*Drabble*

*Drabble*

There had been many times that he had seen his brother covered in blood. Some of those injuries had been caused by his very own claws. The sensation of ripping through their stomach lingered in the back of his memory, adding insult to uncertainty.

The wet stain darkening the red robes had been caused by another. It had been many years since his brother's blood had stained his fingers. The pale shade of their face was concerning, as was the shallowness of their breath. It was a familiar sight of near death, one he would have welcoming years prior, but this time a cold sensation spread from his middle, gripping him in discomfort.

Sesshoumaru realized that he no longer wished for Inuyasha's death.

Kneeling down, his arms gently lifted the limp body, cradling Inuyasha to his chest. The slight jostling caused fleeting pain to shadow Inuyasha's face. Pain was good. Pain meant he was not too far gone. From this close distance, Sesshoumaru could count the long lashes, and feel the rise and fall of their chest.

Keep breathing, little brother. Survive, just like you've always done.

His steps were urgent, but he glided with extra care so as not to cause further pain. Inuyasha would have to be reunited with his wife until their injuries were healed. This unexpected disaster had caused quite a problem, adding to the already complicated issue they had set out to resolve.

Rin was waiting for him, gently floating in oblivion. Inuyasha's wife, the miko, was beside her in another tree of suspension. Sesshoumaru paused to contemplate them both, his brows furrowed in concern. With both of the wives recovering, and now Inuyasha, it was up to Sesshoumaru to protect their pups, and plan for their training. There was so much he had to do.

But first, to tend to his brother.

Sensing his need, the Tree of Ages created another trunk of light right next to the miko. They would be together, in the very least, keeping each other company for as long as it took. It was better than the lonely separation that Sesshoumaru felt from Rin. Her closed eyes was as painful as a knife to his gut.

He turned his attention to the figure in his arms. The ethereal light played over Inuyasha's pale face, turning it softer, and younger looking. Had their past been different, was this how tenderly he could have held them during the pain of losing their father? Was this a small apology for the years of neglect?

"Leave the care of your child to me, little brother. I swear she will meet you one day."

Was it his imagination, or did Inuyasha's face relax? Did they breathe a sigh of relief and rest their cheek more comfortably against his shoulder? Did Inuyasha realize it was the first time that Sesshoumaru had called him "brother" without any malice or condescension? Did they notice the tone of apology?

It would have to do for now.

One last squeeze for good luck. One last lingering moment with the weight of their body against his. Then Inuyasha was surrendered to the Tree of Ages, to await the moment of awakening.

Sesshoumaru didn't have time to dally. He must prepare a sheltered place for the pups to grow in safety. He would take every precaution, and leave them in Jaken's charge until they could leave the nest and train their skills to survive as all hanyos had to survive.

Never underestimate his family, for the blood of generals ran in their veins.