Chapter 14: Regret
Sesshoumaru was so hyper-focused on formulating an adequate excuse that he almost failed to notice the approach of his brother before the hanyou came crashing through the canopy, clearly agitated and shouting the miko's name at the top of his lungs.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Kagome?" Inuyasha exclaimed as he landed next to them, warily glancing at his brother, assessing the daiyoukai's intent with his betrothed. Despite the brothers' reconciliation years ago, neither was yet completely comfortable in the other's presence.
"I was just taking a break," Kagome huffed, her indignation melting before the hanyou like snow on a bright spring day. He noted that she did not look at the hanyou, instead electing to stare at the forest floor.
Interesting… Sesshoumaru thought as he watched their exchange. The miko seemed more reticent than usual, and he wondered if they were at odds again. An odd sensation to defend the woman suddenly bubbled up within his chest, but he quickly suppressed it.
"Yeah, well, Kaede needs those things you picked," the hanyou replied, waving in the general vicinity of the basket she held. "Besides, it's almost time for dinner. I'm hungry."
The miko released a heavy sigh. "Fine," she conceded. Eyes seemingly filled with regret lifted to seek his own. "See you later, Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru watched as she shuffled somberly after the hanyou back towards the village, glancing once back towards him before the foliage hid her from view. He wondered at their silent exchange, the notion that he had missed something in her non-verbal communication bothering him greatly.
But what?