He was clad in his glamour. There was no reason for the miko to pay him any mind.

No reason for the guilt to worsen.

Especially when she grabbed the sleeve of his kimono, dark silk creasing between her fingers.

Sesshoumaru didn't turn around. "I understand your concern. You have no reason to—"

"Thank you."

Confused, he faced her, the expression written clearly on his face.

"For the flower."

He'd done nothing of significance, yet her smile was genuine.

The guilt began to gnaw.

Each minute he spent in her presence created new and unfamiliar emotions within him. Perhaps it was better not to have a pack at all.