"He's going to be so mad." Rin whimpered."

"No he's not honey. Everyone is clumsy sometimes. He'll understand." Mel spoke soothingly as she gently cleaned and bandaged the knee. Rin had been chasing a butterfly around when her foot caught on a rock. She went flying into a nearby mud hole. The poor thing had skinned her knee badly, but what caused her distress was the fact she had been wearing her good kosode. Mud was everywhere and bits of blood speckled the garment. She was never given anything so expensive before, and was convinced he would be furious when he saw the mess. Mel had spent the last few minutes trying to calm her. She threw a murderous glare at the imp demon when he tried to scold her. The poor thing was frightened enough without him chipping in.

"Oh no!" the girl shouted. Mel looked up worriedly. Rin pointed to the side of her skirt. Mel checked it out and found the part where the fabric had split.

"What have you done now?" Jaken screeched.

"Let me check this out." Mel said throwing an even more vicious glare at him. She had that mother wolf protecting her pup look, so Jaken closed his beak and sat down by a tree. That girl had gotten much stronger the past few months. He had witnessed her kill a toad demon intent on making Rin a snack. Something had woken in her. Using prayer beads they had gotten from a traveling monk she insisted on helping, a green light engulfed the creature to oblivion. Ever since then, he was a bit more hesitant to cross her. But not from fear. She would never harm him like that. In truth, he had come to respect the girl. She was a strong fighter slowly coming into her own. In a short span of time she had grown powerful enough to destroy lower level demons and spirits. She was wise beyond her years and held an intelligence he never thought a human capable of. It was out of this respect that he held his tongue. Eventually.

Mel helped the little girl slip out of the dress. Holding the fabric up to the light, she examined it thoroughly. "I can fix this."

"Really?" Her eyes lit up hopefully. Mel nodded.

"The mud seemed to settle on the surface, the blood can be washed out, and the tear isn't as bad as it looks. I can sew it up in a heartbeat." Mel answered with a smile. Rin smiled back at her relieved. The older girl noticed the mud and dirt that covered her young companion. "I'm afraid there's no hope for you though." The two laughed.

"Go bath in the river." Mel shooed her away as she scrapped clumps of mud off the dress.

"But I'm scared. What if there are monsters in the water?" The little girl asked fearfully. Mel looked up and felt her heart tighten at the frightened look in the girl's eyes. She had forgotten how dangerous this world really was. Remembering the murderous water imp they had recently dealt with, Mel felt her heart constrict. This wasn't her world and she could not afford to forget that fact. If it wasn't for A-Un freaking out, she wouldn't have noticed the creature hiding in the depths. Wouldn't have been there to protect Rin from its malicious intent.

"Jaken, are there any monsters common in the river?"

"Not really." Jaken answered after thinking for a moment. A sigh of relief escaped. Maybe for once there could be a peaceful swim.

"There you go sweetie. Jaken can even go with you. I'll be along in a moment. " Mel said, returning to her work. Jaken tried to stutter a protest.

"Could you bath with me? Please." The little girl pleaded. Mel sighed as she set her work aside. She could probably use another bath, and she knew she would worry the entire time Rin was out of her sight. Two birds with one stone. Rummaging through her bag, she smiled as she pulled out two towels. Mel stepped out of her shoes, then pulled off her socks. Unzipping her jean shorts, she let them fall.

"Gah, what are you doing!" Jaken yelled. He had started dozing, only to wake up to find Rin naked and Mel getting that way. She paused and looked at him a moment, before pulling her shirt up over her head.

"Just getting ready to take a bath with Rin." She answered calmly. Reaching behind her, she unhooked her bra. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the imp's jaw drop. She turned towards him. "You know you don't have to look right?"

"Like I would want to." Jaken huffed, regaining his composure. He turned his head melodramatically. Mel laughed at the theatrics. When the last bit of clothing was off, she took Rin's hand as they walked down to the water.


"Whoa, cold water, cold water!" Mel shouted as she gingerly lowered herself into the river.

"It's nice." Rin said as she dog paddled around her guardian. Mel laughed.

"Honey, you have got to experience a hot bath." She said shaking her head. When she adjusted a bit to the temperature, she motioned Rin over. Then began the long process of cleaning the little girl off.

"See how adorable you look when you're clean." Mel said as she ran the brush through the girl's long hair. "Right Jaken?"

The imp mumbled something inaudible and the girl's couldn't contain their smile. Rin didn't know why he was acting so shy, but it was kind of funny. Mel knew exactly the reason for his embarrassment. Having forgotten the change of clothes, they had both come back to camp in nothing but the towels. She had taken the chance to wash Rin's older kosode. It was a warm day, and she wasn't too eager to put on clothes yet. She would dress when Rin did. It was beyond amusing the way Jaken's skin tinted darker and he tried to avoid looking at them. Mel had never imagined this would be the type of thing to embarrass him.

"You know it's not smart to go around naked." Jaken scolded, finally finding his voice. Mel looked at him for a moment, unable to suppress her giggle.

"He's quite right you know." The silk voice added as the speaker stepped through the trees. He held a few packages under his arm. "You never know who might be lurking."

"Well it's a good thing we aren't naked then." She answered, resuming her chore. The brush was running through the girl's hair much easier now, but she wanted to get rid of the last few tangles.

"What's this?" Sesshomaru asked, gently kicking the forgotten fabric. Rin looked down at the grass in front of her.

"Rin had a little accident today. Don't worry, I'll take care of it." Mel said, placing a gentle kiss on the back of the little girl's head. For a moment, Sesshomaru felt a slight tightening in his chest at the sight. Not unpleasant, just unusual.

"Do what you wish. Just thought this could be useful." He said tossing the parcels in their direction. "The smaller one is yours Rin." The little girl looked at the package for a few moments before grabbing it. Untying the string, the paper unfurled to reveal beautiful dark blue fabric. Holding the new dress up, she squeaked in delight.

"What's this for?" She asked happily, admiring the beautiful cloth.

"Your nanny pestered me about it being your birthday. As I understand it, gifts are traditional for humans, correct?" Rin's smile widened. Jumping up, she ran to the demon and wrapped her tiny arms around him. He was a bit taken aback by the gesture. Not knowing what else to do, he placed his hand on the girl's head and ruffled her hair. Mel smiled and nodded approvingly at the action. Sometimes, he could be a rather nice guy. He looked over and noticed her approval. In an instant, he had pushed the girl away and taken a few steps back. Mel rolled her eyes. Anytime she felt he had made progress, he regressed moments later. One step forward, two steps back.


He had allowed the girl her simple display of affection. But then he saw her nanny smile. It was directed not at the girl, but at him. She was happy with him. His heart jumped at the realization. The action annoyed him. It was almost like he had been hoping for that. He didn't like the new sensation, so he stepped away. Away from the girl, away from the smile. Blips of emotion were registering lately, and he didn't like it. They made him feel weak. He was a true demon lord, powerful and noble. He needed and sought after approval of no one, least of all some lowly human.


For a moment Mel worried about the sudden rejection, but it didn't seem to faze the girl at all. Rin jumped around, holding the blue fabric tightly. After a few moments, she dropped the towel. The little girl didn't even seem to notice.

"Help please." Rin called as she put the dress on. Mel rushed over and assisted. Tying the obi around, Mel patted the girl on the head.

"You look so adorable." She said affectionately. Rin twirled happily.

"It's so pretty." Turning to Sesshomaru, she took a deep bow. "Thank you for the gift Lord Sesshomaru." He just shrugged.

"Be more careful with this one." Jaken scolded. He shut up at once when Mel glowered at him. Without the others notice, Rin walked up to the other package.

"Lord Sesshomaru, did you get something for Mel-sama too?" She asked curiously. Mel snorted, dismissing the very idea.

"As a matter of fact I did." Sesshomaru answered, cutting the laugh off. The older girl stared at him. He shrugged nonchalantly. Curiously, Mel walked over and examined the package. Opening it up, she fought back a gasp. The thing was beautiful. Unfurling the fabric completely, the outfit confused her. It was an entirely sleeveless kosode, but ended in shorts rather than a skirt. An indigo cloth belt with silver stitching contrasted wonderfully with the beautiful dark turquoise color. She had never seen anything so lovely.

"It's pretty. Try it on." Rin encouraged happily, running around in her own new wardrobe. Mel smiled as she nodded at the child. Accommodating the request. She quickly tugged the corner of the towel, only to find the silver haired demon still watching her.

"Do you mind?" She asked, barely containing her annoyance.

"Not really." He answered as he sat against a tree, still watching her.

"Pervert." She mumbled under her breath. For an instant, she swore a smile had touched his lips. But it was gone in a flash, and she assumed it was just her imagination. Setting the new clothing aside, she grabbed a pair of panties from her bag. She slipped them on, still covered by the towel. Facing away from him, she finally let the towel drop. A flush spread across her body as she felt his gaze, and she rushed to put on her bra. She turned slightly to retrieve the clothing, giving a partial side view of tempting curves. She suppressed a laugh when she noticed Jaken's neck practically breaking to avoid looking at her. The chuckle caught in her throat when she noticed Sesshomaru. His unreadable eyes were glued to her body. She pushed all thoughts from her mind and slipped into the one piece outfit.


Sesshomaru watched absentmindedly as his servant dressed. He had to admit, for a human her body was exquisite. Ample curves and soft creamy flesh. Out of the few demonesses he had taken to bed, he could not recall any being as appealing. His train of thought abruptly halted when she half turned to grab the garment. Just above her hip was an almost red thin strip of flesh. He easily recognized it as a stab wound. It was somewhat large and for a few moments he pondered its story.

"What the!" The exclamation escaped from the girl's lips and drew him out of his reverie.


Mel couldn't stop the words as she looked down at herself. The clothing was lovely and high quality, but could never be considered anywhere near appropriate. The shorts barely reached mid-thigh, riding a bit higher than her jean shorts. The material was not loose, but form fitting, clinging tightly over curves. There were no sleeves and a very deep v neck showcased her bosom. Her bra was hidden, but everything the cups didn't hide was exposed

"You look so pretty." Rin complimented, clapping her hands. "But you need to wear the belt." The child moved over and grabbed the cloth. With great skill she took the dark blue cloth and wrapped it firmly around, tightening any fabric that had been loose. It seemed to make the neckline plunge even lower. Mel thanked the girl before turning to the demon that had gotten her the gift.

" Is this supposed to be inconspicuous?" She practically hissed at him. He stood up and approached. It took everything she had not to flinch away as he caressed parts of the fabric.

"As a matter of fact, yes. Though technically custom, this is a common outfit in a demon lord's house. It is designed to maximize your fighting potential. The tight fit prevents the enemy from getting a grip. A short skirt would provide easier movement, but as you don't like them the shorts are a good compromise. The outfit is common among the household staff that must be able to fight on a moment's notice. As you are Rin's guardian when I am not around, that now includes you. The silver markings on your belt are my family's crest. They display that you belong to my house. It should provide you with a modest level of protection against lowly demons. As to attack you would be considered a declaration of war against the house you serve. It should help against humans as well. They aren't too privy to our world, but they should recognize the pattern of a ruling house." He explained patiently. Mel looked at the simple silver designs, noticing a crescent moon and fang next to each other. The two symbols repeated across the belt several times. Her fingers traced the patterns, and she saw his eyes follow. He whispered softly about how the crescent moon had represented the wolf clan they had descended from, while the fang represented the dog demon blood currently in their veins. A feint blush crept across her face as his silky voice explained the outfit more.

She was touched that he knew her dislike of skirts. And that he would explain the outfit to her. He was so cold and distant, but sometimes he would surprise her with such sweet moments. These gifts. Occasionally playing hide and seek with Rin. And ever since their discussion, he had become far more active in helping to feed the little girl. Helping them find a needed herb, or out and out catching or buying meat. It was so infuriating at times because she didn't know if she wanted to slap or kiss him. Pushing such thoughts from her mind, a fresh blush fell across her face as she recalled her previous outrage.

"Um, it doesn't leave much to the imagination though does it?" She said self-consciously. His gaze trailed over the wide expanses of skin the cloth didn't reach. Muscled thighs and straining mounds of supple flesh.

"That outfit is actually fairly standard. Its shortcomings are the result of you rather unusual physique. Your breasts are larger than most females that are placed in fighting roles. Try to think of it as an advantage. Your exceptional figure should prove most distracting in battle." Sesshomaru remarked as he played with the fabric of the belt. Mel fought back any sort of reaction. The looks and touches he was giving. The compliments. Was he flirting? As soon as the thought popped into her mind, she forced it back out. Impossible. He would never flirt with her.


Jaken forced himself to hide every trace of surprise. He had never seen his lord be so charming. Not even in his brief affair with Miku the fox princess. His favorite bed mate by far. Sure Mel was a rather fine specimen. But she was still just a mere human. Why was his lord flirting with her like that?