By the time the sun had begun to set, Hanako's anger had faded. Her feet were chafed and sore from walking nonstop, and if she sniffed, she could pick up the light tang of blood from where she cut her feet on sharp rocks. Sweat shone on her brow, and she hunched over, her belly rumbling from hunger. She had never been this miserable in her life. On her back was Rin, and being her newly appointed guardian, it had been Hanako's duty to carry her when her feet gave out. At first, the small girl had been manageable, light almost thanks to her demon strength. But the longer they walked, the heavier she seemed to become as each footstep became a struggle.

Sesshomaru forged ahead, seemingly unaffected by the long walk. Even the imp seemed to have more stamina, and Hanako grew envious of their endurance. Rin fell long before I started to feel weak, but now, I can barely manage. they are full demons. They can keep going. But I am only half demon, and even I must stop every once in a while to rest.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, she stumbled and fell to her knees, careful to make the fall as smooth as she could for Rin. The girl let out a small squeak, and Hanako groaned, "Please...can we stop? I cant go any further..."

Sesshomaru looked back at her, his eyes focused on Rin, who had climbed off and was fretting over her fallen guardian. "Just as I suspected. You are weak. You are more human than you are demon."

"I am not...weak...I am hungry! I am tired and exhausted!" Hanako curled her lip over her teeth, glaring at him with hostility. But she didn't even have energy for that as she collapsed and began whimpering.

"Sir..." Rin spoke softly, "I am tired and hungry too. May we rest?"

"I find that a very good idea Master," Jaken spoke up, "We have made excellent time in our journey. But since it is the half-breed who wishes to rest, make her find food for the us!"

Sesshomaru was quiet as he considered his words, "I see...half-breed, you will find food for Rin. You will not rest until she is taken care of. Jaken, you will find food for me, so that means you must go with the half-breed. I won't allow arguments." He growled softly before heading off of the road and into the forest. Hanako and Jaken exchanged a look before following him, Hanako picking up Rin as she began to limp forward.

They found Sesshomaru at a small campsite, and by the looks of it, had been used frequently. Hanako set Rin down and stood, obeying her orders not to rest until she found had taken care of Rin.

With a flick of his hand, Sesshomaru grunted, "Jaken, half-breed, go." he said simply, and Hanako nodded before taking off into the forest. Once she was gone, Sesshomaru looked at Jaken, "Keep an eye on her." he murmured before leaning back against a tree. Rin walked over to him, crawling into his lap and gazing around her. Jaken said nothing but obeyed, dashing off into the forest after Hanako.

"Sir..." Rin began as she looked up at him, "Why are you so mean to her? She is very nice."

"I am being mean?" Sesshomaru countered gently, one arm wrapped protectively around her.

"I know you like her, but you pretend you don't, and you act so mean to her." Rin stated, her brown eyes narrowing, "I may not be very old, but I know when two adults like each other. Its like your brother and his wife. They argue and fight all of the time. I even heard that they denied having feelings for each other. You like Hanako." She settled down and pet the soft fur pelt her wore, "I just don't understand why adults try to deny they have feelings for one another."

Sesshomaru gaped at the small girl, his cheeks growing warm for the first time he could remember. The small girl was more observant than he had given her credit for, and he sighed, "what would you like me to do Rin?"

"Well, be nice to her. She is angry, sad, and is mourning. She believes you to be the cause of it." Rin answered, "And you don't have to order her to take care of me. She would do that anyway."

Sesshomaru was silent once more, and he leaned back. "Very well. I will do as you ask Rin...but may I ask you a question?"

"Technically, you already did." Rin chuckled, "but sure."

"What do you think of me as?" he asked, his eyes not moving as he stroked her cheek.

Rin thought for a moment before answering, "A father. I know you will take care of me. and you always have. But I need a mother too. Lady Kaede is nice, but she is old, and won't be around much longer. I want a young mother, who is kind, brave, and strong like you."

Sesshomaru smiled, a genuine smile as he gazed at the girl, "A father? How obvious. I am a fool to have asked such a question." he smiled and hugged her to him, "But as for a mother, only time can tell. You are lucky Kaede even let you come with me."

"Lady Kaede is a kind woman, but she knew I yearned to be with you." Rin smiled as she hugged him back, "And I already have my mother picked out. She is going to find food for me right now!"

"So let me get this straight," Hanako began as she walked with the small imp, "That prick likes me?"

"Have more respect for Lord Sesshomaru! He spared your life you miserable wench!" Jaken snapped, his bulging yellows eyes trained on her, "And yes, it is quite clear he has taken a shine to you. I have never seen him act that way for another woman before! What exactly happened between you two in the hut?"

Hanako sneered and gave the imp a cold look, "He was two centimeters and five seconds from taking my maidenhood."

Jaken face-planted in shock before leaping up and spluttering, "Impossible! You lie! Lord Sesshomaru would never lay with a half-breed wench like you! Pah!"

Hanako loomed over the imp, and she snarled, "I am no liar! You simply haven't asked him you idiot! Now shut up! I have to find food for Rin!" she grabbed Jaken's staff and smacked him on the head with it before storming off.

"OW! H-hey wait for me!" Jaken rubbed the massive forming lump on his skull, picking up his staff before rushing after her.

Hanako ignored him, lost in her own thoughts. I would never lie about such a close call! I don't care if he is a powerful Demon Lord. He ruined my life! I am only biding my time until I can exact my revenge... she snarled and lashed out with her claws, gouging deep scratches in the rough bark. She paused to gaze at the tree, and she remembered that she had wounded him. Rin's feet are sore and lacerated as well. She needs ointment, and I guess I can help that wound on Sesshomaru's face. Might get him to trust me, and let his guard down.

With a sigh, Hanako began searching for herbs, mumbling quietly to herself, "Rin is my first priority. He doesn't need to order me around to make me take care of her."

Jaken appeared and found Hanako plucking leaves from the earth, "What are you doing? We are looking for food, not plants!"

"I am collecting medicine for Rin's feet. Was it not my duty to take care of her every need before I myself rest?" Hanako countered, not bothering to look at the imp, "Besides, I am going to heal the wound I made on your master's face. be grateful. Now go find some food. There is a river nearby to the west. It has fish. I can hear the water." she picked up her small bundle and looked around, "I will find some berries." she sniffed, following her nose as she began to walk deeper into the forest.

Jaken grumbled and headed west, and after several minutes of running, he came upon the river. "The half-breed wench was right. Can she really have such good ears?" he pondered before his attention was diverted from the fish he saw swimming around in the water. With glee, Jaken jumped up and unleashed a massive flame from one of the heads on his staff. Soon, the river was filled with dead, scorched fish, and Jaken laughed with glee as he began to round them up.

"Master is going to enjoy this! Oh heehee! He will indeed!" Jaken snickered, his task complete as he began to haul the food back to the camp.

Hanako was busy in the forest, gathering herbs and berries that she thought Rin would like. She tasted each kind of berry, making sure it was safe to eat before adding them to the pile. She spat the berries she ate out, knowing she could not eat until Rin was fed. Sighing, she stood slowly, gathering her collection before she walked back, meeting up with Jaken. She raised a brow in curiosity, but she remained silent as she and the imp walked back to the camp.

When they arrived, they found Sesshomaru and Rin sitting together, and the sight of the small girl in the demon's lap, the demon holding her so tenderly, it warmed her heart. Ok, so maybe he isn't all that bad...if Rin trusts him, I can too right? I mean...they look so sweet together, and he is very gentle with her... She hadn't realized her cheeks were growing warm and red as she unwittingly gazed at Sesshomaru until Rin smiled and leaned up to whisper something in his ear. Sesshomaru blinked and leaned away, but there was a distinct taint of pink to his well defined cheekbones.

Hanako knelt before them and looked down, "I..I brought herbs for your wounds Master..." she bit back a growl at addressing him as such, but she was too embarrassed to care at the moment. she set the berries to the side and began making the poultice for the scrapes and bruises on Rin's feet, "As her guardian and her keeper, her health is just as important as her being fed. If she cannot walk, she will only slow us down."

Sesshomaru looked at her from the corner of his eye, "True. Very well. Well done my pet." he turned his gaze away.

Holding back a snarky retort, Hanako finished the poultice, which was a yellowish, pale grey paste. She gently picked up one of Rin's feet, holding it up to see. She scooped two fingers into the paste and smeared it along the bottom of her foot, covering up the scrapes and scabs she saw. Rin giggled as she felt her feet be covered, and she tried to pull her foot back.

Hanako sighed patiently, taking the other foot and applying the medicine to the injuries. When she was finished, she held up the berries to Rin, who accepted them with a happy smile. As the small girl ate, Hanako looked up to Sesshomaru, and she scooped some more paste up, "I must heal your wound. I caused it. It is only right if I fix it."

Sesshomaru eyed her warily, the first sign of any doubt she had seen from him since meeting him. He slowly turned his cheek, showing her the wounds she had caused. With a sigh, she lightly coated his cheek with her medicine, her cheeks growing warm as she touched him. His eyes flickered to her momentarily, and she froze as she made eye contact with him. She felt time slow down, finding herself becoming lost in his golden depths as she continued applying the paste to his cheek. His hand reached up to grab her wrist, and she shuddered at the slight touch.

what is wrong with me? Why am I feeling so...weird? I can't possibly like this bastard. can I? I'm not even sure anymore... Hanako thought desperately as Sesshomaru continued to hold her wrist, not to tightly or roughly. More like a gentle grip. But his eyes were anything but gentle as she witnessed the storm of emotions in them as she gazed into his eyes. She knew he hid his feelings so well, and to see such vulnerability set her on edge.

Then just as quickly, it was gone, and he released her hand. "That is enough. Go eat and rest." He said softly, and Hanako blinked. It hadn't been an order. It had been said more like a suggestion. Could it be possible that Sesshomaru was being nicer? She didn't focus on that idea for too long, in fear it may fester and blossom. She certainly did not wish to start having an infatuation with him.

"Master! Lord Sesshomaru! I have brought you food!" Jaken announced as he held up the fish in one of his tiny little hands, "Are you pleased with your servant's work?"

Sesshomaru eyed the fish, then he looked at Rin. "She has done her duty. She can eat." he said, and Hanako blinked. She looked down at Jaken and with speed, she snatched the bundle of fish from him. She sniffed them carefully, pulling out the ones that were the least charred and setting them aside. She took the rest, which were many, and she split them between herself and Jaken. She gave the imp his share as she retreated to a small dark spot a little ways away from them. With a sigh, she began wolfing down her meal, watching as Sesshomaru picked up the fish she had picked out for him, and divided it between himself and Rin. Jaken ate his share just as quickly, for once not complaining about it.

Hanako sighed as she saw Rin make her way over to her, and she instinctively held an arm out. Rin fell into it, and Hanako pulled the girl into her lap as she ate. Rin rested her head on Hanako's shoulder, her large brown eyes shimmering. Hanako looked down at her, and before she could think, she kissed Rin's forehead, "How do your feet feel?"

"Better. That medicine you made is great." Rin smiled, but it was cut short by a yawn.

With a soft smile, Hanako laid down, the girl now resting on top of her, her head on her breast. Hanako then laid her head back, one arm draped over her as she sighed. "Good night Rin." she murmured softly. She felt eyes on her, and she slowly turned her gaze to Sesshomaru, who was watching them with barely suppressed interest. She shivered lightly and turned her head away, closing her eyes to block out the image. As she fell asleep, she had one last coherent thought before exhaustion overwhelmed her;

So this is my new life? A pet, a slave, a guardian? But not a woman. Will I ever be seen as such?