Warm cascading water was all Kagome paid attention to. The mist was rising from the big indoor hot spring and it felt good as it laid it's self on Kagome's body. It had been days since she had last taken a shower. Sesshomaru had finally trusted her to leave the room she was imprisoned in. Only for showers and facility use of course. Although sometimes he would allow her to go outside in a guarded area with Rin.

When first entering the hot springs area, Kagome was in awe. The beauty and peacefulness that roared from the quiet room was almost breathtaking. Not to mention Kagome was shocked that Sesshomaru would have an indoor hot spring. Especially this beautiful and natural. Flowers and creepers flowed over the lips of the granite floors, just slightly dipping into the warm water. There was even a gentle waterfall that added to the natural look. Kagome hesitantly took off her clothes and felt the cold floor on her bare feet. She quickly walked over to the hot pool (let's just call it that) and tested the water with one foot. She instantly loved the feeling of clean warm water and jumped in. she dunked her head under the water and soaked her long black hair. After washing her hair carefully she began swimming around carelessly. 'If I'm here I might as well enjoy it' she thought to herself. After her bath Kagome realized she had not gotten a towel from Sesshomaru. She stood there cold and dripping wet wondering what she should do. Call him for one? Or make a run for her bedroom. HER bedroom, Kagome had to keep reminding herself that it wasn't her bedroom, it was just a room in which she currently occupied. She decided on calling him for one, she didn't feel like taking the risk of running naked through a cold castle…even if her room was not that far away.

Quickly making her way towards the big door, she slowly opened it a peek. She caught sight of one of Sesshomaru's servants. She quickly called for the little servant. Just then Sesshomaru appeared and dismissed the servant. "don't worry, I'll take care of it."

"Yes master" The little servant quickly turned around and left.

Kagome bit her lip in embarrassment and lowered her head.

"Yes Kagome, what is it?" Sesshomaru could see that Kagome was hiding her naked body behind the door, he also saw a small puddle of water forming around her feet. How he wished he could throw open the door and take her into his arms, to kiss her tender lips and pour his feelings into her soul.

"I need a towel, can you please get me one?"

Sesshomaru slowly turned around and left. He came back with a white fluffy towel in hand. Kagome gratefully took it and thanked him. Sesshomaru smiled down at her with adoring eyes. Kagome for once, smiled back.

After Kagome's pleasant bath, she decided to take Rin out to the garden to pick some flowers. She had come to the conclusion that maybe Sesshomaru's softness came from Rin. That maybe the little sweet hearted girl had changed the heartless monster she once knew. But a million roses could not erase Inuyasha's memory. Even when she tried her hardest, it was no use. Although she was proud of the fact that she was a little stronger, she now understood that maybe she did have a problem. And being here with Sesshomaru really helped her. But Kagome still longed to see Inuyasha, and she hoped Sesshomaru knew that.

Sesshomaru watched from a nearby window as Kagome and Rin picked flowers. He liked the fact that they had instantly bonded. It was after all Rin's idea to grow a garden.

"Dammit! I'm doing it again…I'm thinking about her." Sesshomaru pounded his fist softly on the cold brick wall and rested his head on the cool wall. "Why must she be in my thoughts night and day? Am I so foolish and ignorant to think I need her! I am not a measly human who needs love to be complete! What's wrong with me?" Sesshomaru was frustrated and needed time to think. He decided that tomorrow he would allow Kagome to go back home to her friends. He knew he couldn't keep her here forever, even if she would be forever in his heart.

Next Day

Kagome was happy and surprised to hear that Sesshomaru was finally letting her go back home. She wondered why he suddenly changed his mind about keeping her but didn't bother asking. Sesshomaru had decided on walking Kagome back, so Kagome said her goodbye's to Rin. Kagome was pleased with Sesshomaru's kind gesture and was grateful to have the company…even if it was Sesshomaru.

The day was hot and Kagome happily looked around the lush green forest. They were almost near the spot where Sesshomaru had first found her.

"So" Kagome began, trying to make conversation. "You and Rin seem to have a nice relationship with each other"

"Relationship? What do you mean? I have no relationship with her whatsoever!"

"Whoa, okay I didn't mean to offend you. I only meant that you guys get along great…you know, like you were her father or something." Kagome had regretted the comment as soon as it left her mouth. She looked up at Sesshomaru but was relieved to see his expression was neutral and not angry.

"I don't think of myself as her father, she just decided to stay. It's not like I care about her…she's only human."

"Oh come on! You cannot possibly tell me that you have no feelings for her, she's a pretty lovable kid. Actually, now that I think about it… it is kind of hard to imagine YOU caring about someone other then yourself." Kagome quickly walked ahead to escape the evil look in Sesshomaru's eyes.

"Think whatever the hell you want human, I really don't care."

"Well duh, that's pretty obvious." Kagome snorted in disgust.

"That's it! I am so sick and tired of your ungratefulness, I take you in when you are unwell and this is how you repay me?"

"Okay first of all, I never ASKED for your god damn help. I'm not the one who forced my self to stay there!"

"Well don't worry, we're nearly there…so you can go back to your precious Inuyasha."

"Good! Cause I've had enough of you!"

Sesshomaru and Kagome made their way to the familiar clearing and looked at each other. "Well I guess this is good bye then" Sesshomaru looked shyly down at his feet. He had to keep all urges to kiss Kagome down.

"Yeah, thanks for walking me here…bye." Kagome began to turn around.

"Wait Kagome…umm. Never mind…"

Kagome sensed that Sesshomaru wanted some form of gratitude before she left. She decided on a nice friendly hug. She was actually shocked at her decision to hug the heartless Sesshomaru. But when she felt his big warm arms wrap around her, everything changed. It wasn't a hug like Inuyasha gave her, something was different. It felt different and comforting. Kagome was the first to break the warm embrace.

"I'll miss you" Sesshomaru silently whispered.

"What? I didn't hear you." Kagome looked up into Sesshomaru's eyes puzzled.

"Nothing, you should get going."

"Okay, well…bye Sesshomaru, thanks for everything I guess."

"Bye Kagome"

Sesshomaru watched as Kagome turned around and left. He now knew it was time to forget about her. Even if he didn't want to.

Thanks for reading, please review!

ScOrPiAn