The meal was completed in silence. It was roast chicken for us 'useless humans' and some unidentified dish for none other than Lord Sesshomaru. He had changed into an identical, though dry, outfit. I wondered how many pieces of the exact same thing he had in his wardrobe. The day wasn't completely over, though. Rin had decided to take an afternoon nap in her room, leaving Sesshomaru and I to do whatever we wished to. Of course, not together. He'd sauntered off by himself, out the door and into who knew where. I, being unfamiliar with the castle, decided to stand there awkwardly until I spotted a soft patch of grass to relax on. I could live here forever… or not. I'd miss everyone terribly. Heck, I MISS everyone terribly. Even Inuyasha. He's annoying, granted, but my heart still longs for the day he'd love me as myself, and not a shard detector, or Kikyou's reincarnation. I closed my eyes and sighed. I guess it would be kind of rude to leave now… besides, Inuyasha and I needed time to cool off. Maybe in two days' time… another sigh.

Sesshomaru's P.O.V

Somehow I had managed to push away all unwanted thoughts of the irritating miko- that was, until I heard her sigh. It was a sad, disappointed sigh, one expected of humans. As I approached her stealthily, hoping to catch a glimpse of priceless shock on her face, she sat up straight from her original position lying down and smiled weakly, patting the spot beside her. " You can sit beside me, Sesshomaru," She commented, though to me it was more like she commanded. I smirked for a second, then it sort of vanished from my face as I seated myself, not out of want to obey the girl but more of need to rest. She stretched her legs out and yawned. " Your way of letting me pay back my gratitude is most unusual," she blurted, beginning to blush a little as she cocked her head sideways. "I actually enjoyed myself more than I have with … him. Them, I mean." "Hmm. Sesshomaru never expected for you to come; it was out of your own will and out of my generosity that you have experienced a day- here- in which you do not feel afraid, nor upset." I observed. It did seem true; that her days here in the Feudal Era were often spent in misery.

She looked at me with those brown pools they called eyes. Reflected in them were sadness, heartbreak, and hope, a glimmer, which used to make her eyes sparkle. But it was lost, and those mud cake-brown pools began to gather moisture. She attempted a brave smile. " True, Sesshomaru- Sama. Although there had been some happy occasions, I was always-" at this she snorted, "The one without someone to love." I blinked. Had my weakling of a half-brother not given her enough 'love'? Whatever love was, it was something I did not ever want to get tangled up in. Look at this torn, broken little ningen… I slowly tilted her chin up to force her to meet my gaze. She was so miserable. Unable to control herself any longer, she bent forward and her head met my chest, where it stayed, at times nodding, whilst she sobbed her heart out. And for once, this Sesshomaru did not flinch. He stayed, offering temporary comfort. And he wondered why.

Kagome's P.O.V

I had cried. It felt good. Somehow I had a feeling I'd crossed the line when it came to Sesshomaru. I was in danger zone, and it would be best if I avoided him. Besides, it was about time to go. "Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama." I nodded curtly. It was just the two of us, after my pitiful crying session outside. He just stared at the empty space behind me. But why weren't my legs moving? Did I expect something? A reply, maybe? Or was I wanting more than that? Was my heart begging for him to beg me to stay? I averted my eyes. No. The only time something would come out of Sesshomaru's mouth was once I'd left. I glanced at him for the last time, then slowly strolled away. "WAIT! WENCH!" they came out as two separate words, rough and meaningless. I paused. "Stay," he whispered. It was soft, but I heard it. Surprised, I couldn't help but allow the smile tugging at the corner of my lips to reveal itself. Did the great taiyoukai ask me to stay? "For Rin?" I asked out of curiosity. He tilted his head to face the night sky, with sprinkles of stars. It was almost inaudible, but unmistakable. "For me."

Ahh! I found it just so romantic and nice to end there, as much as my heart is screaming for more Sesshomaru/Kagome scenes! So this is the end… thanks for the good reviews, as limited as they are.