AN: I am so sorry about missing that chunk of story in the last for those who are rereading. I had been rushing to copy and paste the story when I posted it so I didn't notice the chunk I missed til I reread it myself word for word. It's fixed now and I apologize again to those who noticed the small inconsistency before and after...

Chapter 4

As tired as I thought I was, my body woke me before the sun was up, the sky barely tinged with the lighter blue of the coming day. I looked to my right to see if Sesshomaru were still asleep or even there, but I realized that I was leaning on his shoulder. I took a soundless, sharp intake of breath in shock and sat up straight, the action also quiet save for a short rustling of cloth.

I calmed my breath and the speed of my heartbeat as I took into account that I hadn't woken him and he didn't seem to have noticed my unintentional action. I looked around again, the growing light giving new perspective to the small clearing. Isamu was lying in a ball at my feet, Jakken using him as a pillow. I smiled at the little scene before turning to the little pond. My eyes widened as I noticed the white lotus that bordered the crystal clear water, their petals covered lightly in morning dew. I wanted to take a closer look.

I stood slowly and cautiously, looking at Sesshomaru all the while to make sure that I didn't wake him. I took small steps as I cleared the small distance to the edge of the pond before kneeling down, my knees hovering inches above the ground so I wouldn't dirty the kimono not that it's gotten dirty so far what with the demon blood, mud, dirt, lake water and such, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious. I lifted my sleeves to my elbows, folding the precious kimono carefully before I dipped my hands into the water and took a taste of it.

The water was cold and sharp in its purity as if it came from a mountain spring. I took another clean sip before letting the rest drip and run through my fingers. My eyes caught a sparkling of color under the water surface only to find that there was a single, pure silver, koi fish in the pond, its eyes on me. I smiled at the curious fish and pointed to a lotus in arms reach and whispered a question to the fish.

"May I?" The fish stared and did nothing in response to my question, it simply stared, its fins and tail moving in rhythm to keep it perfectly in place. I took his silence as a yes and carefully plucked the lotus from the pond creating a single ripple in the water. The koi fish moved back a little at the forming of the ripple and then swam closer. I offered my fingertips to it, not caring if he bit them, creating another ripple in the water.

The koi fish stared at my fingertips for a hairs breathe before swimming against them, my fingers brushing its sleek silver scales as it turned and swam away out of sight. I smiled at the actions, for some reason the silver koi had reminded me of Sesshomaru; quiet, pure, dignified, brusque. Odd how my thoughts reverted to Sesshomaru again.

I shook my head to clear the thoughts away and cupped the lily in the palm of my hand, brushing my fingertips along the lotus flowers soft petals with the other, enjoying its silky soft sensation. I brought the lotus up to my face and closed my eyes to enjoy its aroma. It smell fresh and clean and was better than any perfume. I opened my eyes with a smile as I looked at the simple little flower, just grateful that something nice and easy had made me happy, especially amidst all this confusion.

Sesshomaru blinked awake at the growing light, his eyes automatically went to his side to see Mio, but she was not there. Sesshomaru sat up quickly and scanned the small clearing, quickly finding her kneeling in front of the small pond. He relaxed again and watched her, seeing that she was unaware he was awake.

She held a lotus cupped in her hand, her other was feeling the soft petals with small, gentle fingers. She brought the lotus up to her face and closed her eyes as she took a deep breath. A smile touched her lips as she took in its sweet aroma, her eyes warm as she opened them, looking brighter than ever.

Sesshomaru stood and approached her without thinking, the only thing in mind being getting closer to her. She stood as he approached, still unaware. She turned and saw him, a small gasp escaping her lips and she took an automatic step back tripping on wet grass and falling backwards.

Sesshomaru's arm shot out in a swift motion and caught her waist pulling her against him, her hair flowing behind her at the quick motions. Just as last night, the feel of her in his arms, soft and warm, felt so natural yet it scrambled his thoughts and made him feel as if he were privileged to even know her. She still had the lotus clasped in her hand, holding it by the short stem rather than crushing fragile petals with her small fingers.

He took the lotus with his free hand and tucked it behind her ear which acted as a hair clip, keeping her long hair out of the way of her eyes. The lotus complimented her slightly flushed cheeks beautifully. He smiled at the sight of it, pleased that it looked as he expected it.

I felt my face grow hot when Sesshomaru pulled me to him, preventing me from falling into the small pond and soaking myself through. The heat only grew worse when he took the lotus and tucked it behind my ear and smiled. He was just too perfect, too handsome. No way was he into me, he couldn't be. I had nothing to give.

Sure I had this newfound beauty to offer, but I still couldn't see it as my own and I sure as hell didn't know how to use it like other women. My voice was also something I didn't really see as mine. I was still getting used to it. After I caught my breath I managed to whisper my thanks.

"Th-thank you, Sesshomaru-sama." My eyes averted his as I said this, embarrassed at having to be rescued…..again. Who am I kidding? If Sesshomaru hadn't asked me to go with him I probably would have wandered until I starved to death even with Isamu's help. Sesshomaru released me slowly, his hand lingering at my waist as if he didn't want to let go then his hand slid back to his side and he was looking into my eyes again.

"You need not thank me. I should be apologizing for startling you." My hands went to place themselves on my fluttering heartbeat. Stupid heart, stupid thoughts. Stop thinking about him, his eyes, the way his touch felt against my skin, how he acts so differently around me, so kind…..

I squeezed my hands together, trying to dissipate the persistent thoughts and emotions that swirled around me. I can't do this, not while I'm all confused and uncomfortable with who I am now. I have to get used to myself first before I start going gaga for Sesshomaru like an idiot. He probably only helped me because he felt bad or something…..I put aside the fact that he never felt bad for anyone and decided to stick with denial until I could sort this all out. I realized that I hadn't answered and rushed to do so.

"Oh no. You don't need to apologize. It's my fault for not paying attention." Before either he or I could say anything more we turned when we heard Jakken yawn followed shortly by Isamu. Isamu saw that Jakken was laying on him and bristled before bucking him off and scratching his face like a cat would then he pattered to my side pawing my kimono with sheathed claws, not scratching it at all and letting out the most adorable little mewl. I smiled and picked him up, stroking him and scratching him behind his ears.

"Good morning to you too." (I'm switching to third person for now) Sesshomaru looked at the sky, the sun finally visible in the sky if not still low. Sesshomaru turned back to Mio and held out his hand just like the night before.

"Shall we depart?" Again, the gesture set Mio's heart to beating faster and her hand shook, this time with excitement, as she reached for his and answered.

"We shall." He took her again in his arms, Isamu hopping to the safety of her shoulder as they were lifted into the sky with the same cloud from yesterday.