A/N: A Merry Christmas Present for you all, an update.

Unlike

It wasn't like him to have a companion. The only one ever traveling with him was his loyal, if annoying, servant Jaken. She was different. She wasn't a servant to him. She was only a human and yet he felt he cared.

As he cradled her small frame in his arms, he thoughts swarmed in his head. He had just resurrected this child for the second time. She was for to young to die, and he wasn't about to let it happen again. It shouldn't have happened this time.

His long silver hair blew in the wind, and although his face remained mostly stoic, his eyes may have betrayed his cold stature and revealed some emotion. This was new for him.

The dark-haired, sweet-natured girl in his arms was fast asleep. Her tiny body shook from the cold and he wrapped her in the white fur that hung from his shoulder. He did not want her to be cold.

Is there something you wish to protect?

His father's, long ago spoken words rung through his head, like the sound of rushing water. His amber eyes may have reflected a bit of …affection? Affection for human from the coldest inu-youkai that was to be found?

It's amazing how much one person can change you, and your life. Had you told Sesshoumaru a year ago that today, he would be carrying a young human girl in his arms and thinking about wanting to protect you, he would have slayed you right on the spot;

But things happen, and the course of your life chains, and you meet people who can soften your hard outer shell.

Had the great Sesshoumaru-sama become a softie?

No, it was impossible, he wouldn't except it! Her chocolate eyes opened for one moment and locked on his gold ones. She spoke only five words before her eyelids slid shut once more. "You returned for me Sesshoumaru-sama."

Realization dawned on him, as she spoke that simple sentence. Why did he return if he didn't care? He knew he always would return, and so in turn he knew he must care. No one had to know he cared, but he understood and accepted the fact.

Is there something you wish to protect?

"Yes, there is." Sesshoumaru whispered softly into the dark night sky. If anyone had seen him, they could have sworn their was slight smile on his face as the lips left his words.

End

R&R