A Demon's Journey: Love Beyond Time

Chapitre 9: A Mother touch

As the days turned into weeks, the dynamics of their little group began to shift and settle into a comfortable rhythm. With each passing moment, she found herself more at ease in her role, not just as a companion to Sesshomaru but also as a protector and caregiver to Rin. The bond between them deepened, solidified by their shared experiences and the growing trust that formed like a fragile thread woven into the fabric of their lives.

"Nezuko! Look at this flower!" Rin exclaimed one bright morning, her eyes wide with excitement as she crouched near a patch of vibrant blossoms. The sunlight danced through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground.

She smiled, her heart swelling at Rin's delight. "It's beautiful, isn't it? You have a good eye for flowers, Rin." She knelt beside the young girl, admiring the delicate petals that swayed gently in the breeze.

Rin beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "Can we pick some for Jaken? He'll be so grumpy if we don't bring him something!"

"Of course," she replied, her voice warm and playful. "But we should also gather some for Sesshomaru. He might like them."

The suggestion made Rin giggle, and as they picked flowers together, Nezuko felt a warmth spread through her chest. It was moments like these that reminded her how fulfilling it felt to care for someone. The innocence of Rin's laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with joy—it felt like a balm to her own lingering wounds.

Unbeknownst to them, Sesshomaru observed from a distance, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. His golden eyes followed Nezuko as she deftly tied the flowers into small bouquets, her movements graceful and deliberate. There was an elegance to her that captivated him, an aura of warmth that drew Rin closer.

She moves like a mother, he thought, his expression softening imperceptibly. Protective, nurturing. A stark contrast to the harshness of this world.

He had traveled across many lands, witnessed countless battles, and seen the aftermath of destruction far too often. But watching Nezuko take care of Rin stirred something within him—an appreciation for the gentler aspects of life that he had often overlooked. It reminded him of the times Rin had needed comfort, the moments he had hesitated to show his care.

"Look, Sesshomaru!" Rin's cheerful voice broke through his thoughts as she bounded toward him, holding out a bouquet of wildflowers. "We picked these for you!"

His heart tightened slightly at the sight of Rin's hopeful expression. He had never been one for frivolities, yet something about the gesture tugged at him. "You should not have wasted your time on such trivialities," he said, though his voice lacked the usual bite.

"But they're pretty! Please, just take them," Rin insisted, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

He accepted the flowers, feeling their softness against his fingers. This is the type of bond they have formed. One I had not expected. The thought startled him, yet there was a small thrill in acknowledging it.

Nezuko watched the interaction, a smile spreading across her face. There was something profound in the way Sesshomaru received the gift, a flicker of warmth shining in his otherwise stoic demeanor. He's getting used to this, to us, she thought, feeling a swell of affection for both of them.

Days turned into weeks, and the bond between her, Rin, and Sesshomaru grew more pronounced. The gentle laughter they shared became a constant, filling the spaces that once echoed with solitude.

Every morning, she would rise early to prepare breakfast, a simple task that took on a deeper significance as she began to understand the intricacies of family life. She enjoyed the ritual of cooking, the way Rin's eyes lit up when she brought out steaming bowls of rice or savory soups.

"Thank you, Nezuko!" Rin chirped, taking a big bite. "You make the best food!"

"It's just rice, Rin," she laughed, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "But I'm glad you like it."

Sesshomaru, ever the quiet observer, would sit at a distance, watching them. There was something inherently peaceful about their routine, something that softened the edges of his otherwise hardened heart.

One evening, as they prepared to rest for the night, Rin began to fret over the appearance of a storm brewing in the distance. The sky darkened, clouds swirling ominously.

"Nezuko, what if it rains?" Rin's voice trembled slightly, her eyes wide with worry.

"It will be okay, Rin. We can huddle under the trees if it gets too bad," she reassured, wrapping an arm around the little girl.

Sesshomaru approached, sensing the girl's anxiety. "Rin, if the storm becomes too fierce, we shall find shelter in the caves nearby. There is no need for concern."

Nezuko looked at him, surprised by the gentle firmness in his voice. It was rare for him to show such warmth, and she felt her heart flutter at the way he cared for Rin.

"Thank you, Sesshomaru," Rin said, relief washing over her face. "You always know what to do."

That night, as the storm raged outside, they found themselves sheltered in a cave. The sounds of rain pattered against the entrance, creating a soothing backdrop as they sat close together, huddled against the chill.

Rin quickly fell asleep, her head resting comfortably against Nezuko's shoulder. She smiled softly, brushing a hand over Rin's hair.

"You have grown fond of her," Sesshomaru remarked quietly, observing the tenderness in her gesture.

"Of course," she replied, her voice low. "She's become like family to me."

He shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You care for her as if she were your own."

She turned her gaze toward him, surprised by the weight of his words. "Is that so wrong? She deserves all the love and care we can give her."

Sesshomaru regarded her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "In this world, emotions can be a liability. Love can lead to loss."

"But it can also lead to strength," she countered, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "It gives us purpose, a reason to fight and protect."

"You may be right," he conceded, though there was a flicker of doubt in his gaze. "But know this—if you allow emotions to cloud your judgment, it could cost you everything."

"I won't let that happen," she vowed, her voice steady. "I'm strong enough to protect what matters to me."

Sesshomaru's gaze softened ever so slightly, a subtle acknowledgment of her resolve. "Very well. Just remember, I will not always be able to shield you from the consequences of such feelings."

"I understand," she replied softly, her heart racing at the underlying implication of their conversation.

As they sat in the dim light of the cave, the rain drumming a soothing rhythm outside, she felt a connection between them deepen—a bond forged through shared experiences, struggles, and an undeniable understanding of each other's burdens.

In that moment, she realized that they were both learning from each other, bridging the gap between their worlds and emotions. And perhaps, in time, they would both learn to embrace the strength that came from vulnerability—together.