Just a warning, a lot happens in this chapter consecutively. I hope it doesn't get too confusing.
"Thank you."
Sesshomaru hardly acknowledges me, instead turning and continuing to walk. I skirt around the slain lizard demon. As we walk, I eye the various colored blood splatters that stain Sesshomaru's outfit. Luckily, Sesshomaru's a rather clean fighter, so there aren't more than a few dots here and there, but that doesn't keep me from feeling guilty. We'd probably be left alone, if it weren't for my jewel fragment.
Not long after, we begin to walk along a babbling stream, so I offer, "Lord Sesshomaru, if you'd like, I could try to wash out those blood stains before we reach the town."
"You impudent human! You dare to think a person like you could touch Lord Sesshomaru's garments!"
Sesshomaru stops, facing me. "Could you do it, with your hands' condition?
"My Lord! You needn't place such an important task to this girl! If the bloodstains bother you, I could—"
"They're fine," I assure him, clenching and flexing my still-wrapped fingers to show. "The scrapes weren't that deep. They only needed a day or two. I don't feel any pain, so they're probably fine. But, um," I hesitate, "I'll try my best, but I've never washed blood out of anything before. I don't know how well I can clean it." Plus I don't have any soap or anything...maybe I shouldn't have asked. But it's all my fault his clothes are dirty to begin with, and considering how prideful he is, I'm sure he'd prefer to put his best foot forward if he's going to be around people, even if they are just humans.
"Do as you wish. Rin, we are stopping."
The girl, who'd been talking to A-Un before, delightfully exclaims, "Alright, My Lord! I'm gonna go find something to eat!" before scampering off into the trees with A-Un. Jaken takes a seat by the water a short ways away, grumbling, and…
Sesshomaru starts to strip.
It doesn't occur to me the implications of my request until he begins to loosen the knot around his waist and shrug off his sleeves. My eyes fly to the water, face aflame. I-I didn't mean to…! But I can't just take back my words! I offered to wash his clothes, but...oh my god, it didn't even cross my mind that that requires him to take them off!
I startle halfway out of my skin when he suddenly sits beside me, and I desperately try to slow my racing heart when I see out of the corner of my eyes that his legs are still very much covered.
"Is something wrong?"
"N-No, I just…" I lift my head to find him holding out to me a long swath of red and white silk, his chest exposed. I delicately accept the fabric and set about to soaking it, keeping my eyes locked on my job. "I'm just a little jumpy...because of all the demons after my shard."
I know I shouldn't be thinking this...but his body, it's so perfect! Usually they're hidden under effeminate clothing, but his shoulders are so broad, and his skin is so pale and flawless! And his chest...Michelangelo would trash his David statue in two seconds flat if he got the chance to see it! And the fur draped over his shoulder that looks so soft and welcoming...together with his long silver hair and beautiful face…
I just want...to touch…
My jaw clenches as I scrub furiously at a spot of blue. Oh my god, Ren! You need to stop!
It feels like my face doesn't cool down the entire time I'm working. It'd be foolish to think Sesshomaru somehow doesn't notice, but the fact that he says nothing about it comes as a major relief. When Rin returns, I hang the silk over a nearby branch to dry, making every effort not to look Sesshomaru's way. If only he were still a piece of art! If I had painted him like this, it definitely would have been my favorite portrait! I'd of probably hung it up in my room even despite my mom's distaste for those pictures. She would've complained it was scandalous, but it would've simply been art. But he isn't just my design anymore, and right now my pulse thrums in agreement with my mother. I try to focus on my bandages, which have also gotten soaked. The left one I tear off without a problem, the hand under fully healed. The right one...I ponder on it for awhile before unraveling it. Then I retie the strip of silk in a bow around my wrist. Since it looks cute with small loops, I let the loose ends dangle as they please.
When the cloth finally dries, I allow myself to watch (covertly) as Sesshomaru rewraps his torso with the silk, slipping his arm in one of the sleeves and crossing the neckline over his chest before tucking the ends into the waistline. He then replaces his armor over the cloth, securing his sheaths last.
We quickly get moving again, leaving me seemingly endless time to desperately try not to dwell on the glimpses I got.
Mid morning the next day, Rin shakes me awake. I instantly realize A-Un isn't moving beneath me, meaning we've stopped. I rub my eyes and sit up, the silken bow around my wrist brushing my cheek.
"Lord Sesshomaru says I'm to stay here with A-Un and Jaken while you two go into the village."
There are no buildings in sight, no people meandering about, but as I glance around the forest, I come to realize we're just north of Kaede's village, only a few minute's walk to it. I don't know how he knew how to find it, but this is definitely it.
"You're not coming?"
"I...don't really like to be around a lot of people."
I don't question it, remembering her vague background and history. I doubt she'd want to explain it. I hop off of the two-headed dragon, promising her we'll be back for her soon. The walk to the village truly is short, just over a hill, and then we're at the top of the stairs that serve as the village's main entrance.
My eyes are immediately drawn to the head of white at the stairs' base. A snarling Inuyasha stands squarely facing us at the bottom, his hands tucked into his sleeves as if he were waiting. I then process the others, and smile nervously. What do I say?
Nobody moves, both sides trying to assess the other.
Then, without warning, Kagome dashes up the steps, Sango throwing away her boomerang and following suit. I manage to give Sesshomaru a look of alarm just before Kagome barrels into me, knocking me a step back as she attempts to squeeze my soul out of my body. I tense, frozen, unused to such intimate contact. Sango is much less abrasive, laying both hands on one of my shoulders and touching her forehead to them.
"Thank the gods you're alive!"
"Y-Yeah. Sorry...for worrying you."
Kagome breaks away, hands now gripping my arms as she stares me in the eye and exclaims, "Kagura told us you were dead! She said you were killed by Naraku's poison!"
Kagura...what?
"I couldn't believe it because she didn't have proof, but I was still so scared! I'm so sorry we put you in danger! I'm sorry we couldn't protect you!"
"Ladies, this is a touching reunion," Miroku interrupts, pausing a few stairs away. When he meets my eyes, he bows his head and says, "I, too, am very glad to know you are safe, Ren, but now that we are sure of your well-being, there are some things I think we should discuss."
Sango lifts her head. "Miroku's right. Why are you here with Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Ah! That's right!" Kagome tilts her head curiously. "Why do you have a jewel shard?"
"Well I suspect," Miroku interjects, "that it has something to do with the fact that she's standing outside in broad daylight."
"Oh right! Are you okay being outside right now, Ren?"
Overwhelmed, I simply nod.
"But how'd you get it?" Sango wonders.
"So Ren's got the shard you sensed coming this way. That's great and all," Inuyasha comments acidicly, "but what are you doing here with her?"
All eyes finally go to Sesshomaru.
His eyelids fall shut. A few seconds later, they open, and he says to me, "Go and get the things we came for. I will be waiting for you in the forest."
"Hey Sesshomaru! She's not your slave!"
"We came here for my things," I rush, trying to clear up the misunderstanding. I look to Kagome, slightly uncomfortable with the fact that she still hasn't moved her hands from my arms, but touched that she seems to care. "Do you still have them here, by any chance?"
"Of course! It's all down with—"
"Wait a second." Miroku rises to the top of the staircase, studying me intently with his fingers at his chin. "Ren, do you remember how Kaede and I said there was a power inside of you?"
How could I forget, with the things that have happened?
"It's grown significantly. I can't really say if it's gotten stronger, but I can definitely feel its presence now. Have you noticed anything strange recently?"
Where do I begin? Yeah, I shot bolts of light from my hands? Lost, I can't help but turn to Sesshomaru for help. He breathes a barely audible sigh.
"Perhaps, if you were to sit and talk with her instead of boorishly assailing her with your questions, she could answer them."
"That does indeed sound prudent, Lord Sesshomaru."
Ah, Kaede! My nerves begin to ease as the old priestess ascends the stairs to join us. Upon reaching the top, she turns to my companion, smiling, and says, "I know ye are not on the most peaceful terms with the lot of us, but it seems a lot has occurred while we were unawares. Do ye not think it would be best if ye were to stay the day, in order that we may clearly understand all that's happened? Even if ye need not be caught up, it would be the honor of the village to serve as a temporary resting place for the son of the great dog demon."
"Hey Old Lady! What're you doing tryin' to get him to stay! There's no way in hell I'm just gonna stand around while—"
"Sit boy!" Inuyasha inexplicably faceplants as if I giant invisible hand came out of the sky and squashed him. Kagome places her hands on her hips. "Come on, he's clearly not here to fight! Why don't you just let him rest his feet here while we talk to Ren? He's your brother, after all!"
"Hm. Such a pathetic half demon is hardly any brother of mine."
My eyes widen slightly in amazement as Inuyasha begins to yell back a retort. Did he really just…
Ignoring his brother's responding insults, Sesshomaru complies. "I will stay until the matter is sorted."
"In that case, ye may stay in my house here for the time being."
"A place farther from people would be ideal."
Kaede frowns. "I suppose there is a house on the other side that's long been abandoned. It is sturdy, but lacking care."
Without another word, Sesshomaru turns to leave, heading back into the trees. It takes me a moment to realize he's gone to fetch Rin.
"Wow, hey, why's everybody gathered?"
We all turn to see Shippo. Seeing me, his confused expression crumbles into surprise, and a second later a bawling fox child is clinging to my leg.
Tada! I would ramble, but I'm really tired today, so I'm just gonna bid you all adieu and see you all next update. Toodles!