Prompt: Steam
Word Count: 400
Sesshoumaru, lost in thought at Kagome's bedside, contemplated tendrils of steam rising from an unwanted mug of tea.
Jaken had met him at the door, words pouring forth in rapid succession, immediately followed by a flood of tears and incessant groveling. Growing tired of the display at his feet, the Daiyoukai mercifully dispatched the toady with a flick of his wrist… sending the majordomo for tea.
Sesshoumaru needed the quiet interval to contemplate the information spilled. Jaken's story convinced him the affectation of his mate needed to end as quickly as possible, and the dog demon knew just how to do it.
When the kappa returned with the tea, he was given a more difficult, painful task. Its purpose was cure as well as atonement.
Jaken wasn't to blame for any predicament befalling Kagome, but Sesshoumaru understood his retainer felt guilty and therefore desired… needed to be punished in some way before feeling better about the whole situation. Hopefully, the results of this second tasking would bring Sesshoumaru peace, for a little while anyway.
Pulled from his thoughts by stirring from the bed, he saw Kagome coming around from the light sedative she'd been given.
*****
A disoriented Kagome, confused at finding herself in bed, searched her memory. The last thing she remembered, she was lying on the ground, insanely happy to be alive. She recalled trying to reach the house, but nothing else.
Looking over, she saw Sesshoumaru looking distraught, concern marring his beautiful features. She slowly reached out to touch his face with her fingertips, gasping sharply when excruciating pain halted her movements.
Instantly she regretted the intake of breath as well.
"Careful miko, you have a couple cracked ribs, scrapes and bruises," he gently explained. "You were brought in from the yard, incoherent and staggering. Because you were delirious, a tranquilizer was given."
Her eyes widened and he held up his hand, palm out. "Yes, one made for humans."
"I was in my garden this morning when I slipped and fell," she offered slowly, each word tormenting her.
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, incredulous. She most certainly smelled of grass and leaves but the extent of her injuries made her simple statement a little unbelievable… yet he detected no falsehood in her words.
"Kagome, I have no desire to embarrass you, but Jaken believes you have completely lost it. I am afraid I am inclined to agree with him."
A/N: The next chapter is the last one, in which everything is explained! Thanks for reading!
