A Demon's Journey: Love Beyond Time

Chapitre 10: Meeting Kagome

Days slipped by, their routine becoming a comforting balm against the chaos of the world outside. Nezuko found joy in small moments with Rin, and an unspoken bond had developed between her and Sesshomaru, a connection that neither of them fully acknowledged. Yet, the subtlety of their gestures, the way their hands would brush against each other when they passed supplies, and the lingering glances they shared began to form a tapestry of unspoken affection.

One morning, the sun bathed the forest in a golden light as they packed their belongings. The air was crisp, and a sense of anticipation hung thick with the promise of new adventures.

"Are we going to visit the village today?" Rin asked, her voice bright with excitement as she tied her hair into a ponytail.

Nezuko smiled, nodding. "Yes, but remember to stay close to us, okay?"

"I will! I want to see the villagers!" Rin beamed, her eyes sparkling with eagerness.

Sesshomaru watched them, a hint of something akin to fondness flickering in his golden eyes. "We will visit for supplies only. Do not stray from my side, Rin." His tone was firm, but there was an undercurrent of warmth that made Nezuko's heart swell.

As they made their way toward the village, Nezuko couldn't shake the feeling of excitement bubbling within her. Today would be different; today, they would encounter Kagome and her group. It had been some time since the battle against Naraku, and she hoped to gather more information about the current state of affairs.

The path wound through the trees, and as they approached the village, the familiar sounds of life greeted them—children laughing, merchants calling out their wares, and the distant scent of fresh food wafting through the air.

Suddenly, they heard voices nearby.

"Kagome, wait up!" shouted a familiar voice, and the figure of Inuyasha rushed forward, his silver hair gleaming in the sun.

"You're always in such a hurry, Inuyasha!" Kagome's voice carried a hint of playful irritation as she tried to keep pace with him.

Nezuko felt a pang of nervousness—this was it.

They stepped into view, and Kagome's gaze landed on them first. Her eyes widened with surprise. "Sesshomaru? And... who is this?"

Rin bounced forward, practically vibrating with excitement. "Kagome! This is Nezuko! She's super strong and helps take care of me!"

Nezuko knelt beside Rin, wrapping an arm protectively around her shoulders. "It's nice to meet you, Kagome."

Kagome stepped closer, examining Nezuko with curiosity. "Nice to meet you too! I've heard a lot about you, especially after the fight with Naraku. You fought valiantly!"

Inuyasha's expression darkened slightly as he crossed his arms, looking between Sesshomaru and Nezuko. "So, you're the demon who's been traveling with the Lord. You don't seem like a threat."

Sesshomaru remained stoic, but the faintest hint of approval glimmered in his eyes as he watched Nezuko handle the situation.

Nezuko smiled softly at Inuyasha. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to help Rin and assist in the fight against any remaining threats."

Kagome nodded appreciatively, her demeanor warm and welcoming. "It's good to have more allies. The fight against Naraku was tough, and we need all the help we can get."

Nezuko felt a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you. I'll do my best."

As the conversation continued, Sesshomaru remained slightly detached, though he seemed to be observing Nezuko's interactions with the group closely. A part of him felt possessive, a feeling he tried to suppress. Why does it matter to me?

Rin, always eager to engage, interrupted. "Can we have a picnic? We can sit by the river!"

Kagome's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea! What do you think, Inuyasha?"

He shrugged, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, whatever. Just don't take forever."

Sesshomaru glanced at Nezuko, his expression unreadable. There was something undeniably familial about how she and Rin interacted, and it stirred a protective instinct within him.

"I will not allow Rin to stray far from us, especially near the river," he said, his voice commanding.

Nezuko looked up at him, surprise flashing across her face. "Of course, Sesshomaru. I wouldn't let anything happen to her."

The warmth in her voice seemed to settle over him like a cloak. It was a reminder of the delicate balance they had established, and in that moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to protect both of them.

As they set up the picnic by the river, laughter echoed around them, creating an atmosphere of light-heartedness. Nezuko and Rin prepared a small spread of food, and Kagome offered to help, sharing tales of their adventures and the challenges they faced after Naraku's defeat.

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Sesshomaru watched as Nezuko and Rin shared a piece of sweet fruit, their laughter mingling with the soft sound of the river flowing nearby. She fits in so easily, he thought, his heart tightening at the sight.

Inuyasha, noticing Sesshomaru's focus on Nezuko, smirked. "You look a little too interested there, brother."

Sesshomaru's gaze hardened momentarily before he returned his attention to Inuyasha. "I have no interest in your trivialities."

Nezuko glanced over, catching the tail end of their exchange, and suppressed a smile. Are they always like this?

Kagome chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, Sesshomaru. You can't tell me you're not a little impressed by her. She's strong and cares so much for Rin."

He narrowed his eyes but said nothing, and for a moment, Nezuko felt an odd mixture of amusement and admiration for the tension between the two brothers.

As the sun began to set, casting a vibrant orange hue across the sky, Nezuko turned to Sesshomaru, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you for being here, for letting me be a part of this."

He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "You have proven yourself useful. That is all."

Nezuko felt a thrill at his words, though she could sense the underlying affection in his tone. Perhaps he is beginning to understand what it means to have someone by his side, she thought.

With Rin nestled comfortably between them, laughing and chatting with Kagome and Inuyasha, Nezuko felt a sense of belonging. For the first time in this new life, she felt like more than just a specter of her past. She was a protector, a friend, and perhaps—if fate allowed—something more.

In that moment, with the stars beginning to twinkle overhead, the world felt perfect, a fragile moment suspended in time where they were simply a family, enjoying each other's company, unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.