Sneaks in…

The young girl's breath puffed in to the air in small clouds as she licked at her cold, dry lips. Despite the chill she waited patiently just outside the small hut, on top of a stump as she looked to the sky for signs of her Lord. The four legged demon watched the girl from the cover of a shed, munching on dry hay as she began to sing a song to pass the time.

Kin had taught it to her, and even with the snow falling gently on her soft black hair the winter air did not slip through the carefully woven fibers of her clothing. The tune came to an abrupt stop as a figure appeared on the distant horizon. She hopped up on to the stump, squinting as she raised a small hand to shade the sun from her eyes. With a cry she waved enthusiastically, causing Jaken to come crashing out through the small sliding door in a groggy mess. "Lord Sesshomaru!"

Her joy came to an abrupt halt however when a second figure could be seen within their Lord's outline. "Lady Kin!" she raced forward, feet squishing in to the freshly fallen snow as Lord Sesshomaru landed in the small clearing. The worst of the demoness' wounds had healed, but she was pale and did not carry her usual glow. Her hazel eyes were dull, and the bits of green and gold were faded as she gave the young girl a reassuring smile.

"I'm alright, Rin." She said as Sesshomaru reluctantly allowed her to stand on her own. Her wings were no longer in bloody tatters, but she still did not dare to use them or seal them in to her back. "I just had a small accident."

Rin's eyes grew serious as she skirted behind the demoness, small fingers delicately following the fading scars. "These aren't from an accident."

"She was ambushed," Sesshomaru ignored the younger demon's glare as he walked over to where A-Un was sheltered. He carefully checked their supplies before turning towards Jaken. "Her affection towards humans almost killed her."

"My affections towards others gives me strength. The people that did this are cornered and manipulated. They are starving and sick, poisoned in both mind and body." From her tone it was obvious that this was a statement she had repeated more once already. It was so difficult to get him to understand that value humans had, and what she saw in them.

Jaken, who usually would be quick to side with his Lord stayed silent, inching carefully back towards the small hut they were using for shelter. He had a small fire going inside, and could sense that any remark from his mouth would mean a large bump on his noggin. He flinched when Sesshomaru raised a brow at his silence, but was grateful when Rin spoke up instead. "Is the demon you are hunting for with them?"

Kin followed after the imp towards the hut, wanting to feel the fire's warmth. "I believe so, though during the winter he is at his weakest. He's most likely deep underwater, or hiding underground somewhere. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to warm up inside. I'm tired." It was also a time of the year that had shorter days and less sun, which meant she was weaker as well. However she didn't vocalize this as she went inside to settle in front of the flames.

Despite her worry the young girl did not follow. Instead she stayed outside with her Lord, watching him as he reached out to pat A-Un's head. He eventually turned and began to walk away from the hut, glancing down when Rin fell in pace beside him. "Rin…?" he asked, his tone inquiring. He had expected her to help the golden haired woman.

The young girl looked down at her hands, thumbs twiddling. It reminded him of when they first interacted. She had been shy and hesitant, though over time she learned to speak her mind carefully. "I'm worried, Lord Sesshomaru." She mumbled, chocolate eyes shining with tears. "Lady Kin is in pain. Not just from this. There's something wrong but she won't tell anybody."

He was silent for a moment, nodding his head in agreement. "She needs to find the Moon Pearl sooner rather than later. This Watatsumi that she is constantly hunting is an elusive creature, and is as conniving as Naraku." He stopped, looking upwards at the cloudy sky above them. Despite the shadowy overcast it was high noon, but it was a cold and snowy winter day.

"Can you help her?"

"It is not so much the question as 'can I', as 'will she let me'." He reached out with his single hand and patted the top of her head. Without even realizing it he had slowly been chipping away at the demoness' defenses, learning about her past and weaknesses. Despite her decision to handle things on her own he was now a part of this. He had promised her mother's spirit that he would look after her, didn't he? He was an honorable man, and would stay true to his word. Yesterday's ambush would not happen again. Just the thought of Kin feeling pain made his blood boil. He could still remember the feeling of her mangled wings, bloody and torn underneath his fingers.

He could also remember the softness of her skin as she relaxed in his arms, the smell of her hair and the sweetness of her lips.

Yes. He was going to help her whether she wanted him to or not.

Rin was still watching him, dark eyes peering up in patience as he made his decision. "Lord Sesshomaru?"

He looked down at the human child and gave a nod before directing them back in to the hut. "I'm going to help her whether she wants it or not."

Kin was already asleep when the two entered the hut. Sesshomaru closed the screen behind them, padding over to the sleeping form next to the fire. Now that she was out of the cold the color had restored to her cheeks. She was laying on her side, wings splayed on the floor behind her. He wondered how demons without the ability to put away their wings slept briefly as he settled down beside her.

They were all silent for a while until the demoness began to stir. She cracked one eye open, looking at the white haired man beside her. "I don't know what's stranger. The fact that you're all quiet, or the fact that I find the silence disturbing." She sighed, using an elbow to prop herself up. One of the things that had attracted her to this group was their liveliness. The hut had a somber mood however, and it unsettled her.

Rin watched the demoness carefully, noting the weakness in her as she slowly moved up in to a seated position. She glanced at Jaken before getting up to tug him back outside. "We'll be right back. I set traps the other day for rabbits and I haven't checked them yet. Come with me, Jaken."

"Why should I?" The imp wailed in protest, but was dragged out of the hut nonetheless. They could hear him complaining as they moved away, until finally it was silent again.

It didn't take long for the woman to begin to fidget. Sesshomaru was used to long silences and brooding, but Kin was a different story. "You're still mad at me."

There was a slight pause, "No. I'm not 'mad' at you." He turned towards her, his usual hard expression softening. "I am concerned. I found you in a bloody heal yesterday. Mangled and poisoned. I think that gives me enough reason."

She bit at her lip. He was right, but it was frustrating that every time she became injured or something bad happened he was there to witness her failures. She was a demon as well, and weakness within their kind was looked down upon. Sesshomaru was powerful and in a league of his own. "I don't want to be in a position that causes others to worry, is all."

He moved closer to her, reaching out with his one arm to circle her waist and bring her beside him. He turned his head, gently pressing his lips to her hair. The smell of sunflowers was faint, but her curls were soft. "Then don't allow for such situations to occur. I've offered my help before but you're always trying to keep secrets from me. If you let me help this wouldn't happen."

She leaned against him, sighing in defeat. "Everyone that I've ever trusted is dead or has betrayed me." Her fingers began to play with his long white hair. It was so soft and pure she often wondered how he took care of it. "Though I guess with you I don't really have to worry about betrayal or death."

He scoffed, "I have honor, and am far stronger than this Watatsumi. You don't have to fret about that."

"…" she was silent again, soaking it all in. He didn't mind this however, and enjoyed her presence as he stared at the small fire. "Sesshomaru…"

"Hm?" he grunted, looking down. She had turned her head upwards, and her voice was soft.

"If-I mean-when we defeat Watatsumi and get the Moon Pearl back…" she hesitated, eyes darting away nervously. "Would it be alright if I joined you?"

His brow furrowed for a brief moment, and he could see a flash of regret in her expression. He dipped his head, claiming her lips with his own in a gentle kiss. She relaxed then, and he pressed his forehead against hers. "Yes."

Slips back out.