Two weeks later, Kagome had spent nearly every day after school with her new archery tutor. Sesshou had provided the funds, saying it was necessary she hone her skills to perfection until they could find another priestess with active reiki to train her.

After practice, she would spend time at home with her family and study in the evenings. However, if she ever found she couldn't sleep, Kagome would call Shippou, and the two would chat over their day's activities.

She wondered when she would actually see Sesshou and Shippou again. Ever since they returned her home, there's been no word of when they should meet again. Kagome was growing antsy. This was life changing, seeing them again. This was her destiny, YANA, her kit, everything. It made sense now. That she was just waiting to finally see again; to see the demons in the crowds, to know they walked amongst the mortals, and they all knew about this unspoken society. And now she did too.

Kagome just wished that with this life altering movement there might be a little more...movement? She was so frustrated that all she had done in two weeks was practice archery. She wanted to spend time with them, learn from them, and maybe, just maybe get to know them a little bit better.

She blushed at the thought. Kagome was still stunned that THE Lord Sesshomaru was now in charge of her, looking after her, and seeing to her needs. She didn't know how to feel about that when she hadn't actually seen or spoken with him in two weeks. It's almost as if the night of the festival never happened.

She sighed into the phone.

"What's the matter, Mama?" Shippou asked, hearing the distress easily through the line. Kagome turned on her side in bed and contemplated whether she should be honest.

"When I'm ready and trained, then what?" Kagome asked, nervous. She knew Sesshou and Shippou were busy. In fact, Shippou was already out in London with his mate for some business that demanded fox magic. Sesshou, she didn't even have a solid guess as to where he was.

"Then we begin your project with YANA for reiki training. We scout other shrines, we study their families, history, and then make the offer." Shippou spoke as if he knew already how they were going to be successful. "Kind of like what we do with demons, but more initial deception until we can trust them."

"So then what about now? What do I do right now?" Kagome blurted out, realizing how anxious she was to begin this new journey.

"Well," Shippou smiled into his cellphone, "What do you want to do?"

When Kagome answered, she hadn't expected Shippou to go tattle on her. And yet, not thirty minutes after her phone call had ended, the ever stoic Sesshou was at her front door. She was just about to finally doze off when she felt his aura spike to alert her of his presence.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, wrapped in a robe, arms crossed over her chest in the cold night air in her open doorway.

"Next time you wish to see this one, you will say so." Sesshou pulled Kagome out into the night by her elbow, letting her close the door to keep the warmth of her home inside. "Now come, we should speak."

"It's freezing out here, Sesshou!" Kagome shook, rubbing her arms. Under her robe she wore a simple pajama set, but the material was thin, meant more for summer than fall. Before she could utter another complaint, his peacoat was draped over her shoulders. The jacket was very large on her, dropping below her knees, and warmed from his body heat. "Huh?" She uttered in surprise, but didn't object to the offered clothing.

"Follow me," Sesshou put a hand to her back and led her towards the well house. He guided her into the shack and pulled her down to sit on the steps next to him. Kagome had chosen to leave a foot of respectful space between them, but Sesshou had other ideas. He pulled the young priestess into his side and wrapped an arm around her in a gentle, warming embrace. "Forgive me." He said.

"For what?" Kagome was so confused, peering up through her lashes to catch a glimpse of his face, but he chose to rest his chin to her head, giving her no chance to do so.

"It is hard for me to expand my pack once more." Sesshou spoke softly, "I have neglected your emotions in favor of exposing my own."

"What?" She still didn't understand, and kept very stil should she even breathe wrong and end the moment and never get answers again.

"I would like to befriend you, Kagome." Sesshou admitted, pulling away just enough to hold her chin in his free hand and bring her face up to meet his gaze. His unconcealed golden eyes locked onto her own midnight blue ones, and he smiled.

Kagome couldn't even attempt to stifle the laughter that bubbled up her throat. She bowed her forehead to his shoulder and continued to laugh until she regained her composure, only to look into his disappointed face and begin again.

"I'm so," Kagome cried through her laughter, "I'm so, so," She couldn't contain the side splitting laughter than wretched itself from her gut. She hadn't laughed like this in so long, and it seemed to have all escaped her at once, with one very sincere and serious dog lord admitting his desire for friendship as if it were a love confession. "I'm so sorry!" Kagome finally squeaked out between wheezing, breathless laughs.

"If you're through making fun of this one, I would like to retire for the rest of the night." Sesshou stood tall, pulling himself away from her familiar touch.

"Wait, Sesshou," Kagome grabbed his sweater sleeve and stood much slower than him. He turned to address her. "I'm truly sorry for laughing." Her smile was brilliant in the dark, a sweet Cheshire in the night. While he knew she might have trouble seeing, he did not. So he openly studied her features. She was sorry, just as she had said. "I only laugh because you're already my friend. We haven't been enemies in a long time, you know. And now you've granted me peace of mind, my kit, and a future to grow and expand with YANA." Sesshou spotted the blush across her cheeks, and could easily identify the skip of her heartbeat. "You saved me from a life of loneliness. I only wish I knew how to return the favor."

"This one requires nothing," Sesshou spoke softly, pausing to observe her openly. Kagome's fingers released his sleeve, and he could see her duck her head down in shame. He needed to remedy that. "Except your presence, Kagome." Sesshou reached for the hand that had let go of his sleeve, gently grasping her delicate fingers in his. He was pleased to find her fingertips warm thanks to his coat, and her face flushed from surprise.

"Thank you." Kagome breathed the words in a whisper, not realizing she had been holding her breath. Her hand squeezed back on it's own accord. Unfazed by how easily she accepted his friendship and his touch, Kagome smiled.

"Come," he pulled her towards the door by their clasped hands, "Humans require sleep." Kagome didn't argue, and followed without question. He was right, and she had a feeling she would be seeing him very soon anyways. There would be more time to chat another day. Tonight, they had said enough.