A/N: I do not own the cast or the rights to them.

Now that that is out of the way I would just like to thank everyone for the reviews and I hope that the trend continues with each chapter that I add. Also, I've already written most of the story and now I am typing it up, but with you guys wanting more Sesshomaru, I've actually seen my story evolve from what it was originally and I must say that I like it better now because of it. So here is the eighth chapter and I hope that you enjoy it because the next one or the one afterwards is going to cause a drastic change for the group, so let me know what you think and I will be sure to get it up as soon as possible.

Chapter 8:
The Laughter of Children

The twittering of birds had Kagome stretching and looking around. A squeak of surprise made it passed her lips as she noticed that she was back in her sleeping bag. Looking around, she noticed that a piece of parchment was left next to her pillow; she opened it slowly and read what was inside.

"Tell no one what occurred last night, Kagome."

She smiled at the note knowing that by writing her name he was showing her that he respected her and that he acknowledged her as an equal. She folded the note up and slid it into the bottle that held the jewel shards, hiding that beneath her shirt, before she got up to make breakfast. Soon enough everyone was awake and eating the ramen that Kagome had prepared before they packed up and started on their way once more.

She was happy to see that Kohaku was getting more relaxed with the group than he had been in the earlier weeks; it was hard for him to fit in first, but after getting comfortable with Shippou everything else fell into place for him. She giggled to herself when Shippou played a trick on said boy before taking off running getting Kohaku to chase after him as he squealed in fake terror. Sango's eyes met hers and in them she could see gratitude and all the sadness was gone, nodding her head she smiled at her before her attention was taken elsewhere.

She hadn't spoken to Inuyasha since the night before and knew that he was sorry and that he had only been worried about her, but she couldn't let him treat her like she would break at any moment, she was stronger than that. Sighing heavily, she knew that she needed to talk to him, but she didn't know how to go about it and broach the subject. Deciding that she wasn't going to let it bother her right now she joined in on the kids fun chasing both of them as they tried to get away and soon enough the whole group was involved, even Inuyasha, well when Shippou almost set his hair on fire he started to chase after him. Eventually the fun came to an end when the kids' stomachs started to growl from hunger, which caused everyone to laugh and decide to rest in the shade while Kagome and Sango made a quick lunch.

"Kagome-nee-chan!"

Startled, Kagome whipped around at the sound of her name and barely caught the exuberant girl in her arms as she came barreling at her. Seeing the small child hugging her and hearing Inuyasha growling behind her she knew who was here and she could only wonder why.

"Well hello Rin, it's been a long time." Smiling at the grinning child she looked up and locked eyes with Sesshomaru, the demon she had last seen two weeks ago. A slight nod acknowledged their last encounter before he glanced at his ward and then back to her.

It took only a moment before she understood the silent question in his eyes and she smiled widely as she nodded before speaking.

"Of course I will watch Rin, how long are you going to be gone?" She ignored the confused and surprised looks from her friends as well as the yelling hanyou that was throwing a tantrum behind her.

"Sit," it didn't quite put an end to his ranting but at least she could hear Sesshomaru when he answered her.

"A week." She nodded her head at the answer before turning to Rin and bending down to her level.

"Rin, Sesshomaru needs to leave for a bit, would you like to stay with me and the others while he's gone?"

"Of course Kagome-nee-chan!"

"I'm glad Rin, now go say bye to Sesshomaru and wish him a safe trip alright." She whispered as she glanced at the still Taiyoukai. Beaming Rin spun in place before running straight at Sesshomaru and wrapping her arms around her idols leg; amazing everyone there he laid a hand on her head and Kagome could see his eyes soften before he sent her back over.

"See you in a week Sesshomaru," Kagome stated holding Rin's hand as Sesshomaru nodded once before turning and disappearing into the woods.

"WHAT THE HELL KAGOME? WHY ARE…"

"SIT! That's what you get for cursing in front of the children and my reasons are my own, no need to get your panties in a bunch!" Ignoring the sputtering hanyou, she led Rin over to Shippou and Kohaku and watched as they got reacquainted with each other. Rin was overly joyed to find out that Kohaku was now released from Naraku's hold and before anyone could blink they were all engaged in a game of tag.

Glancing at Sango, Kagome could see tears glistening in her eyes as the sound of Kohaku's laughter rang through the air along with Rin's and Shippou's. It made her happy to see Sango happy that her brother wasn't lost in his memories or in guilt for what he had been forced to do and that he was able to play and be a kid for once.

A soft smile played on her lips before she turned to the crater and waited to see when Inuyasha would drag himself out of it. She would try to listen to him calmly this time around, but if he started spouting nonsense (like she thought he always did when angry) then she would MAKE sure he listened to her and her reasons.

"You ready to talk calmly Inuyasha?"

Mumbling he drug himself from the hole and stood in front of her sulking like he never had before; she held in a giggle at his antics before calming herself and waiting to see if he would say anything. When nothing came forth she heaved a huge sigh before moving forward to his side and took his hand in his squeezing it to make sure he was paying attention to what she was going to say.

"Look, I said yes for a couple different reasons even though I know you didn't want your brother anywhere near here. One: he was already here and I didn't want you two to fight in front of Rin. Two: He brought Rin with him which meant that he wasn't here for your sword anyways. Three: Shippou and Kohaku should have the opportunity to play with as many kids as they can; Rin needs it too, whens the last time you think she got to be a kid and play with another child? And last but not least number four: He made no threatening gesture to you or any of the others that I could see and he wouldn't have come to us unless what he needed to do was highly important and also dangerous. He wouldn't have wanted Rin to tag along with the possibility of getting hurt."

She watched with an amused glint in her eye as Inuyasha opened and closed his mouth, trying to figure out something to say, but coming up with nothing. Scowling he closed his mouth and refused to say anything; Kagome just sighed, gave his hand one last squeeze, before moving to set up camp deciding that going any further today would just be a waste of time.

"Where is that prick bastard brother of mine?" Inuyasha whined as a week and a half came and went and still Rin was with them, no Sesshomaru to be found.

"Quiet Inuyasha, I'm sure Sesshomaru-sama just got delayed," Miroku stated as he helped serve out dinner to his companions gathered around the camp.

"Feh," was all that Inuyasha deemed that statement worth.

Kagome stayed quiet keeping her thoughts to herself as she soothed the worried Rin and told her that Sesshomaru would be back soon and that he hadn't abandoned her. She helped the kids make a fort between two trees using some blankets she had as well as her sleeping bag for bedding. She looked on with soft eyes as they told stories to each other before they drifted off to sleep each one trying to be the last to do so.

It wasn't until late in the night that Kagome felt it, the deep rumbling howl of a beast in pain; she sat straight up in her makeshift bed and looked around, wondering where it had come from. She saw that the others had awakened as well except for the children; without a thought she threw a soundproof barrier around them not wanting them to wake up should something happen. Standing she let her aura escape her as she felt Miroku do the same as he came to her side; she could feel his power working with hers and she smiled for a moment before it was whisked away by what she found.

She saw Inuyasha perk at some scent and she knew without saying a word that he now knew what was going on and what to expect. However, they didn't expect what they saw next no matter what she thought.

He knew that he was in pain, like none he had felt before, and screamed at himself for falling prey to Naraku's trick as he was distracted from his original quest. The cunning spider had attacked as he traveled in his true form sending a puppet to fight him while small insect like bug demons swarmed around him, tearing into his flesh like butter. He had defeated the puppet, but the small demons were harder to kill as they were faster and much smaller than him; he also found that he was unable to shift back because of the poison they injected as they cut into him.

Roaring in frustration he struck wildly around him destroying some of the pests, but it seemed to make no difference as pain filled his mind. Another howl and he was lost to his demon, the sensible part of himself locked away, as he thrashed around trying to rid himself of the stinging, burning sensation that covered him.

His demon remembered the soft caress and soothing sensation of having his arm restored and lifting his nose to locate the scent of the one that had healed him he rushed forward. The demon insects followed him, attacking him as he ran and trailing behind him like a huge twisting cloud.

'Miko…Kagome.' His beast whispered agony coursing through him in waves.

The sight before her caused the breath she had to rush out her lungs as she watched to great Inuyoukai crash to the ground before them panting and twitching wildly on the ground. His eyes rolled in his head as he continued to try to fight the insects off, but his movements began to slow and become lethargic.

"INUYASHA HELP HIM!" Kagome screamed as she herself ran forward wanting to destroy the insects but knowing that she needed every bit of power she had to heal and help the demon before her. She almost sighed in relief when everyone swung into action and the demon bugs were either clawed to pieces, smashed, or sucked into the wind void.

"Sesshomaru?" Kagome whispered trying to get close to him fearing that if he didn't recognize her he might end up hurting her instead. She was surprised when his eyes rolled to where she stood and locked on her; what surprised her most was an almost silent pitiful whine escaping him as she laid a hand on his muzzle. She knew that he wasn't in his right mind, but it warmed her heart that he trusted her enough to seek her out to help him when he was in need.

"Why are you helping the bastard?"

Whipping around she leveled the angriest most outraged glare she had in her arsenal and watched as Inuyasha cowered before her.

"Inuyasha, I don't want Rin to wake up and see that her parent like figure is dead. Do you want to tell her what happened and hold her as she cries? Now do something useful and see if any more of those things are around while I tend to him. Please?" She asked knowing that he was just jealous of how close she was to another male and she had to hold in a sigh at the thought that he would never get over his jealously.

"Feh," he ears had laid flat at the thought of holding a crying child when he hated tears; he headed into the night and away from any chance of dealing with Rin should the event actually come to pass.

"Sango, can you make some tea for me please? I have a feeling that I'm going to need it. Miroku will you keep Inuyasha occupied when he comes back, I don't want him hovering."

She barely acknowledged them when they nodded to her, her entire being focused on the demon before her and how he twitched underneath her hand. Raising her eyes she took in his wounds and categorized which ones she needed to tend to first and which could wait; the most pressing matter was getting the poison out of his blood stream. She could feel it coursing through him like she had felt in Kohaku and Miroku, though this was more potent and it was working fast.

"Do you trust me?" She whispered as she locked her eyes with his once more and when they closed she knew that was his way of saying yes. Taking a deep breath she began to let her power flow out of her to surround him; she felt his own rise to meet her and to her surprise it didn't fight her. She let her conscious flow with her power once more as it entered his body and into his veins purifying the poison that was threatening to destroy him.

With a gasp of breath she returned to her body happy to see that Sesshomaru looked more relaxed now that he wasn't in dire need of healing. She watched as some of the minor wounds even began to heal before her eyes as she ran her hand along his muzzle to a wound that gaped below his right eye. Pushing forth her power she knitted the flesh back together so that only an angry red line remained.

Methodically she made her way around him healing what wounds she deemed were the worst before helping the smaller ones on their way. Exhausted she sank to the ground sitting on her legs as she looked at the demon before her, a satisfied smile on her face.

"You feeling any better Sesshomaru?" She asked as she felt Inuyasha draw closer to her.

He cracked one eye open to stare at her and in it she could see gratitude shinning as well as relief for not being in pain anymore. She smiled at him, touched his muzzle one more, then gathered her strength to stand and made her way over to her bedding. She spared a grateful smile to Sango as she was handed a hot cup of tea and she took her time drinking it, letting it sooth her nerves and soul.

She leaned against Inuyasha when he came to sit next to her and smiled when he put an arm around her waist and drew her closer. Setting the cup of tea next to her she snuggled into his side drawing comfort from him and relaxing in his body heat as she let her eyes close.

Hearing something moving she opened her eyes slightly and was frozen as she met those of Sesshomaru's and saw the burning heat in them as he looked at her. She watched as he drew his power to him and shifted back to his humanoid form coming to sit near the fire all the while never breaking his gaze from hers. Kagome could feel Inuyasha stiffen next to her and begin to growl so her heart hammering in her chest she closed her eyes and let herself sink into the exhaustion that she had been fighting back.

Sango had watched with amazed eyes as Sesshomaru reacted to Kagome being near Inuyasha in a way that she thought she would never see. His gaze never left hers and even when she fell asleep he kept looking at her regardless of the growling hanyou at her side; if Sango didn't know better she would have thought that the great Taiyoukai was jealous of Inuyasha. Looking at Miroku she was glad to see that he saw what she did and that he was just as confused by it and maybe a little frightened of what it could mean for their dear friend.

Shaking her head she lay back down and decided that she needed to sleep before she let her thoughts stray too much and keep her awake. Dropping to sleep quickly she didn't see Miroku do the same nor the looks that passed between the half-brothers.

They stood across from each other and Kagome knew without words that he was grateful to her for healing him as well as not mentioning it to his ward. She smiled and nodded watching as he turned towards the woods preparing to depart from her group.

"Goodbye Sesshomaru stay safe." Looking at the girl by her side she knelt down pulling her into a hug before whispering in her ear, "Rin I want you to look out for him okay and I want you to know that you are welcome to come back anytime you want."

"Rin will Kagome-nee-chan and thank you!" Smiling she ran after her idol and without a backwards glance they were gone.

"Good Riddance!"

"Really Inuyasha," glaring at him she wished that he could just get over whatever it was about Sesshomaru that rubbed him the wrong way. She ignored as he scowled next to her instead focusing her power to see if there was any jewel shards around, when she couldn't find any she turned to her scowling hanyou and knew what she said next wouldn't make his mood any better.

"I can't sense anything around here Inuyasha; I think we should head back to Kaede's until we can get a rumor or something."

"Feh," he knew better than to argue with her today, he could tell that her temper was only held back by a mere thread with the little rest she had gotten in the past couple days.

Surprised with his lack of argument Kagome decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and started to pack up camp with the help of the others. Within half an hour they were on their way back to Kaede's everyone strangely quiet; Kagome slowly made her way over to Sango as an idea popped into her head as to how to make everyone lighten up a little.

"Psst… Sango."

"Why are you whispering Kagome?"

"Keep your voice down Sango, I have an idea to make the kids laugh, but I have a question for you first."

"Okay, what is it?" Sango whispered moving closer to Kagome.

"You remember the plant that you picked up a while ago, the one that Kilala freaked out about?"

"Yes I still have it why?" She drew it out of the pocket she had been keeping it in, wondering what Kagome wanted with it.

"Well, I was thinking that it might be the time to play a prank on our dear monk and hanyou, what do you think?" She whispered drawing even closer to Sango so that said hanyou wouldn't overhear her plan. They looked at each other and matching evil smiles crossed their faces as Sango caught on to what Kagome planned to do.

"Okay, so I want you to crush the plant into paste as much as you can; I will put a barrier around it so that Kilala doesn't smell it alright?" Sango nodded as they began and soon enough it was done and now all they had to do was get it on their boys in order for it to work.

"Okay, give me half of it. I'll keep the barriers on it until we get it on them, that part will be up to you just let me know you've done it if I don't see you do it."

Their plan was pretty much set all they needed to do was actually get the catnip onto the boys and Kagome knew exactly how she was going to complete her part of it. Getting closer to Inuyasha she managed a convincing stumble forcing Inuyasha to catch her, when he was distracted by yelling at her, she subtly rubbed her hands across his chest the barrier blocking his sense of smell.

"Thank you Inuyasha," she stated smiling at him as she just ignored all the yelling he was doing and watched as he stopped completely confused before shrugging and moving on.

Looking over to Sango she had to hold in her laughter at the tactic she was using on the perverted monk. Sango was walking in front of him now and was noticeably swinging her hips playing on the pervert to come out and try to touch her; she didn't have to wait long. Sango swung around and smacked him coating his face in the catnip paste and without a word Kagome dropped the barriers as their eyes turned to the now dead still Kilala.

With a fiery blaze Kilala shifted to her larger form and turned slightly crazed eyes to unsuspecting monk and hanyou.

"Shippou, Kohaku, watch." Kagome whispered as her and Sango stopped walking to see what Kilala would do next; the two boys exchanged looks before moving closer to them in order to see what was going on.

The boys walked on, unaware of the now stalking cat that moved behind them; Kilala slunk closer and closer to the ground as her tails twitched wildly behind her. Shaking her butt for a moment she pounced on the unsuspecting monk causing a yell to escape him before she started licking and nipping him trying to get to the source of the smell that she loved so much.

The watching group had to put hands over their mouths to stifle their laughter as Inuyasha, amazingly, kept moving completely oblivious as to what was going on behind him. Kilala raised her head as she caught another whiff of catnip coming from Inuyasha and grabbing Miroku's clothing in her mouth she drug him with her as she started to stalk the hanyou. By now the girls were on the ground rolling in laughter as they watched Kilala tackle Inuyasha with Mirokus still in her mouth. She pinned them both beneath her as she rolled her face on them and continued her licking and nipping as Miroku tried to break free and Inuyasha cursed violently as he tried to push her off all the while she was purring like there was no tomorrow.

Kohaku and Shippou giggled before it turned into full blown laughter that brought even bigger smiles to Sango and Kagome as they laughed with them. The laughter of children brought a peace to the group that they hadn't felt in a while and when everyone calmed down they continued on, the echo of laughter still around them.

A/N: Hope you found this chapter amusing. Also, I hope you caught on to the subtle hint that Sesshomaru may be interested in our dear Miko and that she doesn't know how to react to that fact. As always read and review and you will be rewarded with another chapter. :]