Number 3 so soon? Well yeah. Last week of September. Gotta get these updates that I promised.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original characters of Inuyasha. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 28: Miko and Inu
Sesshomaru took Kagome to see the healer once they got inside. Although bruised, there was no permanent damage to her neck and throat. As for her shoulder, it was beginning to swell. The healer gave her a small jar and recommend she rubbed the contents on her shoulder every night until her shoulder was completely healed. She also checked over the pup to make sure she didn't have any small injuries.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I would like a bath before I go to bed tonight." Kagome said as they headed for her room. Sesshomaru just gave her a nod of approval. When she had gathered her bathing supplies and a change of clothes for both Mizuki and herself, they proceeded to the bath.
Sesshomaru waited outside and rested against the wall. He could hear the miko humming softly and the splashing of water. Almost sighing, he tried to focus on something other than the female. It would be best to think about increasing the security around his lands. Not only does he have to worry about that witch but also for the demonic followers of Katsurou. He would also have to make sure he kept track on the girl and pup. He needed to be prepared in case this incident happened again.
He needed to protected her... although he refused to acknowledge why. 'She's just an asset,' he thought, then immediately regretted it. She was more than that. Sesshomaru had long since accepted her as a ally. If she was a demon, she would have been his equal. The inu sighed. The more he tried not to think about her, the more he did just that. She confused him. He felt a soft hand on his arm and turned to see the miko staring at him.
"You okay?" Kagome asked quietly. "You seemed lost in thought so I guess you didn't hear me."
"I am fine." Sesshomaru replied, berating himself for not being aware of his surroundings. "Come now." He led her back to her room where she rested the pup on the bed. "Don't forget to rub the mixture on your shoulder." He reminded her before she had a chance to lie down.
Kagome huffed as she retrieved the jar and opened it. She smelt the contents and was grateful it didn't have a foul smell like modern day ointments did. She dipped her fingers in the jar, then paused to glance at the daiyoukai. "Could you um... look away?"
Sesshomaru raised a brow. He could have responded with the fact that he had already seen the wound and touched her bare skin but decided against it. He obliged and turned away.
Once he couldn't see her, she removed her kimono sleeve and began rubbing the odd ointment to her skin. It felt cold but it relieved the soreness in her shoulder. Having the inu stare at her wasn't the problem. The problem was she couldn't help but think about how warm his hand felt against her skin. Shaking her head vigorously, she erased the thought from her mind...temporarily. She finished tending to her shoulder and covered back up. "Okay, I'm finished."
Sesshomaru turned to look at her before facing the door. "Rest as much as you want. If you need anything, I will be right outside."
"Ah, wait." Kagome got up quickly and grabbed his sleeve. She hadn't realized what she had done until he turned back to face her. "Uh... I, um... I can't sleep just yet. So... can you just stay in here a bit longer. Just till I fall asleep. Please." She said the last part looking up at him, her azure eyes revealing her emotions.
The daiyoukai was confused once again. She was no longer in danger so why did she fear being alone? It was like with Rin, when she experienced nightmares. The pleading look she gave him was enough for him to stay. He would figure out why later. Taking her hand, he led her back to the bed and sat her done, before taking a seat on the edge. "I will stay."
Kagome sighed with relief. "Thank you." She laid down next to Mizuki, curling around the pup and closing her eyes. "Lord Sesshomaru?"
"I thought you were going to sleep."
"I will, eventually." She said smiling. "I haven't thanked you yet, for saving me. So thanks."
"I did promise to protect you." He responded.
"I know."
She was silent for a while, but Sesshomaru could tell she was still awake. "Is there something else on your mind miko?"
"Hmm? No, nothing important." She said looking at him. "I was just wondering... never mind, it's not my place to ask."
"What is it?" He asked, feeling she wouldn't sleep until he answered whatever question she had.
"W-what was your father like?"
He stiffened slightly. That was one of the last things he ever wanted to be asked. Why was she asking him that question?
Kagome almost regretted her question when she saw the serious expression on the youkai's face. It should have made sense that the inu didn't like talking about his father. "Uh, Ses- Lord Sesshomaru. I'm sorr-"
"I don't know how to answer that question."
"Eh?" Was he serious? She expected him to either glare at her or leave. "Ah, it's okay. Really, I shouldn't have asked."
Sesshomaru stared at her with his usual expressionless face. "Sleep."
"O-okay." Kagome laid back down and closed her eyes. She really shouldn't have asked. She groan lightly and covered her face with her hands.
"Miko."
"Sorry. I'm sorry."
"Why do you apologize for everything?"
"Bad habit, sorry," she replied.
"Stop that. It's annoying."
"Sorry."
Sesshomaru sighed. Did she apologize thinking he was angry with her? He himself couldn't tell what he was feeling. Usually, anything relating to his father would make him angry, but now he just felt uneasy. Was that the right description? If so, he was not liking it one bit. Since she arrived, he has been questioning everything he did, when he never had to before. This was troubling him more than it should. He glanced at the miko, half relieved that she had finally fallen sleep.
He got up, intent on leaving, but instead he moved closer to the sleeping girl. His next actions would puzzle him even further. He sat down directly behind her, reached over, and uncovered her face. The longer he stared at her, the more relaxed he felt. The events of the day almost seem to have never happened. His gazed shifted from her to the pup. He removed his hands from the miko's and brushed the pup's hair to the side. Mizuki made a tiny groan, moving her head closer to the warmth by her face. Sesshomaru traced the stripe on her cheek. That unusual feeling he had returned.
When he looked at the pup, he couldn't help but think of his own father. Had the great Inu no Taisho felt this way when he was born? It's the type of question Sesshomaru never wanted answered. He did not want to know. He sighed again. These two females were poison. They had him thinking about things he didn't need nor want to know. It has only been a month and everything around him was changing.
"Troublesome duo." He muttered before getting up and settling on the ground. He had the conflicted feeling that he was going to be stuck with them forever. Whether that was a good or bad thing, only time would tell. For now, he was focusing on making sure they were safe. Tomorrow he will deal with their problems.
Next Chapter will be up the last day of the month. I tried to keep Sesshomaru in character as much as I could while showing some character development. So this was one pain to deal with. I didn't want to make it too fluffy. We have loads of time for that. This was short only because I was focusing on these two (well mainly Sess). Please review and tell me what you think. Til next time