Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this journey... especially for the startled one. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

Sit, Lord

Miroku stirred when Sesshoumaru's foot nudged his shoulder. It was a bare foot, this time, rather than a boot, though this wake-up call was no less jarring.

"Good morning…?" he managed, swiftly averting his eyes.

Sesshoumaru said, "You will keep watch."

"Yes, my lord." He slowly sat up. "May I ask why?"

"I wish to bathe."

"Ah." Still moving with exaggerated care, Miroku found his feet. "I will need to start the fire."

"That will suffice."

"That?" He followed Sesshoumaru's gaze. "You cannot mean the waterfall!"

"Hnn."

"No! That is entirely unacceptable." Gesturing toward his bed, Miroku said, "Wait here. Give me time to make better preparations."

"That is hardly …"

"Completely necessary. Sit." Miroku probably should have been shocked when Sesshoumaru complied. Honestly, he was just relieved. Draping his blanket around the taiyoukai's bare shoulders, he murmured, "I will return shortly."

"Hnn."

Firmly closing the screen behind him, Miroku jogged along the outer porch to the stove they used to heat the Temple's bath. Not until he had a fire crackling did Miroku sit back on his heels and cover his face with his hands. That was an exceptionally disconcerting way to wake.

Did his new position include attending to some of Sesshoumaru's more personal needs? It seemed a reasonable expectation.

Hurrying toward the bathing chamber, Miroku wondered at his sudden uplift in spirits. It was only a bath, one of the most basic of creature comforts. But it was within his power to provide.

Miroku filled the deep tub, found the soap, readied basins, and positioned a stool.

He was halfway back to Sesshoumaru before it occurred to Miroku that he had a new maw in his soul, as fearsome as kazaana had ever been.

Naraku's defeat hadn't just stolen his life. It had robbed him of purpose.

End Note: This chapter was helped along by a prompt from LadyIsmene, who contributed the word "bath" over on my Ko-fi account, where I'm currently hosting a fandom event. I'm also ticking off a prompt from a table I procured (ages ago) from the Live Journal community iy no kakera, where I hold a claim on Sesshoumaru & Miroku. Set #2, Theme #51, Waking. 300 words, originally posted on March 27, 2021.