Kagome grunted as she rolled for what seemed the hundredth time, For a quarter of an hour she lay still, watching old Kaede tend to the cracking fire, wondering why the same seemed to scorch its way through her veins. Finally she rose. "What ails ye, child? For ye woke when young InuYasha departed, and I've not seen ye slumber since."
Kagome sighed. "InuYasha...." She half whispered his name, and turned to Kaede. "Where did he go?" Kaede studied the girl's flushed face a moment.
"To the forest called by his name... he rests nigh the sacred Tree, I am sure. Why are thee so concerned?" Kagome clenched tight her fists and Kaede continued as the girl turned away.
"Have ye – feelings – for InuYasha... or..?"
Kagome again faced her, and Kaede could see the tears streaming down her face.
"Kaede... I love him!" Kaede smiled softly. "Aye, I thought as much."
Kagome shut her eyes. "Please, please, tell me he isn't gone to see Kikyo?"
Kaede winced at her dead sister's name. "As a matter of fact, I believe he's gone to mull over thee. The time we spoke before he left, he not once removed his eyes from ye, and he had the most tender look on his face as he gazed."
Kagome smiled, but tears still rolled on her cheek.
"Well, if ye love him, run to him! Ye know where he is! But..." Kaede's voice turned serious. "I see here all too clearly ye lust after him as well. Be wary, child, be wary! Both ye and him are mature – do not let him take advantages on thee!"
Kagome tilted her head. "InuYasha wouldn't... couldn't... would he?"
Kaede bowed her head. "Be wary, and go!"
Kagome nodded, turned, and ran, barefoot into the forest of InuYasha.