Disclaimer: I own only what is mine; no one thing more or one thing less.

Author's Note: Another submission to Dokuga (underscore) Contest, a great Sess/Kag writer's collective on Live Journal.

This drabble was originally posted on Live Journal May 5th 2009.

Concede

"Here, they like it when you do this," Rin spoke softly as Ah lowered his head to meet her tiny hands. She began to scratch the scaled beast behind the ears and soon a faint gnashing of teeth could be heard. "If you do it right, they make happy noises." Un looked longingly at Rin, wanting his share too, but hesitant to be the subject of such attentions from the miko standing before him. "Go ahead," Rin reassured gently, "she won't hurt you. I promise."

Kagome smiled and extended an upturned, slightly trembling hand. Ah-Un had arrived unexpectedly into their camp sometime during the night, sans muzzles, and she knew firsthand how dangerous such a creature could be. Encouraged by Rin's vow to provide protection from the priestess if necessary, the dragon began nudging Kagome's hand and whimpering. Kagome was thrilled and more than happy to oblige the great, terrible demon steed Ah-Un, renowned protector of the child Rin, trusted companion of the Lord of the Western lands, fierce of flame, relentless adversary and..

and…..

"Precious, sweet baby… ."

"Gooood boy..."

"Beautiful beastie…"

From his vantage point amongst the limbs of a most ancient and majestic tree, upon his favored spying perch, Sesshoumaru watched the exceedingly disturbing and thoroughly unbecoming display of joy pouring from his fearsome ally. Yes, that's him right there, the one on his back getting a belly rub from two giggling, beaming girls.

"Shameful," he spat. "And to think I rely upon you to strike fear in the hearts of the enemy in my stead upon each departure from Rin."

Ah-Un could hear his Lord, as his kind possessed extremely keen aural capacities, and in reply emitted two chuckling grunts, which Rin gleefully interpreted as a new 'happy noise.'

"This Sesshoumaru is not jealous, old friend."

End Note: This drabble was written for the Live Journal Community Dokuga (underscore) Contest drabble competition #33 "Rely" prompt. 300 words exactly. This piece was awarded 1st place.