They walk close together on the way to the spring, her arm drawn through his.
It is quiet between them. Peaceful. But he's deep in thought, and words burn on the tip of Kagome's tongue, waiting to be freed.
Words win.
"I think the others have appreciated you being around."
Dark amber slants to look at her, restrained amusement hiding behind them. "They are perhaps adjusting."
She frowns. "I think you're selling yourself short."
"Hn."
"What about you?"
"I am"—he pauses midstep and guides her around a rock hidden in the dried grass—"learning."
"Learning?"
Thoughtful, he nods. "Yes."
