The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Bath

Chapter 55 - The Bath *Sprinter* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Kagome, Sango, and Shippo walked into the enclosed spring, thrilled to have it all to themselves. The miko didn't doubt that Sesshoumaru had paid extra for that privilege, which made her feel a tad guilty. He was being so nice to her, and she was acting like he had head lice or something! The girls had already begun to undress when the door slid open. They quickly covered themselves and turned to the entering demoness.

"I brought you supplies," the woman said, amused by their embarrassment. She didn't understand human modesty in the least. Everyone had essentially the same parts, so why bother hiding them? Working at the inn, she had seen more people nude than most, and it didn't faze her. "Do you require assistance?"

Kagome's lips curled up in a half-smile. "No, thanks. I've been able to wash myself since I was four. Five tops."

"Hmph," the demoness huffed before turning and leaving, closing the door harder than necessary on her way out. The taiyoukai had already paid a good bit of money for their food and accommodations, but she had been hoping to earn an extravagant tip.

"I think you offended her," Sango said with a giggle.

"That's too bad. The thought of some stranger washing me creeps me out. No way that was going to happen," the miko replied.

"Yes, I think it would make me uncomfortable, too."

Kagome sighed in pleasure as she lowered herself into the water. "Mmm," she moaned. "By the time I get out of here, I won't even need a massage."

"But you're going to get one anyway. Sesshoumaru went out of his way to arrange it," the slayer said.

"I don't know why he bothered. I mean, do I look that bad?"

"You look very tired, and not just physically. He is trying to pamper you, and you should enjoy it. Not everyone gets a massage provided by the Lord of the Western Land.”

"You're getting one, too," Kagome added.

"Only because we are friends, and you might have found it rude if he hadn't included me," Sango replied.

"I just don't get it," the miko said with a sigh. "Why in the world would he be interested in me?"

"Because he wants to make you his mate, Mama," Shippo said, speaking for the first time.

Kagome rolled her eyes. "You have no way of knowing what he wants me for.” The miko chose not to elaborate and explain that she was concerned he was only interested in sex. The kit didn't need to hear that.

"Sure I do. If he wanted anything else, he wouldn't act the way he is. He's in love with you, Mama. I can tell."

"But it makes no sense! When could he have fallen in love with me? Before he showed up in the village, we had barely spent fifteen minutes together, and none of it good! He tried to kill me and tormented Inuyasha. I shot a few arrows at him. And he was acting weird from the beginning, when he first came to ask for Inuyasha's help. When in the world did he have the time to fall in love?"

"What about love at first sight?" Sango asked.

"He obviously didn't love me at first sight. He doused me in his poison!" Kagome exclaimed. "Besides, that would mean he only loves what I look like, not who I am. I never want to go there again."

"Yup, I was right. Inuyasha definitely did a number on you," Shippo said quietly. "Why not just give him a chance."

"Yes," Sango chimed in. "Give him the benefit of the doubt. He's different somehow. Something changed him. I think it would be wise to give him the opportunity to court you properly, and you'll eventually figure out what it is he sees in you."

"There's nothing to see," the miko said sadly.

"There's plenty to see," Sango said in a comforting tone. "You're beautiful, kind and loving. Generous."

"You're brave and powerful," Shippo continued. "You're wonderful, Mama. How could he not love you?"

Kagome shook her head. "I don't know. It's just all so sudden and confusing.”  She sighed deeply. “Alright, that's enough dwelling. Let's see about untangling that tail, huh, Shippo?" She didn't want to discuss this anymore. It was too uncomfortable, especially considering that her friends seemed to be on Sesshoumaru's side. She didn't want to deal with this. Really, all she wanted was to run home and hide under the covers. The thought of risking heartbreak once again scared the hell out of her.