They decide to investigate closer.
"Maybe he's in there and just hasn't gotten a fire started yet?"
Her tone is hopeful, and Inuyasha feels something squeeze his chest. He can smell that Sesshoumaru isn't there. He already knows. But he also knows she'll need to see it for herself in order to believe it.
Cope with it.
Inuyasha takes her hand. "C'mon. Let's check."
It's empty.
She stands, saying nothing and absently rubbing her arms.
Inuyasha closes his eyes. She smells of sadness, disappointment, and even fear. And for the first time, he finds himself wishing his brother were present.
