W is for Winter

Rin shivered and pulled her coat tighter around her body. It was in the dead of winter and she was traveling through two feet of snow on the back of Uh-Ah. The cold wind battered her back forcefully and Rin didn't seem able to stop her teeth from chattering.

The moon shone high in the shy but Rin wasn't able to sleep. The cold surrounded her from all sides, making it was impossible to relax.

Rin wanted more than anything to stop and take shelter next to a warm fire. The idea of a hot, licking flame almost made Rin drool like a baby. She couldn't remember the last time she wanted something so badly.

And yet, something stopped Rin from calling out to her lord who was walking several yards ahead. Perhaps it was the fact that he didn't seem bothered at all by the searing cold, or perhaps it was the fact that Sesshomaru was completely ignoring the constant jabbering about the cold that Jaken was making while hoping up and down like a freezing monkey.

Or maybe, it was the simple fact that Rin didn't want to be a burden. If he didn't have to care for Rin, Sesshomaru could go anywhere at any time. She already made her group stop enough. Rin could hold on as long as her lord needed her too.

Time pasted and Rin got colder and colder. Strangely, after long, long time the numbness began to fade and Rin's body began to feel warmer. Rin sat up straight. She could handle this!

The odd warmth spread throughout Rin until the point where she was feeling light headed. Rin began to sway and as she desperately tried to right herself, she had one last desperate thought as she feel slowly from the saddle. "Lord Sesshomaru…"

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Rin awoke warm, but it was different from the strange warmth she remembered from before. This feeling was good and true. Rin turned to her slightly, moaning, and to her surprise found her face pressed against soft fur.

The little girl looked up and found herself staring into the unsmiling face of Sesshomaru. Rin squeaked and wiggled but stopped as soon as Sesshomaru said sharply, "Stop moving, Rin. Just rest."

Rin stilled and looked up at her lord in confusion.

Sesshomaru sighed in exasperation and said, "If you were so cold that you were going to fainted, you should have just told me, Rin. I will always carry you if you need me to."

Rin stared at him in shock but Sesshomaru had already turned his face back forward and was promptly ignoring her. The little human girl slowly smiled and reached out with her tiny fingers to cling to Sesshomaru soft fur. "Thank you…" she murmured.

Sesshomaru glanced down again to see that Rin had already fallen asleep again. After watching her for a few moments he smiled and tucked his little ward into his arm and continued on their journey.

Yes, I am now aware I skipped the letter W… I am so embarrassed. But here it is and I hope everyone enjoys it! Thanks to fanficnut100 for telling me and for the idea. Keep an eye for the last two chappies and then this story will be done. (sob) REVIEW!