As The Seasons Turn by Sihara

Seeing You in Winter

Kagome sneezed, and rubbed at her red nose yet again with her mittened hands, only worsening the irritation. Of course Inuyasha had insisted they press on in spite of the weather, which didn't help Kagome's head cold. Only slightly miserable, she nuzzled down into the plush scarf her mother had insisted she take with her on this recent trip into the well.

Thanks again, Mama, I wish Inuyasha wasn't always so stubborn!

Thankfully, it appeared that Inuyasha was slowing down and looking to set up camp for the night, when Shippou's shout caught her attention. Apparently the youngest son of the Inu no Taisho had inadvertently stumble upon the same campsite as his elder brother. Ah Un regarded them lazily from his spot near a roaring fire, Jaken disgruntled, but willing to share the space with their temporary allies. Sango elected not to take advantage of the hot spring, instead using the cold as an excuse to get closer to the Houshi while Shippou just grinned.

Kagome, however, was dead set and determined to take advantage of the hot spring's warmth, hoping it would warm her bones, clear her head and help her frozen, achey muscles to relax. She slipped quickly out of her clothes, and into the water, groaning and sighing with equal pleasure.

"Kagome-onee-san?" The little girl's voice brought Kagome out of her not-so-quiet revery, and realized she wasn't alone. Rin smiled sweetly and swam over, being just small enough to touch the bottom on tip-toe, and preferring to swim.

"Rin-chan! Are you having a bath too?"

"I am! I like the springs during winter, they're so nice and warm." Kagome agreed, but frowned, surely it was entirely inappropriate weather for such a little girl to be out traveling. Then again, from what she knew of Sesshoumaru, he wouldn't leave the little human girl behind for anything, preferring to protect her with his presence. With chagrin, she realized that Rin was probably in better shape than she was!

"You're absolutely right Rin-chan, but its probably time for us to get out, before we get dizzy."

"Yes, Kagome-onee-san." Kagome helped Rin to dry off, buffing her briskly with her off-white towel before helping the younger girl into her surprisingly warm clothes.

"I'll follow once I'm dressed, Rin-chan, if you look you can see Jaken is waiting just beyond that tree." Rin let out a giggle of secret delight, and pounced upon the old Kappa.

"Come along Jaken-san! It is past time for dinner!" Sparing a smile for the little girl's antics, Kagome followed suit in getting dried and dressed, looking up from securing her shoes for her eyes to meet molten gold.

"S-Sesshoumaru-sama!"

"Hn."

"Ah what are you..? I mean..ah…please excuse me…Sesshoumaru-sama." Surely he hadn't been peeping! It would be beneath him, to stare at a human woman. He was probably just watching for Rin, and had graced Kagome with his Lordly presence as thanks for her aid towards his ward. Kagome couldn't help but feel warm at his concern for Rin, and somewhat belligerent at what she presumed to be his haughty attitude.

"Inuyasha! You have to wait a full three minutes for the Ramen do be done, stop being so impatient!" As the petite Miko hurried off to save their dinner from impatient hands, Sesshoumaru contemplated the young woman.

Inuyasha is not caring for her properly, she should not smell ofillness as she does. It was a simple matter to keep Rin well cared for, why does he neglect his duty? The fool. No matter, she is no concern of mine.

AN: Disclaimer, I do not claim to own Inuyasha or any of the characters contained within, this work of fiction is created purely out of my imagination and is not the work of others-it is intended for fan enjoyment, and not for monetary profit. This work was written for the LiveJournal Dokuga_Contest's Seasons Challenge-first prompt "Winter".

 

INUYASHA © Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan • Yomiuri TV • Sunrise 2000
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