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As the days passed by, Ruby and Dekosatsutsume were becoming ever closer as the trio journeyed to the West.

It was on the sixth day of journeying that they came by a small village just on the outskirts of the Taiyoukai's lands. To Sesshomaru's disappointment and annoyance it had taken them so long, as it would have only taken half that time, if not for the ever whining and complaining ningen wench.

The village was extremely small and peaceful that when they stumbled, well more specifically, Ruby stumbled through the trees she nearly missed it. Noticing an elderly woman and child sitting outside a small wooden hut Ruby looked pleadingly up at him, signaling that she wanted to stay here for the night. With a minute nod of his head Sesshomaru then began making his way over to the medium sized hut, which he supposed was an inn.

He had a seriously hard time keeping himself from backhanding Doku when he heard Ruby give a giggle and run pass him into the hut, holding his bothersome cousin's hand affectionately. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes and growl, he gracefully walked up to the small table that acted as a counter and handed over the right amount of money for three separate rooms. He growled at the meaning of the thought.

Ruby entered her room and squealed with delight as she flung herself upon the futon, burying her head into the hard but comfortable pillow. The room was equally small, with a futon placed in the middle, a small wash basin lay in the corner on a low table and a window sat at her left. Lying on her back she stared at the ceiling with a look of satisfaction. It looks like she wasn't going to be lying on the cold, uncomfortable ground tonight. Wow, that was a shock I didn't think he was actually going to agree. Yay!

Pulling herself lazily off the futon she made her way to the paper sliding door and slowly slid it open. Peeking into the hallway she noticed that Sesshomaru was standing outside his room, a look of distaste marring his otherwise perfect features.

Taking a few steps towards him she cleared her throat. 'Hey...what's wrong?' she asked quietly. He spared her a glance before turning back to look at the opposite wall in front of him. 'Nothing' Ruby surveyed his face as his attention was directed somewhere else. Recently his behavior had taken a turn for the worst. He snaps more, he's always more irritated and he's always going of by himself when we've made camp and doesn't return 'til me and Doku have settled down to rest for the night. I wonder what's wrong with him. Hmmmm...

Taking a deep breath she turned her gaze to the wall he seemed to find so much more interesting but looked back at his face. Turning his golden gaze to look straight in her eyes, an eyebrow rose as if asking her why she was still there. 'Well,..am...thank you' she bit out quickly. She really couldn't stay calm and collected when he looked at her directly, it really unnerved her. After lingering on her face for a while longer, he pulled his molten eyes away, settling them on the wall again. Well that was eventful. Sighing she turned to leave, in search of Doku when a deep voice sounded to her right. 'Do you have feelings for my cousin?' he asked bluntly. Ruby's mouth hung agape. Turning around she blushed. 'What?' her voice laced with shock. Sesshomaru looked at her with an expression that screamed do-not-make-me-repeat-myself-wench. She gulped. Avoiding his eyes she looked bashfully down at her fidgety hands. 'Am...well, kinda...am...well he's really...am...nice' Her voice was now only a whisper but with Sesshomaru's demonic hearing he could hear it perfectly well. With an aggravated felling nagging at him he inaudibly sighed. With a snort he turned on his heel and made his way swiftly down the corridor intent on getting some fresh air.

Ruby stared after him, her heart sinking and the remains of a blush still prominent on her face. What was all that about? Why did he just ask me that? What kind of question was that? What.in.the.world.was.he.getting.at? As she busily rattled her head with various, confusing questions she didn't notice the hand that had come out from the shadows, grabbing her by the arm as another covered her mouth. Panic began to take over as she wildly tried to free herself and scream, unsuccessfully as a hand was clamped over her mouth, the sound only coming out as a mumble. Her eyes widened as she realized with fear churning in the pits of her stomach that no one was coming to her aid. Suddenly a laugh was heard from her captor's mouth as he let her go. Ruby stood doubled over as she stared in shock at the wooden floor. Hearing that the laugh was still strong behind her she whipped around and stared into the eyes which laughed gleefully at her. Lifting up her hand she carried a swift blow to his head and watched in satisfaction as he slid to the floor. 'BAKA! WHAT THE HELL?!' she shouted at the top of her lungs as she stared angrily down at him. Cracking open a golden eye he smiled mischievously up at her. 'What? I was only joking!' Ruby folded her arms and in a huff as she walked down the long corridor with her head held high. 'Hey!' Hearing Doku shout after her she ignored him and continued on her way, into the small garden which was situated in the courtyard surrounded by the house.

Stepping out of the sliding door she gasped as her eyes took in her surroundings. In the small area there were many cherry blossom trees towering over and around her, a small bench was under the cluster in a corner and there was a small pond in the middle, the edge rimmed by pebbles and cherry blossoms were littering the light green ground. She smiled. It was a small heaven.

Walking over to the pond she crouched down and watched as small koi swam around peacefully, totally unaware and unaffected by their observer's presence. Her anger seemed to seep away quickly in her state of bliss. She had never seen anything more beautiful than this garden, well except for him. She giggled half-hearted as she pulled her attention back to the swimming fish. She sighed. Bliss. Hearing a loud clack to her right she jumped and turned to the loud intruder. Well it was fun while it lasted.

Rolling her eyes she stood up and looked at Doku who was standing on the small stone path, staring at her intensely. Both her eyebrows shot up as she stared at him questioningly. His intense golden eyes then took on a pleading look as he neared her. Before she could ask him what he was doing he fell to his knees and raised his clasped hands in front of him. 'Pppppppppllllllllleeeeeeaaaaaaaaasssseeeeeeeeeeeee! Forgive me?' he begged loudly as Ruby's hands flew up to her ears in a desperate act to save her poor eardrums and clenching her eyes shut. Sob mocking reached her as she opened her eyes and looked down at him, trying to look cold and uncaring. Her mask instantly slipped as her eyes fell on his face. Aaawwwwwww! He looks like a little lost puppy! Laughing quietly and straining to keep her face straight she looked down at him and nodded. 'Okay, okay... heh, heh, just lower your voice or you'll get us kicked out'. His face burst into a beaming smile as he jumped up and embraced her. 'Thank you fair maiden!' he cried happily. Ruby blushed and squirmed out his hold. 'Ah...okay!'

Laughing and joking around, they didn't notice the tall figure that sat in the branches of a nearby cherry blossom tree, glaring coldly down at their playful antics and jokes. A clawed hand clenched angrily, the blood falling from the palm going unnoticed. Turning away he was taken by a heavy sense of unease and some feeling he couldn't explain as he heard the continuous laughing from the two figures below. Getting annoyed with the public display of teasing and affection he jumped elegantly down with practiced ease. The two unsuspecting figures turned, sensing a presence and was faced with a look that could instantly kill.

Ruby, feeling she was being watched, turned her head slightly only to be met with the coldest gaze that she had ever received in her whole entire life.

There, standing proud and tall under a blooming cherry blossom tree was Sesshomaru, looking straight at them with hatred, as small petals fell from the trees, encircling him with their pale pink dance.

Ruby gulped. A feeling of dread over taking her as she continued to stare at the image in front of her, unable to rip her eyes away. Suddenly she was hit with a strange feeling. Guilt? Taking a subconscious step away from Doku she blinked, shaking herself from her small daze. 'Sesshomaru? Am...hi...what...?' Her voice failed her as she stuttered to ask the youkai lord in front of her why he was here. She watched as his tall form turned, sending a side-long glance at her before a 'Hn' was heard before he left.

Standing shocked and unraveled she turned to look at Doku who was in the same state as her. Poking him in the side she finally got his attention. 'Sooo...?' Doku let out a weak chuckle as he slipped his hand under her elbow and led her back into the hall. 'What was that about?' she asked bewildered. Doku shrugged looking thoughtful before he mumbled 'Don't know' Turning to look at her in the eye he smiled warmly. 'Well I'm going out for a walk I'll be back before lunch, okay?' Ruby returned his smile with her own as she nodded, watching as he turned around and with as much grace as Sesshomaru made his way back up the corridor and left.

Sighing heavily she swiftly turned intent on going to her room for a much needed sleep but collided with a stone and steel chest plate. 'Ooooowwwwwwwwwwwww!' A grunt was heard as she clutched her head. She already knew from too much experience that it was none other than Sesshomaru who she had bumped in to. Lifting her blue eyes she searched his face for any sign that she was going to be painfully murdered but found nothing but a cold expressionless mask. Well there goes my idea. Holding his gaze she smiled. 'Sorry' A look of shock and dismay quickly flicked over his features, taken aback that she had apologized. 'Am...well...I kinda always seem to bump into you' smiling sheepishly she rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed.

Noticing the raised eyebrow Ruby insanely fought the urge to roll her eyes. Okay! I've finally been able to escape his wrath so far but with the mood he's currently in I don't think I'd last soon. Better not push it. With a sniff he strolled past her and headed towards the entrance. 'Get something to eat before you go to rest' he called over his shoulder. Ruby clutched her heart and let the trapped air escape. She knew if he had stayed any longer she would have bit out some sort of remark about his recent behavior and he wouldn't have taken it nicely.

Taking his advice she walked to a small room that served as the dinning room. In it there was a small low table in the center with a small bowl of rice, a cup of green tea and another bowl that held fried fish on top. She went straight for the rice and tea, finishing them in record time. Her gaze then turned to the bowl of fried fish, truth be told, she didn't really like fish and the smell was making her gag. Unfolding her legs and standing up she lifted the bowl gently and went in search of Sesshomaru.

Coming to the door of his bedroom she knocked lightly on the wood and waited for a reply. After waiting patiently, with no response she slid the door gently open and entered. Closing the door behind her with a soft click she surveyed the room. It looked almost exactly like hers except for the big white fluffy boa that lay discarded over the futon. With a cautious glance around the room again, she knew that he wasn't there.

Walking slowly towards the futon her eyes settled on the boa as she knelt down beside it, setting the bowl gently down beside her. She knew if she was caught she was dead but she just couldn't pass up this opportunity. Extending her hand she set it softly on top of the fur as if afraid that it would break under her touch. Feeling the softness under her fingers her smile broadened. Taking both hands she plunged them into the fur as she basked in its fluffiness. Giggling joyfully she sighed. This feels sooooo soft! another giggle passed her rosy lips as she was thinking if she could steal it without being caught. A dark shadow passed over her as her hands immediately stopped mid-stroke, her eyes nearly bulging out of her head as her heart hammered loudly.

WHAT are you doing?!

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Heheheeee! Poor Ruby...always getting caught lol

Sorry the chaps are soooo short but it's the only way I can get it onto my stupid computer. Sawwy!

Lady-of-the-darkened-moon

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