Only Human

by effinsusie

[COMPLETE] Winter is coming, and Kagome is prepared. A thoughtless wish binds Kagome to Sesshoumaru. Winner- FC Awards 2021 Q2, Best Angst- 3rd place Winner-FC Awards 2021 Q3, Best AU/AR- 3rd Place

26. Out with the Old

"Does your village house a swordsmith?"

After being welcomed with open arms, Sesshoumaru and Kagome were taken to the empty hut that was graciously made available for their use. A good-sized hole in the outer wall had rendered the housing previously unusable, but repairs were under way, and they were assured it would be completed within a day or two. It meant they would have to endure a bit of construction during their stay, but it was a small price to pay for shelter, and neither were complaining.

The others were being put up by generous villagers who had extra space in their homes and their hearts, and Inuyasha was off fetching them while the newcomers were going through the intake process. It was nothing official; one of the village's leaders was simply trading information while he inventoried their needs. Along with the shelter, food and clothing would be made available, and the couple was grateful. The refuge they were offered was indefinite, but they assured him that the small group would only be staying long enough to recuperate and gather their bearings.

"One of the best!" the man confidently assured him. "He lives across town. I will take you to him tomorrow." Sesshoumaru very much doubted that the swordsmith was anything impressive. No man forging human weapons was capable of anything spectacular. But beggars can't be choosers, so he held his tongue, nodded in thanks, and accepted the friendly man's generous offer.

"Thank you so much for all you have done." Kagome had not been expecting the unconditional kindness they had immediately received. After all they had endured lately, she needed a reminder that there were still good people out there, and she was grateful to have gotten it. In return, she offered her services as a miko for the duration of their stay, but upon learning that she was literate, the man seemed much more interested in using her to help various villagers send letters, or read scrolls and parchments that they had received. She of course agreed, but she still felt bad that they couldn't compensate these nice people further.

"We really appreciate your kindness, and the kindness of your village. I only wish we had more to give you."

"Think nothing of it, young lady," the man said with a smile, and shifted a bit where he sat on his knees as he faced them. "I am in a position to do you a favor. Perhaps someday, you will be in a position to do me a favor." Kagome agreed quickly, and told him she hoped the day would come where she could return his kindness. Sesshoumaru, however, remained silent.

"Such things can be incredibly valuable. The way I see it, so long as a man owes me his kindness, I shall never be wanting." His twinkling eyes had the young woman beaming, but Sesshoumaru inwardly scowled. He hated being indebted to anyone. And though this man had done nothing to warrant his suspicion, the Western Lord did not trust anyone who went around collecting favors. But he was in no position to refuse him, and honor would dictate he see his debt repaid. He just hoped that this town's needs were as harmless as this man appeared to be.

"Oh, thank kami." Sango's relief was palpable as she pulled the hut's curtain open and rushed inside.

Miroku was right behind her, followed by Inuyasha, who was holding a bandaged up, but very on-the-mend, Kirara in his arms.

Kagome stood just in time to receive the emotional woman's tearful hug, and as the interruption appeared to signify the end of their little pow wow, the two men rose as well.

"I was so scared!" Sango wept into her friend's shoulder, allowing the stress and fear of the last few uncertain days to stream from her tear ducts and finally grant her relief. "When the bridge fell, I thought we were going to lose you."

"So did I." Kagome tried to laugh, but seeing the usually outwardly strong woman reduced to a blubbering mess made it impossible not to respond in kind.

It had been a very traumatic experience, and Kagome realized she hadn't been dealing with it properly. Ever since that moment, it had been one thing after another, and she was forced to repress any reaction she might have otherwise had to the terrifying ordeal. It didn't help that the man she had been traveling with didn't seem to react to anything, so it made it terribly easy to push the incident out of her mind and forget how close she'd really come to being killed.

But now, seeing the rest of her party for the first time since then, it was impossible to ignore. She was finally allowed to grieve, and she cried tears of remorse and relief in the arms of her friend while Sango did the same.

The villager took the emotional reunion as his cue to leave, so with a friendly, yet somber nod at the men, he did just that. The remaining males stood silently, and let the women have their moment.

Sesshoumaru watched on passively while the scene played out, but a pair of eyes burning into him seemed to demand his attention. He looked over to the monk, and was interested to see that the normally jovial man was fixing him with a very intent stare.

"My lord," he offered gravely, once he had Sesshoumaru's attention. "I need a word in private, if I may." He studied the earnest monk a moment, before sliding his gaze back over to Kagome. With a nod, the two men stepped outside the hut to be alone.

"We all saw what you did back there." The accusation startled him, and he actually became nervous as to what the young houshi was referring. "Any lingering doubts I may have had in regards to you or your intentions within this pack were completely snuffed out with that one courageous act." He gave an inward sigh of relief when he realized he must be talking about the bridge.

"When that rope snapped, I thought..." The monk paused, and the implications hung in the air between them for a long, unpleasant moment. The look of naked horror on Miroku's face forced Sesshoumaru to acknowledge just how close to losing her he had come. It was something he preferred not to think on, so he simply hadn't until now.

The houshi shook himself to get back to his point. "Kagome-sama is my dearest friend," he informed him, and despite his unfortunate language, was able to successfully relay his seriousness. "I never thought I could care so much for a woman I've never bedded, but I do. I might actually love her more than any other woman I've known."

It was likely the truth. He'd come to realize that he hadn't had a relationship with any woman as long as the one he had with Kagome. Even though it was platonic, it was no less valuable. It might have even been the reason it mattered so much to him. He hated to think it was the reason it had endured. "I never had a sister, but that woman is my family. You will forever have my gratitude."

Sesshoumaru wasn't surprised. The depth of devotion that woman inspired seemed to have no end. It was a well with no bottom, but instead, a portal to some strange new world he had never known.

"I was scared when we got separated. But after what you did, I realized I had nothing to fear." Sesshoumaru hated the way his spine stiffened at even the most trivial acknowledgement. This man's opinion should mean nothing to him. Yet, it felt validating to receive even the barest of recognition at the moment. It must be his current predicament, and all the failings that came with it, that had him so thirsty for confirmation that he was still everything he knew he was. "I knew that as long as you were with her, she was going to be safe, and I was right. You brought her back to us, without a scratch on her."

It had been a good long while since the Western Lord had needed to prove himself in any regard. It never got old; seeing those who doubted him realize the extent of his capabilities.

Nothing was impossible for him, he simply needed the inclination to do something, and it would be done. When would everyone understand that? Until they did, he would continue to show them.

"I know it might not mean much to you, but I want you to know that you will always have this monk's loyalty. I will be in your corner for the rest of my life. If you ever have need of me, I will be there. You have my word."

Sesshoumaru was more than a little startled at the well of the monk's regard, but once again, he kept his surprise in check. It seemed he'd earned the undying loyalty of this pack, simply by saving the woman he felt compelled to save anyhow. It wasn't like there was ever another option.

At his lack of response, Miroku held his hand out between them then. Unfamiliar with the custom, Sesshoumaru only looked down at it curiously, before turning his questioning eyes back up to the man's face.

"What is that?" he finally asked.

"It's just something men do. A sign of mutual respect." He considered that a moment. The two of them were not equals, and he would not pretend otherwise. But, he supposed, he did have a measure of respect for the man. At least his priorities seemed to be in order... when there was not a willing female around.

He mimicked his action, and stuck his hand out experimentally. Miroku reached forward to grab it, and shook it up and down. Sesshoumaru only watched, somewhat intrigued by the strange human custom, though not entirely thrilled to be touched.

Sensing this, Miroku kept the action brief, and remained unoffended when the former youkai wiped his hand off on his clothing after reclaiming it.

"Inuyasha told me about the castle," he saw fit to inform him. "Did you have any trouble at the river?"

"No."

Short and sweet, minus the sweet. But the monk smiled anyway. Sesshoumaru was not in need of useless pleasantries, or idle conversation. So instead of testing the bounds of his generosity, Miroku threw him a bone and put an end to this little sidebar. He'd said what he wanted to say.

"Glad to hear it. Perhaps we should return."

Pleased to be dismissed, Inuyasha's brother made to return inside, but an audacious hand on his shoulder immediately halted his progress.

He turned back slowly.

"When you first came to us, I thought perhaps it was a test from the gods," Miroku admitted jokingly, even though he was dead serious. "Now I am certain, it was a gift."

The women had gotten themselves together by the time they re-entered the hut, and Sesshoumaru was grateful for that. He watched on as Miroku took his turn, and soothed himself by pulling the miko into his warm embrace. Holding her close and knowing she was safe lifted the heavy weights off the monk's shoulders, and Sesshoumaru noticed how he actually looked visibly lighter after assuring himself of her presence.

He then whispered something only for her ears, and whatever it was, he was rewarded with a dazzling smile in return. She still held him as she pulled back, and set her red, drying eyes on his own.

"You forgot to grope me," she noticed with a laugh. "Are you feeling alright?"

He grinned largely in return, and the brothers both offered a scowl as they awaited the inevitable. But thankfully, it never came.

"Perhaps later," he promised with a wink. But Sesshoumaru immediately shut down those aspirations.

"Perhaps not."

Once satisfied with the reunion, the conversation turned quickly to the mission, and their plans going forward. Sesshoumaru laid out his strategy for storming the compound. It was a relatively loose plan so far, and he would be working on it over the next few days. Until then, their instructions were to get rest, build their strength, and lay low.

---

Sesshoumaru hadn't returned from the swordsmith with a weapon, but he was given a sanding block. Dulled from whittling spears and various other menial tasks, his stolen sword required a good deal of sharpening. He didn't know what to expect at the compound, but if it was to be his only weapon, he knew he was going to have to be ready for a battle.

After an early morning of meditation and kata routines, he claimed a corner of the hut to get his steel in shape for victory. It had been some time since he had done the chore himself; as a lord, such things were beneath him. But it was actually soothing. He found he could lose himself in his task, and clear his mind of distractions as he ran the sanding stone up the edge of his blade in long, precise passes.

At least, he could have been. But unfortunately, this hut still had a hole in the wall – a fact he was painfully aware of last night as the cold winter air seeped through and exposed the poor quality of the blankets they were given.

And until the hole was fixed, the village handyman, Tadaaki, was going to be in their hut making the repairs. The construction itself wasn't terribly obnoxious. What was, however, was the chattiness of the young man, and the miko's propensity to encourage him.

He was trying to tune them out, but every time he heard her laugh warmly at the boy's comments, or fawn annoyingly at one of his stories, he was distracted from his peace and forced to seethe in silence.

Kagome, friendly and talkative by nature, had an endless string of topics to fill the hours while he worked. And he knew from experience she had enough fuel to keep inane conversations going indefinitely, so any hopes at seeing the exchange end were not nurtured in the slightest.

He was relieved when the first villager came to the hut to request her services. He had a letter in his one hand, and a trey of some kind of dumplings in the other. The dumplings were meant to be payment in exchange for having her read his note for him, and initially, she'd refused. She argued that the village had already done enough for them, but the man insisted she take the food his wife made for her efforts. Eventually, the miko relented.

This paused the conversation between her and Tadaaki for a moment at least, and Sesshoumaru hoped now that he was focused on his work, he could finish up the repair and get out of their way. But after the man left with his letter, it only sparked a whole new topic of conversation.

"You read, miko-sama?" he asked. He was surprised, but not offensively so, and Kagome smiled at him.

"I told you, call me Kagome. And yes, I can read. Everyone can where I come from."

He slowed his work momentarily to absorb the information, and while annoyed, Sesshoumaru was simply pleased he hadn't stopped all together.

The boy made his way closer to pick up a few more supplies.

"Wow. How fortunate you are to be from a land that values education so. And for women as well. I knew you were smart, but that is truly inspiring."

Kagome shrugged, turning back around to return her pen to her pack. She was used to that reaction from people who found out she was learned. They usually seemed to either be impressed, or threatened by the news.

"It isn't that hard. It just takes some practice."

"That's easy for you to say," he replied with a humble grin. "I wish someone had taught me to read, but I doubt I have the aptitude for it."

"You most likely do not," Sesshoumaru opined from across the room.

The miko shot a scowl over to her rude companion, which he managed to avoid by keeping his eyes on his work.

"Nonsense. You're very smart. And like I said, it isn't hard."

Tadaaki couldn't repress his smile, but continued to work, only flashing her a quick, thankful look as he sanded and glued.

"That is kind of you to say, miko-sama. But my talents begin and end with fixing things." His previous insecurity was instantly overridden by modest pride, and he grinned a little wider. "That is where I'm a genius, though. I am incredible with my hands."

Sesshoumaru wasn't sure if the obviously inexperienced boy intended any innuendo. He wanted to believe the worst, but he was just so disarmingly wholesome. Perhaps he was spending too much time around Miroku – which any time clocked around the shameless pervert could qualify as.

At any rate, the miko didn't seem to pick up on it.

"I don't doubt it. You've almost got that wall all patched up, and it looks beautiful!" She gestured to his handiwork and smirked knowingly. "I heard you can fix anything."

"Just about," he confirmed, gently and proudly patting the area beside it. "And once this wall is fixed, I'm going to build you a fence."

"That is unnecessary," Sesshoumaru inserted, nearly startling him with his insistent tone. The handyman was not used to strangers speaking to him with such confidence, or authority. "We do not require a fence."

Tadaaki was accustomed to following orders, and normally happy to do so, but he was momentarily conflicted by the opposing requests.

"Sorry, but those are the instructions I was given." Eagerly, he returned his smiling attention back to the much more pleasant young woman. "They tell me what to fix, and I go fix it. The guy who owns this hut wants to spruce it up for after you leave. I hope that isn't too soon, though."

Kagome easily found her way to smiling back at the flattering young man, but turned back to Sesshoumaru for confirmation. He hadn't given them a strict timeline, so they were kind of just waiting to go on his word. She assumed it would depend on how much longer it took Kirara to heal enough to travel safely. Luckily, cat country was where you wanted to be for the latest technology in neko medicine.

"We'll be here a few more days, right Yuta?"

Before he could answer, Kagome's second customer of the day arrived. This one had no dumplings, and no letter for that matter. He appeared hopeful, yet nervous as he approached the young woman in the hut.

After a brief introduction, he humbly implored with his request.

"They say you can read. May I assume then that you can write as well?"

"I sure can," she confirmed with a friendly grin. "You want me to write a letter for you?"

She approached the newcomer, and with her once again occupied, the men at her back dutifully returned to respective tasks in silence.

"Yes. My daughter lives on the other side of the mountains, and I haven't seen her in years." Sorrow was apparent in his gentle tone, and Kagome pouted sympathetically on his behalf. "I held hopes that if I can get her husband a letter, that he could read it to her. I just want to let her know that I am well, and that I think of her often."

"That's so sweet!" she gushed without shame. "Of course I'll write your letter. I just need something to write it on."

Her backpack had already been returned, inventoried, and restocked with supplies. But she was running low on paper. She would grab one of her pens, but if they had some parchment for her to use, that would be ideal.

"At once!" he responded happily, but he still had an air of nervousness about him. "I regret that I have nothing to offer you in payment. But I do know of a field nearby with the most beautiful flowers this time of year. Would you like me to pick them for you?"

Despite the hopeful tint to his language, Kagome brushed him off with the wave of her hand.

"Oh, that isn't necessary. Your village has already done so much! I'll do it free of charge."

She spun from him, and crouched to fumble with her pack, while the man seemed to freeze in momentary indecision.

"Are you certain?" he tried again. "A bouquet would certainly brighten your hut some."

The hut was pretty sparse; only furnished with the barest of comforts. But for a couple who had been sleeping in the woods more often than not, it would more than suffice.

"No, don't trouble yourself. We won't be here long anyway. Just go grab me the parchment and I'll get started."

Kagome didn't seem to notice the man's sudden dejected cadence, but he acquiesced with a bow and left to fetch her the paper. She smiled happily as she began digging for her pen.

"Beg your pardon, miko-sama." Tadaaki ventured closer to her as she busied herself in her bag.

"Kagome, please."

"Kagome," he corrected, and abandoned his work to approach her once again. "I know you are trying to be gracious, but perhaps you should allow him to pick you his flowers."

His attempts to gently persuade her seemed to get absorbed in her obliviousness, however, as she continued to rummage.

"That's okay, I don't need anything from him. I just want to help."

"I recognize that, and I find it commendable." The hint of admiration in his tone left nothing to doubt in his claim. "I believe your refusal, however, will hurt that man's pride."

Kagome scrunched her brow at his strange reasoning, and tilted her head slightly.

"Why?"

"A man likes to earn his keep," he proclaimed confidently. "A man with honor, at least. To accept any charity, particularly from a woman, makes him feel like he cannot support himself. Like he is incapable of providing, and therefor has no useful function. A man who cannot provide is not a man at all, at least he feels that way."

"That's silly," Kagome scoffed dismissively. "Just because I'm a woman, I'm not allowed to do anyone favors?"

At last, her elusive pen was located. She zipped her bag back up with haste, and spun back around to find Tadaaki standing much closer than she expected. It took her slightly off guard, but his apologetic smile and helpful demeanor put her instantly back at ease.

"I assure you; he would make the same offer to any man." Looking up at the taller male, Kagome finally began to consider what he was telling her. "It is just an extra blow to his pride to have nothing to offer a woman. To know she has no need of him."

"The boy is correct." Both were surprised to hear the stoic man in the corner speak up, and they turned to look at him. Aside from a few snarky comments, Sesshoumaru had hardly spoken all morning.

"A man who takes favors from women is pathetic, particularly if he gives nothing in return." He held eye contact with her for a brief moment to ensure she understood. Once assured of it, he returned his focus to the increasingly sharp edge of his blade. "If you wish to be kind, you must accept his gift. Meager and pathetic as it may be."

His snobby attitude earned another distasteful scowl, as did the likely accuracy of his assessment. So that's what this was about. Male pride.

No matter where she went or what she did, there seemed to be no escaping it.

"I agree with your husband," Tadaaki said presumptuously, and startled her right out of her lament. "I think you should accept them."

The scraping sounds in the corner of the room faltered briefly before resuming as if they hadn't. Kagome felt the blush heating her cheeks, and could barely look at the young man, let alone Sesshoumaru.

"He isn't my husband."

He wasn't. And they weren't pretending he was. But still, she immediately felt guilty for correcting him.

She supposed she couldn't fault the boy for assuming such a thing. Even though the pair had given no indication they were romantically involved, they were sharing this hut together. She knew how it must look. When he politely corrected his look of involuntary surprise, she worried what he might now think of her. But she was relieved when his features softened, and produced a shy smile to match her own.

"And you are mistaken." Sesshoumaru startled their attention back over to him once more as he again wedged himself into their conversation. "I am not suggesting she accept the flowers; I do not care. I am merely informing her of the kindest option, as that is the one she tends to favor. That is all."

The icy edge to his tone would have unsettled anyone else, but Kagome broke into a knowing smile. The effort he expended in insisting he didn't care was proof enough to her that he did. Kami forbid anyone suspect he was trying to be helpful.

"That does not surprise me. Kagome-sama seems very kind." She beamed at the compliment as he returned to his repair, just before her latest customer reappeared through the doorway.

The man returned with his paper, and now the shame in his downturned eyes made sense. She accepted when he handed it to her.

"You know, on second thought, this place really could use some flowers." She looked around disapprovingly, yet the corners of her mouth twitched. "You say you know where to get some?"

His expression brightened instantly, and Kagome's along with it.

"Oh, yes! And believe me, they are beautiful. I can get some to match your eyes."

"Wonderful!" she answered with a clap. "Why don't you run and get them first? I'd really like to have them before we start."

Placating the male ego often felt like humoring a child, and that realization made her want to laugh. But that would probably hurt his pride too, so she bit her cheek when his aura blazed with eager determination.

"Right away, miko-sama! I promise, it isn't far. I shall return quickly."

He excitedly made his way out the door, and Kagome flashed a thankful smile over to Tadaaki. He returned it, and got back to his repair. She moved to the low table to arrange a couple of cushions into what was appearing to become her work space, when the handyman's voice called softly across the room.

"They must be beautiful flowers indeed, if they truly match your eyes."

---

After writing the man's note, business slowed to a halt. Sure, the Tadaaki was nearly done with his repair, and Sesshoumaru was putting the finishing touches on his sword, but without any letters to read, Kagome was growing incredibly bored. She had about as much luck as usual drawing her stoic companion into idle chatter. She had a little more success with the handyman, but he was busy, and she felt bad bothering him. But when an idea struck her, she couldn't resist.

"You got any letters you want me to read?" she asked hopefully, and slid the book she was perusing aside. The man shook his head.

"No. Nobody ever writes to me." He threw his head over his shoulder to address her, and smirked at the charming sight she made. On her stomach, she had her chin in her hands and was kicking her legs up anxiously behind her like a child. He'd never seen a grown woman act this way; so carelessly secure, and unheeding of expectations or propriety. He wondered if all women outside of his village behaved this way. If so, he decided he should start traveling.

He didn't know how, but something told him she was far from typical.

"Well, you want me to write one? Maybe you can start some correspondence."

"That is very kind of you. And I would take you up on it, but I have nobody to write." Though traces of regret were detected in his tenor, it was subdued by his air of resigned acceptance that made this young-looking man sound wise beyond his years. "The only family I have is my sister and her husband, and they live right here. I've never been outside the village," he admitted, as if it were some shameful secret. "I'm not some exciting adventurer like you and your friends."

Even though he was obviously insecure about his lack of worldly experience, the way he seemed to accept his lot in life had confidence rolling off him in waves. At least to Kagome, anyway. There was something simple about him, but not in a bad way. He was uncomplicated, easy. He was a nice change of pace.

"Besides, what's the point of starting a correspondence if I can't read or write? Unless, of course, you plan on staying..." His unsubtle attempt to persuade her to stay was genuine, but teasing. He was well aware someone like her would not stay in this simple village any longer than necessary. They didn't get outsiders often, but when they did, they usually didn't stay long. People – especially humans – only traveled this far north with urgent matters to attend to.

"Unfortunately, I can't," she confirmed. "But how about this? How about I teach you to read?"

Her hopeful excitement was tempered a bit at the short laugh that escaped him.

"Thank you for the offer, but even you are not up to such a task. I am not smart enough to learn. The only thing I'm good for is fixing holes."

He seemed to find mirth in her suggestion, and simply resumed his task. But his self-deprecating declaration had sealed his fate.

"That isn't true," she insisted with a swell of determination. "I can tell you're really smart. And really sweet. I'd love to see the kind of things you would write if you had the chance. I bet you're deep."

He knew he was blushing, and avoided eye contact as a result.

"You're just being nice to me."

"No way! Come on, what's the harm? At least let me try it. What have you got to lose?"

"Nothing," he admitted, and managed to get his embarrassment under control. "But I have nothing to give, either. Remember what I told you? A man cannot accept kindness without offering something in return."

Kagome deflated, disappointed that the humblest man in the universe still had an ego to pamper.

"But it would be doing me a favor," she insisted, then whined. "I'm bored. And you're almost done with your repair."

Hope fluttered in her chest as he appeared to think it over, but that apologetic smile's reappearance stifled it effectively.

"I would love nothing more, Kagome-sama." He gestured to his nearly complete chore. "But once this is done, I have a fence to build, remember?"

She slumped again in disappointment. She forgot how busy he was. No wonder he never learned to read; being in high demand probably kept his schedule pretty full. He would have to multi-task if he was ever going have the time.

The thought gave her an idea.

"That's it! I have always wanted to learn to build a fence!"

"You have?" he asked with mild incredulousness. He hadn't expected her to say that, and certainly not so enthusiastically.

"Yes. Let me watch you build that fence a few hours each day while I'm here. Then, we'll spend the rest of the day working on reading and writing together. It'll be fun!"

At the less than thrilled look she got in response; Kagome considered she may have gotten ahead of herself.

He didn't ask for her help; maybe she was being presumptuous. He was obviously very busy, and he probably didn't want to spend his free time doing homework. Just because she was bored, she shouldn't make him suffer. She should just make Sesshoumaru give her another kata lesson.

"Ah, what am I thinking? You probably don't want to spend all day hanging around with me. I'm sure you have other things to do. I'm sorry."

She reached back for her book with the intentions of leaving the poor guy alone, but before she found her place, his friendly voice met her ears.

"Actually, I'm surprisingly free."

Her head snapped in his direction in time to see the grin he leveled at her. Paired with the genuine warmth in his eyes, he made a comforting sight that instantly tempered her anxiety.

"Really?" she asked.

"Yeah. I know, it's hard to believe a guy like me doesn't have everyone fighting over his company." He smirked at his joke, and she easily returned it. "But you won't be here long. We have to make the most of it."

She excitedly pushed herself up onto her knees. The handyman found himself much more content with her palpable giddiness over her previous disappointment, and the fact that he had caused it.

"Great! We'll begin once you are done with the wall, and then we can start the fence tomorrow. What do you say?"

She was so eager to help him, and Tadaaki – a people-pleaser to his core – was not inclined to stop her. So, brandishing a grin that exposed his molars, he acquiesced with little difficulty.

"That sounds wonderful."

Kagome scrambled to her backpack to get a few supplies ready for his first lesson, but she was so engrossed in her task that she didn't hear Sesshoumaru rise or make his way over.

In fact, it wasn't until she saw his leather boots glide in and out of her periphery that she registered he was leaving.

He'd sheathed what must be now an incredibly sharp sword, and wore it at his hip as he made his way to the door.

"Where are you going?" she demanded at his retreating back. He didn't deign to turn around.

"Out."

And then he was gone.

She pondered his exit a moment, before finally shrugging it off.

Sesshoumaru probably had a lot to do before they stormed the compound, and it wasn't like him to overshare. She supposed he didn't owe her any explanations.

---

By dinner time that evening, the hole in the wall was fixed, and Tadaaki had his first reading lessons. He was actually a really fast learner, and though she knew she wouldn't be in the village long enough to make him a pro, Kagome was sure she would at least get him off to a very good start.

'I just hope he sticks with it.'

But they had to call it a day when his sister came by the hut with her husband. They always came to pick him up from his job each day so they could all eat dinner together.

They were a very nice young couple, just a little older than she was. But she couldn't truly tell which sibling was older, as they both looked to be around twenty.

What was intended to be a quick introduction ended up turning into a long and lively conversation on the front porch. Kagome liked these people. They were very nice, and surprisingly funny. She couldn't remember the last time she laughed this much, and she instantly felt quite comfortable in their company.

She could see herself having friends like these if she ever went to college. They were more mature than her high school friends, but still silly and fun. They were a tight knit family, too. Apparently, their parents died when they were very young, so they were raised on the kindness of the village. Luckily, this just happened to be the kindest village Kagome had ever come across.

"He built this porch too, you know?" his sister gloated, lifting her hand to stroke the smooth wood of the banister. Kagome nodded approvingly, with an impressed pucker of her lips.

"I believe it. It definitely screams quality," she offered generously as she admired his work. "Your brother is a very talented guy."

He smiled at the praise, and looked away bashfully before returning a thankful gaze to her. His sister put a hand on his shoulder, patting first then gripping it to give a playful shake.

"He is. He's always been good at that stuff. Lucky for us, nothing around here stays broken for very long, thanks to this guy."

Obviously uncomfortable with the compliments, Tadaaki was quick to deflect the attention.

"Well, I think we're lucky that my sister happens to be the best cook in the village." The friendly woman laughed.

"I'm not-"

"Yes you are!" he insisted, shutting down any protests immediately. "Kagome, you have to try her cooking. It is the best."

"Why don't you have dinner with us?" her husband suggested, earning an excited rumbling at his idea. Tadaaki's sister agreed.

"Yes, join us Kagome."

Feeling a bit on the spot, she couldn't help but be flattered by the hopeful looks on their faces. She was tempted to agree, and not just to be polite.

"Oh, that is very nice of you, but I need to meet my friends." They expressed their disappointment, making her feel a bit guilty. But she wasn't going to blow off her friends for some people she just met. "We were all supposed to eat together. Raincheck?"

"It's going to rain?" The three of them looked up to study the clouds, causing Kagome to giggle.

"No, it means we should do it later."

"Okay, raincheck it is then." Tadaaki held her gaze meaningfully, stepping close enough to touch. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

Kagome nodded, and that seemed to satisfy him.

"I will be here." It wasn't she had anywhere else to be.

With that promise, her new acquaintances finally left to go make their dinner.

Alone again, Kagome huffed as she reentered the empty hut. She was short one former daiyoukai for the moment, but minus one hole in the wall as well. At least that was something.

A violent rumble in her stomach had her wishing she'd taken the siblings up on their offer. She smiled wistfully as she recalled their playful banter. They were just like her and Sota, with a lot less bickering and taunting. She missed her family...

Shaking herself, she prepared to leave and find Inuyasha, and just hoped he caught something good for dinner.

---

He was starting to get the hang of it.

The weight of his new sword, the speed his body could achieve... It had taken some practice, but the afternoon he'd spent testing his weapon and going through his formations ad nauseum had Sesshoumaru feeling confident in his ability to hold his own.

He would never be as quick or as strong or as powerful as he was in his demon form. Not even close. But at least he had become familiar enough with his human body and its limitations to accurately predict his capabilities.

When that tiger clan had found him that day, he'd barely had any time to appraise his new skill set before he was forced to test its mettle. Now, after several weeks of painstaking trials and training, he could claim to have about as much mastery as he was going to get. He was ready.

Pleased with his progress, he returned to his hut with hopes that the annoying young repairman was as good as he claimed to be and had finished his task. He knew he would be returning regardless, but at least when he moved on to the fence, he would be out of his room and hopefully his hearing range as well.

As he approached, however, the light sounds of a familiar laugh carried on the breeze and graced his eardrums with its usual reprieve. It only lasted a moment though, as the sound mingled, and was muddled by another set of laughter that was much less pleasing.

He stopped when the porch came into view, and to his irritation, his suspicions were confirmed. Not only was their overly friendly guest still there, but it looked like he had multiplied.

He was worried for a moment. The miko was overfriendly herself, and a very real threat loomed that she had volunteered him – or at the very least, herself – to participate in some form of further social interaction, or another. He had no interest in making friends, or enduring conversations. He had a raid to plan, and anything not pertaining to that was an unnecessary distraction.

He remained out of sight, straining his dulled human hearing to try and get an inkling of what the talkative group had conspired. He was unsuccessful, however, as muffled mumblings and periodic laughter was all he could make out at that distance, and approaching any closer would give away his presence, and likely rope him into whatever was going on.

He considered simply emerging, and calmly yet forcefully insisting everyone get out of his hut – save for Kagome, of course – but before he took his intended step, he gave himself pause.

He couldn't hear them, but he could see perfectly clear. He could make out Kagome's soft features, and relaxed posture. He hadn't seen her look like that in a very long time.

She looked so terribly... normal. She looked happy. The former was something he was unaware she could even achieve, but the latter was something he'd seen glimpses of, but it was becoming more of a rarity as of late.

He never considered the type of life, the type of lifestyle most humans were cursed with was anything that would interest her. Someone with her power and ambition could not possibly be satisfied drudging around in such an unremarkable existence. At least, that's what he thought.

But then he remembered, she hadn't chosen the hectic, yet exciting life she currently led. Duty after duty had chiseled the path she traversed, and guilt gnawed him raw in knowing it was for him she had embarked on the dangerous mission at present.

Were it not for that, what would she chose for herself, he wondered? When all was said and done, and her obligations to the universe were fulfilled, what did Kagome want? Looking at her now, seeing her converse and naturally blend and thrive with her own kind, he wondered if she might enjoy a nice, quiet albeit boring existence after all. She will have earned it, that's for certain.

He supposed there could be far worse things than living a harmless, simple life. It wasn't for him, but he could not fault her for it.

Her laughter rang out again, and the sound that used to soothe him so effortlessly caused a cramping in his sternum that he could not identify. He watched the woman he had gotten to know so well over the last few weeks, a woman so accepting and so easily accepted, welcomed with open arms into the community, and appear quite comfortable to be there. He just watched her a moment more before coming to a decision, and soundlessly turned on his heel and left.

---

She'd given up on waiting for Sesshoumaru, as hunger got her out of the hut and over to the home Inuyasha and Sango were residing in. He was a smart guy; he'd figure it out.

She was delighted to find upon her arrival that the hanyou had already hunted down dinner, and Sango was dutifully preparing it out back with their hostess.

The young woman putting them up was very beautiful and sweet. Add apparently well-to-do to the list, and Kagome was surprised she appeared to be unattached and alone.

She certainly didn't seem to have an aversion to company, as the girl was practically tripping over herself to see to everyone's comfort. Kagome thanked her profusely as she welcomed her into her lovely home, and made some tea for her and Inuyasha to enjoy in the main room while the other women prepared dinner together.

The miko was starting to get accustomed to the refreshingly friendly tendencies of this village, but something in that woman's behavior did catch her eye.

When she went to fill Inuyasha's cup for him, the shy smile that accompanied was returned in kind. Blushes were exchanged as well, and the normally brazen half demon seemed to be willfully avoiding her gaze. Kagome could tell that something was off, maybe just because she hadn't seen much of him the last couple of days. When the homeowner left them to chat alone, she started to dig.

"That girl you're staying with seems really nice," Kagome began casually, bringing the teacup to her lips.

Inuyasha answered quickly, and mimicked the action.

"Yeah, she is."

Though not much different than his brother in his regard for idle chatter, Inuyasha was being especially untalkative. The silence between them stretched out as they sipped their drinks, and gave Kagome time to concoct a few wild theories. Finally, she flung one at him with a taunting smile.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say she has a crush on you."

She was just trying to tease him a little bit, maybe make him blush in that cute way he does. But the panic in his shifty eyes was suspect, and seemed indicative of some kind of guilt. Of what, however, she was uncertain.

Rather than guess, and lacking the patience for it, she simply called him out.

"Inuyasha, is something going on? You're acting really weird."

"You're weird," he threw back immediately, still refusing to meet her accusatory gaze.

He wasn't wrong, but that was hardly the issue here.

"And defensive. Did something happen with her?"

She hated to think he would mess around on Sango. After all the love he'd professed having for her, she would be very disappointed in her friend for doing something like that. He didn't have the best track record, what with Kikyo and all. But she held hope that he'd grown up since then, and sneaking around and commitment issues were behind him.

The way he slumped his shoulders in defeated resignation did not bode well, however.

"Keh, when'd you get so damn perceptive?" he asked regretfully, and put down his tea. Kagome did the same, as this required her whole body to express her indignation.

"So something did happen! Did you kiss her?" she demanded, already feeling her anger bubbling on behalf of her other good friend... and womankind. His muttered admission did not temper it in the slightest.

"It was a lot more than that."

"Inuyasha!" she admonished incredulously, but made efforts to keep her voice low. "Did you sleep with that girl?"

His silence said it all. The guilty look on his face was just the cherry on top.

Kagome didn't know what upset her more; the fact that her best friend was still up to his old shameful tricks, or that he had now placed her in the uncomfortable position of either keeping, or exposing his terrible secret. She was livid.

"How could you? How could you do that to Sango?"

"I didn't do it to Sango," he insisted, far less apologetic than he should be sounding, she decided. "I did it... with her."

Her mind was still reeling with outrage, so it took a good few seconds to register what he said. When she did, however, she was even more puzzled, and agitated.

"What?"

"That girl isn't like most girls," he tried tactfully to explain. It didn't come easy to him, so he was struggling to articulate himself. Luckily, Kagome was patient. "In that, she likes mostly girls."

Realization dawned as she finally caught on to what he was trying to say, but she was still in the dark as to the implications. Recognizing this, Inuyasha continued his explanation.

"Sango was asking her if she had a boyfriend, and she said she never had one, on account of that she likes to be with girls instead. But she said she was curious about it." Kagome watched in mild fascination as her hanyou friend became increasingly uncomfortable. Sitting by silently, she was willing to let him squirm. "Well, then, Sango told her about how she had always been curious about being with a girl."

Wait, what? She had?! Sango had never told her that.

Seeing his friend completely captivated, Inuyasha reclaimed his teacup and leaned back in his seat.

"We had a few drinks, and one thing led to another..."

That appeared to be all he was willing to say, but it was all he needed to.

"Are you saying you guys had a threesome?"

Again, his silence was enough of an answer, and the awkward smirk that accompanied was simply a bonus.

Kagome's jaw hung attractively from its hinge, and now her cheeks were red from his outrageous confession.

"Oh my god!" Her blush spread down her neck, and disappeared into her clothes. She picked up her tea to distract her from her embarrassment, but it was not enough to stifle her curiosity. "Have you ever done something like that before?"

Even though she used to have a crush on him, she never saw the half demon that way. She knew he had some experience, but always considered him to be more on the wholesome side. Perhaps she was projecting.

But he somewhat confirmed her assumptions.

"Never. Never even thought about it." The light chuckle he indulged in surprised her further. He was a bit more comfortable with this topic than she would have expected. Definitely more comfortable than she was. But she supposed it shouldn't, considering what else he was apparently comfortable with.

If she was polite, she would just let the matter drop. But these were her best friends and... she was curious.

"How was it? I mean, what was it like?" Her blush deepened at the personal question, and he couldn't help but smile at her modesty. He was well aware he was blowing his inexperienced friend's mind. But he was willing to indulge her, and answered as delicately as possible.

"It was strange... at first," he easily admitted to the enraptured young woman. "Then, it ended up being pretty fun."

"Was it..." she paused, trying to think of how to ask it. "was everybody okay with it?"

She could easily see things getting uncomfortable after participating in such a thing. What might sound fun during a night of drinking could certainly give way to regret come daybreak. But maybe she was just projecting again.

"More than okay," he said with a smile. "I think we're going to do it again."

Shocked into silence for a moment, she managed an uncomfortable laugh. It was the last thing she thought she would hear, and she didn't know what to say.

"Wow," she finally settled on, even less comfortable in the expectant silence they sat in. "That's not what I was expecting."

"Me either, trust me." When he laughed this time, she joined him, but with slightly less discomfort than before.

Slowly, the tension between them eased. She supposed she was relieved that he wasn't messing around. And it was his life. It wasn't something she would choose for herself, but to each his own. Still, despite her inexperience, she felt inclined to offer some advice.

"Just, be careful. That sort of thing... it can lead to jealousy. I'd just hate to see your relationship suffer as a result."

He smiled at her concern, but set to allay her fears.

"Sango said she would be okay with it. It was more her idea anyway."

"Are you okay with it?" she pried. "It's okay if you aren't, you just need to be honest."

She could see how a guy might be too ashamed to refuse such a thing. But regardless of sex, it had to be difficult to watch the one you love being intimate with someone else. Just because it was another woman, it didn't mean he had to like it.

"I'm okay with it," he assured her. "But thanks for checking."

She smiled in response, but another long, awkward silence followed. Desperate to change the subject, Kagome finally broke it when something suddenly occurred to her.

"Anyway, have you seen Sesshoumaru? He's going to miss dinner."

He'd been gone for hours at this point, and she was starting to wonder what he was up to.

"He left already."

Kagome froze, stranding her teacup halfway to her mouth, before placing it back down onto the table in front of her. She watched Inuyasha finish his own, and place the empty cup beside hers.

"He left?"

Leaning back with his hands folded behind his head, the hanyou shrugged.

"Yeah, just a little bit ago." At the bewildered look on her face, something occurred to him, and he scrunched his brows at her. "He didn't tell you?"

"No!" she informed him. "Where did he go?"

Another causal shrug from him caused her irritation to bolster.

"Wouldn't say."

"He wouldn't say?" she repeated incredulously, starting to feel a bit like a parrot. "Didn't that seem strange to you?"

Actually, it probably didn't. It was pretty on-brand, as a matter of fact. It didn't make it any less annoying, however. And for some reason, somewhat hurtful.

"You know how he is, tight-lipped bastard. Just said he was going out. I thought for sure he would have told you."

True, Sesshoumaru answered to no one, and it was not often he offered explanations. But with how close he and Kagome had seemed to become lately, the half breed just expected they kept tabs on each other.

From the change in Kagome's demeanor, he could tell she thought so too. Being left out of the loop like this had her feeling justifiably offended, at least, he thought she was.

"Did he say when he was coming back?" she asked timidly, yet with thinly veiled hope.

"Said it might be a few days." He was wishing now that he had pressed for more information, but he and his brother didn't have that kind of relationship. Live and let live was as good as it got, and a vast improvement from how it used to be between them. Maybe it shouldn't be, though. They were pack now, if only for the time being. And pack should be aware of each other's whereabouts.

But his disinterest in Sesshoumaru's schedule had less to do with simply not caring. It was just... it was Sesshoumaru. He did what he wanted, and knew what he was doing. And, he handled himself just fine... at least he used to. It was so easy to forget how weak and vulnerable he now was, add to it his over inflated self-confidence, and propensity to rub people the wrong way... he really should keep a better eye on him.

"A few days?! Where could he be going? And why wouldn't he tell us?" She was beginning to border on panic as she lost her composure. He hadn't left her side for more than a few hours since joining their little group, and not at all since busting them out of prison. She found the prospect troubling, and she wasn't entirely sure why.

"I'm sure he has his reasons," Inuyasha justified defensively. "He's probably staking out the compound or something. He likes to be prepared for everything."

The rational assumption relaxed Kagome quite a bit. That would be perfectly reasonable, and made complete sense. That's why they were here, after all. Once they left this village, they likely had an epic battle on their hands, and that kind of thing was right up Sesshoumaru's alley.

He was almost certainly making sure they had everything in order to ensure their success. He would leave nothing to chance. She just wished he would have told her, instead of making her worry. Instead of taking everything on himself, maybe they could have helped him. Maybe she could have. Was he still so resistant to that idea even now? Even after everything they'd been through?

She was disappointed. She thought they were more than that. The possibility that she was wrong caused knots to form in her stomach.

"I guess you're right," she conceded nonetheless. "But he should have told us. This is our mission too. He's so damn stubborn."

Inuyasha wouldn't argue with that, but he also had nothing to add. She folded her arms in front of her chest in an act that both expressed her displeasure, and comforted her.

"He shouldn't have gone alone," she finally lamented, wanting to make her position on the matter completely clear. It was, as well as her concern for the man she had grown to care for over the last few weeks, far more than she, or anyone would have predicted.

Inuyasha softened his tone empathetically, and tried to reassure her.

"I'm sure he'll be fine. Its Sesshoumaru, remember?"

The confident reminder actually comforted her some, and she calmed down a bit more. They shared a friendly smile, until it was interrupted by Sango, and their host.

"Dinner's ready, guys! Come and get it."

---

It was unsurprising that Miroku was absent during mealtime. Like a soldier on shore leave, whenever they docked into a town in between the legs of their mission, he immediately found another set of legs to dock between, and stayed there as long as possible. The widow he'd taken up with this time must really be a looker, because Kagome hadn't seen trace of the monk since the warm reception he'd given her upon arrival. He usually tried to sow his oats with as many women as he could, but from what she'd heard, he hadn't left this woman's side – or house, for that matter – for as long as he'd been here.

But after a lovely meal, and some therapeutic Kirara cuddling time, Sango managed to steal her away to the hot springs for a much-needed bath. The girl time it afforded was also long-overdue, and it could not have come at a better time.

"So, how's it going with Inuyasha?"

Kagome studied her friend across from her on the other side of the spring. Like her, she was reclined against the ledge so that the warm, soothing water swallowed her up to the chin. Except her eyes were closed in blissful relaxation, and now, Kagome could fathom why.

"Good," was her simple answer, but the miko was not going to let her off that easy.

"Just good?" she prompted, and finally earned Sango's attention. She opened her eyes warily, and lifted her head to meet her curious gaze.

"You said you didn't want to hear about it," the slayer reminded her, and she had been right. It wasn't terribly long ago that Kagome clearly requested she not be included in any mushy conversation regarding the boy she thought she was in love with. It was still too raw, still hurt too much to hear about his fabulous new relationship, and her best girlfriend's place in it. But things had changed.

She wasn't sure at which point the pain of his rejection had begun to ebb, all she knew was that it had, and talking about it was no longer as offensive as she'd perceived it prior. Come to think about it, it didn't seem to offend her at all.

And in light of certain new developments, she was actually quite eager to hear about it.

"Well, now I do." The nonchalant assurance made Sango regard her suspiciously. But after a moment, she decided she believed her good friend. She wanted to believe her, after all. She had really missed the outlet she used to have in Kagome, and was eager to get things back online.

"It's going really good," she finally admitted, as a genuine smile spread across her features. "It's hard to be apart so much, but the time we get to spend together is really amazing. I love him."

When Kagome smiled in return, she meant it. Not long ago, such a confession would cut right through her like a hot knife through butter. But now, all she felt was pleasure, and relief that the people she cared about the most were finally, truly happy.

That knowledge, along with the perfect water, had every tense muscle in Kagome's body slacken and release.

"That's great. I'm really happy for you. I mean that."

"Thank you." Sango was relieved too. The one dark cloud looming over her new relationship was the pain she knew it was causing her friend. The last thing she wanted was to hurt Kagome, and it made her question her own morality to take Inuyasha right out from under her, and openly date him right in front of her.

It put a sour note on things, and it alleviated that strain to see that the miko was finally getting over what she may have perceived as an affront.

"He told me about the village girl." A sly grin stole her innocent countenance. "A three way? Really?"

"He told you?" Sango immediately flushed, sufficiently mortified. Her incredulity was giving way to anger, so Kagome stepped in to save her hanyou friend from his girlfriend's wrath.

"Well, I kind of figured it out. You know how easy he is to read." She didn't exactly have to twist his arm, but it wasn't like he brought it up unprompted. "How did that happen?"

Sango's embarrassment tempered slightly, until she eventually relented. Kagome already knew, so there was no point in denying it.

"I don't know," she admitted awkwardly. "We were having a few drinks, and the next thing you know we started talking about sex. One thing led to another, and..."

'Okay, so his story checks out.'

It was still so bizarre. She had no idea Sango had ever wanted to try being with another woman. They had talked about sex on several occasions, and even occasionally consumed a few drinks while doing so. She wondered if experimenting with her had ever crossed her mind, and if so, what had stopped her?

Was she simply waiting for an invitation? Or was their friendship too important to risk doing something like that? After they left this village, they were probably never going to see that girl again, so there wasn't really much to lose.

Then again, maybe the miko just wasn't her type. Either way, she would never look at Sango the same way again. Not that it bothered her, or made their hot spring time together much weirder.

"Wow. I never would have imagined you guys doing something like that. Have you ever done anything like that before?"

Inuyasha said he hadn't, but what about Sango? She had been with Miroku, who was notoriously, a pretty experimental guy. And from what she told her, Sango's time growing up in the slayer village had gotten pretty rowdy. But she shook her head.

"No. But I've thought about the possibility a couple of times."

Her shy smile relayed that Sango was a little worried how this news would be received. She didn't want Kagome to start feeling uncomfortable around her, or distance herself.

Luckily, the young woman didn't seem terribly offended. If anything, she was simply curious.

"How was it?"

"It was different," she conceded, but a clandestine smile persisted. "And exciting. Nobody knows a woman's body like another woman." Kagome's eyebrows rose slightly at the confession. "And I wasn't her first woman, but she'd never been with a man before. It was learning experience, for sure."

Kagome shook her head. She supposed she could understand wanting to experiment with another woman, just to try. It was the sharing her boyfriend part that she couldn't wrap her mind around, couldn't get behind.

"I couldn't do it," she informed her confidently. Sango raised a brow.

"How do you know?"

"I guess I don't," she admitted honestly, after a moment's pause. "But I think I would be too jealous. Watching another woman touching my man... I think it would make me crazy."

A knowing smile curved Sango's lips deviously upward, and she pinned her with a paralyzing glare.

"So you want Sesshoumaru all to yourself?"

She laughed with Kagome appeared to choke on nothing, except for maybe a coherent response to the accusation.

"What are you talking about?" she demanded innocently, but the slayer wasn't buying it.

Kagome hadn't admitted to harboring any feelings for Inuyasha's older brother, maybe not even to herself. But it was kind of the unspoken consensus in the pack that something was going on there. It wasn't exactly clear, but one would have to be blind not to see how the pair had begun to seamlessly gravitate toward each other.

It happened so slowly that it took a moment to notice. But then one day, it was impossible to ignore.

For Sango, it was the day on the bridge that brought those undeclared feelings to light. The way he'd chased after her when she ran... After that, so many things began clicking into place.

"So you're still going to sit there and deny it? What's going on between you two?"

The last time Sango accused Kagome of wanting Sesshoumaru, she was met with vehement protests to the contrary. Actually, the girl seemed downright offended. And truthfully, the accusation didn't really have any teeth, at the time. It was a convenient excuse to vilify the miko for her unappreciated interference, and she had been blinded by rage when she leveled it.

But it was unclear if she was just a broken clock – accidentally right – even if Kagome herself wasn't aware of her feelings at the time. At the very least, she was prophetic.

At the troubled look on the young woman's face, it appeared Kagome didn't know much more than she did. At least she finally relented, and dropped the façade.

"I don't know," she admitted honestly, and sunk a bit deeper into the heated pool.

"Have you guys...?" She let the question hang between them, and had to bite her cheek to keep from laughing when the miko's eyes grew wide in realization.

"No!" she insisted, but almost a little too forcefully. Sango couldn't contain her amusement as she watched red cheeks get redder, and leaned in conspiratorially.

"Do you want to?"

Kagome intended to deny it, she really did. But such a bold-faced lie, especially after what her friend just admitted to, seemed inappropriate. Not to mention impossible. She just couldn't muster it.

Her silence spoke for her, and Sango tried to be supportive.

"There's nothing to be ashamed about. He's very handsome. And we can all see how much he cares about you. Don't you think so?"

She knew how modest Kagome was about the topic, and wanted to relay to her that at her age, it was perfectly normal and acceptable to start acting on her desires. Actually, it was to be expected.

For some reason, she felt the need to deny and repress herself to an unhealthy degree.

"I know he cares about me." Yes, she was quite confident in that. "And I care about him too."

"So what's the problem? Still think he's a jerk?"

"No." Kagome paused, and considered it a little longer. "I mean, he can be. But for the most part, he's been nothing but sweet to me. He's really changed."

Despite his prickly demeanor, it would be totally false and unfair to label him so broadly as simply a jerk. He's more than earned an amendment to that description. Particularly lately.

"That much is clear," Sango agreed. "And he's very protective of you. I mean, what he did on the bridge..." The air turned cold momentarily as they both recalled that day, before quickly shaking it off. "and Inuyasha told me about how he rescued you from that prison."

"I know. He's amazing." Sango smiled at the dreamy look she produced then. But just as quickly, it was gone, and Kagome became somber again. "But just because he's protective, it doesn't mean... I mean, Inuyasha is protective of me too."

Oh, right. Suddenly, her reluctance was making much more sense to Sango.

She knew the way Inuyasha handled the soft-hearted woman was far from ideal. She would go as far as saying it was regrettable. But it shouldn't be enough to damage her for other men who intended to do right by her.

She would concede, the wounds were still a bit fresh. And of all the men to heal those scars – to take her mind off of the man who caused them – his blood, his brother, would be a challenging choice.

"I know Inuyasha hurt you," she admitted gravely, unwilling to deny her lover's role in her heartache. The way Kagome grimaced left no room for argument. "but that doesn't mean his brother is going to too. You should know more than anyone not to compare people just because they share blood... or a soul."

"It's not that," she quickly refuted, not entirely pleased at what was implied, though she wasn't sure she could exactly deny it. "We've talked about it."

"And?"

Kagome pursed her lips, and considered how to answer. As a form of nervous distraction, she began running her fingers through the warm water in front of her, feeling it glide smoothly against her skin.

"Do you and Inuyasha ever talk about the future?"

"Like, after the mission?" Sango asked, brow furrowed as she requested clarification.

"Like, about being together? Long term plans? A future."

"No," she answered simply, quickly.

"You don't?"

"Not really. We're just trying to get through one day at a time. We just enjoy each moment we can together."

She guessed that coincided with what Sango had told her before, but things still didn't add up.

"But don't you want more? I mean, you wanted a future with Miroku at one point? You wanted to get married."

"And see how that worked out," she responded flatly, earning a sheepish smile from the younger woman. "But I guess I'm not worried about it, because I know he loves me. I'm the only one he wants, and I know that's how he wants it to stay."

"I don't have that kind of confidence with Sesshoumaru," she said sulkily, brooding as she deflated deeper into the water's depths. "I don't even know where we stand. Whenever it seems like we're getting closer, he pulls back."

It wasn't like he hadn't made himself clear, but it wasn't like she hadn't given him chances. If he'd wanted to take things farther with her, he certainly could have seen to it by now.

There was something he was waiting for, and she didn't know if she could give it to him.

His patience was commendable, and irritating.

"Like by the river, things were started to get pretty heated." Sango grinned at the admission, and instantly wanted to hear more about it. "But ever since we got here, he's cooled off. He didn't even tell me he was leaving. I had to hear it from Inuyasha that he took off, and I don't know where he went, or when he's coming back. How am I supposed to interpret that?"

She sighed, wallowing anew at the reminder of his recent desertion.

"I think he just wants to be friends, and I don't want to make another mistake like I did with Inuyasha."

No. Never again would she blind herself, trick herself into thinking something was there when it wasn't. She would never get her hopes up like that again, because it just hurt too much to be let down.

But speaking of shedding her immature behavior, she realized she was already repeating those habits with her childish attitude. She needed to break herself from it immediately.

"And he's right. He's got bigger things to worry about right now. It isn't fair for me to be pressing him for any kind of relationship. He needs to focus on finding Rin. That's probably what he's out doing, and here I am being jealous. After all he's done for me. I'm being selfish."

Sango couldn't exactly argue with her assessment, but to be honest, she was much more eager to zero in on another juicy topic while she still had the chance.

"So, what did happen by the river?"

When Kagome blushed again, Sango knew she's hit gold.

"How far have you guys gone?" she pressed further. "Tell me you've at least kissed him."

"We've kissed," she shyly confirmed. "A few times."

That was a relief, and not nothing for her bashful friend. And in truth, it was just as she had suspected.

"What else?"

Apprehensive at first about answering, Sango's expectant expression eventually proved persuasive. Fair was fair, she supposed.

"He's... touched me." Kagome paused, unsure how to describe it without coming off terribly graphic or crude.

"Intimately."

"Have you touched him?" the slayer immediately countered, fully aware to what she was referring.

Kagome was very glad to be in the hot water at the moment, as it excused her flushed skin perfectly.

That was why the hot springs was the place for discussing such things.

"Not exactly. I mean, I've felt him." And not just in the cave. There had been more than one occasion where Sesshoumaru had given her more than enough proof that he indeed found her desirable. She'd yet to act so boldly as to relieve him of it. And, considering what he'd done for her, perhaps that was poor etiquette. Maybe if he'd quit disappearing...

"He's definitely not lacking in that department," Sango proclaimed confidently, and Kagome groaned at the reminder.

"Oh, god. I forgot you've seen it."

She'd successfully pushed that particular hot spring incident out of her mind until now. With the irrational jealousy it inspired, she wished it had stayed there.

She was assured that nothing noteworthy had occurred, even though they had both been naked. But she forced herself to acknowledge that it didn't matter, as she was not even a prospect for him at the time. Nor he, her.

That was the night Sango had approached Inuyasha, and she was trying to remember that.

Sango seemed to catch on to her good friend's displeasure, but refused to nurture it in the slightest. She had done nothing wrong that night, even though her attitude towards Kagome back then was less than commendable.

"Don't be too mad, I was there first," she reminded her instead with an admonishing smirk. "And back then, you swore you didn't want him."

"I didn't," the miko insisted as she wrinkled her nose a bit. "Not back then."

"I know." Sango's features softened until they turned regretful. That was not her finest hour, and almost ruined her best friendship forever. She felt lucky Kagome was so forgiving, and just hoped she truly was forgiven. "I'm sorry about that whole thing. If it's any consolation, I have no interest in him anymore. And he never had any real interest in me."

She knew what she was. A means to an end for him at worst, and perhaps a mild curiosity at best. Either way, she was simply there, and shameless about her momentary desire for him – or any attractive man who was not Miroku at the time. And in that same vein, she could have been anyone at all, and it probably wouldn't have mattered to him.

It made his attraction to Kagome all the more substantive. Though she was sure he wouldn't oppose it, he was obviously interested in more than just a mindless rut with her. Which was good, because if he were, he was certainly barking up the wrong tree.

"He was interested enough to let you see... it." Kagome was really trying not to sound pouty as she pointed that out to her. Sango caught on to her insecurity, however, she thought she knew how to relieve it. It would just take disclosing something about Sesshoumaru she'd had too much class – and self-preservation – to mention until now.

But if it swayed Kagome to him, she figured he couldn't get too mad about it. At least, she hoped not.

"Yeah, but not for long." At the miko's confused look, Sango elaborated. "When it came time to get down to business, he couldn't keep it up."

"What?" she asked in honest surprise.

Of what she'd seen of the former dog demon, it seemed impossible to imagine his lust to ever be inaccessible. Sure, he'd employed impressive restraint at times. But when he had been ready to go, it looked like it physically pained him to deny himself, and her.

But Sango insisted otherwise.

"Yeah. He tried to blame it on me, too." She could laugh about it now, but she remembered how hurtful, and humiliating it was for him to outright declare she was not attractive enough to maintain his... interest. But she'd come to realize that was ridiculous. Whatever problems he was dealing with, that was all on him.

She decided to let it slide because of his help in getting her over to his brother. In fact, if he had gone through with it, it was entirely possible that Inuyasha would not have been able to have a relationship with her. At the very least, it would have damaged him. She was glad he couldn't do it. But still...

"He really was a jerk back then," Sango freely opined. And though she would get no refute from her bathing companion, she had to give credit where credit was due. She smiled wickedly as she recalled the night in question. "But at least he was a jerk with a big cock."

"I don't really have anything to compare it to," Kagome admitted, not entirely thrilled that her friend had an educated opinion on the matter. But Sango seemed bent on singing the man's praises, perhaps as recompense for sharing the unflattering details of their private moment.

"Well, trust me. If you don't end up with him, don't expect most guys you meet to be so blessed."

"Is he bigger than Inuyasha?" she pried, and smirked at obviously catching the woman off guard. She refused to bite, but her lack of response was telling.

"I'm not touching that one," she said, and waved the schoolgirl off dismissively.

Kagome arched a condemning eyebrow, but her amusement was clear.

"If only you said that to him in the hot spring."

A wave of giggling made its rounds as they splashed each other playfully with the warm, soothing water that seemed to help melt away their problems. Well, at least the more superficial of them, and that was good enough for now.

It was nice to laugh together again, and both felt a weight lift from their shoulders and hearts at the unspoken knowledge that, like Kirara, their relationship was on the mend.

It would likely never be the same as it was, but that wasn't a bad thing. As they matured, their friendship would too, and hopefully, like them, grow into something stronger, and more powerful than it was before.

"So anyway, come on. Tell me about the river..."

---

"You're doing great!" Kagome announced excitedly. "I'm starting to think you could read all along. Are you sure you've never learned?"

There was little need to embellish as she bestowed her pupil with praise. It had only been a couple of days, but Tadaaki was a quick learner. He'd gotten the letters down in no time, and was already reading pages from the book she'd brought from the future.

Sure, it was a children's book - one she always brought along in case there were ever any scared or unoccupied children to placate – but still, his progress was amazing. And she wished she could take credit for the man's rapid advancement, but it was clear Tadaaki was simply a natural. It didn't hurt that he seemed to have no problems paying rapt attention, and followed instructions beautifully.

"I swear! I guess I must have picked up more than I realized." He smiled down at the woman who sat beside him on the porch he'd built, and looked at her with admiration as she gathered up the supplies they had used when practicing to write. She was still running low on paper, but decided that this was more than a worthy use for it. "I think you are just a great teacher. Are you sure you've never taught anyone to read before?"

With all of her things together in a neat pile beside her, Kagome wrapped her arms around her bent knees and turned the other way to face him. As always, she had his complete attention, and his warm, non-threatening demeanor gave her hut a calming serenity she hadn't felt since she'd left home. Her real home – or, at least, her original one – in the future.

"I started to teach Shippo, but then he went away to kitsune school." She was both happy and sad to be reminded of her troublesome little kit. It had been so long...

"But he was a more difficult student," she admitted. "He was much more interested in playing games than learning to read. I hope he is still keeping with it, though."

He watched her lose herself to memories, as she was wont to do, and could only smile in amazement.

"I still can't believe you took in a youkai child."

"Why not?" she demanded with a shrug. "He needs a family, just like any human boy."

"I mean no offense," he insisted quickly, wanting to assure her that he harbored no prejudices. "I like your friends." He watched as she smoothed the wrinkles in her skirt, and absentmindedly scratched the back of his head as he thought about the many demons he'd encountered over the years. "I've worked for a few demons who were okay guys. But adopting one? Most humans wouldn't do that."

"Well, I'm not like most humans," Kagome countered. Her taunting, confident smile dared him to challenge her claim. Of course, he would not. Instead, he softly relaxed his muscles and expanded his genuine smile even further.

"I am perfectly aware of that. I've never met a woman like you before." His tone was gentle, and sincere, and his brown eyes, piercing. Not intense, or smoldering, or filled with unnamed promise. Just straight forward, and simple. Welcoming, and comfortable. Easy.

It would be easy to get lost in them, if she was willing to let herself. He certainly wasn't terrible to look at, and he'd given her plenty of opportunity.

But the sun was almost down, casting shadows through the trees, and around his face, making it difficult to fully appreciate his strong, symmetrical features. And that was a shame. The sunset also signified that his sister would be there soon, and the lesson would be over. For the day, at least.

"And you never will, I'm afraid." With that, she picked up her teaching materials, and started to stand. But with his superior athleticism, he beat her to the punch, and managed to aid her ascent without compromising her balance.

"That is quite a shame."

She smiled her thanks in helping, and he followed her when she turned at went back inside to put away her things. There was no need to repack them, since he would be back again in the morning, just like he had been the last couple days. So she placed them on the low table where she wrote letters for the villagers in between learning the ins and outs of proper fence construction.

Their deal had been upheld, and really, she was grateful for it.

With the others constantly occupied and Sesshoumaru MIA, her days would be long and lonely ones, were it not for Tadaaki's company. From sunrise to sunset he was there, keeping her distracted and helping pass the hours, and filling the emptiness in her hut with his aimable presence. She felt lucky to have met him. He was good people.

"So, where is Yuta?" he finally asked her. Because even though Sesshouamru had sparsely spoken directly to Tadaaki, and not necessarily kindly, his absence was a notable one. Even when he wasn't around, Sesshoumaru couldn't be ignored.

"He seems... nice."

Kagome smiled at the polite young man's manners, but saw fit to defend her missing companion.

"He is, just don't tell him to his face," she warned him, and earned a short laugh. "And I don't know where he went."

"Oh?" Despite her efforts to mask it, Tadaaki didn't miss the slight inflection, and momentary change in her demeanor at the mention of the man he saw her come to the village with.

"He took off on some secret errand, but he didn't tell me where. He didn't even tell me he was going."

She was clearly upset by this, but the handyman didn't have enough intimate knowledge of the woman to discern exactly why. It did confuse him, however, how a man with a woman such as this could simply up and leave her. He certainly never would.

Wishing desperately to help, but cautious not to offend, he timidly ventured a question to help him sort this out.

"Is he not your intended?"

She visibly faltered, and her startled reaction had him immediately regretting his question.

"Sorry, that was forward of me-"

"No." She quickly cut off his unnecessary apologies. He'd just caught her off guard, was all. "We aren't intended. We are friends."

They weren't, and never would be. He'd made that clear to her more than once. And even if he hadn't, his abrupt, unannounced departure was more than enough to tell her where she stood with him. Apparently even below his brother on his list of those he kept abreast of his whereabouts. Which, she conceded, was probably how it should be.

"Simply friends?" Tadaaki asked timidly. He was relieved that she wasn't upset with him, but still terribly curious what her relationship to the quiet, intimidating stranger was.

"I wouldn't say it's simple," she answered cryptically, and with a crooked smile. "But he is my friend."

It didn't fully answer his questions, but he felt a wave of relief crash over him nonetheless.

"That's good," he replied, but quickly added, "to have friends, I mean."

Kagome simply smiled back at him. She wanted to put him at ease, as he always managed to do with her. But also, she didn't even want to begin to get into her and Sesshoumaru's weird relationship with this poor guy. No one deserved having all that baggage unloaded on them. She'd already burdened enough of her friends with it.

"Since Yuta is gone, perhaps you could join us for dinner tonight," the young man ventured hopefully. "My sister is making her specialty. It would be a crime to miss out."

Kagome considered the tempting offer. Seeing that, Tadaaki tried to tip the scales.

"You can invite your other friends. There will be plenty to share!"

The prospect of a dinner party was actually pretty exciting. In that, it was such a normal, wholesome activity that people with friends and family and regular lives got to do.

She was well aware she was more or less playing dress up, here. It was pretend.

Some people fantasized about going on dangerous adventures and meeting exciting people. But her outlandish fantasies seemed to stem around a cozy evening relaxing with friends.

But she welcomed the distraction. Tonight, she was more than happy to forget her troubles, and share a pleasant evening with some nice and friendly people.

"I'd love to. That sounds great."

He beamed at her acceptance, just as he saw his sister approaching Kagome's porch.

"Great."

---

A couple days had passed, and there was still no sign of Sesshoumaru. Kagome had been teetering between anger and worry at his prolonged, unannounced absence. But her new group of friends were proving to be a progressively successful distraction.

Their time in the village was supposed to serve as a recovery period before what all were assuming would be an epic battle with a group of tiger youkai. But with their wounds healed and bellies full, it was actually turning out to be a pretty nice vacation as well.

The inu-tachi kept close tabs on each other throughout their stay, but they were also taking advantage of the independence they were now afforded. They all loved each other, but the rigorous mission demanded they all remain in close quarters constantly, not to mention all the time they spent traveling together. They were pretty much family at this point, but even family needs a break after several weeks of living on top of each other.

Inuyasha and Sango took the opportunity to huddle away most of the day, and occasionally spend some time with their friendly young host. Once in a while they would get recruited to help out around the town; pitching in on hunts or repairs, or even training young warriors on battle techniques.

Miroku had earned the affection of his beautiful young widow right off the bat, and after being offered a place to stay in her house, the two remained inside together and were rarely seen except when venturing out to find food or bathe.

And Kagome was enjoying spending time with her new friends. They had taken a shine to her right away, and warmly welcomed her into the fold. She spent her days learning the tricks to making the perfect fence – in between assisting townspeople with any reading or writing they needed done – and her evenings were spent teaching her apt student the basics of spelling and forming sentences. His sister and brother-in-law would often come by to keep company, and try to get in on the action themselves, but mostly they would talk and laugh and tell each other stories. His sister really was a great cook, so Kagome got to enjoy some of the best food the village had to offer for almost every meal as well, having it brought to her hut, or else going with them to eat at the house they shared.

Sometimes, they would enjoy a bottle of sake together, and talk late into the night. It wasn't until after they left her to sleep alone in her hut when she would think about the man who left without a word, leaving her completely alone until the next morning when her handyman would return to her.

But all in all, it was nice. They were nice, and Kagome decided it wasn't so bad to just live like a normal person for a while. No demons or hunting monsters, just hanging out with regular humans. Not since back home in high school did she have a group or normal friends who did normal things. Sure, they weren't especially exciting, but they were good people. This was the kind of life she could have once she was done fulfilling obligations and carrying out her duties. She found she didn't mind it.

Tadaaki smiled when a familiar shadow cast over the planks in his hand. From his crouching position, he paused his sawing mid-stroke to throw a welcoming smile over his shoulder.

"Sorry about that," said Kagome, now that they were alone. For the bulk of the day, her small hut had been filled to capacity with various children of the village who were interested in getting in on an impromptu story time, courtesy of their literate miko guest. She offered to read the fairy tale she'd been using to train the handyman during his reading lessons once it had been spotted by a curious young visitor, and word had quickly spread. She was happy to do it, but it came at the cost of her daily fence-building lesson, so Tadaaki was left to handle things on his own.

Not that he minded. In fact, he would have most likely gotten more accomplished without her there to ask questions and slow him down, but he found himself unable to resist taking numerous breaks throughout the day to linger by the open window and listen to Kagome read. She certainly had a way with children. She had a way with everyone, matter of fact, and he found it impossibly endearing.

"Guess we're going to have to cut my carpentry lesson short today." She crouched beside him to collect the sections of plank he'd already sawed for posts, and after acknowledging her, he returned to his task and finished cutting through the board he had started.

"Do not apologize, Kagome." He'd finally stopped insisted on honorifics after days of correcting him, and she was pleased with her progress. "You are wonderful with those children."

He looked up over at her just in time to see her blush prettily at his compliment. He had intended only a brief glance, so he hadn't bothered to pause in sawing his next board. The sight of her reaction caused him to linger carelessly, and the thoughtless action saw his recently sharpened blade slice easily through his palm.

Tadaaki yelled out, startling her right out of the comfortable moment and making her blood run cold with fear.

His own blood, dark and thick, gushed freely from his hand in heavy, insistent pumps, causing a sickly feeling to churn in her stomach and turn her skin to paper.

It was nothing near as gruesome as some of the things she'd seen, but in this unassuming setting she'd allowed her guard to lower, and the unexpectedness of a mortal wound took her by surprise.

By his wide eyes and white skin, it was clear he hadn't expected it either. And by the way he froze in shock and trembled slightly, it became apparent Tadaaki had little experience sustaining injuries. Luckily, Kagome moonlit as a nurse in the feudal era.

Instinctively, she grabbed his mangled hand, unheeding the unsettling feeling of warm blood coating her skin. Normally, she would apply pressure, and lift it above his head to stop the violent purging from his veins. But she'd acquired a new skill lately, and this was her first opportunity to see if she could replicate her victory from before, or if it was just a fluke.

Holding his hand in hers, Kagome closed her eyes, and concentrated her reiki to her fingertips as she had done so many times before. This time, however, she pictured Tadaaki's hand. She could see his gaping wound clearly in her mind, and simply willed her awesome holy power inside it. She imagined his veins closing, and each fiber of skin and muscle melding, mending together to be as it was before. Better, even.

In seconds, the telltale flash of pinkish light sent beams of blinding power throughout the small space they occupied together, and she felt his appendage tighten in fear.

She probably should have warned him, but time was of the essence.

She could hear his rapid breathing, and even the thundering in his chest as pain and anxiety and uncertainty combined forces in an attempt to give the young man a heart attack.

Frantically, Kagome instantly pulled his hand closer for inspection. She had to wipe away the alarmingly large amount of blood he'd lost to truly get a good gauge on it, but was pleased to find her efforts hadn't been for naught. The wound was healed.

With a heavy sigh, she released him, and placed the clean back of her wrist between her eyes in a show of visible relief.

But while she was calm, the handyman was still trembling, not entirely certain of what he'd just seen, or what exactly had occurred. His pain was gone, but he could just be in shock. With wide eyes, he lifted his palm to his face to assess the damage.

He held it there for several long seconds, not quite sure he accepted what he was seeing. He worried his mind may be playing tricks on him, but was confident his eyes were not lying.

"What happened?" he demanded breathlessly, still looking dazedly at his unmarred hand.

"Pretty neat, huh?" Kagome offered with a nervous laugh, still a little riled up from all the excitement. "It's a new miko trick I just learned." She left out the part where she wasn't sure it was going to work. The poor guy seemed worked up enough.

"Kagome-sama..."

'Great,' she thought, 'we're back to the honorifics.'

Slowly, he removed his awed gaze from his hand, and leveled square at the miko before him.

"You healed me."

She smiled at his amazement. But she conceded that it really was pretty amazing. It was kind of nice to get some recognition once in a while. Many of the people she knew were just used to her super powers.

"Thank you!" he gushed further. His shock finally began to subside, and he was at last able to return the smile she gave him with his own, brimming with gratitude.

"If I could not use my hand, I don't know what..." He trailed off, but she knew what he meant. His hands were his livelihood, and where he placed all his self-value. It was just another reason why he should place higher importance on reading, in her opinion. Speaking of which, it was about time to start his lessons anyhow.

She was about to suggest that to him, but suddenly registered him looming closer than before. Before she could stop him, he reached over from his kneeling position to grab her firmly by the hips.

She gasped when he used his strong arms to pull her flush against his sturdy form, and held her there.

Her breath quickened to match his, and she instinctively placed her hands on his shoulders. Faces only an inch apart, they could feel the heavy pants of one another dancing across their lips as they stared uncertainly, yet intently into each other's eyes.

His hesitation read as a plea, and her silence as permission. So slowly, he lifted his hand – the one she had just healed for him – and weaved his fingers into the thick hair above her ear. Her breath hitched in her throat as he used his grip to gain purchase, and tilted her mouth just enough for him to gently cover it with his.

Now she was paralyzed, frozen in shock just as he was not moments ago. But it wasn't an injury that had rendered her as such.

She could feel what he was doing, so clearly pouring everything he had into his kiss that it left no room to question anything in his heart at that moment. He was telling her what he needed and what he wanted and what he needed from her, and without so much as a word spoken between them. He was leaving himself so open, so naked. This was all he had to give, and he offered it freely.

It was hard to think, but it shouldn't be. So instead, Kagome let feeling take over, and slowly closed her eyes and participate at last. Her lips finally began to move with his, and his gratitude was palpable as he attempted to deepen it while pulling her to him even more tightly.

But at the feel of his warm, inquisitive tongue tracing her seem and begging for access, the fog in her mind cleared and sent a sobering bold of lightning through her form. With a sharp inhale, her eyes flew open as she used the flats of her palms to push him away at the chest. Tadaaki instantly obliged.

She scrambled to put distance between them, and he offered no resistance as panic and confusion began making their rounds.

"I shouldn't have done that," she insisted, refusing to make eye contact as she shuffled to her feet. He quickly joined her.

Not completely informed, but not completely an idiot either, Tadaaki tried to justify their actions.

"Yuta is not your intended. Is that not so?" He tried to touch her arm, but she maneuvered out of his reach.

"It's complicated," she insisted irritably, though she was more frustrated with herself than with him. "You should go."

She turned to make a quick exit back inside, frazzled and frightened by what had just occurred.

"I'm sorry." His call to her back caused her to stop before she reached her door, but she didn't turn around. "I made a mistake. It won't happen again."

She heard the earnest regret in his voice, and felt guilty for causing it. He didn't deserve to feel that way, but she just couldn't face him right now. "I will see you tomorrow?"

She heard the inflection rife with hope and apology, but could only feel dread at the prospect of seeing him again. His face was the one of her own failings, of her own troubled realities, when it used to be a respite from it.

She offered no answer before continuing into her hut alone.

---

Kagome was up before the sun the next morning, she'd made sure of it. And before Tadaaki inevitably arrived, she was out the door and out of sight.

It wouldn't have been too hard to track her down. But she was relieved when sunset came again, and she'd managed to ride out the storm at Inuyasha and Sango's without any of her new acquaintances coming to look for her.

She hadn't told a soul what had happened, she still didn't know. But she tried to sort it out alone without giving anything away to her friends that she was obviously rattled. She just wasn't ready to talk about it yet and needed to think about what she was going to do, what was going to happen.

Because even though she might be able to fool the others, Sesshoumaru would see right through her pathetic façade immediately. Not that she wanted to lie to him anyway. She'd done enough of that.

Before she told him, however, she wanted to sort out her feelings about it so she could properly defend herself against his inevitable onslaught of fury. She had to prepare herself, but wasn't like she didn't deserve it.

No, she hadn't asked to be kissed; hadn't gone looking for it. But she was no fool. She was well aware what was blossoming between Tadaaki and her, well aware of what he wanted. She'd foolishly thought the sweet boy would be too shy to ever try anything. Or at least if he had, she would have no problem rebuking him. She'd played with fire with this one. She put herself in that position. She was not blameless.

And she could gruel over what made her so susceptible and why, but it didn't really change anything at the moment. She didn't know when he was coming back, but until he did, she needed to stay away from the handyman.

It was a shame, too. She felt bad that she had to withhold her reading lessons, not to mention her friendship. 'But hey, that's why you don't shit where you eat, I guess...'

It was going to be a lonely couple days without her new friend group. Or so she'd thought.

For when she finally returned to her hut from her cowardly day of hiding out, she quickly found she wasn't alone.

Fear turned to dread, and finally relief when violet eyes cracked open, and the annoyingly passive features of a meditating Sesshoumaru acknowledged her arrival.

He seemed to be aware that his moment of peaceful silence was over, so he slackened his disciplined pose to lean back against the newly repaired wall and draped a lazy arm over one bent knee.

Kagome felt her body relax in his presence, but it wasn't long before a myriad of other emotions clamored to be acknowledged as well.

"Where have you been?" she demanded. Concern and relief warred for prevalence as she slowly stalked forward, only to stop several feet before reaching him.

He stared at her unblinking until she thought she was going to bubble over with agitation. It was likely only a few seconds.

"Out," was his simple reply, his stoic face untarnished by her discomfited aura. It did not help things.

"Out?" she repeated incredulously, both eyebrows flying into her bangs. "That's all you have to say to me?"

His silence was her answer, and while his mask never faltered, the woman standing before him was becoming more upset.

"Sesshoumaru, you've been gone almost a week, and you aren't going to tell me where you were?"

He let his silence answer for him again. She thought they'd gotten past this. Had he closed himself off once again in the time he'd been away? Or had she just been blind, and hadn't realized it until getting some space from him?

Either way, he was back to driving her nuts. She just needed an answer. Any answer. Even if she didn't like it, they could talk about it. His return to the silent treatment was the worst thing he could do to her, and it hurt just as bad as his sudden disappearance all those days ago. What was happening?

"Were you looking for Rin?" she ventured, trying as best she could to keep her composure around this infuriating man.

"I had matters to attend to." It was an answer, but not a great one. It bordered on evasive, and that was very disconcerting coming from him. Sesshoumaru never hid. He did everything proudly, and way out in the open. What could he possibly be hiding from her?

"That you don't want me to know about?" she asked.

That long, unblinking stare returned full force, and she could see him carefully considering his response.

"Yes," he finally confirmed, and she felt a twisting pain in her chest.

"This isn't like you," she said as she shook her head slightly in mild confusion. A scowl dominated her features in unbridled displeasure. "The least you could do is tell me the truth. You owe me at least the barest considerations."

"That is rich, coming from you." The immediate, deadpanned response took her by surprise. There was no amusement, or even indignation present in his unaffected tone, and that worried her. She was used to his taunting, but when he stated something as fact in his old, bored tone... it made it sound like he didn't care. That hurt the most.

She looked back at him like he'd just socked her in the gut, and immediately softened his features into something almost apologetic as he finally deigned to rise. He took a step closer.

"You are a woman of many secrets, Kagome," he said, looking right into her eyes. "I am afraid you are going to have to allow me this one."

She held his gaze, determined to match the intensity of his glare; perhaps persuade him with her own piercing gaze. But Kagome quickly relented.

He had a point, the jerk. He often did.

And not only that, he had a pretty stellar track record in telling her everything. Even when he didn't have to, he kept her painfully aware of everything she deserved to know.

He'd earned her trust. If he didn't want to tell her, then it must not be important.

It still hurt though, and set her on edge. Regardless, she forced herself to take a calming breath.

"Okay," she offered in begrudging acceptance, but turned her pleading eyes to him once more. "Is everything okay at least? Are you okay?"

When he smiled, it eased the terrible strain on her heart just a little bit.

"Everything is fine," he assured her, and she couldn't help but curve up her lips just a little.

"Okay. Good."

That was all that mattered. She was just pleased that he was back now, and that he was okay. A part of her she refused to nurture niggled at the back of her mind the entire length of his absence that told her he might not be coming back. Either by choice or not, she held a very real fear that one day he would walk out of her life and never return. Probably because he would, someday.

She found great solace that time was not yet upon them, however. Taking him in, she crossed her arms over her chest, and fought the tears that threatened to fall. The stress was becoming a lot.

"You just left." The faint tremble her voice betrayed warned him of her struggle. "Without telling me. I was so worried."

As he took in her appearance, considered her words, something akin to regret lent his eyes a gentle air. And his voice.

"I informed Inuyasha."

"I know. I just... wish you'd have told me." Hazarding a step forward forced Kagome to tilt her head back just to look at him. "I wish you could trust me."

"I do trust you," he assured her. Hope fluttered in her chest when it looked like he might cup her cheek, as he'd so often done. But she was disappointed when all he did was trap a loose lock of hair between his nimble fingers, and gently tuck it behind her ear. Then, he withdrew.

"But not with this," she realized aloud. His emotional distance had her averting her gaze and looking down to the side. Apparently, that was what it took to finally feel his palm caress the soft skin of her jaw, and guide her attention back to him. He looked straight into her eyes, with meaning.

"I apologize for making you worry. It will not happen again."

That was the best she was going to do, but she happily accepted his vow. After she nodded in understanding, he withdrew from her again, and retreated one step so that there was a physical distance between them now as well.

Even if he did not wish to confide in her, Kagome wouldn't go back on her decision. His eyes never left hers as she tried to muster the courage to reveal her indiscretion.

"There is something I have to tell you."

She drew a deep breath as Sesshoumaru waited patiently and expectantly for whatever she had to say.

"While you were gone, I kissed someone." She forced herself to maintain his gaze, looking for any sign of a reaction. When she received none, she decided to press on. "Well actually, he kissed me. But I didn't stop it. I mean, I did stop it, but I should have stopped it sooner."

Another lengthy silence was the reward for her honest confession, and it took all she had not to squirm visibly where she stood.

Guilt rolled off her in waves, and she wished he would just say or do anything to let her know what he was thinking. But that bored yet somehow also intense stare betrayed nothing, and only made her more nervous.

"He took me by surprise," she explained further, filling the uncomfortable quiet. "I wasn't expecting it, but I shouldn't have let it happen. I'm sorry."

And that was really it. That was all she could say. When he didn't immediately answer, she chewed her lip in anticipation for whatever cruel, insulting thing he might rightfully heave at her.

Finally, he blinked.

"Alright."

Kagome waited for the rest, but it never came. He simply turned back around, and reclaimed his seat against the back wall. He looked ready to return to his mediation, but she interfered. Again.

"Alright? Is that all you have to say?"

"What would you have me say?" he asked as she made her way over to loom above him.

"I don't know," she admitted, and threw her hands skyward in frustration. "Say I'm a hypocrite. Say I'm a terrible person. With all the hell I've given you about touching other women, and then I turn around and do the same thing... shame me." She seemed to be begging him for a reprimand, but he wouldn't oblige her.

"You seem ashamed as it is," he observed, giving her a quick up and down from where he sat. "Though you have no reason to be."

He closed his eyes once is pose was assumed, but the miko was sputtering.

"No reason? I kissed another man; I have every reason. Aren't you mad?" she demanded hotly, genuinely curious of his answer. This wasn't going as she'd expected.

"I am furious," he confirmed, though he certainly didn't look it.

She was willing to buy that, but she'd seen him furious. This... she didn't know what this was. Uncertainly, she pried further.

"Well, how come you don't seem like you care?"

"Is that why you kissed him?" he asked, cracking one eye open at her.

"No!"

"Then why did you?"

"I don't know." He wanted her to be honest with him, and that was the only honest answer she could give. She wished she had a better one for him, he deserved a better one. And she was a hypocrite, she was certain. For if the roles were reversed, that answer wouldn't cut it. She would be livid. She knew he was a pro at concealing his emotions, but his lack of interest was starting to concern her.

"To not get involved with another was your requirement miko, not mine. I never asked for your fidelity."

His smooth insertion stopped her short, and effectively rendered her speechless. She'd never considered that; she'd always just assumed. She watched him silently for a moment, as she tried to put everything together in her head.

"So you don't care if I go around kissing other guys?" Not that she wanted to, or would. She definitely wanted him to care, though. Wanted the thought of her being with another to hurt him, as much as it did for her.

"I told you that I am furious," he insisted, and even deigned to continue. "Displeased. Jealous." Her eyes widened a fraction. The word probably sounded just as strange from his own mouth as it was to her.

"The thought of you with anyone else makes me want to track him down and pull his spine out through throat." Kagome winced at the grim mental image, before becoming nervous again. She hadn't thought about that, either. She had worried about Sesshoumaru's attitude toward her changing as a result of her moment of weakness, but she hadn't even considered what he might do to Tadaaki. He seemed attuned to her worries, and gentled his tone.

"But I will not. I refuse to stand in the way of your happiness."

Kagome was only confused at his statement, and sought to correct him. He didn't give her the chance, however.

"When I am demon again, I will have centuries to find a mate and procreate." She bristled at the reminder, and couldn't prevent her own jealous bile from rising in her throat. He almost smirked at her reaction, but the unpleasant realities of their situation kept his tone sympathetic, if not slightly remorseful.

"You have but a few short years to create a family. It would be foolish of you not to be looking for a suitable male as your match. Should you find one, I should not like to disrupt any future you may have a chance at." For just a moment, he appeared to be swallowing down something large and distasteful, but he remedied it by stiffening his spine. Sesshoumaru held her horrified gaze long enough satisfy himself of her comprehension. "You may see who you wish to."

His gracious concession left Kagome speechless, and bereft of any gratitude.

She didn't want permission to date around, especially not while he wasn't allowed to. Apparently, he was willing to refrain from seeing anyone else, while permitting her to do as she pleased.

But this wasn't what she wanted. She wanted him alone, and she wanted him to want her that way too. She was heartbroken.

"Be aware, however," his face was still passive, but those eyes boring into hers were finally burning a fearsome flame, and his tone, cold and even, left little to doubt in his words. "that if any male you meet hurts you in any way, I will kill him. Keep that in mind."

She didn't doubt that one bit, and she heard his warning loud and clear. She would have to be careful about any of the poor suckers she let into her life from now on. If Sesshoumaru viewed any action as an affront, she doubted he cared if the perpetrator intended it to be, or if it actually warranted his wrath.

But she didn't want to be with anyone else, so it really didn't matter.

"Besides," he continued, but he lightened his tone in a way that she preferred. That haughty, arrogant way that spoke of his amusement. "How will you truly ever be certain of my superiority, if you have nothing to make a comparison?"

The slight quirking up at the corners of his mouth let her know he made one of those jokes that really wasn't a joke, but she couldn't bring herself to laugh. His attempt was half-hearted as well.

She looked in his eyes and she just knew, that even though he was much better at concealing his pain, he was about as thrilled with this arrangement as she was.

Her heart broke a little more the longer she looked at him, until he reached into his obi and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. She eyed it curiously as he handed it out to her, but realization dawned when she recognized the inelegant pen strokes which spelled out her name.

"I found this," he informed her, and placed it in her hand. Upon his arrival, he immediately noticed it sitting alone on the table she had been using for writing her letters for the villagers. Her name was written on the outside, but it was clearly not her handwriting. The miko's lettering was neat and attractive. This... was not. He hadn't hesitated to open it, and read the short note to his roommate just before she got back.

"You are a very good teacher," he offered softly, and watched her eye the note with concern. "The lettering is sloppy, and its riddled with errors, but not completely atrocious considering the duration of his lessons."

Disregarding his offense of opening her mail, she unfolded the note quickly and raked her eyes over the message.

"This man sounds sincere," Sesshoumaru told her, as he watched her consume the contents. It didn't take long, and then she returned her gaze to him. When she did, she was rendered mute once again, as those striking violet pools told her several things at once. He was paralyzing.

"Completely unworthy, but his priorities are commendable. Not a total waste of skin."

She doubted he thought all that much of the man, but he was well aware of the value she placed in his opinion. In relaying his approval, he was pretty much encouraging her to accept him too, if it would please her.

She didn't know what to say. Didn't know what she could say, or if it could make a difference.

He closed his eyes to resume his meditations, but first offered one more suggestion on the matter.

"If you find him acceptable, perhaps you should seek him out after we find Rin."

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing made it out past her throat.

Not another word was spoken between them that night. Though a million thoughts were racing through her mind, none of them were proving to be productive. Quite the contrary.

So, in a glorious show of compartmentalization, she shut off her troubling thoughts, and simply went to sleep.

She had to get up early if she wanted to avoid Tadaaki in the morning.

---

The next morning, Sesshoumaru rallied the troops and finally told them all what they were waiting to hear. With Kirara back in traveling condition, everything was in order for them to at last raid the tiger's compound, and hopefully rescue Rin from inside. They had everything they needed, and everyone was healthy and rested enough to be in top form for the anticipated battle. This would be their last night in the village, and they would leave at dawn the next morning.

In honor of their departure, the friendly village who had welcomed them so warmly insisted on holding a modest celebration that evening, as a show of good luck and well wishes.

Sesshoumaru instantly refused, stating that it wasn't necessary, but he was quick to learn that resistance, in this case, was futile. Accounting for that, he finally relented, but demanded that the rest of his traveling party abstain from alcohol and get to sleep at a decent hour. They were getting up early, and everyone needed to be in good shape.

He'd initially taken a seat at lone table as far from the bonfire and dancing as he could get while still technically be counted as being present, but it wasn't long before several of the village's more boisterous gentlemen saw fit to join him, and enjoy their libations in his company.

From a short distance, Kagome recognized his predicament – as well as the pained look he gave that went along with it - and giggled lightly to herself. She began to make her way over to perhaps alleviate his torment, when something caught her eye that gave her pause.

At first, she hardly even noticed it. In their years together, she'd seen Sango embracing Miroku many, many times. But now that they were no longer an item, it was not so commonplace. She considered the old lecher might be pulling one of his patented maneuvers on his old favorite target, but upon closer inspection, it was clearly more than that.

She could now see that his face was buried in the crook of her shoulder, and he seemed to be convulsing as Sango rubbed soothing circles on his back as a form of placation. If she didn't know any better... he was crying.

That was disconcerting. Miroku never cried. Not that it was a bad thing to do, it just meant something really terrible must have happened. And he wasn't bleeding or anything.

Kagome just stood there watching Sango comfort her ex-lover, and found herself at a crossroads. The demon slayer obviously had things well in hand. She didn't know if she should just leave them be, or go see what was wrong and offer her aid.

Before coming to a decision, a light tapping on her elbow drew her attention behind her to the friendly smile of her ex-student/handyman. She tried to play it cool; she knew running into him here was a possibility, even though she hoped to avoid him until she left. But she acknowledged that he deserved more than that. And she needed to just grow up and act like an adult.

"Tadaaki, hi." Her shy greeting felt far less awkward than she'd anticipated. He had that comforting effect on her, and she'd missed it.

"Hi, Kagome." With one flash of that warm, welcoming smile, he instantly made her forget that she was supposed to feel uncomfortable. So she just didn't.

Within seconds, they picked up right where they left off – right before the kiss – and it was just like it was before. He always made things so easy for her. She liked that about him.

---

Several paces away, muddled beneath the excitement of the lively celebration that surrounded them, Miroku seemed to finally get his choking sobs under control.

Far from embarrassed at his rare display of outward agony, he took a deep breath through his nose to calm him and steady his voice enough to speak coherently.

"I'm so sorry, Sango," he whispered into her neck. When he squeezed her tighter, she paused her ministrations on his back to return the favor, before relaxing a bit to resume them.

"It's okay."

"No. If I knew it hurt this much..."

It was hard to see him this way. But for all the times over the years when he had been her rock – her strength when she was weak, and needed his sturdy presence the most – she would now be his.

Sango steeled herself, keeping her voice sympathetic and assuring, and let him crumble to pieces against her.

"Well, now you do. Maybe the next girl you date, you will be a little more mindful of her feelings."

She wasn't trying to chastise him, or kick him while he was so down. But the only way dire moments such as these were not a total loss was to trudge through the rubble, and see what you can salvage.

And this lesson was so long in coming, the taijiya had given up hope that he would ever learn it.

"I love her. I thought..." His voice began to waver again, and she pulled his head against her shoulder once more to stifle his unnecessary explanation.

"I know," she whispered back, keeping her eyes set somewhere far behind him. "And I'm sorry."

That's really all she could say. She would never take joy in his heartbreak, even though of all people, he probably had it coming to him the most. She couldn't even find it in her to be offended that this widow had been able to capture his heart and his loyalty in a way she had not.

She just wanted him to be happy, and it killed her that he was not. But he would be, and she would be here for him until he was again, no matter how long it took.

After a moment of her soothing, he could finally speak again.

"I love you, you know," he told her, and began to rock them slightly. And even though it was weak, she could hear the smile in his confession. She smiled back.

"I know." After a lengthy pause, both of them laughed, and bittersweet memories panged beautifully; a good hurt. "I love you too. And I always will."

His smile grew wider, and with eyes closed, he pressed his cheek firmly into her warmth.

"Here he is!"

The sound of a familiar villager urged them to separate, and Sango released him to dry his eyes before turning to the man who called him.

"Your presence is required at my table at once. Come join us!" The insistent man had obviously been enjoying his drink, and grabbed the monk by his robes to usher him urgently away. Miroku easily slipped into his amiable persona, and flashed Sango an apologetic glance while she watched on in amusement. A mocking wave sent him on his way, and soon Miroku found himself at a table packed to capacity with men. All of them were drinking, save for one notable exception.

"Ah, Miroku, good!" said one of the men he'd developed a rapport with since his arrival to the village. "Before you depart, you must tell us one more of your delightful stories!"

He grinned devilishly, and space was made for him to sit as the others moved aside to accommodate him.

"As you wish. Which of my titillating tales do you wish to be regaled with?"

"The one with the monk's daughter!" one man suggested.

"No, the sisters from the market place was the best," another opined.

As the table argued over which of his tales would be told, the man who'd accosted him gestured to his buddy across the table.

"Hatchi hasn't heard the one about you with the wife of that gigantic lord. You must tell us that one."

Rumbles of agreement and lewd excitement made their way around the table, until one skeptical villager loudly voiced his humble opinion.

"That story is such bullshit!" He earned a few groans from his friends for ruining everybody's fun.

"What makes you say that?" Miroku wondered innocently.

"It's just so ridiculous. First of all, a man would never survive a three story drop like that. It's impossible."

"It is not."

The arguing was put to a halt when the monotone man who'd yet to speak confidently issued his claim.

Though they hadn't seen or heard much from Sesshoumaru during his time there, something about the man put them all on edge, and strongly dissuaded them from voicing opposition. After a wary glance, however, the skeptical man boldly defended his position.

"Is too."

He seized a bit when 'Yuta' lifted his bored gaze from where it previously rested on the table in front of him, and leveled him with it. Sesshoumaru gave the man an assessing once over, before locking him into a paralyzing glare.

"Any man of acceptable strength and fortitude could easily withstand such a fall, perhaps you are simply too weak to fathom it."

The man flushed with embarrassment as his friends around him all laughed at the insult, but Sesshoumaru made him too nervous to bark back, or even become enraged.

Mercifully, he released him from his threatening stare, and slid his violet gaze over to Miroku's.

"This One had his misgivings at first, but I have come to understand that perhaps I was hasty with my assumptions. I regret dismissing you so easily."

The monk's eyebrows rose to new heights. Receiving what could be considered an apology from the Lord of the West was shocking enough in its own rite, but he knew Sesshoumaru wouldn't even bother to offer it unless he was absolutely sure he was wrong. And there was only one way he could be sure of that...

Miroku decided to get comfortable.

"Well, I certainly know a good story when I hear it," he informed the table confidently. "My dear friend here is not a man to make such declarations lightly. I assume you are speaking from experience?"

The unamused silence he received was all the answer he required.

"I see. Well, you have all heard quite enough from me throughout my stay. Lord Sesshoumaru- ah."

The death glare he earned for blowing his cover was enough to stop Miroku mid-sentence, but his quick mind worked to correct his slip.

"... is a very fearsome, yet noble demon in the Western Lands." The men at the table looked around at each other, then Miroku in confusion over his strange out-of-the-blue statement. Sesshoumaru fought off an eye roll as the monk grinned sheepishly in return. "On another note, I yield the floor to Yuta here, in hopes of having my good name upheld. Yuta-sama..."

All eyes turned expectantly to him, and his glare returned to the nervous monk for putting him on the spot. His slip-up was easily disregarded by the men in lieu of the promise of a story that he had no desire to impart to them.

He had brought it on himself by bringing it up at all, but he felt the need to defend the foolish monk, and repent for his quick dismissal of him. Even though, he still wasn't entirely certain his account was the truth.

Oh, well. This would be his penance. They were leaving tomorrow anyway, and these people deserved to hear at least one true story before they left them.

He looked around the anxious table, and let out a small sigh before beginning.

"I was taken prisoner to a castle in the Northern Mountains, when I was accosted by the wife of a soldier..."

---

"That was a fine story..." Miroku told Sesshoumaru at the conclusion of his torrid little tale. The former demon looked his way, and arched a brow. "I don't know if I believe it."

The smirk he received for that quip was more than worth the trouble, and the monk was quick to return one of his own in a rare moment of comradery with the Western Lord.

After his story, the other men at the table left to refresh their drinks, and try their hand at persuading one of the young village women to dance. For once, it seemed the lecher would not be joining them.

Instead, he watched from the sidelines, and took a stab at being a spectator of debauchery, as opposed to the main attraction.

But rather than the villagers, Miroku's keen focus was fixed on Sesshoumaru. He watched as his eyes drifted over the crowd, and took inventory. Even as a human, he couldn't help but assess his surroundings with the weak senses he had available, and take mental notes.

When his scanning irises appeared to stop and fixate on one portion of the crowd, and a slight sneer tried to play at his lips, Miroku followed his line of sight, but he really hadn't needed to.

"I'd like to hear another story." That intimidating gaze slid unhurriedly his way, but the suspicious glint that surrounded it seemed prepared for his request. "One about a miko and a riverbank."

Sesshoumaru considered him a moment more, with a calculating intensity that would have rendered a lesser man to a groveling mess. But Miroku withstood his scrutiny bravely, and was eventually rewarded for it, but not without a resigned huff of mild annoyance.

"I was once stranded on a riverside with a miko," he began, and the monk once again adjusted himself more comfortably in his seat. "She carved me a spear, and healed my wounds, and let me know her heart. But she didn't know what was good for her, so I turned her away."

Miroku frowned, defiantly disappointed with where the story was going. Sesshoumaru seemed to miss his reaction, as his eyes glazed over as he lost himself to both memory and introspection.

"I caught her a fish, and taught her to heal her own wounds, and let a sword know her heart. I made her hurt but I soothed her pain."

They were both silent a moment after that, lost in their own personal reveries. But only one of them seemed aware of the other presence, as he collected his thoughts and forged his opinions in stone.

"Are you certain it is she who does not know what Is good for her?"

Sesshoumaru turned to regard the monk beside him, only to find the man had already stood, and appeared to be preparing to take his leave.

When he didn't respond, Miroku stepped closer, and bravely bent his head low to speak quietly into the Western Lord's ear.

"Beg your pardon, my lord. You are a noble demon, but you are a very stupid man."

And then, at last, he was finally alone again. Just as he'd started out. Just as he wanted to be. He should be pleased.

Another lingering look across the bonfire revealed his miko companion exactly where he had last seen her; beside his one-time handyman, engaged in some apparently spirited and enjoyable conversation.

He watched her listen and laugh, and then say things he couldn't hear. He watched her touch his arm, and then his chest playfully. Affectionately.

But he fought the sneer that tried to crawl up his lip. This is what he wanted. This is what he'd asked for.

Miroku was gone, but he answered him anyhow.

"I know."

---

A/N: This chapter... was not easy, lol. That's part of why it took so long; it was a fighter. Remember when I could post an insanely long chapter every 3 days? Remember that? Those were the days, man. Hopefully, the next one will go smoother, cuz I am super excited for it. We're starting to get into some more of the material I had written even before I started this story, so maybe that will help.

I actually had an entirely different idea for this chapter originally, but honestly, it would have just taken way too long to flesh out, and it would have distracted from the main plot for too long, so I went with this instead. Maybe I'll try and fit my other idea into a later chapter, we'll see XD

I hope you still liked it. Let me know if you did. Thanks for reading!