Author's Note: In an effort to complete my unfinished fanfiction, I've kicked off a recurring event over on my KO – FI account, where I'll be hanging out (usually) on the fourth Saturday of every month. As of this posting (April 2021), the two stories I'm adding to are Vassal and Unexpected (IxK, Contemporary AU). Little by little, we'll see each story through. ::twinkle::

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

Good and Faithful

Miroku prided himself on his stamina, so when Sesshoumaru slept the day through, the monk remained wakeful and watchful. Faithful.

Night fell, and without a lamp, the room grew dark. Still, Miroku held his focus.

The sound of Sesshoumaru's ease had a calming effect. Miroku had long-ago adjusted his breathing to match Sesshoumaru's, so he knew when it changed. Miroku maintained his stance, his control.

It wasn't as if there were any threats.

He simply wanted to be seen as capable.

Stiff joints and an empty stomach were a small price to pay if they earned him some portion of Sesshoumaru's respect.

A sigh, and Sesshoumaru quietly asked, "Have you moved?"

"No, my lord."

There was a rustle of cloth, a yawn, a faint huff. "Can you move?"

Miroku wryly admitted, "I am not sure."

"Try."

He stifled a groan when he uncrossed his legs.

Sesshoumaru hummed and came nearer. Had he actually crawled across the floor? "There is little need to imitate a stone buddha when your barriers are unassailable."

Hands closed around Miroku's ankles, and an abrupt jerk straightened his legs. Renewed blood flow sent prickles through his extremities. It hurt, but he smiled anyhow. "You asked me to watch."

"I will choose my words with greater care in the future."

Sesshoumaru rose, pulling Miroku with him.

"I will bring light and food." Miroku eased away and tottered toward the door. "May I lower the barrier?"

"Hnn. It is safe to do so."

Was he amused? So much for impressing him.

Miroku put out a hand to find the sliding panel, but his knuckles bumped a body. Sesshoumaru barred his way. Miroku hadn't even felt him move. "Yes?"

Sesshoumaru yawned again, brushed a finger across the two earrings piercing Miroku's left ear, and offered two words. "Well done."

End Note: This chapter was helped along by a prompt from LadyIsmene, who contributed the word "abrupt" 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 #16, The Sound of Ease. 300 words, originally posted on April 23, 2021.