Sesshomaru and the Songstress: Passion From Within

Chapter Ten: Acceptance For What You See

After leaving the village of Amato, Sesshomaru and Rumana barely had any physical contact with one another. They spent the rest of the summer traveling together, as usual following Sesshomaru's scent of Naraku. Rumana passed her days spending time with Rin; showing her how to sew minor stitches, teaching her how to properly wash and clean kimono, and most importantly just getting to know the little human she had come to love and adore as her own. Jaken and Ah-Un followed them around as well, usually silent until something displeased the little imp. Sesshomaru usually took care of his complaints by telling him to be quiet or else.

The end of summer had passed so peacefully. Even though Sesshomaru had become frustrated with the fact that despite catching his scent, Naraku always seemed to have the knack of avoiding him. They had traveled practically all over the Western Lands, and yet no sign of anything. Sesshomaru hadn't even caught the scent of his half brother Inuyasha, or that disgusting stench of Kouga. It was as if the world was their own for now, and even though his main goal was to trap Naraku, it pleased the wild eyed demon to see his human wards so happy and at ease. Since he had nothing better to do, Sesshomaru often passed the quiet evenings watching Rumana and Rin tell stories to one another, or perhaps play hide and seek if they were bored enough. And then finally, once fatigue had settled in their bones, he got to watch them sleep quietly through the night, with Rin snuggled into Rumana's side, peacefully protected and loved.

"You're becoming attached, aren't you my Lord?" Jaken asked one evening after the girls had fallen asleep.h

"Don't bother me with such stupid ideas."

"Your demeanor is changing my Lord. This human woman is destroying you."

"Stop talking Jaken."

"What is going to happen when you use her as bait for Naraku? You think Rin won't know what you've done?"

"I will deal with that when the time comes."

"I just hope you know the consequences of all this...human emotion."

Sesshomaru waved him away, just wanting to enjoy the site in front of him. Rumana's long white hair was down and touseled down her back, and Rin's sleepy hands were entwined in the mass, holding onto her side and hair like a security blanket. The thought of never seeing this again made Sesshomaru's mind cloud with doubt and guilt. Jaken was right, these humans had ruined him.

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Over the next few days the group continued to travel west. Sesshomaru had finally caught Inuyasha's scent, and thought he might pay his annoying half-brother a visit. Hell, if he didn't have an idea where Naraku was than no one would! Fall was settling in the air quicker than usual, actually it almost seemed out of character for the weather to act in such a manner. It had gotten so cold within just a few days that Rumana had to pull out winter kimonos for both her and Rin, and even that wasn't enough warmth at times. Often they would have to take a night blanket and wrap it around themselves just to keep from shivering. It was obvious that they were having an early winter, but Sesshomaru wondered whether his human wards would be able to trudge through it.

After traveling a few extra days towards Inuyasha's scent, they finally reached a small village. Sesshomaru suddenly caught a whiff of that stupid dead priestess that his brother was always chasing after.

"Ah....so that's why dear Inuyasha is here...he just can't let her go...what an idiot."

"What do you want?" Asked an older lady at the gates of the village. Sesshomaru noticed that she carried a scent familiar to that of Kikyo, who the hell was this?

"Actually, we're just looking for his brother..." Rumana said, pointing to Sesshomaru.

"I know who you are! Now leave this peaceful place before I purge all of you!" She yelled, waving her walking stick at them.

"We're not here for an argument, or a fight. We promise, we have no intentions of starting any trouble." Rumana begged.

The older lady backed off, looking at them all with a leery eye.

"Fine. You may come in. My name is Kaede, I'm the miko of this village. Inuyasha and his companions are in the small house down there to the left of you. But I swear, if I hear one bit of trouble from any of you --"

"There will be none." Sesshomaru interuppted. He was tired of this old hag barring him from his goal. Nodding, she gave them the pass to start walking towards the house. They weren't halfway down the hill when Inuyasha appeared in the doorway, his arms crossed and his eyes suspicious.

"What do you want Sesshomaru?" He asked, his voice full of malice and distrust.

"I came to talk with you."

"Oh is that so? Ha! Like I believe that!" It was then that Kagome came from behind Inuyasha, her hand on his shoulder.

"Calm down Inuyasha. Maybe Sesshomaru is telling the truth. Give him a chance." Kagome said, her voice soothing his distrustful nature. Glancing up, she noticed the white haired lady that stood next to Rin. She burrowed her eyebrows in confusion and wonder. This woman emitted a very strong aura of light and goodness. So...why in the world was she around Sesshomaru?

"Also, I need to find a place for my wards to rest for the coming winter. It is already obvious that the oncoming weather will be harsh. They will not be able to handle it, I'm afraid." Sesshomaru added, his eyes wavering over to Rumana and Rin.

"So you want me to babysit your minions and followers? I think not!" Inuyasha said scoffing.

"I'm not asking you to do that you foolish, incompetent half-breed. I just want my wards to have a seperate housing facility to house in for the winter. The amount that it will cost me is of no matter."

"I'm sure there will no problem Sesshomaru. Let me talk to Kaede and I will see what she can do. We are staying here as well for a while. The village sage warned us against travel, saying that the winter this year is coming early and harsh. Trying to walk around in that type of weather is just asking for problems."

With that Kagome walked past them in search of Kaede. Inuyasha uncrossed his arms and placed one hand on his hip.

"Well...at least I will get a chance to become acquainted with your human whore--"

Sesshomaru immediatly snatched Inuyasha up by his collar, ramming him against the outside wall of the house. His eyes turned red and his fangs began to protrude. Even though Rumana was only a human, Sesshomaru was not going to accept insults from some crossbred mutt.

"That whore you are talking about is my wife...I suggest you treat her as such."

And with that he dropped Inuyasha to the ground, stunned. Jaken's mouth fell to the ground, and Rumana couldn't believe his words. It was one thing to marry her in secret, it was another to tell the world about it. Inuyasha slowly stood, not believing the a word that Sesshomaru told him, but forced to acknowledge it due to his strong sincerity.

"You married.....a human?"

"Yes. And if you so much as bother her ever again I will chop every one of your limbs off, bit by bit. And I'll even let your dark-haired companion watch the life drain out of you."

Miroku and Sango came down from the forest's edge, where they had been looking for any sign of Naraku or his minions. Instead, trouble was brewing in their own comfort zone. Running down to meet their stunned friend, Miroku aimed his staff at Sesshomaru.

"What have you done? Can't you leave people alone?" He yelled, not yet knowing the situation.

"Don't Miroku. This is my fault." Inuyasha said, his voice solemn and low. Rumana walked over to Sesshomaru, grabbing his hand; which still had claws out and ready to fight.

"We've caused enough problems Sesshomaru. Please, lets just leave them be. Naraku is not here. They know no more than we do." Rumana said, glancing at her angry spouse.

"No. You and your child ward can stay here while the weather is unacceptable. I'm sure Kagome is working out something with Kaede. You will be safe here. Take this as my apology." Inuyasha said, raising up his golden eyes to meet Rumana at face level.

"I expect no less than perfect treatment." Sesshomaru said, growling at his weaker brother.

"I am staying here with Kagome this winter, along with Miroku and Sango. Her and Rin will be treated well. But the question is big brother, what exactly are you going to be doing while everyone is hibernating from hunting Naraku and collecting jewel shards? I never knew you to leave your wards for such long periods of time."

"What I'm doing is my business Inuyasha. All you have to do is what I ask. Nothing more."

With that, Sesshomaru turned around and gently grabbed Rumana by her arm, leading her towards the gate of the village.

"Come Rin." He ordered, and this is where they stood, awaiting Kaede's approval.

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It didn't long for Kagome to convince Kaede to let them stay, on the condition that Sesshomaru would not be around to antagonize Inuyasha all the time. When the approval came through, Kagome gleefully led them to a small, but spacious home not far from Kaede's dwelling. Apparently a family had just moved from the house to travel south, to avoid such harsh winter weather. They left a few minor items; dishes here...a few worn out blankets. Rumana was tickled with the tiny home, for since her parents death she had been forced to travel on foot out in the wilderness. But here...this was a place where memories could be made without the cruelties of nature destroying everything. Sesshomaru paid Kaede a small thank you fee for allowing them to stay there, and after showing them around for a bit, the old lady left, apparently exhausted from dealing with demons and their troubles all day.

Later that evening, Rumana cooked a small meal for Rin and Jaken. She was too excited to eat. While they feasted in, what Jaken liked to call the "dining quarters", Rumana walked off through the house to find Sesshomaru. She didn't have to look far, he was huddled in the larger bedroom, solemnly sitting alone on the makeshift cot. Rumana walked in and quietly shut the sliding door.

"Are you okay Sesshomaru?"

"Yes. I am thinking."

Walking near him, she sat down on the cot beside him, her heart fluttering with compassion and confusion. Reaching for his hand, he softly recoiled from her touch.

"Are you leaving us soon Sesshomaru?"

"Yes. I have things I need to attend to."

"I wish you could stay."

"You shouldn't wish such things."

"I can't help it...I care for you."

"You're foolish to do so."

"I cannot deny what I feel, no matter how ridiculous it may seem." Rumana said, her hands settling back into her own lap.

"When will you finally accept me Sesshomaru? Will you ever realize that a life alone is a life wasted? Believing in people...that is what makes life have a purpose."

"People bring misery to life."

"But they also deliver the greatest of moments, the rawest of passion..."

"It is all a charade. You saw my half demon of a brother. He claims to love his dark haired mistress, and yet he always yearns for his dead lover. You call that passion? You call that love? It is a lie. Nothing more."

"It is not a lie Sesshomaru. Your brother more than likely feels immense feelings for both women, and cannot decide whether to break ties with what he can never have, or to pursue a love with someone that is dragging him away from his previous passion. He is experiencing honesty in its truest form, and he will have to battle with himself to decide what he wants. But the point is Sesshomaru, he can love. But can you? Can you get past the fact that I am human, and just accept to want what you see and nothing more?"

Sesshomaru turned to her, his heart confused and his mind puzzled with desire and disgust. Damn this woman for tainting his beliefs! Damn her to hell for what she has done to him, softening his exterior until there was nothing left but...him. Rumana grabbed him, holding onto to his waist with all her might. Looking up at him, she placed her lips roughly onto his, releasing all of the pent up desire that she had withheld. Grabbing her in return, Sesshomaru dug his hands into her long hair, breathing in every exotic and unique scent that she had. Rumana's mouth found its way to his neck, and she nuzzled and kissed him down to the start of his chest. Finally tossing themselves onto the cot, Sesshomaru found himself pressed up against her body...leg to leg...waist to waist...cheek to cheek...mouth to mouth. Desire ran through his veins like never before...oh how he longed to touch her skin bare and moist with exertion.

"Sesshomaru...I love you..."

It was these words that froze his heart like no other. As if recovering from a moment of drugged ectasy, Sesshomaru rolled off of Rumana. Her kimono was ruffled and twisted, but thankfully still intact, letting his recovered brain know that they did not go too far. Roughly standing up from the cot, Sesshomaru walked out the house without a word, with Jaken immediatly following his master. Rumana watched him walk away through the bedroom window, as tears of misery and desire fell down her face.