It's night before she has a chance to talk to Shippou about things. But as everyone is winding down to sleep, she tucks him in and stretches out next to him, wrapping him in her arms.

"You ready to sleep?"

Shippou's arms stretch high over his head, and he yawns. "I'm not tired."

With a laugh, Kagome taps his nose. "I think your half-shut eyes say otherwise."

"Nuh-uh." But he's already blinking.

Something catches in her throat, and she snuggles him tighter. "Just so you know, I'd never be with anyone who would hurt you."

His sleepy smile says enough.