Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Stories in the Sky
They couldn't patrol in the heavy, clammy mist. Despite the weather, Kohaku was not uncomfortable, warmed from the back by Kirara's fur, and from the front by a low fire. Staring up towards the sky, which would be invisible through the trees even without the mist, he wondered what Sango was up to. Had Miroku started his hut yet? Had Sango gotten over being upset at his departure?
"Do you ever stargaze?"
Startled, Kohaku sat up. Across the fire, Ginta had his arms wrapped around his legs, staring out into the darkness. "Never did, until I started following Sesshomaru-sama," he admitted. "But, Sango and I used to sneak out to a meadow, and watch the clouds."
"Sango … your sister?"
"Yeah."
The wolf-youkai sighed. "You miss her?"
"Yeah."
Another sigh. "Until this last year, Hakkaku and I stargazed all the time, especially when there wasn't any moon. We'd find images, and make up stories about them."
"Humans see images, too."
Ginta snapped his head around, straightening. "Really?" His eyes glowed with interest. "What kind of images? What kind of stories?"
"Umm…" Kohaku felt taken aback. "I—don't really know any stories. Father would point things out, when we were night-training, but it was mostly for telling time and direction."
"Oh." Ginta looked crestfallen. Kohaku bit his lip, realizing that he and Ginta had hardly talked since they had teamed up. Ginta was clearly missing his friend. Kohaku could emphasize with that, missing his sister, even if he at least had Kirara for company. Ginta didn't even have any of his wolf companions…
"So, what kind of stories did you and Hakkaku make up?"
Ginta looked back. "You really want to know?"
Kohaku's smile was not entirely faked. "Sure, why not?"
Ginta grinned and turned to face him.
Author's Note: This was written for the prompt "Stargaze", for the LiveJournal community "Inuyasha's Unsung Heroes." It was originally posted on May 5th, 2012. It won the contest. (8/21/2012)