Distant Moons
By: dolce-bebe
Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own Inuyasha or any other character. They all belong to Rumiko Takahashi (
Summary:"You are unfit to protect this miko, Inuyasha. She will remain under my protection, for I cannot let the hanyou, Naraku, get the upper hand in this war. But believe me when I say I will kill you if you are foolish enough to try and stop me."
A/N: For those who didn't know, this story takes place during episode 81; Finally Broken Naraku's Mystery. So this all takes place after the Inu tachi find out that Sesshoumaru takes care of Rin. But thanks for all the reviews! Frankly I don't know why I'm here writing or –ahem—typing, when it's so nice and sunny outside! ( lol well I guess that's a good thing for you readers then ) I actually realize that I didn't put in how Kagome knew where to find Sesshoumaru in the first chapter so I'll explain it in this one! On with the story!
"Ohhh, it's so hot! Why can't a breeze come by once in a while?" Inuyasha turned his head and glared at the miko. She hadn't stopped complaining about the weather since the morning. Although Inuyasha couldn't really argue with her, fate always seemed to intervene every time they would get close to finding Naraku. In this case, they were slowed down by the sun.
Inuyasha gave a low growl and removed his red haori, flinging it over his shoulder. Even if he was a hanyou, there were limits as to how much his skin could take from burning heat and although he didn't admit to the fact, these were one of the times. He frowned suddenly. Actually, he felt almost faint. Waves of pain scorched through his head feeling like tiny needles poking his brain only for their sheer pleasure. Inuyasha rubbed his temples feeling a migraine settling in. He predicted this would happen as he hadn't slept in days...no, weeks even. The thought of Kagome wandering around the forest by herself to find his half-brother kept him up most nights thinking. When she wouldcome back, relief would wash over him, happy that Sesshoumaru hadn't lost his patience and just eaten the girl. Even when she slept soundly in her sleeping bag, he still watched over her. He knew he should have just gotten some sleep, and he would often ask himself why he hadn't just shut his eyes and snore away. Oh but he knew—he knew that he couldn't pry his eyes from the soundly, sleeping miko.
"Great... I'm like some stalker now..." he growled under his breath.
The hanyou felt something perch on his shoulder. "What did you say, Inuyasha?" the kitsune asked looking up at him with wide eyes.
Inuyasha's eye twitched slightly at the annoyance. He really didn't need this right now. As soon as he hit the kitsune, he knew that Kagome would 'sit' him and that wasn't exactly going to help with his headache now was it?
Glaring at the kit called Shippo, Inuyasha just closed his eyes trying to ignore all sounds around him. They had a long way to go, and he would rather die than be the one to suggest that they stop for rest. Realizing that no one from the group had suggested the comment of, 'taking a break,' the hanyou actually wished that one would just bring it up quickly and save him the trouble of saying it himself.
"Do you sense a youkai? Do you, Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha could feel his eye twitching wildly and he opened his eyes finding the kitsune, Shippo's bright eyes staring at him. Of all the times to be annoying...why now?
"Where's the youkai, Inuyasha?"
"Shippo..." he gave off a warning growl and the kit jumped off his shoulder looking extremely frightened.
He heard Kagome the from behind him say something to reassure the kitsune, but he could care less. Inuyasha wanted sleep and he was sure he would collapse at any minute if he did not get rest.
Miroku stepped up first noticing the distressing look on the hanyou's face. "Is something the matter, Inuyasha?" he asked.
"No."
Kagome blinked and stared at Inuyasha's back for a moment. He had been actually strange since the morning not talking to anyone and just grumbling to himself quietly. She wondered slightly if it was because she had returned so late the other night. Knowing fully well that Inuyasha still didn't accept Sesshoumaru as anything more than an enemy, she thought that maybe he would have gotten used to the fact that his older brother wouldn't hurt her.
"Inuyasha?"
"What now?"
"Are you sure you're okay?" She strode along and stopped right in front of him, staring carefully at his face.
The hanyou's face became flushed and he looked away quickly. "No, there's nothing wrong. How many times do I have to tell you?" he retorted, his eyebrows knitting together.
Kagome crossed her arms over her chest. "Geesh! I'm sorry! Next time, how about I just stop worrying about you!" she yelled.
"Who asked you to worry about me in the first place, wench?"
"And what does that suppose to mean?"
"Exactly like it sounds!"
"SIT!"
The two ningen followers gave a heated sigh. There they go again, bickering. The morning had been somewhat peaceful to them before Inuyasha and Kagome had started arguing.
Miroku used his hand as he shielded his eyes from the sun. He had been right. The heat was more intense than yesterday and only proved to be another obstacle to overcome. Wiping the sweat from his forehead he closed his eyes and tried to sense out the nearby village. Perhaps they should seek shelter for the time being—that is...until the sun calmed itself.
"We're never going to get anywhere from here—" Sango breathed out and crossed her arms over her chest as she stared at the beaten down hanyou whose face was still plastered on the ground. Kagome loomed over him glaring hard. Then she stuck her nose in the air and continued walking off.
"Stupid wench!"
The houshi kneeled down in front of the fallen inu and sighed. "Kagome," he called looking over his shoulder.
Footsteps stopped themselves and Kagome looked back, blinking. "What?"
"Perhaps we should head east... didn't Inuyasha say there was a village there a while ago? It would be best if we stopped and rest. The heat, and even I must admit, is too hot to bare," Miroku held out a hand for the hanyou but he brushed it off, muttering that he didn't need anyone's help.
Kagome blinked again and headed back towards the group. "Yeah, okay. A village means that they must use some kind of water source. And water source means there's a river. And river means a bath!"
A huge smile appeared on her face and she ran back towards the path. "Come on, Inuyasha! The village awaits!"
Inuyasha grumbled something about arrogant wenches and stalked on after her, silently relieved that they would find some shelter from the heat.
---
It wouldn't stop... it just wouldn't. The dripping sound that had caught the hanyou's ears some time ago would not cease. It irritated him, putting him out of meditation. Perhaps putting a barrier around this new abandoned palace was not such a brilliant plan. While the weather was scorching hot everywhere else, his barrier prevented the sun's rays from seeping through. Darkness was all that loomed over this forest.
Slowly the hanyou, Naraku, opened his eyes. Months... it had been months since his mistake. He knew not of the fool, Inuyasha's power and will to use the Tetsusaiga to break his barrier. That mistake had nearly cost him his life. No... No other mistake can occur in this next plan. He had been plotting for months... and it was perfect.
If it had not been for Inuyasha interfering, he would have easily absorbed the arrogant taiyoukai into his own person. He hated the two brothers with a passion. At first all he focused his anger on was Inuyasha and though he was fun to tease, he must admit that the inu showed great strength in battle. Not powerful enough to rival his own...but certainly powerful.
Inuyasha still and would always have, the love of Kikyo. Still... with Onigumo's heart beating heavily in his chest, he did not feel anything but hatred towards the undead miko. She was nothing but worthless trash to him. Dirt...dirt that belonged on the ground beneath his feet. And soon, she would once again lay there.
However...there was still another ...distraction that plagued his mind. He had at least hoped that when Inuyasha came to break down his barrier... he had hoped that at least, his wench would have been there. Then maybe it might have motivated and strengthened his will to kill both of the brothers.
'Ah yes, Kagome... She still remains a mystery to me.' Naraku smirked and closed his eyes briefly. He could not put to words as to how he felt towards the energetic miko that surpassed Kikyo. Not now... no... Certainly not now, but she would in time.
Inuyasha's wench seemed very much unaware of her hidden talents and that put him one step ahead. She had somehow put a spell on him, as she plagued his mind over and over. Sleep eluded him, not that he needed it, but his desire for her rivaled that of Onigumo's desire for Kikyo. Strange... he found it odd that he would desire a human, more or less, one that looked like Kikyo, but her reincarnation as well.
Frowning, the hanyou leaned back against the deteriorating wall. He would have to make time and regenerate more of his body. Even with more of the Shikon no Tama, the damage inflicted on him by the two brothers had greatly decreased his strength.
'One more day...just one more day...' All of her will belong to me. He smirked. Having friends in high places was certainly an advantage... but having such, of a living but dead youaki of shadows... he was sure to win this war.
---
"Well, at least they gave us a very cozy room, even though we have to share it all." Miroku stated looking around the carefully laid down futons on the floor.
"How do we possibly fit here? My hirakotsu takes up most of the room already," Sango said leaning her boomerang against the far corner of the wall.
The hanyou puffed out his chest and marched to the middle of the room laying down on the futon. He roughly pulled the covers overtop his head, leaving Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Shippo speechless.
"Is Inuyasha sick?" the kitsune asked poking the bump in the blanket that was the hanyou's head.
"Perhaps he still feels the pain from all the sits Kagome gave him." Miroku replied sighing as he softly poked the side of Inuyasha's head with his foot.
Sango moved over beside the fallen hanyou and began poking the other side of his head with her finger. "He has been acting strange all day," she said.
Kagome still had her arms crossed over her chest as she approached Inuyasha's resting spot. She triumphantly placed her foot overtop his head. "Inuyasha! What is your problem? Tell me what's wrong!"
Inuyasha growled. It wasn't a question, but a demand. That's how Kagome acted and he had very little doubt that she would ever change. She was such a strange human. Right now, however, all he wanted was sleep. At least he knew it was daylight, and that she would be here at the village. Not somewhere in the forest... with him...
"Leave me alone, you stupid wench!" he growled.
"Hmph!"
The hanyou heard the sound of rushing footsteps, a door slamming, and the sighs from Sango, Miroku and Shippo. Slipping the covers off his face, Inuyasha sat up and looked the way the miko had gone, a distressing look coming over his face.
"Do not worry, Inuyasha. Kagome's probably just gone to take a bath," the houshi reassured. The hanyou looked at his hands, his expression not changing, so Miroku continued. "She has been complaining about not taking a bath in a while. Leave her to cool off. And besides, it seems you want some time for yourself as well."
Inuyasha cranked an eye open as the two retreating figures left the room. "Miroku," he called out, "... you better not spy on her, you lecher." He lay back down and covered his head with the sheets.
The houshi smiled innocently and rubbed the back of his head. "Me? Inuyasha, you surely are mistaken! This is no time to be thinking of the perfectness of the perfect skin of a beautiful woman, and by that, I mean—"
Inuyasha smirked to himself as he heard the loud smack. Hearing the two finally leaving, he let his thoughts wander. Tonight, he'll tell her ... he'll finally tell her. He'd have to apologize anyways for his behavior. 'Might as well tell her...'
---
The sound of rushing water led the miko to her current destination; the river. People from the village had said there was a spot where the river led to a small clearing that was used by the women to bathe in privately. She would need the privacy to gather some thoughts.
Slipping out of her clothing, she settled herself sitting on a rock and soaking the rest of her body. Kagome closed her eyes tightly attempting to forget the ignorant hanyou. She sighed as the cold water finally did its work and cooled down her body. After a long afternoon, of nothing but traveling with the sun on her back, nothing felt better than a good soak in cold water.
"Stupid Inuyasha. What's his problem anyway?" she muttered under her breath.
Sometimes she really got annoyed and angry with his attitude. At times she would tolerate it, and even seemed to have fun arguing with him, but... sometimes she really would wish that he would consider her feelings more often. Sometimes...sometimes...she wished that he were more like his brother.
Kagome's eyes snapped open in realization. She hated comparing the two brothers with each other. Often she found herself doing so and Kagome couldn't help but frown. Thinking of Sesshoumaru just now, she wondered if he would be nearby tonight.
The taiyoukai had a habit of always being in reach of her senses, but far away enough for his scent or aura to not be detected by Inuyasha. He always seemed to follow their group, or was it that he knew Naraku would be drawn to them, thus giving him a perfect chance to strike. For what ever reason he had for being near... she was glad. Kagome smiled softly, she was glad to be seeing him tonight again...that she would admit.
'Inuyasha's probably just jealous that I'm paying a lot of attention to Sesshoumaru,' she giggled inwardly, thinking of their childish sibling rivalry. 'I guess I should be more thoughtful on how Inuyasha feels. He's already tolerating with the fact that I always visit his brother.'Sighing, she felt the anger and annoyance for the hanyou leave her and she closed her eyes once more, loving the feel of the water against her bare skin.
---
It was no use... sleep would not come to him. Inuyasha felt like screaming. He had enough trouble with Naraku. Then with Kouga coming around every so often... and there was that thing with Sesshoumaru... How much stress can an innocent little hanyou take?
The sun had begun to set, the air slightly becoming cooler. Sango and Miroku had gone to gather information from the villagers as to find out of Naraku's whereabouts. Shippo, of course left with them, as did Kirara. So now... Inuyasha was left to sit alone on his futon waiting for Kagome to come back.
Just as he rubbed his temples, the door swung open and Kagome came in stretching her arms. He peeked at her from half closed eyes as she walked over to the corner of the room where her belongings lay. Raising an eyebrow, he watched her put the yellow bag pack on. It wasn't even night time yet...was she going to him already?
"Where are you headed off to?"
Kagome felt the hairs on her back stand up and she turned around quickly, giving a nervous laugh. "Inuyasha! I thought you were asleep," she said taking a step closer towards him.
He just stared back at her with a grim expression on his face. Kagome blinked. She couldn't believe it. Was he still mad at her? It was hardly her fault and she herself had already forgotten about it.
The hanyou crossed his arms over his chest, closing his eyes as he spoke steadily. "You're going already, are you?"
"Well, yeah. I thought if I left earlier that I'd get back faster. Then you wouldn't have to stay up every night waiting for me to come back." She gave him an innocent smile, but his expression didn't change.
Kagome kneeled down beside him. "Sesshoumaru's not going to harm me or anything you know—"
"And how would you know that?" The miko stared wide eyed. Inuyasha had gotten to his feet and was now looming over her as she knelt on the floor. His eyebrows were knitted together tightly and his fangs slightly bared. He growled.
"W-What?"
Inuyasha suppressed another growl. "Don't play dumb, Kagome." He watched her eyes all this time as he spoke. Now...now he would tell her... "Don't see Sesshoumaru anymore."
Less then a second, Kagome was at her feet, facing him eye to eye. Her expression had changed as well; from shocked, to confusion and now, to anger. "What are you talking about?" she tried to keep her voice steady, but she found that the words slipping out of her mouth were stuttered out.
"It's not safe to be near him, Kagome," he started again. "I know you're a very kind person, but wake up! This is Sesshoumaru. He won't change for no one, do you hear me? No one. He hasn't changed at all. He still wants the Tetsusaiga and he still wants to kill me!"
"And how would you know that? I've spent more time with your brother than you have your entire life—!" Kagome clamped her mouth shut, silently wishing to take back the words she had just said.
His eyes changed and faltered for a second. "...You're right. I don't know my brother all that well. I don't know him inside out because he hates me. But..." he stopped for a moment and looked back at her, "I've been around longer than you have. He is nothing but a cold blooded monster. Kagome if you don't stop this, you'll get hurt!"
It seemed like forever before she finally spoke.
"You're wrong, Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru would never hurt me. Do you hate him that much? You're brothers you know, just because he hates you, doesn't mean—"
"Stop comparing me with Sesshoumaru!" He watched her eyes widen with realization and now his own, realizing that he had grabbed her shoulders forcefully. The hanyou continued, "We're two completely different people, Kagome! We're not the same! Don't look at my face and see him!"
She couldn't find the words to say... she wanted so desperately to get back at him. To say those words... but... 'Don't you compare me with Kikyo, Inuyasha...? Isn't she the one you always think of when you look at me?' Kagome looked away her eyes hidden by her bangs. She remained silent... then took off.
---
He opened his eyes slowly feeling her presence draw nearer. Her aura was different tonight... she seemed distressed and was running at full speed towards him. Leaning back against the tree the taiyoukai closed his eyes again feeling the breeze coming in. Nearer and nearer...
The footsteps stopped a few meters away and he could hear her fast breathing. She slowly walked up to him and sat down.
It was none of his business, he had decided. Humans were disgusting beings that should only exist for slave laboring and for the release of stress. They were nothing more. Certainly the one next to himdeserved nothing more. 'Foolish miko. A slave to your own emotions... it will be your downfall...'
"Where is Rin?" Her voice trembled slightly. It didn't take a genius to figure out that she was crying before. He could smell the salted tears that she had wiped away, the scent still lingering in the air.
"You and your companions have traveled quite a distance, miko. It is hard for a child to keep up. This Sesshoumaru has left them miles behind."
Kagome tilted her head to look at him, hardly believing that this person was the one she and Inuyasha had a fight over. Right now, she just felt useless and vulnerable. That's what Sesshoumaru would probably be thinking of anyways.
Sighing she pulled her knees up and laid her forehead down on them, closing her eyes to try and calm her breathing. Kagome felt the taiyoukai shift next to her and she turned to look at him, finding that he had stood up, his tall figure looming over hers.
His amber eyes met her blue ones, "Get up."
She didn't want to, feeling that her legs might collapse if she did. However, she knew that the taiyoukai was a proud youaki and hated to be disobeyed. Lifting herself off the ground, she managed to pull herself together.
"Close you eyes, miko." His voice was smooth but his face was kept emotionless.
Kagome sighed and closed her eyes slowly feeling nervous. Why would he possibly want her to close her eyes for? It had come as total shock to her when he spoke, for he did so rarely.
The miko felt the rustling of leaves nearby and felt her hair getting blown back by the wind. It almost calmed her and nearly washed away her thoughts and frustrations for Inuyasha, when strong arms held her from behind, lifting her small figure.
A small gasp escaped her lips and she meant to open her eyes, but decided against it. Whatever it was that Sesshoumaru had in mind, she knew it would do her no harm.
His arms around her tightened and Kagome felt that her feet had left the ground completely. Were they flying? If so...where? The miko trembled as she felt a gust of wind blow past, but his arms held her protectively, holding her in place. Kagome didn't exactly know what she looked like at the moment, but knew at least that he face must have resembled a bright tomato. Secretly, she was glad that he was behind her and could not see her face completely. Though, her back was pressed rather tightly against his armor.
Kagome gulped. His armor... She tried not to move, suddenly realizing that his armor might pierce her skin if she dare struggle. 'Is that why he's holding me so still?'
It seemed to take forever and Kagome found herself relaxing in his embrace. She nearly slapped herself when admitted that she would rather feel the soft skin of his chest rather than the hard cold armor. Kami...what was she thinking?
Sighing somewhat, she felt as if she were comfortable enough to actually sleep in his arms. Though, the thought was entirely impossible and would be nothing more than a childish fantasy. Kagome felt herself drifting off-- that is... until she heard him say something.
"Mmm...What?"
Sesshoumaru frowned, he had assured her that she could open her eyes, but the miko seemed to have been drifting off to sleep. He suppressed a growl, having the human so near confused his senses. Seemingly, he could not think straight, and her scent was all that reached his nose.
"You may open your eyes, miko," he repeated. Though Sesshoumaru hated repeating himself, he found that he didn't mind as much around this human.
Kagome opened her eyes slowly, her vision slowly changing from blurry to clear. Where were they? Why were they so high up? Eyes widening, she realized that she and her companion were on a cloud. In fact, they were being held up by it. She squealed and turned around, wrapping her arms around Sesshoumaru's body. What if she fell off?
His stoic mask faltered for a second when the miko turned around sharply and drew him near her. Why was she afraid all of a sudden? Mentally, the taiyoukai rolled his eyes and held onto her firmly. If she were afraid of falling off, then she was a fool. Did she not think that he, Sesshoumaru would have better control of this situation. Certainly unlike some arrogant dirty hanyou that he knew of.
"W-We're up so high!" Kagome stuttered not releasing her hold around his waist. "W-What're we doing here anyways?"
The trees below were dark and the air around them, cold. Kagome shuddered and stared at the moon. It was huge... big and round; a full moon. Was it night time already? She hadn't noticed.
Sesshoumaru glanced down at her. "Beneath us," he drawled out.
He saw her blink for a second and then she broke his gaze and looked below, her eyes knitted in confusion. Sesshoumaru didn't exactly know why he was doing this. He could care less. Actually... he didn't care at all. Sure he had thought about it earlier that day, but decided against it later that afternoon. Though...seeing her in a distressing state made him want to comfort her. 'She has bewitched me...'
"Uh, Sesshoumaru...what exactly am I looking at?" Surely humans couldn't be that stupid. Did he really have to explain the situation? Could she not see for herself? ... Apparently not...
"Did you not tell this Sesshoumaru that you wished to see what they would look like from above?" If she didn't get it, the taiyoukai would proudly declare her the stupidest of all humans. He really would.
They? Kagome looked back down. "Oh!" He watched her face turn a bright pink as her eyes looked around wildly.
Kagome could not help the blush that appeared on her face, nor the bright smile. They were back at the lake and as she looked below, she could see the tiny specks of light that floated by. So...she was right! They did look like stars from up above. The miko gave a relieved sigh, the sight was utterly beautiful. The luminous glow of the tiny little creatures shone brightly through the dark forest and the lake.
'Did he take me all the way here just to see this?' Inside she felt flattered, but still, she felt confused. This was not like Sesshoumaru at all. Perhaps someone was in control of his body. She mentally kicked herself for thinking of something so ridiculous.
"It seems your fantasy has come to a reality, miko—" Sesshoumaru was caught of guard when she turned to him, her eyes closed and her lips forming a soft smile.
"Arigatou," she whispered softly.
Sesshoumaru took in every detail of her face. A disturbing feeling came over him and he frowned suddenly, looking away towards the full moon that was hidden by clouds. She seemed to notice the change in him for her smile disappeared and she looked away as well, her face burning red.
'Did I do something? He seems mad...' Kagome tried to hide her disappointment and was about to ask him on why he had took her thoughts to consideration when she felt the cloud move suddenly. Giving out a startled squeal, she held back onto him tightly burying her face on the side of neck. 'He smells nice...'
The taiyoukai stiffened at her change of reaction, but recovered quickly. He reassured her, "There is no need to be frightened, you will not fall," he said gazing back at the moon. Her hold on him tightened even more. "Even if you did, this Sesshoumaru would see to it that you will not fall to your bloody death."
Kagome fought hard not to laugh. She knew he was serious, but even if he was trying to be nice, he just couldn't leave out the 'bloody death' part. Kagome smiled inwardly and loosened her grip as his tightened.
'He knew...that I was feeling depressed...is that why he did this? ...How... nice...' Kagome felt herself relaxing into him again and still she wished that his armor did not exist. 'I like him like this...' Closing her eyes she felt herself drifting.
Sesshoumaru refrained from taking another whiff of her scent. He had somehow become addicted to the smell of her and he almost growled at the thought of a human giving him such a weakness. He was Taiyoukai of the Western Lands, he bore no such weakness. Still... 'Stupid wench.'
He briefly caught the small smile that appeared on her face as he felt her drift to sleep when they landed. Her steady breathing caught his attention and he observed her more closely.
She wasn't beautiful. To tell the truth, Sesshoumaru had seen many female youkai that were far more beautiful. None of them caught his attention though, often he wondered why. They seemed to be attracted to him none the less, but this particular human miko he held in his arms seemed to bother him the most. She just gave him the most disturbing feeling. The girl... Kagome, was certainly different from normal wenches he came by every so often.
Of course there was that incident with Naraku's offspring. The beautiful wind sorceress, Kagura. He had to admit at one point he had been attracted to her, as she constantly never stopped nagging him about Naraku and showed up regularly. Though, it was a simple attraction--nothing more. It was different with this miko however. Entirely different.
Sesshoumaru remembered the time when he took heed to Rin's rescuing from the human brother of the taijiya that traveled with his brother. The miko had pleaded for him not to kill the spawn of Naraku. He was not one to obey orders, especially not from Inuyasha's wench. He surprised himself even, when he let go of the boy's neck, sparing his life. At that time, he wondered why he had done such a thing. 'That human deserved to die.'
That was when it all started. Sometime in the night, she came to him; alone. He wondered what her business was and found it odd that the miko didn't fear him. In fact, she seemed rather bold to come up to him and demand to see his ward. Again, he should have killed her. But he didn't.
It had moved on from there, she would casually sense his presence and he would make himself noticeable so that she would find him easier. At first she came once a week, accompanying Rin and arguing constantly with Jaken. Though, it did not take long for her visits to become frequent. 'Now she comes every night.'
Usually Sesshoumaru would leave Rin with Jaken and Ah Un to go scout the area. To relieve stress—to feed. Since the miko has come, he found that he left rarely. Sesshoumaru wrapped his tail around her waist and pulling her a bit away so he could have a closer look. 'Nothing so special...'
Gently he shook her awake. "It is time for you to wake, miko. Dawn approaches," he said smoothly.
She moaned a bit and shifted more onto his tail. Sesshoumaru frowned then reached forward and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Wake up," he demanded.
"Mm...Five more minutes, mom... no...Souta get out of my room--- Mmm...sit..."
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrows. Strange indeed. His expression did not change as he clamped his fingers around her nose, and covered her mouth with his palm. He waited...and waited...
Suddenly her eyes snapped opened and he drew his hand away. Kagome took in a large breath. She glared at him and pointing her finger, "You just tried to suffocate me!" she cried.
"This Sesshoumaru was only trying to wake you up. It seems you are a heavy sleeper, miko." Kagome flushed. She had not realized that she had fallen asleep, and on Sesshoumaru! He must have thought she was crazy.
Rubbing her eyes Kagome looked over to where the sun was starting to rise and gasped. She had forgotten about Inuyasha. Was he still mad? It didn't matter... he would be now. This was by far the latest she had ever stayed with Sesshoumaru.
She frowned, thinking about how she would confront the hanyou on her way back. Perhaps he would apologize to her and forget about the whole argument. Though, he would probably ask as to why she had gotten back so late.
"I should probably get back. My friends will worry," she said looking up at the side of his face which bore no expression.
He inclined his head, and closed his eyes briefly before releasing letting his tail release her. Kagome's eyes widened, she hadn't noticed that his tail was the one holding her and not his arms. She blushed and turned to go when she noticed Sesshoumaru's attention were on his right hand.
Kagome blinked and stared at it. A firefly crawled across his fingers, glowing brightly.
Sesshoumaru watched as her face became ecstatic. She peered at his hand, curiosity coming over her face. "Do not feel tense. It will fly away," he said.
When he felt her presence sooth, he watched as she brushed her hand across his. Sesshoumaru felt his body tingle and he froze. Her skin was remarkably soft. Mentally, he shook himself, though the miko did not seem to notice.
The firefly crawled from his hand to hers briefly touching her skin, before flying away. A huge smile appeared on her face. Sesshoumaru continued to watch her. It almost seemed as if she was truly proud of herself. 'Foolish woman.'
"Someday I'll be able to grasp the light...no matter how far it flies away from me. ...I'll always find it," she said staring at the empty hand. Looking up at him, her smile did not falter.
Sesshoumaru broke their gaze, "Do you not need to head back to your village, miko?" he said.
Her smile disappeared, "Oh yeah, you're right," she turned to leave. "I'll see you then."
"Hn."
She turned to give him a soft smile, then headed down the pathway towards the village. Sesshoumaru watched her leave then looked at his hand. He could still feel the smoothness of her skin when she had brushed against him. 'Only for a brief moment...' The taiyoukai frowned and turned towards the direction where his ward and retainer eagerly waited for his arrival.
Well there's the second chapter. Hope that was good. It's actually 1:20 am and I have school tomorrow, so I should probably get to bed. I'll start writing chapter 3 soon, that is if I get good reviews!