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5+1 things
1
The first time Kagome hugged Sesshomaru, he stiffened.
The collective gasp from their audience— the miko’s friends, his ward and his retainer was almost comical, but he paid it no mind, instead, he focused his attention on the miko embracing him.
His reaction immediately made Kagome draw back. Wary was written on her face as if fearing his imminent wrath. She retracted her arms that had been wrapped around him and put them behind her back.
A blush appeared on her cheeks. Sesshomaru observed her. Her eyes were suddenly glued on the ground, and her foot absent-mindedly drawing circles on the dirt. He could tell that she was ashamed of her actions even if his eyes were closed. He could smell her embarrassment. “Sorry, I got carried away.”
“No,” he said. “It was unexpected, but not… unwelcome.”
Slowly, she relaxed.
A bright smile appeared on her face.“I suppose I will have to make it less unexpected then, won’t I?”
Sesshomaru felt a guilty spike of happiness rush through him. He did his best not to let it show. The feeling was foreign to him. It surprised him greatly how he found the act unpleasant.
No human, save Rin, had touched him. And certainly, no one, demons or humans or hanyos alike, was foolish enough to embrace him.
“Hnn,” was his only reply. A squeal of delight coming from Rin broke the tension, snapped them out of their haze.
Shock was visible on their audience’s faces, except for Rin who had a tinge of pink on her cheeks while looking at him and the miko with bright brown eyes.
Sesshomaru thought that his half-brother’s reaction was the worst. His jaw dropped, eyes wide as a saucer as he stared at the miko. Sesshomaru was certain, that Inuyasha has entered a blank state.
“Will you stop it!” Jakken was the first of the crowd to break from the shock as he admonished the young child.
Deciding his goal was accomplished he caught Jakken and Rin’s attention as he started to walk.
“Come,” was all he said before his little companions trailed behind him.
Sesshomaru took a glance at the miko; a silent, unspoken farewell.
2
Sesshomaru could sense her growing anxiety.
Earlier that day, the half-breed’s group and his group had made some sort of one-time truce. They decided to team up to defeat a common enemy.
While they were setting up the camp, Naraku’s puppets ambushed them. Naraku planned to separate the group and succeeded. He thought he was alone until he sensed the miko’s reiki not far away from where he stood.
Sesshomaru debated inside his mind whether to suppress his youki and find his way on his own or flare it to summon the miko to him. With much thought, he decided to do the latter. The miko, human as she is, had proven herself useful in battles.
Seconds later, as expected, the miko’s came running.
“Sesshomaru!” She shouted, a little breathless.
“Miko.”
“Have you seen the others?”
“No. The only presence I sense here is you.”
They were deep inside a cave. A very complex cave, at that. They had been walking for an hour or so nonstop but to no avail, they couldn’t find their way out.
Even with his heightened senses, Sesshomaru had a hard time seeing their whereabouts due to the darkness enveloping their surroundings.
“Ouch.” A thud was heard, mixed with water splashing. The girl must’ve tripped on a rock and landed on a puddle.
Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks and resisted rolling his eyes at her clumsiness. Even if it was dark and no one can see it, he find the act beneath him. Instead, he closed his eyes.
“Great, now I am wet,” she sighed. Realizing how wrong that sounded she quickly added, “Err, I meant my shirt.”
Sesshomaru rose a brow at her statement, greatly amused.
“You have a talent for putting yourself in unpleasant situations,” he commented.
She threw him a glare. “Not everyone has heightened senses.”
He didn’t reply. Instead, he watched her as she rummaged the yellow bag she always carry on her back.
“Aha, found it.”
A sudden beam of small light flashed right before Sesshomaru’s eyes.
He looked at the small thing that beamed light, but something caught his attention.
Cold, golden eyes trailed from her face down to her chest. The thin white fabric she wore was completely damp. The now translucent material she wore revealed a pink article she wore and hugged her upper body nicely.
Sesshomaru’s breath left him and he felt a rush of excitement coursing through his veins. To make the matter worse, his beast purred at the sight.
What was wrong with him?
Fluttering his lids closed, he calmed himself.
Sesshomaru dragged his eyes away from Kagome’s chest to her confused blue eyes. The stoic mask he wore back again.
But deep down, a flare of anger spiked through his veins on how the miko managed to elicit a spark of desire from him. He didn’t like it. No, he didn’t like it one bit.
Kagome tilted her head.
“Sesshomaru?
“…”
The once comfortable air was suddenly oppressive and heavy.
“…”
“…”
A sudden gust of whistling wind blew.
A gasp escaped Kagome when she felt a chill from her upper body and realized her predicament. Her heart beat loudly inside her chest. All the blood from her body rushed to her face. Dropping the source of light in her hand, instinctively, her arms hugged her chest, protecting her modesty.
“Hentai!”
He saw, he saw, he saw! the two words kept ringing inside her head like a mantra. He definitely did.
Sesshomaru scoffed, a frown settling on his face, casting shadows on his features.
“Calm yourself, miko. This Sesshomaru has no interest in human… anatomy,” he uttered, a tinge of disgust lacing his voice as he said the last part.
Blue eyes widened, quickly shifting into a frown. Sesshomaru could sense a small flare of her Reiki. If she had been a demon, he was sure that the miko’s eyes would be blood red by now.
The miko confused him… Why was she angry? Was she offended?
“Liar.”
That single line confirmed his suspicion.
A sneer appeared on his lips, sharp, white fangs revealing themselves. “You test my patience, Miko.”
Kagome didn’t reply, but her glare intensified. Blue eyes against golden ones stared at each other, unblinking, a silent war going on between them.
She sighed.
“Turn around.” Sesshomaru suppressed a growl from his throat at Kagome’s command. No one commanded him. Yet the miko… His eyes narrowed. Nonetheless, he acquiesced. “Don't you dare peek.”
He gritted his teeth at her audacity. She thinks this Sesshomaru will attempt to spy on her?
Oftentimes, he had heard that he had amazing control over his person. And he would live with that. He had to control himself.
When the miko stepped forward, the damp shirt was already discarded and was replaced with a dark blue one.
Sesshomaru started to walk, not saying a word. His steps were fast and determined. He was in deep thoughts that the miko shouted at him to slow down before he broke from his train of thoughts. Sesshomaru glanced back with a scowl.
“Humans are slow creatures.”
Kagome brushed the stray hair from her face and stood up a little straighter, placing her arm sassily on her hip as she raised a skeptical eyebrow at him. He half expected Kagome to give him a piece of her mind but he was met with a question. “Do you know the exit?”
“The wind,” he stared, pointing at the direction the wind came from. “came from that way”
The pair walked in silence.
The exit was only several meters away from them. Before they could make it to the exit, the Kamis had intervened once more.
The musky, fresh smell of earth permeated the air as rain poured outside all of a sudden, quenching the parched ground. It was no serene rain, it was a raging storm.
“I forgot my umbrella at home,” the miko grumbled.
Oh how the Kamis must be laughing at them.
Sesshomaru knew he could leave. And he was ready to take his leave. Glancing over his shoulder, he knew he couldn’t and it disturbed him.
Elegantly, he flopped himself on the ground, legs crossed, and with his back leaning cooly against a hard stone.
“We camp here tonight,” he decided.
The thought of Inuyasha doing the same for Rin if ever they were in the same predicament comforted his unease. Hanyou as he was, he had honor— and so does Sesshomaru. Yes, that must be it, it was about honor and making it even with his half-brother. The hanyou would protect his ward and he would protect his miko in return.
Sesshomaru was deep in his thoughts that he didn’t even notice Kagome sitting beside him.
“I saw Rin with Inuyasha before the enemy parted us,” Kagome spoke. “Don't worry Sesshomaru. Inuyasha is super strong, he will keep Rin safe.”
His painted lids fluttered shut. “I am aware.”
“Did you just admit that Inuya-“
She didn’t have time to finish her query. The roaring from the sky interrupted her and she let out a yelp.
A hitched breath came from Sesshomaru’s throat. The miko’s arms were wrapped around his neck. She was embracing him. And just like last time, he didn’t know how to react.
Sesshomaru hadn’t been lying when he said her embrace wasn’t unpleasant because he didn’t feel unpleased at the moment— in fact, he was delighted.
She lifted her head demurely, meeting his golden hues. A blush formed on her cheeks. Sesshomaru watched the miko pull herself away from him and sit on her original spot.
Kagome looked at him shyly. Nervous giggling broke out from her.
3
Sesshomaru gritted his teeth as he tried to fight back the pain. His injured leg was unsteady as he struggled to even stand up straight, and on top of that, he had a deep wound on his chest that was screaming at him in agony.
With his back against the tree, Sesshomaru fluttered his lids. The memories earlier that day played inside his mind.
He was patrolling around the northern border of his land when his nose caught something familiar. As he drew near, he could see the hanyou’s group, fighting against a scorpion demon. However, the miko and his half-brother were not around- only the monk, taijiya, the kit and the cat.
With his demonic speed, he leaped through the battle. His booted feet landed on the ground.
He spun and addressed the group. “Leave.”
They nodded and wasted no time to run. The scorpion demon was completely obliterated, but the demon managed to hit him with its accursed poison tail.
A look of understanding was written on his face when he saw four pieces of the broken jewel were on the ground. That explained why it took him longer to dispose of the lowly demon.
Sesshomaru paid his wounds no mind at first for he had great self-healing abilities but as time ticked, he noticed his body was not healing.
A quiet breeze and a familiar scent of fresh wood and lavender hit his nose, prompting him to open his eyes.
The muffled noises fell into his ears like a buzz.
The darkness threatened to overcome him, he could see black at the corner of his eyes. From his trance, he could see the Miko’s worried expression.
Then everything went black.
.
.
.
The unpleasant smell of fish assaulted his senses, bolting him awake. His eyes immediately studied his surroundings. He was inside a hut. Owned by humans, by the smell of it.
His clawed hand ran through the gauze on his chest, feeling it. Someone had removed the poison from his body, that’s for sure. After adjusting his lowered kimono, Sesshomaru left the threshold.
The daiyoukai found himself in a big pile of rocks in the river. The air was refreshing. He sat and watched the sunset; where there is barely enough even for shadows.
A whiff of lavender caught his nose, he did not need to turn to know who it was. He knew whom that scent belongs to.
“You should be resting.”
His eyes remained forward. “I am.”
“You shouldn’t have left the hut. You should be laying down,” she complained. Even though he couldn’t see her, he was sure her brows were furrowed.
“Demons are different from humans. This one feels better now.”
Kagome sighed. He heard her shuffle behind him.
“Why did you save my friends?” This time her voice was low and soft.
“A coincidence. The pest was trespassing my lands and your allies were coincidentally fighting against it.”
A sigh escaped her lips and he was sure the miko rolled her eyes. “Right… right.”
“You do not believe me,” he stated in his usual monotonous voice.
Then the unexpected happened. His mouth went agape. A gentle arm clutched his chest. Shyly, another arm snaked its way on his abdomen.
Sesshomaru felt her hot breath against his nape; he could feel the warmth of her body pressed up against his torso and he could feel her heartbeat.
This time Sesshomaru did not freeze. He felt himself relax in response, going completely languid.
“Whatever your reasons are, thank you. You still saved my friends.”
Sesshomaru did not know what to say. He was overwhelmed. In a good way. He couldn't explain the sudden surge that swelled in his heart. He never felt anything like it before.
He fought back a groan when the miko drew back her arm, keeping it to her side. They facing each other now.
“By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” she said, her voice filled with curiosity.
“What is it?”
“So…” She trailed off. “Do you have any marks on your body?”
Amusement flashed through his eyes. The little miko was curious whether he had demon markings that lay under his kimono and hakama. And the fact that she asked with innocently, with no impure thoughts on her mind was amusing.
“You know the magenta stripes like the one on your cheeks and on your arms.”
A smirk graced his lips.
“Would you like to find out?” He purred.
Then she flushed.
Her face turned into a ripe vermilion shade.
Then, a genuine small smile appeared on his lips.
4
Sesshomaru could smell her salty tears. She was alone in the dark of the night- no weapons; completely defenseless.
His feet prevented him from approaching her. Sesshomaru had an inkling why she was in her current state.
‘It must be the hanyou and his undead lover.’
A pang of ache surged through his chest. He didn’t like seeing her crying. He didn’t like the scent of her being in pain.
“You can come out now,” she suddenly said, sniffing.
“I was not hiding,” he clarified.
“Yeah sure, let’s pretend you were not spying on me behind the tree.” She tried to mask her voice into a teasing one but she failed greatly. Even her voice was betraying her. “Whatever. Come and sit beside me.”
Sesshomaru arranged his sword and sat comfortably beside the miko. Comfortable silence permeated the air as they look at the stars.
“Sesshomaru… have you ever been in love?”
The question was quite unusual. Love, huh.
“...”
Kagome hummed and continued speaking.
“My mama always told me fairy tales when I was young,” she started, eyes still fixed on the stars. “The princess and the prince fall in love. Then they live happily ever after. Why can’t it be like that in real life?”
She clutched her chest. “It hurts, Sesshomaru. Why does love hurt? Love was supposed to be a fairytale, don’t I deserve to live a life of happiness of myth?”
Tears cascaded down her face once more.
“The hanyou isn’t suited for you,” A sob escaped her and he was panicking slightly. He was supposed to be comforting her, not making her feel worse. “You’re too good for him.”
She gazed at him, blue eyes shining with tears.
“You’re right. I have to end this,” she said, determined. “I can't go on being a martyr forever.”
She sighed heavily.
“A wise decision.”
She closed the distance beside them, her head leaning against his shoulders. He basked in her scent. Then her arms wrapped around his hips.
What he did next surprised the miko. He tilted his head and rested it on her head.
A chuckle escaped her. “By the way you haven’t answered my question.”
“This one is unsure how to answer your question,” he admitted.
“Hmm,” she hummed, fluttering her lids shut. “If you’re ready, tell me, okay?”
“Hnn.”
5
It was winter.
Kagome was shivering from the cold. She was marveling alone when a cat demon suddenly pushed her and she fell into the freezing river.
Luckily she had her backpack and a spare of extra clothes. She went to a cave to change and warm herself.
She wrapped herself in her warm clothes and started a fire— but to no avail, she was still shaking badly.
Luckily, a certain daiyoukai was nearby. He found her alone and shaking like a leaf.
“Kagome-sama!” Rin called. Her eyes widened but didn’t say a word. The little girl tilted her head. “Are you okay?”
Kagome nodded, her teeth chattering. A gasped escaped Rin when she touched the miko’s forehead. “Kagome-sama you’re freezing.”
Sesshomaru watched as his young ward settle herself beside the miko.
“Rin what are you doing?” Jaken asked.
She settled her tiny body next to the miko and embraced her
“Why, warming Kagome-sama, of course,” the girl beamed, wrapping her arms around the pitiful shivering miko. “Silly Jaken-sama.”
“My mama always does that to me when I’m cold,” the girl continued, the sadness lacing in her voice apparent. With still shaking hands, the miko rubbed Rin’s small back, comforting her.
Sesshomaru sauntered towards the two women. He took moko-moko off and draped it around the miko and his ward for extra warmth. She looked up at him, eyes wide.
He was about to walk away when Rin spoke again. “Sesshomaru-sama, why don’t you cuddle Kagome-sama as well?”
Innocent as her request is, he could see the glint on her big brown eyes.
Deep inside he was pleased. Pleased that his ward gave him a perfect excuse to be close with the miko.
Jaken’s already large yellow eyes widened as Sesshomaru settled himself beside Kagome. His vassal, fool and useless as he was, knew not to comment on it.
The act was domestic. If someone were to walk in, one would assume they look like a family. Sesshomaru found out the notion was not unpleasant; in fact, he liked it.
The silence descended upon them. The first one to fell asleep was Rin. Exhaustion settled upon Kagome’s shoulders and the drowsiness started to tug at her conciseness. He felt her relax, going completely languid. He also felt her smile as her face was pressed against his forearm.
Happiness burst through Sesshomaru’s chest.
Contented, Sesshomaru fluttered his lids shut.
—
He watched the golden rays of the sun kissing her face. It bathed her in a glow that highlighted her majestic features. At that moment, the miko looked ethereal.
Sesshomaru was hypnotized, as frozen at the moment. She was almost laying on top of his chest, her arms wrapped tightly around his chest.
His beast purred.
He buried his nose on her hair, inhaling her scent.
The miko stirred. She looked at him, eyes squinting. “Sess?”
“Miko.”
Sesshomaru thought she would pull herself away from him, but she did the exact opposite. She held him tighter and buried her face on the curve of his neck.
“G’morning,” she greeted, voice groggy.
“Good morning to you too.”
“Where’s Rin?”
“She’s playing outside.”
She hummed.
“Go back to sleep, miko.”
Once more, sleep knocked on her door.
+1
She was gone.
After wishing on the jewel, she disappeared.
Time had separated them.
Time separated them before Sesshomaru could find an answer to her question.
During those three years, Sesshomaru did not shed a tear; did not show any sign of sadness over her disappearance.
But his chest ached.
He missed her.
He missed her radiant smile.
He missed how her blue eyes lit up every time they talk or banter.
He missed her scent.
And most of all he missed her embrace.
He missed how her gentle arms would wrap around him- the gentleness and the swell in his heart it provide.
The sun shone brightly in the sky.
Sesshomaru decided to pay Rin a visit to the village. In those three years, his ward had grown. She was in between childhood and adolescence. Still, her childish innocence still remains.
He walked inside the hut where Rin resided but it was inhabited at the moment. Sesshomaru could smell the young slayer’s faint scent in the hut.
Rin must’ve gone off with Kohaku. He was conflicted- he wanted his ward to be happy and pursue her heart’s desire but then again she was too young.
Sesshomaru placed his gift on the table and decided to go back. He would catch up with Rin some other time.
Just when he was about to leave, he felt a tug. He followed his instincts and went to his brother’s forest.
He was walking casually, surveying his surroundings.
A light breeze assaulted his nose, carrying a familiar scent of lavender and sandalwood. His eyes widened.
He leaped, wasting no time.
There was no mistake, it had to be her.
It had to be the miko.
It had to be Kagome because if it weren’t he will destroy the damn forest.
His booted foot landed near the well.
Sesshomaru couldn’t believe it.
She was back. Her friends were with her, laughing and exchanging words. She whipped her head in his direction.
Kagome stood, walking four steps away from them.
Her blue eyes met his golden ones. It was the same as he remembered. Clear and blue as the sky.
At that moment, the world revolved around them. He was walking towards her. One step at a time, maintaining eye contact.
He was right in front of her.
Sesshomaru did what he always longed to do. He embraced her. Her warm body pressed up against his. It felt so right; smelt so right.
The world stopped still on its axis.
He pulled back slightly, one clawed hand settled on her hips while the other one found itself on her cheek, cupping it.
Her mouth opened slightly. Fluttering his painted lids shut, he closed the distance. In that kiss, Sesshomaru poured all his happiness and affection.
At that moment of the kiss, he felt home. He was the first one to pull away.
Kagome’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes glossy, yet she seemed uncertain.
“I do not understand why you would do that,” Kagome spoke to him for the first time in three years. Her voice was soft and low, a whisper carried by the wind. Sesshomaru noticed that her voice more mature now. “This cannot be what you want.”
Sesshomaru caressed her cheeks with his thumb. “Kagome, this Sesshomaru has found an answer to your question.”
Kagome’s heart drummed in her chest as it had never been before. “Tell me.”
“This Sesshomaru has found love,” he stated, his voice missing its usual monotone. It was filled with passion. Pulling the hand on her cheek, he clasped her hand gently. “Right here. With you.”
Kagome leaned forward capturing his lips. The emotion of the kiss a thousand loving thoughts condensed into one moment.