January 2010 Week 3
Title:How It Could Have Been; ch 37, At the Farm.
Author:petalears
Universe:Alternate
Rating:PG
Summary:Inuyasha lives at the farm.
Quote;Peace Sells but Who's Buying?-Megadeath
At the Farm
The first few days of Inuyasha’s stay at the farm set the pattern for the coming weeks. It was a busy life for all the humans, children included, and the siblings worked hard at their lessons and chores. Meanwhile Inuyasha spent happy days with his mother as she recovered from the birth and tended to his baby sister. In fact Inuyasha was very content for himself as Izayoi often cradled the small hanyou in one arm while holding Hanako in the other as the baby nursed. This closeness gave them both comfort; courtesy of his youkai blood Inuyasha was still very young and that for all of his nearly seventeen years, he was only as emotionally developed as the eldest human son who was now ten.
Izayoi had missed her eldest child a great deal, even though she understood that he needed to go to school at such a young age and forge lasting friendships with others. Now though she had the opportunity to have him close by again and she was making the most of it. Inuyasha too was relieved to have his Mama near; she had only love for him and could help the ache in his heart that Shu’s ill fated remarks had caused. Because Inuyasha was also missing the youkai bond he had with the older boy deep down as he hadn’t seen his brother since the incident.
A month later Izayoi was recovered and Hanako had grown strong enough to be taken out of the house, so Inuyasha had her strapped to his body with the sash given to him by his aunt and showed the baby the farm and introduced her to his favourite animals. On some days he would stay out from dawn to dusk with her, only going in sometimes for the child’s feed and necessary changes. Then as the Hanako’s body grew, the vet suggested that an exercise regime be followed to see if her limbs could be stimulated.
So several times a day the baby’s playtime would consist of her lying on her back while one of them gently pushed her knees to her chest in the hope that one day she would show some resistance and try to push back. Hanako thought this fun and smiled at them, but did nothing else and as more time passed, her body grew slightly although her legs remained thin and spindly. At first there was no shortage of volunteers to help, the siblings were a close knit group and interested in the new sister, but soon other things crowded out the routine and only her parents and Inuyasha were still patient and dedicated to the task.
It was however a time of great confusion for Inuyasha; he was happy with his mother and immediate family, yet he missed school and his friends, and above all he felt great loneliness for his youkai pack, especially his bonded brother. It was at night he felt worse, as the family went to sleep Inuyasha’s youkai blood kept him awake as he needed less rest than a human. At first he would stay on his little futon that was placed next to Hanako’s crib and doze until the baby woke; then after she was fed he would take her in her shawl and walk around the farm with her.
Usually he would talk to the guards and the animals just to keep occupied, but sometimes he just instinctively felt like howling and calling out to his father and brother. But he never did, they might think he was in trouble and cause an unwonted fuss before finding out to Inuyasha’s humiliation that he had just called because he was lonely. So he always swallowed his feelings and cuddled Hanako closer, taking her back to bed where instead of placing her in the crib, he pulled her to him on his own futon and finally went to sleep.
Inuyasha understood that he could go back to the Palace at any time to see his family, but he couldn’t leave the farm for very long, after all Hanako needed regular feeding and care and Inuyasha wouldn’t leave her unguarded. Even after two months Inuyasha knew she wasn’t safe; he could hear the whispers from Makoto’s family still, especially Hanako’s aunt for when she spoke with them, she said one thing but her body language said she lied. There was no point in warning Izayoi or Makoto as there was nothing they could do; only Inuyasha stood between Hanako and death.
Of course Inuyasha saw his father and aunt once a month at least as they visited the human family and kept a high profile, but it only made Inuyasha lonelier as the time went on. He still had not seen Shu, the young Prince was still forbidden to impose himself on his younger brother, mainly so that both could feel the miss of the other. Inu no Taishou didn’t want anger when they met again, or recriminations that could damage their relationship at this stressful time in Inuyasha’s life. He felt it would be better for both of them to really want to see each other, when Inuyasha would be more receptive to listen to his brother and not just jump to noisy conclusions.
Hanako adored Inuyasha; it was patently obvious in her toothless smile and the way her hands reached for him. There was little strength in her arms or neck and she needed constant support but her eyes were expressive and intelligent. In turn he loved her and talked to her constantly, telling her about his dual life and the names of all the animals they met, or stories full of wild imaginings. It didn’t matter that she understood nothing, she was only a few months old, but she smiled at him and gurgled happily all of the time. And so the time went on; Inuyasha had been away from the Palace for six months and during that time he only saw his father and aunt and usually Michiko who would often join the others in play while her parents visited.
Six very long months before Inuyasha saw Sesshoumaru again, and even though he always asked how his older brother was faring, he still had a sense of betrayal. But he also missed Sesshoumaru dreadfully; his youkai was bereft and miserable, leaving the hanyou with an aching heart, subdued aura and very confused about his feelings. Inu no Taishou was waiting for these signals so that he could inform Sesshoumaru that it was time to make up with his little brother, knowing that Inuyasha would be receptive to him now.
So with his father’s blessing, the older brother decided to approach Inuyasha on one of his nightly trips around the farm. Deliberately making more noise than usual so that he didn’t startle the hanyou, Sesshoumaru almost glided to near where the little boy was standing next to the corral. The pup’s ears twitched and then lay flat, but he didn’t turn, he had already scented that his brother was on his way and the knowledge made him feel strange and uncertain. Sesshoumaru noted the tell tale ears and knew to be cautious and he was just working out what to say when Inuyasha spoke:
"I scenteded yous coming Shu." The boy stated and Sesshoumaru was alerted by the immature way of speech that Inuyasha felt insecure with him; however if he rebuked the pup it would be counterproductive at the moment.
"You do not need to be alarmed Inuyasha. I mean no harm to you or the baby." He said gently as he came closer.
"Yous not hurt her Shu?"
"No, I promise; I would like to see her though, may I hold her?" Sesshoumaru was aware of the hanyou’s scrutiny and was saddened. "Do not mistrust me Inuyasha: I do not lie and it pains me to see you afraid of me."
"I’s not afraid of you, but why do you want to hold Hanako?" Inuyasha replied and Sesshoumaru was aware of the beta and younger boy assertively questioning him, as opposed to just immediately handing the child over. The older brother felt both proud and annoyed at his little brother’s behaviour and his youkai was happy to see the pup seemed to be healthy. It had been difficult to say the least, not having any contact with his brother and Sesshoumaru knew the same had to be true of Inuyasha, no matter how angry he had been.
"I want to come to know my rival for your time and affection Inuyasha; this little one has come between us and I wish to set things straight."
"What do you means Shu? I don’t understand. "
"I made a mistake Inuyasha and you haven’t forgiven me; Papa refused to let me see you in case I upset you further, but it has gone on too long. I miss you little brother, our youkai bond is suffering because of the rift; I am endeavouring to heal it." Sesshoumaru was unaware of the bitter overtones to his voice and Inuyasha, although he didn’t know what it was, he knew he didn’t like the sound of it and lowered his head letting his fringe cover his eyes. But he brought the baby over to Sesshoumaru knowing that his brother didn’t lie and offered her up to him.
Sesshoumaru took Hanako carefully in his hands and his eyes registered the mainly still limbs and lack of strength in the neck, but he too could see the intelligence in the girl’s eyes and felt sorrow. If the child lived she would always be aware of her condition and the fact that she would be very different to the other children. But there was something in the baby that caught his attention, her pretty brown eyes stared up at him unafraid, and she giggled as she gripped a fistful of his silver hair. Sesshoumaru had little experience of human babies, but she captivated him with a toothless grin and he offered her a small smile of his own.
"So Small One, you have taken away my younger brother from me and will do so for the foreseeable future. I shall retreat for now; I understand why you have set yourself as her protector Inuyasha, you cannot deny your nature or instincts." With that he handed Hanako back helping to tie her securely in her sling again and laid his hand on Inuyasha’s head to give him a gentle pet. Then he murmured ‘Good-bye’ and started to leave, his heart heavy because Inuyasha had said nothing in response to his brother’s confession. What good had it done?
Inuyasha had accepted his overtures of peace and shown it by giving him the baby, but then the boy had said nothing to encourage him further. Sesshoumaru didn’t know if he would be welcome to visit Inuyasha again, he didn’t know if the pup had forgiven him or not for the perceived betrayal. The Taiyoukai had tried to make overtures but Inuyasha was perhaps too young to recognise the fact, let alone know he needed to figuratively buy the offer of reconciliation.
Author:petalears
Universe:Alternate
Rating:PG
Summary:Inuyasha lives at the farm.
Quote;Peace Sells but Who's Buying?-Megadeath
At the Farm
The first few days of Inuyasha’s stay at the farm set the pattern for the coming weeks. It was a busy life for all the humans, children included, and the siblings worked hard at their lessons and chores. Meanwhile Inuyasha spent happy days with his mother as she recovered from the birth and tended to his baby sister. In fact Inuyasha was very content for himself as Izayoi often cradled the small hanyou in one arm while holding Hanako in the other as the baby nursed. This closeness gave them both comfort; courtesy of his youkai blood Inuyasha was still very young and that for all of his nearly seventeen years, he was only as emotionally developed as the eldest human son who was now ten.
Izayoi had missed her eldest child a great deal, even though she understood that he needed to go to school at such a young age and forge lasting friendships with others. Now though she had the opportunity to have him close by again and she was making the most of it. Inuyasha too was relieved to have his Mama near; she had only love for him and could help the ache in his heart that Shu’s ill fated remarks had caused. Because Inuyasha was also missing the youkai bond he had with the older boy deep down as he hadn’t seen his brother since the incident.
A month later Izayoi was recovered and Hanako had grown strong enough to be taken out of the house, so Inuyasha had her strapped to his body with the sash given to him by his aunt and showed the baby the farm and introduced her to his favourite animals. On some days he would stay out from dawn to dusk with her, only going in sometimes for the child’s feed and necessary changes. Then as the Hanako’s body grew, the vet suggested that an exercise regime be followed to see if her limbs could be stimulated.
So several times a day the baby’s playtime would consist of her lying on her back while one of them gently pushed her knees to her chest in the hope that one day she would show some resistance and try to push back. Hanako thought this fun and smiled at them, but did nothing else and as more time passed, her body grew slightly although her legs remained thin and spindly. At first there was no shortage of volunteers to help, the siblings were a close knit group and interested in the new sister, but soon other things crowded out the routine and only her parents and Inuyasha were still patient and dedicated to the task.
It was however a time of great confusion for Inuyasha; he was happy with his mother and immediate family, yet he missed school and his friends, and above all he felt great loneliness for his youkai pack, especially his bonded brother. It was at night he felt worse, as the family went to sleep Inuyasha’s youkai blood kept him awake as he needed less rest than a human. At first he would stay on his little futon that was placed next to Hanako’s crib and doze until the baby woke; then after she was fed he would take her in her shawl and walk around the farm with her.
Usually he would talk to the guards and the animals just to keep occupied, but sometimes he just instinctively felt like howling and calling out to his father and brother. But he never did, they might think he was in trouble and cause an unwonted fuss before finding out to Inuyasha’s humiliation that he had just called because he was lonely. So he always swallowed his feelings and cuddled Hanako closer, taking her back to bed where instead of placing her in the crib, he pulled her to him on his own futon and finally went to sleep.
Inuyasha understood that he could go back to the Palace at any time to see his family, but he couldn’t leave the farm for very long, after all Hanako needed regular feeding and care and Inuyasha wouldn’t leave her unguarded. Even after two months Inuyasha knew she wasn’t safe; he could hear the whispers from Makoto’s family still, especially Hanako’s aunt for when she spoke with them, she said one thing but her body language said she lied. There was no point in warning Izayoi or Makoto as there was nothing they could do; only Inuyasha stood between Hanako and death.
Of course Inuyasha saw his father and aunt once a month at least as they visited the human family and kept a high profile, but it only made Inuyasha lonelier as the time went on. He still had not seen Shu, the young Prince was still forbidden to impose himself on his younger brother, mainly so that both could feel the miss of the other. Inu no Taishou didn’t want anger when they met again, or recriminations that could damage their relationship at this stressful time in Inuyasha’s life. He felt it would be better for both of them to really want to see each other, when Inuyasha would be more receptive to listen to his brother and not just jump to noisy conclusions.
Hanako adored Inuyasha; it was patently obvious in her toothless smile and the way her hands reached for him. There was little strength in her arms or neck and she needed constant support but her eyes were expressive and intelligent. In turn he loved her and talked to her constantly, telling her about his dual life and the names of all the animals they met, or stories full of wild imaginings. It didn’t matter that she understood nothing, she was only a few months old, but she smiled at him and gurgled happily all of the time. And so the time went on; Inuyasha had been away from the Palace for six months and during that time he only saw his father and aunt and usually Michiko who would often join the others in play while her parents visited.
Six very long months before Inuyasha saw Sesshoumaru again, and even though he always asked how his older brother was faring, he still had a sense of betrayal. But he also missed Sesshoumaru dreadfully; his youkai was bereft and miserable, leaving the hanyou with an aching heart, subdued aura and very confused about his feelings. Inu no Taishou was waiting for these signals so that he could inform Sesshoumaru that it was time to make up with his little brother, knowing that Inuyasha would be receptive to him now.
So with his father’s blessing, the older brother decided to approach Inuyasha on one of his nightly trips around the farm. Deliberately making more noise than usual so that he didn’t startle the hanyou, Sesshoumaru almost glided to near where the little boy was standing next to the corral. The pup’s ears twitched and then lay flat, but he didn’t turn, he had already scented that his brother was on his way and the knowledge made him feel strange and uncertain. Sesshoumaru noted the tell tale ears and knew to be cautious and he was just working out what to say when Inuyasha spoke:
"I scenteded yous coming Shu." The boy stated and Sesshoumaru was alerted by the immature way of speech that Inuyasha felt insecure with him; however if he rebuked the pup it would be counterproductive at the moment.
"You do not need to be alarmed Inuyasha. I mean no harm to you or the baby." He said gently as he came closer.
"Yous not hurt her Shu?"
"No, I promise; I would like to see her though, may I hold her?" Sesshoumaru was aware of the hanyou’s scrutiny and was saddened. "Do not mistrust me Inuyasha: I do not lie and it pains me to see you afraid of me."
"I’s not afraid of you, but why do you want to hold Hanako?" Inuyasha replied and Sesshoumaru was aware of the beta and younger boy assertively questioning him, as opposed to just immediately handing the child over. The older brother felt both proud and annoyed at his little brother’s behaviour and his youkai was happy to see the pup seemed to be healthy. It had been difficult to say the least, not having any contact with his brother and Sesshoumaru knew the same had to be true of Inuyasha, no matter how angry he had been.
"I want to come to know my rival for your time and affection Inuyasha; this little one has come between us and I wish to set things straight."
"What do you means Shu? I don’t understand. "
"I made a mistake Inuyasha and you haven’t forgiven me; Papa refused to let me see you in case I upset you further, but it has gone on too long. I miss you little brother, our youkai bond is suffering because of the rift; I am endeavouring to heal it." Sesshoumaru was unaware of the bitter overtones to his voice and Inuyasha, although he didn’t know what it was, he knew he didn’t like the sound of it and lowered his head letting his fringe cover his eyes. But he brought the baby over to Sesshoumaru knowing that his brother didn’t lie and offered her up to him.
Sesshoumaru took Hanako carefully in his hands and his eyes registered the mainly still limbs and lack of strength in the neck, but he too could see the intelligence in the girl’s eyes and felt sorrow. If the child lived she would always be aware of her condition and the fact that she would be very different to the other children. But there was something in the baby that caught his attention, her pretty brown eyes stared up at him unafraid, and she giggled as she gripped a fistful of his silver hair. Sesshoumaru had little experience of human babies, but she captivated him with a toothless grin and he offered her a small smile of his own.
"So Small One, you have taken away my younger brother from me and will do so for the foreseeable future. I shall retreat for now; I understand why you have set yourself as her protector Inuyasha, you cannot deny your nature or instincts." With that he handed Hanako back helping to tie her securely in her sling again and laid his hand on Inuyasha’s head to give him a gentle pet. Then he murmured ‘Good-bye’ and started to leave, his heart heavy because Inuyasha had said nothing in response to his brother’s confession. What good had it done?
Inuyasha had accepted his overtures of peace and shown it by giving him the baby, but then the boy had said nothing to encourage him further. Sesshoumaru didn’t know if he would be welcome to visit Inuyasha again, he didn’t know if the pup had forgiven him or not for the perceived betrayal. The Taiyoukai had tried to make overtures but Inuyasha was perhaps too young to recognise the fact, let alone know he needed to figuratively buy the offer of reconciliation.