Cold by NicolasRaine [Drabble #199]
Title: Cold
Author: NicolasRaine
Theme: Peony
Genre: Romance, Fluff
Rating: K+
Link: Practice Makes Perfect
Word Count: 400
Summary: Kagome and Sesshomaru wait out a storm in a cave.
Sesshomaru walked in, his arms full with dry wood and kindling. He placed it on the ground and Kagome realized there was also a full grown deer dragging behind him. She moved to help him, but he stopped her with a look.
“You need to rest, miko.”
He continued to make fast work of setting up the wood and arranging the kindling. Refusing to be helpless, she dug in her bag and pulled out a book of matches. By the time she made her way back over to him, he had finished. Without a word, she lit a match and started the campfire.
He shot her a quizzical look, but didn't say anything. She was thankful, since she wasn't sure how to explain.
They sat in silence, for a few minutes, memories of the night before hanging overhead.
Oustide, it started pouring rain. It quickly cooled the cave to a brisk temperature and Kagome huddled closer to the fire.
By the time the fire turned to coals, the silence was more than awkward, but Kagome didn't know what to say. Sesshomaru surprised her by speaking first.
“Travel begins tomorrow morning.” He began to cook the deer as he spoke.
“O-oh?” She whispered, still feeling a little awkward. “How much farther do you think it is?”
“From here it takes a week to arrive.”
“Okay.” She sat in silence a while longer. Sesshomaru sat against the wall next to her.
Unable to fight it, she shivered against the cold.
After a moment's hesitation, she felt an arm wrap around her shoulders. She jumped in shock and whipped to face him.
“What are you doing?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Are you not cold?”
“Well, yes.” He waited patiently, she sighed and sat back. She allowed his arm to pull her close, telling herself this was an act of necessity. It didn't mean anything... just like last night.
It was awkward again, but when she did relax into his embrace, it felt nice.
She jumped again when lightning flashed outside.
“Oh, the peonies!”
“They will survive the storm.” He assured her. She turned to him, eyes hopeful.
“Are you sure?”
“Hn.”
She smiled and settled back into his arms. Where her aura touched his, she realized it rolled in contented waves. This time the silence was comfortable.
“I picked some flowers for you today.”
She didn't think he would answer her.
“Thank you.”