After finding a random dumpster to dispose of the evidence, Kagome led him down a street filled with various restaurants and aromas. She'd texted her friends to let them know her plan had changed, assuring them she was with a friend and would get home safe.
She snorted as she pocketed her phone. Friend wasn't a word she'd ever used in association with Sesshoumaru, but as they meandered down the street, his hands stuffed in his pockets much like his brother, she couldn't help but wonder what he'd been up to over the last 500 years.
He eventually pointed toward a ramen stand, and the hysteria at being cheated on and then almost getting caught vandalizing Kenta's car bubbled up in the form of uncontrollable laughter. "Are you serious?"
"Unless you know of a place that serves it better," he said.
"You're more alike than I thought," she replied, following him into a booth. "Next, you'll tell me you like the instant kind, too."
Sesshoumaru made a face. "The plastic noodles served in Styrofoam? I think not."
Kagome relaxed a little, his disgusted expression easing the tension. "Inuyasha ate his weight in those when we were fighting Naraku. It's half the reason we argued so much about me going home."
He raised an eyebrow as they placed their order. "I had thought that was due to your studies."
She leaned her chin in her palm. "That was part of it. I figured the best way to placate him was through his stomach, so the first time I brought treats back, I made everyone some. It was the easiest thing, considering there was no electricity. He couldn't get enough after that."
"He is likely to have noodles for brains at this point."
"Probably," she chuckled. "I'm surprised you actually eat. I always assumed you lived off blood and spite."
There was an odd gleam in his eyes, and he finally removed his hood. The markings were so familiar her heart clenched. A wave of nostalgia hit her, and the scent of ramen and hot sauce was replaced with fresh air and campfires. His silver hair was still long, though braided and tucked into his sweatshirt.
"Do you miss it?" she asked.
He didn't have to ask what she meant. "There are parts of it that I miss, but technology has made existing far easier."
"Even though you have to hide?" He could get away with the blonde hair and markings, especially this late at night and around the campus, but his glamour still rounded his ears and dulled his claws.
"There are spaces in which we can still live free, miko."
Kagome's brows rose abruptly. "Really? Inuyasha's never said—" She bit her lip, cutting herself off as bowls of steaming ramen were placed in front of her.
"There is a reason he now lives in Hokkaido," Sesshoumaru said softly, offering her a pair of chopsticks before breaking apart his own.
She pursed her lips. "I'm going to bust his balls the next time I see him. I thought it was because he felt more at home in the mountains."
"That is part of it," he said between mouthfuls, somehow not spilling a drop of broth. "But there are barriers and wards in place to keep those who would threaten our existence. Those of all ages can roam free without fear of persecution."
"It sounds wonderful." They ate in silence, the combination of flavours doing much to alleviate her mood, but her finger tapped her chopsticks in agitation until she blurted, "Will you take me there?"
Sesshoumaru smirked, then checked his watch. "You made it to five minutes."
Kagome's mouth dropped open, and she threw a radish at him. "You could've just offered!"
"Where would the fun be in that?" He caught the next one, golden eyes gleaming. "Once you determine when your next school break is, we will make plans. Unless you have more cars to paint."
"Careful," she warned, "or the next one on my list will be yours." The edge of his mouth twitched, and soon they were both grinning. Kagome tossed her hair over her shoulder in a show of defiance, then went back to her food. She doubted he was worried. Based on his appearance, he probably didn't even own a car.