She knew the placement of mokomoko was significant, but Kagome couldn't find it in her to call him out on it. Inukimi and Kagura continued to give her pointed stares all the way back to camp, and the following morning when she woke up with her hands buried in the soft fur.
Sesshoumaru was silent when she gave it back to him.
Focusing on the ground, lest she trip over her own feet, Kagome gave him a stiff nod along with her gratitude, adjusting her bow around her shoulders. They quickly resumed their journey, Kagome being the only one who needed to eat and willing to do so as they walked.
Their first destination was with someone who went by the name of Bokuseno, an old friend of Sesshoumaru's, though he denied the title. Inukimi hadn't argued the point, instead commenting on there being other candidates more suited for the role.
Kagome had purposely avoided her gaze.
She wasn't against the notion, but Sesshoumaru struck her as the type who constantly needed to prove himself. It had been that way when he'd been after Tessaiga, more so when he'd found something to protect in Rin and Kohaku.
Pursing her lips, she found her eyes wandering to the daiyoukai in front of her. He'd naturally assumed the lead position, one hand on the hilt of Bakusaiga at all times.
Were they really that helpless?
Inukimi didn't seem to fit the typical definition of someone whose sole purpose was hiding away in her castle, sipping tea and gossiping all day. Her two guards were loyal to a fault, but there'd been plenty of openings if Kagome had meant to cause their mistress harm.
Even now, power oozed out of her, the fan strapped to her hip likely a hidden weapon instead of a princess's accessory.
And everyone knew what Kagura was capable of, regardless of how long she'd been back.
Kagome's ire rose—was she the only one in need of protection? And who decided she needed it in the first place? She'd taken on a hoard of bandits, both of Inukimi's best guards, and still had enough power left to bring Kagura back to her physical form.
She quickened her stride, glaring up at Sesshoumaru. "I'm just as strong as the rest of you," she said.
He raised an eyebrow. "No one has stated otherwise."
"Not out loud," she said, grip tightening around her bow. "But you're all walking around me like I'll be the first who gets attacked."
Sesshoumaru smirked. "If that is the case, it is due to your propensity for finding trouble, miko, not your inability to counter it."
She opened her mouth to argue, but it snapped shut at his knowing look. "Well, you don't have to rub it in."
"You are the one who brought it up." His boots crunched against the gravel, the wind lifting his hair off his shoulders. "Mother's guards are of an elite breed; it would take a blind man not to see how much you have progressed."
"High praise, indeed," she said, hoping he hadn't noticed the heat creeping up the back of her neck. "I don't suppose you'd be up for some training while we're helping out Kagura?" Her request had nothing to do with Inukimi's constant murmurings, nor the smug expression Kagome knew was currently on the demoness's face. It was simply because Sesshoumaru was the best. She'd be a fool not to grab the opportunity.
"Do you plan on starting a war, miko?"
"Only you would ask that question," she chuckled, kicking a pebble off the path. "I'm great with my bow, but I haven't focused as much time on the hand-to-hand combat. Or with a sword."
"Being well-versed with all weapons will only increase your tenacity as a warrior," he said, giving her a sideways glance.
"Is that a yes?" she asked hopefully.
"Hnn. It will be interesting to see which weapons you favour more." Anything interesting in Sesshoumaru's had to be a plus, and suddenly Kagome was looking forward to the rest of the trip. She didn't have a sword, or even a dagger, but she held her bow out in front of her as they walked, listening intently to his advice about when to increase her grip and when a looser hold was more effective.
"Couldn't she have picked a better topic?" Kagura griped. Watching the pair compare battle notes was as dull as it could get.
Inukimi clicked her tongue. "Do not despair, little wind. Any interest he takes in her will be well worth it."
"They're talking about swords," she said, waving a hand toward them. "Next, they'll be comparing body counts or something. It's hardly romantic."
Her shrug was both fluid and graceful, and Kagura was momentarily mesmerized by the simple movement. "During your interactions with him while serving the spider, what was his reaction when he wished to conclude a conversation?"
Kagura rolled her eyes. "He'd just walk away. Or throw a pebble if Jaken was part of it."
"And yet he continues to not only listen to the miko but provide feedback as well. Does that not speak to his level of curiosity in the matter?" Kagura cocked her head to the side, observing them as the sun waned overhead.
From what she could remember, and her memory was still hazy, Sesshoumaru never stayed in one place very long. His purpose behind his quick departures differed depending on who or what he was hunting, but the image of Jaken and Rin following him was distinct, leaving it up to them to match his pace.
With Kagome, he slowed his stride, allowing her to walk beside him, his head tilting now and then to show he was actively taking in everything she said. Kagome seemed more relaxed than before, especially after their teasing at the hot spring, and Kagura conceded that Inukimi was correct.
Kagome was the listener in her pack, ears and heart open anytime someone had a problem or complaint. It was probably one of the reasons they'd gotten along so well in her elemental form—the wind couldn't talk back. Kagura wondered how often her friend had held her tongue or even attempted to speak but been cut off, the louder, needier of the bunch drowning out her concerns or opinions.
"Guess it's a good thing he doesn't talk much," she said, folding her arms at the elbow as Kagome laughed, waving off something Sesshoumaru had said.
It was the little things that made a difference.