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

Home Sweet Castle

Miroku decided that closeness was called for in certain contexts. Like while sharing a small pink cloud and soaring skyward. He kept a firm hold on Sesshoumaru's armor and never once protested the arm around his back.

"So… your mother," Miroku ventured. "Will she be upset if we drop by unannounced?"

"Was your Mushin disappointed that you did not provide notice of your intentions in advance of our arrival?"

It was official. The longer Sesshoumaru's sentences grew, the more likely he was being sarcastic.

While his old mentor was often too drunk to notice, he said, "We are family. Mushin is always glad to see me."

"In this, inu-youkai are no different."

As the towering white cloud that was their goal drew nearer, Miroku was grateful when Sesshoumaru didn't plow straight through. He knew from riding Kirara how cold that could be. And he was quickly losing body heat, thanks to the still-damp cloth clinging uncomfortably to his skin.

"I will be able to provide a change of clothing once we announce ourselves."

"That is very considerate."

Sesshoumaru made a small, uninterpretable noise. "Mother would have insisted anyhow. She likes to live with a certain level of grandeur."

Something made abundantly clear when the airborne castle burst into view. As they neared, Miroku caught the thick, sweet scent of flowers.

"You grew up here?"

"No. This place is one of Mother's later extravagances."

"Ah. Looking forward to seeing her again?"

"No."

Miroku turned to peer up into Sesshoumaru's face. "No?"

"This is a place I would rather not visit."

So this was entirely for his sake? Miroku eyed the graceful rooflines and gardens that drew nearer with every second. Quietly, he asked, "You do not get along with your honored mother?"

"We are not at odds. Neither would I saw we are often in agreement." Sesshoumaru's hold tightened somewhat. "You will stay with me at all times."

"You do not trust me out of your sight?" It was lightly asked, mostly joking.

"I do," Sesshoumaru replied evenly.

A new idea surfaced. "Do you not trust her?"

"Not enough."

Sesshoumaru alighted midway up a sweeping staircase that Miroku remembered from his last visit. They hadn't lingered very long, that time. Nor had they seen many of the luxuries that—at least historically—made Miroku's heart beat a little faster.

A voice sang out from the top of the stairs. "So you haven't forgotten me?"

Without an answer, Sesshoumaru stoically climbed the stairs, leaving Miroku to trail behind. As if shielding him from view.

Only when they reached the top did Sesshoumaru expose his new vassal, positioning himself a little to the side and a little in front of Miroku. Based on what Sesshoumaru had said, he guessed the posture was a statement of sorts. Protective? Proprietary? Sango might have known.

The lady of the castle looked Miroku up and down, then arched a brow at her son. "Sesshoumaru, darling, I am an understanding soul, but your tastes continue to baffle me."

End Note: This chapter was helped along by a prompt from Sam, who contributed the word "Understanding" 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 #84, I Am Not Forgotten. 500 words, originally posted on June 26, 2021.