Summary: A private, honest conversation between Sesshoumaru and Kagome. He asks her questions and she answers them.

AN: LJ Dokuga-Contest, Seven Treasures Challenge – Crystal

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~ooO Crystal: Fragile Trust Ooo~

Kagome ignored the sounds of thunder and lightening storming outside the cave. The group had been forced to take refuge in the caves to avoid the worst of the bad weather. InuYasha had sulked and grumbled about losing time but no one paid any attention to him. Risking pneumonia and a broken ankle wasn't worth pushing on. They didn't have any solid leads on Naraku or any Shikon shards. Kagome hadn't felt anything for the past few days either.

She glanced at her companions who had settled down for an idle afternoon. Miroku was tracing out sutras using her gift to him, Sango was polishing hiraikotsu, Shippo was using his new crayons in his colouring book, InuYasha was staring out into the gloom. Kagome was certain if he saw any trace of Kikyo's shikigami he would have run out pouring rain without a second thought. And to be honest Kagome was already past the point of caring; in fact she'd probably welcome the peace and quiet.

Everyone was doing something. Kagome had already finished working through two math sheets, one science, and one geography. She had more worksheets but she wanted a break from studying.

What to do? What to do?

"Hey guys, anyone interested in exploring the cave with me?"

InuYasha frowned. "Don't go chasing trouble wench!"

Brown eyes narrowed. Then she smiled acidly. "No, that's your job, dog!" She turned away pointedly and spoke to her other companions. "I'm going exploring. I'll take some chalk to mark the way." She glared at InuYasha. "If I don't get some space I'm going to start saying IT."

Triangular puppy ears went flat against InuYasha's head, as he pretended not to be affected.

Sango smiled reassuringly. "Go on Kagome-chan." She looked around. "In fact, why don't you take Kilala with you?" The small neko-youkai perked up and darted over before rubbing herself against Kagome's ankle.

The miko laughed and crouched to scoop the small being up. "You know what? I think I will." She rubbed her nose against the cold wet one of Kilala. "Let's go exploring Kilala!"

The neko purred against Kagome, content to oblige.

Twenty minutes later Kagome had found several tunnels leading to dead ends, a small hot spring she planned on using after dinner, one alternate exit small enough for Kilala and Shippo, and this cave.

It was a fairy wonderland where the walls and the supporting stalagmites were covered with multi-hued crystals ranging in sizes from the length of her hand to granulated sugar. There were several openings in the ceiling, oddly angled to keep out the direct downpour but wide enough to allow weak rays of light in. Light that bounced through the crystals creating a breathtaking discotheque effect.

Kagome stood there for several minutes, watching Kilala play amidst the crystals, under the small light show.

"Miko," a very familiar voice rumbled in the vicinity behind her.

Kagome was surprised to realise she wasn't. Surprised that is. "Sesshoumaru-sama," she responded gravely turning to meet the daiyoukai's eyes. She wondered if the Kamis were arranging for their paths to cross so.

He looked away, at the crystals and the small light show being cast on the cavern walls. "Rin would enjoy this," he murmured atypically.

Kagome cocked her head. "Yes she would," she confirmed. "Is she with you?"

"She is with Jaken."

Kagome was hesitant. Shippo would love the opportunity to play with Rin, he had very few playmates his own age. "Would you care to join us? We are staying in a cave nearby until the worst of the storm passes."

He did not answer. Instead he studied her intently.

Kagome resisted the urge to fidget. She clasped her hands, lacing her fingers together, waiting for his decision.

"It is a pity."

Kagome started. "Excuse me?" She had not expected That.

He reached out and broke a translucent white spar as long as her index finger. "Crystal is fragile. It shatters when handled roughly." He demonstrated by gripping it tightly. The almost glass-like prism broke along the long planes and fell apart. She was pinned by cool yet molten gold eyes. "Like trust."

Kagome inhaled deeply. There was something going on here. She wasn't certain of all the undercurrents though. After some thought she decided honesty was the best policy, especially in dealing with a daiyoukai.

"Yes," she responded in affirmative. "Trust is like crystal. Once broken it cannot be made whole again."

"Then tell me miko, why do you trust him?" His eyes refused to let her escape.

Kagome frowned faintly. "Who do you refer to?"

"That disgraceful excuse of a hanyou… He betrays you with the dead miko. And yet you still trust him to protect you."

Kagome was taken aback by his fierce words. She took a moment to organize her thoughts before speaking. "I gave up on InuYasha a long time ago Sesshoumaru-sama," she explained slowly. "He is my friend, but nothing more."

"But he betrays you," Sesshoumaru pointed out firmly. "He goes to the dead miko who goes to Naraku."

Kagome stifled a wince and forced herself to smile. "It is his choice to trust her."

"And your choice to trust him," Sesshoumaru countered.

Kagome was silent. "Yes," she whispered.

"And your trust? Is it still intact?"

Tears pooled in her eyes. She turned away hastily so he would not see her cry. She knew he could smell her tears but she could not let him see her cry.

He repeated his question. "Is it still intact?"

It was several seconds before she answered. "Barely."

He absorbed her answer.

"Rin and Jaken and this Sesshoumaru will join your party miko." There was a small pause. "Rin will want to play with your charge."

Kagome blinked back her tears and turned to the daiyoukai. She smiled brilliantly at him. "Lovely. Shippo has missed her as well."

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The End.

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