Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do however own a lot of merchandise.

Day 1:

Crazy 8's

Kagome woke to a ray of pale sun light hitting her in the face. She got up off the futon Keade let her borrow for her stay. Inuyasha wanted her to stay with him in his hut. She said she'd be a lot more comfortable with Keade. He let it go after being sat a couple of times.

She stretched out, feeling her spine line up. She looked around the already empty house. Kagome got up, made her bed, and grabbed her supplies she still had in her big yellow pack. Stepping outside, she was assaulted by a ball of red fluff. She grinned ear to ear. Kagome also got one in return.

"Kagome! You stayed!" Shippo exclaimed cheerfully as he hugged her tight.

"Good morning to you too, Shippo." She ruffled his hair and set him on her shoulder.

"Where is everyone?"

"Inuyasha went out somewhere with Miroku, and Kikyo is with Keade in the garden. Sango is around here too, but I don't know where." He puffed out his little chest with pride as he answered her question.

"Thank you Shippo. That was very helpful. Why don't you go help Keade with her garden?" She turned her head to give him a smile. He nodded and jumped off her shoulder to do just that.

Kagome shook her onyx tresses. It was a bright morning. Every color and smell seemed to be enhanced by the sun's rays. She took a deep breathe and let it out slowly.

The air here is still so clean. I'll miss this place. Inuyasha better hold to this deal.

Kagome let out a sad sigh. She started to walk to the stream for a very cold, very quick bath. Birds sang in greeting to her as she walked to the river. She heard splashing up ahead and was a bit worried. She ducked behind a bush at the edge of the forest. Kagome peaked over the edge to see Sango already in the water bathing. She let out a breath of relief. Kagome watched as Sango stiffened and ducked down further in the ice water.

"Miroku, if that is you…so help me…." Sango screamed as loud as she could. She was preparing to throw a huge rock. Kagome knew what was to come. She quickly dodged around the bush as a rock crashed in the middle of it.

"Sango-chan! It's just me." Kagome said rubbing the back of her head, the other holding the supplies. She walked to the waters edge, and set down her stuff. Sango let out a little laugh.

"Sorry Kagome-chan, I thought you were the letch." Sango gave her a smile as she sat back down in the water. She wasn't fazed by the cold. Kagome stood up and took off her clothes and stuck a toe in the water. Her spine went ridged, and her teeth clenched together. Sango looked at her strangely.

"H..how can you b..be so calm in this ice c..cold water?" Kagome chattered out. Sango put a hand over her mouth to cover the smile that was still there.

"I've been training all morning. This is very refreshing after the strenuous workout." The mirth was evident in her tone.

Kagome just stood there stalk still. She was contemplating whether or not to actually take a bath. Without warning it was decided for her. In a flash, Sango had grabbed her by the hand, and pulled Kagome all the way in the water. When Kagome surfaced she was met with a stern look on Sango's face. She knew that face. On instinct both girls hid further under the water to cover themselves. Neither one breathed.

They were both looking at the bush where Kagome had come from. Kagome held her breath as Sango lobbed another huge rock at the bush. A loud thump could be heard. Nothing came afterwards. The girls didn't want to get out to check. They were in the middle of the water far from the bank with their gear. Loud shouting was coming closer to the stream. The girls were up to their noses in the water.

"Miroku! Where are you!" Inuyasha yelled as he leaped through the forest heading towards water.

He took a sniff of the air. He picked up Kagome and Sango's scents right away. A growl came from his chest. He found the pervert without even having to pick out his scent. Inuyasha landed just beyond sight of the girls. By a near by bush were purple and black cloth. Another growl came from his chest. He was highly irritated now.

"Miroku! I can't turn my back on you for two minutes! Come'n you bastard!" Inuyasha hollered at the unconscious monk. He hoisted him over his shoulder and took off back to the village. He knew that the girls would want privacy. Plus he didn't feel like being sat.

Both girls stood up in the water. Kagome forgot about the cold as she broke out in laughter. Sango soon joined her. They clutched their stomachs with joy. They soon stopped. Sango sat back down in the water to finish her bath. Kagome followed her example. Kagome looked over to Sango trying to think of what to tell her.

Should I tell her about the bet? I can't tell her about the one with Sesshomaru. Would she take it bad or good? Ohh…I wish I knew what to do…

Sango looked over to Kagome. A number of different emotions played across her features. The most prominent being confusion. After traveling with her adoptive sister, she knew something was bothering her. She was just having a hard time voicing it. Sango shook her head, wet burnt sienna locks sticking to her cheeks.

"Kagome, I know something is on your mind. You can tell me. We've traveled together for along time now. I believe you can trust me." Sango gave her a smile that reached her eyes.

Kagome spun her head to the side to look at Sango. Her thoughts disrupted by Sango's soft but stern voice. She'd have to ask her how she could do that so well. She shook her head. She gave Sango the same smile as she swept her hair up into a wet tangled ponytail. Kagome got a serious look on her face as she came to terms with her decision.

"Sango, you know I trust you with my life. I just don't know how to put my thoughts into words." Kagome sighed and sank deeper into the water.

"So, just blurt it out. It helps to get things out, then to keep them in." Sango motioned for them to get out of the water. Kagome nodded. Each dried off. As they were getting dressed Kagome hit her with it.

"I made a bet with Inuyasha last night." Kagome said as she was putting on her shirt.

"What kind of bet is this that has you so troubled?" Sango put her hair back as she normally does when wearing her kimono.

She turned towards Kagome. Kagome was gathering her things. Kagome didn't want to go back yet. She sat on a near by rock, her supplies at her feet. Sango followed her lead and sat on the ground in front of her.

Sango was a bit worried about Kagome. A simple bet wouldn't have troubled her so deeply. She waited for her best friend to tell her in her own time. Kagome sighed and looked up from her shampoo bottle that had some how captured a lot of her attention. She looked right into Sango's patient eyes.

"I bet Inuyasha, that in two weeks he had to find a reason for me to stay here in this time. If he doesn't I go back to my time and seal the well." Kagome got out in one breath. She took another deep breath and held it in, waiting for Sango's reaction.

Sango was a little shocked. Her milk chocolate eyes grew big. Words failed her. She knew Kagome was waiting for a reply. For the life of her, she couldn't think of anything to say. She opened and closed her mouth, and repeated the action again.

Kagome fidgeted on the rock. Her bar of soap seemed interesting now. All those blue swirls mixed with white. Sango's voice broke her examination of her cleansing bar.

"Well, I really have no idea what to say to that. One thing does bother me, however." Sango put a finger to her lips thinking. Kagome just waited for her to continue.

"How did you two come to make this bet, and why was the bet made to begin with?" Sango questioned with her 'I asked you a question, better answer me' face.

Kagome let out the breath she was holding for the third time. Closing her eyes, she retold all the events of last night. She left out the part of talking to Sesshomaru though. She did not feel like trying to explain that one. Sango listened with baited breath. When Kagome finished her story, Sango just smiled at her. Kagome was relieved to see it.

"That's it? I thought it would be something major." Sango giggled at her friend's nervousness.

"Yeah. Seems foolish huh?" Kagome giggled right back.

Both girls stood up and headed back to the village. They were talking about nothing in particular. The sun was drying their hair as they went. Unbeknownst to them, Inuyasha had told the same thing to Miroku..

Kagome was assaulted by the same red blur as she reached the top of the hill above the village. She grinned at the kitsune pup. She ruffled his hair in a show of her affection. He looked up to her, a devilish smirk showing one fang. Sango shared the same grin watching the two. It turned to all out laughter of all three at the yell that rang out across the rice fields.

"SHIPPO! GET BACK HERE DAMNIT!" Inuyasha bellowed.

Kagome tried to be mad at the little fox, but couldn't. Memories of her first meeting of the furry bundle, made her chuckle. Sango just shook her head as she walked away. She turned back to wave at Kagome and Shippo.

"You will come to my hut tonight for supper?" Sango called back to Kagome in hopes of getting a yes.

"Of course Sango! I'll be there!" Kagome shouted back to her while waving.

Sango nodded and left the two alone. Kagome turned back to the fox child now sitting on her shoulder.

"Shippo, what did you do to Inuyasha?" She tried to suppress a snort, and failed.

"I uhh…uhh, nothing much…" he nervously scratched the back of his head, trying to hide behind his innocence. Kagome just gave him 'the look'. He sighed and jumped off her shoulder heading towards the yelling hanyou.

"I'll just go see what he wants!" He called back to her as he dashed off.

Kagome let out a chortle at all the antics that she came to love so dear. She looked up to the trees that surrounded the little hamlet. The wind danced through the leaves in a playful chase. Birds flittered about amongst the branches preparing for the on coming colder weather. The small woodland creatures fought with them for the nuts that had fallen to the ground.

The whole scene of it all made Kagome wonder if she had the courage now to leave. It still hurt her to know that Kikyo was with Inuyasha. She had to remember that there was Shippo, Sango and Miroku to worry about too. She was ready to leave last night without as much as a word to them. Guilt built up in her stomach.

Can I honestly stay here and watch Kikyo, Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku move on with their lives? Why doesn't it make me as happy as it is supposed to?

Kagome wiped away a tear that had fallen down her pale cheek without her knowing. Her gaze fell from the trees and the freeness of the wilderness. She watched the men in the fields, harvesting the last of the rice that was to last the families till the end of winter. Women were watching the children playing, doing laundry, and preparing lunch. Another tear fell. She didn't bother to wipe it away. They started to flow of their own will.

Kagome sat down on the soft grass and leaves on the hill. Looking down on it all, brought the reality of last night crashing down on her shoulders. Once again a burden had fallen on them. A cross she had to bear on her own once again. She pulled her knees to her chest, and wrapped her arms around them. Placing her face down in the cocoon she made for herself; she wept. All the emotions she had pent up inside, came out with every tear.

Kagome was overwhelmed in her sorrow. She didn't feel the presence of a demon behind her, or a small human. A little hand touched her head. Kagome jumped up in fright. Her breathing was haggard as she looked around her not seeing the little person at her feet. Finally her eyes fell on the little girl and knew who it was. She wiped her eyes and smiled down at Rin.

"Hello Rin." Kagome said as she sat back down in front of the little girl.

Rin beamed ear to ear. "Rin is happy to see Lady Kagome again." Rin pounced into Kagome's lap.

Both girls laughed and hugged each other. Kagome still didn't feel the presence of the taiyoukai. All her worries were swept away with Rin's smile.

"Rin, Shippo will be so happy to see you! He's been lonely."

"Yay! Rin wants to play with Shippo too!" she clapped her little hands together, jumping up and down.

It was at this point Sesshomaru stepped out of the shade of the trees behind her. Kagome sensed him this time. She wasn't scared anymore of him. Since the fight with Naraku, she came to respect the lord. As a fighter and as a man. She knew he was handsome, but her heart still yearned for Inuyasha. That was dying day by day. The more she saw him with her; it took a piece of her heart.

Sesshomaru watched the priestess closely. She was crying when they arrived. Now she was happy and playing with Rin as if nothing was wrong. He skillfully raised an eyebrow and the strangeness of it. Kagome was a definite enigma. During the next two weeks, he was going to find out what makes her act like this. He wasn't going to ask Inuyasha. He may have to be nice to him, but he wasn't going to bond with him at all. Sesshomaru was getting bored quickly.

"Rin, Miko."

With just that one statement both heads turned towards him. It mentally stopped him for one second. Both of them looked so much a like it threw him off. It was the smiles that they had. They were both so full of life and joy. His mask never faltered.

"Sorry Sesshomaru-sama, I was just happy to see Rin." Kagome stood up.

"Rin wants to see Shippo-chan now, please." Rin grabbed her hand, tugging lightly.

"Is it alright if she comes with me to the village?" Kagome asked, looking him right in the eye.

"I'll be back tomorrow." He said as he turned around to leave. Her voice stopped him in his tracks.

"I have another question if I may?" Kagome implored him. He didn't turn around, but she knew he was listening.

"The Fall Festival is in two days. Will Rin and you attend?"

He nodded his head and was gone. Kagome looked down at Rin and smiled taking her hand. They both ran back to the village at top speed. Shippo was so happy to see Rin. The two of them took off to the fields to play after lunch. Kagome skirted around questions from the troupe. Inuyasha on the other hand saw an opportunity. He had ideas for the coming days ahead.

Kagome found the children later on in the same field. Each putting flower crowns on each other. She smiled at the scene. The sun was setting. The sky was sprayed with reds, pinks and golds. She walked over to them. Kagome was quickly assaulted by two small children laughing. Each chibi put a flower crown on her head. Kagome stood up and wiped the dirt from her black capris.

"Cone on you two. Time for us to head back. Sango will be angry if we are late for dinner."

"Okay!" both of them yelled as one. They took each others hand and ran ahead of her.

Kagome was so happy at this very moment. Seeing such life in two so small could do that to her. She followed them back to Sango's hut. Sango was cooking over the fire. Fried fish and rice filled the air. Kagome's stomach growled on impulse. She looked sheepishly at Sango. Sango looked at her and just gestured for her to sit down. A simple nod and a smile was all that Kagome needed to be persuaded to. Everyone was served and began to eat in peace. A question was nagging at Kagome. She saw Sesshomaru and Rin together. No sign of that annoying toad.

"Rin, where was Jaken? I didn't see him with you or Sesshomaru today." Kagome looked at the girl for a response. Rin swallowed the last of her rice. She looked up to Kagome with her toothless grin.

"Jaken was with Ah-Un at Sesshomaru-sama's camp. He was happy to be rid of Rin." She said unfazed by her statement.

"Thank you Rin-chan."

The small group finished their meal in silence. After awhile the children had fallen asleep on Kagome's lap. Sango and Kagome were talking about plans for her up coming wedding to Miroku. Kagome began to nod off. Sango shook her head at the sight.

She'll make a great mother one day. I wonder how Inuyasha is going to get her to stay here. I am going to find out what it is.

Sango stood up and walked over to Kagome. Without waking the children she woke Kagome up with a slight shake. Neither one said a word. Kagome took Rin, and Sango grabbed Shippo. They both carried them to Sango's futon for the night. Kagome gave Sango a hug and left to go back to Keade's.

Kagome's bed was already made. She turned her head to the left and saw the old miko already asleep. She yawned and pulled out her PJs. After dressing for the night, she climbed into bed. Sleep took her as soon as her head hit her pillow.

AN: Read and Review please. (gives big puppy dog eyes)