Disclaimer: Don't own…don't sue

A/N: This short-short is set firmly within the 'Time Lapse' universe, and takes place in the early morning after Kagome has gone through the well for the first time.

For Manon Le Chat, whose online name makes me think of a slinky feline garbed in a 1930s bias-cut satin gown with a plunging neckline, elbow gloves and a long ebony cigarette-holder.

First posted on LJ July 24, 2006.

Dawn

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He closed the door to the bedroom, leaving his armour and swords in the care of the yawning toad-imp and paused, his eyes fluttering closed as he breathed her floral-scented presence. Thank the gods I'm not alone… A smile softened his austere features at the sight of the sleeping woman curled around his pillow, her silky dark hair fanning across the cool sheets, her cheeks delicately flushed.

Leaving a trail of discarded fur and silk, he loosened the ties of the light kosode as he glided across the carpet to the low-backed upholstered chair by the windows. Sinking into it, he tossed his hair out of the way, allowing the silver mass to pool carelessly on the floor and stretched out his legs to rest on the ottoman. Elegantly crossing his striped ankles, he arranged the thin garment modestly over his lap before settling back to contemplate the events of the night. He admired the pearlescent sky of early dawn while propping his chin on long fingers, entirely grateful for this moment of peaceful reflection to his young sister-in-law who was even now making her way on the other end of time.

The rustle of the sheets captured his attention, and presently, soft footfalls announced her approach. Slender arms circled his chest, and dark hair spilled over his shoulder as she kissed his ear-tip. "The portal opened?" Nodding, he barely suppressed a shiver at the sensation of her breath ghosting over his ear. "How did he take it?"

"Better than I expected. He did not require restraints."

The arms tightened, and she rested her chin on his shoulder. "It doesn't seem fair, that Kagome must suffer so much for the happiness of others." Yellow eyes kindling, he reached behind him and brought her into his lap. Her soft golden curves were gilded by the dawn's roseate light as she rearranged his kosode until only skin separated them. He loosely embraced her, his striped arms draped over her thighs and around her hips.

Rin's dark eyes glowed as she tilted his chin down for a lingering kiss. "We owe her the greatest debt of all…"

The once-and-still taiyoukai cupped her cheek, leaned his forehead against hers while running the pad of his thumb over her lips. "Yes, beloved…and this Sesshomaru will do all in his power to repay our debt of happiness."