The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Cold

Chapter 47 - The Cold *Prove Yourself* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Everyone followed Sesshoumaru, who stayed close to Kagome, worried that she would slip and fall on her own. Inuyasha wouldn't be able to catch her with his crushed hand, so the responsibility fell on him to keep the miko safe, which was right where he wanted it. As her mate, he would be responsible for her in all ways, and he looked forward to practicing for the future. He had decided to stay positive. She was definitely responding well to his rather awkward attempts to get closer to her, so he thought there was a possibility she would return his affection.

The cave wasn't as deep as he would have liked, but the wind was blowing the opposite direction, so they would be sheltered from it. It had definitely been used by someone in the past, as there was a store of firewood in the back, along with an old fire pit. Sesshoumaru scowled at the thought that perhaps it had been Tsukiko who took shelter there while hiding the spell bag they had just destroyed.

Miroku quickly started the fire while Kagome and Sango arranged the bedding. They decided to skip the evening meal, as everyone was far more tired than they were hungry. Kirara transformed, allowing the monk and slayer to lean against her for warmth, while Shippo snuggled against Kagome. Inuyasha sat near the cave entrance, determined to prove, injured or not, that he could still keep his pack safe, leaving Sesshoumaru to his own devices.

After more than a half an hour of watching Kagome squirm and shiver in her sleeping bag, Sesshoumaru had had enough. He knelt beside her, immediately catching her attention.

"Why are you not asleep?" he asked softly.

"I just... I can't seem to get warm," she answered. Sesshoumaru was stunned to see that her lips were blue, and he knew something had to be done quickly. He glanced at Inuyasha, who was attempting to stare him down, before returning his focus to the miko. He pulled his moko-moko off his shoulder, directing one end to slither into her sleeping bag on either side of her.

"It can move?" the miko asked in shock. "What the hell is this thing?"

"It is merely a part of me. Relax. You are safe."

Kagome looked rather unsure, but stayed silent and completely still as the long white fur wrapped itself around her body. She very quickly began to feel warmer, but it seemed as if the icy chill did not want to surrender her so easily as she continued to shiver.

"Do you trust me, Kagome?" he asked softly, ignoring when Inuyasha began to grumble threats.

The miko looked up at Sesshoumaru in confusion for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I do."

With a smirk, the taiyoukai swept her, bag and all, up in his arms. He moved closer to the fire before sitting leaned against the stone wall. He carefully arranged her, making sure not to crush or smother Shippo. Her lower body rested between his long legs while her back leaned on his chest. Finding firm warmth under her head, Kagome turned in confusion, surprised to see that he had removed his armor without her noticing. Sesshoumaru ran his hands up and down her arms through the fabric of her sleeping bag, and the miko snuggled down, rubbing her cheek against his muscled chest.

Finally, it felt as if her body had begun to defrost, and Kagome slowly drifted off to sleep. Sesshoumaru was surprised that Inuyasha hadn't done more than mutter his displeasure at their position. He glanced at his younger brother, confused by the look on his face. The hanyou had a smirk that spoke of secret knowledge, which unsettled the taiyoukai. What did Inuyasha think he knew?

"I think I get it now," the hanyou said softly. "You did change, and I'm pretty sure I know why."

Sesshoumaru furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "What is it that you know?" he asked.

"That's for me to know and for Kagome to find out."