Author's note: I know you guys have been waiting for me to update. I'm writing but this story seems to never end. I haven't been able to update for a while because I've been in the hospital. Since I've been confined to some down time I've taken the opportunity to write more for you. Right now there are 30 chapters instead of 20, 25 of which I have written. I'll put up one every few days. Don't freak out if you don't like something. There's plenty of plot twists to go.

Birthday Blues

Evening encroached. Sango and Miroku hadn't told Shippo that Kagome was gone; however, Kirara had found out. Sango couldn't figure out how Kirara was always on top of things but she was. Sango rubbed Kirara's head as she lay in her lap. The soft silk of Kirara's fur was calming to Sango's unsure hands. Kirara relaxed her ears as Sango's fingers stilled between them. Sango sighed.

Miroku pushed the beads aside as he entered Kaede's hut. "Who's hungry?" He stated almost carefree.

Sango didn't answer as Shippo jumped at the food Miroku had brought back with him. "Where's Inu-Yasha?" Sango whispered staring at Miroku.

"On the roof." Miroku cheerfully responded. "Come on Sango. You have to eat something."

Sango's eyes shifted from Miroku to Shippo. She sighed. She didn't really feel like eating, but she needed to put on a show for Shippo. Taking the bowl from Miroku she caught his eyes. Deep sadness flowed from Miroku's eyes and that gave her confidence. He shared her pain. Sango smiled and thanked Miroku.

Once Miroku finished handing out food, he smiled. "So… what did you get Kagome for her birthday?"

The question threw Sango off guard. "…birthday?" How can he be talking like that when he knows she'll never come back?

"Yeah, Kagome's birthday." Shippo cried.

Sango shook herself out of a daze.

"I got her this…" Miroku held out his hand; in it was a rosary. "It'll help her tap into her miko powers."

"I got her this…" Shippo bounced happily holding a picture of all of them that he drew with crayons.

Sango smiled.

Kirara dropped her favorite toy in Sango's lap. Sango picked up the toy and stared at it, a beaten ball with a small bell inside that jingled only when the ball rolled around.

"What'd you get Kagome?" Shippo pried.

Sango had almost forgotten about her gift. She reached in her things and pulled out something small. Sango opened her hand revealing a beaded bracelet. The clasp had an evil looking hook on the end that clasp onto a bead at the end.

"What's that?" Miroku questioned.

Sango stared at it. "…A slayer's bracelet. When I was little, my father gave one to me. The end doubles as a weapon."

That comment brought about a stillness to the air.

"Awww… My gift is nothing compared to that." Shippo whined.

"Kagome will love it." Sango comforted him.

The next day the group went out to frolic in the field. Their errand was to collect certain herbs that Kaede had run out of; however, Kaede had suggested they take their time so Miroku had packed a picnic lunch. They played it just as if Kagome had gone home for a few days. Sango and Miroku figured that in a few days Kagome's loss would become apparent.

"Think about it Sango. Kagome's come back to us before; she'll be back again."

Inu-Yasha landed just outside Kaede's hut and quickly walked inside. Kaede was humming and mixing a new potion. She paused at Inu-Yasha's presence then continued with her work.

Inu-Yasha knelt down on the floor in front her on the other side of the fire and kettle. With one knee on floor and the other his arm resting upon it, he looked as if he were a knight answering to power or asking for a favor. Instead of sitting down, he reached into his hatori and pulled free a small pouch. The pouch wasn't more than something wrapped in a tattered cloth. He carefully placed it on the floor. The cloth unfolded of its accord. Kaede looked up from her capers. Across the floor rolled beads, rosary beads. Kaede went back to her chores. Inu-Yasha stood up stealthily and exited the hut silently. He'd heard the others conversation about a gift for Kagome; he'd planned on giving her something that would end their disputes once and for all. However, lately he'd been so concerned with her that he hadn't been thinking about what that gift would be. And it would have to be extra special, considering the timing. It would mark one year, one year since they'd first met.

The wind caught his hair. It brought the scent of his friends. Up onto the roof he went.

The others arrived celebrating and cheering for no reason at all. This carefree attitude upset Inu-Yasha. He gritted his teeth and took off into the forest.

Kaede arranged the beads as the group entered. Sango froze at the sight of the beads. Miroku cocked his head to the side; he was wondering how Kaede had ended up with those. Shippo ran right up to her. "Kaede, those are Kagome's and Inu-Yasha's beads."

"I know young one."

"Well… How did you get them?"

"Inu-Yasha brought them to me."

"Inu-Yasha…?" Sango uttered.

"Yes Child."

"But why would Inu-Yasha do that?" Sango asked perplexed. Since the rosaries were broken and now useless.

"Because Inu-Yasha misses Kagome." Miroku spoke up.

"Not only that…" Kaede interjected, "…Next week marks one year since young Kagome first arrived in this time. One year since yee first met thee."

"Next week?" Sango questioned.

"On the night of the new moon." Kaede informed them.

"Wait…" Miroku exhaled. "The new moon, but that's Kagome's birthday."

"Yes child, I know."