Sesshomaru stood tall in front of her, his face and body glowing in the moonlight. His silk hair glistening in the light as the wind blew it slightly into movement. He watched as her eyes widened. Kagome looked up at him in awe.

"Miko" He spoke softly as if his words might break the spell. "Your voice is pleasant, yet your song is sorrowful, what plagues you?"

Kagome regarded him and looked down at the grass. "Oh, the usual." she said playing it off as the last of her tears fell down her face, she didn't wish to cry in front of him, again.

Sesshomaru bent down and gently wiped the tear away from her chin. Kagome gasp at the sudden touch and closeness of the great demon lord.

"The usual?" Sesshomaru said casually examining her crystal tear then looking back down at her, waiting for more of an explanation than the one she gave.

Kagome blushed at his odd and almost affectionate action. She knew she had spoken to him before of her sorrows but she didn't want him to think ill of her.

However, she felt he would not let this matter go until she told him.

"I miss my family." She said simply, which was the biggest part of her sadness. There was no need to tell him about her other troubles.

Sesshomaru looked at her meeting her eyes. He then straightened just to sit down next to her and lean on the well as she did.

"This is still painful for you." Sesshomaru said. It was a statement not a question.

Kagome looked away from him. "You must think I'm pathetic." Kagome said bitterly she could not help how she felt not even if Sesshomaru demanded she not feel that way anymore.

"You assume too much, miko." Sesshomaru paused as she looked at him in surprise.

"I do not view you as 'pathetic'." Sesshomaru stated dropping his honorific. Kagome looked at Sesshomaru in new light. He didn't think she was weak? Pathetic?

"Your sorrow could make you weak, especially if shown in front of one's enemies yet you do so only in seclusion." Sesshomaru said looking up at the moon.

He glanced to the side at her.

"Do not think yourself as weak, for you are not." He finished.

Kagome's eyes widened and looked up at Sesshomaru. He turned towards her and kept her eyes captive in his golden hues. Kagome's heart sped up, she had never been so close to him before. He was so beautiful, yet strong and masculine. She sighed wistfully as he broke the spell and turned away.

Kagome, heart still hammering, forced her eyes away from him. What was she thinking? Because he was suddenly being nice and he was pretty didn't mean she could 'like' him. She shook herself and looked up at the moon.

"Seems your suffering has subsided." Sesshomaru said. Shifting to stand, he felt a tug on his sleeve. Looking down he noticed the miko hanging on almost desperately like it was her only life line.

"Ah! Oh sorry!" Kagome said hurriedly regretfully letting go of his sleeve. Why did she do that? She had suddenly wanted him stay with her. Like he'd listen to her. She scoffed at herself. She still was feeling sad and didn't want to be alone. Maybe if she asked he'd stay?

Sesshomaru watched the many emotions run rampant across her face. She was certainly a curious thing.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" She asked hesitantly.

He raised an eyebrow at her, he had noticed she had decided.

"Willyoustaywithmeplease?" Kagome said in a rush and closing her eyes tightly afraid of his potential wrath or worse his dismissal.

What? She wanted him to stay with her? Such a statement could be implicated many ways he bemused. He settled on the most likely knowing her naïve innocence.

"Hnn." He rested his back against the wooden well again then looked over at her.

"You wish for this one to keep you company," He paused as relief spread across her face and she nodded.

"Yes, thank you Sesshomaru-sama" smiling at him.

He wondered what she'd do if he informed her of the other implications her words held.

He continued "at night?" He watched with amusement as it clicked in the miko's mind. Her face had a pink tone now.

"No! I mean-! That's not-!" Kagome sputtered. Getting redder.

"I knew of what you meant" Sesshomaru said smoothly and rested his arm on his knee. She was far too naive for her own good but at least she was amusing.

"You! Bah! Whatever!" Kagome said pointing a finger at him then promptly giving up dropping her hand and sighing. She was glad he planned on staying, even if he was a pompous, arrogant demon lord.

Kagome closed her eyes listening to gentle rustle of leaves, it would be fall soon. It had been almost a whole year since she'd seen her family. She missed them terribly. But what was worse is how she knew of what their thoughts would be.

She had never not returned for more than a few months and towards the end of finding and defeating Naraku, she hadn't been home in three months. Now it had been almost a full year. She wished there was some way she could at least tell them she was alive.

An idea sudden came to her. Maybe she could tell them! She turned excitedly and faced the well. Kagome gingerly placed her hands on the edge closing her eyes to concentrate.

Sesshomaru was watching her unusual emotions when she turned and placed her hands on the well. He felt her miko powers rise. He stiffened and sprang up to stand a few feet in front of her, eyes sweeping the area, for unseen threats but there were none. He looked back over at the miko as she clapped her hands.

"Yes! There is some magic in you! Not a lot but maybe enough!" She stood up looking over the edge of the well and placed her hand on one side and readied the other.

Sesshomaru watched as the miko's finger started to glow a soft purple color.

She turned her finger towards the well and place it on the flat edge. The well didn't reject her powers so she moved her finger.

He watched as she bit her lip in concentration as her finger moved. He watched a purple light in the shape of words appeared after each careful stroke of her finger.

Kagome wrote out the words "well closed, I'm ok, love you always" as she finished the last letter she collapsed in exhaustion. She had yet to master her new soul's power.

Sesshomaru hand quickly held on to Kagome's shoulder before she fell into the well. Stupid girl to use her powers until she fainted.

Sesshomaru lightly pulled her till she lay on the dew filled grass then turned to the well to see why she had done such a thing. He blinked. She had used her energy to send her family one last message. He had felt the magic in the well (at least what was left of it) swell, contract then disappear. He looked back at the miko, who was snoring softly.

Sesshomaru thought again about how this miko was an odd creature.

XxxxxxX

Kagome awoke the next morning refreshed and happy. She heard Shippo and Rin in the living room contemplating on going to wake her up. She stretched smiling, and changed into a black T-shirt and jeans. She was very thankful after high school she had started bringing more clothes over and leaving them at Kaede's for extras.

She walked out of her room and was greeted by Shippo and Rin about to open her door.

"Kagome!" they said together happily.

"Well good morning to you both!" she smiled at them patting each of their heads. She looked over to the kitchen thinking of what to make for breakfast, when she noticed several dirtied dishes.

"Did you both already eat?" she asked looking at them.

"Yup!" Shippo said.

"Lord Sesshomaru showed us how to catch some fish then me and Shippo cooked them!" she smiled widely.

"Oh really?"

"Yes mama! I used my fox fire to light the fire and helped Rin cook them! We even made one for you too mama!" Shippo said as Rin handed her a fish.

"Wow! Good job you two! This looks delicious!" Kagome said as they beamed at her. She then took a bite.

"Do you like it Kagome-san?" Rin asked hopefully.

"Tell us Mama!" Shippo said.

Kagome swallowed and laughed. "MMmmm very tasty!" They cheered at her statement and ran outside laughing.

Kagome finished her breakfast and cleaned up the mess the children had made. As she put away the dishes, she noticed the chocolate bar she had saved for Shippo.

In all the excitement of Rin and Sesshomaru visiting she had forgotten to give it to him. Hmm after lunch she thought putting it back in the cupboard.

As she went to walk outside she stopped.

Wait a minute. How did I get back to bed?! The last thing she remembered was going to the well and talking to Sesshomaru... Oh my gosh! Did he bring her back!? Oh, how embarrassing! He was also being oddly 'nice' (at least nice for him) yesterday.

As she thought on how she was going to face him after last night, Shippo and Rin called out for her to join them outside.

Oh well she thought as she walked outside.

XxxxxxxxxxX

"Kikyo are you sure about this?" Inuyasha asked for the hundredth time.

"Kaede is my sister and would wish to know Inuyasha! And what of your friends? You must make amends with Kagome and put this behind us." Kikyo said.

Inuyasha flinched, he had been avoiding the village and especially didn't want to go now that they had found out Kikyo was pregnant. He had hurt Kagome in his choice and he didn't want to rub it in her face.

She was still a very important friend to him. He just didn't know how to act since he and Kikyo married. Kagome had been happy for them and supported him in his choice but he could still smell the sadness on her during the wedding. He did not regret marrying and mating Kikyo. He loved her in a way he didn't Kagome.

"Inuyasha." Kikyo said in a softer voice. "Kagome is happy for you, and forgiving."

Inuyasha ears twitched and drooped, as he turned to look at her.

"She still wants and needs you as a friend as you need her." She said.

"Keh, I know." He said

Kikyo kissed him softly. His eyes widen in surprise, he was usually the one initiating the kiss.

"Now stop acting like a fool and be the half-demon I know and love." Kikyo stated moving from him.

Inuyasha stopped her and pulled her close burying his noise into her soft hair. He loved her scent. She no longer smelled of grave soil, but her natural dried rose scent.

"Fine." He sighed into her hair. He smirked. "But I'm finishing what you started Kikyo." He said growling and pulling her in for a demanding kiss.

Kikyo laughed as they parted both blushing and breathing hard from lack of air.

"Ok Inuyasha you win this time." Kikyo said "but we are going to the village in one week."

"Fine, now come here." Inuyasha said impatiently. Kikyo smiled as she leaned in to kiss her husband again.

XxxxxxxX

When Kagome got outside she glanced around the village looking at the huts then she looked at the stream behind the huts across from hers. No sign of Sesshomaru. She sighed in relief. It was too early for her to deal with that.

Kagome had never been a morning person, and it took at least thirty minutes for her to fully wake up. Well by 'fully awake' she meant dealing with the crazy things in this era. Although nothing wakes you up more than a demon trying to eat you...

Kagome walked over to where Shippo and Rin were playing 'Ring around the Rosie'. She had taught them how to play a few months ago.

Shippo and Rin grabbed her hands pulling her towards them.

"Play with us Kagome-sama!" Rin said

"Yea!" Said Shippo.

Kagome laughed and allowed herself to be pulled around in a circle with them.

"ok ok!"

Ring around the Rosie,

Pocket full of posy,

Ashes ashes

We all FALL DOWN!

As they sang they danced in a circle. And when Shippo and Rin shouted fall down they pulled Kagome down with them. They giggled as Kagome laughed and rubbed their heads.

"You both sure are silly today!" Kagome said looking at them in amusement. "And chipper!"

"And loud." Sesshomaru said glancing at her before looking down at the children.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin said beaming up at him.

Sesshomaru listened to Rin tell him about the game as Shippo nodded and gave input.

Kagome was quiet. She had seen him glance at her, and remembering last night, she blushed. She looked away trying to find a distraction. Or maybe a hole she could crawl in...

"Lord Sesshomaru, do you know of any games?" Rin asked hopefully

"Hnn." Sesshomaru noticed Kagome gingerly slipping away she had almost reached her hut when she stopped and looked over at them.

'Does Sesshomaru know any games?' Now that is a funny thought. Kagome stifled a giggle at the thought. The great demon lord playing ring around the Rosie, or any game was a kind of hilarious.

"Games?" Sesshomaru questioned the children.

Kagome walked over, she highly doubted he knew of any games so she'd 'rescue' him from the pleading look of the young duo. Maybe in doing so it would repay him for last night and he wouldn't mention it again, ever.

"Hey Shippo, Rin, I'm sure Lord Sesshomaru is too busy to learn any games, but I have one I can teach you."

Two sets of eyes looked from Sesshomaru to Kagome. Sesshomaru looked down at the kit. There was one 'game' that could help him learn how to become less dependent. His father had introduced this game to him many years ago, in his youth.

"Ok..." Shippo said a bit disappointed, he was curious if Sesshomaru knew of any games. Not involving killing anyway... He shuddered. Yes, Kagome's games were much more fun than that thought.

"Come on Rin!" Shippo said pulling on Rin's arm to get her to follow him.

Rin was looking up at Sesshomaru sadly. Had Lord Sesshomaru not ever played games? That's sad. She thought.

"This one knows of a game." Sesshomaru said shocking all three of the on lookers.

"Really?" Shippo asked a little hesitant on playing one of the Daiyokai games.

"Yay! Tell us tell us!" Rin cheered dancing in a little circle.

"Onigokko." Sesshomaru said

"Onigokko?" Shippo asked. "What's that?"

"The hunter must catch the prey."

"Oh! That sounds fun!" Rin said glad her lord game was a good one.

"I want to be hunter!" Shippo declared puffing out his chest.

"Sesshomaru-sama, Kagome will you play with us?" Rin asked the adults.

"Yea! Please!" Shippo said

"Ok! I don't mind playing tag with you both!" Kagome said. "Oh, I mean Onigokko!"

Sesshomaru looked at her quizzically. Did she have this game in her time?

"What about you lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked again.

"Hnn." Sesshomaru replied.

"Yay!" Rin cheered.

"Aw man he's going to be impossible to catch!" Shippo said.

"He's not the only one you can't catch!" Kagome taunted playfully as she ran.

Rin raced off after her, leaving Sesshomaru and Shippo watching them sprint off.

"Aw man that's cheating!" Shippo said about to run after them. Sesshomaru stopped him putting a hand in his shoulder.

"Let them run." Sesshomaru said.

"Huh?" Shippo looked at him confused. Wasn't the point of the game to catch them?

"You are the hunter." Sesshomaru said spreading out his senses finding Rin and Kagome easily.

"As the hunter, you must stalk your prey. And wait for the moment to pounce." Sesshomaru finished.

"How do I do that?"

"You are a demon. Use your abilities." With that Sesshomaru disappeared from his view.

Shippo looked around Sesshomaru was nowhere in sight. Then trying to focus, he tried to use his yokai to sense them. He closed his eyes but he couldn't manage to get past a few feet of himself.

He sniffed he thought this was going to be fun but he couldn't use his yokai much yet. Wait! He sniffed. I can find them with my nose! He smirked evilly. And I can use my fox magic to sneak up on them.

Kagome hid a few yards away from the edge of Inuyasha's forest. Rin looked around the tree she hid behind.

"Is he not going to play?" Rin asked

Kagome copied Rin looking around her tree. She didn't spot her kit. That's odd she thought. Surely, he would have reached them by now. She spread out her senses to located Shippo. Hmm she found his aura a few yards away approaching Rin. Huh. He's using his skills, good. Kagome started sneaking off deeper in the forest.

"Where are you going Kagome-san?" Rin asked turning walking out of her hiding place.

"Better run Rin!" Kagome laughed as she watched Shippo pounce and grab Rin's hand.

"Ack!" Rin said surprised.

"I gotcha!" Shippo shouted gleefully.

"Hmph no fair!" Rin said but smiled and began to chase Shippo back towards the village.

Kagome laughed watching them run off. She sighed they were growing up so fast. Shippo had grown three inches in the last few months. She wondered how demon aging worked for kitsune. She knew inu ( or at least half demons like Inuyasha) it took 200 years just to get to about 17 or 18 Human years. Shippo was only 55. Rin was also growing up quickly, she had just turned nine.

"Amused miko?" Sesshomaru said from behind her.

"AH! Sesshomaru!" Kagome said turned quickly to face him. "sama! Sesshomaru-sama!" She added at the look he gave her at the lack of honorific.

He chose to overlook her outburst and looked past her towards the village.

"Miko you are coddling the kitsune." He said not looking at her.

"What?!" Kagome said turning towards him. "I am not!"

"Tell this one then, what have you taught him other than useless games?"

"What! They aren't useless! Well maybe a little" she added as Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her.

"But they are fun! Everyone kid needs to have fun once and awhile!" Kagome said putting her hands on her hips.

"Hnn, 'fun' will not save him from getting attack by other demons." Sesshomaru said firmly.

"Well no but he's learning about that when he trains at the kitsune school right?" Kagome asked. Now that he mentioned it she really didn't know what all was taught to Shippo at his school.

"Kitsune training is to do with tricking humans and controlling his yokai in doing so." Sesshomaru paused as Kagome took in this knowledge. Did she not think to ask her kit what he was learning?

"Traditionally, the kits parents would teach him." He finished looking down on her.

She might 'mother' him but the kit needs more than what she had given to him. The kit would surely not last very long if attacked.

"Oh." Kagome looking away from Sesshomaru at the ground. She hadn't thought of that.

She had been teaching him how to read and write as well as simple math, but nothing really on surviving by his self. It would of been her fault had something had happened to Shippo. She had been so preoccupied with the defeat of Naraku, then after the well closing. She had been useless. She was so busy mourning her family, she had been lax at being a mother to Shippo.

"Thank you." Kagome said not looking from the ground. "for telling me"

"Hnn."

She suddenly looked up at him. The game! Sesshomaru had been helping Shippo!

"And for the game!" She exclaimed smiling at him.

Sesshomaru scoffed and looked from her to somewhere in the distance.

"What made you think of this?" Kagome wondered why Sesshomaru had a sudden interest in Shippo's training. He hadn't ever mention anything like this before.

Sesshomaru paused looking at her.

"Your kit nearly fell to his death." Sesshomaru said.

"Wh-WHAT!?" She looked at him in panic. "How?! He never mentioned that!"

"Fox magic is fickle, if the kitsune loses focus his form will change as it did when Rin and this one approached your village."

"Ah, I see." she sighed. Wait. Does that mean Sesshomaru saved Shippo? "Was it you? That saved my Shippo then?"

"Hnn."

Kagome bowed to the Demon Lord. "Thank you Lord Sesshomaru for saving my kit."

Sesshomaru regarded her nodding. At least she knew how to do some things correctly.

"I guess that means I owe you one!" Kagome said smiling at him.

"Two." Sesshomaru said looking down at her.

"Huh? Two?" Kagome watched as Sesshomaru expressionless face seem to hold a spark of amusement.

Sesshomaru thought back to the following night.

XxxxxxX

-Flashback-

XxxxxxX

Sesshomaru straitened and turned to leave the miko. She should know better than to use all her powers at once. She must have slacked off during this time of peace. No matter it was none of his concern.

A flash of Kagome smiling up at him moments before crossed his mind. He looked back down at her. Rin and the kit would be upset if something would to happen to her. Making up his mind, he picked up the miko carrying her in front of him. Her snoring stopped and she leaned into him. He thought again of how beautiful she was, for a human at least.

He leapt in the miko's room through the window not needing to hear the questions Rin and the kit would ask if they saw him carrying the miko.

Sesshomaru placed her on her futon and tossed the blanket over her returning to his place by the children in the common room.

XxxxxxxX

-end of flashback-

XxxxxxxX

Instead of answering he asked "How did you sleep miko?"

"Fine I gu-!" Kagome face now resembled a tomato realized what he referred to.

"Uh, um, yea thanks for, uh that too." She said as she looked everywhere but at him.

"Try not fall asleep in anymore odd places miko."

"Oh, look its almost lunch time! Better go make something, kay bye!" Kagome said quickly running off towards her hut. Or was she really running away from Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru watched her run from him. Ironic she hadn't ever done so before. She stayed when he had tried to kill her, but runs away when mentioning something that embarrasses her.

Yes. He thought. The miko was indeed amusing.