The work back home had taken close to a fortnight, and though he required sleep, all Sesshoumaru could think of was getting back to her.
His father was likely rolling over in his grave at the thought of his stalwart son putting anyone's needs above his own, but his question of, "Do you have something to protect?" was never far from his mind.
Like all of his father's teachings, Sesshoumaru had brushed it off at first, but he'd been just as defenceless against Rin's charm when she'd given him that annoyingly cheerful toothless grin. He'd initially turned away from her decimated form after the wolf attack, the stench of blood bothering him for once, but the pulse of Tenseiga at his hip had been more than enough reason to turn back.
She'd forced him to acknowledge he had a soft spot for the toad as well, though he'd never claim as much—and he doubted it was far above the dragon's position. Rin had claimed them all, even without knowing the intricacies of what pack entailed. And once she'd caught sight of the miko, the branches of her found family had extended.
She'd never say as much, but subtle nuances—fleeting looks, hesitating steps, a simple inquiry of their well-being—forced him to seek out his brother's companions again and again. To the point of offering up his protection.
He doubted Rin was even aware of the pull she had on him.