"What took ya so long wench?" Inuyasha rudely asked her as she jumped out of the well, carrying her signature overloaded yellow bag.
"What do you think stupid? I had school and work! I just got off, thank you very much! Instead of sleeping in my own comfortable bed I decided to come straight here to get more time with you guys and what do I get? I get yelled at right away!" Her rant was half angry, half humored and she just couldn't be bothered to figure out which emotion she felt more strongly.
"Lady Kagome! Lady Kagome!" An excited female voice rang out behind one of the trees. A child, around 13 now, came running at her full speed and hugged her forcefully around the waist.
"Rin! You just saw me a few weeks ago! I haven't been gone that long!"
"I know Lady Kagome, but when Lord Sesshomaru said he smelled you coming I just got so excited I couldn't wait until morning!" At the sound of his name, without meaning to, her eyes traveled up to meet his. He was standing on the edge of the forest, his swords at his side, but his armor abandoned. His one arm hung limply at his side and he was watching his ward almost gently as she hung onto her role model. As if sensing her eyes on him, she found herself in a staring contest with the demon, for the second time that night.
"Alright! Alright! Enough with the touchy feely crap. Let's get back to the village, eh?" Inuyasha's voice broke their gaze and Kagome physically shook herself. Inuyasha noticed her movements and slightly narrowed his eyes at her.
"What's up with you?" Inuyasha asked gently bumping his shoulder against her own, his voice slightly rough but his actions betrayed his concern for her.
"Oh, not much. Just got a slight chill for a second. It's gone now." Rin attached herself to Kagome's right arm and Inuyasha moved out of the way so Shippo could attach himself to her left arm as they continued on their way down the worn out path to the village. Kagome couldn't quite keep herself from stealing a look over her shoulder, once again locking eyes with the cold demon lord. 'He's so different, yet exactly the same.'
"I wonder what changes?" She found herself whispering under her breath. She watched as Sesshomaru's eyes furrowed slightly at her words, seemingly directed at her, and blushed realizing she had voiced her thoughts out loud. She turned forward, blush deepening as she met Inuyasha's eyes. He gave her a confused look, but turned back around with a slight smirk and never said a word.