, and just the second-hand accounts were enough to elongate his claws.
"He is terribly fortunate This Sesshoumaru cannot pass through that portal. The pain awaiting him would far surpass whatever my brother has planned."
She didn't seem perturbed by the way he was practically frothing.
"He said he's just going to talk to him," she said breezily. The flat stare she received in return spoke for itself.
A devious smile curled up her cheeks, captivating his attention.
"Play along," she said. He felt a soft hand cover the one resting atop his thigh. "Let me at least pretend I'm not culpable for whatever he does to that creep. At least for a little while."
A playful wink broke him out of his stupor to give a smirk of his own. He turned his hand over to grab hers and found that it cradled him perfectly. Returning the favor when she lightly squeezed, he was mindful of his claws as he stroked her wrist with his thumb.
He watched the splendor of her hand in his, enjoying the feel of it alongside her for a long moment.
"Oh, I totally forgot." She stood suddenly, but his grip only tightened, not allowing her far. When he looked up with their hands still locked, she was smiling back.
"You wanted those herbs for Rin," she reminded him. "It will just take a little while for me to gather them, if you don't mind waiting?"
"Actually, I do." He rose from the well, keeping their hands linked as he stood. "This One will accompany you. I would do well to learn where to find them myself, should the need arise."
She made a show of mouthing her understanding.
"Then you won't need me to help you in the future."
He stepped closer, predatory, fangs and eyes gleaming as they moved nearer.
"Indeed." He yanked her to him, twisting her palm up. "I suppose I will have to invent other reasons to find myself in your company."
Suddenly, a finely wrapped gift was being placed in her hand, and he pulled his away. Shippo's name was written in crude brushstrokes atop the packaging, causing her chest and cheeks to warm.
She thought she imagined his magenta eyelid winking at her before he offered his arm. She didn't hesitate in sliding hers through it.
"I'm sure we can think of something," she grinned, and his look encouraged her to lead the way.
She did.
***
"You!"
The jumpy teen behind the counter startled as Inuyasha entered the coffee shop with a ferocious growl. Before he had time to drop his bar rag, the silver-haired boy in a strategic baseball cap took a fistful of black apron and pulled him up on his toes.
Nose to nose with the semi-familiar face, Hojo threw up his trembling hands in pitiful submission.
"Look, I'm so sorry about what I said," he stammered, but pools of golden death glared back even angrier. "A-And I swear; as soon as she comes in to get her check, I'm going to apologize- right in front of everybody, okay?"
He gestured to the café half-filled with mostly indifferent patrons, but the half-demon in disguise never took his eyes off his target.
A dangerous sound rumbled in his throat as he pulled the boy closer, making his back bend as he nearly dragged him over the counter.
"I was mad," he tried to explain, "but that is no excuse for what I did to her. I am weak and pathetic and small, and I will never be worthy of her- I see that now. So please, you don't have to hit me too. Your friend already set me straight."
His clawed fist cocked and ready to fire had Hojo bracing from impact; but it wasn't until he clenched his eyes shut that Inuyasha noticed the dark, swollen ring engulfing left one.
He didn't know how he'd missed it until now- it was pretty brutal looking. Perhaps he'd let his rage distract him- or maybe the warrior lifestyle made it harder to register minor injuries- but in this time period, it wasn't a common sight.
"Kagome did that?" he asked incredulously, lowering his arm. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised, but the notion baffled a battered Hojo.
"What? No." He gestured behind him solemnly. "Psycho-boy over there."
Inuyasha turned his head, and what he saw relaxed his menacing grip enough for the terrified teen to slip back on his feet.
"He's not leaving until I make my apology- and he said it better be good, or he's going to be back."
The fear in his voice elevated at the notion as he bent to pick up his rag, but the half-demon barely heard him, eyes and mouth open wide.
Way off in the corner, a human looking eerily similar to his brother calmly sipped his beverage at the table he occupied alone. Sitting surreally in modern clothing, reading what looked to be the business section, he was the picture of civility- and it put Inuyasha on edge.
"He also said not to bother calling the authorities, because they won't be able to help me," Hojo added, leaning in to whisper. "I believe him too. Look at those face tattoos! He must be in a gang."
Gold eyes lifted to them placidly, making the boy shriek and avert his own down to the counter he was wiping intensely. Then those golden eyes found a similar pair gaping back at him, offering a malicious amusement he knew all too well.
"I thought you were the delinquent she was seeing," the boy mumbled, still not looking up from his rag. "But you do kinda look alike. Are you related?"
But Inuyasha didn't have time to humor him. The teen didn't seem incredibly heartbroken when he abruptly abandoned his mission.
"How are you here?" he demanded the second he reached the table. "And what are you wearing?"
Sesshoumaru looked up from his paper before folding it to put aside.
"You don't like it?" He gazed down at his three-piece suit, which admittedly made him stick out like a sore thumb in the hipster cafe. "I was going to give you the number of my tailor. We are very old friends of the family; I'm sure she would have a field day."
A dumbstruck Inuyasha didn't have a response as his brother gave him a brief once over before returning to his coffee.
"How did you get through the well?" he finally managed. His shock made him less concerned about that than he probably should be.
"I cannot go through the well."
Realization set in quickly.
"How old are you?"
"About 500 years older than when you saw me last," he confirmed, as if discussing the weather.
"What are you doing here?"
He always wondered if any demons made it to Kagome's time, and wasn't completely comforted to learn than his brother had. Though he supposed if he wasn't leading a conquering race of demon overlords, humanity must be reasonably safe.
"At the moment, enjoying an espresso," he answered, lifting the cup to his lips.
He sure didn't look particularly threatening... for him. "And waiting to ensure the miko gets everything she has coming to her. She decorated this whole place, you know. I think she has fabulous taste."
Inuyasha joined his brother in looking around the modest café, and noticed Kagome's influence.
"Yeah, it's nice."
He always knew she was talented, but found a new appreciation for her work as he looked at the tastefully decorated café. Hearing about it was one thing, but it was another to actually see the finished product.
As he continued to admire, he causally pulled out a chair. They clearly had a few things to discuss.
"Do you know where she is?" Sesshoumaru asked, checking his watch. "The banks are going to close soon, and she needs that money today."
"She ain't coming. She sent me to get her check." The reason for his hasty arrival had Inuyasha scowling deeply, and he cut Hojo another fearsome glare.
"I'm afraid she must get it herself. The boy will not give it to you." Sesshoumaru's voice grew dark with malice. "I made certain of it."
His brother couldn't help but smirk as he admired his handiwork.
"Yeah, I saw the shiner. Why did you do that?"
"You heard what he called her."
The icy tone jogged his memory and all amusement fell away.
"Yes," he replied darkly. Sesshoumaru nodded.
"Then I assume you are here for the same reason. He still has one good eye." Inuyasha looked up to see his lips curling devilishly. "We can see which turns blacker."
Smiling back, he didn't hate the idea. But his brother kind of took the wind from his sails.
It wouldn't be as satisfying getting there second- as much as he appreciated the gesture.
"I mean... it looks like you handled it," he huffed, clearly disappointed. "But why did you?"
He watched with suspicious eyes as Sesshoumaru's zeroed in on the coffee punk. Since he was avoiding eye contact like the plague, he assumed he could feel the dangerous glare when he scurried off into the back just that instant.
"I have been waiting 500 years for this day."
"She know?"
"No." Sesshoumaru turned back to him. "And do not tell her."
"Why? She's gonna see the eye."
The dog demon smirked in self-satisfaction.
"He will not say a word."
Not doubting him in that, he realized something.
"She's gonna think it was me, and she's gonna be pissed."
She'd explicitly told him not to do what his brother had done. Never mind he was going to do it anyway- at least then he'd earn the backlash.
A careless lift of his shoulder relayed the elder brother's lack of sympathy as he casually sipped his coffee.
"Why can't she know?" he asked, but he had a vague idea. Kagome was weird about divulging certain facts about her time. It didn't make it any less irritating.
"Now is not the time."
The cryptic answer only inspired more questions, but before he could voice them, Sesshoumaru checked his watch again.
"You had better retrieve her. The banks are going to close."
Shippo's party. Right.
They still had to go to the shops, as well. He supposed his questions would have to wait for another time, and reluctantly stood.
"What should I say? She don't want to come."
"Tell her the truth," he suggested with a shrug. "He wishes to give her the check. Offer to escort her; she will come."
His brother's normal confidence held extra weight in future knowledge, so he could do nothing but agree.
"She will find her employer has deemed her worthy of a bonus as well."
"Oh yeah?" Inuyasha asked knowingly. "How much?"
"Whatever the boy's measly salary was last week. Not a fraction of what I feel she has earned, but it will have to suffice for now."
The guy got results, he'd give him that. They shared a fanged grin as he pushed in his chair.
"Okay... So, what do you do here?" he wondered. "What happens to us?"
"Not yet."
Sesshoumaru had picked up his paper in a clear dismissal, and the snap of his fingers caused a violent clattering of dishes coming from the back.
A moment later, a fresh espresso was sitting on the table before a ghost-white, black-eyed boy rushed back to his hiding place.
He had to leave, but Inuyasha enjoyed the image of his modern-era brother just a moment longer. The strangest sense of pride curved the muscles in his cheeks, and relaxed the ones in his shoulders.
"Thanks for looking out for her," he said, dying to know the reason- but at the same time, not sure if he wanted to. He wondered what was happening back there right now.
Maybe he shouldn't leave just yet...
"So after today in the past, you will protect her?"
"It began before that."
He shifted uncomfortably while the daiyoukai read his paper.
"But after today, you will notice... a change."
The hanyou's eyes relayed the questions swirling around in his head as he gazed down at the modern-day demon- the dog in men's clothing.
He thought he saw worry glimmer within in stoic gold for half a second.
"Thank the kami for that," he smirked down at him. "Any change would be better."
A sharp, cold glare only made him grin wider.
"Go." After he barked the order, keen eyes flicked back to the register briefly. Inuyasha followed his gaze to find that little creep pointedly not looking at them.
Sesshoumaru had things handled here, but it didn't sound like he intended on staying- not anywhere they could see him, at least. He had no doubt he would be watching the show.
He was looking forward to it himself, and was suddenly anxious to go fetch Kagome.
"Will I see you again?" he asked, and Sesshoumaru rose a brow. "This you, I mean?"
His wicked smile revealed his fangs, and they heard a sharp gasp come from behind the counter.
"You can be assured of it."
***
A/N: I don't trust assertively nice guys. I'm onto you, Hojo...