USUAL DISCLAIMER

IX

That night found Kagome awake and staring at the moonless sky. She had wandered into the forest, to a meadow they had earlier passed. Laying in the flowers, she watched the dark sky.

"It is no good to be out here by yourself." said a voice to her left. Kagome squeaked as she sprang up, notching an arrow on her bow and pointing it at the voice. She sagged in relief when she saw it was Sesshomaru.

"You scared me." she laughed. He tilted his head slightly, an eyebrow raised.

"I could have killed you. You should be more careful." he replied. Kagome's face saddened.

"Yeah.. I'll remember that." she whispered, sitting back down. He looked at her curiously. Her mood had changed so quickly.

"I am sorry if I offended you." he said, sitting next to her, studying her face. She looked up at him, shocked before understanding dawned.

"No, you didn't offend. I'm sorry it's just... there's a lot on my mind tonight." she answered, looking at him then the empty sky. He followed her gaze, and understanding dawned in him.

"It is the New Moon. Inuyasha is human this night." he said as they looked at each other. "He has put you through many hardships. Yet you still worry for him?"

"Hmm. I will probably always love Inuyasha. He was my first love, after all. But now he's more like the stupid older brother I never wanted, that acts worse than my little brother." She laughed, before turning somber.

"You know... I finally admitted to myself that he didn't love me like that. That he never would, but...God I didn't think he hated me. I thought we were at least friends. Fuck, I'm such an idiot." She slumped to the forest floor, and covered her face with her arms. Sesshomaru chuckled and leaned over to move her arms.

"You are many things, Kagome. An idiot is not one of them. A bit naive at times, perhaps. But you are too wise, and too smart to be an idiot. Would you like to know what I think?" he asked, holding her hands away from her face. She nodded.

"I think Inuyasha is the idiot for not seeing you for what you are. He thinks Kikyo is the strong one? The brave one? I believe not. She cowered from her duty, always wishing for a more simple life. You, however, set aside your qualms and took to your duty. Though you would like nothing more than to return to your family, you continue to spend most of your time here, in a time that is not your own, fighting demons and collecting shards."

"Wait a minute, how did you find out where I'm from?" she asked, suddenly on high alert. "Is that why you wanted to be my friend? To get inside secrets on the future?"

She stood up, and started running towards the village. He stood quickly too, and darted in front of her. He grabbed her waist to keep her from moving.

"That is not why I wish to be your friend. I was speaking with Miroku and Sango earlier. They did not tell me exactly, but I figured it out. And it is a secret with me, as well. I will protect it with my life, Kagome. I promise." he said, looking into her eyes. They watered, but she let no tears fall.

"Thank you. Why do you wish to be my friend?" she asked, returning to where she sat before. He sat next to her again, facing her.

"My mother did not approve of letting anyone close. Nor of revealing vulnerabilities. She taught me to be everything that I am. But I do not share her ability to have many so close, yet so far from ones self. The one friend I have, knows everything about me." he started, and Kagome hummed in understanding.

"You go all in or not at all." she observed and he nodded.

"It seems there is no middle ground for me. I know you are trustworthy and would keep my secrets, my vulnerabilities. I believe, that by spending time with you, I could learn how to be your friend. You will never have to worry about my betrayal." Sesshomaru said, looking into her eyes.

"Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru." she said quietly, hands folded in her lap and her gaze lowered. "Might I ask, though, who your other friend is?"

"Hnn. He is Naoshi, Lord of the South. A sea serpent demon of great power." Sesshomaru said, his gaze turning to the sky. Kagomes eyes widened and a mega watt smile grew.

"Really? A sea serpent? That's amazing!" Kagome said, looking to Sesshomaru, who met her gaze before her gaze turned wistful and sad.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I've never been to the sea," she said, her gaze turning inward. "My father was supposed to take us the week he died, but he never got to and we never went. I'll bet it's beautiful."

Sesshomaru watched her for a minute, as a thought formed and she stared off into the distance. He could easily take her to the sea. But would it be everything she imagined without her father there? He didn't know, but perhaps if he discussed it with her friends, he'd get a better idea of her reaction.

"You should get some sleep, Kagome. Your ankle is not yet healed and we've far to go tomorrow." he said, his fingers grazing her shoulder.

"Are we heading somewhere specific?" she asked. He smiled slightly at her.

"I believe we should head South, perhaps there are more shards of the jewel." he answered. She laughed and bumped her shoulder into his.

"Sounds like a good plan to me." she said, standing and brushing off her bottom. Sesshomaru stood, moving to her right. He supported her as they made their way back to camp. Kagome lay down with Shippo and Rin, almost instantly falling asleep.

Sesshomaru sat beneath a tree, near his new friend and their children. Lost in thought, he didn't notice Miroku walking up and sitting just an arms reach away from him. Brave, indeed.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Miroku asked, voice low so as not to wake anyone. He knew the demon would hear him perfectly. Sesshomaru turned his attention to the monk.

"What is it?" he asked, not quite caring to keep the cold facade.

"How's her ankle?" Miroku asked, obviously building up to his real question. Just this once, Sesshomaru decided, he'd indulge.

"It will need a few days. Perhaps a week or two, if she's stubborn." he said. Miroku chuckled and nodded.

"I believe if the children keep her occupied with games and lessons, she won't be so tempted to walk. Perhaps if they rode Ah-Uhn?" Miroku suggested. Sesshomaru nodded, looking back towards the woman.

"Have you been to the sea, monk?" he asked, after a minute. Miroku's eyes widened in surprise but still he mumbled an affirmative.

"For your work, or just to see it?" Sesshomaru asked, looking towards Miroku now. Miroku tilted his head side to side.

"Both, my Lord. My uncle took me a few times after my father died, and I've done exorcises there. Why do you ask?"

"Kagome has never been to the sea." Sesshomaru said quietly.

"Ahh. You wish to take her?" Miroku asked. Sesshomaru's gaze returned to him, his eyes defensively cold. Miroku held up his hands in surrender.

"I apologize, my Lord. I merely thought, since the two of you have become friends, perhaps you were taking her as a gift." Miroku said, tucking his arms in his robes. Sesshomaru almost chuckled aloud.

"I worry though." he said, looking Miroku in the eye. The monk raised an eyebrow in question. "She informed me her father was to take her family, but his passing came before he could. They never went."

"I see. So you worry it would not be a joyous occasion? That it would be sorrowful?" Miroku asked, and Sesshomaru nodded. Miroku looked to his dear friend in thought.

He had known her father died when she was young, her brother even younger. He knew she had never been to the sea, but he hadn't known the reason. Perhaps it would be bittersweet. He looked to the two children snuggled deeply to her sides, her arms tucked around both of them. Then he looked to Sango, who took on the role of Kagomes older sister, sleeping close by. Finally, and with confidence, he spoke.

"I believe, that though it may be bittersweet, and she may even cry, if we all are with her she will be happy. Kagome is the type of person to enjoy life as it comes to her. She takes the bad times with her head held high, and the good times with a smile on her face. I believe it will be a well received gift, Lord Sesshomaru. And I believe she will forever carry it in her heart." Miroku said, smiling at the demon lord.

Sesshomaru sat in silent contemplation long after Miroku had given him a single pat on the shoulder and gone to bed. Briefly he wondered why he let the monk take such liberties with his person, but eventually put it off to him being Kagomes friend. He'd known her for many years, after all. Hopefully the monk was right, and them being there with her will help it be a happy occasion.

Woot! Our boy is up two friends! Miroku always sees, doesn't he?