The lanterns burn low.

It's still night. Still raining. The fire at the mouth of the cave has dimmed, and sleep steadily crawls up on them both.

They turn to face each other at the same time, and Kagome doesn't know how to describe what that coincident action makes her feel. But it's large and vast, and it overwhelms her like waves in a storm.

Nerves suddenly spike, and she struggles to swallow them down as she reaches for his face.

"Sesshoumaru?" she whispers.

Closing his eyes, he turns his nose to her palm. "Yes?"

"Can I kiss you goodnight?"


A/N: Shorter update today. I may be getting a fever and am trying to not freak. Thank you for reading and reviewing. Your comments are a huge encouragement during this time!