They sit outside around the fire for their evening meal, and Kagome settles into the warmth of their company.
Fueled by woodsmoke, fresh game, and Miroku's stories, there is comfort in their camaraderie. Pretense and embarrassment do not exist here, and she laughs uncontrollably as the monk's gestures grow wilder along with his tale.
"You are happy."
Sesshoumaru's voice rumbles quietly behind her, and she cranes her neck back from where she leans against his leg, reaching for his face. "Any idea why?" she whispers.
He cocks his head in that strange way of his.
And tries not to smile.
