Though he'd interrupted her sleep, he sensed her disquiet, lithe fingers playing with his collar. "I apologize on Jaken's behalf for your living conditions these past few nights."
A snort ruffled his hair, and she shook her head. "Don't you dare. It wasn't your fault his delusions of grandeur got out of control." She went quiet, still fidgeting with his kimono.
His arm tightened around her waist. "I survived our time apart if that is what ails you."
Another shake of her head. "That's not it. Well, maybe a little. I was worried since it had been so long, and I know those meetings can drag on, but—"
Sesshoumaru turned on his side, inhaling her scent as he buried his face in her hair. "Speak your mind, miko."
"That's rich coming from you," she grumbled. His soft chuckle seemed to give her the courage she needed, though her eyes remained glued to his chest. "Do you only keep me around to help you sleep?"
"No." The lack of hesitation surprised them both, startling her enough to look up at him.
They stared at each other for a moment before her face broke out into a brilliant smile. "So I can tell you I missed you?"
His expression softened, claws running through her hair. "I wish you would."
"Good," she said, nodding as she tapped his chest, settling back against him, head in the crook of his shoulder. "Because I did."
"Your presence was also missed," he said, dragging more of her scent into his being as it shifted from warm citrus to caramelized honey.
"For more than just your insomnia," she confirmed.
He chuckled again. "Sleep, miko. We both require and deserve it."
"Fine," she huffed. "But I'm going to question you about it in the morning, just in case this whole thing ends up being a dream."