Eluding Time (Sesshomaru & Kagome)

CHAPTER 8

My stomach grumbled; the foods served in front of me are all human food. I started eating silently, alone in the long dining table. I didn't see Jin earlier when I took a walk in the garden.

"You're here!"

I closed my eyes for a second. Then I opened it only to see him sitting across me. His calm face is lightening the atmosphere of this abandoned place.

"Do you like the food? Tell me if you want anything else." He started eating a piece of bread. I find him glancing at me from time to time.

I wiped my mouth before drinking water. The only sound I hear is his munching and the footsteps outside the dining hall. I waited for him to finish eating.

"Can we talk?" I asked.

He halted from standing up, he sighed and sat down again. "About the shards? They're fine. I can keep them safe."

"It's not about the shards. You know something about me, right?"

His expression visibly shifted into a blank look. I stared back at him, giving the same intensity. I can feel where the shards are and I'll be the first one to know if they're taken by an evil demon.

"I don't think I understand what you're saying, Kagome. I'm only helping you because an important person for me asked to keep you safe."

My curiosity spiked up once more. Who could that be? "Who are you talking about?"

He shook his head. "I don't have to tell you, Kagome. You'll learn about it when time comes."

I leaned back on the chair, concentrating and thinking over his words.

Is it Inuyasha? Sesshomaru? I doubt it's either one of them. Why would they want to keep me safe? I don't like Inuyasha anymore and I'll never like Sesshomaru.

"I have something to show you," he announced, beckoning me to follow.

We both stood up and left the dining hall. He walked silently beside me while I survey my surroundings. This castle is built with class and elegance screaming in every corner. I'd want to stay here forever if the people I love will be here, too.

"This is the room you're supposed to stay at. But I think you wouldn't want it as of now."

I entered the room he opened. I gasped at the sight of neatly stacked books in a shelf as tall as me, beside it is the door to a balcony. There are also paintings on one corner, they were backs of someone I can't recognize. My eyes darted at the large red bed. Its mattress is soft and looks expensive.

"Whose room is this?" I asked Jin who's standing by the door.

"Yours," he shrugged. "I have another thing to show you."

I followed him outside, closing the room's door behind me. Our footsteps echoed through the hallway. I don't think there are people here aside from us and the guards. The place is overwhelmingly big and spacious.

Jin stopped, I looked over his shoulder to see an open space. It's a garden with trees around it. I silently watch the little butterflies fly around the patch of flowers. The place looked magnificently peaceful.

"This is beautiful," I whispered. Jin glanced at me, moving to the side and extending his hand towards the garden.

I went ahead and sat under the shade of a tree in the middle. There's a small swamp on the side, with lotus flowers on the water. I smiled warmly at the peacefulness of the place.

Jin sat beside me, his back is rested on the tree. I can't move away even though I barely know him. I'm not supposed to trust anyone but his presence is comforting. Like spending some time with an old friend.

"It's been too long," he whispered.

I looked at him, thinking that he may had encountered something earlier in the morning. I let my hands run through the grass, its coolness is almost relaxing.

"Is it always like this?" I asked.

He glanced at me before closing his eyes again. "What do you mean?"

"The weather is hot but the wind is cold. Is it always like this in a sea nearby?" I explained.

He smiled, keeping his eyes closed. "Yeah, it's cool right? I'm glad I was saved and lived here."

I listened to his sentiments. They were all interesting, yet I still notice his hesitation to tell the whole story. I didn't try to make him talk about it. I understand that there are things people need to keep for themselves only.