The night was deepening into a very black midnight. Wisps of clouds started to cover the luminous moon, shedding only part of its light on some places and complete darkness on others. Sesshoumarou sped through the trees in his usual fast pace until he seem like a blur passing through the forest. At long last, he slowed gradually and stopped in front of a lone thatched hut. He kicked open the door and looked in.

The place was deserted but piles of neatly-folded clothes and blankets adorned the floor. On one side lay pots and plates. Clearly, the hut was inhabited and the owner must have left it for a while. Sesshoumarou could not sense any evil presence in the hut and around it. He could even see houses that started a village ways from the hut. He kneeled on one knee and gently lay the unconscious girl on the blankets.

On that instant, a ray of moonlight passed over Kagome, illuminating her sleeping face. Sesshoumarou felt a lurch in his chest. She looked beautiful that moment and . . . He shook his head. Where is this line of thoughts heading? I do not even like this human.

He looked behind him and saw no one. He returned his gaze to Kagome and found to his annoyance that it was a mistake. He should have merely dropped her off and leave. But he didn't. His body moved out of his accord. He reached out a hand to her. He stopped midway, his fingers folding back a bit, hesitating but as though an invisible force urged him on until Kagome's fair face was beneath his palm.

The touch of her calmed and wrecked havoc inside of him. What is this feeling? It was confusing. Kagome stirred a bit under his touch but did not awaken. Her forehead furrowed and her face had a troubled expression. At once he wished to wipe that look from her face.

An image of her smiling and laughing at him tugged at his heart. That happened before. That smile and laughter made only for him. It surprised him enormously. No smile or laughter is for him. This world is a playground for battles and wars and smiles and laughter are for ignorant humans who can do nothing else to protect themselves. As always he turned her back coldly on her and walked away. But before that, just for a moment, she held his attention. Whatever she did, it held him. Ever since then, whenever they meet seems different. Just a couple of minutes together brought memories that always linger on his mind. He would say something and it would fascinate her and she said once that he was actually a different person, misunderstood like Inu-yasha. He disliked hearing his half-brother's name but she would smile and unusually, he would let the comment pass.

It was queer that their paths always cross or was it because he was unconsciously following her? That couldn't be. There was no reason. Yet now thinking it over maybe there is a reason which he always push at the back of his mind and try to forget. He always try to ignore that peculiar feeling eating his heart. And right this moment, that feeling returned in full force. He was glad that Kagome was not awake. She would raise many questions and he would not be able to answer any. But since she was asleep, he had the unusual liberty of looking at her and wondering about her without anyone asking or noticing. Perhaps, this is the limit of allowing his feelings to roam him. He knew he'll never take a step further to try and decipher what he felt. This was all so unlike him.

This was not the only time he saved her. There were so many other times where Inu-yasha was busy with another enemy. He probably killed those who molested the human because they were in his way. It's not like he did it because he wanted to. He could not deny though that her smile though only of gratefulness retained in his mind for many days and brought him a light feeling he never knew he could have.

His thumb rubbed against her cheek. He knew he must go now. There was no reason for him to stay. His body moved out of his own accord again. He bent down to her and kissed her, not on her lips, but on her forehead. Goodbye, human. Be safe . . . He was sure her friends were already freed and they would be coming any moment now. One thing he did not know, however, was that at the same moment, Kagome's eyes stirred and they opened. She was still a bit dizzy and she thought she was dreaming when she sensed a body close to hers. The scent was one thing she'll never forget.

Sesshoumarou . . . ?If this was a dream, she wants to . . . stay in it . . . She laughed inwardly at herself. What am i thinking? She felt him pull back and look back at her. She thought she saw surprise on his face then the same aloofness once again. Yes, this is a dream. Why else would this person be right in front of me? she reasoned.

"This is a dream, isn't it?" She whispered. Sesshoumarou nodded, suddenly mute.
"Yes, it's a dream. Go back to sleep . . hu . ." he stopped himself. He was glad that she thought this was a dream. When he saw her awake, he felt. . . well, frightened is the closest word. Strange that he felt that . . . but it was gone when he realized that she thought this was a mere dream. If she thinks it that way then it'll stay that way. His presence would confuse her and it would gave away too much of himself. He will humor her just this once. "Kagome . . ."

Kagome giggled. She never heard him say her name before. "I'm glad. I wish to stay in this dream forever." She sat up and wrapped her arms around him. He felt so real against her but she knew that couldn't be. Sesshoumarou will never be caught being intimate with her. After all, he hates her. Or so she thinks. "I can say anything to you in this dream."

"What do you want to say?" He could feel the heat of her arms around him and the rise and fall of her chest. He clenched his hands and tried to surpress hugging her back. He knew there could be a possibility that of furthering the mere hug and he couldn't bring himself to think of what would that be. He couldn't risk getting himself deeper into this . . . mess.

"That I care for you that I . . . well," She was not sure yet but this was a dream so there was no harm. She can tell him, here and now.