Kagome didn't ask why it took longer than what Sesshomaru had initially said about their journey back to the village. It was nice to be in, somewhat quiet company, aside from the bickering of Rin and Jaken.

"Okay, I spy with my eye something that is orange." Kagome said as Rin skipped along beside her.

"My kimono!" Rin laughed out happily. "That was easy Kagome."

"You are just a smart girl. I can't fool you." Kagome smiled down at her. "Your turn."

"I spy something white." Rin said. Glancing around Kagome pointed at the flowers that adorned the ground.

"The flowers?"

"No." Rin giggled out shaking her head.

"Then the clouds?" Kagome asked glancing up.

"No." Smiling widely as Kagome continued to look around she looked to Sesshomaru who walked ahead of them.

"Is it Sesshomarus clothing?"

"You're close."

"Then his hair."

"You got it! Your turn Kagome." Rin said.

"How about we take a break for a bit and just enjoy our walk?" Kagome offered as they had been playing for a while.

"Okay." Rin replied. "I'm glad that you're traveling with us. You're so nice and fun. Not like master Jaken, he's so boring."

"I never asked to be a nurse maid!" Jaken yelled. "And why Lord Sesshomaru is even allowing you to come with us is beyond me."

"Jaken!" Sesshomaru quipped sharply at him. "Leave them be."

"Yes mi'lord." Shrinking away somewhat behind them Kagome and Rin exchanged a soft smile to one another.

Kagome had proven to be very useful in matters regarding Rin. She taught her how to make a better fire that burned longer, Kagome had shown her how to hunt for small game and prepare it for cooking.

Overall Rin was happier and her health had improved dramatically becoming more energetic and boisterous, which Sesshomaru had not imagined was possible.

Despite their previous encounters where Kagome was seemingly impulsive and uncouth he had found her to be quite introverted and kept her inner most thoughts to herself, much the same way he did.

Coming upon the coast Rin tugged on Kagomes hand leading her towards the smell of salt water, the ocean.

"We can catch crabs!" Rin shouted out. "It's the only thing I have ever seen Lord Sesshomaru eat."

"Oh really?" Kagome asked as their bare feet hit the sand. "It's so warm." Stretching out as the sun hit her she watched as Rin ran towards the water.

"Come on Kagome! Come on!" She nearly shrieked.

"I'll be there in minute. Just be careful by the waters edge." She called back.

"Alright." Rin said before running at break neck speed. Smiling to herself Kagome took note that Sesshomaru had stopped beside her.

"Thank you." He said softly. Looking up at him Kagome cocked her head somewhat to the side.

"What for?" She wondered. Following his gaze she saw he was watching Rin. "You're welcome."

"Ah! Kagome! Come on!" Rin laughed out as she ran from the small waves that lapped at the shore.

"Okay, okay." She relented going towards where Rin was playing. After a day of introducing the little girl to sandcastles, catching the small saltwater crabs, and building a fire on the beach Rin fell sound asleep against her.

Kagome stroked her hair back from her forehead as she hummed softly as Rin laid in her lap.

"I'm surprised that Inuyasha hasn't found me yet. I had half expected him to be on our heels by now barking at me to go with him." Kagome said.

"Are you disappointed that he hasn't?" Sesshomaru asked.

"No." She answered after a few moments of silence. "You know, you have been an enigma to me for some time."

"How so?"

"Well, for starters you adamantly defamed all humans calling us weak and worthless only to have Rin with you which made no sense to me. You were after the Tessaiga but then you helped Inuyasha when his demon blood took over him…you seem somewhat convoluted."

Watching him as he took in what she had said she heard him sigh.

"There are many things that have happened as of late that have thrown my entire way of thinking and doing into disarray." Sesshomaru said. "When Rin decided to follow me I took the opportunity to study her, as I have never been personally exposed to more than a few run ins with humans that usually lead to their deaths."

"Are you studying me too then?" Kagome asked softly with humor in her eyes. "It's alright if you are. I've been studying you too, to better understand you."

"From the sounds of it you have only come up with more questions than answers." He replied.

"What about you? What have you learned about me?" Kagome asked curiously.

"That, like Rin, you are not at all what I expected." Sesshomaru stated.

"Well, I hope that's a good thing." Kagome laughed out. Rin shifted in her lap and she adjusted her. It was the first time he had heard her laugh. Like with Rin it was pure and full of joy.

Glancing away from her he sought to compose himself.

"We will reach the village in two days. I suggest you rest." He said.

"Okay." Moving Rin aside she laid down beside her cuddling up to her for warmth and comfort. "Good night Sesshomaru."

"Good night Kagome." He said.

Smiling she didn't miss the way her heart skipped a few beats at the sound of her name leaving his lips.