There's also regression.

Youki crackling just underneath the surface, he isn't convinced her sitting across the room from him is quite far enough.

Her glare says she agrees.

"Okay." Frazzled, the counselor reaches into a drawer, pulling out something long and cylindrical that flutters with crepe paper and ribbon. "We're trying something new."

Sesshoumaru scoffs. "What is that gaudy thing?"

From her corner, Kagome snorts. "Uppity, disdainful, bratty—"

"You are a spoiled—"

"This is the talking stick!" the counselor cuts in, barely keeping his own temper. "And neither of you say a word without this 'gaudy' thing in your hand!"