"Where have you been Sesshomaru?! The royals have already left, save Lord Ikkoku. Where are your manners? How could you leave guests in your own home?!" Sesshomaru smiled awkwardly and kept his gaze downward as water dripped off of him and Kagome and onto the marble floor. "I was..." "You were what?" his mother asked, crossing her arms impatiently. He didn't answer. Inukimi waved her hand dismissively. "What are we going to do with you." she mumbled as she and his father walked away. "Why." Kagome asked quietly, her bright blue eyes boaring into him questioningly. "Why what?" he asked playfully. "Why didn't you tell them...that I left?" "Hmmm..."

Flashback

Sesshomaru lied on his back and watched the rain fall with Kagome by his side. "Your back needs to be bandaged again. We should go soon." A few minutes passed when he felt a small pressure on his chest. He looked down to see Kagome had rested her head in the place just above his heart. "Ah, Kagome-chan, this isn't a good place to sleep-" "Why?" "Well, because it's raining-" "Not that. Why did you call me that?" "What, Kagome-chan? I don't know, has a ring to it. I won't call you that if you don't want me to." She shook her head slightly. "I...like it." she mumbled as her breathing evened out. She fell asleep... Sesshomaru smiled as her hand unconsciously gripped his kimono. "Ka-go-me.."

"Who knows why I didn't." "You know." she said exasperatedly. "He didn't explain why because he does not wish to embarrass himself any more than he already has. Honestly, spending time with a half-demon Sesshomaru? You're taste in company has been spoiled. Unless you're going to eat her. In that case, she's a beauty." They turned to see Lord Ikkoku. He bowed respectively but raised his head to meet Kagome's emotionless gaze. He winked as he rose. "Until next time, my dear." Sesshomaru turned to Kagome and held her gaze. "None of that was true. I really enjoy hanging out with you. I don't care if you're a half-demon or full-blooded. I'm glad we're friends." he smiled. "I don't remember agreeing to be friends." she turned and began walking away. "Who knows when I might leave again?" He caught up to her and matched her pace. "As long as you'll always come back." Kagome sped up, hoping he wouldn't see her blushing face. But the laughs ringing out behind her let her know he did.


"He's laughing..." his mother whispered. "Indeed. I believe she should stay here awhile. Sesshomaru has not laughed or even smiled since he was a baby, and I'm happy to see it." his father stated back. Inukimi nodded. "The other nobles might get upset." "I know." "But you have never been one to follow the rules." he laughed. "I know."