{Voice; UN: bakusaiga}

[prince_of_the_moon]

I wish to fight.

{Because, damn it all, he knows battle. Relationships? Apparently he is a failure in that arena.}

Do not reply if you are weak.

Comments

[dragonrising]

There is. There are lessons all around us.

You are still young yet, Sesshomaru. You're learning quickly but you are still learning. Allow yourself patience for that.

[prince_of_the_moon]

I cannot love as you do; as humans do. I do not know how. {And even if he learned that emotion he fears his love would be burdensome.}

I felt at peace with you. Thank you for that.

[dragonrising]

Everyone loves differently. In the end you should only love in a way that suits you.

[He tilts his head as he listens, wishing he could see his face.] You are always welcome to have that peace again. I offer it freely to you.

[prince_of_the_moon]

{It's a risk he can't take. He had almost...almost...with Runyu, but seeing the pain he caused, no. He can't relish that.}

You have two who love you. I know you are in good hands.

[dragonrising]

I have more than two that I love, Sesshomaru. They may carry my scales but they know I have others. I always have.

[prince_of_the_moon]

{Is that true...?}

I met your General. He was upset.

{Sesshomaru hadn't been at his best for that conversation, but Ouyang had been prickly from the start.}

I tried to speak to him as I speak to you. I was accused of boasting.

[dragonrising]

Ah.

[This sounds like a case of vast misunderstanding of how to approach his Ouyang. He understands because that is one person who is not like others.]

Ya'er is a proud man. One who has been through a great deal where he is not likely to open up easily. Nor one to want to be touched or given bold compliments that are not directed at his skills. He certainly isn't one who can be approached as you do me. Even I would not dare.

[prince_of_the_moon]

{He had attempted an apology, but then the man jumped at the opportunity to fight him. Usually Sesshomaru couldn't care less if someone hates him, however he knows some of Ouyang's story and he admires the strength of the man. And he respects his bond with Runyu.}

I followed your scent and found him. I wish I hadn't.

{He sighs and adds, softer:}

I will visit you when I'm - {Feeling less fragile.} Soon.

[dragonrising]

I will wait for you. When you are ready.

[prince_of_the_moon]

{He lets Runyu see the forest clearing that he has more or less called his own.}

[dragonrising]

[Seeing the brief video, he goes there to wait for Sesshomaru. He doesn't know if the demon will want to see him but he can still at least try.]

[prince_of_the_moon]

{Seeing Runyu makes his heart lurch and he -

Is this panic? He has never experienced it before. Not even when Rin was trapped in the Underworld.

Leaping down from the tree he had been resting in, he feels another surprise gnawing away at his insides.

Guilt.}

Runyu.

[dragonrising]

Sesshomaru.

[He walks over to the demon and reaches out to touch his face.]

Did you have your fill of combat?

[prince_of_the_moon]

{Something inside of him shudders and then...

Submits. That's it, isn't it? He has submitted to Runyu. His face is burned, his arm is cut and his body is bruised, but over-all...}

Yes. Many came to assist.

[dragonrising]

Do you want to keep the injuries?

[Because he wants to heal them but he knows Sesshomaru might need this.]

[prince_of_the_moon]

{He frowns and captures Runyu's hands, holding them against his chest.}

They will heal soon. You...came.

{That is already more than enough.}

[dragonrising]

Yes. I was worried about you.

[He should have waited for Sesshomaru but his instincts told him not to.]

[prince_of_the_moon]

It was my mistake. {Admitting as much is difficult.} I do not understand humans.

The closest I've come...

My pup is a human. She is only a child.

[dragonrising]

And she will grow and you will learn more through her. But not all humans are the same. You must keep that in mind. Every person is unique. It doesn't matter if they are human, Immortal, or demon.

[prince_of_the_moon]

Then speak your mind. Do you wish to continue seeing me? {Runyu is unique too and Sesshomaru respects his decision.}

[dragonrising]

[What an odd question.] Yes. You are mine. Why would I want to stop seeing you?

[prince_of_the_moon]

{Is it odd? No odder than how warm those words make him feel.}

I will cause you no further conflicts. I was ignorant.

{This is him apologizing.}

[dragonrising]

You are still young and learning. Have more patience with those like him. They have been through much and crossing boundaries they have laid out for you will hurt them rather than bring you closer.

[He gently touches his face.]

Sit. I will heal you.

[prince_of_the_moon]

{He is about as experienced as his physical age might lead someone to believe when it comes to romance. His life has been fighting and proving himself - though he accepts now that part of his drive to do so was because of grief. His father left the world too soon.}

What humans did to him is unforgivable.

{Sesshomaru steps forward and nuzzles their cheeks together.}

Will it tire you?

[dragonrising]

Yes. It is.

[There's a flash of anger in his eyes before he closes them to cool it. There's nothing he can do about Ouyang's past. He can only love him as he is now and embrace him. A deep breath and he opens his eyes again.]

No. It should be fine.

[Maybe. He did heal Ouyang a great deal earlier. But Runyu would rather lie and heal Sesshomaru than tell the truth and keep him from healing him.]