Kagome watched Rin and Shippo disappear into the frozen forest from her seat under the covered porch. The fox demon hadn't even been there a full twenty-four hours before Rin talked him into an evening stroll. Pulling her fur lined cloak tight Kagome nodded to Masaru as he followed behind the couple at a distance.
With the days growing shorter and nights closer, she suspected they would not be gone long. Fresh snow was already falling from the sky to cover the muddy landscape. The snowflakes falling from the sky brought back memories of Sesshoumaru. The cold, crisp air that surrounded her was akin to his icy demeanor, yet it was undeniably beautiful, just like him. Each snowflake that landed on her skin was like a gentle caress and melting away as soon as it touched her, their chill seeping into her pores, leaving her yearning for more.
As she gazed down, Kagome saw an envelope nestled in her lap. It had arrived earlier that morning, but she was hesitant to open it with others around. All day, her mind had been distracted, wondering what the letter might hold. Would it be respectful words of admonition, or heated admissions of dark desires? It was possible that it could be both.
Unable to resist any longer, Kagome made her way back into the warm hut and secluded herself in the bedroom. Just as she was about to settle onto her futon, she caught sight of mokomoko curled up on Rin's side of the room. Kagome bit her lip in contemplation before stepping forward and collecting the bundle of fur. Wrapping herself in the demon lord's scent she reached under her pillow and withdrew the polaroids he had sent her. Finally satisfied with the mood she had set; she moved a lantern closer and tore open the envelope.
Dear Kagome,
We have moved further into the Southern territory and will soon be breaching the capitol walls. Lord Haruto will be taking a step back while General Katsu and I take full command of our armies. The dragon lord has been silent these past months, I expect he will retaliate soon. If my communication becomes less frequent or delayed, please rest assured that there is no cause for concern. However, I would appreciate it if you could continue to write to me, knowing that I have something to look forward to when I am out of battle would be greatly appreciated.
Have you been continuing your lessons on demon behavior? Grooming is an intimate act done between mates and mothers bathing their pups. Knowing this will you still wish to touch me, Priestess? Will your delicate fingers brush through my mane and fashion the locks to your liking? How bold you are to want to take such liberties with my person. Do you intend to do more than simple play with my hair?
You asked where else I have stripes. I will tell you if you give me something in return. What did you do once after receiving my portraits? Did you simply store them away in some drawer or do you keep them at your bedside as I do with yours? Perhaps they stirred something deep inside you, just as my beast did in his letter.
I await your answer, Kagome.
The wily demon was flirting with her. Looking down at his pictures Kagome blushed. Just above his right hip she could see twin crimson stripes peeking out. She licked her lips as she thought about where else they could be.
Kagome became antsy as she heard footsteps approaching. She hurriedly put mokomoko back onto Rin's bed and hid the letter and photographs under her pillow. Her heart was still racing from the demon lord's suggestive words when Rin entered the room.
The young teenager, with a face flushed from the biting cold of the night, approached her mother and gently asked, "Mama, are you still awake?"
Sitting up, Kagome gave her a nervous smile, "I'm up. Where's Shippo?"
She started to remove her drenched garments, feeling the cool air against her skin. "He wanted to accompany Masaru on tonight's patrol."
"I see." She carefully watched as her daughter put on her nightclothes, making sure that everything was just perfect before reminding her to hang her wet cloak and socks over the warm hearth to dry.
Unbeknownst to the two women, one of the damp socks had fallen from the indoor clothesline and landed partially on the heated coals. As the fabric dried, it began to emit smoke and caught fire. The flames swiftly started to spread while the women were asleep.