Chapter Two – Small Talk

Kagome snuggled into the warm comfort of her wool blanket. It was very soft, a Christmas present that her mother had made for her.

Inuyasha was sitting beside her. He wasn't talking very much, but he seemed to not be angry.

"Are you warm yet?"

Kagome couldn't help but jump as he suddenly broke the silence. She nodded slowly, her thoughts still wandering. The fire sent shadows dancing across the decaying walls of the hut.

"Do you think that Miroku, Sango, and Shippo will come looking for us?"

"Not until the storm is over." He stated matter-of-factly.

"What makes you so sure?"

"Well, the little runt will probably whine about going out into the cold, for one. And for two, Miroku will probably assure Sango that I can take care of you by myself just fine."

"Doesn't someone sound a bit confident…?" Kagome mumbled to herself.

The half-demon held his sword close to his side, seeming in thought, too. Kagome stared into the flames, thinking about what he said about their friends.

"If we find Kohaku before Naraku is killed, do you think Sango will stay with us still?"

Inuyasha shrugged, "Who knows."

"If Sango were to leave, Miroku might leave, too."

"Miroku wouldn't put a woman before business. He has to kill Naraku to get rid of the hole in his hand."

"Listen to what you just said. Miroku always puts women before business. That is something we can put faith in."

She looked up at his face, curious as to what his expression was. He only shrugged again, staring at the far wall.

"You aren't as short-tempered as usual."

"Should I be?"

Kagome stared at him for a moment before sighing and looking away. The half-demon looked at her from the corner of his eye.

"What did I do now?"

"Nothing…I'm just…thinking…"

"What about?"

"Inuyasha…what will you do when Naraku is finally defeated?"

"Well, become a full demon I guess."

"Yeah…but what will you do after that?"

"I don't know...probably find Sesshoumaru and challenge him. Why?"

"…nothing."

The boy huffed and his leg started shaking out of habit when he was impatient.

"Kagome, just get to the point. Why are you asking all of these dumb questions?"

"I…I guess it just makes me wonder what I'll do after our journey is done. I will miss all of you if I have to go back home."

Inuyasha looked at her face in surprise. She met his eyes. After a moment, he broke the eye contact by looking at the floor.

"Well…maybe you could stay here with us. Y'know, do a priestess' job and whatever."

The young girl blinked, astonished. She hadn't thought of that before.

But what about Mom, Sota, and Gramps? What would they do if I left? I would miss them so awfully… And what would be my excuse for staying? I couldn't just say that it is because I want to be a priestess.

Kagome bit her lip in thought. Nevertheless, it was an idea to think on. She leaned against Inuyasha's side, his kimono warm and dry now. He stiffened at first but slowly she felt his muscles relax. She closed her eyes and breathed in. He smelled like pine.

"Inuyasha?"

"What?"

"Would you miss me?"

There was a silent pause and she could hear his rhythmic breathing. It was a soothing sound.

"Everyone would miss you."

"Oh…alright…"

She could feel consciousness slipping away now. Sounds were starting to blend together and her eyes felt heavy. Before she slipped away she thought she heard him say, "Even me…"