Author's musings: Sequel to "Pride"

Prompt: January prompt - Blanket

It was raining when she woke again.

Kagome groaned, the sound of water beating against the roof of her hut pulling her out of the bliss of her dreams. Going back to sleep seemed like a much better idea, so she rolled over and buried her face into the warmth of her bed.

Her various duties around the village never left her with much free time, so she wasn't above taking advantage of being sick and spending the rest of the day in bed. She'd have to remember to thank Sesshoumaru for—

"Do you plan on using me as a pillow all day as well?"

Kagome froze, breath stilling in her lungs as she slowly raised her head. Amused gold stared down at her through silver bangs. Letting out a strangled squeak, she pulled away from him, only to get tangled within pale silks and even paler fur.

"What—? Sesshoumaru? Why are you—"

"Your fever broke in the middle of the night."

Her fever—oh right, she'd passed out in the village, and he'd brought her home. The memories of their conversation from the previous night flashed through her mind, and she blushed fiercely.

"Why… Why are you still here?"

"Because you wished it."

"I will be here when you wake."

"Promise?"

"But you didn't—you didn't have to—"

"You also insisted on using This One as a blanket once your fever had dispersed."

"What?" she screeched. Sesshoumaru winced at the decibel of her voice, and she immediately apologized, face flushing again at how close he was. The lapels of his kimono had loosened during the night, and Kagome suddenly realized he wasn't wearing his outer haori. Managing to sit up, she felt cool silk slide off her shoulders, her eyes widening when she realized that she'd been curled up in his clothes.

And then he was laying her back down, silver hair falling over his shoulder like a curtain. "Stop worrying. You will make yourself sick again."

"But—"

His eyes narrowed. "I will not allow you to push yourself to the point of exhaustion as you did before."

Kagome bristled. "I wasn't going to do anything! I'd planned on spending the day in bed!"

"We are in agreement then."

"Yes!" Kagome crossed her arms over her chest, then blanched. "Wait, about what?"

"About you remaining in bed."

"Oh. Yeah. You said that you got Inuyasha to look after the twins, right? They probably wouldn't let me do anything anyway."

"Not if they knew what was good for them."

The confusion she'd felt before came back full force, and Kagome became acutely aware of the fact that the Lord of the West was currently sharing her bed.

And didn't seem to be bothered by it.

A dizziness that had nothing to do with her cold forced her eyes closed, her head beginning to pound. A sigh ruffled her hair before a strong arm slid under her back, tucking her against his side. Kagome's hands came up to grip the collar of his kimono, revealing more of his chest as her eyes fluttered open in surprise.

"What are you doing?"

"This was your preferred position from last night," he said with a smirk.

"My what?"

"You seem very confused, miko. I suggest you rest until the sickness clears. You may re-evaluate things then."

Kagome had the distinct feeling he was humouring her, but exhaustion was dulling her senses again, and the thought of trying to figure out the true meaning behind his words was making her more tired by the minute.

"You're not going to be naked when I wake up, are you?"

She felt his chuckle, the sound rumbling through his chest and against her body.

"Not unless you wish it."

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."

"Do as you please."

Pursing her lips, Kagome allowed herself to relax against him, wrapping one arm around his waist. "Fine. Since you're offering it." She felt her face get hot again but kept her eyes closed, not wanting him to see how much his proximity was getting to her.

His arm seemed to tighten around her, claws settling on her hip. She wanted to ignore it, she really did, but the calmness and safety the touch brought made Kagome's heart clench. She made a mental note to find out the exact reason behind him letting her be so familiar with his person when she woke up again.

"In case I forget," she mumbled, "Thank you. For taking care of me."

"Always."