Traveling Companions

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Kagome walked carefully between Inuyasha and the daiyoukai lord that was now their ally. He made her nervous. The way that he stared so intently, but didn't say a word. Rin and Jaken were the only ones he talked to, and even that was infrequent. Kagome looked over her shoulder at the stoic silver lord and nearly squeaked when she saw his stony gaze was on her. Kagome turned her eyes away quickly, and trotted over to Rin.

"Why is he like that?" The miko blurted without thinking.

"Like what?" Rin asked her new companion.

"He is so quiet all the time, and he stares like he could bore a hole through you." Rin giggled softly, and Kagome saw Inuyasha ear twitch slightly.

"It's just how he is. He is a thinker, and he has much to consider." Rin added sweetly.

"Oh." Kagome was more confused then ever.

When the group stopped to make camp for the night. Everyone went about their usual routine. Kagome starting the fire and began preparing for dinner, while Miroku gathered additional firewood with Shippou. Sango help to clear the campsite and set up sleeping arrangements. Sesshoumaru watched closely as everyone did their part. Inuyasha even left to retrieve some meat for dinner that night. He listened carefully as his half brother fumbled through the woods making so much noise that he gave in and rolled his eyes. Although quiet by human standards, the hanyou was making a racket by demon standards. Kagome was removing the kettle from her pack and the tea that she had prepared at their first meeting. When Inuyasha had stepped on another branch and the faint creak reached his ears Sesshoumaru decided to intervene. With a flash he was gone from the campsite. Kagome looked around noticing his lack of presence, and wondered what had happened. She sighed to herself and continued to begin the preparations for tea and dinner. Rin noticed her down turned expression and moved in next to her.

"What upsets you Kagome?" Her soft voice soothing the miko.

"I don't know." She admitted. "I think I have offended Lord Sesshoumaru."

"That is not possible." Rin reassured her with a conviction that was unwavering.

"How do you know?" Kagome was suddenly desperate to know.

"I just do, Kagome. He is not displeased in any way. He needs a little more time." Rin patted the troubled miko on the shoulder and left her alone again.

Rin was being so vague in everything she was saying. Was it because of the many years she had spent with the tight lipped daiyoukai? The one thing that Kagome knew, was that he was more complex and mysterious then she had originally given him credit for. Nothing about the silver haired youkai lord rang true to what she could remember. He was withdrawn, but not unhelpful. He didn't speak often, but when he did it was always of importance. He was a fierce fighter, and very protective of the females in the group. Maybe Rin was right; he just needed more time. Kagome decided that it would be better to give him his space, and wait for him to be more comfortable in the group.

Kagome was bent over the fire and the kettle that hung carefully over the flames. Without warning a large carcass falls beside her. She jumped sideways with a scream before she could even consider the animal beside her. That's when she took notice of the tall daiyoukai that stood over the dead animal. His eyes were molten as they bore into the stunned miko. No words were spoked but with a quick change in her disposition it was made clear that she was thankful for his catch and the effort that he had made on their behalf. The youkai lord turned neatly on his heel and walked to a tree not far from the fire, and sat within full view of the miko. With great cheer and expedience Kagome cooked the meat and made tea for everyone. When she approached Sesshoumaru, she was cautious but confident. When she was a short distance from him, she sat down on her knees, set down a plate of food and a cup of tea. She gave a silent bow to him and stood again, and turned to walk away. Kagome was stopped by his voice rumbling behind her.

"Thank you." The miko turned quickly with a soft smile gracing her lips.

"Your welcome." She nodded. "I wasn't sure if you liked cooked meat or what. If you don't like it you don't have to eat it."

Sesshoumaru tilted his head slightly in acquiescence, and took up the cup of tea. Kagome stood watching as he lifted the cup to his nose and took in a deep breath. A little smile tugged at the edge of her mouth, then she turned and walked back to her place by the fire.

As their time together progressed, Sesshoumaru took his place in the group. He had taken it upon himself to hunt for the group. Kagome quite enjoyed it, since the group had become so much larger it was becoming more and more difficult to provide enough for everyone. Although, Sesshoumaru rarely ate he did seem to enjoy the evening ritual of Kagome bringing his portion of food and tea.

The new companions had been traveling in the country for a little over two weeks when they had camped near a hot spring. The rivers and streams had been very cold and Kagome was ready for a hot spring for her bath. She hurried through dinner and tea and was distributing everyones meal. It was normal for her to serve Sesshoumaru last, and he didn't seam to mind. Tonight he had brought some large fish from the nearby river. She had set down his plate of fish and his cup of tea and stood with a bow before she turned to return to her own food, when his voice stopped her again.

"Miko." His voice rumbled low and thunderous, and she turned to face him again.

"Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru. Is something wrong?" A pinch of worry came over her face.

"I would like you to join me tonight." Kagome looked shocked, wondering what he could mean. "Sit with me, miko. I have questions for you."

"Oh." She exhaled harshly. "Let me grab my dinner."

Kagome took up her plate and her own cup of tea, and returned to the daiyoukai. He looked on as she situated herself near to him. She was about to settle in, when a look of enlightenment crossed her face and she was up and gone again. Returning quickly with a metal trivet and the kettle of tea. She set the kettle close at hand so that she could reach it easily when a fresh cup was needed. Inwardly he smirked at this little show of hers. It was a thoughtful gesture on her part. This did show to him that she was very perceptive, and had notice his fondness for the tea that she brought from her time. She then began to dig into her meal with great enthusiasm, and lifted her eyes to him in expectation.

"How many demons are in your time?" He asked bluntly, and Kagome nearly gagged on her bite of fish.

"It's hard to say my lord. I haven't seen any, but it's not to say that their aren't any at all." She managed carefully. His eyebrow slid up slowly into his bangs.

"You live at the shrine by the dry well?" His face remained unchanged.

"Yes." She began. "My family has lived at the shrine for ages. My grandfather is the current monk in residence, and his father before him. I think that he would like my brother to succeed him, but I think Sota has other plans."

"Would you take up the position of miko at the shrine then?" He turned his face to look squarely at her, and she blushed slightly at his full attention.

"I don't know." Her gaze going skyward to avoid his piercing golden eyes. "I've never thought of it. I haven't really thought about anything past the jewel, and returning it to where it came."

"That is your only goal in life." He questioned next.

"No." She snapped, but quickly lowered her tone. "Of course not. I have things that I want for myself."

"Like what?" Kagome blushed even deeper then she had before.

"I'm not sure. I guess I would like a family of my own someday. Maybe go to school again, and learn something useful; start a career." Her eyes almost became dreamy while she thought about her answer.

"A family." He stated rather then questioned.

"Yeah. I suppose every girl dreams of getting married one day. Starting her own family, having her own children." Kagome's eyes drifted to Rin at this point, and the daiyoukai's gaze followed. "I'm sure that Rin has mentioned something to that end before."

"No." He answered firmly.

"You wouldn't allow it?" Kagome asked with concern for her friend.

"No. She has never mentioned it." He clarified.

"Oh." Kagome wanted to apologize for her assumption, but didn't. "So, if she found someone that she wanted to spend her life with, you would agree?"

"That would depend."

"Depend on what?" The miko began eating her fish again to allow for an excuse to not talk.

"Who this individual was." The youkai lord looked purposefully at her, and she almost squeaked through her food.

"What about yourself?" She muttered through her swallowing, and keeping her eyes down.

"It would depend on the individual."

"So, you have considered a family then." Her voice could not hide the surprise that she felt.

"What person doesn't?" He questioned.

"Good point, my lord." She looked at her empty plate and decided that it was time to go. "Would you please excuse me. I would like to take advantage of the hot spring. I am filthy and would like to clean up."

Sesshoumaru nodded his agreement, and the conversation ended. Kagome quickly gathered her bathing items and the other two females in the group, and they were all gone quickly. The miko had thoughtfully left the kettle beside the daiyoukai for his usual two or three consecutive cups.

As soon as all three women were settled into the hot spring Kagome couldn't hold back any longer. After her interesting conversation with the youkai lord she had so many questions running through her head. The youngest woman in the group being the center of that curiosity. Rin sat quietly across from Kagome, her eyes half open with relaxation.

"So, Rin." She began as she inched closer to the unsuspecting girl. "I had an interesting conversation with Lord Sesshoumaru."

"That is good. I had told you that he would need some time." She seem unconcerned about the coming talk.

"Yeah. We talked a little bit about you." She informed Rin with a sly smile on her lips.

"Really." Rin still seemed unaffected by the miko's comments, or where they tended.

"He said that you have never shown an interest in having a family."

"Is that so?" Her eyes turned to Kagome who was now sitting right beside her. "He has never asked."

"You two have never talked about family."

"No. Why would we?" The girl was now confused.

"Don't you want to get married and have kids?" Kagome voice was shocked and horrified.

"Of course I do." Rin stated plainly.

"Then why haven't you guys talked about it?"

"There is nothing to discuss at this time." Rin was becoming more confused. "I have not found someone that would be suitable for such an endeavor."

"What?" Kagome shrieked. "I thought that Lord Sesshoumaru would have, you know...said something."

"What are you talking about Kagome?" Rin's eyes where only just beginning to show the horror that she felt.

"I thought that Lord Sesshoumaru wanted you for his mate." Kagome asked bluntly.

"NO." Rin almost screamed. "That is unthinkable."

"Why? Haven't you two been traveling together all this time."

"Well, yeah, but I would not. The thing is that he is like a father to me. He raised me, and protected me. That kind of relationship could never come about."

"Oh my. I'm so sorry Rin. I didn't think..." Kagome lowered her head in shame. "I have a tendency to stick my foot in my mouth, and I just did it big time."

"That is quite alright." Rin put her arm around her friend and pulled her close. "Beside all that. I know for a fact that he has someone else in mind for himself."

"Really. He said it would depend on the individual." Kagome placed her finger on her lip and thought hard.

"This is very true." Rin agreed.

"So who is it?" Sango joined the conversation with great enthusiasm now.

"Sorry girls. That is not for me to share."

Both women looked dejected by their young companion, but both suddenly burst into riotous laughter. Rin looked confused at the two women for a moment, then joined in the frivolity. The three women continued their bath without saying anymore about the earlier conversation, but started a new one to divert everyone's attention.