Present

Her energy is happier, Sesshomaru noted as he silently regarded the miko talking animatedly to the children. It was greatly different when they arrived in the cave. Her scent was laced with fear, pain, and worry. The hanyou was missing. At least that was what he had assumed as he listened in to the monk and the taijiya's discussion earlier. He did not care. If the half-breed was indeed missing and he needed his human followers to find him, he had proven himself pathetic and unworthy of the Tetsusaiga.

The miko's laughter filled the enclosed spaces, pulling him back from his internal mockery of his wretched excuse of a half-brother. He sipped from the cup of tea that the monk had offered after dinner, contemplating the intricate flavors of the strange brew. The meal had been gratifying and enlightening, giving him further insight of what the miko's time was like. And her specialty, as what the monk had called it, was delightful. Unusual flavors clung to the meat, flavors he had not tasted before. It was indeed delectable.

"That's right. I almost forgot!" the miko exclaimed. Sesshomaru returned his attention to her and watched in silent fascination. "I brought a lot of presents for everyone!"

"Is there something for me too, Kagome-nee-san?" Rin asked shyly, hopefully.

"Of course, Rin-chan! I'm sure you'll love it." The miko grabbed her bizarre sack and rummaged inside it. Scouring up curious-looking packets and a box with strange letters, she went to the monk and handed him the objects.

"Ah, I'm grateful to earn your favor once more, Kagome-sama!" the monk said amiably. Next was the taijiya who was given a big box that smelled strongly of strawberry and other aroma he could not identify . A satisfied purr sounded when the miko placed another strange packet in front of the neko youkai. The kitsune beamed when he was handed a strange book and a small box. Rin was given the same presents and the young girl flung herself to the miko as she gushed out her gratitude.

"These are called coloring books," the miko explained, opening one and gesturing to the images on the parchment. She pointed to the small box that Rin held. "And those are called crayons. Shippo will show you how to use them. That way, you will have something to do while you wait for Sesshomaru-sama when he's away."

A squawk of surprise came from the imp when the miko handed him a box with a sweet scent. "Here you go, Jaken-sama. These are called chocolates. I hope you will accept my present."

"I accept no present from a filthy ningen," the imp said bitterly, but he took the box and held it to his chest with misty eyes. The miko only smiled and returned to her bag.

This was unexpected. Such a generous gesture only came from youkai lords and nobles, yet it seemed as though the miko gave out presents very often. Sesshomaru had never thought she would include his small pack in her generosity. But an even larger surprise came when the miko strode towards him purposefully. The meal they shared was bountiful enough. But this… this was beyond his expectations.

The miko knelt in front of him and gingerly offered a large, hard-bound tome. The title was printed in kanji: The Tales of Sengoku Jidai. Sesshomaru's yellow-gold eyes widened.

"This is the only copy I could find. I had hoped you would be interested to read about what happened in this era, Sesshomaru-sama." The miko held her breath. Spiritual energy trembled around her and he could hear her heart beating faster than normal. She was nervous.

He held out his hand to accept the present and instantly, her trepidation died down. "This… is history in your time?" he asked.

"I don't know how accurate it is, but the lady in the bookshop told me it chronicles the wars during the feudal era—which is right now. I haven't read it, but I hope you like it." The miko smiled softly, shyly looking up from the book to the daiyoukai's unreadable face.

"I have nothing at the moment to return the favor." It was a youkai custom to give something back if a gift was presented. His pride as a youkai lord would not allow an unreturned courtesy.

She shook her head and stood up. "I expect nothing in return, Sesshomaru-sama. In my time, gifts are given without expectations."

"Miko," Sesshomaru quietly called when she began to walk back to her friends. She looked at him and for the first time, he noticed the beautiful sparkle behind those brown eyes. Whenever he saw her in the past, her eyes either shone with defiance, fear, or sadness. But this time, they gleamed with pure happiness. He cocked his head to one side and held her gaze, letting his unspoken thought cross to her.

The Lord of the Western Lands never expressed gratitude. He never had to. The gifts presented to him had always signified an obligation from his subjects and youkai lords who wished to gain his favor. He returned those favors whenever he saw fit as respect to youkai custom, but he never once gave it much thought and value.

But the miko… she had given him a priceless present without any expectations. For the first time in his endured existence, Sesshomaru had received something precious. It was his first true gift.

She returned his penetrating molten gaze and nodded. Her spiritual power brushed against his youki, like a caress. When she broke their gaze and energy contact, she turned her back to him and sat back beside the taijiya with a contented smile.

Sesshomaru could feel puzzlement from the miko's companions. Nobody understood what had happened. But he knew differently. She understood his unspoken gratitude. And it made him look towards the mouth of the cave to hide the emotion that had taken over his features.

Nobody had understood him. Not since the dawn of his existence. But she did.