"You could join us," she said, motioning to the edge of the village. "I'm travelling with my friends right now. It would give you a chance to interact with more people."
The man shook his head. "I am needed elsewhere."
"With her?" Kagome gave him a soft smile. Now that she knew why he'd been following her, she didn't feel quite so defensive.
Though the flower had been a nice touch.
"No. Well, yes, but she does not—"
She chuckled, waving him off so as not to prolong his embarrassment. "I'm sure she enjoys your company, regardless of your role." The wind picked up, tousling her hair, the man's fingers tucking a dark curl behind her ear before she could do it herself.
"Perhaps."
Kagome hummed as she came out of her reverie. She'd never seen Sesshoumaru's human persona as a love rival, but the subtle touch along her scalp had left the back of her neck flushed all the same.
"You are dreaming again."
She grinned, leaning back against a newly fallen log, the flames from the fire warming her feet. "More like reminiscing."
Sesshoumaru sat down beside her. "Nothing nefarious, I hope."
"Well, it was mostly about you, so…" She trailed off, her grin widening at his raised eyebrow. She leaned against him, happy that he wasn't against any public displays of affection. "I'm glad you're here."
A wayward breeze blew through the camp, embers crackling as shadows danced. Kagome moved to tuck her hair behind her ear, but delicate claws beat her to it. His touch lingered, his fingers tracing the line of her neck.
"You told me to stop doing that," she said softly, sapphire eyes etched with want.
Sesshoumaru smirked. "I have done nothing."
"Uh-huh. Has anyone told you that you're a terrible liar?"
"Only once."
Her lips twitched before she could smother her smile against his sleeve. "Sounds like an intuitive individual."
"She is."
She settled back against him, eyes slowly drifting shut, the last sensation being his claws running through her hair.