"It's summer," she had explained, presenting the fruit, "so we should celebrate."
He sat in a tree, watching his companions. The monk and taijiya sat on the riverbank, nibbling their treats, while Kagome cut another peach into slices for the kit, who was already covered in sticky fruit juice.
Celebrate. Didn't she know he hated summer? He closed his eyes, memories of the past assaulting him.
Summer. Work slowed due to the heat. The days grew longer. Children of the court in bright new yukatas played as he watched from the shadows. The hours stretched into eternity with only a cast-off ball and his mother's teary smiles for companionship.
His eyes snapped open, pushing away the past. He found himself staring into stormy blue eyes. He watched panic fill them as the branch swayed. Instantly his arm was around her, steadying her.
"Stupid wench! Are you trying to get killed!"
"Here." A small hand held out a peach.
Understanding played across her features. Again, she silently offered the peach. Hesitantly, he reached a clawed hand toward the fruit. Smiling, she transferred it into his grasp.
Summer. He watched her scramble clumsily back down the tree. Maybe it wasn't so bad.