Dearly Beloved by Aviel
Stranger
Disclaimer: Though it saddens me to say it, I don’t own anything relating to Takahashi-sensei’s Inuyasha. However, the plot and/or ideas of this drabble series do belong to me.
A/N: There’s a word used in this chapter that may seem strange, can you find it? Scavenger hunt: Go! :) Update 1 of 2.
Chapter 65: Stranger
Two sets of auburn eyes followed the form of a young woman in the garden. From far away, she appeared to be laughing as a pair of large dogs competed with each other for her attention and affection.
“Sesshoumaru.”
The man inclined his head, but did not turn to face the other beside him. There was a firm set to his jaw but no other sign of his irritation.
Knowing he would never be able to fully repair the damage that had been dealt to their relationship, Touga Taishou sighed and crossed his arms. Nevertheless, he would take his chances. Simply talking to his firstborn was not forbidden. Otherwise, the younger male wouldn’t have come to visit–regardless of Kagome’s pleas to see her father-in-law at his estate.
“Do you understand now?” Touga murmured lowly. “The reason for my actions in the past?”
Sesshoumaru’s gaze remained soft, but his lip curled as he answered, “Hn.”
“And yet, you still despise me? Hate me even? After all of this time?”
“I do not,” he growled, eyes flashing in warning. “However, you are not worthy of my forgiveness. So, I suggest you do not pursue this subject any further.”
A deep frown marred his father’s regal face. “Are you threatening me, pup?”
“You tread on dangerous ground, Father,” Sesshoumaru bit out. “I care not for who you are. You dishonored Mother, and thus, dishonored me.”
Realizing the root of his heir’s resentment, Touga seemed sad, tired as he slumped forward a little. His unbound, silver locks slipped over his shoulders as he bowed his head. “I loved Satomi, Sesshoumaru. I still do.”
Sesshoumaru finally turned to him then, expression devoid of all emotion.
“Then your elopement would have never happened.”
Touga snarled suddenly, angry at his veiled insult. “Izayoi and Inuyasha are not at fault! I–”
“I did not say they were. Or, were you not listening? The blame lies at your feet, Father. You are the one that fell in love. You sired another child,” Sesshoumaru told him. “And you filled our heads with lies.”
“I…”
Sesshoumaru dismissed the male’s crestfallen look, swinging his gaze to his smiling wife. She was sprawled out on the grass, cuddling with his father’s pets. He relaxed and nodded when she gave him a cheerful wave. “Izayoi was my stepmother. Inuyasha is my brother,” he acknowledged. “Kagome is the love of my life.”
“…And me?”
He shook his head, hiding his inner disappointment. “I do not know who you are.”
“But–”
“If you do not know the answer to that question, how could I?”
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Original Posting Date: February 4, 2013
Prompt: For Kneazles’s “Valentine’s Day Countdown” Challenge, Inamorata
Words: 450