A Sweet Reprise by Sereia

Chapter 2

"Impudent wench! How dare you force my lord's favour with your feminine wiles only to cast them off for another!"

Kagome groaned, looking up at the dark-haired man walking next to her. "I thought you gave him a long list of chores to complete today."

"It appears it was not enough," he growled, glaring at the approaching toad.

Jaken thrust the Nintoujou in her face, forcing them to stop their leisurely stroll. "I shall report this to Lord Sesshoumaru immediately!"

"Go for it," Kagome said, shooing him away with her free hand. "Let me know when you find him."

The vassal blanched slightly but didn't relinquish the staff. "I am in the process of doing so." The couple looked at each other, then side-stepped him, still holding hands as they continued down the empty path.

This, of course, sent Jaken into a tirade, the toad turning the cane around as he muttered about doing his lord's work under his breath. The old man's wooden face elongated, but before it could unleash his fiery breath, Jaken was hit between the eyes with a rock, already sporting a significant bump before hitting the ground.

The man's arm tightened around Kagome's waist, having moved her out of the way in the unlikely chance his aim had been off, Sesshoumaru's low baritone rumbling to life as he slid the kitsune's helix from his ear.

"Jaken."

The toad leapt to his feet, looking around for his master, the bump on his head now larger than his eyes. "My lord! I caught the wench—" Sesshoumaru's youki was heavy and unforgiving, Jaken once again finding himself flat on his back.

"If any harm comes to the miko, I will personally blame you for it," he said, eyes narrowing. "Whether you are the cause or not."

"B-But—" He squawked as the pressure around him increased.

"Is that understood?"

"Yes, my lord." Jaken's response was meek and stilted. He gave Kagome one last glare, then scampered off, using the Nintoujou as an actual cane.

"I would've been fine," she said once he'd disappeared from view. "The fire wouldn't have gotten through my barrier."

"I am aware, but if you will permit me this small indulgence—" He brought the back of her hand to his mouth even as gold dulled to brown, his glamour firmly in place. "—I rather enjoy protecting you."

A smile tugged at her lips as she blushed. "Just something I have to get used to, I guess." She intertwined their fingers, hoping they could finish their walk without any more interruptions.