He couldn't remember how many days he'd been there before the miko showed up; he'd never bothered counting them before, but each new sunrise allowed her scent to saturate his belongings, slowly driving him insane.
She'd needed somewhere safe, a haven to retreat to during the attack, and she'd somehow been led here. He'd allowed her to believe it was because they were the only two occupants, but he knew full well why she'd appeared within his grasp.
It wouldn't have mattered where he was, she still would've shown up at his side—because the forces that be knew he would protect her, even at the cost of his own life.
He tossed a stone into the water, fish scattering as it disturbed their peaceful eating grounds. The reprieve from keeping himself away from her had been short-lived, claws of jealousy and longing making it harder to breathe with every hour he spent in her presence.
How had he ever thought putting distance between them would lessen her hold on his heart?
One look at her had caused the emotions he'd thought buried to resurface, instincts begging to be set free every time she gifted him with another smile.
She was puttering around the kitchen, finally able to walk on her own after spending over a day in bed, cups clinking before she stepped out onto the sand, holding a tray. "Thanks for all that information you gave me about youkai traditions, by the way. Inuyasha has no idea what a wedding entails and was too busy to ask you himself."
This was why he'd stayed away from her.
"I was surprised he wanted to adhere to them at all," he replied, forcing his hands to relax as he accepted the tea she'd prepared.
"Me too! But I think he wants to make it as special as possible. The whole village is helping, so it's like two different worlds coming together." Youki spiked, but he managed to suppress it, keeping his eyes on the horizon. "He's been helping out a lot more too. It used to take everyone nagging at him to even go on outings with Miroku, but now he does it without being asked. And he's been hunting more, too!"
Sesshoumaru scoffed. "That is something all mates should be capable of."
"Oh, I know," she chuckled. "I even had to give him a few pointers, which he didn't appreciate, but I guess he finally got tired of being shown up by a human because now we've got enough to last the whole winter."
The rock he threw this time went much further, spurred on by agitation. He wished to put his claws through something, and he knew sitting with her, listening to her gush over his brother, wasn't helping, so he placed his cup back on the tray, his tea untouched. "I am going for a swim."
The miko let out a sigh of regret. "Alright. I'd join you, but I'm not sure I'm up for that yet. Maybe tomorrow?"
There was a subtle incline of his head before he moved toward the water, waiting until the sound of the door closing signalled her exit before removing his clothes. Perhaps if he dove deep enough, the sorrow in his heart would finally leave him alone.