AN: For those of you who want to read the unedited version (meaning with the explicitly written lemon scenes) you can find it over on my AO3 under the same pennname. If you don't want the semxy stuff and romance will do you just fine, continue reading.

"Truths and roses have thorns about them." - Henry David Thoreau

Chapter One

It was coconut scented this time.

"Inuyasha."

He snapped out of it, looking up towards irritated dark red eyes. "Yes?"

The dark haired hanyou shook his head, muttering under his breath as he turned back around towards the dresser. Fishing out a pair of dark pajamas bottoms and a white T-shirt to sleep in for the night. His abundance of curly ebony tresses lay atop of his head in a loose bun. His large muscled frame wrapped in milky flesh currently naked as he made to get dressed from the gray business suit he once adorned.

His eyes gradually landed back onto the wide expanse of his husband's back, every movement a coil of hard muscle underneath. Though what held his attention were the harsh scratch lines running down either side of his back. A stark red contrast against the hanyou's fair skin. A light sheen of coconut scented oil spread all over his back. Not one inch of skin that rested there lacking in the layer of the clear substance. No one could cover their whole back to such a degree by themselves.

"I asked you how did dinner with your mother go tonight." His husband's deep voice broke through the fog over his mind.

"It was. . .it was fine." He said lowly. Distractedly. "She asked where you were tonight considering she hasn't seen you in a while." His golden eyes unable to look away from the long trail left by sharp fingernails. He wondered who left their mark on his husband's back. The hands that had been there while he entertained his mother in her home alone tonight. Wondered if they were like his own. Larger. Or if they were small and fragile. Manicured.

His view broken as the white shirt fell down around the chiseled torso. His husband turned around and his eyes snapped up to meet with the ones looking to him. He watched as his husband walked closer to climb up onto the large bed to sit beside him, pulling the covers up over his legs before leaning over to press their lips together. He didn't press back like he might've done at one point but he didn't pull away either.

"I hope you told her I regret not being able to make it to see her."

"I told her." He supplied almost in a whisper as he looked unrelentingly into a sea of red. "But that's the third time this month I've had to tell her her son in law wouldn't be there to see her. She missed you, Naraku."

The hanyou closed his eyes. A tired sigh leaving him. "I know. I'm sorry Inuyasha. I wanted to be there tonight but work held me up. I'll try harder next time."

"Naraku. . ." He started hesitantly.

Naraku laid back into the mountain of plush pillows. Breathing evening out as he laid with his eyes shut. "What is it Inuyasha."

Inuyasha eyed him in contemplative silence. He wondered how his husband would react if he knew that the hanyou had left the office early today. His assistant telling him he'd been gone since three pm and had suddenly told her to cancel all the meetings he'd had lined up for the rest of the day. That being the last time she'd laid eyes on the man. He'd left work early today. Had been for the past week.

He pictured himself telling his husband this and demanding to know where he actually was tonight. Who he'd left to go screw while leaving him to make up yet another excuse as to why Naraku couldn't make it to dinner tonight. He wanted to rage and cry. See the other's reaction at seeing he'd been found out but he did none of those things. Instead he closed the book that rested in his lap and placed it on the nearby nightstand before reaching over to turn off the lamp. ". . .nevermind. Night."

He laid down with his hands supporting the side of his face as he looked to moonlight spilling into the room. His husband's light snoring soon to follow as he laid there unseeingly. Picturing the scratch marks in his husband's skin not done by his hands. The faint teasing scent of the coconut oil plaguing him as he laid there wide awake with his thoughts.

Three years later

"Hey boss man."

Brilliant amber eyes blinked away from the monitor before him and turned to face the feminine voice that greeted him.

He offered a small amused smile at seeing the dark haired human leaning casually against the doorway of his office. Dark gray pencil skirt molding to her shapely figure as she stood there watching him. Toned legs leading down to red pumps. Her long sleeved white button down teasing off the top of her chest. Her skin smooth and pale. Emphasizing the darkness of the cascade of hair that fell down around her. "Hey, Kikyo."

Her brown eyes gazed lazily around the room before turning that stare onto her boss. "Is there anything else you need me to do? I've already sent off the spreadsheets down to the third floor."

He looked to the clock, seeing it was almost three. "No, I guess that'll be all today. You can go home early today." Then paused as he remembered something. He turned to the thick tan folder on the right of him. He reached for it before handing it out towards her. Her gaze inquiring as she walked over to grab it from his hands. "Before you go please drop this off to Naraku. Make sure this gets into his hands."

She looked down at it questioningly but nodded all the same before shifting it to sit in the crook of her arm. "Will do. See you tomorrow."

Inuyasha turned back to the computer monitor and a single paper caught his eye. Another copy of the last updated list of the company's current partners. He wondered how he'd missed putting it in with the rest. Narkau would need this.

He sighed, picking it up before following his assistant out the door. Walking past the room of employees on the sixth floor as he made his way to the elevators. Climbing inside before pushing the button that would take him to the floor directly below. He may as well have dropped off the folder himself but had tried his best to be away from Naraku's presence more than necessary.

The doors parted and he walked out, eyes immediately going to the dark haired demoness who sit behind the large desk of this floor. Her red wine colored eyes found his and she offered him a light wave before turning back to the computer before her. Her name was Kagura. The same assistant he used to check on his husband's whereabouts when he himself didn't come into work.

He looked away from her and walked by her, walking down the long hallway of offices. His husband's being the very last one on the right. He neared it and slowed down at seeing the door cracked open. Making to push the door open but stopping at hearing Naraku. "You look amazing."

A small huff of laughter. "You really shouldn't say such things while we're at work, Naraku."

Naraku snorted. "Fine." He heard rustling for a moment and a quiet feminine laugh quick to follow. "What about outside of work? When I see you later tonight.'

"Sounds good to me." Came the sultry purr.

"Not that I'm not always happy to see you but I'm pretty busy at the moment. Was there something you needed?" His breath hitched at suddenly seeing Naraku sit at his desk, hand going to pick up the nearby black pen and scribbling across one of the many papers surrounding him.

"Not anything I can't wait until tonight for." She replied, earning a quick amused glance her way before Naraku turned back to his work.

"Actually," she continued. "Your husband wanted me to drop these off to you." A sudden thwack sounding off from the folder being dropped onto the desk. His eyes switched over to the dark haired woman as she suddenly entered his line of sight. Bending over to spin the hanyou towards her. Smirking at the appreciative once over she received from the laid back spider. "I think I've changed my mind, Mr. Doi. I don't think I can wait until tonight." Her dark eyes locked onto Naraku's as one of her hands slowly pulled up the hem of her skirt up her leg until it was bunched up around her slim waist. Walking a few steps and suddenly pushing off the paperwork on the man's desk. Her body replacing it as she sat before him with her legs open. "Show me how much you want me Mr. Doi. I need you."

His heart tried pounding out of his chest at seeing Naraku stand up from his seat, one hand reaching for his belt while reaching out to lightly stroke the smooth leg before him. "So greedy for my cock, Kikyo. If this is what you need, who am I to deny you." He finished before pushing into her. Her head thrown back as he began to move inside of her heat. His gaze locked onto her pleasure filled face as he began to move roughly inside her. "So beautiful. . ." He murmured.

He backed away from the door, clapping a hand over his mouth to keep in the strangled cry that wanted to leave him. The paper he made to bring lay on the ground forgotten as he ran away from his husband's office. Her moans following him long after he'd left from them.

...

He sat under the spray of the shower head, looking uselessly into the wall, mind replaying the image of his husband fucking Kikyo in his office. She seemed so blissful while he was inside her. The way he looked at her. . .as if he were a man obsessed. He couldn't even remember the last time the spider had looked at him with such an intensity.

It made sense, he realized. All those times he'd send the human down to drop off or retrieve something from Naraku. That'd be the perfect opportunity for something outside of business to spark between his husband and assistant. He'd practically handed her over to his husband on a silver platter. All those times he caught himself imagining what his husband's lover may look like. . .that person was closer to him than he realized.

Why was he crying. He asked himself this. He'd known though he'd never had any undeniable proof until seeing it for himself. If he were being honest with himself, he knew it was because he imagined being able to handle actually facing the reality of Naraku's cheating better. He hadn't expected for it to hurt this much. This. . .was no longer just in his mind. He no longer had anything to doubt. This was very much his life.

"Inuyasha?"

He closed his eyes at suddenly hearing Naraku in their home. His name passing from the spider's lips. He wasn't ready to see him right now. He could've yelled out he was in the shower at hearing his name repeated a few times but chose to let the demon find out for himself. He stayed deathly silent at the approaching footsteps entering the bedroom. A slight pause before the spider began walking across the floor of the room and towards him.

The way he'd moved while inside her. . .that'd been him being looked at like he meant everything to the spider once upon a time.

"Inuyasha."

He'd made Naraku feel like that at some point. The ache he used to feel just from Naraku's touch. His quickly building desire. . .Gods, he'd do anything to feel that again. The only man to ever make him feel that way. His eyes blinked open. All that desire. . . went up in smoke a long time ago. But his want to be touched by Naraku left him the moment he realized the other was being unfaithful. The thought of giving his body to his husband now was a nauseating thought.

"Inuyasha."

His eyes drifted over at the clipped tone. Naraku watching him with open irritation. He shifted, bringing his legs and arms closer around his body, making sure to remain covered as he looked up at Naraku. Red eyes drifted down at the shift in movement before looking back up into his eyes.

"I'll be out for the rest of the night. I won't be back in the morning and I'll be heading straight into the office."

No excuse. Those stopped running out a long time ago. "Is everything alright?" Making sure to keep his voice soft and concerned, blinking away the droplets that splashed into his eyes. "If there's anything I can do to help-"

"No. Nothing I can't handle on my own." Naraku broke in before stepping away from the shower and walking out of the bathroom.

He stood up, shutting off the water stream. Standing still as he listened to the spider go through their closet. No doubt bringing with him an overnight bag. He turned to climb out the shower, reaching for the white towel off the holder before wrapping it around his waist. Walking out the door to see Naraku throwing some clothes into a small duffel bag before zipping everything away. Leaving him to go and be with another. The spider walked towards him, bending down to silently kiss the corner of his lips and he couldn't help but tilt his head away slightly, seeing Naraku pull back from him with a look he couldn't place. A short staring match filled with unspoken words that ended by Naraku's speaking.

"I'll see you tomorrow." His husband's quiet words void of any emotion. His face impossible to read. Inuyasha watched him go to pick up his bag and leave out of their bedroom door. He watched the doorway as he listened to Naraku drive away. Wondering where everything went wrong between them and if he were crazy for suddenly hoping Naraku would walk back through the door and beg for his forgiveness.

It was while typing away at his keyboard that he was interrupted. A quick knock bringing with it a push of his door to greet him with Kikyo's smiling ways. "Hey boss. Your husband wanted me to relay a message to you from his assistant, Kagura. Says he wants to see you in his office in five minutes."

He nodded his understanding to her and felt her still standing there than actually seeing her. "Hey. . .Inuyasha." Her voice hesitant. "You've been acting a bit. . out of it these past few days. Is everything all right with you?"

His fingers stopped.

"It's just. . . you seem fine with everyone but me and if I did something to upset you then I'll do whatever I can to fix it."

He turned to face her, his untucked ponytail moving behind him at his small shift. Offering a tight smile her way. "I'm fine, Kikyo." He told her earnestly before furrowing his eyebrows in what came across as confusion. "Is their anything I should be upset with you about?"

She shook her head. "No. Was just. . just wondering I suppose." She uttered quietly.

"Then you have nothing to be concerned about." Another fake smile her way before he turned back towards his computer screen. "You can close the door behind you on your way out." He told her shortly.

"Oh. . .sure." Her uncertainty apparent as she did as she was told. As soon as the door was shut he brought his hands up to massage either side of his temple. Tiredness gripping him. Naraku hadn't been coming home for the past five nights and he didn't have to wonder who the spider laid his head down beside at night. Because it certainly wasn't him.

She was good, he'd give her that. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he'd have never known she was the one spreading her legs for his husband.

He'd barely seen Naraku these past few days. If he didn't see a glimpse of him during office hours, he didn't see him. He wondered what the spider could want from him as he stood up to go and find out. He left from behind his desk and out the door towards the elevators. Greeting everyone but his assistant as he walked across the floor. Feeling her looking to him as he gradually left her line of view.

Leaning back against the wall to the elevator as he forced his mind to remain blank. The doors parted and he froze as he stepped off the elevator.

His eyes fell before being consciously aware of his actions. Unable to resist taking in the tall frame before his eyes as the demon looked towards Kagura. The black Armani suit hugging his frame to perfection. Every toned muscle on clear display as his torso gave way to a slim waist. Hard legs clad in dark pants. A quiet strength about him in his relaxed stance. A dark jacket laid hanging over his left forearm. His locks coming to a stop at the back of his knees. A silver mass of bone straight locks.

An almost silent exhale passing his lips as the man suddenly turned slightly. His side facing him. He could see twin purplish-red stripes lined the demon's upper cheekbones. A stark contrast against the milky skin he possessed. For some reason he couldn't look away.

Until the appearance of Naraku walking from the hallway of his office grabbed his attention. Naraku donned in a light gray suit that hugged his large frame. His dark wavy locks lightly shifting around him as he walked closer to the silver haired demon. Red eyes intent as he offered a polite smile to the mysterious stranger.

"Sesshomaru," the hanyou greeted warmly. In a voice he recognized Naraku used only when dealing with high clientele or important associates. "It's good to see you again."

The demon stuck his own hand out at the one outstretched towards him. Both men never looking away as they latched on to the other. "It has been some time since our last encounter, hasn't it?" His voice deep and not at all what he expected. Nor the slight sliver of pleasure that ran throughout him at hearing it.

"If you're here, I take it you've reconsidered my offer I extended to you all those years ago. It's still on the table if you suddenly find yourself more open to the idea."

"Not me," the man named Sesshomaru told him blandly. "but my father. He's interested in seeing what your offer entails in greater detail."

"I see. You're here as a representative of sorts."

"Of sorts." He replied, body language screaming disinterest.

He suddenly had to hide a smile behind his hand. Knowing Naraku would be far from pleased at that response and the quick flash of a scowl confirming his thoughts.

"I'm sure your father will not be disappointed." The dark haired hanyou's voice dripping in polite professionalism. His red eyes suddenly shifting to his right, finally taking note of the silent hanyou standing by the elevators.

He straightened out at seeing he was spotted, doing his best to appear at ease as he walked closer to the pair of taller men. Looking pointedly towards the spider even at seeing the shift as the man turned to face his approach. Taking a quick inhale of the wonderful scent that hit him. Something naturally him mixed with a spicy undertone. It was intoxicating. But more than that, he was surprised to discover the man was a dog demon such as himself.

He quickly cleared his throat, feeling eyes drill into him from both sides. "Kikyo said you wanted to see me." He offered out to Naraku.

"Yes," he said before reaching out to grab him by his waist and he couldn't help the slight tensing of his body as he found himself closer to the dark haired man than he could remember being in months. Lips made to kiss his own and he tilted his head to the right slightly, feeling Naraku's body go rigid for a short moment before straightening out. He looked back, the other's face a calm mask but his eyes told a different story. "I want to introduce you to Sesshomaru Hino. Son to Toga Hino of Bakusaiga Investment Management."

The harsh squeeze to his hip telling him to be on his best behavior when speaking with Sesshomaru. He broke away from Naraku with a heated look of his own before turning to face the man his husband hoped to impress. He looked up, startled at seeing eyes like his own staring back at him. Molten pools of gold searching over his face. That much more pronounced by the crimson that adorned each eyelid. He felt so exposed. . .

He looked down at the hand thrust out towards him before looking back up into a mirror of amber. "Sesshomaru Hino."

"Inuyasha Adachi." He returned, making to pull away but found the grip on his hand unrelenting.

"I was aware Naraku had a partner but he failed to mention how captivating you were." He drawled with a quick glance in Naraku's direction.

His eyes widened as their hands met, not having expected to hear the almost flirtatious undertone in the demon's words. "Oh, well. I tend to stick to myself most of the time." He offered a quiet laugh but stopped at the sudden squeeze to his hand. Throwing a side eyed glance to see what Naraku's reaction was but only watchful red eyes greeted him before turning back to Sesshomaru.

Looking away only as his hand was released.

"You didn't tell me your husband looked this. . .enticing, Naraku." The demon said with a visibly slow once over that made the hanyou's palms sweat. He offered a strained smile Sesshomaru's way before turning to face Naraku. Watching the amused look over his husband's face as he looked on to the dog demon. Confusion and annoyance finding him the longer he took it in on his husband's face.

"I didn't see how that was relevant to our conversation." The dark haired hanyou deadpanned with a raised brow. The look in his eyes cool and observant.

"I suppose not." Sesshomaru replied coolly, turning to seemingly give the other his full attention. Even though his yellow eyes were clearly on his husband, he still felt as if he were being looked upon.

Naraku seemed to sense this as well. "We can talk business in my office," he gestured a hand towards his door. Professionalism finding him once more.

Sesshomaru turned back towards him and he watched with bated breath the hand that reached out for his own. He looked on helplessly as his hand was lifted while the silver haired demon bent over slightly at the waist. His glorious locks falling down around him at the movement. The lightest of pressures pressed on the back of his hand before Sesshomaru pulled away. A silent heavy breath left him as his eyes snapped up to meet with Sesshomaru's. Feeling rooted in place as the demon watched him with a smothering look he couldn't place. Finally taking note of the lavender crescent filled moon that rested in the center of his forehead, surrounded on either side by the silver bangs that fell into his eyes. He suddenly felt. . . overheated. "It was very nice meeting you, Inuyasha." The demon's voice a deep drawl of unspoken pleasure he had no clue how to react to.

He blinked, gently pulling his hand away. Unable to look away from the dog's eyes. "It was. . .nice meeting you as well, Mr. Hino. I hope you find everything satisfactory with my husband during your meeting."

Sesshomaru made a faint sound from the back of his throat before abruptly turning on his heel. His long straight locks swishing behind his tall chiseled frame as he disappeared inside Naraku's office.

He snapped out of it at remembering Naraku, turning to see red eyes watching him with an unreadable look. He swallowed nervously and the spider began walking a few steps backwards before walking in after Mr. Hino. Shutting the door softly behind himself.

He stood there, wondering what the look in the dog demon's eyes meant. No. Not meant. More like why. Why would the demon look to him like that. And more importantly, his reaction to it. He hadn't felt like this in such a long time. He looked to his left hand, turning it over. Half expecting to see a burn mark from where the demon pressed his lips. He stood there helplessly as his hand tingled from just one barely there kiss upon his flesh.

...

He stirred the sauce in the pot as he thought not for the first time the dog demon he'd met a few hours ago. And stilled as he pictured the look the man had sent his way and the way it made him feel even now. Sesshomaru had been. . .sensual. Every slight movement self assured and teasing at what he could offer. He'd never met anyone more breathtaking. Convincing himself he'd imagined the desire he'd seen in those golden eyes. Someone like that didn't look at people like him. Not like that. There wasn't a doubt in his mind the dog was a great lover. He imagined someone who looked like that having a new bed partner every night if they wished. While he. . .spent his nights alone now.

The sound of the garage door opening made him jump a little as he turned. To say he was surprised to see Naraku stroll in from the door that connected to the kitchen was an understatement. He hissed at burning his hand from his spot in front of the stove. Bringing a finger up to his mouth to cool the fiery sensation as he reached his other hand out to turn off the stove's top. Burning himself on the side of the hot pot in his carelessness.

Looking up at the larger hands that reached for his burning hand. Watching as Naraku looked it over before looking at him. Heart increasing at the gentle way he handled him. "It'll be fine in a bit." The spider told him.

He could already feel the burn diminishing. "I know." He told him quietly. Wanting to simultaneously push and pull his husband closer. Naraku's eyes piercing for a short moment before breaking away from him. He took a silent breath, running a hand through his now unbound strands as he leaned against the counter, watching as Naraku went to take a seat at the kitchen table. Hoping the guilt he felt at thinking of another man not easy to read. "Figured you'd be out again tonight." Hopeful Naraku had gotten tired of wherever he was and decided to come home.

"I'm not staying." The spider informed him and he nodded, heart in his throat. He shifted uneasily at being on the receiving end of his husband's unwavering stare. He turned to the cupboard, fishing out a plate to make his plate of food. Awkwardness building up within him at the silence that followed.

"What did you think of Hino." Naraku suddenly asked him and he slowed, throwing the other a confused look. Wondering if his thoughts had been apparent to Naraku.

"Uh, he's fine I guess." He muttered with a shrug he didn't truly feel as he went about loading his plate with his meal. "He seemed decent enough. Why?" Turning his head to look at the hanyou.

"I'm hoping to make his father one of our investors in the company. It appears Sesshomaru is hesitant to sign a contract with us. His father respects his son's word. If Sesshomaru for some reason doesn't believe it's a move suited in the best interest for his father's company my chance of working with the Hino's is closed off. I need him to sign that contract."

His brows met in the middle. "I'm sorry but it doesn't seem there's anything you can do. It seems he wasn't prepared to sign on with us years ago if I didn't misunderstand today's conversation. If he's reluctant then I don't see how you're going to get him to suddenly change his mind after all this time." He mused, freezing at the intense look directed his way. Watching as the spider stood up from his seat to stand before him once more.

"Unlike our first encounter, I believe I have something that may sway him this time. A better idea of how to convince him." He rumbled deeply and Inuyasha didn't resist the urge to look down once it came over him. "He's agreed to have another meeting with us tomorrow. I want you to discuss negotiations with him." He finished dispassionately, backing away from him. His words rougher and more of a demand. "Any questions or needs he may have, make sure that you see to it."

He looked confused but nodded nonetheless. Looking up to him. "Okay. Fine. I'll do it." He replied easily. "What time's the meeting?"

A smirk flitted across the hanyou's lips before turning to the garage. "I'll let you know." A simple hand in the air his sign of departure as he walked into the garage.

He watched the door in a daze before turning towards the table to eat another meal alone. Eyes not belonging to his husband plaguing him for the rest of the night.

Work passed by normally enough until his dark haired assistant poked her head in, her brown eyes looking to him. "Mr. Doi is on line two. He says it's urgent."

He turned to the phone at the mentioning of the spider, picking it up from its cradle. "Naraku."

"He'll be here in a few minutes." Already knowing Naraku referred to Mr. Hino.

He nodded even though he knew the other couldn't see him. "Okay. I'll let Kikyo know to give him top priority."

"You won't be holding the meeting here. He's expecting you downstairs."

"Fine," he said in exasperation. "I don't see how discussing the contract at his father's company will make much of a differe-"

"You will be accommodating to him, Inuyasha." Naraku reminded him shortly. He made to ask what his husband meant by that but came up short at hearing the line disconnected.

He dropped the phone back before standing up, looking to his watch. Seeing it was almost two. He'd better get going if he were to meet Sesshomaru. He left his office and made his way to the elevators, hitting the button for the first floor. Closing his eyes in a loud exhale, feeling more nervous than he expected.

The doors parted and he walked out, seeing Mr. Hino standing by the building's main doors. The dark gray suit molding to him. His abundance of silver tresses bound behind him in a high ponytail that lay down his back. His elfin ears sticking out and adding to his ethereal features.

His step faltering slightly as he noticed the single lavender rose in the demon's grasp. He looked up, golden eyes trained on him at his approach. He came to a stop before him, a question in his eyes. He was mesmerized as Sesshomaru walked closer. Looking down at feeling fingers slip into his own, warmth gripping him as the rose was given to him before the dog closed his hand over his fingers. The rose trapped in his grasp.

He let out a small huff of laughter, the corner of his lips tilting upwards as he looked to Sesshomaru. "I don't think anyone's ever given me a rose for a simple business meeting. Thank you, Mr. Hino."

"Please. Sesshomaru will suffice. And I believe. . .flowers are just one of the many things you deserve. Inuyasha."

He blinked, swallowing as he took a step away from the quickly heating space between them. "We should. . . we should probably get going."

They stood there for a quick moment before the older dog suddenly moved aside, a hand gesturing towards the doors behind them. "After you."

Inuyasha looked to the piercing stare looking to him before walking to the parting doors. Hearing the demon follow him out.

He walked forward, fingering the purple rose in his hand. He stopped as he realized he had no idea where he was going. He stopped, letting the demon catch up to him. Sesshomaru's hands in either pocket of his slacks. The perfect image of one at ease.

"It wasn't my intention to make you uncomfortable." He rumbled quietly.

"No. I'm fine." He assured. "I just realized I'm more out of tune with things than I originally thought." He held up the rose, holding it up as he marveled at its beauty. "Something as simply receiving a gift throws me off balance. I can't remember the last time someone's given me something just because." He whispered more to himself than to the man beside him.

He looked back to see Sesshomaru watching him before the other looked away. "Was my husband's company not to your liking? Was there a certain reason you feel the need to hold our meeting at your father's company?"

The demon's lips curved to the side, fang making an appearance before the other's indifferent mask slipped back into place. He couldn't help but feel as if he'd amused Mr. Hino somehow.

"Naraku's building is fine. I just wanted a change of scenery while we talked over business." He explained, looking to the hanyou from the corner of his eye. "Does that upset you?"

His eyebrows rose in surprise. "I guess it doesn't really matter now that you've explained it."

Sesshomaru made a humming sound from the back of his throat before suddenly stopping and felt himself stop as well in response. Realizing they'd walked across the parking lot without him even paying attention. He watched the dog walk around the driver's side of a silver Lamborghini Murcielago, the door lifting upwards. The passenger side door rose and he hopped in the seat, the door closing behind him.

Remembering to buckle as he watched Sesshomaru push the button to start up his engine before pulling out of the space. Appearing comfortable behind the wheel as he handled the massive hunk of metal. He looked away as thoughts he knew he shouldn't be thinking flitted through his mind. Opting to stare at the lavender rose, twirling it between his fingers.

"It suits you."

He looked over, Sesshomaru's eyes on the road and he looked back to his flower. "It's beautiful." He breathed. Taking in its features as a question came to mind. "Why purple?" He asked, suddenly filled with the need to see the dog's face as he answered.

He stayed quiet as he quickly looked from the corner of his eyes. "Magnetism." He supplied suddenly. "Enchantment. Majestic. Presented to the recipient who holds a charm that makes them almost irresistible." His voice sounding almost dispassionate but he had the feeling the demon was anything but. "The very first meeting has enticed the giver of these flowers. They can not resist the object of their desires." His words fading away into silence.

He looked to Sesshomaru. "Enchantment can be fleeting." He said before looking back to the single flower that said so much. "Nothing about this suggests permanence."

Hoping those words filled in the things he didn't need to say. If the long look sent his way and following silence were any indication, he was sure Sesshomaru understood.

...

He placed the rose in one of the cupholders between them before climbing out of the car. Going to stand by Sesshomaru as the valet made his way around to the driver's seat before driving off.

He turned to face the restaurant, impressed at recognizing the familiarity. Not so much at seeing where their "meeting" was going to take place. This was clearly crossing the line into something other than business. Normally, eating with a business associate was nothing to ponder over but not with a man such as Mr. Hino.

He didn't say anything, simply followed Sesshomaru inside. It was a fairly short affair, a waiter led them towards seats away from the majority of the diners. Only a few other tables scattered around them filled with visitors. He ordered after Sesshomaru, a staring match ensuing once the human left them.

He tilted his head. "What reservations do you have with signing with my husband? Any concerns you may have are my job to clear up any miscommunication. Feel free to ask any questions you may have."

Sesshomaru watched him as he leaned forward suddenly. "Do you find me attractive."

His lips parted slightly in shock. "I don't see how that pertains to you singing on to become an investor in my husband's car manufacturing."

The dog's eyebrows quirked up, face unimpressed. "You did say feel free to ask any questions I may have. And you've failed to answer."

"Relating to business." He stressed. "That question hardly seems appropriate here considering I'm legally bound to another."

"Hn. I believe fair exchange is reasonable. For every question you answer, I'll answer one in return."

He shook his head. "This is supposed to be business."

"In my eyes, it all seams together." He responded coolly.

He knew Naraku would not be pleased if he didn't try everything he could to wrangle in Sesshomaru and his father. He was doing this for his marriage. Hoping scoring this would earn him favor in the spider's eyes.

He looked back into watchful amber. "Fine. But as long as we're clear I have a right not to answer anything I deem too personal."

"We'll see." The demon responded and he looked to him with unimpressed eyes. "You didn't answer the question."

"Yes. Yes I find you attractive. Though I'm sure you know that. I suspect it's more about getting me to admit more than anything." At seeing Sesshomaru unresponsive, he continued. "My turn. My husband told me about the very same offer he extended to you years ago. If you've sought him out now it has to be for a reason. You're obviously more open to the idea of working with him but you still hesitate. Why?" He asked.

"I don't trust Naraku. He's a shady individual who will turn on those closest near him just to see his own success. My father can appreciate his drive but questions his loyalty in the years to come. There is no doubt business would flourish between us but at what price? Business relations are not needed between us. It is merely whether it would prove to be a worthwhile investment to partake in."

He nodded. No wonder Naraku seemed desperate to bind with the Hino's. He'd assumed both would be entering the agreement on equal footing but the Hino's held all the cards. They must have something his husband wanted.

He thought to Sesshomaru's view on his husband and couldn't bring himself to defend him.

"Why stay in a loveless marriage?"

His eyes snapped up to meet with the other. "I have my reasons." He muttered while looking away.

"Not good enough, Inuyasha."

He sighed. "My husband. . .is all I've ever known. All I have besides my mother. I may not love him but I still care for him and think my marriage can be saved. Feelings don't just turn off because you want them to. We have history."

"You've only ever slept with one man?"

"That's two questions," he told the other with a pointed look. "What will it take for you to do business with Naraku?"

"The contract. . .would have to be revised. For a shorter time frame. Test our compatibility before tying ourselves together. A trial period. Some of his demands are ridiculous. He wants much financial support for very little result in production and no guarantee of an incline in sales in the years to come."

He licked his lips, biting his lip at seeing the demon track the movement. "I'm sure he'll be open to negotiation."

"My earlier question."

He nodded. "Yes. Naraku is the only man I've ever. . ."

The waiter came with their food and drinks then before leaving. He stabbed at his steak before dunking it into his potatoes and gravy before lifting the portion to his mouth. His taste buds exploding. Chewing thoughtfully as he thought of his next question. "How long before you lose interest in the idea of possibly investing in us?"

Sesshomaru chewed his food before swallowing. "I believe my father would be willing to extend the time if the negotiations are within reason. Two. Three months."

That was more than enough time to revise the contract. He'd go over it with Naraku and see what he wanted to include-

"You're aware of the affair your husband is having. Why do you keep silent?"

His heart stopped. "H-How do you know that?"

"I make it my business to know about the things I've taken an interest in. I don't enter into something without knowing every thing about the people I associate with."

"And what is it that you're interested in Mr. Hino. So far it seems you've only cared to know about things pertaining to me." He finished in slight confusion. Wonder.

Sesshomaru didn't shift at the following silence. His gaze unwavering and seeming to say so much while not revealing much at all.

"That look in your eye," he breathed out before he could stop himself. Feeling trapped and mesmerized all in one. "You shouldn't look at me like that."

The demon's crossed his fingers together. Brow raising sightly for the quickest moment. "And how is that I look at you. Inuyasha."

He slowly shook his head. "You should really stop. Before I begin to think that I'm not imagining what I see there. That you really want me the way you seem to. It's not right."

"Would it really be so bad, Inuyasha." He asked quickly, leaning in closer. "Me wanting you." He breathed with a sensuality unrivaled. He couldn't help but let his eyes roam over Sesshomaru's features before remembering himself.

He looked away before nodding his head. "Yeah. It would be," he replied softly. "There's no possible way for you to have me. I'm a married man, Mr. Hino."

"Hn." The silver haired man reached for his glass of red wine. "Your husband truly is a fool. Even with the way he treats you, you're still loyal to him."

He winced internally at the blatant mention of the treatment he chose to accept in his marriage but remained to appear unbothered as far as external features went. "Two wrongs don't make a right, Mr Hino." He reminded him.

"No," Sesshomaru drawled slowly with a nod. "I suppose not. But they tend to make one feel better."

He grinned, silent laughter leaving him. It seemed like something the other would say. "Revenge isn't always sweet."

"My earlier question then. If not for revenge, why do you choose to appear ignorant of your husband's affair?"

He made to rest his chin across his hands as he placed his elbows onto the table. "Well. . .I," he licked his lips, nerves getting the better of him. "I guess it ties into my earlier answer. I still very much care for my husband, Mr. Hino." He swallowed. "But more than that I suppose is a fear," he went on as he spoke his fear aloud for the first time to a virtual stranger. "Fear of being alone after losing the only love I've ever known. Even if I have to share him, I'll still have a part of him with me."

He looked away from Sesshomaru. Knowing the other had to think him weak with every truth he revealed. It wasn't as hard as he imagined admitting these things.

"What has he done to you?" He raised his head at the inquiry, the words unmasked as it wasn't hard to see just how appalling Sesshomaru thought his thoughts were. The demon looked to him in observation. As if studying something complex. "I never would've took you for the type to sit back and accept such treatment. Has your self esteem really took that big of a hit that you've accepted becoming second place in the eyes of your husband."

He jerked back as if slapped. "You think I'm second place?" His face showing his surprise, eyebrows raising upwards. His tone obviously conveying the demon's words ridiculous. "I may share him but I'm the one he's still married to. I'm the one living in our home. "That. . .that bitch," he hissed, face hardening as he looked to the impassive demon before him. Anger filling him at seeing Sesshomaru unchanging. "Is the one who has to hide her relationship with my husband. If anyone's inferior it's her. Not me."

The sounds of the restaurant around them filled the space between them for a short moment. Inuyasha doing his best to not fidget under the older man's stare. "That large home. . .means nothing. He doesn't spend his nights there with you and he's bought her a home of her own. Your marriage. He's clearly shown you the value he places on your union. Their are only a handful of the staff that aren't aware of your husband's infidelity. Your position can easily be replaced. Make no mistake, Inuyasha. Naraku plans to leave you for that woman of his. And he will. As soon as he finds a way to lose as little as possible in the process. And when he's wrung every ounce of usefulness out of you.

He felt breathless. "Your lying," he started uncertainly, face pinched. "He. . .He knows I have no one but him. Our past goes beyond anything he could have with Kikyo. He wouldn't leave me." He stood up from his seat and Sesshomaru did the same. Face frowning as he looked to the man in front of him. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Hino but I'll be taking my leave now. I'll inform my husband of the concerns you've presented to me and will work on seeing to them immediately." He said coldly, leaning forward to place his hands on the table between them. His voice lowering. "Any personal issues inside my marriage do not concern you. It's just business between us from here on out. I urge you to remember that if you wish to keep any form of a cordial relationship between us, Mr. Hino." Inuyasha watched himself being watched, the silver haired demon's face perfectly blank. He watched as the demon suddenly lowered himself back into his seat. Eyes raising up to meet with his and he instantly felt rooted to the spot.

"I wonder. . . how you would react if you knew the proposition your husband presented to me."

He eyed him, head twisting in suspicion. "What proposition?"

"You say your not inferior in your husband's eyes, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru's words harsh and clipped while still maintaining his calm air. "Then why is it that your husband was all too willing to offer you to me at the exchange for a business deal. Why is that you think we're here? He's using you in hopes I'll cave in to his wants. He's placed his money. His business. Over you Inuyasha. What will it take for you to open your eyes and see what's right in front of you? Any love he might have had for you is gone. He was willing to let me fuck you in order to advance his career." He sneered, eyes flashing with something that passed too quickly to name. "What does that tell you, Inuyasha. Any value on your life is nonexistent in his eyes."

His breath left him and he looked around at the deadly quiet that descended over the restaurant. Eyes trained onto them and his embarrassment engulfing him at realizing every word of the demon's reality check had been heard. He urged his feet to move. He made to run past Sesshomaru but fingers wrapped around his arm in a vise grip. The demon once more on his feet and looking down to him. Face hard. Jaw tight. "Your run from your truth. How interesting."

He turned tear filled eyes Sesshomaru's way. The few experimental tugs letting him know he wasn't going anywhere if the demon didn't wish it. "Let me go. Please." He whispered, overly aware of the eyes trained on them. Inwardly pleading for Sesshomaru to let him go. Quickly backing up a few steps at the hand that released him. Tears pouring down his face before turning to run from the restaurant.

He didn't stop there. He ran like a mad man through his tears until fatigue made him slow down. Sitting down at a bus stop, trying to catch his breath but the tears made it difficult. An almost silent purr of an engine made him raise his head, heart threatening to rise from his throat. Sesshomaru watching him from the driver's seat of his Lamborghini. The passenger window rolled down.

"Get in."

He shook his head. "Leave me alone, Sesshomaru. I have no wish to see you further."

"Inuyasha. Get in the car. You won't like the consequences if I have to get out."

His lip curled back over his fang before he stood up, walking off in the direction opposite of traffic. Bringing his arms around himself as he began walking, having no idea where he was going.

He heard the demon behind him too late. The other gripping his arm before harshly yanking him around and back towards the parked car. Handling him like a ragdoll. The demon opened the door on his side before letting him go. "Get in the car, Inuyasha." His voice holding no room for argument.

He looked to the demon helplessly before letting out a sound of frustration. Throwing himself into the seat. Buckling himself in before crossing his arms over his chest with a huff. Refusing to look at Sesshomaru at the door that closed behind him. Glaring forward the whole time Sesshomaru took walking around his vehicle and dumping himself into his seat.

Silence between them as Sesshomaru drove.

Thoughts and recent events flowing through his mind until he could keep quiet no more. "What is it that you want from me?" Turning his head to the left. "You seem to know every little detail about my marriage. I honestly doubt your trying to help me from the goodness in your heart. You've twisted my world around until I'm not sure what I want to do anymore. So what do you want. Your doing all this for something. What do you want from all this?"

The car came to a stop at a red light and Sesshomaru turned to face him. "If I said I wanted you, would you believe me?"

"You don't even know me." He countered.

"As soon as you stop fighting the attraction you feel for me and let me in, that can change."

"Why. Why me."

"I knew as soon as you looked to me. Your eyes tell a story. Despite the position you've placed yourself in, the fire within still burns. I find you fascinating."

He nodded as if having confirmed something to himself. "It's infatuation. It'll wear off in time. You'll go and potentially do business with Naraku and I'll go back to my life. There is no hope for you and me."

"Allow yourself more than what you think is available to you. You deserve more than what you're getting. There's much better out there for you."

He looked away at the light that turned green. "There is no one."

"I desire you Inuyasha. Let me take care of you."

"No. You don't," he whispered adamantly as he looked out the window. "You don't know me to say that." He turned back to see golden eyes watching him. "I'll prove it to you. Stay the night with me. . .and I'll show you." He left his hand drift over, letting his fingers comb through the end of the demon's bound strands as he looked to him.

"You may show me all that you wish. Only if you accompany me to my home." He said nothing. Fingers linked with his own and he looked down, watching their entwined hands and the heat the demon brought with him. His darker tone meshing with the other's milky complexion. This was so wrong. But that didn't stop him from slowly nodding his agreement.

Neither said anymore as they stayed hand in hand. His stomach clenching in anticipation and nervousness at what he was about to do.