Kagome touched down on the other side of the well the next morning, looking up to see a hand already reaching down before she could wonder how she was going to get out with her arm in the sling. She blushed but took Sesshomaru's hand, thinking to the previous day and let him pull her out.
"what did the physician say?" he asked as he released her.
"sprain. It should be healed in a few days." She said. "its fine."
He nodded. "that is good. Inuyasha went to see you last night." It wasn't really a question. He knew he had.
"yeah. to make sure I was coming back today. Why?"
"…nothing." He shook his head. He didn't want to tell her that he did not like that the half breed-no, his brother, his brother could reach her where he could not.
"we should head back. If we don't, Inuyasha will come looking." She laughed and started towards the village, Sesshomaru at her side. She smiled when his hand moved up closer to hers but did not touch her. She didn't know if it was intentional or him being shy, but she found it cute. She was finding herself actually looking forward to later that night, when they had their hour to talk.
"Kagome!" Shippo called before launching himself at her, sitting himself on her good shoulder.
"did you bring any snacks?" he asked.
"Shippo that should not be the first question you ask." Sesshomaru said.
"how is your arm?" Miroku asked stepping out of the hut with everyone.
"that is the correct question." Sesshomaru said, picking the kit off Kagome's shoulder and setting him on his own. "do not strain her good arm. She'll be well enough to carry you soon."
"its…its fine. Just a sprain. Couple days in a sling. But I can still travel." She smiled, surprised he was willing to carry Shippo for her.
"good." Inuyasha said, brow raised at Sesshomaru, but turned his attention fully to Kagome. "which way do we go?"
Kagome rolled her eyes but looked around. "closest is that way. Maybe week or so?"
With a nod and a goodbye to the older miko, the group set out towards the shard. It was a single one, and while it appeared to be moving, it wasn't moving away or towards.
"miss Kagome, what is the fuzzy thing on your bandage?" Rin asked inspecting the sling.
"that's Velcro." Kagome said. "its got a fuzzy side and prickly side, to hold it together." She showed the girl how the strap could come off and put back on.
"its like you and Lord Sesshomaru" she giggled.
"how do you mean?" Sango asked, looking at the girl.
"Miss Kagome is sweet and nice like the fuzzy side, and Lord Sesshomaru is kind of prickly like the other side. And they hold me and Shippo together to protect us." She smiled.
Shippo nodded jumping from Sesshomaru's shoulder to walk next to her. "kinda like Inuyasha too. We need to find his fuzzy side."
"shut up runt" Inuyasha barked before chasing after him, causing Rin to giggle again and Kagome to smile.
"Inuyasha you are 200 years old. Must you act like a pup?" Sesshomaru rolled his eyes.
"they're just having fun." Miroku said. "it is entertaining for them and us."
"you find this entertaining?" he raised a brow at the monk before Shippo tossed a toy top at Inuyasha, that grew and crushed the half demon before disappearing.
"I find that entertaining." He said.
Sesshomaru had to admit, to himself at the very least, he did too.
"Shippo seems to be taking to Sesshomaru" Sango said as they made dinner.
The kit was perched on Sesshomaru's shoulder as they and Rin talked and played a card game Shippo knew.
"Yes, he seems to" she nodded, looking over to Inuyasha before back at the food. "Is that bad?"
"I do not see it as such." Miroku said simply. The monk casually looked back and forth between the two men before back at Kagome.. "He is not the only one who seems to be taking to the newest addition."
"What do you mean?"
"Well..." the monk paused a moment in thought, "you have been more friendly to him. Talking to him more, you almost seem to glow when you smile at him."
"no I don't..."
"yes you do" Sango said. "You also walked with him all day"
"Did something happen between you two?" Miroku asked, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Ignore him Kagome" Sango shook her head. "I can finish if you want to go take your hour" she offered
"I think we have things well in hand." The monk assured them with a wave of his hand. "Take your time. No rush."
Kagome stood and dusted off her pants. "Inuyasha can you watch the kids?"
"Yeah, sure." He nodded.
"After you, Kagome." Sesshomaru nodded to her, giving her a small smile.
"Why can't we come?" Shippo frowned.
"Yeah, can we?" Rin asked looking up at them.
"...we'll talk about a night you two can join us" Kagome smiled at them, sure that one night would be ok.
"Perhaps another night." The demon lord nodded. One he would not have any particular requests or favors for. But tonight he had something specific in mind.
"Ok" he nodded, before turning back to the cards he and Rin were playing.
Kagome smiled at them before leading him into the woods a bit "I'm...not sure where a clearing or something is"
"There is not one nearby, though sitting beneath a tree should work. This one perhaps?" He asked, gesturing to a large tree, its roots spread wide in a small spot for them to sit.
She nodded, taking a seat so a root was at her back as a sort of chair.
He took his seat next to her. "I have a favor I would like to ask, unless you would prefer to go first?"
"No, you can go first" she said, slightly surprised. Usually the favors were at the end.
"I would like you to tell me about these." He said, pulling a stack of what looked to be portraits from a fold in his robes. "These portraits are far removed from any I have ever seen."
She blinked. "When did you get those?" She asked. The photos had been in her backpack.
"As you were unpacking for dinner they fell from your bag. I picked them up and decided to ask about them."
"That's your favor?" She frowned, taking the photos.
"Yes. I would like you to tell me about these portraits and the people in them."
"Oh...well they're actually photos, something else but similar." She said, flipping to a photo of her family. "This is my mom, brother and grandpa." She said showing him.
"Your brother reminds me of Shippo." He commented. "And your mother, well, I see where you get your beauty from." He said, lightly caressing her cheek with his knuckle.
Her cheeks reddened. "Uh...this one is of three of my friends, Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi" she said showing the next one.
She was so lovely when she blushed like that. "They all wear the same clothes you used to?" He asked. "Some manner of uniform?"
"Yeah, our school uniforms. I stopped wearing mine when...well I guess it was kinda just expected I wasn't going to finish"
"So it was all the skirts that were short, not just yours."
"Yeah well...it's normal in my time..."
He grunted his acknowledgment. What may be normal there was something more akin to a fantasy robe here. "And the others?"
"Uh this is buyo my cat. Well actually he's more my moms cat. He kinda just showed up one day" she said showing the photo of the cat. "And this is my friends again, with Hojo"
"Who is this...Hojo?" Sesshomaru asked, lip curling unhappily at the challenger. He remembered the name. It was one, or perhaps two of her other suitors. The ones she denied.
"A friend" she shrugged, not noticing and flipping to another photo.
That boy was no mere friend, Sesshomaru was sure.
"Your home looks lovely." He commented, nodding to another picture. The shrine looked both regal and warm. Welcoming.
She nodded and moved to the last one "that's me and my dad"
"He looks like a good man." Sesshomaru said softly, smoothing his hand over her back.
She nodded. "This was our old apartment. Uh it's a place we lived. Before he passed"
"I see. You both look very happy. You carry yourself much the same way he does in this portrait. I see much of him in you."
She smiled. "I looked up to him. Tried getting the best grades and best marks in school. He was a really great student. But also a good guy. He helped out everyone he knew..."
"So that is where you get it." Sesshomaru chuckled with a wry smile.
She blushed again. "I guess. Like I said, I looked up to him..."
"I would say you have made him proud, then."
She smiled "thank you"
"You're welcome." He met her smile with his own, lightly cupping her cheek. "Is there anything else you would like to talk about?"
"Explain mates" she said, before even thinking about it
"Mates?" He asked, blinking at the sudden change in topic
"Yeah...I get the term...sort of. But I don't really...understand it."
"I can explain then." He assured her, pausing a moment to gather his scattered thoughts. What had brought this on? "Where should I start?"
"How...do you know when you find a mate?"
"You feel a sort of... draw. A need to be with them. Near them. That also comes with the desire to protect and comfort them." He explained. "That is for a demon, at least. Humans feel no such draw, not until they have lain with a demon that is their mate. Then they would feel the same."
"Ok...but what if they don't ever...you know, lay with the demon. Can the demon like...move on? Find another one?"
"Technically, yes..." he said with a sigh. "Though it is tremendously unlikely. Most demons are only lucky enough to find a single mate. After losing a mate, they usually live alone." If they do not immediately kill themselves, that is.
Inuyasha had been alone 500 years..."why would a demon not mate his mate if she's willing?"
"I cannot imagine why he wouldnt." He shook his head. "Unless she refused him, which is very possible if they had not been together previously." Again, unlikely. "Or if he had never told her."
"Why would he not?"
"I do not know. It sounds like lunacy to me." As far as Sesshomaru was concerned, there was NO reason not to tell your mate.
she nodded. "So, if you have a mate it's just an automatic love?"
There was that word again, 'love.' He resisted rolling his eyes or saying anything. "It is not love, really, more of a... deep attraction. More than simple lust, though.
She frowned. Her time Sesshomaru seemed more open to the idea than this one..."how do you show your mates? Like do you wear rings like married humans?"
"Nothing so easily lost. No, demons mark their mates."
"Mark?"
"Yes. Like a... tattoo, or a brand. The demon would bite and mark their mate, leaving it permanently imprinted into their skin."
Kagome's eyes widened. That sounded so painful!
"It is not painful." He assured her with a chuckle, correctly guessing her concern. "From what I have heard, the experience in one of... pleasure."
"I...I don't see how that wouldn't be painful..."
"It is part of the bond forming process. And as far as it hurting, think of it in the same way as... spanking. Or biting."
"Wait...do you, uh...do demons mark mates during sex?"
"Usually, yes. It is done in the heat of the moment, as both partners are in the throes of passion. The demon bites their partner, the mark appearing wherever they bit."
Her face turned very red.
"For some, they leave their mark on the inner thigh..." he continued, lightly tracing his finger over the top of her thigh. "Others prefer the neck." The demon purred, reaching up to lightly caress her throat.
Her blush darkened and reached up to stop the hand on her leg "I think we uh...might need to move onto another conversation" she said
"Is that so? What would you prefer to talk about?" He asked, shifting his hand to intertwine his fingers with hers.
"...was Izayoi your fathers mate? Or just someone he liked?"
"... she was his mate." He admitted. "Lady Izayoi was no mere dalliance, nor was she a political arrangement like my mother. She was his mate." He said softly.
"...did he mark her?" Somehow she was getting the feeling he hadn't.
"No, he had not." Though it may not have mattered, Sesshomaru thought. The mark would only save her from aging for death, not other ways to die. "She still lived in her family home. Out of respect to her father, they abstained from marking her until after Inuyasha would have been born. "The fool Takemaru of Setsuna put an end to that."
She frowned recognizing the name "he was the one with Sounga wasn't he?"
"The one and the same." He confirmed with a nod.
"What...happened?"
Of course Inuyasha had not told her. Most likely he did not know. The flea could have, but had not it seemed. "You know of my father's battle with Ryukotsusei, yes? And the wound that would ultimately claim his life?"
"Yes, that part I know" she nodded.
Sesshomaru gave her a brief explanation of their meeting, his demanding the tetsusaiga and his father's departure before pausing. "That was the last time I saw my father..." he whispered, emotions roiling in his mind.
Her hand tightened in his. She understood how he felt..
Clutching her hand firmly, he finished explaining his father's fate. "In an effort to buy lady Izayoi time to escape, father stayed behind to delay Takemaru. It would ultimately be what cost him his life."
"He died saving his mate and son..." that was so tragic...and romantic
"He did." Sesshomaru nodded. "Though I still believe he made a mistake." Sesshomaru shook his head, quickly holding his hand up to forestall any protest. "Not saving his mate and child. That I understand. But why... why did he stay? Why not just kill the human, which he was more than capable of, then leave? Or ignore him entirely, take his mate and child and leave? He could have survived..."
"Maybe he couldn't...maybe...maybe he knew his wounds wouldn't heal? He was a soldier. If that's true he'd want to go down protecting his family"
"It is possible." He conceded. "Unlikely, but possible."
"maybe you should tell Inuyasha?" she suggested. Maybe Inuyasha wouldn't want to know about the full story, but he might.
"perhaps…"
"I think it would be nice if you did...when you two are ready for that I mean"
"I can do that." Sesshomaru nodded. When they were ready. "Is that your favor?"
"Hmmm no. I think it would be nice, but if you don't, it's really your business"
"We shall see, then."
She nodded. "Thank you in advance if you do."
"You are welcome." He said simply. "Have you thought of a favor?"
"Yes...when you find out who Inuyasha's mate is, my favor is you can't hurt him try to kill him or anything like that. Now or future."
That was suspicious.
"And why would you ask something like that, Kagome?" He asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
"Because I know who it is, and I know you won't like it."
"Why?" He asked, unable to ignore the shiver of suspicion running up his spine.
"I'm not answering that till you agree to the favor" she said
"Fine. I agree." He scowled.
As her father figure, he did have the right to know. "Inuyasha's mate...is Rin." She said before grabbing his arm when he shot to his feet "you promised!"
"I-!" Sesshomaru growled angrily. Dammit! He never should have agreed to that! "Fine." The demon growled, forcing himself to reclaim his seat.
"I only told you so you can prepare yourself when Rin is grown." She said.
"How do you know this?" Sesshomaru demanded.
"He told me." She said. "Well...I learned kinda from someone else and asked him about it but he did admit it"
Where did she get this initial knowledge, then? Someone else on the group? Someone from her time? "Is that why you asked about mates?"
"Sorta" she said. "And...well...your courting me to be a mate...and I was...wanting to know more" she said. Though with what he'd told her, and what she'd learned from the Sesshomaru from her own time...they weren't mates so she wasn't sure why he would be trying this.
"Right." He said simply, reaching to her to lightly grasp her waist and pull her into his lap, straddling him.
Wrapping his arms around her middle and holding her close, he inhaled her sweet, soothing scent in an attempt to call himself.
Kagome's face flushed red, again. This was going to be her permanent color. But, she couldn't force herself to push him off or stop him. It...wasn't like it was that bad...he wasn't feeling her up or something...
Breathing deeply, a deep rumbling purr rolled through Sesshomaru's chest as he held her. He began lightly running his hands up and down her back to keep his hands busy.
Kagome shifted, laying her head on his shoulder as he held her.
"So calming..." Sesshomaru whispered softly, pressing a light kiss to her neck.
She shivered without realizing it. That felt nice. Like when he's kissed her in her room...
Growling low at her shiver, Sesshomaru repeated the kiss, one fang lightly grazing her skin.
"Kagome! Sesshomaru! Dinners ready!" Shippo called from their campsite.
"I suppose we should return." The demon whispered against her tender throat. Though he was very tempted to just stay here and continue holding his miko.
"Y-yeah...we should..." she said but didn't get up. She...liked his hand moving her over back...
"I do not wish to move, either." He purred, lightly nuzzling her neck. "Nor do I want to let you go."
"...can...can I ask a second favor tonight?" She asked quietly, not sure that was aloud. And she didn't want to take back her previous one...
"You have thought of another?" He asked, mulling over the idea. "I would not be opposed to that, if you would also allow me a second favor."
"Ok" she could agree to that. That seemed fair.
"Then what is your favor?" He asked, pressing a kiss to her neck before leaning back to meet her gaze.
"...a...a real kiss?" She blushed deeply.
"You want a real kiss from me?" He asked, more to clarify that is what she wanted. He was more than happy to oblige.
She hesitated but nodded slightly. "Y-yes..."
"Gladly." He whispered, gently cupping her cheek and leaning close to press his lips to hers in a firm kiss.
Kagome closed her eyes and kissed him back.
Sesshomaru purred into her mouth, slowly deepening the kiss. His hands continued across her back, pressing her closer.
She jumped slightly when his hand moved up from her back to the back of her head.
The demon gently tangled his fingers with her silky black hair, tongue slipping past her parted lips to tangle with hers.
She purred softly before the kiss ended a few moments later.
"Pleased with your favor?" He asked, heart racing. He slid his hand down from her hair to the small of her back, fingers gently grazing the sensitive skin at the small of her back.
She blushed again "I...wanted to see what it was like...last time I was in shock..." well not last time...
"And are you pleased with the result?" He chuckled.
"You...you said you had another favor" she said clearing her throat.
"I do." He nodded. "I want to learn more about your time. I would like you to tell me more about your home family and time during these hours, not just about yourself."
"I…ok. But some of the things might be hard to explain. But I will try my best." She nodded. All in all, it was a good way for him to get to know her more. Which really was kind of sweet. "we should head back for tonight though."
He nodded, "you are right. After you," he said releasing her.
She nodded, and let him move her out of his lap and help her to stand up.
The demon lord smiled, leaning down to give her one last kiss for the evening.
Kagome tried to stop blushing by the time they made it back to camp and took her seat between the kids. When Inuyasha raised a brow at her she just shook her head. She was NOT talking to him about this.
"Help yourselves." Miroku nodded to them both, passing bowls over so they could fix their soup.
Both of them filled their bowls before settling in to eat.
"So, the shard is still in its same place?" Sango asked after a bit.
"It'd be too much to hope that it's closer." Inuyasha grumbled.
"It's only a few days" Kagome said. "That's better than the one over a week away"
"Yeah, yeah..." Inuyasha grumbled.
"A few days... in which direction?" Sesshomaru asked suspiciously, somewhat concerned about where the shard may be.
"Northeast. Why?" She frowned.
The dog demon cursed. Of course it was there. Where else could it possibly be..."Perhaps it would be best if I were to retrieve it myself."
"You won't be able to see it" Kagome said. "If it's hidden I mean."
Of course not. "Then we will need to be quick about getting it. I do not fancy dwelling there overlong in present company."
"I'm confused" Kagome said.
"where is it at that you seem to know" Inuyasha asked narrowed eyes.
"If my suspicion proves correct, the jewel is in the hidden demon village."
"I've heard of that place" Shippo said. "It's a big village that a lot a venders go to, to find rare things to sell."
"and demons to live without humans if I am correct" Sango said.
"You are." Sesshomaru nodded. "As such, marching in with a priestess, monk, demon slayer and a half-demon with a temper brings me no small amount of trepidation."
"So I'm not aloud because I'm a half-breed?"
"I've heard humans have gone in and out with a full demon escort before" Shippo said.
"No, because you have a temper." Sesshomaru said pointedly. "Yes, it is an option, as long as all of you remain close."
"We can behave. Right Inuyasha?" Sango asked, looking at him.
"Are the kids going to be ok?" Kagome asked frowning.
"Hey I'm a full demon." Shippo said crossing his arms.
"They will be fine. As long as no one starts a fight, no demon there will dare bother us."
Rin frowned looking at her food. "Rin?"
"I'm ok...just worried..."
"Worried about what?" Sesshomaru asked softly, patting the little girls back.
"What if something happens to you and master Inuyasha? Then who'll protect me and Shippo?"
"It will be ok" Miroku smiled. "Nothings going to happen. And if something were to happen, you still have Kagome. And Sango and myself"
"Nothing will happen to me, Rin. This I can promise you." Sesshomaru assured her, wrapping an arm loosely around her and holding her close to his side.
"Yeah. Same." Inuyasha nodded, drawing a look from Sesshomaru. They would still be having a chat later.
She nodded, though she still seemed worried.
"It'll be ok sweetie" Kagome smiled.
"We will be there only as long as we need to be. Then we will leave." The demon lord assured her.
"...we might have to stay a night..." Kagome said. When Inuyasha gave her a look she pointed up.
This time it was Inuyasha's turn to curse.
"Then we will only stay for the one night." Sesshomaru said simply, very aware of his brothers impending weakness.
"One night will be fine. It'll be nice to sleep in an inn and not out in the open" Sango smiled
"It will, at that." Sesshomaru nodded.
"I like sleeping under the stars" Rin smiled
"I know you do, little one." The demon lord smiled back at her.
"Have you ever stayed at the inn there?" Kagome asked as she filled the kids bowls with seconds.
"Not exactly. But I am familiar with the owner. We will have no trouble securing rooms."
"So you've only gone for short visits?" Sango asked.
Kagome raised a brow noticing him becoming...uncomfortable?
"My visits were more... professional in nature." Not his, exactly. "I usually conducted my... business, then left. There was little need for me to remain."
Kagome...suddenly didn't like the way he said that. She pushed the feelings to the side as they finished eating.
After dinner, Sesshomaru removed the fur he wore and carefully laid it out for Kagome and the children.
Sango smirked at Kagome as the other woman grabbed the sleeping bags.
Kagome just rolled her eyes. It was his favor. It wasn't like they were sleeping together!
"Make yourself comfortable." Sesshomaru smiled at Kagome, before looking to Inuyasha, gaze hardening. "Inuyasha. A word?"
"No thanks" he said leaning against his tree.
"Inuyasha I'll say the word" Kagome said in warning. The half demons ears dropped.
"Fine..." he said dropping down.
"We will be back momentarily." Sesshomaru assured Kagome before stepping away into the trees.
Inuyasha grumbled but fallowed his brother.
Once they were out of earshot of the demons amongst the group, Sesshomaru stopped and turned to his brother.
"Kagome tells me that Rin is your mate." Not a question.
"She wasn't supposed to" he growled.
"She did. I do not think I need to explain what will happen if you hurt her."
"Don't bother. I'm not going to mate her" he said rolling his eyes.
That caused the older demon to arch a brow. "And why is that?"
"Seriously? Shouldn't you be dancing with joy over that?"
"Perhaps I am. Perhaps I am simply curious why a demon would not want to be with their mate. Most would die for that chance. And you expect me to believe you would pass on that? Pray, forgive my disbelief and curiosity."
"Like you've said all my life. I'm only a half demon." He said. "Why do you care? She'll find someone else."
"Maybe she will. We both know a mate is far different from 'finding someone else.' Do not make the mistake of letting bitterness keep you from a mate."
"I'm not letting anything "keep" me from a mate. I'm just not going to trap someone who can find someone they actually want to be with." Or someone actually worthy of them..."this isn't anyone's business but mine. No ones telling her so it's not like she's ever going to know anyways"
"Say that all you want. We both know what a mate means. To a demon, or a human. When you finally come to your senses, you will tell her."
"Oh so you actually want me to tell her and ruin her life? So she can live with nothing in a tree?" he rolled his eyes at Sesshomaru's confusion. "Yeah unlike you who got the silver spoon, when my mother died I just chased out of what I thought was my home. I got nothing. Don't act like having a mate is the magical thing I'm sure your spinning to Kagome. I'm doing what's best for her. I'm letting her find someone who can take care of her." He growled and turned, heading back to camp.
He was so pissed he couldn't even enjoy that he'd shocked the bastard. Yeah didn't think about that huh you jackass. Didn't think if she's my mate she'll have absolutely nothing. Prick.
Once back at camp he jumped back into his tree, ignoring the looks from everyone.
Sesshomaru remained where he was for a moment. Is that really what Inuyasha thought? That he could not provide for her? Sesshomaru may not have been his brothers biggest fan, but one thing he could admit about Inuyasha is that when the boy wasn't letting his temper get the better of him, he was reliable.
Though he would NEVER admit this to the man, there could have been no better mate for Rin than Inuyasha. And vice versa. But then, perhaps he had a point as well. He could provide much for Rin...but he'd noticed one thing lacking in this pack. No one had much to say of coin. And if that was the impending doom of a mating...It seems he would need to be having another conversation with Inuyasha, though this would be more geared towards addressing the mans issues with being able to provide.
Though Sesshomaru was rare to really be happy at the knowledge, he was technically still the previous lords son. He supposed he was technically entitled to more than just the sword...
Shaking his head, the demon lord returned to camp, taking a seat nearest to Kagome and the children's bedrolls.
Kagome was sitting up with a book while Shippo and Rin were already asleep.
She couldn't talk to Inuyasha sense he was obviously pissed but she couldn't sleep because TECHNICALLY it was her fault. Whatever was said between the brothers.
"You need not have waited up, Kagome." Sesshomaru assured her with a whispered.
"Can't sleep. Figured I'd read a chapter or two..." she said quietly.
"Because you were busy worrying." He said simply.
"That shouldn't be a surprise"
"It is not." The demon shook his head. "You need not be concerned. We just talked which we will now be doing again." Sesshomaru sighed.
"You talked and he's very upset. Is talking again a good idea?"
"Perhaps it would be better for you to talk to him, then."
"When he's ready" she said turning a page. "Knowing what the conversation is, I'm not pushing him." She knew Inuyasha could hear her. She wanted to assure him she wasn't going to push and upset him more.
"I will leave this to you, then. You are better suited to this." He said simply.
She nodded and continued to read.
"What are you reading?" Sesshomaru asked, arching a brow at the odd looking scroll.
"A book I've re read a few times. Just trying to relax to sleep..."
"What is the book about?" he asked, shifting closer and lightly running his hand over the small of her back.
"It's a romance mystery about vampires and werewolves"
"A... romance?"
"Yeah...a book that features a couple." She shrugged
"Hm..." he murmured, glancing at the text over her shoulder. Some of the characters he didnt recognize, but from what he could read... "Is this some manner of lust book?"
She rolled her eyes "it has some stuff yes but it's a mystery more so."
"I see. And you enjoy these books?"
She nodded "mostly"
"Hm." He grunted, continuing his light massage of her back. "Does it help you relax?"
She nodded "reading usually helps when I can't sleep" or when she was worried.
The demon nodded, falling silent to let her read in peace. Perhaps he could get something to help her relax? An oil or tonic, perhaps?
After another chapter Kagome tucked the book into her bag and took one last look at Inuyasha, who no longer had his back to them, hopefully a signal that he wasn't as mad at her anymore. She slid down into her sleeping bag and rolled onto her side, facing the kids.
"Sleep well, Kagome."
"Good night"