A Display of Affection

(Two days later)

Sunset had begun. They were near some mountains. The storm they saw in the distance had now reached them and it began to rain. Jaken suggested they find a cave to rest in.

They headed inside the largest cavern they could find. It had many tunnels and openings, so Miyoko scorched the rocky floor where they had traveled—making dark circles every 5 or so feet. As they walked, Sesshomaru's ear twitched.

Miyoko burst out laughing.

Sesshomaru shot her a glare. She smiled. "What do you find so amusing?" he asked.

"Heehee." She put a hand over her mouth making her words muffled. "Your ears."

"I hear water," he explained.

"What? What do you—" she listened, then heard the sound of rushing water. "Oh. Yes, I hear it too."

"I don't hear anything!" said Jaken.

"It…sounds like a waterfall," said Sesshomaru.

"Hmm. That's interesting," responded Miyoko.

"I don't hear anything!" repeated Jaken.

They continued to walk, trying to find a large enough space for them to rest. Every space they passed was too small. As they walked further into the cave, the sound of the waterfall grew louder, and Miyoko had a harder time marking their trail.

"I can't mark our trail anymore," Miyoko announced.

Sesshomaru ignored her.

They turned into another tunnel. There, in front of them was a clear waterfall cascading to a small pool beneath it. The room was more than large enough.

"Look Miyoko. You have somewhere to bathe," said Sesshomaru, teasing her.

Miyoko glared at him. "We cannot stay here."

"What?" retorted Jaken.

"We-can-not-stay-here," Miyoko repeated. "Because of the abundance of moisture, I cannot produce fire. Not unless we find someplace dryer."

Sesshomaru nodded. "Then come with me to find a dryer area just as large. Jaken, Rin, you stay here. If we cannot find a more suitable place, we will stay here." He started to walk into another tunnel. Miyoko followed him.

They walked further until Miyoko could scorch the ground again. They continued to walk looking for a suitable place to rest.

Miyoko's hair was wet and a little frizzy so she unbraided it and took out her tie. She removed a comb from her obi and started to comb her hair.

"Your braids get rather annoying," said Sesshomaru.

"Well fine! I will wear my hair down!" said Miyoko, irritated.

He stopped walking and looked her in the eye. "You don't have to," he said.

"Are you trying to irritate me?"

"No, I am only trying to please you…And Myself," he added. "I want you to be happy with me, Miyoko."

Miyoko was startled at the comment. She paused. "I couldn't be happier, Sesshomaru," she responded. "Really, I couldn't," she said.

He nodded and they continued walking. Soon, they found a large, dry cave. They went back to Jaken and Rin then led them there.

Miyoko stood in the opening of the cave, watching and hearing the rain pour. The rain—the water—reminded her of her sister. It made her sad but relaxed her at the same time. A wind swept by and she was reminded of her father. She then remembered when she had sat with Sesshomaru in the forest and given up her ribbon. Now I have given up my tie. She wanted to please Sesshomaru. She didn't want him to disapprove of her like her family had when she'd told them she was to wed a human. But, they didn't know the half of it. She had done it for their own good—or at least tried. She stepped further outside of the cave, letting the rain hit her. Sesshomaru watched Miyoko and stepped behind her.

"Do you like the rain?" he asked.

She turned, sighed, and stepped closer. They were as close as they had been two nights ago. "Yes," she said. She bit her lip, and then slightly pouted. Sesshomaru decided it didn't matter anymore. He leaned closer and kissed her gently. Miyoko trembled and Sesshomaru put his hand on her waist. He released her looking as if kissing her wasn't a big deal. His eyes were emotionless and empty but Miyoko liked the fact that he didn't appear all amorous and mushy. Sesshomaru liked her calm, relaxed face because he knew it meant she was content. They looked at each other for a while.

Feeling like there was nothing to say, Sesshomaru headed inside.

"That's it? You kiss me then walk away?" asked Miyoko.

Sesshomaru smirked. "Yes." He continued to walk.

"Humph. Figures," said Miyoko, quietly to herself. She waited for one last gust of air—a consent from her father—and also headed inside.