Sesshomaru couldn't believe he was doing this. After he'd told Hoshi he'd teach her how to use a sword, he later came to a realization after the agreement; she didn't have a sword. Never did, either, in the first place. He knew she was fully capable of forging her own, but he didn't want her to labor over it for a few days or weeks in order for her training.

'I should of have thought this over more,' Sesshomaru thought, annoyed.

The dog demon currently walked in the village a good days trip from Inuyasha's village, searching for the blacksmith of this village, to his utter dismay. He had later discovered, and to his utter annoyance, that hanyou's village didn't have a blacksmith so he had to travel to the nearby one in search of one. He had decided to get Hoshi a sword for her, instead of her forging one herself. He wished to get her a demon's sword, as human's swords were poor, but it would be suitable until he was able to travel to his lands to get Hoshi a real sword forged from a demon's hands. He should of have been kind and loaned his own to Hoshi, but that hadn't occurred to him until now. Drat it all.

"M-May I help you, demon lord?"

Sesshomaru immediately looked at a young man who had spoken to him, who was trembling in fear. He felt a bit surprised a human had dared speak to him.

'He should fear this Sesshomaru,' the demon thought in satisfaction.

"I seek the blacksmith of this village."

"He is west of the village, milord."

Sesshomaru just nodded and headed on his way, to the relief of the human man. After a good few minutes walk he finally came across the blacksmith, smelling heated metal and loud clangs from inside. He walked up to the hut and looked inside the large open window, to find a middle aged muscled man hammering a blade. He cleared his throat and the blacksmith looked up with wide eyes.

"This Sesshomaru seeks a sword."

"Ah. I see. Do you have a certain one in mind?"

Sesshomaru was a bit surprised. The blacksmith didn't even seem to fear him and he smelled no hesitation in the man's awful scent. Sesshomaru pulled out his own and held it out for the humans inspection.

"One such as this."

The blacksmith came forward and examined the blade, but didn't touch it to the silent relief of the demon lord. He nodded a few times, put down his current project, and headed into the back to rummage for a moment. Sesshomaru waited patiently. The blacksmith returned carrying at least 5 blades that looked similar to his own blade and set them down on the counter between them.

"Would one of these satisfy you, milord?"

The demon lord examined each one carefully. They were honestly a bit more of fine make then what he had expected. He finally chose the one that looked like Bakusaiga, but the hilt instead was a light gray. The blacksmith nodded in satisfaction at his choice.

"How much must this Sesshomaru pay?"

"15 gold pieces."

Sesshomaru pulled out 15 gold pieces from the depths of his kimino and handed it to the human, careful not to touch his skin. The blacksmith smiled kindly, to the annoyance of Sesshomaru, and took the other swords back into the back of his shop.

"Good day to you, milord."

The dog demon immediately began to head out of the village, carrying Hoshi's sword when he realized he might as well get something for Rin too. He examined the booths as he passed until he could find one of his expectations. He finally came across one that was selling jewelry, kiminos, and fine cloth. He approached and examined the finery, wondering which his pup would like best. He finally decided on a orange bead necklace with a red stone charm and a green stone bracelet, paying 5 gold coins for it all.

'Now I can get out of here,' Sesshomaru thought.

He began to turn when a blue sparkle caught his eye. The dog demon turned his head slightly back to examine what had actually caught his attention. It was a blue beaded necklace with a white bead every three blue beads, and a large lightly heart shaped blue gem was the charm surrounded by milk white stones. Sesshomaru thought it would look quite lovely around Hoshi's neck, but also bring out her beautiful eyes. The seller noticed his gaze.

"That you see is a sapphire surrounded by real pearls from the sea," the seller murmured softly to the demon lord, careful not to interrupt his thoughts.

"How much?"

"35 gold pieces."

The seller got slightly afraid with he saw the angry flash in the demon's eyes, half expecting him to kill him or even steal it. But to his surprise, the demon pulled out the amount of money and handed it to him silently. The seller immediately handed the necklace in return, not wanting to risk his neck. Sesshomaru carefully slipped the gift into his kimino before leaving the village, wondering why he had bought not just a sword for the demoness but a expensive necklace as well?

'Because,' his inner demon sprang to life. 'She deserves such finery.'

'Who even asked you?'

'We can spoil future mate all we want. After all, demons should bring gifts to their mates without a reason except the fact they love them.'

'…'

Sesshomaru didn't want to squabble with his inner demon, honestly. But the whole 'future mate' talk wasn't beginning to bother him anymore. This wasn't good.

"Milord, you have finally returned!"

He looked at the imp and the two-headed dragon walk out of the trees to join him. He didn't give any acknowledgement to them and just moved on, actually slightly eager to return to his pup and Hoshi.

Meanwhile, miles away from the dog demon, Hoshi stared up into the sky wonderingly as she washed her pup's kimino for her. Sesshomaru had disappeared two days ago after they had spent some time with Rin at her cave, but hadn't even said he was going anywhere. He didn't even say good bye! She only knew he'd return within a day's time because he had at least told Inuyasha he'd be gone for three days without a reason.

"Momma!"

Hoshi looked over to see her pup running at her with full speed, waving her arms about as if she were a bird. Hoshi laughed lightly.

"What is it, pup?"

"Kagome invited you and me to supper tonight! Please can we go?"

Hoshi considered it for a moment, but totally caved in at her pup's puppy eyes. She was too darn cute. The demoness nodded with a smile, almost being knocked over by her pup's sudden hug.

"YAY!"

The demoness laughed before scooping up the child into her arms and picked up the basket of Rin's clothing, before heading back toward the village. Kaede had been kind to her and let Hoshi stay in her hut with herself and her pup, so she wouldn't have to stay in that cave anymore.

"Momma? Do you think you'll be friends with Kagome and Inuyasha?"

"We'll have to see, pup. But I hope so."

Rin just nodded and immediately began to wave when the miko appeared in her huts doorway. Hoshi faltered for a moment, but quickly quickened her pace. She couldn't be nervous now. After all, she planned on staying in this village for quite some time, so might as well try to be friendly and hopefully make friends.

"I'm so glad you and Rin could come, Hoshi."

"Thank you for the invitation."

"Your very welcome. Please, come in."

Hoshi entered the hut and put down her basket of things at the request of Kagome on the nearby table. Rin jumped down from her arms and hugged Shippo, who was sitting in front of the fire. Inuyasha just watched the whole thing and nodded his greeting to the demoness.

"How are things for you, Hoshi," Kagome asked as she began to serve stew to everyone.

"Quite well, thank you. Kaede has given me a hut at the edge of the village, but it needs some work."

"Inuyasha would love to help you, right Inuyasha?"

Kagome sent her husband a death glare, clearing stating he had better agree or he'd be sleeping outside tonight. Hoshi didn't catch it, as she was looking in her bowl of stew for a moment.

"Oh, of course."

Hoshi looked up and sent Inuyasha a grateful look.

"That would be most kind, Inuyasha. I'd love the help."

Inuyasha, to Hoshi's surprise, smiled in return as he was given his own bowl of stew. Hoshi had to smile kindly in response. Maybe they'd be her friends after all. As the night wore on and the chatter was friendly and warm, Hoshi found herself looking out the window just once to think something she thought she'd never dream of thinking before returning to her new group of friends.

'Please return safely, Sesshomaru.'