InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sesshoumaru's Secret Life ❯ Tentative Beginnings ( Chapter 7 )

 

Chapter 7: Tentative Beginnings

 

A few days later Sesshoumaru felt strong enough to start the journey back to the western lands. She would have to walk unfortunately, Ah-Un had been destroyed by Naraku leaving very little for the Tenseiga to be able to bring back. She could not use her demonic powers to fly, even though they were stronger, she was still not up to full strength and did not wish to deplete what energy she had gained. The others had insisted that they accompany her and she had refused the offers to ride the fire cat on principal, she was no weakling and would not be seen as one.

 

They all stopped for a break and lunch not far from a hot springs. Sesshoumaru ate the food that had been prepared. She was pragmatic as far as food was concerned, eating demon and human fare alike. Food was needed to maintain energy and one never knew if or when the next meal would be forthcoming so it was best to eat what was available when you had the chance. Although she had to admit she had really enjoyed those chocolate covered sticks the miko girl had given her, going so far as to eat the whole box causing her brother to throw a fit and the human girl to sit him into the ground at his temper. She certainly hoped to get more of those again.

 

She would have liked to have tried those noodles in the strange cups but her brother guarded those with a ferocity that surprised and amused her so she had let him have his prize. Once in awhile she half heartedly attempted to snitch them from him just to see his reactions, almost laughing out loud when he had clutched the container to his chest as he leapt into a tree with a most ferocious and hilarious scowl on his face.

 

After eating, Sesshoumaru decided to take advantage of the springs. Everyone else had gone off to do their own things so she headed down to the water on her own. She smiled, as there was no one there to see her do so, at the steam coming from the pool, anticipating the feel of its warmth against her skin. Just as she was getting ready to disrobe, the monk appeared out from under the water. The waters scent had covered his when he had been totally submerged.

 

He stood with his back to her not noticing she was there. She stood spellbound watching as the water sheeted and dripped off his body, staring at the drops as they trailed down over the broad shoulders, muscular back, tight rear and strong thighs. She felt her heart beat faster and she swallowed, her throat suddenly feeling rather dry.

 

Miroku turned around, surprised to see Sesshoumaru standing there watching him with a definite look of interest in her eyes. At first he dropped down into the water, his face turning crimson. Sesshoumaru mumbled an apology and turned to leave.

 

“You could join me,” Miroku offered half joking, not one to let an opportunity to flirt pass him by.

 

The teasing tone Sesshoumaru heard stopped her and she frowned in annoyance at the perceived challenge. This Sesshoumaru does not flee from a simple mortal like a frightened peasant girl, if I wish to bathe I will. She turned back around, a bored look adorning her features and disrobed before stepping into the water, internally congratulating herself at the shocked look on the monks face.

 

Miroku thought that his heart had stopped. Sesshoumaru was just stunning and he kept himself under the water to hide his burgeoning arousal. He felt her breasts were a bit small for her tall frame, not understanding that the constant binding she endured had kept them from attaining their full potential. Other than that she was the epitome of female perfection. Slim waist, rounded hips, flat stomach and those stripes running around her one wrist, ankles and the swell of her hips were the most erotic thing Miroku had ever seen. Even her missing arm did not detract from her loveliness in the monks mind. He watched as she seated herself on one of the ledges in the pool across from him, seemingly unaffected and unconcerned to be bathing sans clothing with a naked man.

 

Sesshoumaru pretended to ignore the human male, smirking internally as his obvious discomfort. She dipped her head back into the water to get it wet so she could start the arduous process of cleaning her long hair. When she sat back up she jumped a little in surprise as the monk was sitting beside her. How did he move so quietly, she thought, a bit miffed at herself for showing a reaction to his close proximity.

 

“I could wash your hair for you, if you wish,” Miroku offered, keeping his tone polite and subservient. He realized as he watched her that she would find the task difficult with only one arm and it would allow him to get closer to her.

 

She looked down her nose at him and nodded curtly, granting him permission. Just as it should be, humans were born to be servants. She turned her back to him so he could gain access to the white tresses.

 

Miroku applied the shampoo he had brought with him smiling slightly as he felt Sesshoumaru relax under his touch, closing her eyes. He lathered up the long hair marvelling at how soft it felt in his fingers and then leaned closer to her in surprise. He could hear a soft sound, just barely audible, it almost sounded like a gentle growl. He leaned in a little closer, turning his head with his ear almost touching her back so he could hear better. Then he realized what the sound was, she…she's purring. He grinned happily at the noise he had caused, sitting back up. Never would he have believed that such a pleasant, gentle sound would come from the daunting and cold demon lord of the Western lands.

 

“You can lean back into the water,” he told her as he regretfully finished lathering and cleaning. He couldn't believe he hadn't done something inappropriate like caress that perfect rear. He supposed that maybe that was a good thing, seeing as he enjoyed living.

 

Sesshoumaru ducked down under the water, showing nothing of the internal conflict that was going on within her. She could not stop purring. It had started when the monk had used his talented fingers to cleanse and massage her scalp and hair. She had never in her life purred before and did not even know how she was doing it.

 

Perhaps this was not a good idea, she thought nervously, still trying to stop that noise. She had managed to keep it very quiet so she hoped the human had not heard. She began to feel a tendril of panic at her inability to silence herself when the vibrating sensation stopped, the negative emotion she was experiencing muting the happy sound immediately.

 

She rose out of the water a few feet away from Miroku wanting to put some distance between her and the man that seemed to be able to make her do things that were not normal for her.

 

“Are you okay,” Miroku asked seeing a slight look of tension on her face.

 

“Of course,” she replied haughtily.

 

He smiled at her and again her heart beat a little faster. Now self conscious about being in the springs naked and alone with him she stood to leave.

 

“Have I offended you, lord Sesshoumaru?” Miroku asked, not wanting her to go.

 

“No,” she replied. Glancing over at him she asked, “What are your intentions monk?”

 

“My intentions?” he questioned. “I guess…I would like to know you better,” he stated simply.

 

“To what end?” she asked, sitting back down in the water on the rock beside him.

 

“Not very trusting are you,” Miroku stated matter of factly.

 

“I suppose I am not. Trust is something that must be earned,” she returned to him looking into his eyes.

 

“Uh…yeah,” he replied nervously. He wasn't able to read her expression at all but he knew she was quite serious. He was again entranced with her eyes, so lovely, to hide all this beauty under the guise of a man…how sad. “Can I kiss you?” he asked suddenly.

 

“Is this a way to get to know me better, as you put it?” she questioned, suddenly feeling nervous and shy. Why do I feel such things? This is unacceptable, she berated herself. I have no need to fear a kiss.

 

“I'm sorry, perhaps I have overstepped myself,” Miroku returned, suddenly feeling nervous himself at the slight anger he could feel in her aura.

 

“You may kiss me,” she replied aloofly.

 

Miroku leaned towards the stiffly waiting demon. I think she's nervous, he thought with some astonishment. I suppose, that would make sense; having to behave as a man would not lend itself to kissing one. He cupped her face gently with his hands and pressed his lips to hers chastely in a quick kiss. He pulled back to interrupt her reaction, which in the case of the stoic lord was sometimes very hard to do. He kissed her again when she leaned in towards him, and began to feel slightly light headed at the sensations of her soft lips against his returning his kiss. He touched his tongue to her lips to deepen the kiss but suddenly she wasn't there.

 

Sesshoumaru pushed away from the monk trying to control her breathing and heart rate which, for some reason, had become quite erratic. The kiss she had received caused feelings of longing and want to well up within her, feelings which frightened her at their intensity and at the lack of control they were causing her. What is this? Why do I feel this? She tried to hide her confusion behind her normal cool, uncaring exterior. “I…I should leave,” she stammered slightly as she stood, cursing herself inwardly for not being able to maintain her icy demeanour.

 

Miroku stood as well and took hold of her wrist as she tried to leave. She looked at his hand on her wrist and then at him, narrowing her eyes in anger. Her eyes opened wide when he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Thank you,” he sighed, “for the kiss.” He grinned and released her arm.

 

Sesshoumaru didn't know what to say, she blushed and then turned trying not to be too hasty in her exit. She donned her clothing and glanced back at the monk who was still standing in the water, that strange, warm feeling overtaking her again before she walked away into the forest.

 

Miroku grinned hugely, well, I'm not dead. This is a good start. He dressed and walked leisurely back to the camp, unable to take the goofy smile off his face.