Jackie: Well, it seems I have an audience after all. I'll make you a deal. You keep reviewing, and I'll keep writing.

This chapter doesn't have much to offer in action, but it is important to the story I have in mind, and has the slightest hint of a romance if you look for it.

Chapter 4; He's so MEAN.

The next morning Miyoiki rose early and made quick work of changing into her dried clothes. After a night in his coat she was quite sure she would have his scent permanently implanted in her memory. It was undeniably male, a powerful scent, and yet, somehow sweet. She folded his garment carefully and set it beside him, assuming that the fact that his eyes were shut meant he was asleep. Without opening his eyes he said, "You will gather breakfast for the others. They will be fed and ready to depart in one hour."

He opened his eyes and stood, carrying his top off with him. She watched him until he disappeared into the forest. The air around her sparked with spiritual energy. Darn that demon for getting the jump on her again! He was so cold, so arrogant, and… And he… he… She didn't know why she couldn't take her eyes off of him. She stood slowly and then busied herself with his orders. By the time he returned they were ready and waiting.

She waited for the praise that never came. She scolded herself for expecting it. He was obviously not the type to give praise. Still, she could not help glaring at his back as he led them on. Mid-day they stopped. He handed her some money and told her to fetch clothing that wasn't stained with blood, and to also fetch some food for lunch. The little toad that accompanied him had a smug smile on his face, as if enjoying some unknown pleasure at her expense.

Jaken was used to being the one ordered here and there. In spite of his displeasure at seeing his lord return home with another stray human, Jaken was quite enjoying being higher on the list than someone. The group sat together and waited for her return. Jaken actually got to relax for a change.

She returned some time later with the food, a bundle of clothing and the portion of Sesshomaru's money that she did not spend. As they sat Sesshomaru looked at Miyoiki's new outfit. It was deep red with white and gold paintings and embroidery on it. She wore a black sash around it that matched her black pants. It wasn't as fine as the gi as she'd worn before, but was still flashy and ornate in comparison to typical human outfits. He wondered where she had found it. He didn't think the village that they were near was big enough to have a shop with such fine clothing.

He could see that it wasn't silk. It didn't hang on her the way her other outfit had. The neckline was high enough that she didn't need an undershirt to conceal her breasts. Sesshomaru stared for just a moment. The very top of her cleavage could be seen at the bottom of the neckline. The rounded tops of what must be the world's most perfect breasts teased his eyes. Maybe she did need an undershirt. He growled in spite of himself. Not out of lust, but because his vassals should always be dressed appropriately.

"Miyoiki," Sesshomaru started, "You will put on an undershirt at once, and be mindful of the example you are setting for Rin."

Both Rin and Miyoiki had been laughing in conversation when he broke in. They startled and looked up to him. Miyoiki blinked and stuttered, "M-my lord?"

"I said cover yourself," There was no change in his tone.

Miyoiki nodded and went into the forest. Rin looked up at her lord and said, "My lord, I don't understand. Miyoiki was fully covered."

"I will not explain myself, Rin," Was his cold answer.

Again there was no change in the tone of his voice. There was never any change in the tone of his voice, or it was so slight that she was not sensitive to it, Miyoiki thought. Such a cold, heartless man, with a cold, heartless voice.

It slid off of Rin as it normally did, and she went back to eating. Miyoiki returned shortly later with an undershirt on, and her contorted expression did little to conceal her anger at being chastised. That was alright, she could be angry, as long as she didn't not verbalize it. He expected his vassals to obey; they didn't have to like it. Besides, all this talking he'd been doing lately was wearing on his patience. It was a waste of time.

They finished their meal and started again on their Journey. Rin lagged behind with Miyoiki for a change. Sesshomaru's keen ears picked up on their conversation in spite of their whispering. Rin tugged on Miyoiki's shirt and asked, "What was wrong with the way you were dressed."

"Nothing," Miyoiki stated, "I have never been accused of being indecently dressed. If anything, I'd say my choice in clothing is very conservative in nature."

"Conservative?" Rin asked.

"It means, eh," Miyoiki struggle, "Reserved."

"Oh," Rin said, "You look angry."

"I am," Miyoiki answered honestly, "He is a powerful demon lord, he should expect obedience, but does he have to be so cold and cutting? He didn't even notice how quickly I had you all ready this morning or how quickly I returned with lunch. There was no comment on my choice of food, so I have no idea if he liked it or not. Is he impossible to please? I'm trying to be a good servant, and I will honor my pledge if it kills me. I just wish he wasn't so… Mean."

"He's not mean," Rin almost shouted, "You just don't understand him yet!"

Still, he pretended not to hear her defending him. He did not care what Miyoiki thought of him. The important part of her statement was I will honor my pledge if it kills me. He admired her sense of duty.

"I hope your right," Miyoiki tried the sooth Rin, "And perhaps I shouldn't be so quick to judge."

Miyoiki smiled and patted Rin's head as she said, "Thanks for talking to me, I feel much better."

Rin squealed slightly with delight and ran off to resume her constant play. The wind picked up and carried Miyoiki's frustrated scent. Apparently she'd lied about being comforted by the talk. He was getting used to the strange nature of her scent; after all, she'd worn the top of his gi all night. He was practically bathing in her scent. It alarmed him at just how little that bothered him.

They made camp late that night. Rin was unusually restless. Miyoiki cradled Rin in her lap and said, "I should think you would be exhausted after all the playing and walking you do. Is there something I can do to help you sleep? How about a drink or a bed time story?"

Miyoiki seemed to fall into the maternal nature of her role with great skill. Sesshomaru knew by further observations that, despite what many human's thought, not all human females took to the role of 'mother' very well. Miyoiki seemed completely natural in her care of Rin. Sesshomaru assumed that she had worked with children before. Rin rubbed her eyes and yawned out, "Will you sing to me?"

Miyoiki colored slightly and noticed Sesshomaru staring at her. Her blush deepened under the strength of his gaze. Her embarrassment melted into anger as she noticed that he was not looking at her like a man looked at a woman. He was coldly weighing her interaction with Rin. Just waiting for me to slip up, aren't you? I won't give you the satisfaction.

She tried to soften her expression and looked back down at Rin. She began to sing and all eyes, including those of Ah-Un fell upon her. Sesshomaru had never heard so lovely a sound from human or demon, but not a hint of surprise touched his features. He noticed Jaken openly gaping at Miyoiki, and Ah-Un settled into a restful trance. He watched intently as Miyoiki rocked young Rin in her arms. Miyoiki wasn't half done with the song when the soothing nature of her voice enticed Rin into slumber.

Miyoiki smiled softly. For the briefest of moments the air around Miyoiki seemed to change. She was surrounded in and unworldly glow. The same glow he'd always seen around his mother when she smiled at him. An unfamiliar and unwelcome ache invaded his senses. He felt remorse again for the loss of his mother, mixed with some new feeling of… Protectiveness? Toward Miyoiki.

He turned from her, breathed in the last lingering remnants of her scent on his coat, and looked down at Tetsusaiga. What was it that the sword was attempting to drive him towards in taking on this woman? He was feeling unbalanced, and he didn't like it. The wind picked up and he could smell that her aggravation had returned. He looked up and she was staring at him.

Her silver-blue eyes flickered and flashed. Her mouth was pressed into a thin line of discontentment. Quite a change from the warm motherly look that had, mere moments ago, graced her features. She stood with her bundle in hand and asked, "May I be excused to bathe, my lord. I have seen to Rin's needs."

He fought the urge to smile. He found himself admiring her again. A noble, reduced to servitude. She obviously didn't like it, but she really was making a good attempt at it. He nodded to her and she walked past him in a huff. He remembered her conversation with Rin and said, "You did well today, Miyoiki."

Miyoiki nearly tripped on thin air. She blinked and looked back at him as though doubting her ears. When she regained her composure, she smiled. He had seen that she had many ways of smiling. She had a forced smile she gave to Jaken, a friendly smile she gave when nodding to Rin while they talked, and the motherly smile she gave to Rin tonight. This new smile was soft and sweet, it was a physical battle not to return it. She blushed ever so slightly and said, "Thank you, my lord."

The tone of her voice had changed as well. It was like a caress of the wind across his face. She disappeared into the dark and he stared at the place where she had stood moments ago. When he looked back Jaken, and Ah-Un were asleep. Apparently Rin wasn't the only one soothed to sleep by Miyoiki's beautiful voice. He looked into the fire and tried to make sense of it all.

What was this feeling he'd felt for Miyoiki when she was singing? Why had he felt compelled to praise her, and then he'd almost smiled at her? Why did he suddenly feel like there was something missing now that she was gone? He looked down at Tetsusaiga and wondered again. What are you driving me to?

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Jackie; Remember, I'm a sucker for reviews.