Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Inuyasha or any of its characters….T_T And sorry guys I don't know why it's in bold….
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Chapter 3: Of inquisitive natures and Unexpected surprises
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Kagome was beginning to wonder at Inuyasha's sense of smell. He should have noticed Rin's scent on her by now, shouldn't he have? Honestly, his nose couldn't be that bad.
She lathered some shampoo into her hair, pondering on her recent thoughts. The hanyou had been ridiculously distracted lately. Perhaps that was why he didn't notice. He was so set on Kikyo and keeping up with her and knowing where she was at all times. Could that be the reason to his sudden lack of senses?
"Men," she muttered as she dipped her head back into the water.
"Oh, I know exactly what you mean!" Sango chimed in almost angrily as she scrubbed her skin with a loofah. "That hentai Houshi never stops!"
"What did he do this time?"
"Oh, just the usual! But I'm getting so sick of it! Maybe if it wasn't so monotonous all the time I wouldn't get so frustrated with him!"
"Like listening to a broken record," chimed in Kagome.
"Exactly!" Sango cried. Then she stopped for a moment, looking at her curiously. "What's a 'record'?
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When Sesshomaru returned to his camp he was mildly surprised to see Jaken gone. Rin was sitting by a small fire, leaning against Ah-Un and drawing on some paper, but his retainer was no where to be seen.
The dragon took notice of his presence calmly, lifting its heads for a moment to acknowledge him before resting back down, and Rin had yet to see him.
Taking advantage of his momentary silence he sniffed the air, slightly angry, wondering how long ago the kappa had left. His anger diminished a little when he realized that it had been only a matter of a half hour since he'd gone, but he was still upset with his supposedly loyal retainer. What reason could he possibly have to leave his ward, going against his orders. After the last time had he not firmly ingrained in the imp's head that he was not to leave the child, using his own boot to emphasize the point? What if she'd been harmed? The kappa's head would roll.
He was momentarily stunned when he noticed another faint scent coming from the child. It was familiar, and it was everywhere, but mostly on Rin. The Miko? What had been going on while he was gone?
He stepped forward, letting his presence be known and inwardly grinned when the child jumped to her feet and launched herself at him.
"Sesshomaru-sama! Rin knew you'd be back soon! She missed you!"
He placed a hand on her head before moving forward to sit down, his back against a large boulder. Rin sat down in front of and to the side of him, a safe distance from the fire as she watched him happily, seeming almost afraid that he would disappear again.
"Where is Jaken?"
Rin stared at her hands for a moment. She was afraid to get him in trouble. She knew Sesshomaru-sama was very angry the last time that he left and as much as she was upset that he did as well, she didn't want to tattle on him. Whatever he was doing must surely be important.
"He just left, Sesshomaru-sama," she got up and practically ran to Ah-Un, digging in one of the packs. She would finally be able to show him what she'd been dying to show him and distract him from Jaken.
"Would you like some tea, Sesshomaru-sama? Kagome-chan taught Rin how to make some so now Rin can make it for you!" She brought the kettle to the fire, took the large water bottle that Kagome gave her and poured in the water, careful not to spill. She sat on her knees with her back straight as she did so, holding the bottle carefully. Kagome-chan had taught her that. She said it was called 'good posture'. She said that Sesshomaru-sama would approve.
She placed the kettle carefully on the top logs, above the small fire, careful so that her sleeves wouldn't catch fire. Sesshomaru-sama wouldn't like that. He might not let her make tea again if she did that.
She twiddled her thumbs while she waited for the water to heat.
"The miko has been here recently," he stated.
She looked up, nodding happily.
"Yes, Kagome-chan visits with Rin in the evenings and stays with her at night!" Quickly realizing her mistake she clamped her hands over her mouth.
"How often does this occur, Rin?"
She looked away, trying to avoid the answer.
"Rin. Answer me now." Eventually she gave in, not liking the displeased tone of his voice.
"Well, Kagome-chan comes every night. She doesn't like Rin being alone. She lets Rin sleep next to her like Rin sleeps next to Sesshomaru-sama."
"Hn." He took this information in, nodding his head to the kettle as steam rose from it. Taking the hint she set about to making the tea and handed him a cup, bowing her head a little.
"Rin hopes you like it."
He took a sip, slurping a little as was customary when the tea was hot. After a moment he nodded.
"You may make the tea from now onward."
A huge smile lit up her face and she jumped up and ran back to Ah-Un, continuing with whatever she was working on before he came back. Whatever it was, from her demeanor and the way she used her arms to block the edges, she seemed to want to keep it a secret and he would allow that for now. What harm could some scribbling do? Although truth be told he was curious. It was in his nature after all to be inquisitive, even if it went unnoticed by others.
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Kagome hummed happily as she headed to Rin's camp. It wasn't too far this time and it seemed like Ah-Un was with her as well, making it easier for her to find them. Good. Jaken had gotten at least a little sense.
As she walked she thought about what they could do that night. Kagome had thought they might try origami. Rin would like being able to make animals with paper.
She had brought plenty of colorful papers, all with beautiful kimono-style patterns. One of them even resembled Sesshomaru's kimono design. Yes, Rin would be very pleased.
She walked into the clearing smiling, her eyes immediately seeking out the child as she sat against the dragon.
"Rin-chan, guess what I've brought today?"
"Kagome-chan!" The child jumped up, showing her the notebook. "Look what Rin drew!"
She looked down, smiling at the sketchy drawings.
"Is that Sesshomaru-sama?" she asked pleasantly.
"Hai and Rin made him tea! Rin drew a picture of him drinking it! See, there is even the slurping sound!" she gestured to some scribbles she made next to the figure.
"I'll bet you can't wait to make Sesshomaru-sama some tea for real, huh?"
"But Rin already has, silly Kagome-chan!" She turned pointedly behind Kagome, near where Kagome had come into the clearing.
Kagome froze, her mind racing. How hadn't she noticed him? Had he hid his aura? He had to have felt her coming miles away! Would he be angry that she was coming around and visiting Rin?
Slowly, she turned, bowing a little at the waist. The last thing she wanted was to disrespect him in front of Rin and make a bad example. Honestly she didn't think he'd take that very kindly.
"Sesshomaru-sama."
"Hn," was his simple reply.
She glanced at him, her face beet red in panic and embarrassment. He must think she's a complete simpleton. His expression gave no hint of his feelings, merely showed the disdain he always showed.
"I hope I'm not intruding," she began. Rin interrupted, grabbing her hand and pulling her to sit down, "Come sit by me, Kagome-chan!"
"Rin, I should probably go. I don't think Sesshomaru-sama was expecting me."
Rin glanced up at her and then looked over at the ever stoic taiyoukai.
"Sesshomaru-sama doesn't care. He wouldn't have let you come if he did."
Still, Kagome watched him warily and he returned her look with slit, nearly closed eyes. He was analyzing her. That much she could tell. He seemed to analyze everything, constantly, even when he was fighting with his younger brother. This would be no exception. He was probably wondering why she was there. She would be too if she were him.
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He sat watching her, completely aware from her scent and posture that she was uncomfortable around him. That was natural. She was a human miko, and as far as he could remember, their last encounter had not been entirely pleasant. There had been good reason, of course. The miko was practically naked. It was indecent.
He eyed her attire now, noticing how much more clothing she wore. Much more appropriate.
"Miko, you have retired here every night." It wasn't a question.
She fidgeted under his gaze, playing with the edge of her sleeve. He noticed the habit.
"Yes, Sesshomaru-sama. I was keeping Rin-chan company."
"Was she alone?" He narrowed his eyes at her, knowing that she would not be able to sidestep his interrogation.
"Y-yes," she muttered. Rin's face turned a deeper shade of pink from her seat beside the miko. She knew she had been found out. And she knew that Sesshomaru would not be pleased. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back, his hands in his sleeves.
So the kappa had done this continuously. He would have to find the reason as to why that was once Jaken returned. For now his mind reeled with anger. He had ordered Jaken directly to continue traveling in the direction of the Western Palace and to stay with Rin. How difficult could those directions be to follow? A punishment was certainly in order.
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"Can Kagome-chan 'sleep-over' tonight?" Rin asked sweetly, using the phrase that Kagome had used as she began to pick up her things and put them in Ah-Un's pack.
"Well, Rin-chan, Sesshomaru-sama is back now so I don't think it will be necessary," she mumbled as she helped pick up the paper scraps. She glanced over at said Taiyoukai, watching as his hand twitched over his knee even though his eyes were closed. Perhaps he was dreaming of chasing a cat. She stifled a giggle.
Rin stopped in her movements, her arms dropping limp at her sides as she pouted, her eyes widening to that of large saucers.
"But doesn't Kagome-chan like Rin? Hasn't she been a good girl?"
Kagome could sense a pattern in that question.
"Yes, Rin, you are a very good girl, but-"
"Then Kagome-chan will sleep-over! Rin still wants Kagome-chan's company even if Sesshomaru-sama is here," she explained as she continued once more to pick up.
She sighed as she nodded her head. Well, if he was asleep then perhaps she could leave in the morning before he woke up. Yes, that was the plan.
"Come, Kagome-chan!" Rin called from beside Sesshomaru. Kagome watched as the little girl, with her blanket, laid down beside him, nestling her head on his Moko-Moko. She watched for any movement from him. When none came she grabbed her sleeping bag and slowly crept over to Rin. She kept her eye on him the entire time as she laid out her bed and crawled into it, pulling Rin onto the bedding as well so she'd have a bit of cushion from the ground.
"Good night Kagome-chan," mumbled the child.
"Night' Rin-chan."
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Kagome woke with a start, feeling a pull on her soul. She searched the clearing quickly, her mind still foggy from sleep. Rubbing her eyes with the palms of her hands, she looked up once more, a bit more alert once the chill air began to seep into her bedding.
A thin, glowing creature weaved its way through the trees on the far side of the clearing, a soul held firmly in its grasp.
Kagome sighed. Kikyo.
She turned to lay back down when something caught her eye. She sat up straight once again, her eyes widening at the sight before her. Sesshomaru was laying down.
She had a hard time believing her eyes. She never would have guessed that the stoic and stiff lord could relax so easily. His moko-moko was draped around Rin in a comforting sort of way, his arm under his head as he laid on his side close beside her. It looked so out of place. And Rin was curled up so close to him that Kagome was surprised that she hadn't noticed his nearness. How odd. Her eyes traveled up to his face and she jumped.
"Keep silent Miko." His searing golden eyes bored into her face, daring her to say anything.
She clamped her mouth shut, but she couldn't help but continue to stare. She had to be dreaming.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed before he closed them once more.
Her heart was pounding wildly. Quicker than when she woke.
Deciding that she had to be dreaming, she laid back down as quietly as possible and closed her eyes. All was silent and she could feel more than hear a soft thrumming.
What was that? Before Kagome could decipher the sound, she drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
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~~There it is folks! ^_^ Hope you guys like it!
