TARGET PRACTICE

She led him out back behind one of the huts. Lord Hano had been kind enough to have a target affixed to an oak tree a short distance away. She had a feeling that was in part thanks to her turning the trees that decorated the gardens into porcupines, and he didn't appreciate the aesthetics.

She set her quiver down beside her and kicked off her fancy shoes. 'Should have changed when I grabbed my bow,' she thought, but it was too late now. She removed her wrap and made to toss it down, but Sesshoumaru took it from her hands and draped it over his arm.

She smiled in thanks and notched her arrow, letting it fly. Hitting the target, she played it cool; grabbed another arrow, and repeated the process. By the time her quiver was empty, only one arrow had missed the board. But it was planted into the tree, so she decided to count it as a hit.

He was impressed. He remembered back when her aim was atrocious. She had relied on the others in her group to handle the fighting, while all she could really do to help was locate shards. In battle, at least. She had always helped in her own way; seeing to the needs and comfort of her pack. In that regard, she was quite valuable. But when it came down to actually fighting, she had lacked.

Not anymore. She proved as much with Naraku, but he had noticed her presence on the battlefield had only improved up to that point. Now she could hit a target. Maybe not yet a bullseye, but she was well on her way. Her determination pleased him.

When she moved to run down the field to retrieve her ammo, a whoosh of white streaked past her and then he was back; holding out all the arrows to her before she even took a few steps. She doubted he'd ever played fetch for anyone. The fact that he had for her caused her heart to stutter. Still, it didn't feel right having him use his forces on something so simple. It was like a waste of talent, even if it was useful.

"Have you ever used a bow, Sesshoumaru?" she asked as she refilled her quiver.

"Never."

"We'll fix that. Here." He eyed her a second, then handed her back her wrap.

He accepted the bow and arrow, and studied his target. He seemed to be considering everything, from the wind, to the distance, to the make of the bow. When he notched the arrow, and took his stance, she moved behind him. His eyes widened a fraction as she put her arms on his to adjust his elbow. He allowed it, but turned his head to her.

"I am proficient with high skill weaponry. It will not be beyond This One's capabilities."

"Hmm. Let's make it interesting, then," she smiled as he raised an eyebrow.

"If you don't hit it dead center, you have to let me stay in your room tonight." He almost scoffed. As if that was a punishment. He then considered that she may be trying to get him to throw the match, to prove herself superior. But his pride would not allow it, no matter how attractive the outcome.

"Quite forward, Miss Higurashi." There was that jolt through her again. She wasn't even sure he'd known her last name. She didn't know why he wouldn't though, as she was sure he'd heard it. "Perhaps you have gotten into the sake." A grin stretched across her face as he taunted her. "Alright, it is a deal."

She was quite happy with herself. He was sure to miss, even if he did manage to hit the board.

"But if I do hit the mark, you must allow me into your room for the evening." That's what you call a win-win. She had a feeling he wanted to be with her tonight, but it was nice to have it confirmed.

She was smiling smugly at him as he aimed the bow, and took his shot.

Hn.

"Bullseye. Unbelievable."

He straightened and turned to her. She had been so certain he would fail. Did she forget with whom she was dealing? Perhaps now she will remember-

"Alright, I guess we have to stay in my room...where Shippo is sleeping..."

Wait, what?

He shot a glare down the field to his arrow protruding from the painted board. Why must he be so good at everything? Could he not even fail when it suited his purposes? His death glare at the target bared its fruit then.

"...I believe you said 'dead center.'"

She sighed; seemingly resigned to her fate, and responded dismissively.

"Yeah, you're in the bullseye."

This wouldn't do.

"But slightly left within it. It is not dead center."

A mischievous smile crawled its way across her features.

"You're right, I won!" Hold on. Had she...?

"Your room it is..." Crafty miko.