Inuyasha: I can…I can hear again! Awwww yeeeeah! *fist punch*
Kagome: *eye twitch* what was that?
Inuyasha: Kagome! I can hear you again!
A1969: you know, I'm curious…we should have tried sitting Inuyasha when he was deaf. I mean, would it work if he was deaf?
Kagome: you know, that's a very good question!
Inuyasha: what?
Sango: *wicked grin* why don't we try right now?
Kagome: Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!
Inuyasha: aaargh!
Sesshoumaru: most amusing, Inuyasha.
A1969: anyway, thank you all for the reviews, the alerts, reading, favorties, and so on! And here's the next chapter, enjoy!

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-Chapter Forty-Nine-

.:Nightmares:.

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Kagome

"Inuyasha, she looks miserable," I whispered, leaning towards Inuyasha.

Inuyasha glanced across the campfire. Clara was sitting opposite us, leaning against Ah-Un. She had her notebook open on her lap, and her pencil in her hand. On first glance, it looked as though she was busy composing a song, but, on closer inspection, her eyes appeared glassy, as though she wanted to cry. Her brow was furrowed and every now and then she would sigh listlessly.

As we watched, Ah-Un nudged one of his heads against hers. She smiled sadly at him. It wasn't hard to guess that she was thinking about Sesshoumaru.

I remembered the way he screamed for her. There had been no mistaking the anger and the betrayal in his voice. Maybe we should have just let her say goodbye? I mean, Sesshoumaru was supposedly a smart kid, I was sure he would understand.

But, then again, like Inuyasha, I had no doubt in my mind that he was the stubborn type. He would've clung to her, I think.

Clara raised her eyes to the starry night sky and blinked rapidly. I sighed. There was something off about seeing Clara without Sesshoumaru. Somehow, it just didn't feel right.

"I'm going to talk to her," I said.

Inuyasha nodded. I stood and made my way over to Clara. She looked up and smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Hey," she said.

I sat beside her. "How are you doing?"

She showed me the notebook. It was filled with musical notation, something I wasn't all too familiar with. "I was just finishing the heroine's song, actually," she said. She tried to sound casual.

"That's not what I meant," I said slowly.

"Oh." She looked down at the notebook.

I placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure Lady Hayomi will explain everything to him," I said gently.

She clenched the pencil tightly. "I'm the worst," she said. There was a tremor in her voice. "I shouldn't have left him like that! I mean, he was always there when I needed him, and I just leave him behind like—"

I placed an arm across her shoulders. "Sesshoumaru's a smart guy, he'll understand," I reassured her. "Besides, I don't think he can stay mad at you forever, Clara."

"But, still!" she protested. She drew her knees up to her chin, and wrapped her arms around them. "I should have said goodbye."

"He wouldn't have let you go off without him," I said. "And besides, you heard what Lady Hayomi said—it would have been dangerous for him. I doubt Sesshoumaru can defend himself from a powerful demon in his current form."

She leaned her forehead against her knees and didn't answer. For a moment, we fell silent. I tapped her shoulder and she looked up at me.

"Look on the bright side," I said, smiling. "To make it up to him, you can give him that kiss he's been badgering you about."

She gave me an annoyed look before she shoved my shoulder. "You know it's not like that!" she huffed.

I grinned at her. "I dunno," I went on. "I mean, he's still got his memories and his feelings for you, right? He may be a kid, but he's still a man."

Clara blushed, and her eyebrow twitched. "You know, if this were the Modern Era, you'd be arrested," she said flatly.

I smirked. "Well, between you and me, who's seducing a little kid?"

Her eyes widened. "I am not seducing him!" she snapped. "He's a child at the moment, Kagome. Seriously, you're a bit sick."

"Ah, so, what you mean to say is, once he's back to normal, you'd seduce him?" I asked. I raised my eyebrows innocently at her. If there was one thing I knew, nothing distracted Clara more than 'Elliott' conversations about Sesshoumaru.

She hit my arm, and I leaned away, grinning at her. "Don't worry, I won't tell Sesshoumaru," I said, winking. "I'm sure you'd want to surprise him."

"You're more of a pervert than Miroku, I think," she said. She grew quiet, her eyes thoughtful. She sighed and turned back to her notebook.

"Hey, it'll be all right," I said, placing a hand on her arm. "After we see Kasai tomorrow, I'm sure Sesshoumaru will be happy to see you."

"I hope so," she said quietly.

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Clara

"You love inflicting misery on others, do you not?"

I closed my eyes and covered my face with a hand. I clenched my sword tightly. I did not answer him. I was all too aware that he relished seeing my guilt.

I lowered my hand and opened my eyes. A wall of demons rose before me, dark and menacing. They screeched, and I knew they wanted nothing more than to see my ruin.

Red eyes leered at me.

"Her sacrifice is necessary," I said quietly. "One life to spare a thousand that the jewel may claim."

Laughter rippled around me.

"Do you think so?" he chuckled. "Or, perhaps, that is merely your excuse?" Dark tendrils reached outward, as though to caress me, and I glared. "We both know your heart is plagued with guilt. The girl is, after all, innocent."

"Guilt?" I realized I sounded amused. "Is that how you plan on weakening my defenses, Naraku?" I laughed. "It is unexpectedly limpid for you, do you not agree?"

"Your heart is indeed a cold one, Midoriko," he said, chuckling.

A high screech rang in my ears. I raised my blade as the wall of demons converged around me.

. . .

I opened my eyes.

For an instant, I thought I would see gold staring down at me, before I remembered—we'd left Sesshoumaru behind. Ah-Un brushed his tail against my shoulder, and I gave him a thankful smile. Ah was staring at pointedly at me.

"I'm fine," I said, stroking his neck. "Just a dream."

"More like a nightmare."

I looked up. Inuyasha was staring at me from across the remnants of the campfire. Kagome was fast asleep beside him in a sleeping bag.

"I've been getting those lately," I admitted, thinking about Midoriko.

"So, it's not about Sesshoumaru?" he asked.

Hearing him say Sesshoumaru's name admittedly stung. I shook my head. "No, it's…something else…" I sighed as I stood, shoving aside my sleeping bag. "I'm going to take a walk, Inuyasha," I said quietly. I turned towards the trees. I needed to clear my head.

"Don't wander too far," Inuyasha said. "If something happens, just scream."

Well, that wasn't exactly encouraging. "I won't be gone long," I said as I strode off. "I just need to think."

. . .

I sighed as I walked underneath the shadow of the trees. Thoughts were crowding in my head, each jockeying for position. Admittedly, it wasn't Midoriko I was most worried about.

"...I want CLARA!"

I cringed as I remembered the way he screamed my name. There had been no mistaking the anger and the hurt in his voice. I had never heard Sesshoumaru hurt before. I...

My eyes felt hot. I shook my head and blinked rapidly to get rid of the tears. I did promise Sesshoumaru I wouldn't cry anymore. I wrapped my arms around myself. Get it together, Clara, Kagome was right. Sesshoumaru would understand...

Right?

Oh...I should have said goodbye. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

I let out a deep breath and slapped my cheeks lightly. I forced myself to stop thinking of Sesshoumaru. I fingered the shard of the Sacred Jewel hanging around my neck and turned my thoughts towards Midoriko instead.

These dreams…I couldn't exactly say how, but I had a feeling that I was seeing into Midoriko's mind, seeing what she was seeing. And she had seen Naraku. There had been a wall of demons surrounding her, demons that she battled.

Had she been battling those demons ever since the jewel was created? That was…a long while. For a moment, I wondered what it felt like, to be locked in an endless battle. I thought back to Midoriko. When that wall of demons had reared in front of her, ready to strike her down, she didn't hesitate. I hadn't even felt despair from her. Only determination—determination to purify the demons…and Naraku.

There was a part of me that understood why she needed my soul—her soul—back. With Naraku's soul trapped in the jewel, there was more darkness, and she needed a way to even the fight.

I understood, but that didn't mean I was happy about it…

A sudden thought occurred to me. If I could 'see' Midoriko during my dreams, could I, somehow…talk to her? But besides, even if I could, what would I say to her, anyway? Oh, nice meeting you. I'm you, by the way. I know you're locked in an eternal battle of good versus evil and all, but can you not kill me?

That sounded really absurd.

"Penny for your thoughts, Clara?"

I nearly jumped. Myouga was sitting on my shoulder, looking both amused and puzzled. "Myouga, it's you!" I exclaimed, placing a hand on my chest. "You scared me a little there."

He tilted his head. "Scared you? My apologies, Clara. Master Inuyasha asked me to accompany you. Couldn't you sense me?"

I looked away. Ever since we'd returned from the Modern Era, I became aware that my ability to sense demonic aura had started to diminish. Sesshoumaru didn't know, and I was afraid of telling him.

"You just surprised me, that's all," I said, looking back at him.

He narrowed his wide eyes at me. "You're a bad liar—I'm surprised Lord Sesshoumaru hasn't called you out on it," he said.

I bit my lip. "I…" I shook my head. "My powers are vanishing, Myouga," I said quietly.

"Because of Midoriko," he added. "Kagome and Master Inuyasha told me about it. Lord Sesshoumaru knows, I presume."

"He does," I said slowly. "It's just that…he doesn't know how fast I'm losing them. If he did…" I paused. "Please don't tell him."

"Does anyone else know?" he asked.

"Only Inuyasha and Kagome," I said. I glanced around. There was a moss-covered rock beneath a tree. I made my way over to it and sat down. Myouga hopped from my shoulder and onto my lap.

"They know, but Lord Sesshoumaru doesn't?" he asked dubiously. "Correct me if I'm mistaken, but aren't the two of you lovers?"

I blushed. Lovers…it sounded so…intimate.

"At the moment, he's just a child, Myouga," I said. "But, yes, normally."

"And?" he asked. He sat down on my hakama. He crossed his tiny legs. "I thought he would be the first person to know."

I suddenly remembered that I had told Kagome that I would let Sesshoumaru know. "I was going to tell him," I said. "But it just…slipped my mind, with everything that's been going on lately."

Myouga shook his head. "Lord Sesshoumaru does not trust easily, Clara," he said. "I think it's a miracle he fell in love with you in the first place—"

Er…was that supposed to be an insult?

"—so you shouldn't hide anything from him," he said. He gave me a thoughtful look. "Lord Sesshoumaru would rather worry than be ignorant, you know. Besides, don't you trust him?"

"I do!" I said. "And I am going to tell him—when he gets back to normal."

Myouga smiled at me. "You do that," he said. "Wouldn't want a lovers' spat now, do we?"

I carefully stroked his balding head with the tip of my pinky. I smiled. "Thanks," I said. "You know, for a flea, you give pretty good advice."

He puffed up his chest. "I served Lord Sesshoumaru and Master Inuyasha's Father, of course I give good advice!" He sounded indignant.

I raised my hands. "Right, sorry, sorry," I said conciliatorily. He huffed. "And anyway—I am going to tell Sesshoumaru, once he's back to nor—"

Myouga suddenly raised a hand. "What is it?" I asked, immediately alert. He leapt onto my shoulder and frowned.

"Can't you feel—"

A moment later, the ground started shaking. I stood up and threw my arms out as I struggled to maintain my balance. "An earthquake?!" I exclaimed.

"Oh dear, time to go, Clara!" Without further ado, Myouga leapt from my shoulder and darted off into the forest.

"Myouga, wait, don't just—!"

At that moment, a loud crash echoed around me as chunks of rock flew overhead. Surprised, I spun around just as a loud screech pierced the air.

A centipede demon burst through the ground. It was enormous, probably over fifty feet high. Its many legs twitched as it reared above me, screeching.

"Shard!" it shrieked. "A shard of the Sacred Jewel!"

My hand immediately flew to the shard around my neck. Of course—it wanted the shard. I quickly drew Shinsei from its sheath, only to find that I'd left the sword back at the camp—dammit.

"The shard and a snack, to boot!" the centipede hissed.

Shoot.

I turned and sprinted through the trees. "Get back here, human wench!" I could hear the centipede crashing through the trees as it followed.

I ran faster. Where was the camp? How far had I walked? It couldn't have been that far!

I brushed aside low lying branches as I ran. The trees thinned out, and I ran through a clump of bushes and into a grove of trees.

Panting, I glanced behind me. I couldn't hear the sound of the centipede crashing through the trees. Had I lost it somehow?

A moment later, the ground started shaking again. I screamed as the centipede burst through the ground, keening. I turned back towards the trees, only to find my way blocked by the centipede's body. Merde.

I spun around. "The shard! The shard and blood!" the centipede howled.

It darted towards me, and I quickly jumped to one side. "Stop moving, girl!" it shrieked.

"As if!" I snapped. A moment later, I felt something hard slam into my back. I felt my body hit the ground, and I groaned as I felt my shoulder arm slam against a sharp rock.

I quickly leapt to my feet just as the centipede reared its head above me. "I've got you, human!"

I swallowed. Why on earth did I leave Shinsei behind?! There was no other way out of this.

"Inuyasha!" I shrieked.

The centipede rushed towards me, and I closed my eyes. At that moment, a loud roar filled the air. My eyes flew open just as a shadow fell on the grove.

An enormous silver dog hovered above the grove, snarling. Though not as large as I had first seen him, he eclipsed the centipede on the ground. Its red eyes flashed dangerously as it growled at the centipede, acidic drool dripping from his muzzle.

"Sesshoumaru?!" I exclaimed.

The centipede turned to the great dog, screeching. Growling, Sesshoumaru pounced on the centipede, jaws clamping down around its middle. I ducked out of the way as its body thrashed and writhed.

The centipede suddenly arched its body, its pincers flashing as they grazed against the fur beneath Sesshoumaru's eye. "Sesshoumaru!" I shouted as the dog let out a small whine.

Growling, Sesshoumaru's jaw clamped tighter on the centipede. There was a loud snap! and the centipede grew limp in Sesshoumaru's jaws.

"Clara, get back!" a voice suddenly shouted. A moment later, Inuyasha burst through the trees, Tessaiga held aloft, and Kagome rushing behind him. "Wind Sca—!"

Tessaiga froze above Inuyasha's head as he stared at the scene in front of him, his mouth hanging slightly open. "Sesshoumaru?" he asked, staring at the giant dog. "What the hell?"

Sesshoumaru let go of the centipede, and its body fell to the floor with a loud thud! He vanished in a bright burst of light and reappeared as the little boy I'd left behind. The cut beneath his eye was bleeding. He glared lividly at me.

"You left me behind!" he shouted, pouting. He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at me.

I stared at him. I suddenly remembered the way he had screamed for me. I took a step towards him. He said something, but I couldn't make out what it was.

He was here. I don't know how he'd managed to get out of the palace, but he was here. I didn't even notice the angry blush spreading through his cheeks, or the surly look he was giving me. The only thing I cared about was that he was here.

Sesshoumaru was still ranting. "I called for you, and you abandoned me!And why were you screaming for Inuyasha of all—"

Without really thinking about it, I ran towards him. "Sesshoumaru!" I cried. Kneeling in front of him, I drew him into my arms and buried my face against his hair.

Sesshoumaru's rebukes abruptly stopped, and he went stock still. I held him closer, remembering the hurt in his voice as he screamed for me. "I'm so sorry I left you behind!" I exclaimed. My voice shook, and my eyes felt hot. I blinked rapidly.

"Clara, are you crying?" Sesshoumaru asked, pulling away from me. His eyes were wide with concern. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be really angry with you, but you left me behind!"

"No, I'm not crying, silly," I said, ruffling his hair. "I'm just so happy to see you!" I smiled. On an impulse, I leaned towards him and pressed a chaste kiss on his forehead.

He stared at me, a small blush spreading through his cheeks. It was strange seeing Sesshoumaru blush—strange, but cute. He raised a hand and pointed at his mouth.

"Here," he demanded.

I blinked. Okaaay. Maybe I shouldn't have done that.

I patted his head, and he glared at me. "When you're older," I said, sighing.

"You abandoned me," he pointed out.

I raised my eyebrows at him. Wow, he wasn't going to guilt-trip me, was he? I guess he was.

"Sesshoumaru, you're bleeding," I said, suddenly remembering the cut beneath his eye. I placed both hands on his face, and tilted his head upward. "C'mon, we need to get this cleaned up."

He pulled away from me and huffed. "It's just a gash, it'll heal," he scoffed. Even as he spoke, the skin started to knit close. He glared. "Clara, you abandoned me, so kiss me!"

"No," I said flatly. "I've said it before, and I'll say it again—when you're older!"

"What's wrong with now?" he asked.

This was getting awkward. "Enough, you brat, no means no," Inuyasha said, coming up behind us. "Besides, how'd you get out of the palace? I thought mommy would keep her pwecious widdle baby wocked up."

Kagome's eyebrow twitched. "You know, you really shouldn't speak in baby tones," she said. "It's disturbing."

Sesshoumaru glared at Inuyasha. "Don't speak about Mother like that," he snapped. "And I am not a baby!"

Inuyasha smirked. I had a sneaking suspicion he was enjoying teasing Sesshoumaru. Then again, I really couldn't blame him.

"Why do you think Clara won't kiss you?" Inuyasha taunted. "Because you're a baby." He chuckled and I glared at him.

Sesshoumaru growled. He rushed towards Inuyasha and kicked his shins. "OW!" Inuyasha roared, lifting his leg. "You brat!"

Sesshoumaru raised his claws. "I'm still faster than you, half-breed!" he snarled.

"Why, you midget!" Inuyasha snapped, raising a fist. "You're gonna—"

"Sit!"

There was a loud crash! and Inuyasha's curses filled the night air. "Serves you right!" Sesshoumaru huffed. He let out a small yawn and continued to glare at Inuyasha.

"All right, someone obviously needs his sleep," I said. I scooped Sesshoumaru into my arms, and he immediately began to fidget.

"Put me down, Clara!" he ordered. "I'm not a baby, I can walk!"

"Of course you're not," I said, smiling at him. "But you were always the one carrying me, Sesshoumaru, I'd like to return the favor."

He looked up at me and tilted his head. "But I liked carrying you," he said. I guess having a child's mindset made him more frank than he usually was.

His remark made me smile. "Well, I like carrying you, too," I said, grinning. "But since you're usually heavier than I am, I can't do that, so let me carry you now, okay?"

Yawning, he wrapped his pudgy arms around my neck and leaned his head against my shoulder. "If it makes you happy," he said groggily. He closed his eyes and snored. Snored. Sesshoumaru was snoring. I need to get a video of this.

"He fell asleep fast," Kagome said as she came over. Inuyasha pulled himself from his crater and got to his feet, grumbling.

"He's a child, his youki isn't at its peak yet." Myouga was hopping on Kagome's shoulder. "Demon transformations usually use up a lot of youki, and since Lord Sesshoumaru is a child, it easily tires him out."

"I was wondering where you went, Myouga," I said, smiling sweetly at him.

"Ehe." Myouga sweat-dropped. "I was off to get Master Inuyasha."

"Liar," Inuyasha scoffed.

"It's the truth Master!" Myouga protested.

"Hey, keep it down," I said quietly. "Sesshoumaru is sleeping." I gently leaned my head against his, feeling his even breathing against my shoulder.

"Aww! He's so cute!" Kagome whispered, peering down at Sesshoumaru. She brought her hands together and grinned at me.

"You did not just call him cute!" Inuyasha said indignantly, glaring at her.

"Can I hold him?" Kagome asked hopefully. "He's sleeping in any case."

"Nope!" I said, grinning at her. "He's mine—you've got Inuyasha's ears."

"Just for a little while!" Kagome insisted. "He's so adorable, I want to squeeze his cheeks."

"Anyway, let's go back," Inuyasha said loudly.

. . .

Once we returned I carefully placed Sesshoumaru on my sleeping bag. Ah-Un raised his heads and snorted. "Don't bother him, okay?" I said, patting Un's neck. "He's really tired."

Across from us, Kagome laid her head on Inuyasha's lap, her body lying on her sleeping bag. Though the moonlight was dim, I think he was blushing. I turned back to Sesshoumaru.

The cut beneath his eye had already healed, the skin completely closed over. There was dried blood on his cheek. Frowning slightly, I quietly stood and rummaged in my backpack for a handkerchief and my water-bottle.

I knelt beside Sesshoumaru and moistened the handkerchief. I gently wiped his cheek, taking care not to wake him. Once the blood was gone, I sat back beside him, brushing a finger lightly against his bangs.

Even though I'd 'abandoned' him, he still came for me, and even saved me from the centipede…

"Clara?" Sesshoumaru asked sleepily. He slowly opened his eyes and frowned.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, immediately removing my hand. "Did I wake you?"

"No," he said, looking up at me. "I was just checking to see if you were there."

I cringed, suddenly remembering the way he screamed for me. "I won't leave you again, Sesshoumaru," I said softly.

"Do you promise?" he asked, yawning.

I smiled at him. "I promise." I leaned down and pressed my forehead against his. "I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye."

"I forgive you." He paused and I pulled away from him. "Can you promise me something else?" he went on. "When I'm older, kiss me, okay?"

I gaped, and then smiled. "Promise," I said, placing a hand on his head. "Now, go back to sleep."

He frowned, his expression tired. "Sleep beside me," he ordered.

I raised my eyebrows at him. "But—"

"Please?" he asked. His lower lip suddenly jutted out as he frowned. He looked irritated, for some reason. He looked away and huffed. "I…"

"Are you cold?" I asked, placing my hands on his blanket.

He pushed my hands away and shook his head. He paused, frowning. "I don't want to get nightmares," he said, embarrassed. He pouted.

I stared at him. "You get nightmares?" I was thoroughly surprised. It was hard to imagine stoic Sesshoumaru having nightmares, of all things.

He sat up and glared at me. "Don't tell anyone!" he said, lowering his voice. He glanced behind him—Inuyasha's eyes were closed. "I don't sleep much, but when I do, I get nightmares…sometimes."

I wondered what those nightmares were about. What was Sesshoumaru afraid of? I smiled at him. It was a question I would have to save for later. "All right," I said.

He quickly scooted over to make room for me. I lay down beside him, and he drew closer. He buried his face against my neck and sighed. "I'm tired," he said sleepily. He wrapped his arms around my neck and yawned.

I carefully placed my arms around him. "Sleep, Sesshoumaru," I murmured. Most of the time, I was the one with the nightmare, and he would be the one to comfort me. Usually, after I had a nightmare, I'd wake up to find Sesshoumaru right there beside me. In the Modern Era, he had drawn me close as I slept.

I smiled to myself as buried my face against his hair. "I'll keep the nightmares away."

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Kagome

The sun was just rising when I woke up. Inuyasha was looking down at me. He must have been surprised that I'd woken up, because he blushed.

"Morning!" I said cheerfully. I sat up from his lap and yawned.

"Yeah, morning," he said gruffly.

"Are Clara and Sesshoumaru awake yet?" I asked.

Inuyasha jerked his chin across the clearing. "That brat can be a heavy sleeper—when he wants," he scoffed.

Curious, I stood up. Sesshoumaru was sleeping beside Clara. He was curled up against her, his pudgy arms around her neck. Her arms were wrapped around him, and her face was pressed against his hair. Sesshoumaru was, surprisingly, snoring (he must have been really tired).

Aww…

I need a picture of this.

Glancing around, I found Clara's backpack on Ah-Un. The dragon raised his heads as I tiptoed towards him, his eyes fixed warily on me. I grinned at him and held a finger to my lips. I wasn't entirely sure if he got my meaning, but he didn't make any noise, at least.

I unclasped Clara's backpack. "What are you doing?" Inuyasha whispered, suddenly appearing beside me.

"Sh!" I said as I rummaged. "Clara once mentioned that she'd bring it, I wonder if she—she did!" Grinning triumphantly, I pulled out a sleek Polaroid camera.

"What's that?" Inuyasha whispered.

"Watch and see," I said. I switched it on, and adjusted the settings to get rid of the flash.

Grinning, I turned to Clara and Sesshoumaru and snapped a picture. The camera clicked and whirred and, a moment later, the picture came out of a slit in the side. I handed it to Inuyasha.

"That was a fast painting," Inuyasha said, taking the picture. His eyebrows rose as he stared at it. He glanced at the real Sesshoumaru, before lowering his eyes to the picture again. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was kind."

"C'mon, Inuyasha, he's your brother," I chided. "You've got a soft spot in there somewhere, admit it." I smirked and he scowled at me.

"What are you doing?"

Inuyasha and I jumped. Sesshoumaru was standing in front of us, looking up at us with a pout. "You were noisy!" he snapped, glaring at Inuyasha.

"Whatever, kid," Inuyasha said.

"Stop calling me that!" Sesshoumaru huffed.

"Fine, midget." Inuyasha grinned and Sesshoumaru growled.

I really didn't want to deal with a dogfight so early in the morning. "Hey, Sesshoumaru, look," I said, showing him the picture.

He tilted his head as he took it from me, looking very much like a curious puppy. "This is a photograph," he said simply.

I raised my eyebrows. "How on earth did you know that?" I asked, amazed.

"Clara showed me one once," he said. He stared at it with wide eyes, his expression intent. "She's very pretty, isn't she?" He sat down and stared at the picture.

Actually, she looked just like anyone else who was sleeping—mouth hanging slightly open, and her hair messed up. The expression in Sesshoumaru's eyes, however, was one of complete devotion. I smiled as I watched him. It seems like he was more expressive as a child than as an adult.

"Hey, did something happen?" I glanced towards Clara as she sat up. She automatically ran her fingers through her hair. "Good morning, by the way." She smiled at us.

Sesshoumaru was suddenly beside her. He held out the photo in his hand. Curious, Clara took it from him. Her eyes widened, and a small blush spread through her cheeks as she stared at it.

"Kagome!" she said, looking up at me. "Really?"

"It wasn't me," I said, grinning at her.

She rolled her eyes. "Right, so Inuyasha just magically learned how to use a Polaroid." She stared at the picture, then giggled. "Look, Sesshoumaru, you're clearly snoring in this picture."

Sesshoumaru pouted. "Stop laughing at me!" he huffed.

Clara shook her head. "No, it's just that you look very cute here, actually," she said, staring at the picture with thoughtful eyes.

I giggled when I saw the blush spreading through Sesshoumaru's cheeks. "'Course he's cute, he's a runt," Inuyasha scoffed, crossing his arms.

Sesshoumaru growled as he turned towards Inuyasha. "When I'm back to normal, I'll—"

"It's a little too early for death threats, Sesshoumaru," Clara said cheerfully, reaching out and ruffling his hair. He huffed and crossed his arms. His expression was uncannily similar to Inuyasha's. Huh.

"Anyway," Clara said, putting the picture down. "We should eat then go. Kasai's mountain is far from here, and we have to be there by sunset."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Sango

"Hiraikotsu!"

Kohaku ducked as the Hiraikotsu flew overhead, striking the snake demon. It let out a furious hiss as it fell against the rocky cave entrance. Rocks tumbled towards it, and its tail thrashed. I caught Hiraikotsu as it flew back towards me.

Kohaku threw his chain-sickle towards it. It flashed through the air as it severed the snake's tail. Blood spilled on the ground and Kohaku immediately leapt back.

"Uh-oh, its mate doesn't look happy!" Shippou exclaimed.

We glanced towards the cave. A pair of gleaming red eyes gleamed from the darkness. I could hear the sound of a heavy body gliding swiftly along rock. A moment later, another snake demon, larger than the first, darted out of the cave, black scales glistening in the sun.

"Leave him to me, Sango!" Miroku shouted behind me.

"No, don't use your Wind Tunnel!" I shouted, glancing over my shoulder at him. "The snake's miasma will poison you."

"I'll handle him, Sis!" Kohaku suddenly rushed towards the snake.

I raised Hiraikotsu, about to throw it, when I stopped. The snake thrust its tail towards Kohaku, and he veered to avoid it. There was a strange zeal in the way he fought, almost as though he was eager to fight.

Kohaku let out a cry as he threw his chain-sickle towards the snake. A moment later the snake let out a furious hiss as a deep gash appeared near its head. Blood spurted from the wound and the snake thrashed violently.

"Kohaku, watch out!" I shouted.

The snake's tail writhed towards Kohaku. He tried to jump back, but the heavy tail struck him round the middle. "Kohaku!" I shouted as he was thrown back. He fell on the ground with a loud thud!

I threw Hiraikotsu. Blood gushed as its head flew off, flying off into the cave.

"Kohaku, are you all right?" Miroku asked as he ran towards Kohaku. I caught Hiraikotsu as it flew back.

"I'm fine," Kohaku reassured him. He sat up and rubbed his head.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

He rolled his eyes at good-naturedly at me. "I am, Sis, no need to fuss." He stood to prove his point.

I saw Miroku's eyes flicker to the jewel shard at the base of Kohaku's neck. Judging from his expression, I take it the shard was still pure.

Shippou came towards us. "Is this it?" he asked, peering at the cave in front of us.

"It should be," Miroku said as he turned towards the cave.

I clenched my fists. After our visit to Master Mushin, we'd come across a rumor of a hermit living on this mountain. According to the rumor, this hermit was said to possess an arcane knowledge of healing.

"Are you sure?" Shippou asked. His tail twitched. He sounded a bit scared. "It looks pretty dark in there."

"Then we're lucky to have you, Shippou," Miroku said cheerfully. "Lead the way with your fox fire."

Shippou looked as though Miroku asked him to fight a dragon. He gulped and let out a long breath. "Right," he said. "Fox fire!"

Blue flames lit our path as we strode into the cave. I stared warily around me. There was no doubt in my mind that the person we were looking for was a demon and, judging from the two snake demons earlier, he wasn't probably very friendly with humans.

Our footsteps echoed in the cave as we walked. Kohaku walked beside me. There was a thoughtful look on his face, almost reminiscent somehow. What was he thinking of?

"What do you think, Sango?" Miroku asked me, his voice low and soft.

I tried to see past the fox fire, but all I could see was the cave's darkness stretching out in front of me. "I hope this is the right one," I muttered. Rumors could only lead one so far, after all.

"I don't sense any malevolent aura," Miroku said. He glanced around, his expression alert.

"Still, we shouldn't keep our guard down," I said. Miroku nodded.

"Look!" Shippou suddenly said. He pointed up ahead.

In the distance, I could see a small pinprick of light at the end of the cave. "An exit?" I mused. I felt disappointment welling up inside me. "So the rumors were just rumors, after all."

Miroku frowned. "I don't know," he said slowly. "Let's keep walking."

As the light grew, I became aware of the sound of rushing water and twittering birds. Kirara let out a soft mew, before she darted ahead of us towards the exit.

"Kirara, wait!" I called out.

I ran after her, the others falling closely behind me. I rushed through the bright circle of light and blinked.

I found myself standing in a garden. Paulownia trees flourished all around me, their leaves blowing gently in the breeze. Bushes bloomed with large flowers I'd never seen before. At the far end of the garden was a small waterfall. Its water fell into a pool which fed several large ponds that dotted the garden. The grass at my feet was the darkest shade of green I had seen, and the air was perfumed with the scent of herbs and lilies.

It was a garden not touched by the changes of autumn. There was no doubt in my mind that this place was tended by a demon.

"Amazing," Shippou said as everyone came up behind me.

"Keep your eyes open," Miroku muttered.

"I don't think you really need to," a voice suddenly said.

We spun around. There, standing at the entrance to the cave, was a woman. She was willowy, with silver blonde hair and shocking lavender eyes. Her kimono was white, and bound by a lavender obi.

Miroku promptly pushed past me. The woman narrowed her eyes at him as he took her hands in his own. "My, such a beautiful woman," he said. "All alone in this vast garden—"

A vein throbbed in my temple. This pervert…

"—I'd be more than happy to keep you company," Miroku went on, grinning. "If you would be so kind as to bear my child—"

"Don't be a lecher at a time like this!" I screeched, bringing Hiraikotsu down on his head.

"Ow!" Miroku immediately let go of the woman's hands.

I turned to her, narrowing my eyes. She looked disinterested, as though she would rather be doing something else.

"Who are you?" I asked, gripping Hiraikotsu tightly.

She tilted her head. "I find it both rude and bemusing that you, who sought me out, would not even bother knowing my name."

"You're the mountain hermit?" Miroku asked.

The woman threw back her head and scoffed. "Hermit, how rustic," she said disdainfully. "I prefer the term 'eremite'." She smiled at them. "But yes—I am the one you seek. And I thank you for doing away with those pesky snake demons. I would have done it myself, but I find it most tedious."

I felt a great weight lifting from my chest. If the rumors were true—and clearly they were—this woman was a legendary healer.

I set Hiraikotsu down beside me. "Please," I said. "We need your help."

The woman frowned, her lavender eyes falling on Kohaku who was standing behind me. "I cannot help the boy," she said bluntly.

I blinked. "What?"

She shook her head, and sighed. "I know you seek a way to remove the shard in his back," she said gently. "My powers of healing are considerable, and yet the realm of death is something I cannot intrude upon."

I felt my heart thudding. "Kohaku isn't dead," I snapped.

"But if you remove the shard, he will be," she went on, in the same gentle tone. "There is a sword whose healing is far greater than mine, a sword capable of resurrecting the dead. And yet, even it cannot help the boy."

I clenched my fists. This woman was referring to the Tenseiga, and we already knew it couldn't help Kohaku. We came here for nothing.

I felt warm fingers on my arm. "Sis," Kohaku said quietly. "It's fine—let's go."

I gave him a look of disbelief. "Fine?" I said.

"Sango, we'll try somewhere else." Miroku placed a hand gently on my shoulder, and I sighed.

Turning back to the woman, I said, "In any case, thank you."

She smiled sadly at us. "The Sacred Jewel brings nothing but misery into this world," she said softly. "I will be among those who rejoice when its power is finally vanquished."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Clara

"Look, we're here!" I said, pointing up ahead. I could see Mt. Fuji looming on the horizon. The setting sun bathed the sky in bursts of orange and gold.

"About time, too." I felt Kagome's arms tightening around my waist as she craned her neck to see. "The sun's just setting."

"Good job, Ah-Un," I said, giving the dragon a pat on a neck. I clutched his reins and sighed.

Sesshoumaru, who was flying beside us, turned to me. There was a surly look on his face. "What's the matter?" I asked. "Are you hungry again?" It was amazing how much he could actually eat. But then again, growing children did need a lot of food.

He shook his head. "I don't like Kasai," he said abruptly. He pouted.

"I take it, he's met Kasai before," Myouga, perched on Kagome's shoulder, said. "Strange, Kasai's likeable enough."

"Yeah, if you're a pervert," Inuyasha said disdainfully.

I smiled at Sesshoumaru. "He's Anru's twin," I reminded him. "He may know where she is. Better yet, he might even know how to change you back."

He huffed and turned his attention back to the horizon. He puffed out his cheeks, his eyebrows meeting in the middle. It was a look of childish determination. "If he tries anything, I'm going to kill him," he said to himself.

. . .

We landed on the slope of Mt. Fuji just as the sun was about to set on the horizon. "Dammit," Inuyasha muttered as he leapt off Ah-Un.

I dismounted and glanced around. High above us loomed the snowcapped peak of Mount Fuji, the white contrasting against the darkening sky. As the sun set behind the slope, the air shimmered in front of us and a familiar red palace slowly appeared.

"We made it, at least," Inuyasha said as we approached the austere iron gates.

"It's you people!"

We looked up. Standing on the red walls that surrounded the palace, the tiny god, Kasai, looked down at us, his squinting eyes widening slightly.

"Kasai!" Myouga exclaimed, hopping up and down on Kagome's head.

"Oooh!" he said, leaping from the wall to land in front of us. "It's Myouga! And these"—he turned to Kagome and me, grinning—"Aren't you Totosai's lovely, lovely friends?" He grinned. His eyes raked me from head to foot, and I inwardly cringed. Somehow, I kind of forgot that he was a bit of a pervert.

Sesshoumaru growled beside me. "Er…we're glad you remember us," Kagome said awkwardly.

Kasai's eyes snapped to her. "Of course I remember you!" he said, shimmying close to her. "You were the girl with the ravishing legs!" He leaned down to get a good look at her knees.

Kagome shrieked. "HEY!" Inuyasha roared. He rounded on Kasai, fist raised, but the little god darted out of the way.

He stopped in front of me and smiled. "And you!" he said cheerfully.

I blinked. "Eh?"

"You're the one with the alluring eyes!" Kasai leapt up, hovering in midair as he stuck his face close to mine. I could see every wrinkle on his skin. "I feel like I can drown in them and in you!" He winked.

What…the…I blushed and took an automatic step backward.

"Don't come near her!" Kasai immediately leapt back as Sesshoumaru's claws flashed towards him.

Sesshoumaru stood in front of me, growling at the little god. "If you so much as look at her again, I'll—"

Kasai poked his forehead. They were just the same height. "Aren't you that unpleasant fellow?" the little god asked, his eyes widening in surprise. "Oh…you've been…"

Kasai suddenly let out a loud peal of laughter as he clutched his belly. "You've been changed!" he said gleefully. "Ha! Ha! Ha! This is Anru's handiwork, no doubt about it! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Sesshoumaru growled. He raised his tiny fists and took a threatening step towards Kasai, who didn't seem to notice. "I'm going to kill you!" Sesshoumaru snapped.

Kasai stared at him. Then he laughed again. "Ha! Ha! Ha! A mite! A midget! A peewee!" He narrowed his eyes tauntingly at Sesshoumaru. "A shrimp."

I quickly stood beside Sesshoumaru. He bared his fangs at Kasai. There was an angry blush on his cheeks. It looked as though he was going to throw a giant tantrum.

Sighing, I bent down and lifted him into my arms. He immediately began squirming, his arms flailing. "Clara, let go!" he snapped, kicking his legs. "I'm…going to…kill—"

"Shh," I said, tightening my arms around him. I glared at Kasai who stopped laughing as he watched Sesshoumaru. "If you so much as tease him again, I'm going to—"

Kasai guffawed. "Shuddup, you old loon!" Inuyasha's fist came crashing down on Kasai's head, sending the little god plummeting to the ground.

"Ow!" Kasai said as he quickly stood up.

Sesshoumaru squirmed. He twisted in my arms to glare at Inuyasha. "He was mine!" he snapped.

"Can it, kid," Inuyasha said. "I did you a favor and hit him on the head. Now, stop yapping, it's annoying!"

"I don't remember asking you for favors, half-breed!" Sesshoumaru screamed.

"Spoiled as milk," Myouga mused. I could feel him bouncing on top of my head.

"Sesshoumaru," I said sternly.

He immediately turned in my arms to face me. He was still glaring. "I thought you weren't supposed to call Inuyasha that?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him.

He opened his mouth to reply, but quickly closed it. His angry expression slowly vanished. "Fine," he said grumpily. He wrapped his chubby arms around my neck and buried his face against my shoulder. "I won't call him a half-breed anymore."

I placed a hand against his head and turned to Kasai, who was rubbing the spot where Inuyasha's fist made contact. "Anyway," Kagome said, clearing her throat. "Lord Kasai, we really need your help."

"Obviously," Kasai said, rolling his eyes. "Come inside—it's getting chilly. In case you didn't know, autumn and winter aren't exactly my favorite time of the year."

. . .

"What do you mean you can't do anything?!" Inuyasha roared. His hands came crashing down on the table, making the bowls of food jump. He glared across the table at Kasai, who shrugged.

"Exactly that—I can't do anything," Kasai said, raising a bushy eyebrow.

"But…why?" I asked. I leaned on the table. "I mean, aren't you a god, after all? Why can't you change him back?" I glanced sideways at Sesshoumaru, who was frowning as he stared at his bowl of miso.

"I may be a god, but I'm not one of the strong ones," Kasai said. He sounded loathe to admit it. "Anru and I were a bit on the mischievous side. One day, Izanami and Fujin decided that they had had enough, and decided to punish us for it. They sealed her in the body of a child, and me in the body of an old man. It is a punishment that is supposed to last five thousand years. Our powers have already been halved because of it. As such, I cannot undo Anru's spells, as she cannot undo mine."

"Oh, dear," Myouga said, sighing.

Kasai smiled at us. "So, the only one who can change Sesshoumaru back is Anru?" Kagome asked.

Kasai shrugged. "I suppose so," he said. He turned to Sesshoumaru. "Now, if you just gave her what she wanted, you wouldn't be in this mess."

"She wanted him!" I snapped, glaring at Kasai.

"She was annoying," Sesshoumaru said at the same time.

"I'm not surprised," Kasai said, shaking his head. "Anru may be my sister, before we were punished, she was quite the coquette. No man had ever refused her before, and I believe the blow quite stings."

Sesshoumaru huffed. "I wouldn't pay her any attention even if she wasn't punished," he declared. He moved closer to me. "I have Clara, I don't need her."

Despite the gravity of the situation, I couldn't help but feel a small glow of warmth inside me. I smiled at him and ruffled his hair.

Kasai leaned his elbows on the table as he regarded us. "It wouldn't have hurt to turn her down gently," he pointed out. "As always, you're quite the spiteful one. I could almost say you probably deserved it."

"He's not spiteful," I snapped.

"Besides, your sister started it," Kagome piped up.

Kasai sighed. "Anru is a brat, I will admit as much," he said. "She likes having people chase her, and her whims cause many mortals a lot of misery. But she can listen to reason."

"So…she'll change Sesshoumaru back?" I asked hopefully.

"In all honesty, the spell she cast on him isn't very strong," Kasai said. He stared thoughtfully at Sesshoumaru. "I doubt it will last very long, even."

"You mean, it'll wear off?" I asked. Sesshoumaru perked up beside me. "But…how long?"

"Hm…" Kasai stroked his long beard. "I really can't say—maybe five hundred years? Or maybe less. It's uncertain."

My eyes bugged out. "Five hundred years?!" I exclaimed. Beside me, Sesshoumaru's mouth hung slightly open.

"You better not be joking!" Inuyasha raised a threatening fist.

"I did say it's uncertain," Kasai pointed out. "Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, maybe a week from now. I can't say. Anru is very unpredictable when it comes to her spells, after all." He raised his eyebrows at me. "I can sense your immortality—five hundred years is nothing."

My eyebrow twitched. "Five hundred years?" I said flatly. Sure, I could wait five hundred years for him, but—I didn't even have a year, let alone five hundred. Besides…there was the jewel to take care of.

Kasai shrugged. "Five hundred years, tonight, tomorrow, today…I don't really know. Like I've said, Anru can be very unpredictable."

"Clara, it's fine," Sesshoumaru said, poking my cheek. I turned to him. "We'll find Anru."

I smiled at him. Well…at least he was taking it pretty well. I turned to Inuyasha and Kagome. They were frowning at each other. The thoughtful look in their eyes made me think that they were thinking the same thing.

"Fine, we'll find Anru," Inuyasha said. He looked towards Kasai. "How do we find her? From what I've heard, you gods aren't exactly the welcoming type."

"I'm hurt," Kasai said, placing a hand on his chest. "My welcome for you is quite warm you know." He winked at me. Sesshoumaru growled, and I hastily placed a hand on his shoulder.

Inuyasha clenched his teeth, annoyed. "Can you at least give us a straight answer?" he snapped.

"One can tell you two are brothers," Kasai said, his gaze shifting from Sesshoumaru to Inuyasha. "Both so irascible! I don't remember the Great Dog Demon being that peevish." He paused. "Now, about Anru—where did you see her last?"

"At a river," I said. "I don't really know the name."

"Good!" Kasai said. "Try searching for her at the river's source—she's fond of staying in such places for decades at a time."

"Thank you," I said. If everything went without a hitch, Sesshoumaru could be back to normal by tomorrow night, at the very least.

"Now," Kasai said. "Why don't you young people stay the night here? A lonely old man like me could sure use the company." He grinned roguishly at Kagome and me, but he quickly ducked as Sesshoumaru sent a bowl of soup soaring towards him.

. . .

"You know, for a pervert, this guy sure knows how to live," Kagome said as she flopped down onto the futon. Kasai had allowed us to stay in two rooms, while he and Myouga talked about old times. Kagome and I shared one room, while Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru took the other. I had a feeling it was an arrangement that would not end well.

Kagome stretched, her fingers splayed out. "I mean, this is really comfy—it's like sleeping on memory foam," she said.

I sat on the futon next to hers. I frowned. "Kagome, I don't think those two should be staying in the same room," I said, glancing at the sliding doors. I half-expected to see either Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru to come soaring through them.

"I'm sure they'll be fine," she said, sitting up. "I mean, I don't think Sesshoumaru will do anything to upset you—"

"Dammit, get back here and say it to my face!" My eyes widened in surprise as feet thudded in the room next to ours. Kagome and I glanced at each other.

"It's not my fault you're slow!" I heard Sesshoumaru shout.

I slapped a hand to my forehead. "I told you," I said, sighing.

. . .

"Clara, are you mad at me?"

I slid the door closed and turned to Sesshoumaru, who was sitting on the futon, his small legs folded elegantly beneath him. He was staring at me with wide eyes. I think he was trying to look innocent.

Shaking my head, I sat on the futon Kagome had been forced to vacate earlier. I could hear her arguing with Inuyasha in the next room.

"I'm not mad at you, silly, what makes you think that?" I asked.

"Because I fought with Inuyasha, and you're always mad after I fight with Inuyasha," he said bluntly.

"I'm not really mad Sesshoumaru," I said. "I just think you can do better than fighting Inuyasha all the time, you know. He is your brother, after all."

He pouted and stubbornly crossed his arms. Childish mindset or no, I didn't think he would be willing to get along with Inuyasha any time soon.

"Time for bed, Sesshoumaru," I said. "We need to leave early, if we want to find Anru."

He looked as though he wanted to say something, but he let out a sharp breath instead. He plopped onto the futon and spread his arms out.

I drew back the covers and lay on my futon, drawing the blanket up to my chin. Kagome was right—it really was like memory foam.

"You're not mad at me, right?" Sesshoumaru asked, rolling over to his side to stare at me.

I reached over and poked his forehead with a finger. "Nope!" I said. I smiled, and he frowned. "What's the matter?" I asked. "Was it something I said earlier?"

He shook his head. "Never mind," he muttered. He closed his eyes and promptly fell asleep.

I stared at him for a while. The only time I had ever seen Sesshoumaru sleeping was when he had been injured on Mt. Tenku. I thought back to that night, the look on his face as he laid his head on my lap and slept.

He had looked peaceful, I recalled. A cold kind of peaceful. The Sesshoumaru sleeping beside me looked as though he didn't have a care in the world. He looked both warm and innocent.

Smiling slightly, I carefully leaned over and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Goodnight, Sesshoumaru," I murmured.

. . .

Sometime in the middle of the night, I woke up. The candle had already blown out earlier. My eyes adjusted as I stared at the dim room. Something didn't feel right.

I sat up and squinted as I looked around the room. There was nothing there…

Frowning, I turned to Sesshoumaru. In the dim light, I could see that he was frowning in his sleep, his peaceful expression replaced with a tired one. His pudgy fists clenched the blanket covering him, and he tossed his head to the side.

Was he…having a nightmare?

I placed a hand on his arm. "Sesshoumaru," I said. I gently shook his arm.

He clenched his fists, his frown deepening.

I tossed the blanket aside and knelt on my knees beside him, placing my hands on his shoulders. "Sesshoumaru, wake up," I murmured, shaking him.

His clawed fingers suddenly wrapped around my arms as his eyes flew open. For a moment, he looked up at me with wide, startled eyes. He was breathing heavily, and I could make out the slight look of panic in his expression.

He stared at me before he flung himself onto my lap, his arms going around my waist. "Clara!" he said, relieved.

"It's all right," I said gently, wrapping my arms around him. I pulled him closer so he sat on my lap. He rested his head on my shoulder and sighed.

"Did you have a nightmare?" I asked quietly.

He didn't answer. I wasn't surprised—Sesshoumaru would probably jump off a cliff before he willingly admitted to anyone that he was afraid.

"Hey, you can tell me," I said. I ran my fingers through his hair.

Sesshoumaru raised his head to look at me. There was a stubborn look in his eyes. "You'll laugh," he said.

"Why on earth would I do that?" I asked, surprised. I mean, really, who laughed at people who had nightmares?

He puffed out his cheeks, his eyebrows meeting in the middle. His expression became even more obstinate. "You'll think I'm a coward," he said.

I blinked. Remembering what Myouga said about Sesshoumaru's childhood, I had a feeling his father didn't want him to show weakness. Or maybe his mother. There was nothing wrong with that, actually, but…

"It's okay to be afraid, you know," I said gently. "After all, you can't really be brave if you aren't afraid."

He gave me a dubious look. "That's silly," he huffed. "Everyone knows you're brave if you don't have anything to fear." He looked a little doubtful. "Right?"

I chuckled. Really—it was such a childish thought. I'd never dream that Sesshoumaru actually thought that.

"You're laughing!" He pouted. Sesshoumaru squirmed in my arms, trying to break free, but I held him tighter. "Clara, I'm the Lord of the Western Lands, don't laugh at me!"

I squeezed his nose. "Ow!" he snapped. I drew back my hand and smiled at him.

"For now, you aren't the Lord of the Western Lands, okay?" I said gently, pressing my forehead against his. He immediately stopped moving. "You're just Sesshoumaru, nothing more, nothing less."

I pulled away from him. There was a very thoughtful look in his eyes. "Clara," he said seriously, his chubby cheeks reddening. "Can I kiss you?"

I gave him a flat look. "No," I said. "I told you—"

"When I'm older." He rolled his eyes. "Jeez."

I blinked. Well…he sounded just like Inuyasha.

"Now," I said. "Tell me, what was your nightmare about?"

"No!" he said. "You'll laugh again! I'm not a coward."

"I didn't say you were," I pointed out. "Sesshoumaru, being brave isn't about having no fears. It's about having the strength to overcome them."

His eyes widened slightly. "You won't laugh?"

"No, silly." I ruffled his hair and smiled.

Sesshoumaru huffed. He placed his pudgy arms on my shoulders. There was such a serious look in his face that, for a second, I thought I was looking at the adult-Sesshoumaru.

He let out a long, slow breath. "I…" He looked down. "I'm afraid of being alone."

I stared at him, thoroughly taken aback. My first impression of Sesshoumaru was that he was someone who liked being alone, who shied away from the company of others because he preferred the quiet of solitude. Not once did it cross my mind that he might have actually been lonely.

"But…weren't Rin and Jaken always by your side?" I asked.

He quickly glanced up. There was a mortified blush on his cheeks. "I used to wander around on my own before I met them," he admitted. "I never slept much before Anru changed me, but when I did, I sometimes dreamt I was alone again. I didn't like it. But I didn't want to be around others, either."

His eyes were wide with expectation. Was he waiting for my reaction? Was he thinking that I might laugh at him, or think he was weak?

I gently poked his cheek. "Let me ask you something—are you alone now?"

He shook his head. "No, I have Rin and Ah-Un now," he said. "And Jaken." He added it as an afterthought. It nearly made me laugh.

He suddenly reached up and pressed a kiss to my cheek. I blinked, a bit surprised. "And you," Sesshoumaru added. "Especially you." He wound his arms around my neck and buried his face against my shoulder.

"You're right, Clara," he said, his voice slightly muffled. "I'm not alone—I'm just being silly."

I smiled. "Did you just really say you were being silly?" I asked. He pulled away and stared at me. I giggled. "Wow, Sesshoumaru, you sounded a bit humble for a moment—I'm impressed."

He pouted, puffing out his cheeks. He looked annoyed. "Don't laugh!"

"Of course not," I said. I gave him a thoughtful look. "But, really, Sesshoumaru…you'll never be alone again. I've told you before, I always want to be beside you." I smiled gently at him. "C'mon, back to bed with you. It's very late."

Sesshoumaru looked as though he wanted to say something. His arms left my neck, and he clenched his fists. "Clara," he said, seriously. He puffed out his cheeks, like a child trying to concentrate on something difficult.

"What?" I asked. "Do you want to talk about something else? I'm all ears."

He blushed and looked down, frowning. "Sesshoumaru," I murmured. "I won't laugh, I promise."

He looked up at me. There was a determined look in his eyes. He let out a deep breath. "Clara," he said hesitantly. He clenched his fists. "I love you—a lot. There, I said it."

I gaped at him. Sure, I'd heard him say that he loved me, but he never really did tell me outright. I poked his forehead, and he blinked.

"Thank you!" I said, smiling at him. I drew him into a hug. His cheeks were quite red. "But, Sesshoumaru, do me a favor…"

"What?" he asked, his wide eyes blinking up at me.

"Say it again when we get Anru to change you back, okay?" I said.

He huffed, an annoyed look on his face. "Okay. Then you'll kiss me, right? If I say it?"

I sighed, and ruffled his hair. "Maybe!" I said, grinning at him.

He pushed my hand away, not pleased. "Clara!"

I shrugged at him. "Say you will!" he demanded. His stubborn expression looked cute, I'll admit.

"C'mon, Sesshoumaru, time to go back to bed." I lay back down on the futon and he crawled in beside me.

"Can I sleep here?" he asked.

I held my arms out to him and smiled. He immediately laid his head on my chest, his arm flung out towards my shoulder. He yawned widely. "I'm sleepy," he muttered.

I wrapped my arms around him. "Good night, Sesshoumaru," I murmured. "I'll be right beside you when you wake up."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

A1969: oh my god! Guys!
Miroku: what?
A1969: I just discovered something on the heaven called Tumblr!
Sango: wait, Tumblr—oh no! Not this again!
A1969: I discovered Loki wearing FUR! AAAAAARGH! *hyperventilate*
Kagome: Inuyasha—time to lock her up again.
A1969: and oh my god! He pulls it off better than Sesshoumaru! *feelsfeelsfeels*
Sesshoumaru: don't be ridiculous.
Inuyasha: *tosses author into room of solitude* idiot. This ain't Tumblr!
Kagome: anyway, don't forget to review! Hugs and kisses!