Work Text:
Reticeō
(v.) Keep silent; leave unsaid
Seven days. That’s how long it takes his friends to settle down again, to be calm enough to let him go on a walk without making a fuss. Seven days with at least as many headaches after InuYasha caught a sniff of his brother’s scent on him. At least, they finally got more accustomed to his new and rather permanent situation, behaving mostly normal again. As long as he ignores the fact that he cannot even leave their sides without them seemingly worrying about him running off with some random Yōkai.
It is rather amusing, at first, especially the thought of him being interested enough in just any Yōkai to leave his friends behind. But from time to time, it’s getting annoying, even for Miroku. He longs for some peace and quiet, some time to meditate by himself, without anyone breathing down his neck. Which is why he is enjoying this stroll even more, a soft smile crossing his face, as he is after a few weeks finally allowed to wander off by himself again.
Kagome has crossed the well once more, staying a few days in her own time, and Sango is off to hunt down some lower Yōkai terrorizing a village, earning herself at least a little money. And while InuYasha and Shippō are patiently waiting for the young Miko’s return, Miroku just doesn’t find it in himself to wait for her, wasting the time he could just as well spend exploring the area around Kaede’s village.
He follows the small river, leading him past huts and fields, where the townspeople wave at him and children stop their play for a short moment to greet him. They have been the first to act normal around him again, the children mirroring the gestures he uses whenever he wants to speak with them. They are learning fast and some even develop their own signs to teach him, so they can communicate easily. And if he is honest with himself, this is exactly what he had wished for his friends to do. Still wishes for them to do. Kagome has a word for it – she told him when she saw how he was talking to the children, but he just can’t quiet remember it.
His way leads him away from the village, just a little, not far enough to annoy InuYasha. He did once, shortly after his encounter with the Western Lord, and it made the Hanyō want to accompany him everywhere the very next day. It was an experience he really doesn’t want to repeat; perhaps he should ask for Kirara as his companion the next time. After all, the small Neko Yōkai is not as judgemental as the others and Miroku is quite sure that she wouldn’t care whether he met someone or not.
A child’s laughter draws his attention to the riverbank, a little further downstream, where a little girl is playing in the water. Her Kosode is already soaking wet, as is her hair, yet she doesn’t seem to mind at all. He watches her a little as she splashes around in the water, merrily laughing and smiling, before he realizes why she seems so familiar. It is the human girl accompanying Sesshōmaru – Rin-chan, if he remembers correctly – which means that the Yōkai must be close as well. At least he hopes so.
Miroku stops in his tracks, shaking his head about that train of thought, but he can’t really deny that a part of him would like to meet the Demon Lord again. That he often remembers the few hours spent in each other’s company, the way he felt at peace with himself while being close to him.
Rin sees him first and waves at him, water pearling from her hands and wet hair, a happy smile on her lips. Behind her he can see her current playmate, Jaken, the water almost reaching his head. He eyes Miroku wearily as he waves back at the little girl, before politely nodding at the grumbling Yōkai.
Sesshōmaru is sitting in the shadow of some trees, not far from the water, seeking shelter from the summer sun. He is leaning against his dragon, who are keeping an eye on both Rin and Jaken, only looking up when Miroku gets a little closer. They stare at him for a few seconds, almost as if deciding whether he is a threat to their little human, before turning their full attention back to river and the child playing there.
Miroku smiles warmly while bowing to Sesshōmaru, internally almost absurdly pleased with meeting him again so soon. Though he wonders why the small pack is camping so close to the village, when usually, the Yōkai seems to avoid meeting InuYasha if possible, especially with his ward so close by. Then again, the distance between the village and their current location is far enough, so the Hanyō most likely didn’t even sense his brother yet.
Sesshōmaru looks at him, those stunning golden eyes inspecting him for a few seconds, before he gracefully lowers his head in a nod, seemingly content with whatever he saw. Miroku straightens his back, raising from the bow after this acknowledgement; a slight smile tugs at the corners of the demon’s mouth and he can’t help but ponder whether it is a sliver of approval. Before he can think more about it, however, it is gone again, the Yōkai’s face reverting to the usual stoic mask.
Miroku smiles to himself, turning his focus away from the older male in favour of watching Rin play in the river. Her clothes are already dripping water and her hair is sticking to her back, yet she doesn’t seem to care. On the contrary, she merrily keeps splashing around, happy laughter tumbling from her lips even without a true playmate by her side. Jaken does try, but a grimly imp is just not the same as a friend her own age. Perhaps she would like to play with some of the children from the village at some point?
He turns back to Sesshōmaru, who is watching the human girl attentively, reminding him slightly of a father keeping an eye on his daughter. Does he view her like that, his own child? He honestly wouldn’t be surprised; just by seeing them interact with each other, he knows that the Yōkai at least deeply cares for her. And one does not have to watch very closely to know how much she loves him.
“Would you like to sit down?” The calm voice breaks him out of his thoughts, returning his focus to the demon in front of him, who is currently studying him, not Rin. He indicates at a spot next to him, which is also draped in shades, shielded from the sun. Miroku smiles softly, placing the palm of his right hand above his heart before lowering it in a small arc towards Sesshōmaru, mouthing a silent ‘Arigatō’.
It is a simple gesture he developed with one of the younger girls after he noticed her placing one hand over her heart when sincerely thanking someone. Most people instinctively understood its meaning when tested, so he chose to stick to it. And even Sesshōmaru seems to understand, as he nods once and lets a tiny smile grace his lips as Miroku sits down.
It is a nice feeling, being welcome in the demon’s presence, and Miroku feels calm and at ease almost immediately. Which should be disturbing, seeing how easy it is to unwind right next to someone his friends had already fought more than once. Yet he just can’t get himself to care. Instead, he takes a deep breath before exhaling slowly, feeling the stiffness fade from his shoulders with each breath.
Once he is back with his friends, InuYasha will most likely make a fuss of his brother’s scent on him once again, yet, still, Miroku couldn’t care less about it. That strange feeling of familiarity, sitting next to the Western Lord and enjoying his company, is simply way too pleasant to waste his thoughts on InuYasha’s potentially hurt pride.
When he looks back up, Sesshōmaru’s attention is already back with Rin, watching her every move as well as their surroundings. He’s attentive, carefully observing everything to make sure his little ward is safe. In a strange way, he reminds Miroku of the young Hanyō, who also tends to have an eye on them to keep them safe. Though, contrary to Sesshōmaru, he usually pretends as if he doesn’t care that much, as if they have to rely on themselves.
Suddenly he is really glad that the Demon Lord cannot read his mind and for the first time he is actually relieved that no words can slip his mouth and give his thoughts away. He really doesn’t want to offend Sesshōmaru in any kind of way, doesn’t want to lose the opportunity of sitting right next to him only because of one mindless comment.
He shakes the thought, not even wanting to entertain the possibility of not being welcome any longer. Instead he adjusts his cross-legged sitting-position slightly and straightens his back, rests his hands loosely in his lap and closes his eyes. He concentrates on his breathing, feels the air fill his lungs before exhaling slowly, controlled. Once, twice. Then his focus shifts to the warm Yōki surrounding him, filling the area to ward off enemies. To Miroku, it feels like a soft caress, a gentle pressure against his own holy energy, warm and comforting. So he indulges himself, lets himself get carried away with every breath, relaxing more than he has in weeks.
The next time he opens his eyes, the sun has already moved on quite a bit, basking him in its soft rays. Rin is sitting next to Sesshōmaru, her long hair almost dry again. Miroku blinks once, trying to gauge the time he spent lost in his meditation, without even noticing. He can feel the eyes resting on him, a hint of amusement apparent in the aura around him.
“Welcome back,” the Demon Lord greets him, supressed laughter lacing his voice. Miroku feels his face heat up in embarrassment as a slight blush creeps up his neck. “You seemed quite… absorbed,” he continues his musing, a small smile tugging on his lips, “are you feeling better?”
At this, he looks at Sesshōmaru, his cheeks still slightly flushed, and nods, smiling sheepishly. He really feels better, more relaxed than ever after meditating and as calm as he could be. All in all, it had been the most refreshing meditation he had in a long time. Was it because of the other’s presence? After all, he had felt at easy the moment he had settled down next to the Yōkai, it would only be logical if it also affected him in his trance-like state. How InuYasha would blow up if only he knew… not that he would tell him. Somehow, it feels way too personal.
He is brought out of his thoughts when Rin appears right in front of him, a happy smile on her rosy lips. She sits down there, her knees almost brushing against his as she looks up at him enquiringly.
“Are you done media… mediti…” – “Meditating,” Sesshōmaru supplies gently, earning himself a bright smile.
“Yes, exactly. Thank you, Sesshōmaru-sama!” She then looks back at Miroku, her smile still bright. “Are you done meditating now, Hōshi-sama?”
He nods his affirmation, a smile settling on his lips at the title she used for him. Most children resorted to calling him ‘Onī-san’, so he didn’t expect it. It shouldn’t have surprised him though; she is Sesshōmaru’s ward after all.
“Why did you do it now? Don’t most people do this when they are alone? Is it still relaxing when someone is with you?” Question after question spills from her lips, her gaze lingering on Miroku enquiringly and more honestly interested than anyone before. His throat tightens, his desire to answer almost overwhelming. Yet no word leaves his lips, just a low gurgling sound, rough like stone on stone. He shuts his mouth, berating himself for forgetting his situation again for the first time in weeks. Rin tilts her head, looking at him questioningly. A small frown distorts her face, concern apparent in her eyes.
“Are you okay, Hōshi-sama?” Her voice is quiet now, apologetic, as if she did something wrong. He wants to comfort her, make her realize that it is okay, that she doesn’t have to worry. A tight lump forms in his throat as words gather on his tongue, never to be shared.
And still, Miroku forces himself to smile as gently as possible, nodding as an answer to her question. I am okay. The smile turns more honest the longer he repeats that one sentence in his head. I am okay. Perhaps it is a lie turned truth – but as long as it is the truth, who could care that it used to be a lie?
Rin eyes him sceptically, as if she knows his thoughts, so he smiles softly, placing his fingers on his throat, right above the scars marring his pale skin. Her gaze follows this movement, the warm brown eyes widening in shocked realization after a moment of thought. Hesitantly she reaches for him, the soft pads of her fingers barely brushing against the silvery patch of skin.
“I am sorry,” she lets her hand drop onto her lap again, an honest, apologetic smile on her lips, “I didn’t know.” She hesitates briefly and lowers her eyes, her fingers playing with the hem of her Kosode, before she looks back up to meet his eyes.
“Would it still be alright for me to ask you some questions?” He can’t help but laugh softly at this innocent, pure enquiry and even though the sound leaving his throat is rough and rasping and not even close to a laugh, she doesn’t even flinch. Instead, her nervousness seems to fade a little and as soon as he nods his approval, the smile is back on her lips.
This time, her questions come one by one, mostly phrased in a way that allows him to just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. After a while, without really thinking about it, he starts using gestures as well in an attempt to elaborate, to give her a better answer to her respective query. It is tedious at first, with Rin having to guess a lot, but like the children in the village, she doesn’t seem to care. On the contrary, it seems as if it is a fun game for her, a joyous twinkle appearing in her eyes whenever she finally understands the meaning of his latest gestures.
Her bright smile and happy giggles make him smile as well, enjoying her company and the slowly more flowing conversation. It becomes easier the longer it goes on, Rin catching on to his signs and gestures faster and faster, until he almost forgets that he’s not really ‘talking’ to her.
“You seem to be getting along quite well.” The low remark laced with amusement makes him pause mid-gesture, as both he and Rin look up to find a softly smiling Sesshōmaru watching their exchange. His amber eyes are focused on Miroku’s hands, a slightly amused gleam in them.
“Pardon me, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Miroku lowers his hands at that, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. He could swear the demon is suppressing a laugh, enjoying this situation way too much. But then again, he can’t really blame him.
“We are getting along quite well, Sesshōmaru-sama,” Rin quirks up next to him, a bright grin lighting up her pretty face. “It’s just sad that Miroku-sama is not travelling with us...” At this, her smile dulls a little, dampened by regret. It makes Miroku’s heart ache, just enough to be noticeable. Enough to prompt him into gently putting his hand atop Rin’s, signing an honest ‘Thank you’ as soon as she looks at him.
“It really is...” The softly spoken words catch him by surprise, and he takes a few seconds to comprehend them, not entirely sure the proud Yōkai sitting next to him really uttered them. That doubt is swiftly eradicated with his next words, though.
“I fear, however, that my stubborn brother would not take kindly to us removing one of his pack.” If that cat demon had not already taken his voice, Miroku would have lost it right there. Or at least after Rin’s next thought.
“But couldn’t we just join your brother’s pack, Sesshōmaru-sama? Then you could even make sure that he takes better care of Hōshi-sama.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, child,” Jaken almost screeches, making his presence known for the first time since Miroku joined them earlier, “Sesshōmaru-sama would never join that lowly Hanyō’s pack!” His distaste and disapproval are clear in his voice, making Miroku wince. It’s not unexpected, not even remotely, yet he still feels hurt for his friend, a child disliked or even hated for something he can’t control. Thinking about it makes anger bubble up inside of him, his throat tightens and he can feel his Reiki react to his emotions, thickening around him. A soft squeak escapes the lower demon and he quickly scrambles up to bring some much needed distance between the enraged monk and himself.
“You should watch your mouth, Jaken-san,” Rin scolds him, an unnaturally serious tone to her voice. “After all, that ‘lowly Hanyō’ is still alive and well, even after being on his own for so long. Would you manage the same?” That shuts the diminutive Yōkai up, his already large eyes bulging out even more. His gaze shifts to his lord, looking up to him almost pleadingly – Yet he only finds disdain and mirth dancing behind the Daiyōkai’s golden eyes. Miroku follows the other’s gaze, taking in the amused and daring quirk of an eyebrow while Sesshōmaru does nothing to help his servant. It makes his own irritation settle, the anger slowly fading away and his Reiki retreating to his body, setting comfortably around his core.
“Rin is not wrong,” Sesshōmaru’s soft voice is barely more than a mutter, yet all three understand him without any problem, “I might not be overly fond of my … brother, nevertheless I have to admit that he is quite capable of keeping himself alive and well.” His gaze lingers on Miroku at those words and he can almost hear the low growl again, the swear about not keeping his pack safe. Not keeping him safe.
A slight blush spreads across Miroku’s cheeks at the memory, only intensified by the glowingly golden eyes boring into his own. Suddenly he is very sure that the Demon Lord knows his thoughts, knows exactly what he remembers – and encourages it. To the young monk, he seems rather content with that knowledge, almost a little smug. As if it brings him an enormous amount of satisfaction that he is claiming that much space in his head, his mind, his heart. Oh, how he prays that Sesshōmaru does not actually know.
The silence stretches after this, not uncomfortably, and they watch as the sun sets, casting them in a warm red light. Miroku’s attention is drawn to his mighty companion, the silver of his hair glowing softly, his eyes almost as warm as the last rays of sunshine. Rin is sitting next to him, her small figure curled against his soft fur. It is peaceful, Miroku thinks as he himself enjoys the silent company. He can almost feel himself getting used to it – no nagging, no complaints, no conversation going quiet once the others realize he can’t join in.
Part of him yearns to stay, to keep it that way. To join the proud, kind and dangerously beautiful demon and not return to his current pack. The other part of him, though, knows that it would only make matters worse, that he would miss his friends, his pack, way too much. Still, he indulges himself for a moment, fantasising how it might be to be part of Sesshōmaru’s pack, to be protected by him should he not be able to protect himself. And if the thought makes his knees go weak no-one ever needs to know.
The moon has already risen by the time Miroku decides to go back to the village, replacing the warm yellowy light with a pale glint of silvery white. The leaves rustle with a soft gust of wind, cold enough to make him shiver slightly. Rin is sleeping, curled up against Ah-Un and shifting closer to seek shelter from the wind, the two-headed dragon happily obliging. They curl their long necks around the small girl, providing both warmth and shelter. Rin sighs contently, falling only deeper into a restful slumber.
Miroku smiles softly as he watches her peaceful face before standing and straightening his robes, brushing off some lone blades of grass and specks of dust. He turns to Sesshōmaru, a warm, gentle smile on his lips, bowing respectfully to him. Words of gratitude for being welcome to stay as long are gathering on his tongue, yet he just smiles, swallowing the urge to speak, instead placing his hand above his heart and mouthing a mute ‘Arigatō’.
The Yōkai inclines his head in acknowledgement, his gaze following the path of Miroku’s hands, then resting briefly on his lips, as if waiting whether he wants to tell more. A few heartbeats pass, then the proud demon rises himself, the motion fluid and elegant, capturing Miroku’s attention. Their eyes meet, holding each other’s gaze for a precious moment, before the small smile grazing Sesshōmaru’s lips draws the young monk’s attention away.
“I will accompany you back to your village.” It is a simple statement, without any hesitation. Yet it makes Miroku freeze, anticipation and happiness rising inside his chest, alongside a dark feeling of dread. What if InuYasha is still outside, waiting for him? What if the two start arguing, or even worse, fighting? He would hate for the Lord to regret accompanying him, just because his friend loses his temper.
“Do not worry about InuYasha,” the Yōkai murmurs, his voice soft and soothing, making Miroku slightly embarrassed at being so obvious that the other feels the need to reassure him, “If he wants to act like the puppy he is, he will do so anyway.”
The words put a small smile to his lips, tinted by a touch of amusement, and he nods his consent, making up his mind. He will do as Sesshōmaru says and not worry about the Hanyō’s reaction, instead enjoying the prolonged time in the Western Lord’s company. Enjoying the fact that he does not have to accompany him back, yet somehow still wishes to do so. His heart beats just a little faster at the implication, the wishful thinking of Sesshōmaru wanting to spend a little more time with him. Of being protected by him.
The happiness and anticipation drown out the dread this time, as he watches the Inu-Yōkai instruct his companions on taking the still sleeping Rin with them, making their way back to a safe place to rest for the night. Jaken complains, not wanting to leave his lord within the range of InuYasha, but he is ignored as Sesshōmaru turns his back to him, clearly dismissing the imp. Instead, he looks at Miroku, his beautifully golden eyes softening just slightly, an imperceptible smile curving his lips, as he indicates him to follow.
Without hesitation, Miroku obliges, falling into step next to the other as they make their way back to the village. The path is deserted by now, the woods dark and mysterious, cast in shadows by the pale moonlight. No more children are playing near the river and fields, and even the adults have long since ceased their work for the day. So it is only them, walking side by side, both content in each other’s silent company.
It is not long until the village can be seen, lying serenely in front of them, soft smoke rising above the huts, the warm flickers of fire illuminating the windows. He appreciates the quiet peace it exhibits, seeming welcoming to those who might wander by. Averting his eyes, he looks at the proud figure next to him, marvelling at the ethereal beauty basking in the silvery light. Otherworldly. Magical. Angelic.
He shakes his head, trying to clear it of those thoughts, and wonders briefly whether Sesshōmaru would be amused by his analogy, or appalled. Then again, it doesn’t really matter. He will never know, after all.
“Is something the matter?” Sesshōmaru’s voice is low again as he looks at Miroku, his head marginally tipped to the side, a distinctively animalistic trait he seems to share with his brother. Why does he ask? Miroku looks at him questioningly, confusion written on his face, earning himself an amused smirk, just barely noticeable.
“You stopped walking,” the demon supplies, a hint of laughter vibrating in his words and mirth dancing in his eyes as Miroku’s cheeks turn rosy, only now realizing that he, indeed, has stopped midway. “Did you not notice?”
He feels his face heat up even more and lowers his gaze in embarrassment, until a soft chuckle makes him look up again. Sesshōmaru is standing there, watching him intently with warm eyes and a gentle smile on his lips. A smile that takes his breath away. It is unguarded and honest and pure and beautiful. Just so beautiful.
It takes a moment for Miroku to get a hold of himself, to remember the words spoken to him and to make his hands sign an answer of ‘Apologies’. His face is still hot, red with embarrassment, yet he meets Sesshōmaru’s eyes and smiles slightly, wondering about himself, his current behaviour in front of the Yōkai. The thought is quickly lost, however, as the other gently places his hand on his back, kindly nudging him forward.
He stumbles a few steps before he catches himself, following the Demon towards the village. A tight lump starts to form in his throat the closer they get and he swallows dryly as he feels InuYasha's Yōki filling the air, brushing against his brother's demonic aura. He can almost see the impact of them colliding, Sesshōmaru's calm presence standing strong against the storm which is InuYasha. A storm which is yet to come, loud and unrelenting.
The thought makes him shudder and he stops once again, everything inside of him resisting to go even one step further. The Yōkai comes to a halt besides him, one hand resting gently on his shoulder, a hint of concern in his eyes. Miroku looks up to him, still not taking another step. He doesn't want to go back. Not like this. Not if it means that Inuyasha will throw another fit, raging at him and everyone else about the awful person his brother is und how stupid Miroku has to be for getting close enough to carry his scent on him. No, he doesn't want this nice day to end like that. And, more importantly, he doesn't want Sesshōmaru to witness it.
He knows that the brothers are not on the best of terms, to put it lightly, that his friend really has a fierce hatred for everything concerning the older demon. Miroku doesn't really understand why, though. The Yōkai he got to know is not a bad person, on the contrary. He is kind and caring and gentle. Just like InuYasha, only more distanced and more mature. A comparison he would also be screamed at for even thinking about.
"Miroku." His name gets his attention; spoken so softly he wonders for a split second whether he imagined it. Sesshōmaru is standing right next to him, a hand still gently resting on his shoulder, a concerned frown on his face. He seems worried, and puzzled, not understanding what is wrong with the monk. And how could he? He doesn't know and Miroku doesn't want him to know - so he smiles apologetically again and shakes his head, mouthing a silent 'sorry'.
He turns to continue walking, but the demon's hand on his shoulder holds him back, gently guiding him to look at the Yōkai. He tightens the grip marginally, just enough to make it clear that he doesn't plan on letting him go like this, yet not enough to hurt. Miroku has to tilt his head up a little, just to be able to look the other in the eyes, making him realize once again how tall the other is. It could be intimidating, threatening, the Demon Lord looming over him like that. Yet he doesn't feel scared - only guilty. Guilty for behaving like that and then brushing it aside, when Sesshōmaru is genuinely worried about him. About his wellbeing. Just like during their first meeting in the woods.
"What is it that bothers you like this?" Sesshōmaru’s voice is soft, gentle, and warm, it makes Miroku feel even more guilt, and he lowers his head to avoid looking in those beautiful eyes filled with concern.
"Don't..." Warm fingers are gently placed under his chin, tilting his head back up. The simple gesture enough to make heat bloom on his face, his cheeks tinted red. He is frozen like that, not able to lower his gaze, to look away from the worry apparent on the other's face. Perhaps he should explain, tell him about his fear of InuYasha's reaction, about how he doesn't want him to be caught in the middle of it. To be attacked at least verbally, if not physically. Miroku sighs, before placing a hand on Sesshōmaru’s, still resting under his chin, guiding it back down with a small smile.
The Yōkai looks at him expectantly, yet not urging him on, patiently waiting for him to start his explanation. It makes Miroku smile again, as he quietly compares how impatient the younger Hanyō would be by now, most likely telling him to hurry up. He shakes the thought and takes a breath, steadying his hands to try and tell Sesshōmaru.
A rapidly nearing Yōki makes him falter, though, and his heart drops as he hears the venom dripping of his friend's voice.
"Let go of him, you bastard!" InuYasha comes to a halt only steps away, his eyes focused on his brother, one hand already resting on Tessaiga. His focus shifts to Sesshōmaru’s hand on the monk's shoulder, his face contorted in anger.
"Didn't you hear me? Get your hands off him. Now!" The scream is loud, full of barely concealed rage and Miroku shudders at the thought of what might come next. He knows his friend's temper, knows how irrational he can be, especially when faced with one he hates as much as his brother. And if he can avoid it by getting some space between Sesshōmaru and himself, that's what he will do.
As he is about to step away, however, the grip on his shoulder tightens once again, before he finds himself gently pressed against a firm chest, Sesshōmaru’s arm protectively wrapped around his shoulders. He stiffens as he hears InuYasha growl threateningly, one hand reflexively holding on to Sesshōmaru.
"This Sesshōmaru does not take orders from you," the Lord drawls, emphasizing his words by wrapping his arm a little tighter around Miroku, holding him close. He cannot see the Yōkai’s face at this, but he can imagine the sneer plastered across the usually beautiful features, turning them into a mask of arrogance.
"Let him go, you damn bastard. Or I'll take that arm," InuYasha growls again and Miroku shudders as he hears the sound of a sword being drawn. His heart starts racing, hammering against his chest as panic starts rising inside of him. Would InuYasha really attack, with him so close to the target? His breathing hitches at the thought and his throat tightens, making it even harder to breath.
Miroku's focus shifts as long, clawed fingers run gently through his hair, slightly scrapping his scalp in a calming gesture. The arm then slides lower, to wrap around his waist, still holding him close. Holding him safe. He takes a deep, calming breath, focusing on the steady beating of Sesshōmaru’s heart beneath his fingers. He is calm, as if there was no threat at all. And somehow, it reassures Miroku as well, makes him feel safe. Protected.
"You would attack this Sesshōmaru now, with one of your pack in the way?" The growl in those words startles Miroku for a second, the anger hidden inside something he didn't expect.
"Do you not value his life? Or is this how you 'protect' your pack?", he scoffs, once again tightening his hold on Miroku for a second, "Well, it would certainly explain how he got hurt, even though you were there."
"That's none of your damn business! It's not as if you really care about a human's wellbeing anyway." He can feel the anger rise inside of InuYasha, his Yōki flickering threateningly around him. "Now, for the last time. Let. Him. Go."
Silence follows, stretching out between them, as the demon lord just stares at his brother, his hand still resting on Miroku's waist. The quiet makes him anxious, afraid of what might come next, even though he still feels protected, safe in Sesshōmaru’s arm. That is until the Yōkai loosens the hold on his waist, letting him go.
"Remember this, Hanyō," he drawls, the hint of a growl behind his words, "should you fail to protect him once more, this Sesshōmaru will take him away. You do not even understand his value." With this he strokes Miroku's hair once more, gently combing through it with his fingers, careful not to hurt him with his claws.
Miroku looks up at him, his cheeks burning as he slightly leans into the touch, savouring it for the short moment that it lasts. He smiles at the Western Lord and mouths a silent 'Thank you', watching as the cold mask slips ever so slightly.
"Take care," Sesshōmaru murmurs, his voice again as soft and warm as it was earlier, before meeting InuYasha. He lets his hand drop and steps away, bringing some distance between them. The missing warmth makes Miroku shudder briefly, yet he smiles at the Yōkai once again, ignoring InuYasha's demands of 'getting his ass away from there'.
His hand finds his way up to his chest, resting above his heart for a moment before he lowers it in a small arc, not bothering to mouth the corresponding word this time. It is not needed, anyway, as Sesshōmaru nods to him, a soft smile tugging at his lips, only to be hidden away behind the usual stoic mask once again.
“InuYasha,” Kagome’s voice rings out to them, prompting the Demon Lord to finally step away, looking to his brother once again. He ignores the other humans, even though Miroku notices the short sigh as the young women arrive, also carrying their weapons. Sesshōmaru’s main focus lies solely on InuYasha though, and he stares at him for a long moment, making the Hanyō visibly agitated.
“Heed this Sesshōmaru’s warning, InuYasha. You only get one more chance.” He sneers at InuYasha’s threatening growl, not fazed in the slightest, before turning away. Miroku watches him as he leaves for the forest, every move seeming effortlessly graceful, the white fur gently swaying with every step. The Yōkai’s words are still ringing in his ears, the threat to take him away. The promise to protect him. Warmth blossoms inside of him, spreading throughout his whole body, enveloping him like a cocoon, a soft smile tugging on his lips.
He barely notices Kagome asking about the reasons for Sesshōmaru’s presence so near to the village, nor does he bother to listen to InuYasha’s answer. He already has his own opinion of the events, and doesn’t even seem interested in asking Miroku whether it did happen that way. So why should he volunteer that information? He hears Shippō exclaim at some point, apparently voicing his doubt about something InuYasha must have said, but Miroku blocks them out, instead thinking about those last words again.
‘Should you fail to protect him once more, this Sesshōmaru will take him away. You do not even understand his value.’ Those words send shivers down his spine, and he smiles softly, touched and oddly pleased at the thought of Sesshōmaru wanting to protect him.
He turns around to his friends, watches them bickering amongst themselves. Watches as Shippō argues with InuYasha, seemingly not believing a single word the latter said. It makes him smile as well, reminds him of the reasons he also loves them all. Why he enjoys staying with them.
Yet, he can’t help thinking about Sesshōmaru again. About the time they spent together. The gentleness he showed him. The warmth radiating from his body. The arm wrapped around his waist, holding him close. Yes, he loves his friends and he would never abandon them like this. But still… if it wasn’t for Shippō and the girls, being swept away by the Demon Lord wouldn’t sound so bad.
Not bad at all.