Chapter 16 | Embarrassed

WARNING - This chapter contains descriptions of nudity, which may be a discomforting topic to some readers? Please proceed with caution.

- KYOKO POV -

Before me the fire crackled loudly. After slaying the demon earlier and the incident with my finger, I had abruptly returned back to the Muranaga shrine. The night was cool - the sun still someways out as sign of beginning nightfall.

Lifting up my hand in front of me, I extended it a ways out- examining the cloth that I had wrapped around my finger.

I then felt my face tingle with embarrassment. What caused Sesshomaru to lick the blood off my finger?

Bringing my other hand up, I slowly brushed the top of my hair back messily - sighing aloud. I really need to stop thinking about it. I'm not going to get answers to unspoken questions ...

Looking to my side, I then got an idea after seeing the nearby bucket in the front coroner of the shrine. That's right ... their are hot springs at the bottom of the mountain near the south side ...

Standing up, I then walked over towards the bucket picking it up. Putting it over my arm, I proceed to grab my quiver and bow, as well as a clean robe.

Peering to the side towards the altar where the Muranaga laid - I eyed it hesitantly. It hasn't made a movement in days. It should be fine ...

Putting down my things, I then took out a seal from my pocket, placing it on the Muranagas sheath. Just in case ...

Picking up my things off the floor, I then took off, walking out of the shrine. The demons that usually lurk around here usually try to strike late during the night ... I'll have to be quick.

~

Arriving at the hot springs, I had finally completed my quick trip down the mountain. Placing my bow and quiver on a rock close to the springs, I looked around, feeling my eyebrows lower some. There aren't any demonic auras around here ... I should be fine.

Taking off my Hakama Kimono, I placed it down next to my bow and quiver. Stepping into the springs, the water was warm, the earth allowing my mild headache to start to disappear.

Finding a comfortable position I let myself relax for a moment - until I didn't. Hearing the movement of water from behind a tall rock nearby, I flinched at the sound.

Moving backwards, I extended my hand out, grabbing my bow and an arrow. Placing it quickly on the bow, I stepped quickly towards the rock holding my bow up - ready to hit however was there.

Going around it, I positioned it in front of me. Stopping, I could feel my eyes go wide, my cheeks starting to burn hot.

There in the water - was Sesshomaru. Without his Hakama.

In the moment, I found myself staring at his bare skin. His white hair was like long silk against the water, falling down his shoulders smoothly. The steam around us however - didn't hide much of his lower half ...

Still frozen in shock, Sesshomaru's golden eyes moved towards me, then away. Peering down at myself - I noticed I was also still bare.

"Oh my -" Dropping into the water with a splash, I quickly turned around covering my arms over my chest in a hug - dropping my bow in the water.

W - why did I look for so long?! How did I not sense his presence?!

Bringing my hands up to my face I covered it. Either it was the heat or collected warmth from the hot springs - my face was burning hot.

Moving forward, I needed to get out- I need to leave. Stopping, I froze, feeling a small tug on my hair.

Peeking through an opening in my hands, I looked back. Holding his usual blank stare and stoic eyes, Sesshomaru was now behind me and had collected stands of my black hair in his hand, holding it. Taking my hands off my face I put them back over my chest, moving my head over to face behind me.

"Let Go." I said trying to think of a way to get out of this situation.

Lifting up stands of my hair, Sesshomaru brought my hair close to his nose, then away.

W-why is he smelling my hair?!