"Rin, where are you going now?" I asked, rather resigned.

Night has fallen. Camp is set and Rin's tent of blankets is up. There is no reason for her to be wandering away at this time of the night.

"I want to clean myself. I am filthy. Surely you can smell it."

I smell it now - old blood mixed with the day's perspiration.

I rise. "Go. I will follow."

"No"

"Pardon?"

"I do not require you to keep watch for me. You can do so by sitting here and I assure you that no one will want to peek in the middle of the night."

"Even so, I would like to keep watch."

"Not necessary."

I lost it.

"You arrogant woman! Don't you see that the stakes are raised, now that you are a woman grown? Do you really want to take your chances?" I growl, unable to keep it within me any longer.

"And might I remind you that I am well versed in the art of demon slaying! Why must you treat me like a defenseless human?"

"Because that is what you are, you ignorant female!" I sigh.

"You are not keeping watch and that is final. Throw as many temper tantrums as you like but I am resolved."

As usual, her back is towards me and she is walking away.

I am seething. Rin is driving me up the wall. I do not know whether it is her cycle that is to blame or whether it is her. She has never been this bad during her cycle, so it must be her. Something must be done.

A scent interrupts my train of thought. A demon and not just any demon, but a dog demon. Strange.

I send out a warning growl. Anyone with half a brain would heed to it.

Rin's scent approaches me now. I calm down considerably. She smells of fragrant oils. Perhaps that is what attracts demons to her. She should stop wearing it in public.

"Rin..." I begin to tell her, when the most unexpected sight comes into view.

There was Rin of course, looking as glowy as ever in her midnight blue kimono. And then, next to her was a member of my sparse clan - Inudai. They looked so natural together - almost like mates.

I snap out of it.

"Inudai, when did you arrive and why did you not approach me first?" I question.

"Just a few minutes back and let's face it Sesshomaru, Rin is a far more welcoming sight." He turns to her smiling.

She gives him a big smile. The smile I am fond of and the very one, she has withheld from me these past days.

"Rin, do not feel so obligated to give my clan member such a welcoming smile, especially when you seem to smile so rarely these days."

She turns to me, her eyes narrow. My eyes narrow too, warning her that she should not disgrace me in front of a clan member.

She huffs.

"Oh but I do enjoy Rin's smiles! And I am not some stranger to Rin, am I?" He turns to her, with a friendly wink.

"No you are not, my dear friend. Come, we must catch up. I have missed you!"

"And I you."

They walk together towards the camp fire, leaving me alone - yet again.