Inuyasha was perched in a tree watching over all of the humans when he returned. Their eyes met as he stepped into camp.
Hostility was still present, but as the pup turned his head back to the forest surrounding the impromptu campsite there was a change. He could feel the change in the air.
Setting Rin down from the dragons back his eyes lingered as she ran towards the nearby stream to wash the muck from herself. Kagome was near the stream gathering water, her sluggish movements belying the exhaustion that she must still feel.
Making his way towards the stream he knelt on the rocky bank retrieving the flasks and assisting Kagome to rise.
"I knew you would be here, I felt your youki before, and I knew that you were with me" she stepped forward into his embrace and he lowered his head into her hair. He could scent her happiness, even through the lingering scent of smoke that clung to her hair.
He heard a snort behind them, and a light thump as Inuyasha landed on the ground beneath his tree.
Turning he looked again at Inuyasha. Taking in the slump of his shoulders, the dark rings under his eyes. "You will rest with your pack this night, Inuyasha" he said softly
Their eyes locked. The glare in the golden eyes so similar to his own was matched in intensity and stubbornness. The battle of wills ensued until Kagome walked up to the pup and took his hand turning him with a gentle tug. "Come on Inuyasha, I'll make ramen and then we can all use a nap."
"Rin," he said, turning his head towards the child dripping next to him. "See if Lady Kagome has anything dry for you to wear."
"Yes Lord Sesshomaru!" She chirped grinning up at him before running towards Kagome.
His lips turned up in a small smirk, watching his ward run into the towel covered arms of one he held so dear. He must not let Naraku know of his feelings towards the Miko. Too many already knew and if the spider realized that all those sitting around this fire could be used against him none of them would stand a chance. Yet, how could he protect them if he was not close by?
His smirk faded into his stoic mask. No, he would allow this one night of respite for them to sleep deeply while he kept watch, but to keep them safe he must stay away. He inhaled, closing his eyes and releasing his aura in a threatening bubble.
The quiet permeated his ears and he turned back to the fire. The entire group sat still, watching him. Even the humans make a good pack, the beast nudged at him, looking towards the alpha for directions.
"None shall bother this night. Sleep well as this Sesshomaru keeps watch" he stated stepping into the darkness of the forest and releasing his more animalistic form.