The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Forgotten

Chapter 62 - The Forgotten *Darkness Comes* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"So, shall we continue, or find shelter for the night?" Miroku asked once everyone had risen from inspecting the latest bag.

Kagome looked thoughtful for a moment, before holding her hand out to Sesshoumaru, who took it gladly. She concentrated before shaking her head. "The next one is pretty far. I doubt we'd make it before nightfall. Might as well find a comfy place to stay the night."

The taiyoukai nodded his agreement. "Yes, we must find suitable shelter. Inuyasha will need it."

"The fuck?" the hanyou questioned.

"The night of the new moon, brother. Did you forget?"

Kagome gasped. "Oh, crap. I forgot all about it with everything that's going on. We definitely need a good place. He doesn't do so well with the cold, considering he only has to deal with it one night a month. We can't stay in a village though. Can't risk someone seeing."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "You think maybe I can worry about me, wench? It's my problem."

The miko sighed. "We both know you would never admit that the cold bothers you. Always playing Mr. Tough Guy." She turned her attention to Sesshoumaru. "Is there an old hut or maybe a cave around somewhere?"

The taiyoukai thought for a moment while taking in his surroundings. Finally, he nodded. "I believe that the Northern Lord has a cabin in this vicinity. I will have to ensure that it is not in use before I take you there, however."

"Won't he get mad that we crashed in his place, though?" Kagome asked. "I don't want us to cause problems for you and the other Lords."

"It will not be an issue. As long as he is not staying there at the moment, we can use it. The West and the North have an alliance. The next time he goes there, he will sense this Sesshoumaru."

"You sure?" she prodded. The last thing she wanted was to start a war between two lands, all so they could have a nice, safe, and warm place to sleep.

"I am," Sesshoumaru replied. He found it interesting that Kagome was so concerned. Already she understood the importance of maintaining good relationships between the West and the other lands. She would make an exceptional Lady. "Wait here and I will return shortly." The miko smiled and nodded her agreement, and the taiyoukai sped away. He did not want to leave them unprotected for long. Inuyasha's hand was still not healed, and he would not be able to defend them if they were attacked.

"It certainly is nice of him to find us shelter," Sango said with a grin.

Kagome nodded. "It really is. He could just let us camp outside in the cold, but instead he's spent who knows how much money on us."

"Aww, whatever. We're helping him out remember? He should be paying for it," Inuyasha grumbled.

"Don't be so selfish, Inuyasha," Kagome chided. "We didn't ask for anything in return for helping him, and he doesn't owe us anything."

"Oh, he owes you something, wench," the hanyou replied cryptically.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she asked.

"Inuyasha is simply being difficult," Miroku interjected, unwilling to allow his friend to spill Sesshoumaru's secret, either purposely or accidently. It was obvious to the monk that Kagome was falling for the taiyoukai, and he wanted nothing to get in the way of her happiness. She deserved to be loved, especially after everything she had gone through with Inuyasha.

"Yes, you should be thankful he is putting a roof over our heads tonight. Maybe you will finally be able to sleep this time, knowing that someone is there to protect all of us," Sango jumped in. She didn't know Sesshoumaru's secret yet, as Miroku had not had the opportunity to fill her in, but it didn't matter. She knew Inuyasha's jealousy was a possible roadblock to her friend's happiness, and she wouldn't have it.

"You think I'd trust him to keep you all safe?" Inuyasha practically screamed. "I don't get why you all trust him so much all of a sudden. He's one of our enemies!"

"You know that's not true. After everything we've been through these past few days, I would definitely count him as an ally and a friend. He wouldn't let anything happen to us. He's too honorable for that. Besides, he still needs me," Kagome lectured.

"I would protect you whether I needed your assistance or not," Sesshoumaru purred in her ear, having returned just in time to overhear the last bit of their conversation. He needed Kagome to know that he was not behaving the way he was because she was helping him bring down the barrier, but because he cared about her.

The miko jumped in surprise. "Where did you come from?" she asked while holding a hand over her rapidly beating heart.

"The cabin is available," the taiyoukai replied. "I returned to lead you there."

"That was fast," she said with a smile.

"Did you think this Sesshoumaru was slow?" he asked with a smirk. "And I meant what I said. Barrier or no, I would still protect you. You deserve nothing less." The miko blushed, her head dipping low. The taiyoukai carefully lifted her chin with one curved finger until her eyes met his once again. "Do you believe me?"

Her cheeks still stained pink, Kagome nodded. “Yes, I do."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Can we just get on with it already? Why are we just standing around?" Miroku swung his staff and bopped the hanyou on the head, causing him to turn and glare at him. "What the fuck was that for?"

"You need to calm yourself," the monk replied softly. "They are having a moment and you should not interrupt."