Favouritism was a weakness. It led to expectations—expectations Sesshoumaru did not have the time or energy for.

And yet he could not find it in himself to dismiss the miko when she invited him to join the evening meal.

The food was refused, but the company was welcome—especially when she took her place next to him instead of the slayer.

Sesshoumaru typically spent his nights patrolling. Or on the outskirts of their makeshift camp.

The miko would have none of it.

She went as far as to include him in their conversation, physically turning to him to coax out an answer.

He found he didn't mind it as much as he did with Jaken.