"You really like him?"

Kagome looks up and pinks a little on her cheeks before averting her eyes. "A lot."

Mama smiles again and relaxes into her chair. "What is he like now? You said he's different."

"Quiet. Considerate. Stubborn." The image of him fighting off the force of an electrical storm to keep her safe surfaces in her memories, and a shiver runs down her spine. "Strong," she whispers. "Very strong."

A teasing look twinkles in Mama's eyes. "Cute?"

Kagome laughs then and takes another quick sip. "Cute doesn't cover what he is."

"Oh, really?"

Another smile.

"Definitely not."