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“What do you think of this one, Kilala?”
The small nekomata stirs from its comfy post on Kagome’s shoulder to sniff at the plant held in
the priestess' left hand. She mews approvingly before tucking her head into the curled tails at her side, ears up and alert to their surroundings.
“Yeah, I thought so.” Kagome smiles, soft, as she lays the mulberry leaves aside their ripe berries. She had originally planned on finding glehnia rhizome, in hopes to give the nearby villagers much-needed cough relief, but it seems she would have to venture out further.
Kagome had set out shortly after dawn from their campsite, asking Sango for permission to take Kilala with her to make travels faster and safer, simply so she could be back before nightfall. Sure, the day has practically only begun, but she suspects that between finding the necessary medicinal plants and distributing them accordingly to the nearby villages—not to mention explaining the proper uses, dosage, and how-to— would take her to nightfall.
It’s worth it, Kagome thinks, to see the smiles on young and old as she eases pain and saves lives. Sometimes, however, she can only ease the pain of their last moments or extend one’s life by mere days, a week if lucky... but, still, Kagome likes to think that even then it is worth the early mornings, late nights, and the aches that come with it.
“How does a quick stop sound, mm?” Kagome asks Kilala, all the while digging through her packed snacks. “We have dumplings, rice leftover, and some hot— well, room temperature now— ginger tea.”
Kilala mews, perking up, and leaping gracefully onto the ground before transforming.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Kagome chuckles, packing their snacks back into place, before mounting Kilala. “All right girl let's see if we can find a nice spot for a lovely picnic.”
—————
“Oh, yes milord, it is most wise to stop.”
Sesshomaru closes his eyes, mind drifting from the sounds of Jaken’s voice and the sounds of Jaken’s feet on puddles left by the night’s rain. He focuses on the light breeze, how it delicately brushes against his cheeks and how it stirs strands and locks of hair. The scent of the rain, still fresh, is a breath of fresh air compared to the normal stench leftover of the dying and the dead. He allows himself to relax, embrace the peace that comes with the lands washed over and the spring breathing life into the earth once more.
To him, one that has lived years as days, it is a time where life has intrigue. It is the one time where his senses are delightfully tested. Which flowers will bloom first and thus which spring scent will be first this year? Which rich color of new birth will he lay his eyes upon first? It could appear as strange to those not of demon blood, those who live long and strong, that such highly feared creatures, beings, could find solace in something appearing so fragile and fleeting. But each great demon has a secret, a love, that holds their interest and it just happens for Sesshomaru that it is spring. For spring, as fragile and fleeting as it may seem to some, it is a time of strength and life— rebirth, to him. It is the strength of the flowers and animals coming anew or for the first time, it is the life of fresh cool air, and the cleansing touch of the rain.
He could stand in the rain for hours if it so did decide to last as long.
Sesshomaru opens his eyes, allowing scent and sight to merge as one. Spring has only just begun, and thus, many flowers have yet to bloom and the air is still crisp—lightened by the scent of rain. He watches as the flowers, twigs, and leaves dance with the winds. It’s mesmerizing... soothing.
“Ho!”
A squawk brings him back.
Sesshomaru observes, with slight annoyance, as he watches Jaken berate A-Un about one thing or another. He thinks about silencing Jaken with a well-placed boot to the back of his head but decides that the effort would grant him only a moment’s respite before the imp would find one thing or another to speak of. No, what Sesshomaru craves is solitude. Solitude where he, and he alone, can enjoy the gift of mother nature.
And so, without so much as a word uttered, Sesshomaru takes flight in search of tranquility.
————
Kagome sighs softly, in pleasure, tilting her head back with eyes closed as a gentle breeze comes through. “You found a nice spot, Kilala.” The priestess praises, watching from her seat on a boulder, beneath a sakura tree, as Kilala rolls in the grass.
The priestess takes her eyes off the nekomata and lays her eyes upon the area around her. Kilala had found a clearing with a lush landscape, a waterfall not too far by the sounds of it. The landscape had been fed with an abundance of demonic energy—not necessarily evil—and due to it, a flourishing of flowers that would have, otherwise, not bloomed for another few months. They make for a wondrous, rare, sight—toxic to humans, however, when ingested or used medicinally.
It’s a waste, a pity, seeing as how the morning glories would be especially medicinally beneficial at this time of the year— with colds being so common.
Kagome sighs, smiling, as she stretches her arms above her head and inhales deeply. She thinks, that while she’ll have to postpone her herb gathering work until they move to a cleansed area, she can take a few moments to enjoy her surrounding—after all, it is a rare enough occurrence, to be in the presence of an early bloom without the demonic energy presence being malevolent.
Or maybe she spoke too early.
Kagome is swift, plucking an arrow from her quiver as she stands and readies her bow, as a faint—yet puissant demonic aura— blends into the winds. It feels similar, although too far away to get a proper reading on it. However, one glance at Kilala’s relaxed posture has the hairs on her nape laying down and her bow and arrow lowering to the ground— still at the ready, just in case.
It’s not until a few more moments pass that Kagome finds herself exhaling in relief, as the demonic aura comes stronger and clearer on the winds: Sesshomaru.
————
A change in the air—fresh, pure, sweet— one scent he knows all too well.
The priestess.
Her scent is a ripple. It starts with a ghost of a touch on his cool skin, leaving patches of heated areas all over him. The heat drives him, makes him want to get closer. It makes him want to feel more. The closer he gets, the stronger the effect her scent has on him. Her scent begins to sink into his every being, mixing with his own scent and creating a dreadfully intoxicating redolence. But from afar, so far, it isn’t enough to maintain. Her scent isn’t overpowering, it’s delicate from such a distance, and his own rises uncontrollably in search of hers—creating an aroma unpleasant to his senses.
He must see her.
It is his one thought as he flies in her direction, the cool wind doing nothing to his warmed skin.
He must hear her.
The sound of her laughter
He must feel her.
The feeling of her aura intermingling with his.
He must. He simply must.
And when he reaches the clearing, when his eyes fall on the priestess, he feels. Fresh, as if born anew.
Sesshomaru watches the priestess slip an arrow from her bow to her quiver, her bow joining the quiver beside a boulder beneath a bloomed cherry blossom tree.
Trust.
He lands several feet away from the priestess, actively making an attempt at masking his intrigue. Sesshomaru watches the priestess watch him, her lightly cocked head and the slight arch of an eyebrow making her confusion clear as day to him.
“Sesshomaru?”
And Sesshomaru feels again. Her voice is soft and laden with puzzlement, undoubtedly by his landing. It is his name on her lips, however, which causes his eyes to soften upon the woman. The compulsory effect her mere voice has on him should unsettle him, but in truth, it only makes him further curious about what other unknown authority she holds over him.
“Sesshomaru?” Kagome whispers, unsure whether Sesshomaru were trying to focus on something and if she should keep her voice at the bare minimum so as not to disturb him.
This time, Sesshomaru finds himself turning his attention away from the priestess and onto the nekomata as a shiver runs down his spine. The whisper of his name is akin to feathery kisses on his skin, softness, a lover’s gentle touch.
The priestess is undoing him without her knowing.
“Yes?” Sesshomaru asks, eyes returning to the priestess.
Kagome blinks and stares.
And they stand there, staring at one another until Kagome breaks into a smile—far too disarming— and takes a few steps towards him. “If you have the time, do you want to share a meal? Kilala didn’t seem too interested in a pair of rice balls. I’m pretty sure she wants to go out on a hunt but is being overprotective and staying here with me.”
Sesshomaru glances at the nekomata, watching the two interact with little interest. “She is loyal.”
Kagome smiles. “And I’m thankful but I can handle myself.”
Sesshomaru allows a slight smile as he turns his attention back to the priestess, making his way towards her. “Oh?”
It goes unnoticed by Kagome. She snorts, smirking, and crosses her arms over her chest. “If I remember correctly, I once managed to hit your armor when I had barely any training at all about ten years ago. Imagine what I can do now.”
“I would not consider it worthy of gloating when your achievement had been made through unawares. Would you have come to the same conclusion if I had my eyes upon you, priestess?”
Kagome catches her bottom lip between her teeth, eyes shifting to the side, before giving a sheepish smile. “All’s fair in love and war?”
At that, Sesshomaru smiles and this time Kagome notices. She smiles along with him, brightly.
“I suppose it is.” Sesshomaru mutters under his breath, following the priestess towards the cherry blossom tree.
“What was that?” Kagome glances over her shoulder, finding Sesshomaru’s eyes on her.
“It is nothing.” Sesshomaru replies.
“It’s never nothing when you speak, Sesshomaru.” Kagome chuckles, waving away Kilala to go hunt—needing a few words of encouragement before Kilala seems to decide that Sesshomaru’s presence would be a good enough substitute of protection. “My mother used to say that people of few words tend to have the most to say, am I wrong?”
“Hmn, your mother appears to be a wise woman.” Sesshomaru speculates.
Kagome chuckles as she kneels down, unwrapping the packed meals and offering Sesshomaru a fish dumpling. “Is fish okay?”
“I have already eaten, priestess, you should eat yourself.”
“I already ate.” Kagome frowns, wrapping the food back and instead offering tea. “Reheated, but it should be fine.” She smiles.
Sesshomaru decides it would be impolite and create cause for an awkward air between the two. Besides, he could use a cup of tea.
He takes the offered cup, careful of his claws, with a slight nod of the head. But his fingers brush ever-so-slightly against the priestess’ hand and it causes him to pause. There is a spark there, a spark that spreads throughout him, heating him once again. His eyes golden and warm, fall on the blue eyes of the priestess. It appears she felt it too.
“Sorry.” Kagome removes her hand, smiling.
“It is... nothing.” Sesshomaru settles beside the priestess, a boulder wider and shorter than the one where the priestess moves to sit on.
But it’s a lie. That was not nothing. That was a spark of interest, his aura seeping through and attempting to mingle with that of the priestess’. A dangerous combination to be sure, but when has he ever been the kind of great demon to shy from danger... especially a danger that could be so very rewarding.
“How’s Rin?” Kagome asks after a sip of her cup. “Is she doing well? I haven’t been to the village in a little over a year.”
“She is well-taken care of. It appears you have taken charge of instructing Rin on a few matters.” Sesshomaru notices the light coloring of Kagome’s cheeks. “She has improved in the field of archery.”
“Well, I hardly did anything. She’s got talent, drive, and I’m sure she picked up a few things from you. After all, it doesn’t hurt to have The Great Sesshomaru in your corner.” Kagome laughs as Sesshomaru hums.
Her compliment stirs his pride.
“And of your companions? I fail to sense my dear half-brother in the vicinity, has he finally gone?” Sesshomaru jests, still able to faintly smell him on her person.
Kagome snorts. “You’d think with us not being a couple anymore that he would lay off the mothering hen role but, nope.” She huffs, leaning over to rest her left elbow on her knee and her chin into the palm of her land— holding the cup of tea in her right. “He worries too much, honestly.”
“Your reputation of being less than graceful precedes you, are you truly surprised?” The corners of his lips quirk into a smirk behind the cup of tea, his eyes observing the priestess.
“Well, excuse me, not all of us can be as poised as you, oh Lord Sesshomaru.” Kagome sits up, straight, setting her tea down beside her with a roll of her eyes.
Sesshomaru chuckles, a sound so soft and foreign to Kagome that she almost misses it. It is more than enough to have Kagome looking over at Sesshomaru, blue eyes wide as she notices the smile on his face.
“I could train you, and perhaps then you would be able to take two steps before stumbling over yourself.” Sesshomaru lowers his tea, eyes trained on the priestess.
“I-,” Kagome tucks a lock of hair behind her left ear. “You should smile more often... it suits you.” She smiles, tries to keep her composure despite the blood rushing to her face. “And you have a nice laugh.”
Sesshomaru hums in response, the tips of his own ears coloring lightly. “You believe so?”
Kagome looks into Sesshomaru’s eyes, noticing the warmth in them and how they seem to darken those usually golden honey eyes. “Yeah, I think so.”
There’s a silence between the two as they drink their tea, the only sound heard is that of the wind. It isn’t an uncomfortable silence, rather quite the opposite. Sesshomaru feels the priestess’ aura relaxed, trusting, around him, and that gives him a semblance of hope of something he would have never dared to hope for years ago.
Over the past decade or so, they have started to engage with one another more and more often. The two have had similar conversations in the past six years, beginning four years after the defeat of Naraku and approximately two years after the separation of his half-brother and the priestess. With each time met, each conversation had, and each battle fought together, he has grown fond of the priestess in many ways— at first he buried such feelings, refusing their existence.
But it was inevitable.
“Sesshomaru?” Kagome’s voice pulls him from his thoughts. “Would you like to take a walk?”
“I would not mind a walk.” He replies as he offers the empty cup back to the priestess.
Sesshomaru stands, watching the priestess store the cups before placing all items closer to the tree. Once she’s done, he offers her his hand— one she takes with slight hesitation.
“Thank you,” Kagome smiles. “But I’m really not that clumsy.”
“I did not utter a word of your lack of... proper coordination.” He says, choosing his words wisely. He focuses on the feeling of her smaller hand in his palm, the way that her warmth penetrates to his very core. Subconsciously, he wraps his fingers around her hand, trapping her hand in his. The action is so gentle and quick that it goes unnoticed by the woman.
Kagome pulls herself up, Sesshomaru as still as a tree, with his assistance—jerking to a halt when she attempts to walk, only to find herself held in place by Sesshomaru’s grip. It is when she looks at her hand that she realizes that Sesshomaru holds her hand still, fingers wrapped around her hand. She turns fully to him, eyes on their hands.
“Sesshomaru?” She whispers, watching as Sesshomaru’s fingers slowly come undone from around her hand.
But Kagome doesn’t pull her hand away, leaving it resting in his palm.
“Hmn?” His response is so low that it barely registers to Kagome.
She watches Sesshomaru bring his free hand over the back of her hand and stares as he cautiously runs his claws alongside the delicate skin. Kagome shivers from the action, biting her lower lip again, but she never once pulls back. Sesshomaru draws imaginary circles, lines, over the back of her hand, slowly ascending up to her wrist but not daring to go further. He shifts from his claws to using the pads of his fingers, turning her hand over to trace the lines of the palm of her hand.
Kagome looks up into Sesshomaru’s eyes, finding his eyes focused on her hand. “Trying out a new career as a fortune-teller?” She jokes.
“And if I were to inform you that I can sense something in your future?”
Kagome arches an eyebrow at that before looking down at her palm, brows furrowing in concentration and albeit confusion. “What, when my next trip is going to be?” Kagome snorts, smiling.
Sesshomaru hums a smile. “I see... hope.”
“Hope?” Kagome looks up at Sesshomaru, eyes searching for a hint of humor in the demon’s eyes but Sesshomaru isn’t the kind to be easy to read. She bites. “What kind of hope?”
“A possibility of new beginnings. There are roads stretching every which way before you. There are roads that will take you into the past-”
“No, thank you. Once something is in the past, it’s done.” Kagome frowns. She likes looking towards the future, none of this going back on second chances. “Wait, this isn’t about Inuyasha, is it?”
Sesshomaru fails to hide a show of displeasure. “The past is of missed opportunities, this does not mean it is an old flame that must be lit anew.” Sesshomaru watches the priestess stare at her own palm as if attempting to see what he claims to see.
“Good because Inuyasha and I are nothing but good friends. I’m not looking into going down that rabbit hole again.” She laughs. “But my future! Tell me more!”
“It is... impossible. The future is yet to be determined. You make your future, priestess. Do you have the courage to take the first step on an uncharted road, clouded, and heavy with the whispers of misconceptions? Or would you prefer to embark upon a safer journey, tried and true?”
Kagome thinks about his words as she stares at her palm. She has always been the one to break from tradition, to try something new and exciting—afterall, you only live once. She likes the idea of discovering, the idea of meeting new people... especially if these are people that will need her help. A path well-traveled would be safer, yes, but it wouldn’t be as rewarding as a more challenging route. And she has friends which would undoubtedly support her.
“Which one would you choose, Sesshomaru?” Kagome asks, taking Sesshomaru’s hand in hers and tracing the lines of his palm as he had done hers. Smiling, she says, “I can’t read palms but everyone has a path to choose. You’ve always been the kind to do your own thing, follow the beat of your own heart, but if that uncharted path has a different rhythm?”
Sesshomaru allows himself to fall into the comfort of the priestess’ fingers tracing his palm. He’s reminded again of the delicate nature of the priestess, for however much she is a fierce warrior— she is still yet a human, frail. Yet she has never allowed her frailty to be an excuse, a reason, for her not to take action. She has bravely charged into burning huts to rescue the needy, to save an invaluable item of the needy so at the end she will have something to offer them of comfort—as if their lives were not enough. She has stood her ground against him when he had attempted to put the priestess out of harm’s way, being quite vocal about the villagers taking priority over herself. She has charged into battle with little knowledge of the blade, but uncaring as long as she could save one small human child. The priestess has used herself as bait even when she had been left bare and defenseless, because to the priestess she could not live with herself if she did not give every little last bit of her in the chance of saving another life.
She is foolish just as she is brave and he wonders if he could ever come to understand why she, anyone, would die for someone they do not know.
But it is what drives her and it is one of the many traits of her that he finds himself drawn to. She is akin to spring, bringing new life and hope where she comes. She is a force to be reckoned with... new and uncharted to him, and the gods are his witness to his desire to embark on a journey so different from what he is used to.
“I would say that it could very much be worthwhile, would you not?” Sesshomaru answers, watching the priestess watch him.
She gives a slight nod. “Yeah and,” Kagome releases Sesshomaru’s hand, turning from him to continue their walk. “It wouldn’t be so bad with good company, Sesshomaru.”
“No, it would not.” He agrees beneath his breath, hand enclosing around the lingering warmth of the priestess’ hand.
Their walk is led in mostly comfortable silence with the exception of their light conversations, throwing in a few friendly banters here and there for old time’s sake. They walk until they reach another clearing, not too far from Kagome’s original campsite, to take a moment’s break. Kagome decides to sit on a less-than-sturdy bench, sighing as her feet get some well-deserved rest. “It must be great to not get tired.”
Sesshomaru stands beside her, watching the clouds in the sky. “Demons do tire, priestess. We are simply much more resilient than you humans.”
Kagome smiles. “Still, it must be nice. You live longer, I mean so much longer than us too.”
Sesshomaru glances at the priestess. “Eventually that becomes tiring.”
The priestess frowns at that. She hadn’t thought of it that way, never having given much thought really. Sesshomaru could have lived ten of her lifetimes already if not more, and he will be alive centuries after her death. It must... get lonely. For all the beauty and wonders of the world, there is little to them if there is no one to share them with.
“I’m sorry,” Kagome whispers, not knowing what else to say.
Sesshomaru watches the priestess, how her shoulders slump and how her voice sounded heavy with sympathy. “Do not concern yourself with such thoughts, priestess. If there is a dull moment, it simply means I have become complacent. It is the way of demons.”
“Oh,” Kagome whispers, yet again. “But... is there something you enjoy? Something you like? Besides flying about and scaring me half to death.” She smiles.
Sesshomaru returns the smile, his small. “There is, priestess. Spring is ever-changing, it never comes quite the same. I find... interest in deciphering the differences.”
Kagome smiles. “So, not because it’s pretty but more because of the science behind it?”
“Is there no beauty in science, priestess?”
She snorts a laugh. “I mean, isn’t there more to Spring than that?” The last thing she wanted was to get a science lecture from Sesshomaru. She still vividly remembers his last teachings about scent.
“There is beauty in its strength to persevere.” Sesshomaru begins, and Kagome listens attentively. “There is beauty in its manner of way of washing the lands, leaving it cleansed and allowing for new life to thrive. There is beauty in its rage of showers and storms. There is beauty in its gentle breeze and beauty in its awakening chilling gusts. There is beauty in the beginning warmth, soft and with future promises of more to come. It is a time of contradictions, but it is a time of beauty nonetheless.”
Kagome blinks, left speechless by Sesshomaru’s words... his view.
“Has the cat gotten your tongue, priestess?” Sesshomaru asks, amused to have stunned the priestess speechless. It is a rare sight.
“More like the dog.” Kagome smiles. “I didn’t expect such a... poetic response?”
“And you, priestess?”
She purses her lips momentarily. “Spring? I... I love it but I don’t think I ever saw it as you have, but I’ll be seeing it differently from now on for sure.”
“It does not remind you of something?” Sesshomaru asks.
“Remind me of something?” Kagome arches an eyebrow.
“You.” Sesshomaru states. “Is Spring not like yourself, priestess?”
Kagome feels a blush creeping again. “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.” She tries to deflect. “I think you’re calling me hot-headed.”
“You are priestess, quite so. Yet you are also kindhearted despite the power you wield. You apply force where needed, and therefore the outcomes tend to be favorable to you. Where you land, you leave behind new hope by either bringing forth items of survival to villagers or through education. You have a fierce nature, priestess, but you carry a warmth alongside you to create balance. There is beauty to be found here as well.” Sesshomaru finishes, plucking a flower from a nearby vine before turning to the seated priestess.
His movement is careful, slow, giving the priestess enough time to reject his action if so desired. But she doesn’t. She allows him to place the flower in her hair, his fingers running the curve of the back of her ear as he tucks a lock of hair behind it. “Do you not find the similarities between the two?”
Kagome brings the fingers of her left hand to the flower, feeling the petals. “I... thank you, Sesshomaru.” She whispers, watching Sesshomaru watch her.
She’s certain he’s paying her a compliment now, many compliments actually... and if he’s comparing her to what he finds the most intriguing—
No, it doesn’t mean that he could find her... intriguing, right?
Kagome thinks about it.
They have been seeing one another often enough for the past six or so years, at times finding themselves in a joint battle while other times simply finding respite in each other’s presence. She has been able to see a side of Sesshomaru she would have never imagined a decade ago... and the more time she has spent with him the more she has gotten to know of that side. Truth be told, he’s not all too different from his view of spring. He is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with but there is a warmth to him as well. He does not act unless necessary and in his own way, he does improve the lands he passes— albeit through eliminating demons foolish enough to challenge him, but indirect assistance still helps in its own manner.
“Sesshomaru,” Kagome stands and walks to the vines Sesshomaru had plucked her flower from and does the same before walking the short distance back to Sesshomaru. “I think you’re not too different from spring yourself.”
“Anyone can tell you’re powerful, it comes with being a great demon.” She smiles. “But you’re not a tyrant, nowhere near actually. You command this great force, like a thunderstorm in the spring, or a spring shower—felt strongly even if it’s just for a moment. But you don’t abuse your power, you use it when it’s necessary and where you use it, it tends to be for the better. I don’t have to tell you the countless times we’ve fought on the same side and how many times your more— I guess— tempest energy has been the extra boost we needed to turn the scales in a fight, not to mention to finish a battle faster. But there’s more than. I’ve seen your warmth too, how you can be so gentle and kind to those you believe are worth it. I might not be the fierce spring you think I am but... I think you are, and you are needed still. And appreciated.”
Kagome takes the plucked flower and holds it in front of Sesshomaru. “I think it’s only fair... to return the favor.”
Sesshomaru bows his head slightly and Kagome smiles in turn, carefully tucking the flower into Sesshomaru’s hair. But she doesn’t step back, doesn’t let her hand fall from the flower in his hair. Kagome smiles, “You’re like spring too, Sesshomaru. And... well, as I said before, I like spring.” She lowers her hand, eyes sliding to the left.
“It appears we both have an affinity for spring.” Sesshomaru whispers, fingers going to the flower in his hair.
Her scent is in the flower and seeping into his hair. It’s... soothing. There’s a tingling warmth on the tip of his ear from where the priestess’ fingers brushed against. There, too, her scent will be found for some time. And he finds himself wishing she had let her fingers run down his temple, his cheek, and jawline... a caress that would feed him until their next encounter. How he wishes he could rest his cheek in the palm of her hand, have her fingers brush against his cheeks-
“Sesshomaru?”
Once more, lost in his thoughts. How often does he find himself lost in thought because of the woman? Woman. At this point, should he continue the fruitless charade of addressing the priestess as distantly, coldly, as he does? A hope of more has blossomed, the priestess has been receptive of him—as a friend and perhaps as of recent, maybe the impossible more he has longed for. So, why, would he act as if nothing has changed? Why would he behave as if there’s not a sliver of new beginnings?
And he’s curious, too. Would the priestess’ name taste as sweet on his tongue as his name does on the priestess’? How many times he has wished he could utter, whisper, her name but found himself finding it a hopeless rabbit hole? But now... now, maybe—
“Sesshomaru?” Kagome asks again, concern showing. “Is everything okay? Is it the flower?”
Kagome reaches, movement careful, to remove the flower she tucked into the great demon lord’s hair but she doesn’t manage to pull away with the camellia in hand. Sesshomaru’s movement, faster than the human eye can keep up with, halts her. He holds her hand in his, guiding it down to his lips until fingers and lips almost brush.
He watches the priestess stare at her fingers, the pads of her fingers hovering over his lips— occasionally twitching as if wanting to give into temptation. Sesshomaru wouldn’t mind it... but he doesn’t want to push forward far too much. “Leave the flower, it is fine where placed.” He speaks, voice soft, before releasing the priestess’ hand. “It is a gift appreciated, Kagome.”
Kagome slowly draws her hand to her chest, enclosing it with her other hand. “You said my name.”
“Have I been too forward?”
She snorts a laugh, finding herself relaxing at his question. “No, it’s— it’s the opposite, really. We’ve known each other so long and you’ve never once said my name. I’d prefer it if you would call me by my name actually.”
“And this pleases you, such informality?”
Kagome smiles, eyes falling on the camellia in Sesshomaru’s hair. “Yes, I like it.” She wraps her arms around herself, giving a light shrug. “Despite all the years we’ve known each other, the times we’ve fought alongside each other, I guess... it always felt that there was this wall between us. I would think that maybe you wanted to be friends but then you would call me priestess and, well... I don’t know, it seemed like that was that.” She rolls her eyes as her smile falls.
“Kagome.” Sesshomaru begins. “It was my intention to be respectful. I was unaware that my actions would give rise to confusion and a feeling of distance between the two of us. It appears I have much to learn regarding humans.”
“And it seems like I still have much to learn about demons.” Kagome takes a step forward and reaches for the flower in the great demon’s hair. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to teach me some mannerisms and customs, and I could teach you about humans. If you want.”
At that, Sesshomaru takes hold of Kagome’s hand— stopping it short of reaching his hair— and guides it down all the while maintaining his grasp. “I would very much like that, Kagome.”
The priestess laughs nervously, feeling the heat from his touch... his words. “Well, we could... start now, unless you have to go and uh—well I don’t know what lords really do—”
It’s a gentle chuckle, so soft that it is almost carried away with the winds, that halts Kagome’s fumbling.
“Your offer appears promising, Kagome. What I must attend to can and will await my return, for now, I wish to accompany you.”
The priestess gives a snort of a laugh, built on nerves from his never-ending compliments and the fact that he’s still very much holding onto her hand. “Well, I... we could walk and talk but I’ll need my hand back if that’s okay?” She laughs nervously, pointing down with her free hand at her held hand.
Sesshomaru releases her hand, reluctantly, and falls beside the woman in her walk. “Will this become routine for us, Kagome?”
Kagome glances to her left, at Sesshomaru. “I’d like it if it would. I like your company and I can’t say that I don’t like learning about you.”
“I share the same thought. You are an interesting woman, Kagome, and I welcome your company.” Sesshomaru notices the way that Kagome seems to shyly glance away and decides to pay the woman more compliments more often.
As the two walk side-by-side, he realizes that he will have permission to visit the woman more often, even if it at first begins as a reason to learn more about the other’s race, and that gives him hope. She has been very receptive to him and he to her, the two even gifting one another. Perhaps it is too soon to tell if Kagome will reciprocate his feelings, but he has been given a chance for something new... something he could have never imagined becoming even a possibility for him.
With spring could come a new blossoming, and so he hopes.