Disclaimer: I do not own the following characters I've used in this fanfiction! That is the almighty job of Rumiko Takahashi-sensei!
Warning(s): None yet but I will warn when sexual relations come into play in later chapters.
Summary: Sesshoumaru is ill, possibly dying, and poor Rin is in search of a way to cure her master's sudden illness. Going against Jaken's orders, the young girl seeks out the one person she thinks might be able to heal him, but can a certain miko cure a sick dog demon without falling head over heals for him first? SessxKag
"Hold Me Closer"
Chapter 3
Written by: UnspokenDreams
Kagome suddenly felt her heartbeat increase intensely. Sesshoumaru was now awake and gazing straight to her with piercing golden optics.
Rin was the first to break the uncomfortable atmosphere. "Lord Sesshoumaru! You're awake!" She cried, filling in the few steps that separated them. "I brought Kagome my lord! She's going to heal you!"
At hearing this, Kagome took a hesitant step forward, only taking it back when an instinctive growl proceeded deep within the dog demon's throat, his eyes flashing a brief crimson. All of this happened before Sesshoumaru himself spoke. "Leave. I do not...need a human's aid...in whatever plagues me..." The demon lord struggled to say, wincing as a sharp pain took him prisoner once more.
"You heard Lord Sesshoumaru wench! Leave at once!" Jaken roared as Kagome looked to him, an evil glare within her stare as Jaken silenced in remembering the countless times she had beaten him to a pulp. Rin grabbed onto the sleeve of Sesshoumaru's attire, not agreeing with her master's decision.
"Please let her help you Lord Sesshoumaru! While I left to go find some help a demon tried to attack me and it was Inuyasha and Kagome who saved me," She explained as Sesshoumaru felt his insides grow sicker. This meant, unfortunately, that he was in debt to his younger brother as well as his partner or whatever the hell this 'Kagome' was. He said nothing at this, only looking back to Kagome with glassy eyes, Kagome having walked the rest of the way towards Sesshoumaru's form and now stood merely inches from him. Closing his eyes was the mere reaction the dog demon had, allowing this decision for time being. Kneeling down next to him, still keeping a bit of a distance, Kagome outstretched a trembling arm and allowed her hand to rest over the crescent moon on his forehead, taking note of the intense heat that was applied to her light touch.
"Rin," Kagome started softly as she removed her hand and used it to dig into the backpack she had brought. "Can you please go wet this cloth and bring it back to me?" she asked towards the girl who nodded, eager to help in any way she could as she ran off with the small towel to the nearby stream. Kagome took in a deep breath for the confidence she had yet to find.
"Sesshoumaru. You're going to have to let me...um..." An uncomfortable wave splashed at her, "take off your top." She finished as the demon's eyes opened. "I know this sounds weird but in order to bring your fever down I have to take off some of your clothing. It will be just for a little while." She explained this to him, remembering from an early health class she had taken that by applying cold compress to several parts of a fevered body, the heat would subside to a natural cooling point. None the less, Sesshoumaru said nothing, allowing Kagome to assume that it was all right. Slowly and with a great amount of fear, Kagome reached for the stone-like armor, trying to figure out how to remove it. Once succeeding with that, the girl worked her way with the others, the large tail-like object having been already removed and was currently being used to support the dog demon against the tree. Untying the final obi, Kagome delicately slid the upper material from Sesshoumaru's shoulders, folding it neatly before placing it down beside her. She nearly gasped before she caught herself. Sesshoumaru himself was quite thin, his physique outlined through the multiple scars that traced his body. Her eyes traced as to where his arm was, merely a stub remaining from when Inuyasha had sliced it off. Rin returned shortly after this, taking a little more time then she had planned.
"Here you go Kagome!" She smiled as she handed Kagome the moist cloth, Kagome returning the grin and nodding.
"Thank you Rin," The reincarnated priestess replied as she looked back to Sesshoumaru, taking the cloth and using it to softly brush against his forehead. Sesshoumaru jerked at this, his body going into a series of uncontrollable shivering. Kagome persisted on, allowing the cloth to trail amongst his upper body that was soaked in immense heat.
Rin watched this, her hand having grasped at Sesshoumaru's as Kagome continued to apply the cold compress. Jaken chose to keep his distance, occasionally snorting or mumbling how Kagome was doing nothing for his master and how pathetic she was, given the fact that she was human. After a while Kagome managed to bring the dog demon's fever down for the most part, paying special attention to the inflamed wound that rested just above his right shoulder. It seemed fangs of some sort had pierced the skin, melting whatever layers there had been. Reaching inside her bag once more, Kagome pulled out the same medication she had used for Rin's small cut. She thought she had better warn of its stinging after effect. "This might hurt a bit Sesshoumaru but please try and stay still," She said cautiously, hoping and praying that he wouldn't kill her for this. The dog demon's eyes drew open once more, watching as she applied the strange cream as to where his wound was, feeling an undying pain as she did so. A mere wince was all he reacted with surprisingly, having felt greater pain before.
This mere human...is she not aware I can take her very life with one swift movement of my claw? Fortunately for her I have yet to find the strength to stand, let alone slay this pathetic fool, Sesshoumaru thought within the depths of his mind, watching as the girl continued to gently tend to him.
After which, Kagome put away her things and satisfied of her work for that hour, looked to Rin. "Can you watch over him for a little while Rin? I need to go into the forest to gather some things," she told the girl in which nodded before she could even finish her statement. The teenager smiled as she patted Rin's head, a gesture of affection in which Sesshoumaru did not fail to witness. Once Kagome had disappeared into the bush, Rin began to chatter on, softly though as to not disturb the headache that her master had.
"Isn't Kagome nice Lord Sesshoumaru? I'm glad Inuyasha let her come here. You should have seen them! Inuyasha wouldn't let her go at first but Kagome was so strong that she said something, um...I think it was 'sit boy' or something and he fell to the ground! I thought it was funny but I didn't laugh my lord! So after a bit more of talking, Inuyasha finally let Kagome come here to take care of you!" Rin told him, Sesshoumaru having kept his eyes as to where Kagome ventured off, although hearing every word the child had blurted out. So...this Kagome had wanted and perhaps fought to come?
Meanwhile Kagome, glad to be away from Sesshoumaru's presence, continued to pick at specified herbs Kaede had instructed would aid in wounds and high fevers. While she did so, words filled her head and some proceeded from her mouth. "What was I thinking! Sesshoumaru is a ruthless killer and here I am taking off his clothing and touching him! Oi, from now on I promise to use my big mouth only for eating," She mumbled as she stood, her arms filled with multiple roots and plant-like objects. Returning as to where her 'patient' was, Kagome placed her pickings aside and carefully knelt at his side once more, Sesshoumaru watching every move with trained eyes.
"How is your wound?" Kagome questioned as she looked towards the injury was.
"...What is...your true reason for coming here...?" His reply, voice dry as a desert, needing to hear for himself if the girl had truly come to tend to him or if he would be able to see through a lie.
Kagome was forced to blink. Sesshoumaru had not only spoken, but he also addressed a question to her. "Well, Rin risked a lot to find us and I just couldn't let her go back alone. She kept insisting that someone come and help you and I chose to come. I plan to leave in four days as Inuyasha and I agreed but if you get better quicker then I'll leave earlier," She stated truthfully, gazing deep within his golden orbs. From afar, as she had often seen Sesshoumaru, Kagome had never really noticed his eyes as she was now. They truly were amazing. Quite similar to those of Inuyasha's yet different all the while. The way his eyes melted from a strict gold to a luscious bronze, only to be outlined by specks of a hidden mahogany color, this Kagome detailed as she continued to stare, feeling herself become lost to that which went on around her.
"...Kagome..."
Snapping back to reality with a shake of her head, the reincarnated priestess heard something that literally stopped her breathing. "Wh-What did you say?" she asked in disbelief towards the demon.
"That is what you are called by...is it not?" He said dully.
"I...I..." Strangely, and to her horror, Kagome felt her cheeks burn with an unexpected blush. Even in sickness Sesshoumaru's voice was the same with the exception of a hidden rasp. Rin's giggles broke whatever had been going on. "Uh-oh! Kagome's turning red!" She teased as the miko stood, hands clenched at her sides.
"You're probably hungry, I'll go gather wood for a fire." And having saying that Kagome ran into the woods once more, cursing herself for acting like a little school girl with a crush within his presence. Of all people! She had blushed in front of none other then the aristocratic assassin himself, Sesshoumaru!
XxXx
The evening came with little commotion, the stars twinkling amongst the dark sky that hovered over the earth lazily. In a distant forest area, the sounds of a rant could be heard, littering the silent section with noise. "Honestly Lord Sesshoumaru! That girl is not good for your health! She's nothing but trouble my lord I assure you...with your word I'll get rid of her, I'll-"
"Jaken..."
"...show her what I'm made of! Pathetic human, why I should-"
"Jaken..."
"...give her a piece of my mind! That pitiful human!"
WHAM
How Sesshoumaru had found the strength to send the frog demon into the ground was far beyond anyone's knowledge, the demon lord sighing a bit as he watched a few feet away as Kagome had put together a small fire. Rin contently was by her side, the two laughing together as they conversed. It was interesting. Interesting to see Rin laugh more the usual and interesting that no one had ever done such a task for him. He could honestly believe he felt a bit better then that morning. None the less he watched as Kagome arose from her position, walking over with what seemed to be an odd shaped object within her grasp. Kneeling next to him, as she had done quite frequently that day, her fear for him having demolished a great deal, she spoke. "Would you like some Ramen?" she asked sweetly, Sesshoumaru raising a questionable brow. Kagome had sweatdropped a bit. Of course he had never heard of such a thing. He was, in fact, a demon and demon's tended to stay away from human food.
"I do not eat human food," Sesshoumaru told her as Kagome now fully agreed with her previous thought. Shortly after, Rin bounded upon the two, her mouth full of the same substance Kagome was offering to the dog demon.
"It's really good Lord Seshoumaru," The girl said which sounded more like "Ish reawwy good Wod Sehomru" due to her full mouth before she swallowed.
"The least you can do is try some. Inuyasha likes it so maybe you will too," Kagome smiled as Sesshoumaru's eyes slightly narrowed in disgust. There was NO way he was going to even think about trying this 'Ramen' now. Now that he was aware Inuyasha liked it. He merely turned his head, now gazing in another direction. Kagome frowned as she looked to Rin, Rin frowning as well. If only he would try it...
"Please Lord Sesshoumaru! Please! Just a little bit! We won't tell Inuyasha if you like it!" Rin told her master before Kagome eyed her unbelievably. The things this child said to him, it was a wonder she was still alive. Alas, the innocence of a child was truly remarkable.
"If it helps Sesshoumaru, my mom says a little bit of Ramen will fix anyone up no matter what the illness. And besides," she continued as she twirled a plastic fork into the cup full of noodles, "It does have a bit of meat in it."
What does this fool take me for? This Sesshoumaru would never feast on such useless food none the less accept it after that half demon Inuyasha enjoys its taste...no matter how interesting it appears to smell. But before another thought could pass through his mind, he found Rin now standing face to face with him, her small hand grasped around the plastic fork Kagome had had. "Open up my lord! Say aaahhhh!" She exclaimed with a giggle, eyes formed into arches. Kagome watched from the opposite side, hoping that her plan would fall through. After all, who could resist the cuteness of a small girl, especially if Rin was important to Sesshoumaru, as witnessed by Kagome when he had rescued her.
"You dare feed our master such poison! Lord Sesshoumaru would NEVER eat that!" Jaken roared towards the young girl who paid no attention to his outbreak whatsoever. Was she in for it now, Jaken thought at knowing that the simple act would cost one his life towards his master. He dreaded yet enjoyed the thought of the small girl paying the price for such insolence. To his horror, and EXTREME surprise, he saw his great lord open his mouth slightly and accept the small food offering, Rin squealing in delight as the dog demon chewed and swallowed the food. Jaken stood, mouth dropped open to the ground, as he continued to observe the scene. This was insanity!
"Well?" Kagome asked as Sesshoumaru allowed the taste to settle. As much as he hated to admit it, for he never would anyway, he now knew why Inuyasha liked it. It had truly an appetizing taste. He said nothing, just looking to her with those enchanting eyes she had admired earlier, quickly looking away before she fell prey to them once more. This was going to be far from easy and miles from fun yet perhaps, in some miraculous way, taking care of Sesshoumaru really wouldn't be so bad.
-To Be Continued-
Author's Notes: Awwwwwww, such a touching scene to end on, no? I'm afraid to admit that the next chapter might take up to possibly four or five days to get running. Along with writing this, I've ignored my lovely Chemistry project -sigh- Oh well. Until we meet again my lovely readers! Sincerely, G-chan.