Sesshoumaru took Kagome's hand and seized the oversized backpack she had brought with her to the hot spring. He led her through the dark forest, walking ahead while pulling the priestess behind like a small child who might get lost. Looking down at their joined hands, Kagome's heart began to race. Sesshoumaru's hand was so big and warm compared to hers. Claws that had moments ago killed another demon now brushed gently along the back of her hand, keeping it in place.
The journey to the demon lord's campsite took nearly an hour, and the whole way, Kagome could feel her heart pounding in her chest. When they stepped into the clearing full of firelight, Sesshoumaru pulled her ahead of him and gently pushed her towards where Rin was sitting against Ah-Un.
When the two stepped into camp Rin looked up and let out an excited squeal at seeing Kagome with Lord Sesshoumaru. Worry quickly overshadowed her glee when she spotted the blood-soaked robe the priestess still wore.
Running around the fire, she asked, "What happened? Are you okay?" Her small hands were shaking from seeing her friend hurt again.
Kagome touched her pinky to her chin, "I'm fine." Lifting her sleeve back to show proof calmed the girl.
A clawed hand grasped her shoulder and turned her around. "Go change." Sesshoumaru's honey eyes were haughty and full of something else Kagome couldn't identify.
The priestess grabbed her backpack from the demon and dug through it, pulling out leggings and a tank top. It was now summer, so the nights were warm and humid. She stepped behind a nearby group of trees to change as ordered. When she emerged, folding the stained robe in her arms, Sesshoumaru snatched it and flung it into the fire.
"Hey!" Kagome yelled out loud without thinking. Judging by the demon lord's wince, it must have been a tad bit on the shrill side.
Sesshoumaru stood before her and lifted his hands before pausing. He seemed to be thinking about something and then started to spell out a word. "B-L-O-O-D."
Kagome's scowl turned into confusion. "What?" she asked.
"The smell. Too strong will bring attention." His brow was creased like he was frustrated and couldn't quickly form what he wanted to say.
"Oh." Kagome mouthed. Thinking momentarily, she stepped up to Sesshoumaru and grabbed his hands.
Using her own, she moved his powerful hands to show him how to sign the word. Sesshoumaru stood still and watched as she maneuvered his fingers and bent them to her will. When she finished and released her hold, he glanced up at her.
"Blood," Kagome mouthed; she showed him the sign with her hands. Noticing how she was still standing uncomfortably close to the demon, she took a wide step back and blushed.
"Blood." Sesshoumaru mimicked the gestures she had taught him and watched as she smiled and nodded in approval.
Sesshoumaru let out a 'Hm' and repeated the moves to commit it to memory. It felt strange having the priestess teach him in such an intimate way. She showed no fear as her fingers glided over his claws and touched his hands without hesitation. Only Rin has ever been so bold to do so, until now.
Seeing movement, he focused on the camp and saw the petite woman settling beside his ward, leaning on Ah-Un. The two females spoke through gestures and opened one of the lesson books.
"What is a 'Sign Name'?" Rin asked and flipped to a page she didn't understand.
"It is when someone creates a Sign for you based on your personality or interests." The young girl's face still showed confusion, as if she did not comprehend what Kagome said.
Taking out a notebook and pencil from her bag, Kagome began to write down a better explanation as Sesshoumaru sat distractingly close to her. Once finished, she handed the journal over to the demon lord to read out to Rin.
"I understand now!" The small girl was excited at the idea of a gesture meant just for her. "How do people address you in Sign?"
Kagome lifted her hand in front of her mouth, pinched her forefinger and thumb together, and pressed her remaining fingers in her palm. She then opened and closed her fingers, indicating a bird's beak.
"Bird?" Rin asked, and Kagome nodded.
Imitating the moves, Rin giggled. "What is my name?"
Kagome pondered momentarily, and then her eyes lit up with an idea. Holding her closed fists together, she slowly turned them while opening and spreading her fingers, fanning them out.
"Flower!" Rin yelled out loud! She repeated the action with wonder and beamed up at Kagome and Sesshoumaru.
Kagome watched as Rin continually signed Bird and Flower and turned her head to see Sesshoumaru's hands twitching. Taking them once more in her grasp, the priestess guided him through both words before releasing her hold. A tap on her left arm brought her attention back to Rin. She was pointing to the demon lord as if to ask, 'What about Lord Sesshoumaru?'
Tapping a finger to her chin, Kagome began to think. What word best describes the great Lord Sesshoumaru. Looking back to her right, she found the demon leaning slightly forward and staring intently at her. The priestess turned a deep shade of red, starting with her cheeks down to her toes. He seemed to notice and tilted his head to the side in curiosity, causing silver hair to spill over his broad shoulder. Kagome watched it fall and shimmer under the firelight, reminding her of the tinsel her family used to decorate their Christmas tree every year. Peeking back up to his captivating face, her eyes traced each magenta strip and the Prussian blue crescent moon on his forehead. Lowering sea blue eyes, she followed the brush of color over his dense dark lashes before finding amber irises studying her in return.
Unable to stop herself, Kagome felt her hands move as if possessed. Raising one palm face up, she placed her other hand palm down against it and slid the top one forward over the bottom hand.
"Beautiful."