Chapter 13

The group's arrival at the cave was heralded by shrieks of welcome from both Rin, and Jaken. The small girl throwing herself into the open arms of the Miko, and the imp abasing himself at the feet of the Lord. Rin asked a thousand questions about Kagome's sickness, why their friends were there, what she had missed, and then she and Shippo ran to the back of the cave with crayons and coloring pages that Shippo had retrieved from Kagome's pack. Miroku and Jaken were left to attend to the children as Sesshomaru left for the hunt and the women headed towards the nearby hot-spring for some much-needed relaxation.

Miroku made Sango swear she wouldn't enter the hot-spring if she felt the water was too hot for her to handle, and the taijiya had promised she would only dip in her feet. When they arrived, Kagome stripped her clothes and retrieved her toiletries and some detergent from her bag, settling down to wash her clothes and hang them to dry before getting into the warm waters herself. For several minutes the girls sat in companionable silence, Kagome washing her Miko garb and Sango swishing her feet loosely in the mineral water.

"Kagome..." Sango's voice was hesitant, Kagome knew that tone. It was the tone she used when she was going to ask about her and InuYasha's relationship. Kagome wrung out the last segment of her now clean clothes and draped them across a tree branch. Whatever this conversation was about to be...it was definitely going to need her full attention.

"Yes?" She turned boldly to face her best friend and confidant.

Sango took a deep breath. "What's going on between you and Sesshomaru-sama?"

Kagome swallowed and slid into the spring, ducking under the hot water to give herself time to think of an answer. Obviously, Sango could tell something was up. The taijiya knew her better than any of the friends in her own time period ever had. Though, to be honest, Kagome herself hadn't even realized that she had feelings for the daiyokai until today. Kagome came up for air and brushed her hair back off her face, then swam over to lean on the bank beside her friend.

"To be honest, I'm not that sure." she smiled up at Sango sadly. "He's so hard to read, so hard to understand. He doesn't use many words to communicate, he just...does. I don't know how to explain it." Sango rubbed her fore-arm comfortingly but didn't say anything. This is what Kagome had always appreciated about the older girl. She had a maternal quality about her, always soft and nurturing, never interrupted when Kagome was venting to her. She just sat back and let the Miko tell her everything before making any judgments. "I mean... At first, he seemed just as distant and cold as ever. For the first month or so I was questioning whether or not I had made the right decision. I thought we could do each other some good... you know..." Kagome paused, looking up at her friend, the taijiya nodded silently. "After a while, I started watching him, I mean really watching him. He is intentional about everything he does. I don't think he takes a step before thinking of the ramifications it might have. He seems to communicate by doing instead of talking. You know what I mean?" The girl just blinked at her so Kagome continued. "At first I was just so frustrated that he wouldn't even try to talk to me, but when I calmed down and paid attention I realized that in his own way he sort of was. He's obviously just as much a mystery as ever, but he's surprisingly kind and compassionate. Just not in the way you would expect someone to be...not overtly. He is just so sweet with Rin, to an outsider he seems to tolerate her, but I think he just adores the little thing. You know he once made her a daisy chain! Is that something you could see him doing?" Sango's eyebrows raised and she quietly shook her head, a bemused smile on her face.

Kagome made her way to a small stone shelf along the side of the spring and pulled herself up, relaxing in the steam and wringing her hair out. Once it was done dripping and she was sure she'd be comfortable she pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs, keeping as much of her body out of her friend's view as she could. "He's helped me a lot through losing InuYasha, not by really talking to me or comforting me or anything, but just by being there and being consistent. He's really hard on Jaken, but I think it's just because the kappa is so annoying, but I've caught him sneaking treats to Ah and Un. He always seems aware of my moods, takes them into account, and acts accordingly. It's so weird, but it's almost as if he's trying to emotionally hold me up..." Kagome's eyes roamed the nearby trees. She was trying to explain her feelings to herself as much as to her friend...finally turning her face in Sango's direction.

Sango's smile was in full bloom now, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "So you've got it bad, huh?" Kagome blushed and hid her face in her knees, audibly letting out a groan. The taijiya laughed and splashed water at her. "So what are you going to do? He clearly likes you too..."

Kagome's eyes widened and her head snapped up. "What?!"

Sango laughed, "What, you mean you couldn't tell?"

Kagome blushe?d'"' Rin, yes. She's too young to care for herself and he's the alpha. You're a fully capable grown adult. You're also female. The only time a male interacts as protectively and...well...physically as Sesshomaru has been with you these past several days, is in courtship and with their mates." Kagome swallowed hard. Sango continued, "The fact that he is hunting for all of us tonight is a really big deal. We aren't pack for him, but according to inu-yokai custom, it is normal for a potential mate to provide for his intended's packmates. Our group would have been considered a pack with InuYasha as our alpha. He's- for all intents and purposes- showing Miroku and I of his intentions for courting you. He is showing us that he can provide, and proving to you that your pack is as good as his pack."

"Seriously? Sesshomaru...likes me?" Kagome was flabbergasted. It was impossible for such an imposing and powerful figure as amazing as the Lord of the West to have feelings for a blubbering mess like her. He was too perfect, she was...Kagome... "What do I do?" This question came out softly and worriedly. Her relationship with InuYasha had slowly built up over the years of shard hunting together. These feelings she had for Sesshomaru came up suddenly, they were primal, almost like she was being pulled towards him, drawn to his animal magnetism.

Sango eased herself into the water and waded over to her friend, wrapping both arms around her shoulders. "Kagome, losing InuYasha has been hard, but he wouldn't want you to give up on love just because he's gone..."

Kagome laughed, "Yeah, but I bet he wouldn't be happy that it's his "bastard half-brother"."

Sango laughed. "As long as you're loved and cared for, I don't think he'd mind that much."

Kagome glanced up at her friend shyly, "But what do I DO? I don't know how InuYokai court..." Sango's responding smile was kind and supportive.

"Miroku and I will help you as best we can, but just be yourself. If he decides to court you properly it will be obvious. Just respond positively and if you have any pressing questions, come find us." Sango's hands strayed to her own midsection. "We've settled in Lady-Kaede's village, it's where we want to raise our child. You can come anytime you need us."

Kagome smiled back at her friend and placed her own hand on top of the baby bump. Leaning down, she rested her cheek against Sangos' stomach, "Hello in there, baby! This is your Aunt Kagome. I can't wait to meet you." She gave the bump a little kiss, "You have the best mommy and daddy in the whole world."

Sango laughed. "It isn't normal to talk to the belly you know..."

Kagome smiled sadly, "It is in my time."

Sango's smile faded. "Do you miss your family horribly?"

Kagome looked up at her, "As much as you do, I imagine. It's just harder for me because I chose the separation while yours was forced on you." Sango hugged her and Kagome wrapped her arms around her too. "I've missed you guys so much." Kagome separated from her friend and dove beneath the water, swimming to the other side and back before retrieving shampoo and body wash and starting her cleaning ritual.