"What a waste of money."

"For the last time, Inuyasha, it wasn't a bet!" Kagome shoved the rest of her supplies into her bag, pots clanging together angrily.

"Keh! Why else would the bastard agree to courtin' ya?"

There was a collective sigh, but it was Hiraikotsu that made contact with the hanyou's head. "Maybe because Sesshoumaru-sama actually shuts up for five minutes and listens to her."

Kagome gave the slayer a grateful smile, and Sesshoumaru felt some of the tension leave his shoulders.

Perhaps not all of them would need to be convinced.

Kagome stepped over his brother, ignoring the string of curses as she met his gaze, her hand outstretched. "Shall we?"