I do not own Inuyasha.

This is a hostage situation, read and reveiw or my sanity gets it!

Sesshomaru was asleep when Melissa awoke the next morning. His cheek was resting on top of her head and his arms were wrapped tightly around her. His breathing was slow and deep. So he did sleep! She suspected as much, but she never actually saw him sleep. He always fell asleep last and awoke first.

She didn't want to get up, she felt so safe and warm in his arms. She felt loved, even though it was it was her imagination it was so nice. She didn't want it to end. But she needed to pee.

She eased her head out from under his chin and his eyes fluttered open as his arms tightened around her waist.

"Sorry, I not mean to wake you." She whispered.

"I didn't mean to sleep. I was suppose to be protecting you."

"I feel safe." She replied twisting around the wrap her arms around him and kissing him on the cheek before climbing from his lap. She stretched and went to take care of her business in the bushes then washed up in the lake. After a quick breakfast of wild fruit they started hiking toward the mountain that the landslide had occurred on.

"It safe to be on mountain soon after the landslide?" Melissa asked as they climbed.

"If you would feel safer you may stay here, I will leave Jaken with you until I return. However I must go up. This mountain is the home of a daitengu, an allie of my father. As I am in the area the day after a severe quake I should see that they have fared well."

"I stay with you." She answered.

"Merissa, these youkai will not be tolerant of your willful misbehavior so mind your manners and act as though you know your place." Jaken warned, waving his staff.

"I not know place." She replied brightly, sending him into an incomprehensible rant, half was insults, the other have complicated rules and instructions. She turned her back on Jaken and caught hold of Sesshomaru's hand.

"What you want me to do?" She asked when he turned to look at her.

"Stay behind me, back with Jaken when we reach them. Do not speak unless spoken to. If they approach you bow."

"Bow?"

"Did Kagome not teach you that? Bend forward at the waist, keep your back straight and your eyes lowered. It is a sign of respect. Bow now, so that I can see that you do so properly." She obeyed and looked up. He nodded and turned to walk on.

Jaken had not heard their exchange as he was still ranting in a self involved way. Sesshomaru frowned and looked around. He picked up a round stone twice the size of his fist. He paused, it was light for it's size. He gave it an experimental toss, very light. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He didn't throw it, he carried it until they came to a stream then rinsed the mud off.

"Melissa, come." He called. When she did he held it out to her in both hands, the same way he handed gifts to Rin. She took it the same way. "Do not throw this one."

She grinned up at him and clutched the rock to her chest. He had a feeling she knew exactly what he'd handed her. She flung her arms around him. He turned his head to look at her and the kiss that was meant for his cheek landed on his lips instead.

Both pairs of eyes widened and they stared at each other for a stunned moment. Melissa jumped back clapping a hand over her mouth with wide eyes. Sesshomaru just continued to stare at her in shock. Jaken gave a petrified squeak and looked from one to the other rapidly.

"Sesshomaru, I not mean that. So sorry, not mean do that!"

"It was an accident." Then he turned and the pack fell silent as they continued up the mountain.

'Why did I do that? I know her hugs are often accompanied by kisses. Why did I turn my head?' He silently berated himself as they climbed. Her breast had been the first one he'd touched and now she was his first kiss. This woman's clumsiness was slowly stealing all his firsts from him.

The tengu clan he was checking on up the mountain did not seem surprised that Sesshomaru had a human woman with him. They did seem curious about her, but were polite enough to refrain from questioning him. He was certain they had heard rumors about them. He stayed only long enough to be certain they were all fine then left before their curiosity got the better of them. The fewer questions asked the better.

Then he started down the mountain toward the woods. There was one more individual he needed to check up on. This individual had not been an allie of his father though, but his father's friend. As such he deserved the utmost respect and he explained this to Melissa. She promised to be on her best behavior.

Unfortunately it was not just Bokuseno's scent he picked up as they approached. Not her, not now, not with Melissa present. He looked back over his shoulder at his pack, they were chatting idly about nothing important.

"Be silent you two." Melissa looked at him curiously, "The Sesshomaru has picked up the scent of one I would rather avoid at this time."

"You smell him from here, I understand why you want avoid him." She joked. He frowned and she closed her mouth tightly, then pinched her thumb and fore finger together and moved them across her lips. He had no idea what that gesture meant, nor did he care as long as she was silent. Though the individual he wished to avoid would probably smell them before she heard them.

"Merissa, show some respect!" Jaken hissed suddenly.

"Respect?" She turned and saw that Jaken had hung back. Why? There was noone around. Then she looked back at Sesshomaru and saw he was walking toward a large tree, a tree in which a wizened face suddenly appeared.

She backed up until she was even with Jaken. "That his friend?" She whispered.

"His father's friend." Jaken corrected quietly.

A tree, his father's friend was a tree. The only thing she could think about was Disney's Pocahontas and the character Grandmother Willow. She had loved Disney cartoons growing up, unfortunately they left her with an unrealistic view of love and life. Those unrealistic expectations had led to bad choices.

"Sesshomaru, what brings you here?" The tree greeted happily, fixing its gaze on the dog as he approached.

"It is likely that I am here for the same reason as my mother." he replied.

"She had heard about the earthquake. She said she'd been hoping to find some decent wood to have a room added to the palace, but that it apparently would have to wait." The tree replied lightly.

"I do not believe she has any construction projects planned."

"No, but like you she will never admit to being worried about my well being."

"Do you know what direction she went?"

"She didn't say. You are so alike, it is hardly any wonder you cannot stand each other, but that is not why you are avoiding her, is it Sesshomaru? Why not show some manners to your father's old friend? Call the girl from the shadows and introduce her."

Sesshomaru stared at the tree for a moment, his face utterly unreadable. He almost turned away from his father's old friend. But then he extended his hand and beckoned his pack.

Melissa walked forward nervously, she hadn't heard any of their conversation but she guessed he was going to introduce them. It wasn't everyday you met a tree. He hadn't introduced her to the tengu, but they were only political allies, this tree was apparently the old family friend he'd mentioned.

Once she'd drawn even with Sesshomaru he told the tree "Her name is Melissa, Melissa, this is Bokuseno." Melissa greeted the tree and bowed as Sesshomaru had taught her to do. Her hair was getting longer Sesshomaru noted, watching the way the ends slipped from her shoulders as she leaned forward where a few months ago they would have swung freely.

"So this is the woman you keep. She is beautiful. I am sure you are aware, Sesshomaru, that rumors are spreading concerning the two of you?"

"I do not care what simple people choose to believe."

"No, I don't suppose you do. But you should be aware that people are saying you are bedding her. Some are even going so far as to say she is carrying your pup, others that you have married her in secret." The old tree informed him.

"No, we not do that!" Melissa replied shaking her head and turning a brilliant scarlet.

"There is no truth to the rumors." Sesshomaru told the tree.

"Still, many will believe them. You know the danger such beliefs could place you both in."

"I do. I am not my father however. I am wise enough not to leave her in the care of those who might attempt to use her against me as he did."

"Are you admitting then, Sesshomaru, that you would go to her rescue if she were in danger?"

"I admit nothing. We must go now." With that he strode off before the tree could question him further.

Melissa turned to follow him then back to the tree, "Danger?"

"Don't worry, Sesshomaru will take care of you. Now don't dally, you need to keep up." The old magnolia assured her with a kind smile. Melissa bowed again and bid the tree farewell before running to catch up to her guardian youkai.

After walking a fair distance he asked her to leave the game trail with him, giving Jaken a glare warning him to stay where he was until they returned. Once they were alone he turned to face her.

"I told you from the start that there would be rumors." She nodded. "I also told you many viewed my father's relationship with a human as weakness. There is some danger that you could be targeted by youkai and humans alike who wish to use you against me, but you needn't fear them. You are under my protection."

She smiled at him, "I trust you. I know you protect me. But is embarrassing that people think I... I not know word. In America many women sleep with many men. They are called slut. I am not slut. Very proud I only sleep with husband!"

"I can see why these rumors upset you. But as long as you travel in the company of this Sesshomaru they will continue. If you wish to leave my company I will find a safe..."

"No. Is ok. I like travel with you. You are my friend. Is small price." Sesshomaru felt the corners of his lips curl up in a smile as their eyes met. He found himself wishing she would hug him now. He almost reached out for her but turned and returned to where they had left Jaken.

He frowned as he approached. They should retrieve Jaken and leave this area soon, her scent was much too close. They had only just reached Jaken when a feminine voice called Sesshomaru's name and they all turned to see a beautiful woman behind them.

Her hair was silver white pulled into two ponytails. She had a blue moon on her head like Sesshomaru and a magenta stripe on each cheek. Her painted mouth turned up in a smile but her golden eyes were shrewd and calculating as she observed the small pack.

"I have been hearing some interesting rumors of late, Sesshomaru."