They read.

Kagome tries to concentrate on the pages between them, but despite the normalcy of the activity—despite the fire and tea and rain and everything else that makes it like every other time—something is different.

He's hurting, and she's not quite sure how to help.

Automatically, she reaches out to turn the page of the book, hand hovering before she continues.

Sesshoumaru gives a curt nod.

Holding back a sigh, she flips the page. She can't pretend to know what he's feeling. But one thing she's certain of.

Some burdens are not meant to be borne alone.