"I really can't stay." Kagome shifted on Sesshomaru's couch.
"It's cold outside." Sesshomaru glanced out the window.
"This evening has been so very nice." Kagome made to move, brushing Sesshomaru's hand as she got up.
"Your hands are ice!" He jumped up, pulling her to a spot before the fire.
"Well," Kagome gazed down at the fire. "Maybe just a half a drink more."
Sesshomaru lifted the tea pot from the table.
"Your eyes are like star-light." Sesshomaru murmured, glancing at his pretty guest.
"What?" Kagome glanced up.
"Nothing." The man shook his head.
The two sat in a comfortable silence, and then Kagome glanced at the time.
"I've got to get home."
"I'll lend you a coat." Sesshomaru strode to his hall-closet.
"I'm sure I'll be-" Kagome began.
"It's cold outside, and it's snowing pretty heavily. I'll call for a cab." He pulled his cell from his pocket, shifting through the closet.
"Thank you." Kagome took a seat on his couch.
Her eyes drifted closed, and her head dropped onto the armrest.
Sesshomaru glanced in.
"I'm sorry, sir." He murmured into the phone. "Cancel the cab, other arrangements have been made."
Sesshomaru draped the coat on his arm over the back of the couch, and fetched a blanket from the linen closet.
"Daddy," Rin poked her head out the door. "Is Kagome staying?"
"Yes, she is, Princess."
Rin trotted out of her bedroom, and Sesshomaru watched in amusement as the nine-year-old tucked her favourite stuffed dog into the young woman's arms, then return to bed.
Sesshomaru shook his head as he spread the thick downy quilt over his guest.