The rest of the day was spent with Rin telling her demon lord anything and everything that came to mind in hopes that he would forget all about leaving her to go to war. Unfortunately, she was not successful. As the sun set in the west the lieutenant went to patrol the surrounding woods and familiarize himself with this new territory before setting up camp in the cave for the night. Kagome collected all the soiled dishware that was used throughout the day and planned to wash them down by the stream before darkness set in.
She picked up her wicker basket full of porcelain and slipped on her sandals, before the slide the shoji doors shut, Kagome took one last look inside. Rin was leaning towards Sesshoumaru and moved her arms and hands animatedly while deep in conversation. Her demon lord sat next to her listening intently to every word. Occasionally he would nod in understanding or tilt his head slightly as a signal for Rin to elaborate more on the subject at hand. His face never strayed from their focus on his ward. Smiling softly to herself, Kagome quietly shut the door just as Sesshoumaru draped his mokomoko around Rins shoulders.
Kagome walked carefully down to the brook so not to rattle the dishes held against her hips. She thought about all the events that have happened since Sesshoumaru told them about his plans to journey east. At first the idea that she might need someone to help her look after Rin was insulting. The priestess had been doing perfectly fine defending her property on her own these last few years. She was no stranger to the random demon or wild animal that would occasionally wander into her homestead. The fact that Sesshoumaru had once witnessed such a thing should have been proof enough. Sure, butchering a bunch of pig demons with a kitchen knife wasn't her best look, but she did what had to be done to keep Rin safe. Her eyes softened a bit when an image of how the demon lord was looking at Rin before she left. His face almost appeared serene while gazing at his ward.
As Kagome knelt by the creek and began to sort out the plates and cups from her basket, she started to feel acceptance towards the offer of added protection. Seeing the situation from Sesshoumaru's perspective made her realize how helpless he must be feeling. Guilt started to creep up on Kagome for the way she had acted towards him. Ten or more years would go by, and his daughter would be a grown woman upon his return. Offering protection, ensuring they never went hungry or unclothes, and spending his last day of freedom with them was his way of showing he cared. Tears started to prick the corners of her eyes thinking about how helpless Sesshoumaru must be feeling right now.
"Why do you weep priestess?" A low voice spoke behind her.
The sound startled her so badly Kagome's whole body jumped and the teacup she had been rinsing flew from her hands. Placing same hands over her racing heart she watched as the current carried the tiny goblet away. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before slowly turning on her knees to look at the demon lord behind her. The sight he made rendered her speechless and unable to answer his question.
Standing with his back to the setting sun, Sesshoumaru looked as though he belonged with the Gods. Golden rays framed his immense body making it appear as if his skin was shimmering before her eyes. He had his armor and swords back in their rightful place, once again becoming the warrior and killing perfection she first met so many years ago. The demons' eyes briefly flashed white under the shadow of his brow and hair, reminding Kagome of the predator lurking behind them. It was as if Ares himself stood before her. A raised eyebrow broke the priestess from her trance.
"I- I was just lost in my thoughts" she mumbled. Looking back to the stream she could no longer see the cup that had sailed away to find a new home. She hoped its next owner wouldn't be as clumsy.
Kagome stood and faced the demon lord again and asked, "Are you leaving?"
"Yes. This One has already said his farewells to Rin and collected the list of needed reserves you scribed." The demon lord moved forward enveloping the priestess in his shadow. "We require one last thing before departing."
Curious as to what else he could possibly want, Kagome tilted her head to the side and asked, "Oh okay. What is it you need?" She knew he didn't eat any of the food she made so wouldn't require it for his journey, and he had finished the last bottle of sake she kept on hand for his visits. Maybe it was the wine? He really seemed to enjoy it.
Taking another step closer, Sesshoumaru was now a few feet from the priestess. He leaned his upper body down to place his face closer to hers. She could feel warm puffs of air across her cheeks as he exhaled and his masculine fragrance reached her nose.
Voice darkened with untold hunger he replied, "I wish to revel in your scent one last time."